Jackson Metro Posters + A Trunk Show!

Hey y’all!

How was your weekend? Price was gone this weekend so I was able to get so much done that I haven’t had time to do the past few weeks/months! It felt great to really tackle my list and cross through a few big things!

One of the things on my list was to get a digital form of the Jackson Metro map that was originally painted on a wall at Arco Avenue cleaned up and sent in to get printed into posters!! At the request of several friends, this is going to be a real thing in a matter of a week or so! I’m SO excited!

I’m also having some clear overlays printed to put on top of the map so you can actually see where all the stops are! Pretty excited about that too. 🙂

Here’s the map:

And here’s the overlay:

And here’s what they look like together!

I’m especially excited to see how these turn out in person!!! Enough with the computer files, I need something I can hold!!! 🙂

Speaking of… 🙂

I’m teaming up with Katie at Arco Avenue for a TRUNK SHOW to debut these babies! I’ll also have some notecards (plus an overlay to go with!) of the Jackson Metro design as well!

The date is Friday, August 22 from 12-6 so mark those calendars!

I’ll have some regular TLB items in addition to all of the map stuff, plus some fun little snacks and champagne waiting for ya, too! 😉

Thank you so much for stopping by today, and I hope to see y’all on 8/22 if not before! It’ll be lots of fun! And you can shop Katie’s KILLER fall merch while you’re in there too! So much gorgeousness!

🙂 XO!

Jackson Metro

Happy Thursday!

I sure hope everybody is having a good week!

Last week, I completed one of the most fun yet most challenging projects I’ve ever been commissioned to do. (You may remember me mentioning it here!) The task was to take a map of the Jackson/Ridgeland/Madison, MS area and make a simplified subway map, if Jackson were to have a subway, then paint it onto a 5′ x 6′ wall at Arco Avenue!

The first few drafts were pretty ugly to say the least… But after playing around with a map, some tracing paper, and doing lots and lots of erasing, the final version was born! I took tons of pictures of the whole process, and of course my phone completely craps out Monday before it backs up again, so I lost all of those pictures… Oh well!

Here’s what I DO have!

You can see it much better in person next time you head over to Arco to shop their new fall arrivals! 🙂 (They have SO MUCH CUTE STUFF in right now, by the way!!!)

And while we’re on the topic of Arco, I must give props to my friend Elish, interior designer at SummerHouse, for doing such a FAB job on the re-design of the store. If you haven’t been by Arco Avenue in the past week or so, you need to check out the changes. It’s breathtaking!!

This is my favorite thing in the whole store– how amazing is this custom built nesting table, made by local artisans!?

So chic and high style! In love!!

Anyway, thanks for stopping by today! Hope you can make it by Arco Avenue sometime soon to see all these cool changes for yourself! And I hope you’re gearing up to have a wonderful weekend! 🙂 Thanks for reading! XO!

 

Pattern Play { Will Work For Shoes }

Today, I bring you PART TWO of this fun series with Arco Avenue and Elish! I’m so in love with these graphic tees that Katie had made for her store! They’re so perfect for any shoe loving lady! But I’ll let Elish and Katie do the talking from this point!

> > > > > P A T T E R N   P L A Y < < < < <

Elish on this look:

“As this quote implies, there is no reasoning with a girl about shoes. So why not spend a hundred to feel like a million?” 😉

Katie on this look:

“I can only try to explain how much I love this outfit! From our custom made graphic tees, to the pattern mixing, and of course the Gigi New York clutch, this look is SO on trend for summer.

If you get one of our tees, you’ll be back for another. These tribled V-neck graphic tees are super soft and have a loose, easy fit. No need to wait for a “skinny day” to throw it on! They are perfect with everything from your skirts and heels to a day at the beach (and everything in between).”

“THE SHOES… oh my. The orange pattern is to die for, especially mixed in with another great pattern like the one in Elish’s skirt. Orange has to be one of my favorite colors for this summer, and in a statement heel like this one, it makes me swoon even more. And I just have to mention how much I LOVE Elish’s white pedi (also a super hot summer trend). Get the perfect white polish for this look at Arco Avenue! Only two coats of this butter LONDON polish are needed for nails with perfect, smooth, full coverage. And bL is always 3-free, so your nails stay healthy!”

“If you aren’t familiar with Gigi New York handbags and accessories, let us introduce you. This line was designed by two moms who wanted durable, high fashion, and functional handbags. Gigi New York is all of that and more. With accessories from phone covers and leather bound journals to handbags in all shapes and sizes, they are perfect for the trendsetter, mom-on-the-go, or business woman. One major thing we love is that you can personalize any of these pieces with your initials in chic little gold foil letters. A nice change from the overdone styles of monogramming we tend to see too of much in the South. Order yours today at Arco Avenue!”

