Devon Maryn

While I don't quite believe in being bikini ready, I am almost always more motivated in the summer to be and stay active. Maybe it's the warmer temps or maybe it really is the longing to look good in my suit, but whatever it is, I find myself working out more and more...which can only mean one thing: I need more workout clothes! 

 

Over the past few months, I have absolutely adored following along with Devon Maryn as she prepares to launch her new activewear line this summer. Her workout clothes are nothing short of perfectly preppy and oh so cute, and I had to share them with you! Check this sneak peek of Devon Maryn's summer line, and be sure to join her mailing list asap to get in on the action yourself!

Yes, those would be lobsters...on yoga pants...in pink & navy...drooling...oh wait, did I mention she carries the pattern in shorts, too? What's that you say? Get in my closet now? I thought so.

If lobsters aren't your cup of tea, how about nautical anchors perfect for the 4th of July? I mean, adorable!!

Are you sold yet? Be sure to follow Devon on instagram for upcoming sneak peek's, and hopefully a launch date soon! In the meantime, add these beauties to your workout wish list. 

 

Spot-On & Notable Kluster Happy Jewelry

Last week, I gave you a quick peek into the wonderful world of brilliant baubles by Kluster Happy Jewelry. After a few tweets gushing over polka dot flats, I just knew that Laura and I were destined to chat a bit more about her adorable shop and talented eye for jewelry design. Plus, Kluster Happy Jewelry just launched a ton of great new products for your viewing (and wearing!) pleasure. 

Enjoy learning more about her shop, what it's like to be an entrepreneur, and the one thing she believes every stylish woman should have below!

Why did you decide to start Kluster Happy Jewelry?   
Surprisingly, I didn't quite "decide" to start Kluster Happy Jewelry. I had been designing and creating jewelry with stones & silver since I was a teenager. It was purely a hobby, making jewelry for myself and, occasionally, for friends and family as gifts. I had sold my jewelry at a few events, but nothing major. In the fall of 2011, my mom asked me to participate in a craft show with her (she makes adorable cosmetic bags) and I agreed. The show didn't go well (I barely sold anything), so I was left with a lot beautiful jewelry that I didn't know what to do with. Friends had always suggested that I sell online, so I casually opened my first Etsy shop in October 2011. To my surprise (and glee!), the orders started coming in, and it's been a crazy journey ever since!

Tell me what a day in the life on an entrepreneur looks like.  
Well, as an entrepreneur, every day really is its own adventure. Here's my best stab at a "typical" day. First of all, let me just tell you that I do love my sleep. I make a lot of sacrifices for the biz, but sleep isn't one of them! I wake up around 7:30am and start the day with a couple cups of coffee. I dive into emails and checking social media, blog posts, etc pretty much immediately (I'm still in pajamas!). 

Katie, my awesome office assistant, arrives at the house around 9am, so I throw on "real clothes" and make a to-do list for our day. Once Katie arrives, we make the trek upstairs to my dedicated office and studio and get to work. We start the day fulfilling orders that came in the night before so we can get them in our customers' hands as quickly as possible. Our goal is to ship every order within 24-48 hours. 

Some days we're focused on PR and marketing, which means calling/emailing bloggers, magazine editors, local tv personalities, etc. I'm usually editing photos and creating images for the website and social media - this part takes WAY longer than you'd think! Other days, we're in full design mode. Since every piece of jewelry we sell is designed and made by hand right here in the studio, we spend a lot of time coming up with new stones, ordering new stones, and handcrafting all the jewels! Those days are the most fun. =) 

Katie and I usually break for a home-cooked lunch and read a bunch of magazines at the kitchen table. We've been friends for years, so we get in some good laughs about what's going on in our lives - you know, kiddos, husbands, shopping addictions, etc. Then it's back to the grind! We mail out any orders that have come in since the morning, and finish up our to-do list for the day. Katie leave around 5pm, and that's about the same time my husband gets home from work. So, I take a break to have a chat with him and make dinner at home. 

By about 7pm, I'm back on the laptop or my phone responding to more emails, checking social media, writing an e-blast or blog post, setting up an online sale, checking order statuses, etc. I usually have my best ideas in the evening, so I'm constantly putting reminders and notes in my phone so I'll actually remember to add those things to my never-ending to-do list. Then it's time to recharge my brain with some good sleep!

