Moonshine & Wanderlust

... a cosmopolitan view from a southern perspective

Superstition

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It is often said “bad news comes in threes.” I have always felt this saying was a little silly. I’m not usually superstitious, but this year has truly been a year of bad news in three. Within three months, I lost three people in my life. By choice, not by choice, and by death.

I have held high hope in sharing lots of good news and good things for Moonshine & Wanderlust and I do have many sweet things to share that have happened in the midst of these stormy days, but for now there is a lot of pain and hurt. And, I’ve promised to be real. And, honest. Because at the end of the day it doesn’t matter how much lifestyle advice we can share amongst each other if we are not true to what really goes on in life.

Last year was really tough and challenging for me concerning one circumstance – but I chose to grow from it and learn from it and I made some changes. This year has come out of the blue with some real, deep heartache. Heartache from losing relationships that were unreconciled, heartache from knowing love and losing love, and heartache from losing a deeply invested relationship. Life is unpredictable. It’s full of piss and venom towards anything that is good and holy.

Yes, I still have health. Yes, I am so blessed and fortunate beyond measure. But, oh how my heart has really been torn apart this year. I have had to face loss in ways I never wanted to experience. Ways I have always been afraid of experiencing, but that I didn’t know how I could cope if it came to pass. I am coping. And, I am hopeful.

“Hope is a waking dream.” – Aristotle

Cheetah & a Pop of Color

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True to form, Friday brought a more dressed up look than the beginning of the week. The weather has become quite nippy in the mornings so while I had originally planned on wearing a skirt for the end of the week, I fell back on a comfortable pair of pants. I think I remember muttering, “I love pants!” while I was getting ready. I like to talk to myself in the mornings… don’t you?

I stayed with a lot of deep browns and neutrals for Friday, but I punched the outfit up by sporting a pair of my favorite brushed suede heels in a bright turquoise. Adding a pop of color to an otherwise muted outfit is an easy way to pull an outfit together in a sassy and memorable way – especially if it’s with shoes! I guarantee you will get compliments on your fun style!

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top: JCrew

similar match: Macy’s Charter Club tee

pants: Larry Levine

similar match: Larry Levine Slim Leg Pant

shoes: Jessica Simpson

almost an exact match: Jessica Simpson suede heels 

scarf: Jones New York (regular scarf that I made into an infinity style)

scarf: Target ruffle infinity scarf

xoxo,

patty lauren

The Monday Blues

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Fall is right about the corner – It’s practically on the doorstep! And, to celebrate the last Monday of September… My first Outfit of the Day post. Enjoy!

xoxo,

patty lauren

I find myself wanting to be a little more casual on Mondays and Fridays – the start and end to each week. It seems dressy up is a little easier as the week goes on, at least for me.

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I brought out the softest corduroy top from The Gap I used as a layer over a comfy white tank. The corduroy gave just enough warmth for this brisk Monday and the sweet pearl snaps lent it some extra class.

The brown pants are a closet staple and I’m not ashamed to say they’re Forever 21. I have a difficult time finding pants, but when I find a pair I like I wear the heck out of them. LOFT, J. Crew, and Gap pants are my favorite, but I snagged these great skinny knit pants last year and they go with almost everything. Plus, you can’t beat a $15 pair of work pants!

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The boots are Kelsi Dagger and see themselves on my feet are a regular basis in the fall, winter, and spring. The heel is just high enough to satisfy my sky-high love but comfortable enough to wear all day walking around the office and out in town.

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I love, love, love combining metals – my rings are a stack mix from a local jeweler in California, sterling silver bands from easy and a gold tone brushed shimmer ring from H&M. My two toned boyfriend inspired watch came from a local shop in Savannah and I wear it almost every day. At least until the Apple Watch comes out ::eeeek::

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One of my most favorite rings ever. It looks gargantuous in this picture, but it’s the perfect oversized ring. And, that sparkle – ow ow ow! Great find from an Ann Taylor outlet.

How To Wear It:

Corduroy layering top 

White tank top

Skinny pants

Leather booties

Boyfriend inspired watch

Oversized crystal ring

Silver stackable rings

Brushed shimmer ring

“After all tomorrow is another day…”

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Gone With the Wind – perhaps one of the greatest sagas ever to grace the silver screen. If you ever read Margaret Mitchell’s novel you know it differs quite a bit from the movie, but in this case the movie version wins hands down for me. Many of us Southern girls have a Scarlett O’Hara inside and we’d be lying if we didn’t want our very own Rhett Butler. They just don’t make men like that anymore!

So, why am I writing this? Because this is your chance to see it in movie theaters! I’ve been lucky enough to see it before in grand style but this week is another glorious opportunity. If you follow me on Twitter and Instagram, you’ve seen my blurbs about today’s showing, however you have another chance on October 1st. Turner Classic Movies and Fathom Events have teamed up to celebrate the movie’s 75 anniversary by bringing this epic story to our local cinemas. Check out Fathom’s website to see a showing near you – make sure you take a friend, especially one who has never seen the movie and revel in this special afternoon to celebrate a true classic.

xoxo,

patty lauren

Tennessee Valley Fair 2014

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If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you may have witnessed my uber excitement over seeing Air Supply at the Tennessee Valley Fair in Knoxville.

It. Was. So. GREAT! Air Supply truly gave a great performance. They got out into the crowd, took pictures with people, beckoned us to sing and sway along. The music was flawless – they sounded just as good as they did in their prime. They sang all of their big hits along with a few lesser known tunes and some surprises. Although they didn’t sing “Rocky Top” as one fan screamed out (thank God) they put on a wonderful show that lasted almost two hours. The amphitheater was the perfect size and was even pet friendly! Grace Kelly was really bummed she wasn’t invited… 😀 It was truly a show to remember!

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The fair lasts 10 great days – September 5th through September 14th. They have an exciting lineup this year including artists like Cole Swindell, Jon Pardi, Ginuwine, Big Daddy Weave, and many more. You should definitely check out their website and other social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) for continual updates throughout the week.

Not only do they have great music at awesome admission prices, but the fair is HUGE. This was my first time visiting the grounds and it was much more expansive than I had imagined. There are plenty of rides for everyone – including multiple ferris wheels (they’re my favorite!) – agriculture shows, beauty pageants (because nothing screams the South like a girl dressed up like a Barbie doll waiting in line for a corn dog), rodeos, and even a demolition derby.

You still have a whole week to go visit the fair – go check out their information and plan a fun night in Knoxville to commemorate the end of summer.

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