Thursday, September 27, 2012

A Thursday Treat

One of my all time favorite stores is J. Crew because of their bright colors, classic fits, and amazing textures.  We all know it's not too often that they have a sale on full price clothing, but they are now offering 25% off any purchase of $150 or more (Which, let's be real...is achieved by purchasing two shirts) with the code STYLE25.  

I love shopping on their website because they have more to offer on there than in our King Street store.  Plus, anything you purchase online can be returned in your local store.  That takes away the fear that goes along with online shopping and clothes not fitting correctly or looking the way you expect.  Sure beats paying to send clothes back through the mail! 

Anyway, here are some of my favs.






Xo-M

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Wedding Wednesday (Wedding Workouts} + New Sponsor!

We are one day shy of being 7 months away from our wedding day.  Even though it's often overlooked amidst the hustle and bustle that is wedding planning, I realize that now is the time to get in tip top shape.  Here's to hoping that blogging about it will help me keep my goals!  Honestly, my workout schedule doesn't need too much adjusting, but my diet might.  I always gain weight in the summer... we have cookouts, long boat days, and margaritas to thank for that.  But with 7 months to go, the time has come to start making better choices so that I can achieve that awesome feeling that goes along with looking great.  

Right now, my gym schedule looks a little like this:
Mondays: Treadmill workout + stretching
(This is the routine I do on the treadmill.  Studies show that you burn more calories doing the alternating speeds since your heart rate is constantly going up and down.  Plus, it's EASY!! [-er than running for a full 20min, at least!])

Tuesday:  ZUMBA!!  (We have the best instructor and I LOVE to dance.  You can't beat a workout where you burn 600+ calories in an hour, but you're having a ton of fun.)

Wednesday: Body Bar
(Strength training is oh-so important.  Our body bar class is very similar to body pump.  It incorporates full body strength exercises using weights, a little cardio in between circuits, and abs at the end.  Crazy, but awesome workout!)

Thursday: zumba or another treadmill day

Friday: Pilates with foam roller
(I always feel sore after doing this class because it works completely different target areas than I'm used to working.  Plus, you get to use the foam roller to massage your entire body at the end and it feels heavenly.  GREAT for your core and super great for improving circulation and flexibility!)

Saturday & Sundays are off days.

I don't really feel that I need to go to the gym on the weekends since I already work out for an hour, five days a week.  Sure, I will occasionally skip a Thursday or Friday, but not often.  As we move closer to the wedding, I plan to maybe add in some evening walks with Brandon and some more activity on the weekends.  Any additional exercises, big or small, make a difference!

Now food.  That's a different topic.  I am so not a salad eater.  I will eat one occasionally if I know the salads are the bomb.com at certain restaurants.  But, those salads are usually not the healthy ones.  I like to nibble all throughout the day, which is really the best way to eat.  My concentration just needs to be on eating wholesome, healthy foods -no junk & limited sweets!  Ahh, the sweets -I like dessert every night, so this will be tough.  My plan is to try to stick to a pretty disciplined schedule five days a week, then pick two days to cheat a little.  That means lots of leafy greens, lean meats, and snacks with the good (unsaturated) fats.  That way, I can enjoy my fro-yo topped with oreo crumbs here and there.  Everything in moderation, my friends!  

Some motivating pictures that will keep my inspired...


On another note, I'd like to introduce our newest sponsor, Swanky Frosting Jewelry Auctions!  
(What a fitting sponsor for Style Me Swanky, huh?) 


Swanky Frosting Jewelry Auctions is a fixed price designer and designer-inspired jewelry boutique where you can find great deals on current trends.

They put up new merchandise every Tuesday night beginning at 9pm EST.  Once a new piece of jewelry is posted, you just have to comment "sold" on the item you want.  If it is indicated by Swanky Frosting that there are only five of the particular item available, the first five to comment will be able to purchase the item!  What an easy and FUN way to purchase some new inexpensive, trendy pieces.

If you're a Facebook user, "Like" their page so that you won't miss the upcoming auctions!

Happy Humpday...
Xo-M

Monday, September 24, 2012

oh, weekend


Don't you all wish that happened from time to time?  Today is definitely one of those days!  It's going to be a busy week and it's sometimes hard to face all that you have to do.  But Monday is here whether we like it or not.  Coffee helps.  Let's make it a great week!  

