insta-time!

Let’s face it – I fell off the blogosphere! I’m so sorry! The best way to catch up would likely be my instagrams. I do keep up pretty regularly with that fun little app and have been up to some AMAZING things here in my new home, Queen City aka Charlotte, NC. I’ve still been loving the style scene here in Charlotte and fun boutiques that seem to call my name every weekend. My very best friend moved to Charlotte two weeks ago so now I officially have a shopping partner in crime! If you’re familiar with the Charlotte area, I had the fabulous experience of interviewing LeeAnn Little, the owner of LSquared boutique in Mooreseville, NC for a brand new magazine titled FOUR Charlotte that just had their first issue release party last Friday! With my handsome boyfriend on my arm we had fun browsing the Gallery of Modern Art in Uptown and meeting some fun new friends! I almost felt like I was on an episode of the Real Housewives of Atlanta given the sunglass-styled males with fancy boas as parts of their outfits ;) You should absolutely check out FOUR Charlotte and if in the area pick up a copy to see my feature on LSquared!

Over the last couple of months….

Spent some time with my sweet Minnie girl after she had surgery on a disc in her back (see her pain patch?) She’s 100% back to normal and I’m so thankful to my parents for having the heart to pay for her surgery :)

Rocked some fun holiday attire during Christmas time – plaid with my new monogram necklace (a STEAL from Etsy and such great quality!) and J.Crew baubles.

Styled some fun outfits over the Holiday season! Dress: LSquared Boutique in Mooresville, NC // Bracelets: Stella + Dot; Jcrew // Clutch: Zara // Necklaces: Bauble Bar (old) and J.Crew’s Crystal Venus Flytrap necklace

Took a trip to my favorite city EVER – NYC! I had such a great time there with my little sister Annie and my parents. We shopped out hearts out all day in Soho and came away with some fabulous purchases! It even snowed for us…and New York City in the snow is pretty much just magical :)

The hustle of Soho on New Years Weekend – love the energy of this city!

Mind blowing Brioche French Toast from Cafe Cluny in the West Village. Why doesn’t every single breakfast spot serve Brioche french toast?! Charlotte needs to get on it!

Annie and I at dinner in NYC before seeing the Rockette Christmas Spectacular show!

Took this Pinterest photo to my hair stylist for my new do…it came out GREAT and I love the change of being a brunette! See below ;) What do you think? I haven’t been a brunette in over 10 years!

The lovely Caroline and I at dinner in Uptown Charlotte! Tan Blazer with leather collar: Club Monaco (a NYC purchase – not available online anymore, boo!)

I was so excited to have won this 100% python skin tray from Blue Print Modern giveaway from La Dolce Vita blog! It’s become my stylish go-to for holding my pretty baubles and matches nicely with my Gold Athena Tray from Jayson Home :)

A snap of my bedroom all nice and clean! I’m pretty proud of how my dresser has come together with the decor.

Have you seen Rifle Paper Co’s 2013 Cities calendar? It’s too cute AND on sale right now! I love flipping the pages each month and seeing such fun cities drawn out – London, Moscow, Cairo, etc.

A little Friday afternoon arm party! I have some new additions from two great jewelry companies: Towne and Reese and Meghan Browne.

Another fabulous giveaway win! Thanks to Fragments Jewelry – I love my new Chan Luu wrap bracelet! The grey, sparkle and brown leather go with just about everything! Including my favorite grey-dot boyfriend button down from Urban Outfitters.

And saving the best for last…

Been spending lots of time with this handsome…had a great day skiing at Sugar Mountain in Boone! He tried to school me on his snowboard but I managed to keep up thanks to my many Colorado ski trips over the years :)

Hope you enjoyed the catch up — will be back in action on Suttonrowe – that’s a promise!

winter light

Why is it when us girls wear a fur vest out on the town, everyone wants to pet it? To avoid that this year, I decided just wearing it to brunch and later thought a field would be more appropriate ;) I dined on delicious egg nog french toast and opened pretty presents with my friend Larissa on Saturday morning, and spent the rest of the day doing some last minute shopping and hanging with this sweet girl.  As you can tell by these photographs, Annie and I barely caught the sun before it slipped into it’s 5pm hiding spot! Doesn’t it just look like winter?! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!!

Fur Vest: Forever 21 (old) // Blouse: LOFT (similar)// Jeans: J Brand Super Skinny (scored for $30 from Sloan Boutique in Charlotte!) // Boots: Frye Jane 14L // Watch: MK // Bracelets: Stella + Dot, J.Crew // Hat: Gap // Sunnies: Banana Republic (old)

rawr.

