Are you there blog? It's me, Gracie

Dearest blog readers (if anyone is still out there!), I apologize for the abrupt hiatus last January that has left my beloved blog desolate for a little over a year now. I'll admit, it was a selfish move and I do greatly apologize for the lack of warning. Do you forgive me?

{insert puppy dog-like eyes here}

Never fear, however, as I am alive and well. Just exceptionally busy! You see last year I embarked on the final year of my MBA (sweet Jesus, I thought the day would never come!), and much to my surprise I did survive to see the Sunday morning that does not involve Managerial Economics with classmates at the local Starbucks. But, instead of taking a break after graduation, I decided to jump straight into my next big adventure.  So, in July of last year I fulfilled a lifelong goal... I opened my own boutique!

While my goal is to not let another year go by without a post on The Flip Side, shopgracieb.com (my site) is keeping me extremely busy these days. I would love to keep in contact with you dear readers, so please come join me at the shop and the shop's blog. I would love to have you!

PS - a discount to the first person who gets the reference from the title and leaves a comment :)

A new year, a new scarf

 

Welcome back, dear readers! I hope you enjoyed the holidays and welcomed in the New Year with the ones you love. After finishing up finals (all A's!), the hubbie and I flew to North Carolina to enjoy a few relaxing days with my family.

Every time I travel, I enjoy coming home just as much as I enjoy leaving. But, nothing beats coming home to find packages waiting for me. Dear readers, you've been with me long enough to know that I love a good scarf. So, imagine my happiness to find this beautiful scarf sitting on my doorstep when we arrived home, courtesy of Scarves by Maria. Made of the softest silk and dripping with color, this beautiful piece compliments just about everything in my closet. The other aspect of this scarf that I adore is that fact that it was hand crafted. Maria designs and hand paints each of her works in her basement turned studio. unique. handmade. wearable art. Count me in!

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

It's a little ridiculous how much I love this time of year. Every year I come home on Thanksgiving night and begin putting up decorations. I'm usually by myself in this endeavor as my husband is sacked out on the couch after a long day of eating. It doesn't matter though, I love it that much. Our house is already festively attired and I love sitting in our dimly lit living room with a fire in the fire place, looking at the twinkling white lights. Now, if I could just finish up the semester, it's off to my parents house to enjoy the holidays!

Decorations sitting in martini glasses

A little holiday brew kept cold in snow

Candles & Christmas lights strung in a dim lit room

and the winner is....

Congrats to Mandy S! You've won the beautiful Sierra Winter earrings! I'll be contacting you shortly to arrange shipping!

Happy Friday!

Currently Browsing: lots of Vintage!

If there's one thing I enjoy, it's the thrill of a good vintaging trip. For the last two days I have been dreaming of stopping by my favorite thrift store after work, but no such luck. The joy of long hours of work, lots of deadlines and family coming into town for the holidays has left me without a vintaging trip. Oh well, I have lot of shopping excitement to look forward to this weekend :)

Happy Thanksgiving, dear readers! I hope your day is spent surrounded by the ones you love.

Free Friday: Sierra Winter Designs

Happy Friday, dear readers! Today I am happy to be able to present to you another wonderful giveaway! Monday, you got to glimpse into the wonderful design studio behind Sierra Winter designs, and today.... read more

A look into Sierra Winter Designs

  

Saturday I drove up to Kansas City to do a little pre-holiday-craziness shopping and enjoy the lovely fall weather. That afternoon I was delighted to meet with jewelry designer and owner of her self named jewelry line, Sierra Winter Designs.

I met Sierra at her studio, a bright and airy space that her father helped her create in her home. I was immediately greeted with turquoise, chunky polished stones and silver chains scattered across a sunlit workbench. Her work is a beautiful collection of delicate silver pieces intertwined with southwest-inspired elements. I loved being in her workspace. Sketches, inspirational photos and an earthly, southwestern influence filled the space. I spent an hour snapping photos and chatting with Sierra, and left feeling completely inspired. Not to mention completely enamored with her work. Etsy shop, custom orders and a line soon to grace boutiques in Kansas City... this is one designer to keep your eyes on.

