artofstyleblog

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Spring Dress Edit

We are finally getting settled into our new home and I’m looking forward to getting back to a regular blogging schedule. Moving is hard work, so I’m planning to ease into the new season and make an effort to slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. That being said, there isn’t anything much easier to throw on than a dress. Spring always invigorates my love for dresses, so I’ve compiled some of my favorites below. There is no particular theme to this grouping — just lovely pieces that I wouldn’t mind having in my new closet.

spring dress edit.

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Final Glimpse Into Our First Family Home

We said our final goodbyes to our first family home nearly two weeks ago. Moving was such a whirlwind that I didn’t even have time to think about the fact that we were leaving for the last time (word of advice - HIRE MOVERS). Although I believe that home is a feeling created through being with the people you hold most dear, it doesn’t change the fact that I miss this little place. It is where Bobby and I first put down roots, where we spent countless hours on home and yard projects, and most importantly, where we brought home both Teddy and Linley. It will always hold a special place in my heart and I’m grateful for the wonderful memories we made there.

As always, thank you for following along. We’re excited to start fresh at our new home! I’m planning to do a better job documenting our home renovation projects - we already have countless ideas of how to turn our new house into a home.

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Corner Gallery Wall with Framebridge

Life has been moving pretty fast. So fast, in fact, that I just framed our first set of family photos nearly three years after we moved into our first home together. I’m not sure why it took me so long (quite possibly the countless home renovations we’ve been working on), but I am glad to finally have some of our favorite memories on display in our living room. Amidst the fast pace of everyday life, it was nice to sit down and reflect on how far we’ve come over the past few years. With the help of Framebridge, I was able to create a gallery wall that tells the story of how we became a family.

I partnered with Framebridge back in 2016 to create a beautiful gallery wall comprised of artwork (see the post here). They made the process simple and we were extremely pleased with the end result. Because I so enjoyed my previous experience, I wanted to use Framebridge again to create a unique gallery wall in an empty corner of our living room.

Since the last time I used Framebridge, they’ve simplified the framing process even more by creating a variety of gallery wall layouts for you to choose from. I opted for the Half Wall Grid in gold. After choosing your layout and style, the next step is to upload your pictures. This was the most time consuming portion due to the huge amount of family pictures I needed to sort through. I eventually decided on nine photographs for our corner gallery wall. We received our shipment of frames just a few days later. It was so exciting to open the boxes and see our precious memories in the beautiful Georgetown frames. All of the frames were in perfect condition and they even sent a life-size hanging template and all of the necessary hardware.

I enlisted the help of my handyman husband, Bobby, and our corner gallery wall was complete in about an hour. We decided to use eight of the frames in the living room to create a symmetrical layout. We used the last frame in our bedroom. I love having some of our most cherished memories on display every day: moments from our wedding, of our beloved dog, Teddy, who passed away this summer, and pictures of Linley and our little family of three. I’m so thankful that Framebridge helped us create this gallery wall with ease and I highly recommend using them to anyone who needs to frame anything. Their customer service and quality is truly unbeatable.

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Holiday Hosting

I’m probably the farthest thing from an expert hostess there is. You can usually find me scrambling to pull everything together about five minutes before the first guest arrives. That being said, I have learned a few things about hosting since becoming a homeowner and hosting numerous bridal showers, baby showers and holiday parties during the past few years. We were even ready nearly thirty minutes before party time when we hosted a Christmas brunch this past weekend - that is a huge feat for us, haha. I’ve compiled a short list of my essentials for hosting during the holiday season below…

Holiday Hosting Essentials

SIPS

No party is complete without a few key beverages. Aperol spritzes, champagne punch and red wine are ideal choices in my book. We got this new latte and cappuccino maker to meet everyone’s caffeinated needs.

CANDLES

Is there such a thing as too many candles? I think not. I light a few nightly, so I definitely step it up when it comes time to host. I like to light a few scented ones in the kitchen and living areas, taper candles on the dining room table and one in the bathroom. They not only make things smell lovely, but also create an undeniable warmth and ambiance in your space.

