Fashion

October 14, 2018

Happy 1 Month Blogiversary

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” – Benjamin Franklin

It is so hard for me to believe that it’s been a month now that NBOTS has been up and an OFFICIAL blog! If you’ve read my bio, under the ‘About Me’ section, you already know that I have wanted to do this for years, but lacked the courage. Well earlier this year, I went to war with fear and guess who won? I did!

I also got the best news today! I got confirmation that I have landed my first affiliate deal as a blogger! Unbelievable! I am so beyond words, happy and excited. This was a fantastic ending to an amazing first month. You all will see the company I am working with, later this month on the blog and my IG. I cannot wait to share with you all!

Happy 1 Month Blogiversary!

To celebrate this one-month milestone, I did this photo shoot with pink balloons, nothing too fancy. I used balloons because it’s a celebration duh! I choose pink…well because it’s one of my favorite colors. But you just wait till I’m celebrating NBOTS 1 year Blogiversary! It’s gonna be Moet Rose Imperial, confetti, cupcakes and I’ll likely be wearing a tiara, fit for Meghan Markel herself! I’m ridiculous I know, but it’s one of the many reasons you’ll come to love me!

Let’s dig into the outfit details, shall we?

Like most women, the feeling of absolute euphoria when I purchase a swanky designer piece, which I’ve been eyeing is so gratifying. However, the feeling of pride when I can pair an inexpensive top and/or jeans with that piece and no one thinks to question it is even better! Am I right?! You don’t have to break the bank to look trendy, expensive or gorgeous. Some occasions call for breaking the bank (like my wedding, haha), but every day outfits? Not so much.

Since it’s officially sweater weather season (everywhere aside of the South) I decided to “splurge” on this $17 sweater! Just kidding, no splurging necessary! …I could not pass up this Shein cropped sweater or these fun, funky Bauble Bar earrings. I find that gray photographs beautifully, especially with pastel pink colors.

Now I want to make note of these jeans, though!

OH EM GEE! I am very petite, but I’ve found in the last few months I’ve gained some weight. Especially in my stomach. I’m embracing the weight, just not the hit of belly fat. As such I can appreciate a good pair of jeans that will hug a little bit of hips I have and accentuate them but hides anything around my stomach. These Paige Hoxton High waist jeans DO NOT disappoint! They are very comfortable, soft and breathable. I want a pair in every color wash.

I’ve linked the jeans below, unfortunately, I could not find them at the price I paid which was $70.00, so the ones linked below will be a splurge for some of you. But, fear not! You can find these babies at your local Nordstrom Rack, just not online!

I hope this outfit & post gives you all, just yet another look into who I am and what I am about! Doing this has not been without blood, sweat or tears. But it’s all been worth it! My dream is to be successful with this blog, as successful as I’ve been in my work career. But with that success, I’d like to still uphold the values my mother has instilled in me, and also practice common sense. That means being a savvy shopper and spender!

Until next time!

[shopr collection=”happy-1-month-blogiversary”]

Leave A Comment

Family

October 11, 2018

Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt. 2

“Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life…love gives us a fairytale.” – Melissa Brown

I get so sappy and as we call at home, “mushy” when I look at pictures. I stopped right in the middle of writing this post to hug Jesse and tell him I love him. Its an amazing feeling to be loved by your best friend.

Speaking of BFF’s…She is my BFF she just doesn’t know it yet LOL. I’m sure you all know how in love I am with our photographer, Dani of Dani Nicole Photography! She honestly made this shoot so much fun for Jesse and I. She also gushed as much as I did over this little quote and the prop (seen below) we brought with us. A girl who is down to earth, hilarious and can vibe with a good quote? Oh yeah, our friendship (and business relationship) was meant to be!

Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt. 2

For the second portion of this photo shoot, we wanted to be a bit more dressed down, compared to our other attire (see Duke Mansions Engagement Photos Pt. 1), while still channeling a whimsical but classy & chic look. From this, the idea of a tulle skirt was thought up! Jesse has always treated me like a princess, I wanted my outfit to give off soft, feminine princess vibes. After a lot of searching, I came upon Space 46 Boutique, which was featured on another blogger feed and completely fell in love.

Their tulle skirts appeared to be made with the utmost care and quality. I was not even slightly disappointed when my skirt arrived. The shipping was fast and the customer service was impeccable! I then made one stop to TJ Maxx and found this beautifully colored and soft, off the shoulder sweater. I was unable to locate my sweater, but I’ve linked similar sweaters below. Last stop was one of my go-to stores, Nordstrom Rack to find the shoes and Solesociety never fails me! These shoes are EVERYTHING! These heels feel as if you’re walking on clouds, they are that comfortable! Not to mention cute but sophisticated, the shoes tied my outfit in, ultimately making it my favorite for this entire session.

