Atlanta Content Creator Inspiring [life] style

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Musings of a Muse: April Link Love

  • What do you think of public displays of affection? Or as Adeola calls them, "public displays of awesomeness"?
  • Looking for a delicious spring meal? How about Madison's kale salad with mint, lemon and avocado? Uhm, uhm, good.
  • Last week I shared my tropical travel packing guide, and Andrea shared her beach getaway essentials featuring these ASOS slides as awesome alternatives to flip flops.
  • According to Eat.Style.Play as long as she feels great wearing it, then no amount of staring matters! Read more about her views on body changes.
  • So I'm not a single girl and I've never used Tinder, but Kimberlee shares all her fun #datinggirl tips on how to get her to swipe right on the dating app -- including having a photo of a dog in your profile pic, or having the advantage of resembling a celebrity crush. Do you Tinder?
  • This super easy and laid back spring side braid on Rach is everything. How fun would this be for an outdoor spring wedding?
  • I know we all love our morning coffee, but if you're using a Keurig, then you're probably creating a lot of K-cup waste. The Good Stuff shares some uber cool ways to up-cycle your K-cups, from bath bombs to herb gardens.
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Monday, April 27, 2015

Lookbook: Bon Voyage

Muses, I got a new passport! I'm sure you're all aware that my lovely dog ripped my old one to shreds last month. Did I tell you that it didn't expire until 2023? Anyway, I finally got the new one in the mail, which is perfect since I'm currently jet-setting. Right now I'm in the middle of my trip to Florida and then I'm off to Costa Rica in a couple days. So I'm happy to also have this tres cute Hayden-Harnett passport case, perfectly equipped to hold the book, my I.D., boarding pass, credit cards, etc.

Remember when I introduced you all to Hello Molly last month? This is one of the pieces that I just had to grab and add to my wardrobe. Isn't it fun? I can't wait to wear this again (because I will) during my vacation. Did you guys pick up anything from the site? If so, I'd love to know what you got your hands on.

Eyebrows did. Nails did. Braids re-tightened. Good to go! Be sure to keep up with my adventures over on Instagram and with the hashtag: #travelingmuse

On the Muse: | Hello Molly Spending Time Together playsuit | Hayden-Harnett passport case c/o |

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Friday, April 24, 2015

Inspiring Style: Tropical Travel Packing Guide

| Kate Spade Shopbop Tote Bags | Squirrel Brand Creme Brulee Almonds | Hayden-Harnett Passport Case | Karen Walker Shopbop Sunglasses | C9 by Champion Water Shoes | OFF! Familycare Tropical Fresh Insect Repellent | Lilly Pulitzer + Target Eyelet Cover-Up | The Girl on the Train Book | Dr. Dennis Gross Hydra-Pure Smart SprayJanessa Leone Hats | Frends Taylor Headphones |

I'm going on vacation! I can't wait to take a break from life. I feel like I've been dealing with a lot of inept people lately (that sounds rude). I think I just need a bit of a break and just some time to relax surrounded by a tropical rain forest and some Capuchin monkeys. So these are a few things I'll need in my tropical travel packing guide.

Of course, I'll need a tote bag, and this one from Shopbop is pretty awesome because of the petal detail and two-tone colors. You already know how much I love my new passport case and my headphones to just chill out. My water shoes will be perfect for all the outside activities I plan on doing next week, and I'll zen out by reading Girl on the Train. I think everyone is reading this right now. I even hear that it's the new Gone Girl. (I'll judge that for myself).

What are your go-to essentials for plane rides and vacations?

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Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Inspiring Style: Home Tour

As some of you might remember, #thehubs and I recently bought a house. And while everything isn't ready just yet, I wanted to share what we've been able to do so far -- especially since I know that our family back home would like to see it as well.

We're currently in the process of changing our brown kitchen cabinets to white, so I don't have any kitchen photos this time around -- but soon! Also, we're still in the process of decorating the walls and such, so more to come later on. Much of what you see here was purchased from Crate and Barrel, Amazon, Target and Home Goods.

