Fall 2014 Playlist

When I think of fall, I think of Pumpkin Spice lattes, apple cider, bonfires, candles in warm scents from Bath & Body Works, and layering clothes. But one thing that gets swept under the rug sometimes is the soundtrack to fall. It's not the same as the soundtrack to summer which is all feel good, upbeat song about the beach or the lake. Fall has those party songs, those sing-along songs, but it also has those slow songs that can either bring a tear to your eye or make you want to pull your girl/or beau in close. 

Here are a handful of what I'll be playing this fall...what about you?

1) Burnin' It Down 

-Jason Aldean-

2) Perfect Storm

-Brad Paisley- 

3) It Goes Like This

-Thomas Rhett-

4) Sober 

-Little Big Town-

5) Tailgate Blues

-Luke Bryan-

6) Carolina

-Corey Smith-

7) Old Flame 

-Alabama-

8) That's How I Know You Love Me

-Justin Moore-

9) Who I Am With You

-Chris Young- 

10) Whiskey in my Water

-Tyler Farr-

Some are old, some are new but all of them are really good. 

Give it a listen, they just might surprise you. 

They're perfect for sitting up on a tailgate by the bonfire or riding dirt roads with your best friends. 

I know I'll be playing them when I go shopping or to class!

Until next time...

xoxo, SS

10 Things Every Southern Girl Should Have

When you grow up in the Bible Belt, there are just some things that are must-have's for a Southern girl. In this post, I'm going to share with you the top ten things that I've always heard that a good Southern girl should have. Hope y'all enjoy!

1) A string of pearls.

Whether they have been passed all the way down from your grandmother, were a gift from your beau, or you treated yourself after a big promotion at work; every good Southern girl should own a string of pearls. They can go with anything from a simple t-shirt or a an evening gown. 

2) A pair of diamond studs.

This follows along with the pearl necklace a bit, but all good Southern girls should have a simple pair of diamond studs. They make great gifts from parents or beaus & you can wear them every single day so you'll always get your money's worth out of them. Plus, aren't diamonds a girls best friend?

3) Something Monogrammed, Something Seersucker

All good Southern girls know that monograms are the world's greatest invention, but seersucker is a close second. I was going to include seersucker separately but when I saw this dress on my Pinterest feed I knew this had to make the list. I want this in my closet, don't you?

4)  The perfect cowboy boots

If you've been reading my blog for any amount of time, you know I have an obsession with cowboy boots. 

It takes time to find the perfect pair, but every good Southern girl should own at least one pair that are broken in that she can wear to tailgates, barbecues, or even weddings. 

5) A Lilly Pulitzer dress.

Lilly is known for her fun, flirty prints and her variety of styles of dresses. Lilly can be worn to church for Easter, to weddings, to tailgates, or out to dinner. Every Southern girl should own at least one Lilly, because they just make you happy.

6) Jack Rogers

As you can see, Jack Rogers come in every color you can imagine & also in a variety of styles that aren't pictured. These sandals can be paired with a Lilly to church or a wedding or even with Norts and a tee to wear to class. They are the most versatile shoe I have found! Every good Southern girl needs a shoe that she can just slip on and be automatically classy and sassy. 

7) The perfect Mason jar

This mason jar glass from Kiss My Southern Sass reads, "When life gives you lemons, put them in your sweet tea, & thank God you're a southern belle". Perfect for sipping sweet tea by the pool or at the tailgate!

Get it here for a discount when you use the code KMSSJSU 

8) A classic purse.



Whether it is Birkin or Chanel, every good Southern girl should invest in a quality bag. We all need a bag that will be able to take us from class, to work, to cocktails afterwards.

9) The perfect pair of cutoffs.



A Southern belle can spend her entire life searching for the ideal pair of cutoffs only to find that the best ones can't be bought, sometimes you have to do them yourself, or sometimes you get lucky and stumble upon amazing ones at the thrift store. The point is, they are a Southern staple and it just would be un-Southern not to own a pair. I love how in this picture they're dressed up, but you can also slip them on over your bikini for trip to the lake.

10) The perfect beau.





