BROWN HOUSE

(Photos taken on iPhone)

Well, it's official! We are officially first time home owners. Last night we closed on our house and within the next few weeks we will be packing up our life in boxes and moving (last time for awhile I hope). I have to be completely honest...life is crazy right now! I am slowly learning everyday to let go of how I want things done and trust that God has us right where we wants us right now. For those of you who know me well, I do not always do well with change. Nothing stresses me out more than a messy house and living in boxes sure isn't my cup of tea. I am really trying to be "okay" with living like a tornado just ran through our place. I am constantly reminding myself that this is only a temporary season in life and I extremely grateful to have my summer off to focus on getting ready for the next big phase of our lives. We are so thankful to finally have a place of our own that we can open up to others and serve in.

As for the house, I could not be more excited! For awhile part of me wanted nothing to do with the responsibility of owning a house, but as they say "when you're ready, you know it". We are definitely ready. I have always dreamed of having a house and sprucing it up with my own personal style and touches. Thankfully, we found a beautiful home that only has a few minor cosmetic changes that need to be done. One at a time we will tackle these "little" projects and I can't wait to share along the way. I am excited for the new things this house will bring to the blog. Get ready for more Interior Design posts, DIY projects, and Before-and-After shots on Elementary Style. Thanks to all of you who have called, texted, and offered up your help. We appreciate you more than you know!

XO,

Jacqueline 

AMERICANA

July Fourth is definitely one of my favorite holidays! Nothing says summer like Americana parades, festivals, cookouts, fireworks, being at the pool, and time with family & friends. This year I am looking forward to seeing all the Americana fashion that seems to be everywhere right now. Although I love the idea of rocking star prints and flag tees, I also love the idea of keeping it simple with a classic chambray piece. A few of my favorites are above! How do you do Independence Day? Dressed up or dressed down?

XO,

Jacqueline

SPLATTER DRESS

Dress: Francesca's, Top: H&M, Belt: Forever 21, Sandals: Target, Bag: Kate Spade, Sunglasses: Forever 21

Sometimes you look in your closet and pull out a piece you have neglected over the years and decide it's time to bring it back to life. That's what I did with this dress. I have had it for years and rarely wear it because I don't love the way it looks on me. I recently said to my husband, "Maybe I could turn this dress into a romper". I haven't pulled out the scissors just yet, but instead I decided to pair it with my favorite chambray top (which I have been wearing with everything lately) and give it a whole new look. I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked it. I love finding new ways to bring old pieces back to life! Absolutely nothing about this outfit is new, which I love. Somewhere deep down I knew this comfy cotton dress would find it's way back into my wardrobe. Summertime is the perfect time to experiment with all those old dresses you have hanging in your closet. Have any of you brought a piece back to life lately? If so, how did you like it?

XO,

Jacqueline

CEST LA VIE

Blazer: ASOS, Tee: JCREW, Boyfriend Jeans: similar Old Navy, Flats: Sole Society Lauryn in Frappe, Bag: exact Old Navy (old), similar here and here. 

Let me just start by saying sorry for my lack of blog posts in the past few weeks. Do you ever go through those times in life when you feel like you are living in a whirlwind and your to-do list just keeps growing and growing? That's been me! As much as I wish I could blog full-time, I have had to tell myself that blogging is not my top priority and I have things in life I just can't as easily "push aside". As a teacher I am looking ahead to summer and having a short break from some of the stresses that teaching can bring. However, I don't think life is going to be slowing down anytime soon for us. Cest la vie...that's life. I promise to fill you all in soon!

Speaking of to-do lists...this blog post has been on mine for the past two months now. I hate admitting that because not much makes me happier than crossing things off of that list. And bless my husband's heart for shooting this outfit not once, not twice, but three times (what can I say...I'm a girl). I eyed this tee for quite some time and it has been the perfect to-go this spring. I love pairing it with this blush blazer from ASOS and my favorite boyfriend jeans from Old Navy. This past weekend was Spring Fling in our neighborhood. Although we didn't visit till tear down time, I still enjoyed walking around and shooting some carnival themed photos. Plus we had the whole place to ourselves! Can't beat that!