GREENERY

I like fresh greenery all year round, but especially during the holidays. In addition to our Christmas tree, I like to use garlands on the mantle and dining table and wreaths in windows and hanging from mirrors.

THOUGHTFUL TOUCHES

I think it’s important to make your space feel personal and inviting to guests. I dried oranges for the first time this year and added them to our dining table arrangement and mantle. Our (two) Christmas trees are adorned with personal ornaments and we inherited all of our Christmas decorations from family. Our house may not look like a magazine, but it definitely represents our family and I couldn’t be happier about that.

HELP FROM FRIENDS

My most important word of advice is to take up your friends’ offers to help! We tend to host potluck style parties with our group of friends and it takes a huge load off of our backs. I also love the sense of togetherness it creates - everyone contributes to making the party great, regardless of if they’re hosting or not.

Shop this post below:

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Festive Winter Sweaters

Sweater weather is officially here in Georgia. There is nothing better than a cozy sweater to keep you warm during the cold, wet days of winter. I love to find festive sweaters to wear during the holiday season, but do my best to make sure they’ve got staying power for the rest of the winter. That being said, the Fair Isle sweater trend that seems to be everywhere this year is right up my alley. You also can’t go wrong with a chunky cable knit. I’ve picked a few favorites (including this Joie one) that are sure to get you through Christmastime and beyond.

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Under the Autumn Sun

An open field on a clear autumn day. A perfect little girl and a dreamy dress.

I planned this outing to capture this dreamy dress from Dôen, but left with special memories of our smiling babe. If you’re looking for a dress for a special occasion, I highly recommend checking out Dôen’s line of vintage inspired designs.

Shop my exact dress here & other lovely designs from Dôen below:

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Fall Wishlist: Wide Leg Pants

A good pair of wide leg pants was at the top of my fall wishlist this year. This autumn-hued pair from Free People was exactly what I was looking for. To contrast the weight of the pants, I decided to wear them with a sheer, lace top (old from Urban Outfitters, but linked similar tops below). I’ve already worn these pants five times since I bought them a few weeks back. I’m sure they’ll remain a staple of my wardrobe throughout the season and for future years.

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White After Labor Day

I've never been one to pay much attention to fashion rules, so the whole "no white after Labor Day" has never really been applicable to me. I love wearing white throughout the year, so post September 1st is no different to me. This white top from Reformation (linked below) has quickly become one of my favorites - the fit and floral detail is right on point. 

If you've been following along with me for a while, you may have noticed that I've been posting a bit less. Although I'm still passionate about blogging, I don't want to post "just to post". It is important to me to post only inspiring content and that may or may not happen multiple times per week. Being a new mom, I'm constantly trying to find a balance between family, work and blogging and sometimes I just need to take a step back from social media to refresh and focus on what is really important. I hope you all understand my viewpoint and continue to follow along. I've got lots of fresh ideas I'm hoping to share with you all in the next few months!

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A Letter to Teddy

Dear Teddy (aka sweet T, T baby, Teddy bear, Teddy boy),

I started missing you the moment that we said goodbye and left you behind at the animal clinic. It has only been a week since your passing, but it feels like it has been so much longer. The void that you left in our hearts and family is bigger than I could have ever expected. I keep thinking that I hear your collar jingling, or the soft pitter-patter of your paws on the hardwood floors as if you were coming down the hall to visit us in our bedroom. Don't even get me started on the bell that you would ring to go outside (or to just get our attention whenever you felt overlooked). What I would do to hear you ring that bell just one more time...

You left us before we were ever able to understand what was ailing you, but the day after you passed, we learned that you had aleukemic leukemia. This was determined by a bone marrow aspiration test that had been conducted several days prior. However, in the few days after the test, your condition worsened so quickly and you were suffering so greatly that we could not justify holding onto you any longer.  The specialist later told us that the prognosis for your leukemia was poor and the treatment would have required multiple forms of chemotherapy. Everyone involved in your care agreed that we had made the right decision to let you go. Your sweet little body would not have been able to handle such a treatment in the state you were in. 