It doesn't matter if he prefers Chubbies or Wranglers, it's what's in his head and his heart (and maybe his trust fund too!) that counts! If he treats you like a princess, takes care of you, prays with you, makes you laugh, and ultimately loves you more than anything else...then that's the perfect beau, and doesn't every good girl (Southern or not!) deserve that?


I hope y'all enjoyed this fun little post, I know that everyone isn't Southern, but I'd like to think that these can apply to anyone!

Until next time...

xoxo, SS

Friday Favorites

This week's Friday Favorites will feature all of my favorite tail-gating essentials all the way from essential recipes, attire, and all the little things you just can't go without for a football game!

Favorite Tailgating shoes: 

These game day boots from Country Outfitter by Nocona are perfect for tailgating on the Plains!

But don't worry if the Tigers aren't your team, they come in a variety of styles sure to please any fan. This brand carries so many different sizes and widths that you'll surely be able to find one that is comfortable for you. Plus, Country Outfitter gives free shipping & discounts all the time, so you'll be able to save a lot on your boots (and spend more on beverages!)

For more shoe inspiration, head to my Shoes-Shoes-Shoes board on Pinterest!

Favorite Tailgating Accessories: 

The entire Elle&K Gameday line is fabulous, but I especially love these for all the UGA girls (plus my JSU ladies would probably love these too!) And at only $14 with free shipping, they're practically a steal!

Another Elle&K piece, this time from the Bourbon and Boweties collection, is just perfect for gameday! All you Bama Belles can slip this onto your stack and rock it at Bryant Denny, right?

 

When you're tailgating all day, holding a purse in your hand or on your arm can get so tiring & God-forbid you sit it down and someone steals your ID or ticket! The Luxe Body Clutch (which also doubles as a cross body bag!) from Marley Lilly is just what the doctor ordered! It comes in a variety of colors (I featured Navy for all of my Auburn Ladies!) and comes monogrammed so everyone will know who it belongs to! Make sure to check out Marley Lilly's flash sales, I've seen it there multiple times!

This photo came from the blog Citrus & Style, which I am obsessed with!

No tailgating outfit is complete without a small necklace & this state necklace from Elle&K is perfect! I chose Alabama for all of my UA & AU ladies, but it comes in a variety of styles and is only $15 with free shipping!

For more Jewelry & Accessories inspiration, click that link & it'll take you to my Pinterest board!

Favorite Tailgating Dresses:

The first dress I'm featuring is in orange which could work for not only Auburn, but also Florida or Tennessee! This dress comes from Monday Dress & I have to say...I'm pretty obsessed with the lace & the off-the-shoulder details. Plus, when you visit their site you'll be prompted to sign up for their emails & if you do, you'll receive a free pair of earrings with your first purchase!

 

The second dress I'm featuring is this more conservative beauty from Red Dress Boutique. I love the bell sleeves and the flowing skirt. I can see it paired with boots for game day & then a pair of wedges for church on Sunday morning. 

(Another great deal, this boutique offers a percentage off of your first purchase if you sign up for their text alerts!)

What I love about this beautiful white dress is that you can wear white for almost any team & pair it with accessories that match the team colors and you're golden. I envision this for the Bama beauties, it would look perfect with a crimson statement necklace and some wire bangles! 

Find it here. 

And for more fashion inspiration, visit my Life's a Party, Dress Like It Pinterest board. 

Favorite Tailgating Recipe:

Sausage Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers are a must-have at our tailgates & they should be at yours too!

Our garden offers us fresh jalapenos and we always keep farm-raised pork in our freezer, so it's a no-brainer. This recipe from Low Carb Kayla  is really easy to follow, I know you won't be disappointed!

For this recipe & other amazing dips and snacks perfect for tailgating, visit my Pinterest board for Appetizers & Snacks.

Favorite Tailgating Beverage:

Let's all take one second to prepare for what I'm about to introduce to you...Crock-Pot Apple Pie Moonshine.

