Bloom Girl Blog

By Anne Benton

Easy Weekend Neutrals…

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Pullover Sweater, Michael Kors (Sold Out During Nordstrom Sale) Similar- Here and Here// Jeans, Paige Denim// Suede Boots, Dolce Vita  OR, Here// Earrings, Kendra Scott & Similar Style, Here// Crossbody Bag, Tory Burch c/o Shoes at Surrey// Hair & Makeup, c/o Cucumber & Mint, Augusta, GA// Photography, Holly Birdsong Photography Team

Layering neutrals is one of the easiest and fastest ways to pull together a stylish weekend look. I found this top online when Nordstrom was having their big sale around the holidays and it sold out pretty quickly; however, there are several similar options. I have these Dolce Vita boots in Grey, as well and you can find them at Shoes at Surrey in the latter color, as well. Finish the look with a pop of color — I liked how these Kendra Scott earrings popped against the neutral camel color top. 

This is the type of outfit I would wear when going out for a casual dinner with friends,going to a neighborhood party, or out to a concert. We are pretty casual in the South and prefer to mix style with comfort and functionality! I used to stubbornly walk around in shoes that were uncomfortable just because they were “cute,” but now, I don’t settle because there are so many stylish yet comfy options available in-stores and online. Have a great Sunday, Blooms!

Shop the Post:

 


Rebecca Taylor Dress…

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Blue Dress, Rebecca Taylor, c/o Shop One, Augusta// Black Boots, Steve Madden// Moto-Satchel, Rebecca Minkoff, c/o Shoes at Surrey// Sunglasses, Zac Posen c/o Ditto Eye-wear Online & the code for your 1st month FREE is “BLOOMGIRLBLOG”// Bracelet, Kendra Scott// Earrings, Kendra Scott// Hair & Makeup c/o Cucumber & Mint, Augusta, Georgia// Photography, Holly Birdsong Louis

WHEW- it is officially freezing now…how can it be 80′ on Christmas Day and just a few weeks later so cold!!? Luckily, the day I did this particular shoot last week it was a mild 64′, so I actually enjoyed being outside.  A couple of comments about this post…this was the first time I worked with the lovely ladies at Cucumber & Mint Spa & Salon here in Augusta, GA. I was blown away by their talents –I came in with my hair in a bun from running errands and they were able to turn it around!  Plus, Crystal and Jen are two of the nicest people I have met in Augusta and are a pleasure to be around! They also have skin care services, massage therapy,  and bridal hair and makeup. They are conveniently located in Surrey Center –stop by and see their gorgeous and modern salon-spa! 

More About the Ditto “Endless Eyewear” Program:

I recently found this fabulous eyewear company that is similar to “Rent the Runway,” but for sunglasses and glasses. Here is how it works: When you sign up, you choose a pair of sunglasses (usually rental is $24/month) and then send them back whenever you want and exchange them for a new pair; you can keep them for a week or for months at a time–as long as you have an active membership. If you like them, you can purchase at a 15% member discount or just send them back and choose a new pair for the next month! All of the sunglasses are “designer” — I am wearing their Zac Posen sunglasses for this post (see above). If you decide you want to try it, you can get your first month FREE by entering the code: “BLOOMGIRLBLOG” in the sign-up process. Some of the designers they carry: Zac Posen, Prada, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Karen Walker, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Elizabeth & James, Givenchy, Jason Wu, and many others- check it out!  

Enjoy Your Day!

Xxoo, Anne


Shades of Burgundy…

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Burgundy Coat, BB Dakota, c/o Fab’rik, Augusta// Grey Over-the-Knee Boots, Dolce Vita, c/o Shoes at Surrey// Cowl-Neck Swing Dress, Urban Outfitters// Cocktail Ring c/o, Judith Jack// Photography, Casto Photography & Cinema

I am getting cold just looking at these photos –this shoot was taken the first really cold morning here in Augusta! I was glad to have this BB Dakota Coat on hand from our local Fab’rik store! I am pretty much just crushing on Burgundy…it is such a deep & rich color that flatters all skin types and is so beautiful in the winter. I absolutely adore these Dolce Vita suede boots — I also have them in Taupe; they are so comfortable and you can actually walk a good distance in them because of the thick heel. Yay! for shoes you can actually comfortably walk in. Ladies, if you live in Augusta, you can find these at Shoes at Surrey. I am getting excited for this weekend -it is my husband’s birthday and we are having a big Oyster-Roast party to celebrate! We love getting together with our neighborhood buddies for a low-key good-time! 