What do you think of the home decor so far?


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Monday, April 20, 2015

Lookbook: Run Fast, Love Slow

Run fast, love slow. To confess -- I don't run much at all. Sometimes I'll run on a treadmill, but I've never been much for that form of exercise. But I do love slow. I like to feel things out before I commit completely. And I've always wanted to be a fast runner -- must be the Jamaican in me -- but that's totally never going to happen.

The point is, I'm loving this tank from the new Boy Meets Girl for Nordstrom collection. This Fun in the Sun campaign features clothes that are perfect for spring beach days and summer festivals. Boy Meets Girl is a flirty contemporary brand created by the lovely Stacy Igel, and you might have noticed me wearing various clothing and jewelry items from BMG.

This tank paired perfectly with these joggers over the weekend. We were exploring our close-by downtown and noticed this really nice backdrop, so we stopped to take some photos before lunch. It was a warm April day here in the Bay, so I really loved how breezy and cool this tank is, as it allowed me to stroll along without getting too hot, but feeling quite haute. I seriously could wear this top with just about anything.

If you like this tank, then check out the rest of the pieces in the Boy Meets Girl x Nordstrom collab. And be sure to learn more about the brand by checking out the site and following BMG on social!

On the Muse: | Boy Meets Girl Run Fast, Love Slow tank | Forever 21 sparkly joggers | Nardith heels by Sophia & Lee | ShopLately sunglasses |

How was your weekend? Did you run fast or love slow?
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Friday, April 17, 2015

Inspiring Style: Lilly Pulitzer for Target

On April 19, Target will launch its much anticipated Lilly Pulitzer collection. The collaboration will include the signature Lilly Pulitzer style of brightly colored resort wear. You can find sweet pieces for women, girls, beauty and home decor. In total, there are 250 pieces and the prices range from $2 to $150 with plus size options too! It's the perfect collection to take you from spring break to summer vacation. Here are some of my favorites that I hope to snag this weekend! What are your thoughts on this collection? Do you see any pieces that fit your style and budget?
| Eyelet Tunic Cover-up - White ($32) | Challis Pompom Shorts - Upstream ($24) | Espadrilles - Upstream ($24) | Challis Romper - Happy Place ($34) | Shift Dress - Happy Place ($38) | Gold Sandals - Pineapple ($30) | Eyelet Shorts - White ($26) | Satin Flounce Dress - Giraffing Me Crazy ($38) |
| Teak Beach Chair - Nosie Posey ($60) | Porcelain Dessert Plates - Gold Embossed Rim ($25) | Garden Stool - White ($80) | Teak Beach Chair - Boom Boom ($60) |
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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

What I'm Loving in April 2015

April seems to be the month for taking trips. In 2013, I went to Florida and Jamaica, and in 2014, I enjoyed the Florida beach life again. So it's no surprise that I'll be taking a short trip back to Florida again in a week to visit family. But we're also adding a little excursion to Costa Rica for #thehubs' 30th birthday. So these are all the fab things I'm loving this month -- you might sense a beachy theme.

Lilly Pulitzer for Target Espadrilles - Later this week I'll share all my top picks from the Lilly + Target collaboration, but one item I can't wait to get my hands on will be these Upstream Espadrilles for $24! They're only available online so hopefully they will ship fast so I can wear them while strolling the Costa Rican beaches.

Shopbop Fine Prints - There's just something about spring that says fine prints! I simply can't wait to rock more colorful pieces this month like the fine prints on Shopbop. Don't get me wrong, I'm still totally into monochromes and black and white (you should see my house), but a fun print outfit never hurt nobody. And these Clover Canyon pieces totally scream rain forest paradise. Don't get me started on the spring and summer sandals too!