For Jesse’s outfit, we knew we wanted to keep it simple and bring my colors in with an accessory or two.

Thankfully we were able to get the majority of his outfit from J.Crew and the rest from Nordstroms & TJ Maxx. I made sure to accent the lighter tones in my sweater with his peach-colored bow tie and then pick up colors within my shoes with the cognac colored loafers and belt.

This photo session was a dream come true! I cannot imagine doing having anyone else photograph us. I am so looking forward to having our photos framed and put up all around our home. As we continue to make new memories, I’ll get to enjoy glancing at our walls, and remembering this was by far one of the best memories.

Until next time!

[shopr collection=”tjs-engagement-photos-pt-2″]

Leave A Comment

Fashion

October 9, 2018

Falling into a Southern Fall

woman wearing white top and red skirt on Southern Fall

“Autumn is a second spring; when every leaf is a flower.”- Albert Camus

I cannot believe I am saying that it’s officially Fall and it is still 85+ degrees out! I guess anything is possible, right? The warm weather is one of the many things I had to get used, after moving to the South from the North. Growing up in Connecticut, the fall was one of the seasons I cherished most. Right about now I’d be sipping cider, making pumpkin muffins and/or picking apples. The best part of it all is being able to inhale the fall scented air. Ya know, that smell of leaves, freshly fallen dew and the ever so slight hint of a fresh apple pie, recently baked.

Falling into a Southern Fall

The more I look at old photographs, the more I become nostalgic. But these moments only hold me captive for a bit. It only took me talking to my daughter, Bella, to realize that I don’t need to be in the actual state of Connecticut to make more of these memories, I just need to be in the state of mind! I like visiting the past but I don’t want to vacation or stay there. My place is here, embracing my present and future in North Carolina! We will make some sweet memories this fall season, I can feel it already!

woman walking on the street on Southern Fall

woman smiling and wearing white top and printed skirt on Southern Fall

woman wearing white top and skirt from Goodnight Macaroon

First steps to embracing this warm fall season?… I did my first ever Fall photo shoot here!

That’s right, I did a photo shoot, in the south, when it’s supposedly Fall but its 85 degrees outside. Hahaha! I’ll have you all know, I sweat quite a bit with that turtleneck on, but it was ALL for my blog tribe! 😉

All jokes aside, it was worth it. I found this adorable polka dot skirt, for a $20! I am very petite, so anything that makes my legs look longer makes me sooo happy! Next step was to figure out a fall-ish top that wouldn’t be too hot in this weather. I figured I would pair it with a thin (looks are deceiving, this t-neck is VERY thin) cotton turtleneck I scored for under $30, keeping it cheap, simple and chic. Talk about a win-win!

Depending on where you’re located or going, you can dress this skirt up or down. The boots I am wearing are from a couple years ago, so I’ve linked some more recent ones below that look identical. This outfit would be just as lovely, with a sweater vest and white oxford button up shirt & cognac colored knee-high boots.

Earrings from Nordstrom

I found my earrings during the Half-Yearly Sale at Nordstrom’s last year and unfortunately they are no longer available. But fear not! I have linked below, similar earrings that would be just a striking. One of my favorite and go to brands right now for Jewelry is Uncommon James. The Rhapsody earrings and the Girl Boss hoops would be a striking accessory to this outfit and many others.

This outfit was under $100, minus the jewelry! And I was able to mix and match by adding some old pieces (jewelry & booties) and new pieces. All in all, I’d say this was a pretty successful first fall photo shoot. Wouldn’t you?!

Until next time! Follow me on Instagram for more updates!

[shopr collection=”falling-into-a-southern-fall”]

Leave A Comment

Family

October 2, 2018

Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt. 1

“He walked into my heart, like he always belonged there, took down my walls and lit my soul on fire.” – T.M

To have someone be the mirror to your soul, place you first in all things, love God as you do and compliment who you are, is so rare! I am so thankful for all the roads, good and bad that have led to this place in my life.

Okay now enough of the mushy stuff, for the moment!

So If you all haven’t already seen it on my Instagram (@TheNorthernBelleoftheSouth), Jesse and I went to Charlotte, NC this weekend to have our Engagement photos taken by Dani Nicole of Dani Nicole Photography. And we did them at none other than THE Duke Mansion. Talk about breathtaking! Whew! I don’t think a year ago, I would’ve thought this is where I would be!