Shop for Burgundy:

 


Sorel Boots…

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Cardigan Vest, Sanctuary Clothing//Waterproof Boots, Sorel// Black Leggings, Three Dots// Hat, CC Exclusives (Under $30)// Bracelets, Alex and Ani// Necklace, Chan Luu//Photography, Catherine Truman

This is one of my outfits from my recent trip to Nashville, TN and I was really feeling the relaxed and casual vibe there! Almost everything from my shoots there were from local boutiques.  I LOVE these Sorel boots- they are super comfortable and when it DOES get cold at some point, they will come in handy. Two years ago we had an ice-storm where I live, so I am sure that there is at least a slight chance we will get cold weather here. I guess you can pack them on your next ski-trip, too! Sorel is pretty cool because their boots come in so many variations, colors, and textures — “boots with DA’ fur” haha!

Stay Warm, Bloom Girls!


Nashville Style…

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Photography, Catherine Truman

Poncho, Under $40, Coffee Shop from Soca Clothing, Nashville// Black Tights, Three Dots// Boots, UGG Australia// Black Shirt, Velvet by Graham & Spencer//Bracelets, Alex and Ani, Owl Bracelet, Feather Charm Bangle, Jordan Beaded Bangle, Bamboo Beaded Bangle, //Watch, Michael Kors Chronograph

I am finally home from my trip to Nashville and I must say, despite the circumstances, I had a great time exploring and getting to know the locals! This is the “type” of look many of the Nashville girls are wearing right now…laid-back, relaxed and kind of “boho.” If only I had remembered my black floppy hat, sigh. You either Love or Hate UGG Australia Boots…I tend to LOVE them, mainly because they are just SO comfortable for walking around and I can quickly /easily take them on and off for walking my dog, Ginger; plus, they are super warm and cozy! You can pair them with almost anything and can own and wear them for years.

These black tights from Three Dots are a little pricey for leggings, but they do the trick –they work like Lululemon athletic pants. I want my tights to make me appear slimmer, for sure, so these work like magic! Alex and Ani is a super popular women’s jewelry brand right now. My wrists are TEE-TINY and these are the only bangles that snugly fit them and don’t feel like the are constantly about to fall off or having to push them up all the time. I think most people like the brand because they do such a great job at making quality, personalized pieces. Lastly, just a note about the poncho from Coffee Shop; when you go to the link, it says “plus size,” however, it is really a “one-size fits all,” over-sized/normal poncho, so don’t let that turn you away…it fits like a regular-sized poncho, meaning, whatever your size, it will fit. Just throw it on and go- so simple.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Anne



Duster from Sanctuary Clothing…

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Photography: Mod Agency

Long-Line Cardigan, Sanctuary, c/o Luna, ATL//Black Dress, Luna, ATL, by GLAM, Similar Version, Here//”Moto” Boots, Alexander McQueen, c/o Jeffrey, Phipps Plaza //Red Clutch, Azzedine Alaia, c/o Jeffrey, Phipps Plaza

I’ve been waiting to get my hands on a good pair of ”moto” boots for some time now…found the perfect pair from Alexander McQueen, c/o Jeffrey, Phipps Plaza. I really like mixing Feminine and Edgy…I could seriously (maybe) defend myself with these boots while remaining girly. This was one of my favorite shoots because it took place in my old “stomping grounds” of the famed Virginia Highlands neighborhood in Atlanta. I had this cute little 3-bedroom house with my two roommates; we had a pool and jacuzzi hot-tub in the backyard (the lights changed colors like we were in the Playboy Mansion or something).

We were renting this house (of course we were, come on), but we had the MOST fun ever because we could walk to the fun hot-spots and there was never a dull moment! We had pool parties, backyard BBQ’s, and nights out listening to Yacht Rock (70’s Cover Band…what else!?).  Lucky for me, we are headed back to Atlanta this weekend to see one of my favorite crooners, Ryan Bingham and I am sure I will hit up some shops for my post early next week in NASH -Vegas!!!!!

