Interiors :: A Historic Mississippi Home Renovation

I first saw this house on Brandyn's blog a few months back and have been day-dreaming about it ever since.  This historic 1825 Mississippi home had been neglected for so many years that it was nearly crumbling to the ground.  It took three years and a major gut renovation, but high school sweethearts Tere and Mac Thomas restored the house to absolutely pristine condition.  To me, there isn't much more romantic than taking a decrepit old house and bringing life back into it...just think of Hollywood classics like "The Notebook," "It's a Wonderful Life," and "Big Fish."  A girl can dream!

Images via Country Living

Happy Weekend!

A very happy Friday to you all!  What are you up to this weekend?  We have a jam-packed schedule with wedding festivities and spending time with our close friends who are visiting from Africa {they moved there this past January}.  Sunday I'm hoping to cross some items off my massive to-do list, while still managing to spend some time out in the sunshine.  I pulled together some weekend inspiration featuring feminine neutrals and dreamy blush tones...have a beautiful & creative weekend!

Images via {1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6} {7}

Travel Style :: The Greenbrier

DAY:  JCrew Embroidered Chambray Tunic // Karen Walker Super Duper Strength Sunglasses // Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Stain {Encre Rose} // Nikon D5200 Digital SLR // JCrew Collection Neon Floral Jacquard Pant // Tory Burch Robinson Mini Bag // Kate Spade Secret Garden Stud Earrings // JCrew Gold Midheel Sandals

NIGHT: JCrew Floral Minaudière in Photo Floral // Tory Burch Jeweled Stripe Mini Dress {25% off with 'FRIENDLY'} // Kate Spade Iberis Wedge Sandal // David Yurman Crossover Ring with Diamonds // Michael Kors Satin-Trimmed Tweed Jacket // Essie Polish {Like Linen} // Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat

Whenever I am planning a vacation I find it very hard to resist the urge to give away all my clothes and buy an entirely new wardrobe.  It is that much more challenging when the destination is somewhere as stylish as The Greenbrier {just look at the interiors!}  I pulled together two looks to wear in at the resort...one for a day of Mint Juleps, facials, shopping, and strolling through their immaculate gardens, and one for a night of dinner in the Main Dining Room and drinks at Twelve Oaks. 

Inspired by The Greenbrier's punchy colors, bold prints and southern hospitality, I focused on standout pieces that have a preppy twist.  I'll definitely be bringing my beloved Nikon D5200 Digital SLR to capture the memories, and will be wearing pieces from my favorite All-American brands such as Kate Spade, JCrew, and Tory Burch.  I love this retro-inspired swimsuit from ASOS and have been seriously lusting over Kate Spade's gorgeous lemon prints for the spring.  But, I need to make sure I don't break the bank...because I definitely need to save some money for the top-knotch shopping at The Greenbrier {think Tory Burch, Milly, DVF, etc.}  I can't wait!

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Interiors :: The Greenbrier Resort

I am beyond excited to be visiting one of my favorite places in the world, The Greenbrier, with my mom and her best friend for Mother's Day.  As a native West Virginian, this historic hotel {built in 1778} has always had a special place in her heart.  We visited together for the first time after my college graduation and since then I have just been dreaming about the day that I am able to go back to the majestic resort.  

The Greenbrier is one of interior designer Dorothy Draper's most famous designs, and I absolutely adore her 'Modern Baroque' style combining bold prints, vibrant colors, whimsical fixtures, luxe furnishings, and the perfect amount of Southern Prep.  And the indoor swimming pool, with it's light filled canopy ceiling, is one of the most magical spaces I have ever been in.  Follow along on Instagram and Twitter as I explore The Greenbrier in two weeks!

Images via {1} and {2}

Art :: Annie Leibovitz for Vogue

Sometimes we just need to get away, and what better than to be transported into one of Annie Leibovitz's visual fairy tales for Vogue?  Whether it's Kirsten Dunst as the ill-fated French Queen Marie Antoinette, model Natalia Vodianova portraying 'Alice in Wonderland' alongside a slew of high fashion designers {Karl Lagerfeld and Tom Ford?  Sign me up!}, or Andrew Garfield and a model that could easily be a young Grace Coddington channeling 'Hansel and Gretel,' her images are nothing short of magical.  I hope you enjoy getting lost in the images as much as I do!

Images via {1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6} {7} {8} {9} {10} {11} {12}

Travel :: St. Petersburg, Florida

The last two days of our trip to Florida were spent in St. Petersburg.  We stayed at the historic Vinoy Resort & Golf Club and absolutely loved it.  The hotel was built in the 1920's and overlooks the beautiful marina and town of St. Pete.  After nearly a week of bad weather we were thrilled to be greeted by endless sunshine, and spent much of our time lounging by the pool reading and drinking cocktails.  In the evenings we strolled through downtown St. Petersburg stopping in shops, eating ice cream, and taking in two very beautiful sunsets.  A few of my recommendations...

THE BIRCHWOOD: We absolutely loved this rooftop bar and wished we had more time to spend there.  They serve wonderful craft cocktails and small plates {the truffle frites were so so good}.  Go up at sunset and watch the sky turn vibrant orange and pink over the Maria and town of St. Pete. 

VINOY RESORT & GOLF CLUB: Out of all the hotels we looked at in St. Petersburg, the Vinoy was by far my favorite.  The location is top-notch and hotel itself is absolutely stunning.  The facade reminded me of The Royal Hawaiian hotel and the service was just as wonderful.  My only complaint was the room decor seemed a bit stale, but since we hardly spent any time in our room it was absolutely fine.  We booked our room on a website called Otel.com and were able to save $100 {YAY!}  If you're staying in St. Pete Beach, I would recommend the Don Cesar resort which has a similar ambiance.

400 BEACH SEAFOOD & TAP HOUSE: This restaurant has a great outdoor dining area with a casual seafood centric menu including Lobster Mac & Cheese, Florida Grouper Oscar, and fish tacos {Ryan said they were some of the best he has ever eaten}.  Plus, it was a five minute walk from the Vinoy which was that much better.

THE MARINA: Grab a scoop of ice cream and dangle your legs over the edge of the Marina and watch the sailboats go by.  So peaceful.