What's your next big thing that shoppers can expect?  
We just launched a new collection full of bright new colors and fresh designs. Our clients love seeing new, unexpected colors and collecting their new favorites from the collection. We're already working on some really pretty designs for autumn...you're going to be surprised!!

What is your favorite product that you sell?  
I swear, I have a new favorite almost every day. The jewels are like children to me...how can you truly pick a favorite? Right now, I'm obsessing over the Rockstar Necklace.

Who/what would be your ultimate collaboration?  
Kluster x J.Crew would be THE DREAM collaboration. Personally, I've been obsessed with J.Crew for many years. I think we're targeting the same shoppers, with the same tastes: women who love classic, yet colorful fashion. 

Fill in the blank: one thing every stylish woman should have is...  
A sense of who she is and what she wants. I'm fortunate to have some very stylish girlfriends, and they each have their own very distinctive sense of style and sense of self. They know what they like, and they stick to it. We're always saying to each other, "This is so Carrie. This is so Amy. This is so Leslie," because each of us have a very personal style. It's so much easier to dress yourself confidently when you fill your closet with pieces that are "so you".  

What is your favorite southern dish?  
Hands down, fried okra. I usually roast my okra when I'm cooking, but it's definitely tastier fried (of course!).

Tell me your definition of "southern hospitality."  
Here in Kentucky, nothing says southern hospitality like food. If you want to be the hostess with the mostest, you'd better make sure there's food out. In our circle of family and friends, nothing says "I'm happy you're here!" like having thoughtful snacks and drinks ready for every get together.  

Favorite cocktail? 
Red wine!

Perfectly Paired Prints III & a Giveaway from Mary Beth Goodwin

It has been quite some time since my last installment of Perfectly Paired Prints. You might recall pairing number one featuring Amanda Catherine Designs & Bauble Bar, or maybe you remember installment number two from Stephanie Creekmur and Charles Emerson Designs? Either way, with Valentine's Day just around the corner and birthdays scattered here and there, why not pair up your favorite print and a piece of jewelry for that great girlfriend, mom, or sister in your life. 

You're in for a treat because these Perfectly Paired Prints come from Mary Beth Goodwin Designs. I'm smitten by so many of Mary Beth Goodwin's posters that it was hard to narrow it down to just a few to feature here! Mary Beth's designs range from cheeky and witty to inspiring and uplifting. Her shop is filled to the brim with colors and quotes, so you're sure to find something perfect in her shop.

Today, Mary Beth was kind enough to offer the chance to win a print of your choice. Choose from one of the darling ones below, or pick out one of your own. The possibilities are endless!

MARY BETH GOODWIN dream big print / BAUBLE BAR ozark fan necklace / MARY BETH GOODWIN jackie o print / BAUBLE BAR beaded estate collar /  MARY BETH GOODWIN southern girls print / BAUBLE BAR pearl durango print 
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This Live in Color print was my choice, and it sure is making me smile and remember the good things every time I look at it. Which will you choose? Good luck!

Add It to Your Wish List: Shinola Watches

When I was in Auburn a few weeks ago, a few of us girls starting chatting about some of our most recent web discoveries and interestingly, we'd all stumbled upon a new-to-us brand of watches: Shinola.

These American-made timepieces are created & assembled in Detroit, Michigan and are working a little magic to help revitalize the city's economy. Merging timeless style (no pun intended) with quality leather at competitive prices? Say no more because I'm sold.

1 / 2 / 3 

The company's story is unique and nothing short of heart-warming. In fact, perusing the website you will find the real people behind the watches which certainly takes hand-craftsmanship to a whole new level. If you're like me, and you like a tad of classic mixed in with a little bit of trend, I think the rose gold option above is a perfect fit. Mmmmmm...she's a beauty.

Be sure to add a Shinola to your holiday wish list! 

 

Introducing Lime Street Fashion + A Giveaway!

Easy summer maxi dresses are the best, aren't they? They have just the right amount of casual to wear erranding or jazz them up with a cute do and some sparkly baubles for a night out with the girls. This dress from Lime Street Fashion hits the mark for me. The angled chevron pattern puts a new twist on the tried and true favorite, and the back is killer. 

Lime Street Fashion has oodles of cute clothes (and a brand new accessory line) to suit your summer fancy. For each item in their shop, they offer a tip for how you can wear it comfortably and stylishly. Plus, they have a mission well-beyond making women look and feel good in their clothes; a percentage of their profit goes to the International Justice Mission. Good clothes that help a good cause? Done!