  

that's classic

Now, I love styling the newest trends as much as the next fashionsita, but let's face it... there really isn't anything any better than a good pair of riding boots and a classic trench.  Earlier this week I was perusing the web (yes, I have a tendency to do that from time to time), when I ran across a lovely little shop called EmersonMade. It was love at first sight. How can you not love the owner, Emerson, and her oh-so-adorable flower pins (see example in red above)? She recently came out with a line of clothing with which I am completely smitten. I love the old school, high waisted denim jeans. Albeit, they are a tad expensive (for me), but so classic and would last for so long. I am strongly considering....

Pocahontas

Some accessories are so good that they just have to be worn again and again. That's how I feel about this scarf. Yes, it's the same scarf. Instead of wrapping it around twice, I tied the ends together so that it would hang longer. If you have long hair, this technique works well regardless of how you tie it because it won't be seen. If you have shorter hair, you'll probably have to play with it a little to make the knot look pretty. Regardless, I love the dramatic effect tying it this way has on an outfit. For this scarf in particular, the colors are perfect for fall, the sequins are right on trend and the tribal print looks great with my comfy moccasins. The result was a cute and relaxing Sunday afternoon outfit!

get cozy!

I know I've said about it before, but I'll say it again... my favorite part of the Fall/Winter season is wearing lots of layers.  It makes me feel cozy and happy. Like sitting in front of a warm fire with a huge blanket enjoying a good book. See, wasn't that a nice thought to have on a Friday?

To get you all prepped and ready to enjoy a cozy weekend, here are a few lovely, cozy items. I would love to wear any of these... and, probably all at once!

1. Cable Knit Tights, Topshop $24
2. Cable Knit Wrap Cardigan, American Eagle $90
3. let's get away knee high riding boots, Ruche $44
4. Soy Latte Cardigan, Modcloth $60
5. Country Soul Dress, Modcloth $50
6. Pink Studio "Geneva" bowtie tweed flats, Ruche $77
7. Pink Studio "Junnet" peep toe wedges, Ruche $95
8. Fossil "Vintage Reissue" Satchel, Nordstroms $178
9. Sorial "Tanya" Suede Drawstring Hobo, Nordstroms $188
10. Grey Horses Cardigan, Modcloth $70

and the winner is....

Congratulations to Rich and Mallory! You've won the beautiful crystal-inspired cocktail ring from A Twist of Fate Design! I'll be contacting you shortly to arrange shipping :)

old habits die hard

It wasn't so long ago that I was donning maxi dresses and sandals, and scurrying around town in my convertible. While the dog days of summer may be behind us, I'm still not over one habit. I am still seeing and loving maxi dresses. Fortunately, there still remains a selection of fall-appropriate options to choose from. I especially love the plaid dress from Free People on the top right corner.

Long hemlines + tall boots = perfection!

business in the front, party in the back

No, I'm not endorsing mullets. But, this outfit kind of reminds me of that saying - business jacket on top, party shoes on the bottom. There's nothing I love more than a good blazer, and the metallic booties really jazz the whole ensemble up. Speaking of which, don't you love it when you find a good steal that actually looks trendy the following season? That has been my luck with these BCBG booties.  I actually purchased these two or three years ago at the end of Winter for a mere $25. I wasn't sure if they would look trendy or ridiculous in the following years, but I liked them at the time and decided the price was right.  Fortunately, similar silhouettes and styles in booties have continued strong and I still sport them proudly. 

Happy Hump Day!

unexpected bling

This Fall, I've been loving all the sequins and glam incorporated into laid back, day wear pieces. Whether it's plaid with jewels or sequins on a blazer... I'm smitten.  Fortunately, this scarf that I found on sale at Target last Fall fits in perfectly with my current style infatuation.  The sequins paired with a tribal print are the perfect combination of laid back glam. Give me some textured tights and a corduroy skirt and I'm in heaven.

On another note, here's to hoping everyone had a Happy Halloween! I had a little munchkin at my house that was cute, but not very happy :)

Free Friday: A Twist of Fate Design

My apologies, dear readers, for it being nearly a month since my last giveaway.  I promise that I did not lie to you. There are more giveaways coming through the pipeline.  Like my Mama always told me, good things come to those who wait and trust me today's giveaway is very, very good..... read more