It's probably the greatest invention that ever was & the ladies over at the Crock-Pot Ladies know what they're doing. It requires Everclear, which may or may not knock you on your ass if you aren't careful, so I would suggest passing the jar around the tailgate and not hoarding it all to yourself or you may not make it to the actual game.

For more beverage suggestions, check out my Tip it on Back Pinterest board.

Favorite Tailgate Must-Have:

No tailgate is complete without a set of your team's corn hole boards. This etsy shop, WG Cornhole can make any design dream that you have come true! I love these simple War Eagle boards & can imagine having so much fun with these all Fall!

Now if I could just get C to spring for them...

I hope y'all loved the shake-up of the Favorites this week, let me know what you love & what you don't!

And who else is ready for football season? I know I am!

Leave your team below!

xoxo, SS

Thirsty Thursday

Today I celebrated finishing the first week of my senior year of college & I have to say, since I hit twenty-one, going back to school is harder than I thought. I've been so drained & I'm so thankful that I don't have class on Fridays! 

Since I don't live in my college town, I can't go out to the bars to celebrate Thirsty Thursday so I have to try to make up for it at home. This week I knew I wanted something easy and delicious and my Tip it on Back Pinterest board had just what the doctor ordered. 

I give you...The Angry Cuban!

The Angry Orchard website has the recipe, but I'll give you my version below. 

The Angry Cuban

1.5 oz. White Rum

3 oz. Pineapple Juice

A splash of grenadine (this is totally optional, but it gives it a little color!)

Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Ale

Select a large glass & fill with ice. 

Fill glass with measured amounts of White Rum & Pineapple Juice.

Add a splash of grenadine if you wish. 

Fill to the top with Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Ale. 

I'm a sucker for a good drink, and this one just happens to combine literally all of my favorite flavors. Angry Orchard is always in my beer drawer & I'm always looking for fun ways to switch things up!

Try out this grown-up drink & let me know what y'all think, then leave me links to your Pinterest boards so I can go follow y'all!

xoxo, 

SS

Wednesday Wishlist

Wednesday Wishlist-Wedding Wednesday Version

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm obsessed with weddings. I love going to them, looking at pictures, pinning ideas for them onto my I'll Wear White & You'll Wear Out The Words I Love You  and my Engagement & Wedding Pictures  Pinterest boards.

Although I'm not currently planning my own wedding (yet), I do dream as every other good Southern girl does. For this Wednesday's Wishlist, it's going to be a Wedding Wednesday version...so enjoy!



I love rustic, country engagement sessions...but this one is so beautiful. The couple looks so in love & I adore how they incorporated the horses into the bottom shot.

These photos came from Amanda Lea Photography , who does absolutely beautiful work.



This image is one that I know my photographer will HAVE to capture on my big day. The bride letting go of her father's hand and going off into her new future with her brand-new husband is such a stirring moment. Plus, that dress is phenomenal-let's be honest.

This photo didn't have a link back to a photography page, so once again if you know who's photo this is..I would love to give them credit!

Chalk art is a must for any Southern wedding! 

I love the saying featured on the first sign, since it's a little different from the over-used "Come as you are, stay as long as you can. We're all family now, so no seating-plan!"

And I love the idea of having your own personal Instagram hashtag so that the happy couple can view all of their wedding pictures from all of their friends & family! 

Southern Weddings featured the seating sign on their website from a beautiful Arkansas wedding & Wedding Chicks featured the second sign from a beautiful wedding! 

This bouquet is so beautiful, I just can't stand it. The peonies are my ideal wedding flower, the exposed stems are perfect for a touch of bright color, and I can't get over the monogrammed ribbon. The monogrammed ribbon could even be your "Something Blue" if you so choose! It's not a Southern wedding unless something is monogrammed, so it might as well be your bouquet.

Wedding Wire  featured this beautiful bouquet along with several others!



This engagement ring is so dainty and precious. I love the small twist on the sides, the large circular center diamond, smaller diamonds in the square halo & on the band, and the small almost rose-gold metal. Is there anything better than a vintage-inspired engagement ring?

This particular ring didn't have a link back to a blog or jewelry website, so I'm not sure of it's original source...but I wish I was!