Now, we are doing our best to try and adjust to life without you and remember all of the good times that we shared. The amount of joy that you brought to Bobby and me in your short life (two years + seven months) was remarkable. We've been looking through the hundreds of pictures and videos of you doing silly things or just being your usual sweet self. You're still making us smile and laugh, even after you're gone. 

There are so many things that I want to thank you for. From the time we picked you up, you began teaching us what life is all about. You began preparing us for parenthood on our very first night at home with you. We didn't know it when we picked you up, but you had contracted coccidiosis and we were up nearly every hour of the night running you outside to use the bathroom. Thankfully, you recovered from your illness and we soon became our own little family.

Because you joined us shortly after we bought our first home, pretty much every memory we've made here has had you in it. You made our house into a home as much as we did. You gave us a reason to wake up with joy each day, greeted us at the door with your sleepy smile after a long day's work and lulled us to sleep with your frenchie snores each night. You wanted all of our house guests to feel at home when they visited and definitely reminded us that furniture/rugs should never be too precious. 

Even through your death, you've continued teaching us. You have reminded us to rely on one another in tough times, and that we are each other's closest confidants. You showed us that life is made rich through the ones you share it with, not by your earthly possessions. Ultimately, you taught us that we are dog people. It is painful to think about not having you around, but I know you would want us to move on and live the happiest lives we can. We love you, Teddy. Your memory will live on in our hearts forever. 

Your loving dog mom,

Brianna

P.S. Linley was just starting to notice you and loved to pet you and watch you play. She doesn't realize it now, but she has already had the best dog she'll ever have and she was only six months old. 

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Weekends with Baby

Each Saturday, we wake up to the sound of Linley's sweet baby talk. It takes me a moment to open my eyes as I try to remember what day it is because pretty much every day starts out this way. Either Bobby or I venture sleepily into the nursery to give her pacifier to her in hopes of fifteen more minutes of sleep. It isn't long before she starts fussing and one of us brings her to our bed for me to breastfeed. 

Before I had Linley, I dreaded the idea of waking up early with a baby. The reality is that mornings with Linley are the best time of the day. After she feeds, she is in the best mood; full of snuggles and smiles. We typically take shifts showering and feeding Teddy (our beloved Frenchie) before breakfast. Linley plays hard in her SKIP*HOP Activity Center as we plan out our day. 

I usually take Linley and Teddy for a walk around the neighborhood while Bobby works on one of the numerous house projects we've got going on. We talk about everything we see - the green grass, leaves, trees, flowers - you name it. Linley typically starts getting sleepy by this time and I put her down for a nap when finish our walk. While she is napping, Bobby and I try to pack her diaper bag and the car as quickly as we can. We clean bottles and pump parts and I try to make sure we haven't forgotten anything. 

Can we be as spontaneous as we used to be? Nope, definitely not. However, we still love to get out and about as a family and all the preparation is totally worth it in my eyes. This past weekend, we headed to midtown to the High Museum of Art to check out the Winnie-the-Pooh exhibit. I loved watching Linley look at the art, although I think she had more fun people watching. On the way home, we stopped by Guitar Center before heading to our local wing spot for a quick dinner. We ended the day at some of our best friends' house in the neighborhood with a few drinks and a movie. 

We didn't do anything out of the ordinary, but we had such a good time together. I'm always trying to remind myself to live in the moment and having Linley around makes that so much easier.

Shop my weekend outfit below: (been looking for a good pair of hole-free Levis like these for a LONG time - highly recommend!)

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Simple Housewarming Recipe

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Summer Staples

Since becoming a mother, shopping has moved a lot further down on my list of priorities. Oftentimes, extra spending money is spent on baby essentials or new baby gear - not new clothing or accessories. Although this is definitely a change from how things used to be, I've found a silver lining to my new spending situation. It has made me wait and save for items I truly want, instead of making impulse purchases that will surely make their way to the back of my closet. 

I've found a few new items that are/are sure to become staples of my summertime wardrobe. I'll start with what I've already had for some time now: these espadrilles from Soludos + striped tank from the Gap outlet. Both items are comfortable and chic and I find myself wearing them multiple times per week. Onto the new stuff: I've been eyeing this frayed boater hat for a long time and can't wait to start wearing it on repeat. I've also been on the hunt for the perfect white denim. I finally found it in Madewell's appropriately named 'Perfect Summer Jean'. They fit like a dream (& they're linked below). 

