Moonshine & Wanderlust

... a cosmopolitan view from a southern perspective

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

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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Autumn Bucket List

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Oh, fall! Drifting, dried leaves floating through the air, the crisp bite of morning air, cozy get togethers, football, pumpkin patches… I mean, what is there not to love about autumn?

It’s always been my favorite season and this year I am more ready than ever to start it! Yes, I love summer and will miss our warm days but if you live in the South, you know when the heat has outworn it’s welcome.

In an effort to relish every drop of fall, I’ve decided to create an “Autumn Bucket List” – I’ll be adding to it over the next few weeks, but below is my start. I would love input for ideas or see your own fall bucket lists!

1. Visit an authentic pumpkin patch

2. Host an “Autumn Toast & Roast” party

3. Go to at least one TN football game, but I’m shooting for more

4. Have a scary movie marathon complete with popcorn and candy

5. Make Butterbeer

6. Go to an apple orchard and pick apples

7. Go camping (I cringe.)

8. Make gourmet style caramel apples

9. Plant flowers and decorate front porch

10. Have an outdoor movie night with blankets

… I’ll be working on doing some of these things soon, but in the meantime give me some of YOUR favorite fall activities!

Corners of Happy

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The first hints of fall are in the air here in Southeast Tennessee and I could not be more excited! Like many of you, fall (or as I like to call it – autumn) is my favorite time of year. I seem to feel more alive when I walk out the door in the morning and a crisp bite of air meets my face, yet there is still a lingering warmth to soothe the soul. It’s the most beautiful time of the year.

The end of summer gets me thinking about little pieces of happiness – tangible reminders of being alive and being in that carefree spirit of summer all year long. In my home, I like to call those “corners of happy.” While I am working towards my dream of a reading nook in my place, I do have one significant corner of happy that has been long standing – my vinyl record player corner.

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I snagged the great table at TJ Maxx a couple of years ago and used it as a bedroom piece until I got the record player – it just fit perfectly and had plenty of room for my growing vinyl collection. Chattanooga has a great store, McKays, that is treasure trove of used books, movies, and vinyl records. I’ve bought some of my favorite tunes for as little as $.25 but I have a really old school taste in music. What’s great about McKays is that they also have some new releases, too, so they cater to all types. Locations are also in Knoxville and Nashville!

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Of course, I had to include a snap of one of favorites – Carly Simon.

It’s a small corner, but it’s probably my favorite in my home. It’s been inexpensive to create, but has created many peaceful and stabilizing moments in my life. It doesn’t matter what has gone on in my day – to be able to come home and listen to the crackle and rounding patters of the record is a luxury.

What’s your corner of happy? Is it a place in your kitchen where you house your favorite cookbooks and magazines? Or, maybe it’s your crafting corner in your garage that makes your hands busy on a Saturday afternoon. Or, maybe it’s just a simple chair somewhere in your home that gives you a few minutes of quiet to yourself as you sip a cup of tea or read a book.

Corners of happy don’t have to be grand, but they make our lives grand with their existence.

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Welcome to Moonshine & Wanderlust!

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Started in November of 2013, my blog has finally found its permanent home… I am so excited to share it with you! I have worked on getting everything just right for the site’s launch in hopes of making this blog the most user friendly and inviting place to read!

A lifestyle blog, Moonshine & Wanderlust will be a place to read about travel, local reviews, home life, and style   – all with a touch of southern charm. For a more in depth read, check about the About Me page!

Without further ado… enjoy!

love,

patty lauren