As for the weekend...
Brandon and I had dinner at our fav, O-ku, on Friday night.  Later, we met up with friends downtown.  The rest of the weekend was spent relaxing, watching the Clemson game, walking around on King Street, more time with friends.  It all looked a little like this:

Drinks at Macintosh




Cocktail Club
By the way, this is my first dress I've ever owned from Forever 21.  I hadn't been in there in close to a year, so I decided I should take a look around to see if I was missing out on anything.  This dress was on a random hanger and it fit so well.  Surprise surprise.  It may fall apart next time I wear it, but I think it was $25 well spent. 

lazy, lazy Saturday morning


Robot Candy on King

We found a mannequin finger as we were walking down the street and it needed a manicure.
(yes I carry a few shades of Essie in my bag at all times - just in case)




I love my friends.
Happy Monday.  Xo-M

Friday, September 21, 2012

Friday Five {Beauty}

It has been one long week for me.  Work has been busy, but great, and I've had a lot of commitments in the evenings.  I'm so looking forward to some down time here in Charleston this weekend -no travels, no huge plans, just relaxation and seeing some old friends.  Oh, and watching our Clemson Tigers play.  Anyway, as I prepared my Friday Five post, I realized that all of my photos are unintentionally beauty related!  Happy Weekend!   

{1}
This makes your lips feel insanely hydrated.  I apply it every night before bed.  It's the best.  Hands down.


{2}
Gave my brushes a good 'ol cleaning this week.  You know you should do this at least 1-2 times per month?  I spot clean my foundation and eye liner brushes after every use, but deep cleaning all of them is so important.  You would be amazed how dirty they get!  Without washing them, all of that bacteria is just being wiped all over your face.  Clean your brushes!


{3}
I got my nails painted with Essie No Boundaries and I LOVE it.  Perfect rosy fall shade without being too dark.  As much as I love my way dark polishes, it's nice to have a little transition.

{4}
My new favorite moisturizer...  Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturizer
I had a deluxe sample of this and waited forever to use it because it didn't look like anything special from the packaging, but I was amazed at how wonderful it made my skin feel.  I have combination skin and it made it feel hydrated and soft, but not super shiny.  Honestly, I don't know if my skin has ever felt more comfortable than when I put this on.  It's awesome.


{5}
Fresh & light face of the day.
Olay Tinted Moisturizer, Makeup For Ever Full Cover Concealer in #6 (for around nose, lips, and any blemishes), Maybelline Age Rewind (under eye concealer), Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Sand, Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eye Shadow in Bad to the Bronze (amazing), Clinique High Impact mascara,  Victoria's Secret bronzer in Goddess (surprisingly my new favorite), and Benefit Coralista blush

That's all I've got.  #TGIF
Xo-M

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Wedding Wednesday: What to Wear?

The bridal apparel does not stop at the wedding gown.  As I am (eventually) approaching showers, my bridal luncheon, our rehearsal dinner, and the wedding itself, I know it's time to start shopping for many outfits!  Here are some pretties that I love:


I tried this dress on at Neimans in Charlotte and it's so cute.  It's relaxed, yet feminine and has the prettiest fabric.  Would look adorable with a gold and pearl statement necklace.  I think this would be great for a shower or rehearsal dinner!


I love the hint of peach!  I already have my wedding gown, but I think this would be the most beautiful dress on a bride with a glamorous garden wedding.  


This dress is exactly like my white lace dress that I wore in my engagement photos.  I've received so many emails asking about it, but it sold out in white QUICKLY!  The navy is gorgeous and would be so great for an engagement party or really, any event!  No one said the bride has to wear white at all of her showers/parties/etc.  This dress is so versatile! I'm honestly tempted to buy it in this color too.


Perfect for a shower.  This dress is so much more gorgeous in person.  LOVE!


Now that's a reception/going away dress!


Obsessed with this last one.  I need her for my rehearsal dinner! 

Xo-M

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Loves

My new C9 by Champion athletic jacket from Target.  Seriously comfortable & flattering.  Anything to make the gym more exciting is always a big fat YES in my book.
...and the best part.

Also loving...
Blake Lively's 12 carat stunner.


New Trader Joe's discovery.  Buy these and try not to eat half the bag in one sitting.  Just try.


Loving my new project that is on the horizon.

This Brass Fox Letter Opener would be the perfect addition to a catch-all tray.

See? I love the pineapple one, too.
I kind of really love that blue porcelain tray, too.

Xo-M

Friday, September 14, 2012

Friday Five

{1}
new coffee table deliciousness

{3}
dinner last night with Brandon at 82 Queen



{3}
Our engagement announcement is in the paper! 

{4}
Completely. Wildly. Obsessed.
with this bag

{5}
this quote
ER has some great quotes.  She knew what was up.


P.S.  There's a Stella & Dot giveaway going on at my girl, Tiffany Ashley's blog, Delightfully Chic.  Those teardrop earrings are in my weekly rotation.  You need them.