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Patio Update

Although our patio is far from our final vision, I'm proud of the progress that we've made so far. When we moved in, we had a small, old brick patio combined with a cracked concrete slab. We decided that it needed to go a few summers back and started a complete backyard overhaul. My husband and dad worked to re-grade our yard and lower the retaining wall. We then proceeded to lay sod, stain the retaining wall, and hire some help to lay a new flagstone/pebble patio. We love the natural look of flagstone and are pleased with how it turned out. In the last few years, we've planted a ton of jasmine on the slope next to the retaining wall (can't wait 'til it blooms!). 

I did a lot of research before purchasing our patio furniture. I was on the hunt for high quality pieces that didn't cost an arm and a leg. Luckily, I came across Article and found this amazing teak table for an unbeatable price (trust me, I did a lot of comparison). I snagged the chairs for a steal at Target.

One of my favorite ways to spend a warm spring or summer evening is to set a pretty table with some greenery from the yard (magnolia blooms are some of my favorites) and light lots of candles for ambiance. Lately I've been using my Solly wrap to keep Linley happy while I get dinner ready and set the table. The evening time is her fussiest time of day and holding her or strolling with her keeps her from getting too worked up. She loves being able to see what I'm doing and is soothed by the movement. I'm looking forward to spending many more summer nights out on the patio and continuing to work on making our vision come to life - planning on sharing a backyard mood board in a new post soon!

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Holiday at the Beach

We took a quick trip down to Miramar Beach, Florida for the holiday weekend. Despite the weatherman's call for rain, we had great weather and were able to spend a lot of time on the beach. Linley is definitely a beach baby; she was down there with us from 11 AM to 4 PM on Friday and took two naps in her tent! It makes my heart happy to see her enjoying one of our favorite things to do. 

Bobby and I slipped out on the balcony during one of her naps to snap a few quick pictures and relax. I love a classic, red swimsuit. I purchased this one from Target and have been very pleased with it. I hope you all had wonderful weekends and were able to spend time with friends + family while remembering all the selfless servicemen and women who gave so much for our freedom.

Shop this post below > >

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Backyard Baby Hangs

We are currently in the midst of one of the best times of the year in Georgia. It's that short period of time before the heat becomes as unbearable as the mosquitoes. Lately, one of our favorite things to do with Linley has been to hangout in the backyard on a big blanket. She loves being outside just as much as we do.

We snapped these pictures a few weeks back on my first Mother's day. Linley and I decided to match in casual polka dot ensembles, haha. I bought my dress during pregnancy & picked up Linley's Carter's romper from a consignment store. I grabbed some cold Perrier from the fridge, little bean's diaper bag (favorite baby gear post coming soon!), my trusty Panama hat, a few good magazines and Pamela Druckerman's Bringing Up Bébé before heading out back.  It was the perfect way to spend the afternoon as a family!

Shop this post > >

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Silk + Denim

I have always been a "less is more" type of gal, but becoming a mom has reinforced that trait even more. Since having a baby requires one to acquire a lot of stuff, I've been doing my best to streamline other areas of my life. My closet is definitely one of them. Our day-to-day lives have also changed quite a bit. We are spending much more time at home than out and about, so my wardrobe has different needs nowadays. Comfy clothes are a must, but I don't always want to be in yoga pants or pajamas. This silk top and light-wash denim combination is the perfect alternative. The romantic, caramel colored top contrasts the raw hem jeans to create a chic, yet casual look. 

Shop these items + my other picks below > > 

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White Jumpsuit

Keeping things short this morning because we are down at the beach for family vacation, but I'm loving this white jumpsuit so I wanted to go ahead and share. I bought this one (linked in first picture below) at Anthropologie the week before Easter and couldn't be more pleased with it. I love wearing white in spring and the scalloped details and wide legs of this jumpsuit are perfect. I've compiled more of my favorite white jumpsuits below:

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