It is definitely rare that you’ll catch me in animal print – but I just couldn’t say no to this cozy sweater – especially after being inspired by Gaby’s black & white cheetah print sweater post! This sweater is a bit heavy which makes it perfect for colder days and hanging out by the fire, as evidenced below :)

Sweater: Old Navy // Shirt: J. Crew // Pants: Zara (old) // Watch: MK // Bracelets: J.Crew & Stella + Dot // Necklace: Nashelle Designs

spikey & sweet

That’s what this Zara heel is. Some pretty for your Saturday. Enjoy!

albeit.

There are countless gift guides floating around the blogs these days, and I am loving them! My favorites so far have been The Everygirl’s picks, To & From (a compilation from many fabulous bloggers), and Molly & Sally’s picks. Speaking of pretty gift ideas, I’ve seen Albeit Jewelry featured countless times by blogger Sam of Could I Have That — if you take a peek at the link you’ll see her modeling some of her favorite pieces by Albeit! I’ve added just a couple of her pieces to my Christmas wishlist… they are quite expensive…but a girl can dream! 

images c/o albeit jewelry

It may never be winter…

I’m sure there are people out there buried in snow right now – but Charlotte, NC is not one of those places! It’s supposed to be mid sixties this weekend. This weather is really throwing a wrench in my usual late November/December attire. It does work nicely though if you are still on the hunt for some great riding boots! My friend Larissa asked me to scour the internet to find her the perfect riding boot to put on her Christmas list, which I was happy to do! I came up with 8 options that I believe are long lasting and timeless choices. Hint: I own #4 – the Frye Jane! You can see them in a recent outfit post here! 

 

My thoughts:

#1: Biondelle Riding Boots by Boutique 9: They’re on sale (!!), 100% leather and feature a classic buckle for everyday wear.

#2: Penny Riding Boots by Sam Edelman: I have the older version of these military-inspired boots (mine snap all up the back) and they have been a wonderful, long lasting boot! The leather is a beautiful cognac and goes with all colors – even black!

#3: Archive Leather Boot by Madewell: The reddish-hue gives an urban edge! I’ve seen these time and time again in the Madewell stores and fall in love each time.

#4: Jane Chunky Boots by Frye: I scored these in a 20% off sale from South Moon Under (the sale is on right now too!!), and have loved wearing them this fall! The leather is beautiful and the stitching keeps them from being overly western. A classic that I’ll have forever! While you’re at it, I’d suggest picking up these Frye booties at 20% off too with code HOLIDAY20!

#5: Irene Boots by Tory Burch: Understated elegance is what you’ll get from these. A deep, rich dark brown with a subtle equestrian influence. Dress it up or down, and they’re on sale!

#6: Paige Tall Riding boots by Frye: Another classic and best seller from Frye – falling right below the kneecap, they are statement makers that show you’ve got a good eye for style.

#7: Boxer Flat Boots by Juicy Couture: Croc-embossed (make heads turn!) and oxblood in color – you’d likely be the only girl wearing these and everyone would be asking where you found these beauties! I love how they have an edge but still lend the classic riding boot style. Plus that raw scalloped edge….anything scalloped wins by default.

#8: Zanny Knee Boot by Boutique 9: An affordable option ($150) if you’ve been lusting after these Loeffler Randall boots that I also featured on a recent post! I love the wedge heel and the lack of hardware – making it easy to transition between different color palettes and keeping it dressy at the same time! Nothing but great reviews – hop on this deal before it’s too late!

Now you’ll be an informed boot buyer!! Which one will be added to your Christmas list?!

hollers & hills

Took this post’s name from Randy Housers’ new song – How Country Feels. You must give it a sample listen on iTunes – it’s on repeat over here! I traveled to West Virginia for Thanksgiving and took some outfit photos for fun. There is something about the colors of this old navy flannel that caught my eye – I first saw it here on Happily Grey and knew it would be a versatile piece for fall! As you can also see, my MK watch, Stella & Dot Bracelet and J.Crew bracelet are on constant repeat. Making that cost per wear go down day by day! :)

get festive!

Holiday outfits are big around here, people. I do believe half of the fun of holiday parties may just be the pretty dresses that us girls get to pick out for the occasion! Lace, brocade, holiday colors – I may be guilty of buying before the holiday parties are even set! Here are some of my most recent favorites!

Shop: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4

sequined.

My love of sequins here on Suttonrowe is well documented – remember the zara sequin blazer? My sister Annie is back on the blog wearing a cute outfit, as always! I love the surprise sequin elbow patches and her above-the-boots socks :) Happy Monday!

Sweater: Tobi // Pixie Pants: J.Crew Factory // Boots: Steve Madden (old) // Monogram Necklace: Etsy – Marinette Jewelry // Socks: Target

wisdom on a monday

 

a gathering in kinfolk (brunch in oregon) // woodnotephotography.net