Apologies, My Loves!

Hello everyone! I just want to thank you so much for bearing with me while I go through a period of transition in my life. About a month ago, I was asked to join my old employer, Moondance Adventures, for a second stint as the Admissions Director. Clark and I weighed the pros and cons and decided to pack our things and head back to Asheville, the city where we met and fell in love.

Me and Clark...in love, obvi...
Moondance is an outdoor adventure program for middle and high school students, offering leadership-building trips around the country (and a few scattered throughout the globe), using the wilderness as a classroom and a platform for students to grow and learn with one another in the purest of settings. I participated in two Moondance trips when I was in high school back in '01 and '02, traveling to the San Juan Mountains in Colorado for my first trip and exploring the Pacific Northwest (and summiting Mt. Rainier all the while) on my second trip. As soon as I wrapped up my first Moondance adventure, I couldn't wait to turn 21 to become a leader and to share such life-changing experiences with the amazing kids that seem to sign up year after year for our trips.

A few students cool off in Ross Lake, located in Washington State
After I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill, I nailed down my 80 hour Wilderness First Responder course and bagged my first magical summer as a Moondance instructor. So many of my students remain close friends of mine as we laughed and cried through the most fun (but sometimes most strenuous!) of days hiking, rafting, climbing and sea kayaking. Over the years, I've had the pleasure of leading 4 Moondance trips and making 43 new best friends (that's 40 students and 3 different co-leaders). I'm proud and excited to be back in the office as well as touring high schools, sharing my Moondance story to anyone who will listen!

Student Robey (on my right) and my co-leader Tyler (on my left) and I attempt to cross a particularly rushing and freezing river in the Wind River Range, Wyoming
With that said, Clark and I have been shuffling back and forth from Atlanta...moving boxes, looking for apartments, maybe drinking a little champagne to celebrate my new salary...but alas, as you can see, I've been neglecting the blog.

I promise you, dear readers, I'll be back in the saddle as soon as possible...though regular efforts and reports will likely start after the holidays. Until then, keep up with my quick 100andSouth snippets a la Twitter by following me at @100andSouth. I thank you so much for your patience, but ultimately, I thank you so dearly for your support. You're the reason why I do what I do when it comes to the blog, just like the smiles on these kids faces are the reason I knew I had to get back to Moondance.

All smiles with my amazing students in Smith Rock State Park, Oregon on the final night of my second Pacific Northwest journey
Check out more regarding my time with Moondance by reading my Staff Bio on Moondance's website!

Real Men Shop at Lola's

This Saturday night, Lola's Boutique of Atlanta is offering your man an evening of free beer, free food and...fashion?

Yep, you read me right. Lola's encourages the guys to "step out of the man cave and bring it" from 5-8PM on November 20. Old faves Sam Adams and Sweetwater 420 will be on hand to help loosen up these guys (and hopefully their wallets) ultimately benefiting gals like you and me when Santa comes to town. Furthermore, jewelry designer Ali Howell from ali and bird will be there to help guide your man into choosing the perfect stocking stuffer just for you!

Lola's is located at 5531 Chamblee Dunwoody Road (across the street from the
Dunwoody Tavern, of which I'm sure your gents are familiar). Call for more info 770-698-1400.

TODAY ONLY: 25% Off IceMilk Aprons

I've had the great fortune of meeting some pretty amazing people in Atlanta. One such multi-talented person I met recently is Ashley Schoenith, the social media coordinator for the non-profit organization Cure Childhood Cancer. When I first met her, I was so impressed with her poise and dedication to her job and her cause.

But people have a way of surprising you further, and I learned Ashley is not only a faithful fitness bootcamper (6AM workouts 5 days a week? Such dedication!) but also is the creative mind behind IceMilk Aprons...a most buzzed-about line of beautiful, fashionable, Anthropologie-esque aprons. How much more impressive can this girl get?

Now I'll be the first to say I'm terrified of the oven...I have no confidence whatsoever when it comes to cooking, baking and the like (much to my husband's dismay!) But I think I'd consider mimicking Martha if I got the chance to sport one of these IceMilk Aprons!

What's that you say? You'd like one too? Well how about you snag one for 25% off til the end of the day today (11/12) with the code SWMAG. They'd be the perfect present for your bakerella bestie! And of course, they're already 100andSouth as is, but I recommend punching up your apron's personality with the custom monogramming option!

New Atlanta Boutique Alert: VETTED

A new boutique has opened its doors in Atlanta, taking the place of Lexie and Jane on East Paces Ferry. VETTED features styles from Geren Ford, Thread Social and Leigh and Luca, replacing the tons and tons of tee shirts and jeans previously occupying the space.