V Neck: Arco Avenue
Skirt: Anthropologie (Elish’s own)
butter LONDON polish: Arco Avenue
Poetic License Heels: Arco Avenue
Gigi New York Clutch: Arco Avenue

> THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY ARCO AVENUE <

Summer Lovin’ { Shoe Love is True Love }

Today I bring you PART 1 of a three part series featuring some SUPER cute + cool tees that Katie now carries exclusively at Arco Avenue! Our ever-so-stylin model Elish put all the looks together with Katie and now I get to share them with you! Let’s get to it! 🙂

> > > > >  S U M M E R   L O V I N ‘  < < < < <

Elish on this look:

“This soft, V-neck statement tee is the perfect tee for going anywhere or with anything. Throw this fun shirt on to and from the pool or beach to share the love.”

Katie on this look:

“I can almost smell the ocean and feel the sand between my toes just looking at this outfit. Our graphic tee is the perfect cover up—lightweight, loose, and, of course, cute. For a beachier/slouchier look, make sure to grab a size up. You want to show off that cute swimsuit, so let it hang off one shoulder a bit.”

“Sseko sandals are handmade in Uganda by women earning money to go to college. The t-strap on these sandals is removable, and has different accents you can replace it with, so you can always match your outfit for the day. Elish is wearing the Mojave Accent. Available in store only.”

“There is more than meets the eye to this cute crossbody. There is a battery pack hidden inside that will charge your cell phone! No kidding. These genius little handbags are convertible into a clutch for a dressier look, come in 2 different sizes, and are available in 3 different colors. Can you think of anyone who wouldn’t love one of these? Seriously. The mini, wristlet version is also available on our online store and works well as a wallet in your bigger purse. These come in a variety of colors and pack just as much battery power as the cross body. (If you will be charging an Apple device, don’t forget to add the Apple adapters to your order!)”

Shirt: Arco Avenue
Shorts: Urban Outfitters (Elish’s own)
Crossbody: Arco Avenue
(single zip crossbody) (double zip crossbody) (handbag) (adapter kit)
Sseko sandals: Arco Avenue

> THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY ARCO AVENUE <

Spring Fashion With Arco Avenue ( Part 4 ) OFF DUTY

It’s Friday! Woo hoo! The weekend is HERE!

I am just a little sad that today is our last post in the four-part spring fashion series with Arco Avenue, though! This has been so much fun for me. I’m going to miss editing pictures of my beautiful friend Elish wearing my beautiful sister-in-law’s store’s shoes and accessories! But I have a feeling this won’t be the last Arco collaboration… So that’s a good thing! 🙂

Today’s look was saved for last because it happens to be the favorite of all three of us! Katie, Elish, and I all commented separately that this might be the favorite of the four looks, so I thought I’d save it as the icing on this sweet series!

Enough of my babble… Let’s get to it, ok?! 🙂

OFF DUTY

Elish on this look:

“I have two great loves (ok several) in my life: reading and coffee. Although coffee is a daily necessity, my downtime usually involves a good book. This Gigi New York tote is perfect for the girl who has her life in her handbag, as well as room for a few extras. Jane Austen, anyone?

Boyfriend jeans and a sweater with feminine details are the quintessential lounge wear disguised as street clothes. Add a beanie and shades to fly under the radar and these fabulous sandals to get you from point A to point B in style.”

Katie on this look:

“This look gives off all the right vibes — cool, casual, comfortable, and high fashion.

I die over these sandals! I mean, I can’t even… The chunky block heel is the perfect addition to boyfriend jeans, shorts, or hi-lo dresses. And who doesn’t need a fabulous, carry-all tote? This one by Gigi New York is a winner every time. You can even get yours personalized.

The geode necklace is just the right accessory for this look. With the beanie, not too much more needs to be happening. A simple stud earring and this all natural, earthy necklace is just the answer.”

Beanie: Anthropologie (Elish’s own)
Sweater: Anthropologie (Elish’s own)
Denim: Banana Republic (Elish’s own)
Sandals: Coclico at Arco Avenue
Teddie Tote: Gigi New York at Arco Avenue
Handmade Aragonite Geode Necklace at Arco Avenue
White Polish: Butter LONDON at Arco Avenue

And that’s a wrap!

Don’t forget that you can see the other three looks HERE! Also! You can shop at Arco Avenue today and tomorrow and 100% of all sales will go to benefit the tornado victims in Louisville, MS. More about that at the end of this post.

Have a great weekend! Thank you so much for stopping by!

> THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY ARCO AVENUE <

Spring Fashion With Arco Avenue ( Part 2 ) AFTER HOURS

Welcome back! 🙂

Yesterday I posted the first in this fun little four-part Arco Avenue Spring fashion series, which was an awesome music festival-inspired look! (See that full post here!)  I’m super excited to share the second look with you today, which is much different, yet equally as gorgeous! Be sure to read all the way to the end so you can see how shopping this look can help some people in need right now!

I’ll let Katie and Elish fill y’all in on the details of this lovely little ensemble, which could not transition more perfectly from a day at work to an evening out with friends!

AFTER HOURS

Elish on this look:

“How many times have you seen tips on styling pieces to function at your 9 to 5 then transition effortlessly to after hours cocktails? Here. You. Go.

