The Red, White & Black!

Top: Allen B. at JCPenney
Jeans: Target
Heels: Target
Nails: Revlon - "Revlon Red"
Lips: Cover Girl LipPerfection - "Hot-305"

I'll admit, I have a little bit of a weakness when it comes to wanting to wear something brand new to special events. Sometimes I force myself to be creative with the clothes and accessories I already have. A lot of the time though, I'll usually justify getting something new; thus, the peplum top above! I wore this outfit to my personal shower over the weekend. I wanted to look classy with a hint of sass - I thought this top accomplished both! Part of the reason I love this top so much is because it combines some of my current favorite trends - peplum and black & white! Red always seems like a fitting compliment to black and white, so I incorporated it through my lips, nails and shoes -- it's always fun when these three areas match in color.

I'll be writing another post soon to show you details from my amazing personal shower! :) Only 10 more days until the wedding!

Utility Jacket Trend

Oh the irony. As soon as I finished this post, I started noticing just how popular the utility jacket trend is among some of my favorite fashion bloggers. A utility jacket is a great investment for your wardrobe. It favors the military trend which seems to be in style nearly every season. These jackets are usually made with a lighter/thinner material than other coats/jackets, so they make great layering pieces and transition well from season to season. A utility jacket is also the perfect jacket for traveling. I wore mine during my trip to Lesotho, Africa, last year nearly every day of the trip. It's seriously been one of the best additions and investments to my wardrobe that I've ever made. I love how you can also dress a utility jacket up or down as you can see some of my favorite bloggers have done below. 

Which style option below is your favorite? I'd love to hear your feedback, and if you haven't started following my blog, I invite you to do so! :) 

:: from left to right ::
cupcakes and cashmere // atlantic-pacific // brooklyn blonde
sealed with style // little miss fearless // high heels & high notes

Thanks for reading! :) 

Safari Chic

Hat: Target
Top: Target
Jeans: H&M
Jacket: Old Navy (similar)
Heels: Steve Madden (via Ross)
Bag: Steve Madden (via Ross)
Scarf: Old Navy
Bracelet: Forever 21

I believe when two people are truly in love and "meant to be", their passions will collide in the most beautiful way. Reed and I share so many of the same passions - it's an amazing journey discovering how they intertwine. His passion for photography and my passion for blogging is only skimming the surface. I'm most grateful for the passion we share for people. We both have the mindset that life seems pretty empty and meaningless if only lived for ourselves. A statement Reed once made to me that will forever be etched in my mind was, "I can't wait to change the world with you." For us, changing the world is loving one person at a time. Neither of us is perfect, together or separate. I do believe, though, that Reed makes me a better person. He calls greatness out of me. He pushes me to be better. He makes me stronger. He doesn't complete me, but he does support me and compliment me in the most perfect way.

I'm still so new at blogging and honestly have no idea where this blog will be even six months from now. In the meantime of making plans and blogging one post at a time, I sure am grateful for the support of my soon-to-be husband. Reed has been nothing but encouraging and supportive of this new little hobby of mine since the first post. He's also blown me away by how fast he's become an incredible photographer! I'm so proud of him. And I can't wait to change the world with him either... :)

Thanks for sharing in our journey!

Hi-Low Dress | Pink Peonies Giveaway

Dress: Charlotte Russe
Heels: BCBGeneration (via Ross)
Necklace: unknown
Bracelets: Charlotte Russe
Rings: Target 

You may recognize this dress from this recent post. (Reed and I snuck in a quick photo shoot after my sound check before the fashion event started.) This was my first go at a "hi-low" dress. I was a bit skeptical at first, but now I'm a fan! I sincerely love this dress - it's simple yet makes a statement. I'll definitely be packing this dress for my honeymoon and wearing it on the beach!

Side note -- Pink Peonies is having a great giveaway for DownEast Basics! See details below on how you can win!

Thanks for reading! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Today, one lucky Pink Peonies winner will win a $150 giftcard to DownEast Basics. To stay in the know on all things style, shopping and savings with DownEast, sign up for their emails here. 

MUST BE A FOLLOWER OF PINK PEONIES TO ENTER

(via Google Friend Connect on right sidebar) 

Requirements |

• Visit DownEast Basics and leave a comment sharing what items you would add to your wardrobe if you were selected the winner of the giftcard 
• Like DownEast Basics on Facebook 
• Share this giveaway on your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or blog 

Additional Entry's |

• Follow DownEast on Pinterest, Twitter, or Instagram 
• Follow Pink Peonies on Instagram

Giveaway will run through Monday. Winner will be announced Tuesday.

Good luck!!

Shower #2

A few weeks ago, Reed and I had our second wedding shower! It was nice having him with me at this one, especially since I was sick that day. Wedding showers are truly humbling...the generosity of family and friends continues to amaze us! Enjoy these photos - we love sharing our journey with you! 

Reed truly is so supportive of me in every way! 

I loved the adorable decor! 

How awesome is this wrapping?! The lovely Kristy Starling, my bandmate & soon-to-be cousin, is one of the most creative people I know! 

My sweet friend and bridesmaid, Lindsay, got me a cute personalized apron! I sure do love the sound of "Mrs. Ewing" :) 

My mom got us matching rocking chairs from Cracker Barrel to put on the porch of our new house! The true gift though was the beautiful poem she wrote to accompany this memorable gift! 

I love my mom. 

My supportive friends/bridesmaids! I love them to pieces! 

23 days :)