Check out their super clean interior. I love the contrast of the darker, fall-hued clothing with the white walls. I can only imagine how bright this space will be come spring.

The exterior of the store got a makeover too...a yellow door helps to welcome new customers while the dark paint keeps things mysterious.
Here's hoping their website also will receive a makeover here soon with more details about what designers they are carrying!

Have any of your dear readers checked it out?

Macy's Heart of Haiti: Shopping with a Purpose

Wouldn't it be easier to swipe your credit card if you knew part of the cost of your purchase was going to a good cause? I know I'd be much more likely to buy something if I knew my funds were doing some good elsewhere (rather than just looking good on my feet, wrists, torso, etc.)

That's why I am a huge fan of the Heart of Haiti home decor line, now available at Macy's. The line is part of a "Trade Not Aid" initiative that Brandaid and Fairwinds Trading presented to Macy's in an effort to help build Haiti's economy after the devastating earthquake that shook the nation on January 12, 2010. Handcrafted by several hundred artisans in Haiti, the items are as colorful and as inspiring as the folks who make them.

This artist works showcases a papier mache house he built, with precision, for the Macy's Heart of Haiti line
The line features items like picture frames, mirrors, decorative bowls, serving trays and vases made of materials unique to Haitian art like metal, papier mache and quilting. By selling the line at Macy's, Heart of Haiti creates opportunities for Haitian artisans to earn money with dignity and bring in life-changing income for themselves, their families, and their communities - helping to clothe families, repair damaged homes and improve education.

A few pieces from the line including a Steel Picture Frame, $25; Pot Holder and Oven Mitt, $25; Serving Tray, $35
Personally, I think these are the best possible holiday gifts one could buy for family, co-workers, teachers, and any other meaningful, influential and inspiring people in your life. And since most items are less than $100, you can provide your loved ones with special gifts at home and change lives in Haiti. And now with Hurricane Tomas beating down on Haiti, the least we can do to help them recover from these natural disasters is buy some beautiful housewares.

If you'd like to support the Heart of Haiti line, join in the conversation on Twitter by following @HeartofHaiti or liking the Heart of Haiti Facebook page. Shop the line online at Macy's or in 25 stores across the country.

Note: I have been working as a part of the EVERYWHERE team to create awareness about the Heart of Haiti line, but the thoughts and opinions expressed above are solely my own.

Haute Mamas in Atlanta!

You know me...I'm a sucker for a boutique bargain sale. The last one above Z Gallerie in Atlantic Station nearly made my head explode, I was so excited.

If you're a Haute Mama living in the Atlanta area, you may want to check out another huge sale for your little ones coming up on November 13. Some of the chicest children's boutiques (Sparkle Bugs, Monkey Moo's, Layla Luv and Addy's Closet to name a few) will be offering their goodies for amazing prices, all yours with a $5 admission charge that will benefit the non-profit Atlanta charity Girl Talk, a student-to-student mentoring program that pairs high school girls with middle school-aged girls for peer-based support and self-esteem building.

Giving and getting? What could be better, you ask? How about if one of your favorite "big girl" boutiques in Atlanta, Meringue, was there too with racks of hugely-discounted clothes (with brands like Corey Lynn Calter, Ella Moss and Lauren Moffat)for you to browse? Your dreams have come true, my friends.

So head out to Atlantic Station, above Z Gallerie, on November 13 from 9AM to 6PM and let me know what you find! Call (404)876 1359 with any questions, and as always, ENJOY!

Naming Names: Stella & Dot

Are you familiar with the names Stella & Dot? I had heard a little about their jewelry line about a year ago, but I never gave it much thought. It seemed to me like a cheesy, tupperware party type of gimmick. I wasn't sure what type of "style" could be found in something that seemed, on the surface, generic and...old-ladyish.

This was all until my friend Margaret became a Stella & Dot stylist. Marg is one of the cutest, most put together girls I know, so I had to come see the goods for myself when she and my friend Bethany hosted a trunk show earlier this week.

I was amazed by all the goodies she had for us to play with and try on! These pieces ranged from the uber-preppy pearls and diamonds (not necessarily my thing) to the gloriously art deco and vintage (now we're talking).

Heirloom Deco Bracelet, $89

Stella Vintage Link Bracelet, $79
So, I'm partial to bracelets, as you can see. But there are more ooooh and ahhh worthy accessories here to showcase.

Garden Party Chandelier Earrings, $54

Penelope Necklace, $69
Of course, you know I couldn't walk away from Bethany's trunk show empty handed...so I treated myself to a sweet little 14K gold charm bracelet to add to my stack of bangles. Here's a janky photo of my new addition:

I'm looking forward to adding on to my charm bracelet with charms like these:

Initial Charms, $34

Whimsical Charms, $39 (I especially love the feather charm!)
I can't wait to see what new styles Stella & Dot comes up with in the coming month. I guarantee my new charm bracelet won't be my only purchase from them!

Have you ever bought anything from Stella & Dot? What are your favorite pieces? And if you like what you see here or on the Stella & Dot website, please don't hesitate to contact my girl Margaret Bracey...she's at mebracey@gmail.com and would be happy to order any beautiful baubles for you!

On Trend with the New Kensie.com

I've always been a fan of Kensie...even when it was "KenZie", I enjoyed its girlish printed dresses and Victorian-inspired footwear.

When the "Z" was replaced, so was the old "KenZie" aesthetic. Gone are the days of cutesy, bright dresses and innocent looking tunics. Say hello to Kensie's edgier fashions like faux-leather and metal chain embellishments.

Just take a peak at some of the trends featured on their newly renovated website, Kensie.com.

Featured trends above: Tough Love, Military Chic and Animal Instincts
Most pieces from Kensie's fall collection don't weigh in over $100. Take a look at these individual pieces from the line. The possibilities for incorporating these styles into your current wardrobe are absolutely endless!

Chubby Fur Cardigan, $58; Printed Dress, $58; Space Dye Cardigan, $88.
If you like what you see here, there's more where that came from. And a bonus for you, dear readers! Get $25 off your first purchase over $75 when you sign up for Kensie's newsletter.

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful

I'll admit it. I'm easy.

No no, dummies. I don't mean THAT kind of easy (in fact, I'm coming up on my one year anniversary with my man, so take that, you skeptics!)

I mean I love OUTFITS that are easy...synonymous with care-free, light, airy, simple, innately AWESOME. If I have to try too hard to get dressed...if I have to shimmy and shake to fit into a dress...jump up and down 100 times to squeeze into a pair of jeans...fight my way out of a tight tank...I'm over it.

Super-stylish Ilymlrs at Chictopia shows us what it's all about with a simple tunic dress, accessorized by chunky rings and Gisele-like tresses.
I quickly wanted to share some dresses that would be perfect for the upcoming fall weather. Wear them on their own or pair a fun fur vest, a denim jacket, a menswear-inspired belt, a chunky necklace (a ROARKE one if I could afford it) and your favorite flat ankle boots or knee high wedge boots. The possibilities are endless because after all, it's easy!

Jill's Day Dress by Free People, $68

A-line Crew Neck Dress by Savannah Rae, available at fab'rik starting October 22

Forever 21 Life in Progress Denim Dress, $24.80
If you like what you see by Savannah Rae and live in Atlanta, be sure to come out to fab'rik Midtown at 7:00pm on October 22 for the Savannah Rae Launch Party. Meet with the designer, Amanda Wheeler, and see her fall collection up close and personal!

Happy Birthday to Me!

In honor of my 25th birthday, I wanted to treat myself to the perfect sweater. I'd been eying this Fair Isle-style cardigan by Kensie on a certain website that had it priced at $78. "Totally 100andSouth and such a steal," I thought. I was prepared to buy it, no questions asked.

Though I can easily get inundated with emails from discount shopping sites like Rue La La, Gilt and HauteLook and sometimes delete them to a) tame the shopping beast in me and b) clear out my inbox, I happened to open a day old email from Beyond the Rack - another (and sometimes more unpredictable, less edited) discount shopping website.

And there she was. For $29.

My comfy, cozy, ideal fall sweater. Perfect for snuggling up and drinking hot chocolate/reading non-fiction/painting my toe nails beside my non-existant fireplace. I can smell the wood burning already!

My Fair (Isle) Lady will match just perfectly with the greatest birthday present of all time, my new Chloe Paddington bag! I'm so blessed!


*PERK! Visit Kensie's blog for a chance to win items from their current fall collection with their "Watch Me Change" giveaway, ending 10/14!

A New Fan of Ann

I have to admit, I've never been a big fan of Ann Taylor...perhaps its because I've always equated the store with starchy button downs, boring pencil skirts and plain ol' slingback pumps. Their look, in my mind, seemed to be that of a girl trying too hard to look too old.

But lately, Ann Taylor and her cool, hip lil' sidekick LOFT have been blowing my mind. I can now call myself a "Fan of Ann."

Just check out these tops, all of which are on my birthday wish list; all of which are perfect for work and play! I'd love to wear any of these with some high-waisted black pants for the office and skinny jeans with slinky over the knee boots and an oversize blazer for play!

From L to R: Silk Blouse With Rolled Sleeves, $88, Animal Print Silk Crepe Shirt with Back Zipper, $29.99 on sale, Oyster Sateen Twist Neck Shirt, $78

In need of accessories to blend with these blouses? Look no further than LOFT's jewelry collection benefiting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. I came across some of these designs on L.A. Stylist's Mom's incredible blog and just had to share with you all after I saw the prices and the names of the guest designers! See for yourself!

Me & Ro for LOFT Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet - $34.50 (take 25% off with code SAVE25 at checkout)


Kara Ross for LOFT Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet - $39.50 (take 25% off with code SAVE25 at checkout)

Needless to say, I'm pretty impressed with the reinvention of Ann Taylor and LOFT and will definitely be shopping there more often.

Is there a brand you think has re-invented itself for the better? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Shop for a Cause at Macy's on 10/16!

Hey gang! So I had one of THE most productive consignment shopping weekends ever this past weekend at Labels. Can't wait to give you the full report of all my treasures (5 in all, totaling...you guessed it...less than $100!)

But first, I get to share my love of fashion AND saving money with you dear readers and extend the invitation to YOU to go shopping on October 16 at Macy's (in-store and online).

You see, Macy's created this day to for all of us to Shop for a Cause. Basically, show up at Macy's (or shop online) and spend $5 on a shopping pass which grants you a whopping 20 percent off anything you purchase that day (with 10% off any sale or clearance purchases). Additionally, you can use the shopping pass for 25% off one regular, sale or clearance item in men's, women's or kids apparel or accessories. The best part? The $5 goes straight to your local charities! So you can give back to your community by getting new stuff!

I've already picked out my fave 100andSouth items (a great fall outfit when combined, I might add) for the taking!

(L to R: INC International Concepts Skinny Cargo Pants: $69, Steve Madden Slingback Suede Carnee Clogs, $67.72; Free People Barely Brushed Sweater, $98)

Find out more about this awesome event by clicking here!

Disclosure: I work with Everywhere and am helping in blogger outreach for this event,but the thoughts and opinions expressed above are solely mine!

SERPAS Serves Up Fashion

Please join Serpas True Food for a brunch benefiting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. For $45, you are treated to four delicious courses of food, champagne cocktails and a peak at all of the latest fashion trends from Mitzi & Romano, Lila, Drea James Design, Vitesse eXchange and Princess and Butch. There will also be a trunk show from elle g.

A portion of the $45 fee will go to breast cancer research, so it's an event not to be missed! If you're interested in attending, call 404.888.9348 for reservations. I'm not sure I'll be able to make it as this event falls on my birthday, but I'd love to be there!

Primary Patterns

While shopping in my old college stomping grounds in Chapel Hill this past weekend, I came across a refreshing new consignment shop, Limelight, on Franklin Street (where Modern Times used to be). Admittedly, I was a little sad to see Modern Times go. My sister and I purchased multiple sentimental items here when we were younger...most importantly, my sissy's Sue Wong white gown that she wore for her high school graduation (not to mention countless shimmery Michael Stars tops, which were all the raise back in the early 2000s!

But I was ecstatic to see some top notch brands in the form of gently used clothing at this new spot. There was an aqua Gucci clutch, a favorite of my sister-in-law's. I found a perfectly preserved Chloe Paddington bag for an unbelievable price too! (Not 100andSouth but low enough that I felt okay asking my parents for it for my birthday - fingers crossed!)

I wanted to scoop up several items in the store but only left with one...a perfectly patterned geometric shift dress by Banana Republic. Long sleeved but lightweight, this frock is fitting for fall temps!

I've paired it with my Tulle sergeant trench, a vintage red belt and some eggplant Marc by Marc Jacobs flats for the office. Hi-ho, it's off to work I go!

Out on the Town: Sage Clothing Runway Show

I am so looking forward to this Thursday night! One of Atlanta's best and most affordably-priced boutiques, Sage Clothing, is having a runway show at their Buckhead location. Starting at 6PM, this event is sure to feature some of my favorite 100 and South designers like MM Couture, Blank Denim and Tulle. Can't wait to come back and let you all know about my experience! Stay tuned!

Steppin' Out

Every once in a while, I have to step out of my 100andSouth "comfort zone" and totally immerse myself in the world of lavish, luxurious fashion. For me, it's like getting a massage or a facial - I can't do it all the time, but when I can, it's heavenly and it's WORTH IT!

Lucky for me, I have an adorable, kind, sweet and amazingly-chic sister-in-law, Ashley, who owns an equally incredible boutique Vermillion at North Hills in Raleigh, NC.

That's Ashley, on the right, with Vermillion associate and stylist Julia Kerr!
Last Thursday, Ashley and her Vermillion team showcased their latest fall fashions for customers. Transforming the floor of the store into a runway, gorgeous models presented even more gorgeous ensembles for customers, like me, to drool over...

Since we're all fans of fashion here - no matter the price tag - I wanted to feature some of my favorite pieces from Ashley's presentation. I'd love to hear your thoughts on what you enjoyed!

This 3.1 Phillip Lim suit paired with an AKA New York blouse (coming in just over $100, I might add) would be the perfect addition to my work wardrobe:

Alexander Wang, the king of comfy cocktail, shows us how to decorate the neckline with a dramatic sash. And that necklace by Subversive? Such a conversation piece!:

Another updated "suit" for the workplace by Loeffler Randall. The back of this jacket had a sassy ruffle:

I just love how extremely wearable Tory Burch's pieces are. Her printed blouse pairs perfectly under this leather vest, but I could also see it beneath a cute grey jumper dress for a more grown-up look!:

One of my favorite pieces of the day was this long sleeved white Derek Lam dress paired with a Gabrielle Frantzen necklace and Anya Hindmarch coat. Wouldn't it be the most gorgeous wedding dress for a fall or winter low-key wedding?:

Megan Park's designs continue to wow me - she can combine glitz and glamour with the bohemian nod that I desire. And how versatile are those Loeffler Randall pumps?!:

Here's another one of Megan Park's designs. The jeweled wrap has pockets - how functional and fabulous!

In my opinion, this Matthew Williamson coat was the show-stopper, paired with over-the-knee Loeffler Randall boots. Everyone gasped when this look came around the corner!:

Of course, following the fashion show, my sister and I had to play a little dress up. I fell in love with a white Tucker blouse (yes, same company from my previous post!) and these silk, army green Loeffler Randall pants! Doesn't Linds look like a movie star in that AKA top with 3.1 Phillip Lim leather shorts and Loeffler Randall booties?

The family fashions continue - check out my sister-in-law Fleming in her Lela Rose tunic and Lela Rose necklace. The necklace was right up my Mom's alley too.

Vermillion has become an extremely important piece of my family history...I even found my wedding dress there during a Lela Rose trunk show. Thank you Ashley for always including me and bringing amazing fashion to North Carolina!

Check out the Photobucket album for full coverage of each look sent down the runway! See something you like? Call Vermillion at 919.787.9780 or visit their website for more details.

Run, Don't Walk! Tucker for Target

Target's collaboration with designers perks my interest with each new addition. Remember those first Luella Bartley designs with jade green accents and bright red cherry prints? Or how about the recent designs of Zac Posen...even celebs and socialites on New York Social Diary were proudly sporting his designs for Target at the finest of soirees.

But perhaps my most favorite collection ever came in the form of Tucker for Target, landing in stores across the country on Sept. 12.

The line is precisely what you'd expect to see out of Tucker in upscale boutiques nationwide. Billowy tops, lightweight dresses with bold, colorful patterns - the perfect compliment to any outfit (in my eyes, particularly suitable for the work place!) Yet the material doesn't feel quite as expensive and the price tag is much easier to swallow.

I hit Target 2 Sundays ago to be first in line to snag my piece of the Tucker pie. I first tried to take a bite when Gilt previewed the line, about 2 weeks before the Target launch. I missed my chance due to a Gilt iPhone app malfunction (grrrrr!), but my friend Meredith got lucky and bought the cutest butterfly print camisole dress. It was love at first sight when she came to visit me in Atlanta and sported the piece on our Sunday outings.

After trying on several Tucker for Target items - a gold tweed skirt, a long sleeve maroon and orange print dress, and a bell-sleeved, hooded jacket - I settled on the cutest prairie-flower print dress you ever did see.



Meredith and I sported our styles at a friend's wedding day luncheon this past weekend, neither of our dresses weighing in over $35. I styled mine with a neon pink J. Crew cardigan ($29.99 on sale) and some Hunter campus boots for a school-girl meets farm-girl aesthetic.

I'm hoping to get back in stores to get my hands on more Tucker for Target goodies before they sell out! Would love to hear if any of you have made Tucker for Target purchases!