Hayden-Harnett Passport Case - Remember that time my dog ate my passport? Well, fortunately, I was able to get a new one in time for my trip. And I've secured it in this cute, multipurpose passport case that's also ideal for holding boarding passes and my other go-to cards. What's not to love?

Home Decor Cheers Tray - So the two biggest things on my mind in April are home decor and traveling. And as you might have guessed from this DIY post, I'm really into coffee table trays right now. I have the one seen there in the living room and I have two of these "cheers" lacquer trays -- one for holding mail and another in my office. This is from Cathy's Concepts, which has a ton of other great monogrammed kitchen decor items.

Crate & Barrel French Press - #thehubs has officially ruined my life by picking up this French Press from Crate and Barrel. I usually don't own things like waffle makers and coffee makers at home because I believe having those things so easily accessible makes it way too difficult not to use them. And I was completely right. Come on over if you want some coffee. We're brewing like every day.

Game of Thrones Season 5 - After waiting an entire year, which is ridiculous by the way, Game of Thrones is finally back! The fifth season aired April 12 so you already know my Sunday nights are stacked. If you're a fan of the show, take a look at this Game of Thrones Valar Morghulis infographic for a bit of fun.

What are you loving this month?


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Monday, April 13, 2015

Lookbook: Hem and Haw

I can finally stop hemming and hawing now that I've gotten my hair done. You know how you can have on the cutest outfit, the nicest shoes and your makeup on fleek, but still feel "blah" if your hair doesn't look right? That's what was happening with me the past couple of weeks. But I had some time last weekend to "get it did" and, trust me, it makes all the difference. Don't you feel the same way?

And are you loving this ASOS dress as much as I am? I was going to wear it to my house warming party, but I've had to move the date on that so I decided to just wear it for fun before I went out for a day of wine tasting. I've always been a big fan of ASOS, and their dress selection is no joke. I'll let you in on a little secret: Whenever I go to a blog conference, I wear a dress from ASOS. They have their exclusive collection, pieces from French Connection, River Island, New Look, Curve sizes and more.

On the Muse: | ASOS Asymmetric Hem dress | Jessica Simpson Cecerre heels | Daniel Wellington Classy Sheffield watch | Rocksbox jewelry |

Be sure to visit Daniel Wellington and use code ohtobeamuseDW for 15% off in April and code cherylbff59 at Rocksbox to get a free month of jewelry!

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Friday, April 10, 2015

Inspiring Style: Express Swim

Did you know that EXPRESS recently launched an exclusive swimwear line? As if you weren't busy enough perusing their portofino shirts, now you have yet another reason to like their style. The new swim collection allows you to pick a piece or build an entire look. For two pieces, you have a range of top options that include triangle, halter, flounce and bandeau. For bottoms, you can choose from cheeky, string or bikini. And, of course, EXPRESS has a few one pieces that I know you'll love as well. Here are a few mix and match swimsuit styling picks!
Whether you're into bikini style or something a little less revealing, EXPRESS swim will have something for everyone. I went ahead and picked the strappy plunging swimsuit in blue for my upcoming trip to Costa Rica. Can't wait to rock those keyhole cutouts!

By the way, today is my 5-year wedding anniversary! I think we'll celebrate by taking some updated pictures to frame and display in our house. What's your favorite bathing suit style from the EXPRESS collection?
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Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Inspiring Style: DIY Coffee Table Tray

