2017 in Review: My Favorite Posts of the Year

At the start of the new year, I do a round-up of my favorite posts of the year. These are sometimes my most popular posts, sometimes my least popular posts, or sometimes just posts that I want to include. It's always fun to look back and see the different tips, tricks, and stories I've told, and I am always reminded of the great things that I've accomplished in a year. 

2017 brought one huge change for us: we renovated our home. It's hard to imagine that at the beginning of 2017, we did not have a roof, but by the end of the year, we not only have a roof, walls, floors, and decor, but we also hosted family here for Christmas. It truly is crazy what happens in a year. 

As I move into 2018, I'm reflecting on the past year both personally and for the blog. I am hoping to bring content that is worth-while and not what every other blogger is doing because frankly, I'm sick of reading the same stuff over and over. I'm determined to only share when I feel like I have something to say. I am also determined to share more personal posts that don't gloss over the important things happening in the world around us. 

Personally, I'm sure like most of you, I'm hoping to consider self care. I know that's such a buzzy word right now, but it is what it is, and it is something I need to pay attention to. And self care doesn't just mean diet/exercise. I want to read more. I want to say no more. I want to sleep better. I want to get back to my daily scripture reading. I want to see my friends more. I want to travel more. Basically, I want to do what I want to do, not what I feel obligated to do. 

I'll let you know how it goes. 

In the meantime, here are my favorite posts of 2017. Enjoy them and cheers to the New Year! 

January: 5 Reasons Why Bachelorette Parties are Better in your 30s

February: How to Wear Joggers in Public

March: My Current Favorite Podcasts

April: 5 Favorite Online Home Stores

May: PPD Renovates: The Outside is DONE

June: Genius Trick to Revolutionize Summer Beverages

July: 30A Hidden Gems

August: How to Make an IG Stories Graphic

September: Fall Style + Closet Overhaul

October: A Personal, Political, & Perhaps Unpopular Post

November: Caramel Baked Apples

December: Christmas Home Tour

Fall Style + Closet Overhaul

Since Friday, I've had fall on my mind. I spent basically all day on Monday sifting through Labor Day sales and really thinking hard about the future of my wardrobe. As I shared with a friend, I've made a few mistakes when stocking my closet over the past few years. Here's where I am (and where I'm headed!). 

Let's start at the beginning. I left the education field a little over two years ago. At the time, I was wearing office appropriate clothes during the week that I would rarely, if ever, bust back out at night or on the weekends. At the time, that meant I essentially had two wardrobes: one for work and one for play. That also meant that I developed this very bad habit of purchasing items for an occasion versus for a season. If I needed something for a night out with friends, I went shopping. If I needed something for a tailgate, I went shopping. I always found myself picking up an item or two of terrible quality on major sale, wearing it once (because I liked it enough) and never wearing it again. 

Last spring, I did a major spring/summer overhaul. I got rid of a ton of items, but I have to admit, I sank right back into my old ways. There are tops I bought this summer that I wore once. UGH! But today, I am standing before you committed to making a change. Fall is the season that I get myself under control and start buying things that are staples. 

My new work world is working from home which means I end up wearing a lot of t-shirts. Too many, actually, and when it comes time for a meeting, I rotate 2-3 items. My goal for this fall is to buy some items that are casual and cute, but also functional. I think these leggings are a prime example of exactly that! They're leggings, but the gold zipper detail immediately punches them up to a more sophisticated level. If I wear them with a chunky sweater and some fun heels, I think I'm in business! 

In a perfect world, I probably wouldn't shop at any of the fast fashion companies, but let's be real: in the midst of my fashion crisis, I am also working on furnishing a house. My goal is to get back to a basic color scheme, so I can mix and match, but continue to punch up my wardrobe with a few fun items from time to time. Because the reality is, that there's always going to be a football game, there's always going to be fun dinner with friends, and there's always going to be a reason to shop. 

