What to Wear

In trying to keep with my resolution to post at least twice a week, I’m starting a new series on the blog! I’ll be putting together looks for different events & occasions to show [& maybe prove to myself] that going out & buying a new dress for every event that you will never wear again wear once or twice is not necessary. 

{Thank you social media for documenting our closets so we can't wear the same dress to two different weddings/parties/any occasions a camera is present}

Helping pick outfits & style my friends has been one of my favorite things since playing dress up in my mama’s closet when I was little. When I lived in the sorority house one of my roommates had to make a sign out sheet for my closet because girls would come borrow things so often I would lose track. It was like the library, but for my closet. I didn’t mind though, I always loved having options for my friends to wear, not just for me.

With so many big events happening in my friends’ lives, there are all kinds of parties, showers & weddings to go to. Buying a new outfit for each of these is so impractical because you wear it once and then it sits in the back of your closet for years. Its almost a waste of money. Buying separates & investing in them means they will last you longer & you can mix & match to wear on any occasion.

First up is a bridal shower. My sorority sister Kayla had the cutest UGA themed shower last weekend in Atlanta.

Events like showers are a great place to have a little fun with what you wear. Mixing prints, patterns & textures dresses up a basic outfit. You look more festive & they make the outfit more appropriate than just throwing on jeans & a sweater.

 

If you have any special occasions you would like me to style you for, send me an email! [nataliemeynell@gmail.com] I would love to help go through your closet & pick the perfect outfit. It makes me happier than if Gossip Girl came out with another season.

I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!

XOXO, Natalie

Coordinate Change

After 6 months in Nashville the big move back to Georgia for my dream job happened this weekend. I dove straight into my internship in August, so I spent my last week in Nashville doing all the super touristy things I never got the chance to do.

Example: making all the hipsters locals stare & judge while I shot in front of the “I Believe” sign….

Nashville is the most amazing city (& I am not a city girl. I’m slowly moving myself closer & closer towards the coast). There’s creativity everywhere & it’s honestly the most inspiring place.

Running around the city last week I already had most all of my closet already packed. I have to couch surf for a month in Athens until my apartment is ready so I had to pack clothes for February separately from the rest of my closet that’s in storage currently [aka the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do].

Packing light has never been easy for me. I’m all about options.

 

If you’re like me, jackets & accessories make the best friends. They can take the simplest comfy outfit [cue jeans & a white tee] and completely change it up. This makes packing for a long trip easier because the statement is in the smaller items.

This cropped jacket is one of my current favorite things in my closet. Suede is a big spring trend [hallelujah] & it layers over everything from jeans to a dress. Not to mention it’s the softest material & transitions perfectly from work to a night out.

If you know anyone in Athens, I’m in need of a new photographer for shoots. I’d love some suggestions! nataliemeynell@gmail.com

XOXO, Natalie

Jacket: link // link [chocolate brown] 

Clueless

Along with Rachel Zoe, Dolly Parton & Brigitte Bardot, Cher is one of my idols. 

Not like Sonny & Cher, more like 90’s, plaid outfit wearing, Jeep driving, “As If” Cher from one of the greatest movies of all time [Clueless, duh.]

One of the things I’ve always admired most about Cher is her individuality. She is unafraid to be exactly who she is & nothing else. It’s so easy to be self-conscious with choosing what to wear or what to blog about for the fear of what people may think. 

Seriously, doing these blog shoots is so awkward because:

A. I’m not a model

B. Everyone stares at you while you make a fool of yourself attempting to pose & shoot in public places.

{Example: while we were shooting today these three guys were literally staring & laughing at me. I couldn’t use half the pictures because I’m so visibly uncomfortable}

Cheeky sweaters are a Catch-22 for me. 

I feel awkward wearing them with everyone trying to read what they say & the attention they bring, but I’m obsessed. I can’t get enough of them. 

This one has been in my closet for almost two years now & I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve worn it because I get self-conscious. 

But no more, because I found the perfect occasion for this little gem (& any graphic tee really): Girl’s Night.

 

Because nothing says “don’t even try to talk to us” better than a cheeky Wildfox sweater paired with some platforms when you have to make a cameo at the Val party.

XOXO, Natalie

Sweater: similar//similar//similar 

Pants: link

Shoes: link

Clutch: similar

Sunglasses: link

Work It

2015 has already been a rollercoaster.

1. Got a job. With a real salary. [bye bye crazy driving errands & corporate office life] I get to help open a store that I love in one of my favorite places on the planet. {more to come as the launch approaches}
2. The big move. I’m moving back to Georgia!!! Nashville has taught me so much. I have learned how to use a drill (adding expert curtain-hanger to my resume), moved myself out of a storage unit & into our house completely by myself & been inspired to finally start my blog. Moving is bittersweet, but as much as I love Nashville & my amazing roommates, dream jobs are never something to pass up. 

*Sidenote* if anyone is looking for a place to live in Nashville for May, June & July I’m your girl

Just because I won’t be in the office culture anymore doesn’t mean I don’t still love dressing professional.

[RIP to one of my favorite office looks]

If you’ve recently graduated or are graduating in May, invest in a great work bag along with some basic neutral tops/skirts/pants/dresses/jackets & a few bright lip colors. Neutrals are easy to mix & match so you won’t have to buy as many items with your starting salary (#internproblems).

The biggest thing I’ve come to realize is that neutral doesn’t mean boring. I love bright colors as much as the next sorority girl, but in the winter I use pops of bold color through jewelry & lipstick rather than in my closet.

What are your favorite pieces in your work wardrobe? 

XOXO, Natalie