What You'll Need:
  • Tray -- I got this Zuma white rectangular tray from Crate & Barrel, but there are many options at various price points.
  • Wall Paper -- This is called Devine Color Zigzag from Target. I initially bought it for my home office, but realized that it would work great here as well.
  • Books/Magazines --  These keeps your reading material handy and allows the tray to be functional and not just aesthetically pleasing.
  • Flowers -- Bring in the beauty with a small floral arrangement. Go for something simple and tall like orchids and tulips or low and tight like peonies and roses.
  • Texture -- Add some texture with a picture frame, candles or a home accent figurine. You want this piece not to be too big to overpower everything else on the tray, but to also not be too small so it doesn't just come off as an added tchotchke.
Directions & Tips:
  1. Line up the wall paper and use measuring tape to get the exact sizing of the paper and tray. 
  2. Use a ruler and x-acto knife or something similar (like a box cutter) to cut evenly. It would be nice if you could use one of those industrial size paper cutters from school.
  3. Peel off the backing of the paper and lay flat on the inside of the tray. I would recommend starting at one corner and slowly smoothing the paper as you go along. I used one of my books, but you can use a sponge to smooth out any bubbles. 
  4. It might take you a few shots at smoothing out the wall paper, so get assistance to make your life easier, or just wing it. 
  5. Place your decor items in a manner that draws the eye -- put a few things on an angle and play with sizing and shapes.
You can find a lot of ideas on the Shopbop home decor page -- like the ever popular Jonathan Adler zebra dish. And add some books to your DIY tray. I have my eye on Shoestrology!

The best part of having a house with big windows is I didn't even have to edit these images. #LightingOnFleek #DontMindtheDog
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Monday, April 6, 2015

Lookbook: A Bird in the Hand

A bird in the hand. I'm a total follower of this motto, even to the point where it might come off as superstitious. I'd rather take advantage of an opportunity that's certain than try to hold off for something that might be worth more, but might also be riskier. But since I recently decided to quit my full-time marketing job to focus more on the Muse and styling opportunities, I've come to the realization that sometimes it's OK to wait out for the two birds in the bush. Have you ever had a similar experience in your life?

Also, I'm teaming up with Laura of Walking in Memphis in High Heels for the Trend Spin Linkup, which is prints! What do you think of this Cooper and Ella bird print blouse? I'm loving the print blouses on Shopbop right now -- are you? Be sure to linkup your look below -- animal print, stripes, polka dots, birds...whatever!



On the Muse:  | Cooper & Ella Karyn bird print blouse | H&M skinny jeans | Prabal Gurung for Target sandals | Gray beanie |

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Friday, April 3, 2015

Inspiring Style: Easter Ideas


My Tory Burch Easter Picks from Shopbop
// Lonnie Canvas Backpack // Fitbet Fret Double Wrap Bracelet // Pineapple Flat Slides // Dipped Cuff Bracelet // Robinson Pineapple Wristlet Pouch //

Where does the time go? I've been knee-deep in moving things out of my apartment and into my house, so I don't really have time to do much else. Honestly, I'm not sure where I found the time to write this post. I seriously spent five hours picking window coverings the other day. Five hours! Anyway, let's get back on track.

Today is Good Friday and the beginning of Passover, and Sunday is Easter. I don't actually have any real plans for this weekend other than trying to put this house together (and get my hair done). But I thought I'd at least share some cute and fun Easter ideas you can easily create last minute (except for Lilly Pulitzer for Target since that's not available until 4/19). What are your plans for this hoppin' weekend? Did you see what I did there?

Oh, and you have to check out these adorable Tory Burch pieces at Shopbop. You can also put a little spring in your step with these fab spring shoe trends (hello espadrilles, sliders and gladiators!). And don't even get me started on the fun backpacks and mini bags to tote around with your weekend must haves.
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Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Inspiring Style: Crate & Barrel Wishlist

Happy first day of April! It might be April Fools' Day, but this ain't no joke! Home decor is a serious matter. ;)

Even before I had a house I had home decor on the brain. So you can probably imagine how crazy exciting it is to look at pieces that I might actually put in my home. These are just a few lovely accents from Crate & Barrel that caught my eye. What are your picks from this selection -- or what would you consider to be a must-have item for any home? Is it weird that I want brass log holders even though I don't have a fireplace?

FYI: I went to Crate & Barrel after writing this post to buy all these things and ended up leaving the store with only one tray. I'm really bad about shopping in store and do much better online. Clearly, I have issues.

All images courtesy of Crate & Barrel. I was not sponsored for this post.
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