Whew. This turned out to be really long. Here's a peek at what's headed my way this week. I can't wait to see how my closet starts to morph! I'll let you know if I stick to it. Hold me accountable, please! 

I caved...what's headed my way from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

I swore I wouldn't do it. I 100% wouldn't be sucked-in to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I wasn't going to even look at it...and then I did. And I watched 2,000 IG stories featuring try-on sessions. And I scoured every single page of that dang sale. And I bought a lot of stuff. UGH. 

In my humble opinion, the sale is pretty good. It's not earth-shattering good, but it's good enough to justify a few purchases, especially on items for the fall. For those of you who can't get behind fall purchases yet, I get it. I really do. I am an immediate satisfaction kind of gal, too. However, there are things that I've been needing for a while (hello, a good pair of jeans and a solid pair of boots), and when I saw them on sale, I at least had to give them a try. 

I admit, I wasn't going to post about the sale at all, but then I had dinner with some of my favorite people on Friday night, and one of them asked me if I would (heeeyyyyy Annie!), so I am! We talked about how a lot of bloggers don't necessarily look at us (ie. boobs and hips), and so in the spirit of that sentiment, here's what is arriving later this week! 

Summer Shopping

With all of the house excitement, I have very much neglected my closet. Before we moved out, I did a huge closet clean-out of clothes that didn't fit, I didn't wear, or I didn't like. What I didn't think about was the fact that it would leave me with a steady rotation of 2-3 tops and a dress or two for summer...and that's it. 

Thankfully, there are tons of sales happening this weekend, so I am using that to my advantage. I'm scooping up basics and neutrals for summer that I can mix up with accessories to make them unique. Below are a few of the items that I grabbed (all from J.Crew Factory's 50% off sale or Loft's 40% off sale). Are you doing any shopping this weekend? Tell me where you've found the good deals! 

Head over Heels for Hazen

Every now and then, a brand is passed my way that speaks to me. As you all know, I've always loved supporting small businesses, especially those with women at the helm. My friend, Elizabeth, introduced me to Hazen Jewelry around the holidays, and I have been absolutely smitten with the brand since then. 

Taylor Miller started her jewelry business when she was just a little girl and has been one heck of a girl boss ever since. Not only are Taylor's designs classic, but they're also chic. Whether she's showcasing pearls or turquoise, each piece has a timeless quality that will surely have a place in your accessory collection for years, if not decades, to come. 

I've been rocking Hazen's version of the ever-popular bonbon, the Dee earrings, since Christmas, but I have my eye on several of Taylor's designs. I'm completely smitten by her Natalie necklace in gray and could definitely see wearing it year round. 

You'll be thrilled to know that Taylor is just as sweet as her designs. I had the pleasure of meeting her at Southern C - when she bounded up to me the night before the conference just after a rainstorm introducing herself and gushing over my earrings...the very Dee pair that I mentioned above. We both agreed they fit in just perfectly at the Cloister.

photo by Amber Corbi

Talbots x O Magazine + My Current Favorite Podcast

Raise your hand if you remember coming home from school every day and planting yourself in front of Oprah for an hour. If you're an 80s baby, chances are, you spent a large part of your life watching Oprah. I remember watching interviews with my favorite celebrities (like Leo & Kate...from Titanic...duh), wistfully enjoying Favorite Things, and being entranced by self-help shows. I adored every minute of Oprah. 

A few weeks ago, I started listening to a new mini-series podcast called "Making Oprah." The show was produced by Chicago's NPR, so you can pretty much be assured it's a good one. In just a few episodes, the podcast covers the very beginnings of Oprah's rise to talk-show fame all while interviewing key players (including Phil Donahue), producers, stylists, and even Oprah herself.

jacket (old - similar) // striped top (c/o) // earrings (c/o) // bangle (c/o) // jeans // shoes 

The podcast brings back some of the most memorable Oprah episodes, too. Yes, the one with the cars and the one with Tom Cruise are all mentioned, but it also discusses what magical mixture made Oprah's show so successful. It was fascinating and fun to relive all of the memories and all of the theme songs. It truly made me happy, and I even discovered a few things I didn't know. Definitely download it!