Today, Lime Street Fashion is offering one lucky reader a chance to win a $25 gift card to their shop! Head over to their site to start dreaming about your future purchases, and enter to win the giveaway below! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Introducing Pearl Connection

When Jessica Jeppsson set out to start her own business and create her own American Dream, she had one phrase in mind: "Made in the USA." Looking to bring awareness of American made products to consumers across the U.S., Jessica began Pearl Connection. Pearl Connection's roots run from the streets of the deep south to the plains of the midwest to the shores of New England, and they don't stop there. Enjoy the hand-curated collection and find companies like Over Under, Chicago Belt Company, and Olly Oxen. Each and every piece hand selected to be featured in the shop! It makes my little southern heart sing.

I love my pink polka-dotted Cotton Snaps. They are the perfect summer picnic accessory and are super comfortable (and dotted!) to wear while enjoying the sun. 

Today, Jessica is offering a fantastic giveway for a pair of Cotton Snaps of your choice!!  Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Introducing GlassesUSA.com

Pssst. Can I let you in on a little secret? For years, I have yearned, longed, and wished for a cute pair of eyeglasses. Classic tortoise shell in a fun shape to be exact. The only problem? My vision is absolutely perfect. 20-20. Even after reading blogs all day. Rats.
 

To make up for it, I have developed more than a slight addiction to sunglasses. I’ve spent my fair share of income on snazzy shades, so I’m kicking myself for not giving GlassesUSA.com a try. GlassesUSA.com is a glasses-lover’s dream come true. A one-stop shop for all of your eye-care needs, you can buy glasses knowing that you’re truly getting the best deal out there. GlassesUSA.com guarantees a 110% lowest price and 100% customer satisfaction. 

Plus, buying eyeglasses online has never been so easy. GlassesUSA.com has a really nifty tool on their site called: the new Virtual Mirror feature. You simply upload a picture of yourself to the site and try on any pair of eyeglasses online without leaving the comfort of your couch. 

Introducing Simple Sarongs

Colorful, easy, efficient, and, well, simple. Those are the words that immediately come to mind when I think of Simple Sarongs.  I am elated to share this product with you today! Entrepreneuress, Kami Darnell is taking beach cover-ups to a whole new level with her sarong-beach towel products, “I struggled to find a cover-up that I could quickly throw on when I was wet for all of those trips to the bathroom, snack bar, etc. The idea of a buttonable sarong that was one-size-fits-all and was fashionable but absorbent just made sense to me.”

I am 100% smitten by mine, and it has been a HUGE help at the beach for heading up to the club to grab a beverage. The buttons are strategically placed in the most flattering spots on the towel to minimize your hips but maximize function and comfort...not to mention style.

Beach Must Have: Avenue Lou

In exactly two weeks, I'll be sitting under an umbrella in white sand enjoying the waves crashing into the Gulf coast. Our annual trip to Watercolor is fast approaching, so I am busy stocking up on beach essentials. Even though it's rainy in Atlanta this week (per the image below), I am so glad to have an Avenue Lou sunglasses case to add to my bag to brighten up my days ahead! 

  

Avenue Lou is a company creating unique, durable, and best of all, stylish sunglasses cases to protect your shades from all of the elements. The bright colors and clever designs make them stand-out in your bag - I love my bright yellow one because I can see it easily. Plus, the case is lined with a suede material making sure your sunnies are safe and sound. And the best part? For the month of June, each case is only $18!

Avenue Lou is working diligently to bring us the best of the best in designs and products, and their goal is to add new patterns - soon. Go here to get your case and help this company grow! 

Keep up with Avenue Lou on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Introducing York Design Company & a Giveaway

This is a partnership a long time in the making, and I am ecstatic to finally introduce you to Laura from York Design Company! Laura designs and creates hand-made needlepoint cuffs that make my little Southern heart go pitter-patter. Her talent is as big as her heart, and I can honestly say that Laura has quickly become one of my favorite small business owners and bloggers out there. 

I wanted to give you a little bit more about Laura and her business beyond a simple introduction, so I am including her full interview for your reading pleasure. I know that you'll enjoy her and her whimsical and stylish cuffs as much as I do.

Introducing: Albion Fit & A Giveaway

If you know me personally, you know that working-out is definitely not something on my list of favorite ways to spend my time. In fact, it is probably really close to the bottom. It's not that I'm lazy (well, maybe a little, but I digress); it's more about the fact that I don't like getting sweaty. What can I say?? I grew out of my athleticism. 