Let get into it, shall we?!

Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt.1

When Jesse asked me to marry him, I was shocked and honored. This man loves me, faults and all. I have never experienced such unconditional love and unwavering support from a significant other before. Though my daughter is from a previous relationship, he adores her as he does me, and ensures we are both happy no matter what. I thank God daily for bringing him into my life at the time he did. I know if I’d met him before now, I probably wouldn’t have been ready for everything he encompassed and I fear had I met him later than I did, I would’ve been too jaded to realize a good man when I see one. All things honestly do work together for the greater good.

Anywhoo! We decided to do our photos at The Duke Mansion rather last minute, but it as probably one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. I knew I wanted a semi-formal & a semi-casual look. (Be on the lookout, I will be doing another blog post (Pt.2) with our semi-casual look early next week.)

Our photographer, Dani, was only more than willing to oblige.

After much searching and A LOT of mistaken”this is the dress!” moments, my heart settled on a blush colored mermaid gown for my semi-formal look. I’ve always had a great appreciation for a muted or pastel color with a deeper and robust color to offset it, hence Jesse’s navy blue suit, velvet loafers & blush colored tie to tie it all together with my outfit. For my shoes, I opted for some bling (as if the bling Jesse gave me when he proposed wasn’t enough!

I hope our genuine friendship and mutual respect and love for one another speaks to you and inspires you!

I think my favorite part of these photos in this session was being twirled around by Jesse and then dipped, AND standing under that big beautiful chandelier. We couldn’t have done this without our photographer turned friend, Dani. If you’re ever in need of an AMAZINGLY gifted photographer, then check out Dani Nicole at www.daninicolephotography.com

Until next time!

Shop the Post

[shopr collection=”tjs-engagement-photos-pt-1″]

Leave A Comment

Fashion

September 12, 2018

New Beginnings & New Adventures

Welcome to The Northern Belle of the South, a Fashion & Lifestyle blog!

Y’all! This was by far one of the most nerve wracking but exhilarating experiences of my life. This blog has been a dream of mine for some time, and I FINALLY decided it was time to bring it to fruition. Often, we are our own worst critics, constantly second guessing who we are, what we are meant to do and who we are meant to be. I can honestly say, the only thing I am second guessing here is which post I want to tackle first!

One of my absolute favorite quotes to live by is “enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were big things.” This blog began as a little idea and has turned into a BIG deal, and God willing it’ll be a BIGGER deal!

New Beginnings & New Adventures

I hope through this blog, I make you: laugh, cry & dream big dreams. Most importantly, I hope I aid in reassuring you, as the famous quote states, “your value doesn’t diminish due to someone else inability to recognize it!” YOU are YOU for a reason, embrace who you are meant to be.

Here’s to big things, new beginnings and new adventures!

So anyone who knows me is well aware of these few facts about me:

Autumn & Winter are my favorite seasons
I am OBSESSED with pumpkin everything. Especially Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Spice Lattes
I love me a comfy oversized sweater
I live & breathe for home decor finds at HomeGoods & Target runs

As we begin to approach fall-ish weather here in North Carolina, I begin to get a little pep in my step and secret smile on my face! As the leaves begin to change, so does my wardrobe!

The type of outfit pictured above and detailed below is one that is currently trending this season! Oversized sweaters tend to be a staple in most ladies closest, in addition to white shirts and booties. I personally love how the jean shorts add just a little bit of edge to the outfit that is otherwise simple. Furthermore, the look is effortless AND flattering for all body types.

You can keep it casual as I did or add a pair of pumps to spice it up for a casual date night with the beau! Majority of the items listed are currently on sale. So, don’t walk…RUN and get your pieces girl, they are calling you!

Shop the post

[shopr collection=”new-beginnings-new-adventures” size=”medium” title=”Shop The Post” show_product_title=”yes” show_product_price=”yes”]

Until next time!

Leave A Comment

Happy 1 Month Blogiversary!

Let’s dig into the outfit details, shall we?

Now I want to make note of these jeans, though!

Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt. 2

For Jesse’s outfit, we knew we wanted to keep it simple and bring my colors in with an accessory or two.

Falling into a Southern Fall

First steps to embracing this warm fall season?… I did my first ever Fall photo shoot here!

Earrings from Nordstrom

Duke Mansion Engagement Photos Pt.1

Our photographer, Dani, was only more than willing to oblige.

Shop the Post

New Beginnings & New Adventures

So anyone who knows me is well aware of these few facts about me:

Shop the post

Browse More in: