Looks Like Fall

My New October desktop for work

These brisk mornings are a welcome sign of the gorgeous season to come! I can't wait to see the leaves turn, and I've enjoyed leaving our screen door open to let some cool air circulate through the house. Yesterday I picked up some little white squash and I just love how they look on our table.

This, coupled with the scent of my new salted caramel candle is making our house so warm and cozy. I've also started wearing more sweaters, and my boots are getting a little more use! Are you looking forward to the new season?

Denim Rug

This is the rug that started it all. I spotted this beauty on the Anthropologie website, and knew I should pin it to admire for all eternity. Fast forward to last night, when I was watching a DVR'd episode of Secrets From A Stylist on HGTV, and my little jewel Emily Henderson used the denim rug in her room! Holy happiness! Lo and behold, the couple's color pallet mimicked that of ours in our living room. Fate!

love her- watch her show!

Who knew recycled denim was so chic? I love the deep indigo color, and think this rug would look quite fashionable underneath my new oak pedestal table. The table will be refinished in a walnut color, and look something like the below image.

Here's an Etsy seller that sells a dead ringer for the Anthro version (for much less!)

What do you think about the up-cycled rug?

Early Fall Decorating

I'm always excited for the approach of a new season!  As the nights have gotten cooler, I acquired the itch to start decorating for the upcoming autumn season! We had a blast this summer, with so many fun memories, but I'm looking forward to everything ahead of us this fall. Football, cider, and crock pot meals await & my house needed a little sprucing up. 

During summer, our great room (living/dining/kitchen) is decorated in shades of white, red, and blue-- with an almost coastal motif. Now I've swapped out the red and blue, and added in bits of warm neutrals and browns. There's even a couple pops of orange (we're Georgia fans- it's hard to add orange to a room!).

Sometimes our mantle can look so stark, even with decor on the ledge. After seeing an image on Pinterest, I decided I could easily do some DIY bunting myself.  The bunting was super easy to make and cost relatively nothing, since I purchased the fabric in the remnants section of Joann's. It really warms up the space and gives a fun pop of whimsy! 

Here's an image of our mantle.  

Please disregard husband's sub woofer, sub woofer cord, and enormous surround sound box.

Close up of the fabric, sage ticking stripe (used sideways) and neutral paisley. Strung with brown string. Wicker pumpkin purchased new from Joann's. Pumpkin people are a college-house gift from my mom. 

Clock from summer clearance at Kohl's, carafe and poppy bouquet from Joann's. 

Have you spruced up your house for fall? I'd love to see some of your decor. Post your link!

Simply Stunning October Wedding

I've had the pleasure of working with this sweet couple over the past six months. They're having a formal affair in late October at Old Natchez and it's going to be perfect! This is the first time I've worked with Jen & Chris Creed, after hearing such great reviews, and I'm happy to report they've lived up to their fantastic reputation. If their engagement shoot is any indication, these wedding pictures are sure to be stunning!

Erika & Lydon | Nashville Engagement Session from Jen & Chris Creed on Vimeo.

Gilt Groupe Purchase

Today I made my first Gilt Groupe purchase, friends! I've always lusted after their emails, tempting me with gorgeous brands that I could never afford (even on discount). But today....today my beloved Hunter's were featured, and I was able to snag myself another pair. These will be my dressy Hunter's moving forward. I can just see them now, paired with black tights and a cute dress for work! Did anybody else pick up a first (or second) pair of Hunter's today? If you're not already signed up, click here to join!

Great Buy: Farouk Chi on Amazon.com

Lately I've been on the coupon train (thanks to KCL). Don't get me wrong, I've always carried 20% Bed Bath and Beyond coupons, and made sure to have extra Kohl's coupons for sales-- but now I completed dove in....I assembled a 35 section binder. Since couponining has become a bigger part of my life (and something I find incredibly fun) I'll be posting about it more on the blog. Until then, check out this FAB deal that I got today.

Props to Tami for tipping me off on this deal, less than 24 hrs after hearing me complain about my broken flat iron. $190 on sale for $60-- that's what I call a steal! It looks like the price has gone back up to $80, but I was able to check out for $60. Although I'd consider $80 a deal still. Get yours here!

Have you gotten any great deals lately?

Nashville Blogger/Tweeter Meetup!

Ladies of Nashville:

(and whoever else would like to join in!)

Mark your calendars.

{ Erin Cond*ren or otherwise. ;) }

We're planning a blogger/tweeter meet-up!

When: Saturday, October 1 at 7pm

Visit Mrs. Smith's blog for more information and to RSVP!

Big Ben Wedding (in Georgia)

Hello friends! It's another whirlwind weekend for us. That's right, we're on the road again- this time for a college friend's (and bridesmaid) wedding in the northeast Georgia mountains. I'm so excited for Ashley- she's the best friend a girl could ask for and she deserves all the happiness in the world! Need more sap? She met her fiance while studying abroad in London- he's Swedish. How romantic is that? Girlfriend is seriously living a fairy tale! They live in London but are back in the States for their big day-- I'll be sure to report back with pictures next week.

Mom's Birthday Gift

It's difficult to be away from your family for special days, like holidays and birthdays. Snail mail is a rarity these days, and so exciting to receive, so I always make a point to send a card and/or gift. This year I was on the ball and purchased my mom's birthday gift in advance so it would arrive the day before (no last minute shopping when you live 11 hrs away!).

My mom reads the blog, so I couldn't post before now. We were on the phone while she opened the package last night, and I'm thrilled to report these dish towels had exactly the response I was hoping for. She loved them!

 They have so many cute designs at House8810- so head over and get some for yourself. I think I might pick up this style for Mr. SE-- he loves anything that's cooked in a skillet and greasy! What do you think? Do you like having fun w/your household accessories?

Bridal Fashion Trend: Sweetheart w/Full Skirt

Nothing captures my heart like this classic bridal gown style! Trends such as fitted, pickups, and dropped waist come and go, but this shape has stood the test of time. Frankly, the timelessness of this design it's part of the reason that I chose my own wedding dress! While browsing my most recent issue of Martha Stewart Weddings, I was consistently excited by the beautiful gowns featured in current ad campaigns. Some of my favorite designers for the Sweetheart/Ball Gown style are Christos, Amsale, and Kenneth Pool. It's a likely grouping, since all three design houses are connected.

Do you have a favorite classic style? I've love to hear what styles you think will pass the test of time.