However, with my impeding wedding, I am desperate to get back on the bandwagon. Summertime is always the time of year that I lose weight and can get into a workout routine. And, I actually...kind of...like it! 

One of the things I like most about working out (if I had to choose SOMETHING) is mixing and matching different prints and colors to put together the perfect workout outfit which is why I'm so pumped to share Albion Fit with you, a women's fitness and swimwear line that I know you're going to love. 

Albion Fit has chic workout clothing that is made with women in mind because each piece is designed by women, for women. And if there is one thing women understand about each other, it's that fit is key to making you feel and look good, even when you're sweating buckets. 

Introducing Julibox

Welcome to PPD's cocktail week! I'm so glad you're here, and I hope you join me sometime this week to link-up a cocktail-inspired post of your own.

I'm kicking off Cocktail Week with a bang! A few months ago, I stumbled across a little subscription box that I just KNEW I had to share with you guys. Julibox is a subscription service that mails the fixings for two fabulous cocktails straight to your doorstep each month. Included in each hand-curated box are two cocktail recipes as well as the necessary mixers to create two lovely libations from the comfort of your cutely styled bar tray or cart. All you add is a shaker, a glass (or two), and any fresh ingredients you need.

It was such a treat to receive this product in the mail, and I loved the way it was packaged. It even included a muddler! With the liquor comes two darling recipe cards detailing step-by-step instructions for creating each cocktail. Printed on card stock with colorful pictures, these cards are a perfect addition to your home bar.

My Julibox contained all of the ingredients for a classic French 75 (my absolute FAVORITE cocktail in the whole world) as well as a refreshing Strawberry Cobbler (shown above). My girlfriends and I had a blast creating this one and sharing it among ourselves.

If you ask me, this makes a great gift: give it to your guy who has everything, surprise your dinner hostess, or grab it for a girlfriend. To learn more about Julibox, check them out on facebook or twitter!

*I received a Julibox to review, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Add your post to the link-up below for Cocktail Week, and feel free to grab a button to share on your own blog. The link-up will be live for a full week, so make sure to get your creative juices flowing. Feel free to add your own recipe, an outfit inspired by a beverage, the barware you're currently crushing, or anything else you can think of. 

If you're linking up today, please kindly follow my blog. Then, link back to Probably Polka Dots or add the button below to your post. Cheers!

<center> <a href="http://www.probablypolkadots.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Probably Polka Dots Cocktail Week" src="http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag28/nicolemelv/CocktailWeek_zps991d2c0f.png" /></a></center> <br>

Random Wednesdays & Style Sessions

If you've been following me on Instagram, you've been seeing some of my GORGEOUS new accessories courtesy of Brighthouse Baubles. I love the two bright statement necklaces that Amy sent me, and I've had so much fun using them to make my outfits even more colorful. For full outfits, be sure to follow me on Vine. I've been showing off some of my color play there a lot!

Don't forget you can enter to win a statement necklace of your own from Brighthouse Baubles. It's mint, with a bow, and perfect in every way.

Head to the Brighthouse Baubles giveaway here!

There's also a FANTASTIC giveaway going on over at Because Shanna Said So. Lots of great prizes up for grabs and some great blogs to get to know, too! 

Check-out her giveaway here!

You know the drill: I'm linking up with Shanna from Because Shanna Said So today for Random Wednesdays. Please take a minute to peek at a few friends over there. You won't regret it!

I am also linking up with Lauren from Stylelixir for Style Sessions. Go get inspired by style!

Introducing Brighthouse Baubles & a Giveaway!

The punchy colors jumping off of the screen in this post have me even more excited for spring being right around the corner. We were able to get just a little taste of it this weekend, but I sure am ready for it to be full time warmth. 

To welcome spring in a fun way, I'm kicking it off with an awesome introduction and a fantastic giveaway from Brighthouse Baubles. Their name says it all - vibrant and colorful accessories that pack a lot of punch. I love this necklace and this bracelet, and don't even get me started on the mint beauty featured below. Be still my mint-loving heart!

J.CREW painter elbow-sleeve boatneck / J.CREW FACTORY printed cotton sateen mini / BRIGHTHOUSE BAUBLES infinity bracelet / BRIGHTHOUSE BAUBLES briolette teardrop bib necklace / JACK ROGERS USA georgica sandal 

Do you love it? Do you want it? Must it be in your closet?! Then enter the giveaway below. One lucky reader will receive the Mint Briolette Teardrop Bib necklace from Brighthouse Baubles. Isn't it perfect for Easter? Hop to it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

And a little something extra for my Atlantans - did you know that Jack Rogers is opening their next store here in our great southern town? That's right! According to their blog, they'll be here in March. Hello spring!