XO,

Jacqueline

GEO FLORAL SHORTS

Top: ASOS, Shorts: exact, ASOS (low in stock), similar here, here and here, Booties: Target (black unavailable), similar here, Bag: Kate Spade (old). 

Almost a month after returning from our beach trip, I am finally getting around to sharing my final look from the week! They always say to save the best for last, and these shorts were definitely one of my favorite looks of the week. After being inspired by Dr. Zoe Hart once again and her ability to rock a variety of adorable shorts on Hart of Dixie, I decided to break away from the ever so common cut-off jean shorts and opt for a dressier evening look. When the weather turns warm dresses become my go-to. I could wear a sun or maxi dress every day of the summer if I had to. However, I am definitely looking forward to lovely printed shorts this season. I was also very excited to re-style this boxy crop top worn here. The possibilities with this top are endless! Check out the Zoe Hart version below. 

Image via Pinterest

XO,

Jacqueline

JO MALONE & OTHER FRAGRANCE STAPLES

I am almost embarrassed to say I have been due for a new perfume for quite awhile now. Over the past few months since I used up every last drop of my previous bottle, I have been living on samples from Sephora and searching for the perfect new scent. After doing my fair share of research and sampling I finally found the perfect one! Even after narrowing down my top picks, it still wasn't an easy decision. I am usually a "one scent at a time" kinda girl. However, after this search I know my collection needs some serious work. Eventually, I would love to have 3-4 staple perfumes I use regularly. Read below to find out which ones I would choose!

A few weeks ago, Dan and I popped into Nordstrom to do some perfume shopping. This was my first time sampling Jo Malone and let me tell you if you haven't already, go try it! I love the way they combine fragrances and their collection is so unique! At first, I have my heart set on 'Lime Basil & Mandarin'. I had heard many wonderful things about this scent and it smelled even better in person. Then I tried their 'Blackberry & Bay' and I was torn. In the end, Blackberry & Bay was the winner. One, because it smelled uh-mazing and two, because it was Dan's favorite (letting your man pick out your perfume is a no-brainer ladies). For a fruity & floral combination try mixing Blackberry & Bay with 'Orange Blossom' (you can ask for samples). Runners up included Tom Ford 'Black Orchid' and Viktor & Rolf "Flowerbomb. These four would definitely be in my go-to staple collection! What are some other fragrances you have tried, used, and loved? I am always looking for new ones!

XO,

Jacqueline

FLORAL CROP TOP

Top: Lush Print Woven Crop Top, Nordstrom (unavailable), similar here, here, and here, Skirt: Target (unavailable), similar here, Booties: Kacie Peep Toe Bootie, Target, Bracelet: ILY Couture

Let me just start by saying this outfit made me feel very "Zoe Hart", which if you know me well, is the TV personality's style I envy the most (in the best way possible). Whoever is responsible for her wardrobe is a total style genius. I have to admit, Hart of Dixie is quite possibly the cheesiest television show of all time. However, I just can't help myself from watching Ms. Zoe Hart prance around Bluebell every week in all sorts of things that make me swoon. Good work Rachel Bilson and HOD Wardrobe Stylist! 

I have worn this faux leather skirt many times before. It is a staple in my closet and I love finding new ways to style it. I especially love the mix of feminine and edgy in this outfit. I have never been brave enough to try the ever-so-popular crop top until now. After trying this floral one you better believe I will be looking for ways to incorporate more of them into my wardrobe this spring and summer. And yes, they CAN be styled in many classy ways! 

If you decide to try a crop top for the first time or are loving everything floral right now, feel free to share how you style them! Also, here is one of my favorite and similar looks from Zoe Hart for your enjoyment. 

Image Via InStyle

XO,

Jacqueline