Ironically, just as I was finishing up the final podcast episode, I got an email about O Magazine's partnership with Talbots for a capsule collection. The collection features 9 items that can be mixed and matched together for a capsule wardrobe, and 30% of the proceeds benefit Dress for Success. 

Here's how you can get involved: 

1. Shop the collection! Visit your local Talbots store and get your shop on. 

2. Donate gently used professional clothing to Dress for Success. You can drop anything you have off at a Talbots near you. 

3. Give monetary donations to Dress for Success at Talbots or online. 

Easy as that!

Amazing photos by my sweet friend and talented photographer Amber Corbi. 

How to Wear Joggers in Public

I'm not going to lie, the original title of this post was "How to Wear Joggers and not Look like an Idiot." While I happen to think that title still works pretty well, I want to keep things positive and uplifting on PPD. The result was something a little more helpful. 

I've always steered clear of the jogger trend. For one, I am short, so finding a pair the appropriate length was challenging. For another, they can look rather slouchy rather quickly if you're not careful. How do you combat that? Add something that gives a bit of definition. You could wear a tailored top or a blazer if you're really kicking it up a notch, or you could add a casual jacket with a defined waist, like I did here. The result made these comfy pants look a lot more pulled together, don't you think? Plus, snazzy gold sneakers, rather than running shoes, kept things casual but fun. 

jacket // joggers (c/o) // t-shirt (c/o) // bag // water bottle // shoes 

While I spent this particular day posing throughout the Beltline with my friend (and super talented photographer) Amber, I could definitely see myself wearing joggers and a t-shirt to actually walk the trails. Then to hit up brunch easily after, all I would have to do is add my go-to jacket. 

The joggers and t-shirt seen here are from Atlanta's own Alternative Apparel, a company dedicated to comfort, simplicity, and sustainability. They recently opened a store at Ponce City Market which is full of all kinds of comfy but chic goodness, and I know it will become a staple for me as I explore this side of my style more. 

Photos by Amber Corbi. 

Thanks to Alternative Apparel & Domino Media for gifting me the joggers and t-shirt seen here. All opinions are my own. 

The Denim Jacket: A Southerner's BFF

With the exception of the impending southeastern ice/snowstorm that's supposedly headed our way this evening, we've had a relatively mild winter so far. Granted, it's technically only been a few weeks, but since we've all had sweaters out for quite some time, I feel like it's been at least a month of winter if not more. 

Atlanta winters tend to be a lot warmer than most places, so I'm always thinking a little bit differently about my wardrobe. Sleeveless tops and flats get paired with felt hats and Kut from the Kloth denim jackets (c/o). I will say, the good news with outfits like these is I can dress easily for the day time and switch to date night without giving much thought to it other than a swipe of lipstick and adding gold hoops. Plus, a denim jacket is a southerner's bff. Lightweight and classic: the perfect staple. 

 

These black jeans have been a staple for me (super affordable...i.e. cheap!) and while some people frown on the Texas tuxedo, when you mix denim colors, it's all good. I might not be recreating this outfit this weekend due to snow, but it may or may not slip into my suitcase for next weekend's girls trip to Rosemary Beach! Light, breezy layers scream winter seaside spots, don't you think? 

photos by the talented Amber Corbi 

P.S. No, this isn't some European town, but rather adorable historic Roswell. Aren't the pictures with the stone wall and blue door like Greece?! 

Mad for Plaid

dress (c/o) // shoes (similar) // clutch 

If there's one thing that says happy holidays, it's plaid everything. Plaid shoes, plaid table linens, plaid tops, and plaid dresses. It's a celebration of a classic pattern, also known as tartan, and I kind of love it. 