Introducing eShakti & a Giveaway!

Customization. Unique pieces. Vintage flare. $25 off your first purchase. Do I have your attention yet? I hope so! Allow me to introduce eShakti to you. eShakti is a women's online apparel store that can customize any dress, skirt, jacket, or top completely to your measurements and style. 

I spent several weeks narrowing down what exactly I was going to purchase. I almost bought this dress and the skirt featured below several times, but I finally settled on a sequined polka dot (shocker) blouse (see more of that here Wednesday). Working with eShakti was a complete breeze, and I loved being able to sift through their products imagining how I could transform each piece to something made especially for me. 

This outfit is centered around their high-stepping crepe skirt (only $27 if you're a first time buyer!).

ESHAKTI high-stepping skirt / STAINT JAMES 3-quarter sleeve shirt / J.CREW miri midheel pumps / BAUBLE BAR tortoise cuff / BAUBLE BAR navy blossom studs

Want an eShakti item of your own? Use the code "PRBBLYPLKD" from now through March 10th for 20% off. And if that's not enough shopping for you, enter the giveaway below! If you're lucky, you could win an item of your choice valued up to $75. What are you waiting for?!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Let's Get Real & Introducing CampusBookRentals.com

Let's get real here for a second: you know a little bit about me and about my friendships & relationship, & you definitely know about all the lovely things that make me happy. What I don't often talk about here is my job. I am a teacher, and one of the things you might not know about that aspect of my "real life" is that I am currently working on my Ed.S. in Instructional Technology at the University of West Georgia. For those of you non-teachers, an Ed.S. is a degree beyond a Master's (I have my M.Ed. in Reading preschool-12th grade), but not quite as much work as getting a Doctorate. In a nutshell, I'm in college...again!

So, when CampusBookRentals.com invited me to partner with them, I was elated! This partnership gave me an opportunity to tell you a little bit about my "real life" and brag about a great brand that I cannot wait to be a part of at the end of this semester (more about that soon). I so wish I had learned about this company sooner because it is seriously amazing. I love the concept of textbook rental because honestly, education text books are BOR-ING...and there really isn't much use for most of them once you're finished with a class. Enter CampusBookRentals.com. They offer some serious perks like: 

- Saving 40%-90% off of regular prices

- FREE shipping both ways (love that!)

- The ability to mark and highlight in the books

- Flexible renting periods

- AND they donate to Operation Smile for each book rented

The even better part? They have just launched a new facet of their site called RentBack. RentBack allows you, the consumer, to rent back any text book you have AND make money off of it. So, let me show you an example. I have in my possession right now How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education (doesn't it sound fascinating?!). This book cost me $170 from Amazon. Crazy, right?! If I rent the book back through RentBack, I will make $41. Now, I know that doesn't sound like a huge savings, but think about it: if it sat on my bookshelf at work collecting dust, I would make zero, zip, zilch, but with RentBack, I can get almost $50?! Hello shopping trip to J.Crew.

All in all, students can make about 2-4 times as much with RentBack than they can selling their books back at the end of the semester. Plus, RentBack does all the work FOR you. You simply mail your book to them, and they take care of the renting, then send you a check. Doesn't get much better than that. 

So, now you know a little more about my personal life and my career, and you got some stellar information about CampusBookRentals.com. Anyone else thinking about digging through their college boxes to find old textbooks? Might as well give it a try!

*this is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own*

Introducing Charles Emerson Designs

Imagine my absolute delight when I stumbled upon Charles Emerson Designs, a fantastic jewelry and accessories e-boutique chock full of the most gorgeous and affordable pieces you ever did spy. From bracelets to earrings to scarves and everything in between, you'll be swooning over Erin's curated collection. Take a peek:

 

Find the above pieces here (all under $26!!): 

the taylor earring / the lilac necklace / the jill earring

This week, you can get 10% off using the code "PARTYWITHPOLKADOTS", and if you place an order, you'll be entered to win a FREE pair of earrings of YOUR choice! Ladies, scoop up a stunning piece to add to your bauble collection today.

P.S. I picked this up for myself and CANNOT wait for it to arrive! Seen it somewhere before? YEP! HERE...for twice as much.