Xxoo, Anne


Madewell Plaid Shirt-Dress…

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Plaid Shirt-Dress, Madewell//Red Tote, Tory Burch//Leather OTK Boots, Stuart Weitzman//Photos by Casto Photography & Cinema

Happy Sunday, Bloom Girls! I hope you have had a fun weekend getting ready for Thanksgiving next week! I love this plaid shirt-dress from Madewell…it is just a cute and comfortable dress to wear around town or out on a dinner date. Ginger Spice was expecting a walk, not a blog shoot (she was not impressed)! Also, another option for this dress – throw on a leather/faux-leather black jacket when it cools down more!

Xxoo, Anne


Topshop Sweater Dress…

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It’s officially “sweater-dress weather!” I love this one from Topshop…it is really soft and not the itchy-sweater material! I will just wear tights with it when it gets really cold outside. So, I found this little red clutch purse from a local shoe store in Augusta, GA, The Shoe Studio…it was calling to me from across the store! A classic red clutch is something you will use forever…it never gets tired. The boots are Stuart Weitzman, but a similar pair for a fraction of the cost…Corso Como. Ginger Spice, The Cavalier, is not for sale!

Xxoo,

Anne


Candy Apple “Hunter” Boots…

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Photography by Casto Photography & Cinema

Cowl Neck Sweater, Ella Moss (sale.40% off now) c/o Shop One// Jeans, AG “Stilt” Cigarette Leg, also available at Shop One// Rain boots, Hunter & available locally at Shoes at Surrey//Handbag, Prada// Faux-fur puff keychain, Here, Here

Okay, so it has been SUPER rainy and gloomy for what feels like 2 weeks (on & off) with more rain this weekend. I am a sunshine type of girl and need it on a daily basis, so this weather has really thrown me and my hair off. However, a “bright spot” is my candy-apple red Hunter boots and fun little faux-fur pom*pom key chain. These boots are so cute and are perfect for cold, rainy weather…plus, they are so easy to slip on & off. Also, this sweater is SO comfy/cozy and is on SALE now, here: Ella Moss . The jeans are the perfect slim/stretchy fit and easily tuck into boots.

Praying for Sunshine in Georgia!

Anne

 


Faux-Fur Vest and Flares from Luna!

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Flare Jeans, Citizens of Humanity, Here and in Petite, Here or in person at Luna Boutique, Atlanta or Charlotte// Plaid Shirt, by Rails, Here or in person at Luna Boutique, Atlanta or Charlotte//Faux-Fur Vest, Velvet by Graham & Spencer, Here or in person at Luna Boutique, Atlanta or Charlotte//Ankle Boots, Topshop (mine are from Nordstrom and they come in Black & Tan), Here// Handbag, Prada “Saffiano”, Here//Sunglasses, Miu Miu, Here in Tortoise OR Here in “Marble.”// Photography, David Christensen with David Christensen Photography

I am so excited about partnering with Luna Boutique in Atlanta, GA –they recently moved into a gorgeous new store to the Shops Around Lenox which is adjacent to the Lenox Mall off of Peachtree Road (behind the Westin Hotel). The store is located next to the Lululemon Boutique. When I lived in Atlanta, I did a good amount of shopping there because they have awesome brands that will suit everyone’s budget! You can find casual, everyday items there –they have a huge selection of premium denim, coats and jackets, faux-fur vests and button-up shirts (like the one I am wearing); they also have dresses which I will showcase later this week in my “Girl’s Night Out” post and beautiful jewelry & sunglasses. If you have never stopped by Luna, I highly recommend giving it a try…they have four store locations –Charleston, SC, Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, and Bethesda, MD.

I love this look for fall –this beige faux fur vest, Here , in Beige, is so versatile- you can pair it with almost any shirt color you like! It also comes in Grey, Here. I am SO in love with the Rails brand, this purple plaid shirt Here is great for blondes –I have green eyes so jewel-tones go well with my complexion. Have FUN mixing and matching different colored vests with button-up shirts…use your imagination!

Here are a FEW other of my favorite shirts by the same brand:

 Lastly, Here are a Few Other Faux-Fur Vest Options of Varying Price Points:


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