 

I love the idea of using hydrangeas as the bridesmaids bouquet. Using only a few stems, you can get a lot of visual interest! Wrap them with some simple ribbon & you're done. Plus, it will accent a Southern, rustic themed wedding (like the one I want!)
This photo is from Www.TheKnot.Com


 

As soon as I saw this, I knew I wanted to do something similar for my wedding centerpieces. It's so simple and delicate, plus I know it would be more cost effective than having huge centerpieces from a florist!
Featured on Country Cleaver's blog.

I hope y'all enjoyed this weeks edition of Wednesday Wishlist featuring Wedding Wednesday!

What theme do you want to use/did you use for your wedding?
What are some of your favorite ways to cut wedding/entertaining costs?

Until next time...
xoxo, SS

Five Things I Love About Coming From a Small Town

My graduating class from high school was only about 65 students. The majority of us had known each other since Pre-K/Kindergarten and our families had been friends for years. 

I couldn't walk into a restaurant without having to stop and talk to at least three different people and half of the county knew when I did something, before I even knew I was going to do it!

While sometimes living in a small town was a little annoying, I wouldn't have traded it for anything and here are five of the best things about growing up in a county with a population of only around 13,000.

I learned to appreciate tradition. 

Growing up, I always knew that on Friday nights we would be at the football field cheering on the high school team. We had a huge game at the end of every season with our cross-town rival and it was a huge tradition to celebrate the entire week of the game with bonfires, pep rallies, and parades. 

It may not seem like much, but it really brought our whole side of town together and made us lean on one another. Those are definitely memories I will never forget. 

I learned the importance of family. 

In a small town, family means everything. They are the people you lean on, the people who teach you right from wrong, and the people that are always there to lend a hand when things get hard. 

Growing up, I probably didn't appreciate my family as much as I should have, but I learned over the years that there is nothing better to come home to than your family. 

I learned how important hard work is.

My daddy will always be the one I look up to when it comes to working hard. He woke up early in the morning, worked all day long-sometimes past dark, and then came home with a smile still on his face. He may have always been working hard, but he also always made time for us kids, when we needed him. 

That work ethic is instilled in me and I'm so proud of it.

If something happened in your family such as death or sickness, the entire community took the time to pitch in and bring a covered dish or an entire meal.

There is nothing better than knowing that your neighbors will stop by and help take care of you and your family in your time of need. I distinctly remember every single time there was a death or sickness in the community, everyone would come together to fill that family's table and freezer. I can't imagine anything more comforting than having your neighbors around you when you're going through hard times.

I always know I have a place to call home.

My small town may have been tiny & all of my friends may have wanted to fly off and leave after high school ended, but I knew that I would always come back to this place and call it my home. 

There is nothing better than knowing you will always have somewhere that will welcome you back with open arms.

While some people may think that small towns are too much drama and too small for their tastes, I couldn't imagine growing up anywhere else and I sure wouldn't want to raise my family anywhere else. I'm from that small town America where everyone knows your name and welcomes you with open arms...and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

What about you, do you prefer the small town or the big city?

Until next time...

xoxo, 

SS

The Southerner's Love Hate Relationship with the End of Summer

For Southerner's, there's nothing better than summertime. It means time on the lake, a trip to the Gulf of Mexico, endless days spent at the golf course/country club, and wearing sundresses daily. 

But, when stores start bringing out the "Back-to-School" sale signs, it makes us realize that whether we're ready or not...summer is coming to a close. 

The end of summer may bring the end of endless days on the lake, but it also brings with it the beginning of bonfire season. 

Everyone loves to jump on the pontoon boat and enjoy a weekend out on the water, there's nothing better than the breeze in your face and a tan on your skin. But, even I have to admit that there is just something special about gathering in a big field with all of your friends, letting down the tail-gates, and burning up a big pile of limbs or pallets. 

The end of summer may bring the end of wearing Jack Rogers or going barefoot, but it also means you have an excuse to go out and buy new boots. 

It's always really upsetting when the weather is too nippy for me to pull out my trusty Chacos or my Jacks, or to step out onto the back porch barefoot. But, I do love any excuse to go boot shopping, since I feel like I need a new pair for every season. 