I remember being in Edinburgh and seeing tartan in shops as far as the eye could see. Even though I was in the Scottish town in the dead of summer, the pattern immediately evoked warmth and comfort - just like plaid still does for me today. Over the years, I've enjoyed seeing plaid take on different personas: in the 90s it was the quintessential grunge pattern while in the past decade, it's been all about blanket scarves. Now, it's sneaking into interiors as wallpaper and luxe fabrics. Gorgeous!

This plaid wrap dress had me at hello. I knew it would be perfect for holiday soirees and fit right in with the rest of my plaid collection. As you wrap-up holiday parties this week (say it isn't so!), pull out your plaid and rock it with festive pride. 

Shop my other plaid finds here:

Photos by the amazingly talented Amber Corbi. 

What to Wear for Thanksgiving

Can you believe turkey day is next week?! Holy cow this time of year flies. What are your plans for the holiday? We're traveling and will be visiting family throughout the state of Alabama. I don't know about your family, but mine cooks for an army, no matter how many people may or may not be around the table. The usual suspects like turkey and dressing are there, but there's also some family classics like sour cream potatoes, seven layer salad, and green bean casserole. Every year, I start thinking about what to wear for Thanksgiving that not only celebrates the occasion a little bit, but also allows plenty of room for a little stretch...if you know what I mean. 

Since I know we'll probably be enjoying several Thanksgiving dinners, I've got my outfit planned already. Anyone else's outfit down to a science? It usually includes stretchy pans, an oversized or drapey sweater, and colors that represent the season, and this year is no different. This oxblood sweater by Bobeau (c/o) is lightweight which is perfect for lower Alabama because it tends to be on the warm side. While it's long, I was pleasantly surprised how flattering the shape was. The sweater curves in at the waist some which emphasizes your waist in the best way possible; it is your smallest area, after all! 

Stretchy pants come in all shapes and sizes, and while I'm tempted to wear the most comfortable pants I've ever put on my body (not even kidding), I'm going to step it up a little and wear my Spanx denim leggings. They're high waisted, stretchy, and a great balance for the flowy top. Add my tried and true leopard wedges, and I'm ready for all the Thanksgiving food I can possibly eat.

Photos by Amber Corbi. 

TRNKshop: Curating Next Season's Closet Today

I don't know about you guys, but I really really dislike being the last to know about something. In fact, I would venture to say that I hate it. I'm a type-A, planner, so not being in-the-know really cramps my style. Whether I'm the last to know about an event (i.e. no surprise parties, please), or the last to know about a trend, it's just not my jam. Sign me up for previews and first looks, please! And that's exactly why I am so pumped about TRNKshop, a company who's mission is to bring stylish women the latest in fashion before anyone else gets their hands on them. 

Founded just this year, TRNKshop is already making waves in the style scene. TRNKshop allows you to be the first to shop next season's collections today. That means that while your favorite boutiques are sending their buyers to the Mart, you're able to reserve and preorder what you want to wear next season at the same time they are! Essentially, you're deciding what you want out of a collection instead of letting a store decide for you. GENIUS!

Preordering next season's styles is just one facet of TRNKshop. The site also prides itself on bringing you new-to-you brands and cutting out the middle man. You're able to shop brands that might not even be a blimp on your friends' radars. Look at you, trendsetter! 

TRNKshop is already filling their online store with next season's looks along with this season's styles. You can preorder resort and spring items by shopping TRNKshop's trunkshows, or you can get instant gratification by picking-up current offerings. These earrings are some of my new favorites, and I can't get enough of these anoraks; they're the perfect weight for cooler weather in Atlanta. Add both to your cart now! Trust me. 

Thanks so much to TRNKshop for inviting me to their resort and spring preview event with Crosby by Mollie Burch a few weeks ago. It was a blast to hang-out with fellow bloggers and all of the ladies of the Reeves and Company showroom and TRNKshop. I am so glad to continue shopping ahead of the curve with TRNKshop! 

While I received gifts in exchange for this post, all opinions are my own. 

Photography by Paige Molina Photography.