FALLing in Love

I’ve waited for you for so long. My life isn’t the same without you. I’m at my absolute best when you’re around. You make me so happy.

Finally, you are here.

Fall Fashion!!!!! The most wonderful time of the year.

It’s a time when fashion shows abound. And fashion magazines are thicker than my southern accent.

I’ve attended so many shows over the past few weeks and read every magazine to hit the stands. I’m lucky to have the hookup. Mike the Magazine Guy alerts me each time he stocks my favorite magazines in my area. I’ve found so many exciting  trends for the fall season.

Statement sleeves are a recurring theme this season. Some are more dramatic than others. Flared or ruffled, bell sleeves can be very flattering if styled correctly.

Metallics brought a futuristic vibe to the runways. Choose pieces that will translate well to real life wear.

I wouldn’t advise a full on space suit look. But a statement piece will mix well with various textures.

Florals are uprooting themselves from the spring runways and planting themselves into our fall wardrobes.

No pastels here though. Jewel tone blooms on dark backgrounds are Autumn’s answer to dressing in florals.

This season has me seeing red. Loud, bright, blood RED.

Whether worn as an accent piece or head to toe, this trend screams “LOOK AT ME”!!! Sporting this look is not for the shy or faint of heart.

Satins, velvets and tulle bring an ‘over the top’ vibe to your look. They’re fun and fancy and kind of make you feel like a princess!

Modern twists will prevent you from looking like you’re going to a prom in the ’80s.

Graphic and embellished with a twist has grabbed my attention. Urban wear mixed with classic pieces make for unique looks.

Pins, patches and chains, added by the designer or yourself, can add a unique flare to a basic piece.

As someone that views fashion as a way to express yourself, this trend has me excited about some upcoming outfits I have planned.

Leather is no longer limited to the Moto jacket. Pants, tops and skirts are popping up everywhere made from faux or natural leather adding an edgy vibe to your wardrobe.

This season has seen a much needed return to elegance.

Dapper gentlemen and graceful ladies are no longer a thing of the past. There’s a call to put pride into the way you dress.

Whether running errands or going out for the evening, looking put together is back in fashion.

Fall has always had the best fashion in my opinion. And I look forward to it each year.

What’s your favorite fall trend?

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Uptown Funk-Living it up in the Queen City

I recently got together with photographer and fellow blogger Megan of @megandunbarphotography to brainstorm over a blog collab.

Of course there was food and coffee involved. So it was only natural that we blog about some of our favorite places to eat. 

Megan suggested we narrow it down to a specific area and asked me to do the impossible…..decide which part of this fabulous city is my favorite. 

I chose downtown….errr….Uptown. Don’t even get this small town girl started on the semantics of this. 

So UPTOWN it is. We started comparing our lists of favorite eateries and found we had a few in common. She also gave me ideas for new places to try.

1. Fitzgerald’s 

Fitzgeralds, located at 201 E 5th, is part sports bar and part Irish tavern. Steelers fans gather to enjoy the pub grub and watch the game. 

Since two of my beloved Tennessee Vols were recently drafted by Pittsburg this new fan will be joining them. As a vegetarian I was pleased to find several options on their menu. 

2. Vapiano

Vapiano is a hip, European inspired, cafeteria style dining experience located at 201 S Tryon.

From the chalkboard menu to olive tree in the dining room, the decor equals the food in excellence. 

3. Midnight Diner

Immediately after hearing of my quest to ‘Eat my way thru Charlotte’ so many people told me I HAD to try Midnight Diner. 

The Railroad car at 115 E Carson houses a piece of Americana. Diners have foverver been connected with family and comfort food. Midnight Diner is no exception. Their claims of having ‘The Best Onion Rings’ are substantiated after the first bite. 

Finish the evening off with their banana pudding. You’ll thank me for this later. 

4. Mert’s Heart and Soul 

Walking into 214 N College is like walking into your Grandmama’s house for Sunday dinner. Mert’s Heart and Soul literally puts their heart and soul into each dish they serve in their quirky vintage dining room. Just like your Grandmama does.

Several of their vegetable dishes are made without meat. But it doesn’t take away from the flavor. This vegetarian approves! 

5. Rock Bottom Brewery 

When I wandered into 401 N Tryon I wasn’t intending to eat. I was hot and thirsty and just needed to sit a spell. 

After sipping on a couple of Blueberry Mojitos I decided to order a little something. 

Little did I know their ‘appetizer’ could feed a small country!  

I protested as the server sat my veggie nachos in front of me. But he assured me it was indeed an appetizer. 

Passerbys judgemental stares were met with my “yes I AM going to eat all of this” stare. One should never waste food. 

Megan has me dying to try Dandelion Market. So it’s moved to the top of my ‘to eat’ list. Yes, I have a list. 

She had me in tears hearing the story of her first meal at Mert’s. I’m not going to spoil it for you. So head over to her blog https://cltnomad.com/blog/ to hear about it and more of her favorite places. 

Let us know your favorite place in UpDown Town! 

Bon Appetit!!

The Terrific Twos

The Diva turns two!!!

Two years ago today I posted my very first blog! And my, she is growing quite nicely. 

This year I’ve made myself post on a regular basis. I’ve made myself post more about the events I attend. 

My first year I stressed and panicked over content. This year I’ve pushed my anxieties aside. 

I go to alot of pretty cool places. I’m literally ‘Living La Vida Diva!’ Not everyone may even know they exist. By blogging about them I’m taking my readers along with me. I want to inspire readers to check out these events themselves. 

Of course everyone with a two year old likes to show them off. So I’m ‘showing off’ some of my favorite blogs from this past year. 

The Love Desserts and the Celtic Festivals were two of my favorites. I love my Scotch-Irish heritage almost as much as I love sweets. 

I shared the struggle I feel each time I go home to visit.

Anything that involves shopping is also an immediate favorite. I was fortunate to attend and blog about several events at Southpark Mall in Charlotte. Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Lilly Pulitzer and Banana Republic have each provided me with opportunities to bring my readers into their stores with me. 

This year brought my first chance to be a social media Influencer. 

Banana Republic invited me to ‘Find my Perfect Fit.’ This brought about the most difficult yet most rewarding blog I have written. I was worried about how I would look in the pictures I was posting of my body’s most troubled areas. I was worried about how I was representing such a well known, highly respected company. 

I chronicled my Pants Journey and it became one of my favorite blogs. 

This year also brought about my first blogger ‘collab’. 

@Reaganmyownworld and I teamed up to bring our readers the newest pieces of Target fashion.

My little blog is continuing to grow. We are growing together. And I look forward to everything we experience in the coming year. 

Autumn Leaves and Pumpkins Please

Despite the calendar saying it’s fall, the weather is saying otherwise. 

It’s been in the ’90s since the first day of my favorite season. 

Bloggers are being forced to crank up the AC as they take selfies in their new cozy sweaters, ugg boots and thick woolen scarves. 

We have to smile as we drink our Pumpkin Spice Lattes in the sweltering heat. 

Mother Nature is ruining our Instagram lives!!!

I’ve brought out some Fall decor in hopes of inspiring the cool, crisp air to come and stay. 

I’ve unearthed my Bean Boots and blanket scarves. I’ve drank my first PSL of the season. 

Come on already. 

I’ve got lattes to drink and layers to wear. 

Happy Fall Y’all