The end of summer might mean there won't be any more weekend beach trips, but it does mean that you'll be able to devote your weekends to football.

Football in the south is a religion. There's just no other way to put it. On Friday nights, you'll go to the high school football game. Then on Saturday mornings, you'll get up bright and early and head to your favorite college town and tailgate all day. There's just something about seeing your favorite team score that first touchdown of the season that puts your heart at ease with the coming Fall. 

It means paying for tuition, books, and fees...but it also means you get to spring for a new wardrobe. 

The only thing that makes the swapping of seasons bearable for me is the fact that I get to not only buy new clothes for the season that is coming, but I also get to shop those end of season sales! 

It means nippy mornings are coming...but that also means that those hot, sweaty days will be going too!

Now we all know that Southern belles don't sweat, they glisten. But those summer days can get down right unbearable! I may be willing to accept some chilly days if it means I don't have to be in the miserable heat and humidity every day. 

It means less shrimp boils and barbecues, but it means more nights cuddled up on the couch with a bowl of chili or brunswick stew. 

The worst thing about summer fading away, might be the loss of cooking outside every weekend like I've become accustomed to. But there's just something comforting about cooking a meal in the crock-pot all day and then settling down with the ones you love to take in a movie or a new episode of Nashville. 

It means less feel-good summer songs, but more songs like Boys of Fall by Kenny Chesney or Harvest Time by Luke Bryan.

You can't not think about Fall when a song about football or harvesting the last of the crops of the year, comes on the radio. There's just a different theme for this time of the year and a change of music ain't so bad.

After all of that...I'm starting to feel a little ready for fall right now!

 I better go get my shorts and Jacks on, because before I know it summer will be gone!

What are you most excited about for fall?

xoxo, SS

Friday Favorites

My Home is Where the Heart Is Pinterest board is full of home decorating ideas & I thought today I would mix things up & share just a few of them with you, hope you enjoy!

Favorite Home: 

I love the simple Southern style of this home; the wraparound porch, the plentiful windows, and the rustic style all call to my soul. I can imagine sitting in a front porch swing, enjoying a glass of sweet tea, & watching my sweet C bale hay in the fields. 

The house plans & dimensions are available here. 

Favorite Color Scheme: 

This rustic color scheme would be perfect for any country home. I imagine the red or green being accent colors for the kitchen and living room. The brown and tan would warm the home and the darkest color would be used in accents for depth. 

The pin lead back to this website, if anyone knows of the original location, please leave it in the comments below!

Favorite Front Door: 

I can't think of one thing that I don't love about this front entry. From the brick and stone accents, to the beautiful wreaths/burlap hangers, the large urns with bountiful flowers, and the beautiful glass-pane wood doors. It's all so modern-rustic & ideal for a Southern home. You could easily change the decor according to the season, which I also love. 

This front porch was featured back in 2010 on a blog that I just adore; Less-Than-Perfect Life of Bliss. Go check out her other porch accents, I promise you will be inspired to re-do your entire porch!

Favorite Kitchen: 

I adore this all; from the large farm-house sink, the plentiful cabinet & counter space, and the pantry door (that I imagine leads to a beautifully, well-stocked pantry). I could definitely make a place for this kitchen in my perfect farm house. 

This was featured on the blog Brunch at Saks as well as many other beautiful dream kitchens. 

Favorite Decor Piece: 

I am always inspired by equestrian pieces, since I have been a horseback-rider since I was very young. I'm always looking for discreet ways to include my love for all things equine in our home & I imagine that these recycled horseshoes would be perfectly rustic hanging on the outside of the stairs. You could even include the horse's name that they came from, if you were so inclined. 

I couldn't find the exact blog post that this came from, but the Pinterest link led back to The Old Painted Cottage, which has so many chabby chic decorating ideas!

Favorite "Something-Extra":

Dear Future Me, 

Remember to carve our names into our wood floors in the first home we build together. What a memory, what a legacy? I know a lot of people probably think that this is crazy, but I think it's a sweet little thing to do, maybe in an inconspicuous spot just in case you ever decide to sell...but still sweet, all the same.  