If fashion is about the piece, style is about the details. This basic linen dress in a classic cut gets a leg up with beading at the neckline.

It’s often said accessories are a girls best friend and I’m steadily proving it true. This knockout leather Gigi New York clutch has a bit of added glam in the gold plate and tassel. The wedges, in a word, are “todiefor” and the perfect pairing for the clutch. Day to night in 3 pieces.”

Katie on this look:

“Dress to impress, right? This mix of shoes and accessories will NEVER be a wrong choice, no matter what you’re wearing.

Where some clutches don’t offer quite enough room, the Gigi uber clutch is the perfect size for the essentials.

With a dress with detail at the neck, only a simple (but stunning) stud is required. Don’t go overboard on the jewelry.

And these boots are FAB-U-LOUS. Wear them any time of year with everything from dresses and skirts to dress pants and jeans. I’m in love with the unique cut outs, and the color goes with everything in your closet!”

Dress: Victoria’s Secret (Elish’s own)
Shoes: Coclico Jory Booties at Arco Avenue
Uber Clutch: Gigi New York  at Arco Avenue
Earrings: Heather Hawkins Geode Studs at Arco Avenue

While you’re dreaming of adding the items you see in this series to your closet, keep in mind that Arco Avenue is donating 100% of their sales this week (Yes, ONE HUNDRED PERCENT) to tornado relief in Louisville, MS, which is Katie’s hometown. The tornado claimed several lives and there is mass property damage is this precious little town. Please keep the people of Louisville (and the other areas that were affected by the storms) in your prayers. And, of course, keep in mind that if you shop at Arco this week (4/29 – 5/3), in their brick and mortar store or online, you’ll really be able to make an impact on those who are experiencing loss, all while amping up your wardrobe! (Win + win!)

Stay tuned for Part 3 of this fashion fest tomorrow!

> THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY ARCO AVENUE <

Why To Shop With Arco Avenue This Month

Arco Avenue has a really cool thing going on this month that you need to know about!!

Every year during the month of October, Arco Avenue (which sells women’s shoes and accessories in case you aren’t familiar!) pledges to donate one shoebox filled with goodies to Operation Christmas Child for every pair of shoes they sell! So if Arco sells 200 pairs of shoes this month, they’ll wrap and fill 200 boxes to send to children all over the world who might otherwise not get anything for Christmas this year (and who might not know the meaning behind Christmas!)

I love that Arco does this, and plan to participate in a little shoe shopping (for the good of the children, of course! Plus, my wardrobe could use a little pick-me-up!) Here are a few of the lovelies available right now at Arco…

If you’re looking for a good reason to go shopping, this has got to be one of the best reasons ever! To make it even more fun and personal, you can also participate in the PACKING PARTY on November 21 at Arco, where all of the boxes will be put together! (Arco will post more about that as the time gets closer!)

Take some time in the next couple of weeks to venture over to Arco Avenue in The Township in Ridgeland, MS OR visit their brand new online store by clicking the image below!

Every pair you buy equals a Christmas present for a sweet child somewhere in the world. If you ask me, it’s never too early to get in the Christmas spirit (even if it is just October!)

Happy shopping!

Christmas In The Township

Hey everyone! I hope y’all are all having a fantabulous week! I know I am! 😉

One thing making this week so wonderful is an upcoming event that I’m pretty excited about! CHRISTMAS IN THE TOWNSHIP is tomorrow (Thursday) night and should be really fun!! If you have a minute tomorrow night between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m., you should stop by The Township in Ridgeland! It’s located on Highland Colony Parkway and is home to several businesses that I’m pretty fond of 🙂

First of all, it’s where SummerHouse is located! Keeping up the Always Summer… (the SummerHouse blog) is one of my jobs, and I worked there for years full time, so this gorgeous furniture boutique and design firms holds a very special place in my heart. (If you like the picture below, then you’ll love this place. The fab-o design team of Lisa, Elish, and Marty made this room the beauty that it is!) I seriously cannot get enough of this space… Ah….

Firefly Cottage by SummerHouse

Right up there with SummerHouse is the best shoe store in the whole wide world: ARCO AVENUE! Owned by my super stylish sister-in-law Katie, Arco is probably one of very few stores on this earth in which I would happily own everything for sale in there. It’s such a breath of fresh air, and Katie’s great taste is magnetic.

Not only does Arco Avenue sell shoes, but they are a retailer of The Lovely Bee! There are several individual cards and sets, both holiday and not, for sale in there. I promise you’ll love this place if you stop by!

The Lovely Bee at Arco Avenue

You’ll be able to tell Arco from the outside because of their super festive window display! Here’s a close up of my favorite part:

View Gallery, Hemline, Fusion Coffee, Sombra Mexican Kitchen (home of my favorite margarita EVER), and Millie D’s Frozen Yogurt are several of my other favorite places in The Township. When you come by tomorrow, you shop (or eat at) them all! PLUS, Santa will be on hand taking pictures with the young ‘uns. You can’t miss this event! 🙂 Hope to see you there!