I hope y'all enjoyed my first Friday Favorites post featuring home decor ideas. I think this could become a feature that you'll see every now & then at The Southern Stylista!

What would you love to see in your future home?

xoxo, SS

Thirsty Thursday

Every Thursday should be Thirsty-Thursday, but this Thursday especially because it's my last Thursday night before I begin classes again! 

The theme for all of my recent posts has been Fall, so this post is no different. 

Since I've been twenty-one for two months now, I'm still exploring all of the fantastic drink combinations that are out there & I love the unique combinations that my fellow bloggers put together!

My Tip It On Back Pinterest board combines many of the drinks that I eventually plan to try, but the one that has caught my eye most recently is the Apple Pie on the Rocks from the blog Vegan Yack Attack!

This drink contains: 

1 oz. Vanilla Vodka

1 oz. Fireball Whiskey

4 oz. Apple Juice 

Pinch of Ground Cinnamon

Brown Sugar for the rim

Ice

(Optional; Cinnamon stick for garnish)

All you have to do is wet the rim of your glass slightly & then rim with the brown sugar.

Then, in a shaker combine vodka, fireball, apple juice, and cinnamon together with your ice. 

Shake a few times & then carefully pour into your glass (make sure not to mess up the brown sugar rim!)

Serve it chilled & with a cinnamon stick for garnish if you'd like. 

Perfect for a crisp, fall evening! Make this for yourself or for a group of friends, you just can't go wrong! 

Try it out & let me know what you think!

xoxo, SS

Wednesday Wishlist

Fall Must-Haves

This morning when I stepped out onto the back porch, it felt just like a Fall morning. The balmy sixty-degree weather made me wish for pumpkin spice flavored drinks & candles, knit sweaters, and leather riding boots. 

So today, I will visit the realm of Fall must-haves for this Wednesday-Wishlist & show you the things that I'm absolutely craving for the upcoming season!

This quilted riding jacket from LL Bean in black is a staple for fall and winter in the south. The reviews all say it's perfect for layering and at only $139 you can afford to splurge!

Add this LL Bean quilted riding vest for only $109 and you've got the perfect fall outfit! Everyone knows that I'm crazy for vests this fall; the J Crew Herringbone, Patagonia, and Old Navy puffers...but this quilted riding vest is too good to pass up!

I guess there's a theme to this Wednesday's Wishlist, but this Ribbed Dolman Cardigan in heather grey is perfection for Fall. It comes from American Eagle and is only $44.95. I tried this on in-store the other day and fell in love! The over-sized fit makes me want to pull it on over a tank and snuggle by the fire or pair it with a scarf & head out for a day of shopping. 

I'm one of those girls that believes she needs a new pair of Cowboy boots for every season & these fit the bill for Fall for sure. This pair is the Gaylarazz boot in Brass/Multi from Country Outfitter. These have a worn-in look that is perfect for pairing with sundresses and cardigans for the warmer Fall months & then you can wear skinny jeans & a vest for the cooler months! Country Outfitter also has free shipping for orders over $99, so make sure to take advantage of this and their amazing customer service. 

This tooled leather clutch is *amazing*. I used to lean toward a cross-body bag, but lately I reach for clutches when going out on the weekends. Luckily, this bag can be both! I first found this featured on Stylishlyme and I love the way she styled it with simple cuffed jeans and a basic white tee. This is something I may definitely have to add to my wardrobe this fall! Right now it's only $30 from Sole Society!

These Tortoise Shell Icon Earrings featuring a Horsebit are adorable! These are from Swell Caroline and only $30! 

Plus, when you visit the website you'll be prompted to join their email list & you'll get a free pair of earrings with your first order! 

The tortoise is perfect for fall & I love the fact that all this equestrian inspired stuff is in style, perfect for me since I'm a real-life equestrian! 

I hope you enjoyed this weeks Wednesday Wishlist! 

Tell me, what are your Must-Haves for Fall?

Until next time...

xoxo, SS