Apartment Living

So I went and did something kinda grown-up today. I purchased a couch...I know this sounds lame, but it is a decision I have been mulling over for awhile now. Currently I have a hand-me-down couch, more like a large loveseat really, that has served me well this past year in my first apartment, but it was time for an upgrade. 

I spent several afternoons over my spring break checking out furniture stores trying to find something neutral, comfortable, and within my budget. I decided on a couch from a big box store. While it is not my dream couch (i.e the Pottery Barn Basic) I am happy with my purchase. Now if the darn thing would just get here already!

In light of my recent purchase I wanted to share some thing that I love and inspire my apartment decorating decisions. When I get my apartment how I like it (which may or may not ever happen) I will share some pictures!

Apartment Living by thecharlestonbelle featuring an alabaster lamp

Always,

CB

I may not have gone where I intended to go...

I am a life planner. I like plans and I like when life sticks to my plan, but rarely does this happen. Life loves to hit me hard with a reality check once and awhile reminding me that no matter how hard I try I cannot plan for everything. I came across this quote the other day and it really stuck with me. 

I may not have gone where I intended to go...A year ago I would have thought my life would look quite a bit different. I would have the ring, the wedding, and the happily ever after. Needless to say, I am not living in suburbia with the husband, 2.5 kids, a white picket fence, and a dog.  I often forget that I have so much to be grateful for right now. I am halfway done with graduate school, I live in the most beautiful city in the country, and I have the greatest friends and family that love me. Looking back I often wonder if I would have been ready for what I had dreamed up in my life plan. Was it an unrealistic goal to begin with? 

Lately I have been trying not to plan every detail of my life and know that what is supposed to happen will happen and be comfortable with the stage of life I am in now.  I am trying to remember things will unfold as they need to in their own time, not mine.  ...but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. 

You may not have the life you intended, you may not have the boyfriend, the promotion, the perfect apartment. You may not have been accepted into your dream school, you may have trouble finding a job, or you may have moved to a city you hate for a job you hate even more. No matter what your situation looks like remember that you are where you need to be in life whether you realize it or not. Trust that things are going to work out for the best and that no matter how much you worry it won't change the outcome. Embrace the life you have right now, throw the 5 year plan out the window and  don't be so hard on yourself.

Always, 

CB

Saturday Shopping and Sales

While finals week is upon us (only two more to go!!) my favorite way to procrastinate is to peruse all my favorite online shops. I have come across a few really great sales and I had to share.

Tory Burch is having their Friends and Fans sale! 25% off of most items excluding fragrances and beauty items. The last Friends and Fans sale I ordered a pair of Reva flats. I had been wanted them for awhile, but I had a hard time spending that much on a pair of flats. The 25% off helped out a ton and I don't regret the purchase one bit. So if you have been eyeing a certain Tory Burch item, now is the time ladies. Here are some of my faves from Tory Burch right now. I may or may not have already ordered the Miller sandal and I am strongly considering the espadrilles.

Tory Burch by thecharlestonbelle featuring backpacks bags

Other noteworthy sales include 40% off everything at Loft, and an extra 25% off everything at Jcrew Factory.

Happy shopping! 

Always,

CB

April Birchbox

So I am pretty sure I am the last girl to jump on the Birchbox bandwagon, but let me say I am oh so glad that I did! I have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of my first Birchbox for quite a few days now, even checking my shipment tracking multiple times a day (Am I the only one that does this...not ashamed).

Well it finally arrived today and I felt like a little kid on Christmas morning. I could not get to my mailbox quickly enough this afternoon.

Here it is, my first (of I am sure many) Birchboxes

My Birchbox contained 5 items

1) Sumita Eyeliner in black- I. Am. In. Love. I don't know about you, but I am on the never-ending quest to find the perfect eyeliner. One that has staying power, yet goes on smooth, and is not too expensive. Let me tell  you, this is the eyeliner. It is so soft and easy to apply and it will stay put all day long! At $11 a pop this eyeliner is really a steal.

2) Harvey Prince's Hello Perfume- I am guilty of picking a scent and staying with it for years. For those of you that like to change up your perfume for every season, this is the perfect summer fragrance. It smells so bright and citrusy. Hello Summertime

3) Fekkai Salon Technician Color Care Shampoo- I have color treated hair so I am always looking for a good shampoo to extend the life of those pricy highlights. I have tried this shampoo once and so far I like it. It wasn't anything fabulous, but I am still glad I got to test it out. 

4) KIND bar- I am a big fan of granola bars as I am running out the door, late for class as usual. My normal go to bar is the Coconut Chocolate Chip Cliff Bar. I was pleasantly surprised with the Kind bar. It was chewy yet crispy at the same time. I also really like when you can actually see the ingredients that are in the bar and it isn't over processed. I will definitely be purchasing a box to mix up with my normal breakfast bar. 

5) Gilchrist & Soames Spa Therapy Body Wash- I have not tried the body wash that came in my Birchbox, however, it smells amazing!  I think I am going to save this little guy for travel, but I am pretty confident I will love it. 

The only product from this month's Birchbox that I plan to purchase is the Sumita eyeliner. 

I hope you enjoyed my Birchbox review. Who else has a Birchbox subscription? What fabulous products have you discovered?

Design Darling

Have y'all seen the Design Darling online boutique? It is adorable, they have everything you need and everything you don't need, but absolutely want to have.

I love all the desk accessories like this pink Hustle notepad, this girly pink pencil set with fun  sayings on them, and these adorable monogrammed notecards. They also have some great jewelry options. I love this tortoise shell chain necklace and who can resist a pair of gold monogram earrings?

Go check it out! I am really trying to have some self control right now...

Design Darling by thecharlestonbelle featuring monogram jewelry

P.S Jcrew Factory is having a 50% off EVERYTHING sale right now. 

Have a great weekend y'all!

Always,

CB

Beach Daze

The weather is so dreary today that I can't help but dream about summer and sunshine. I have also dreamed up this perfect beach getup for long days at the beach. I love the combination of ruffles and seersucker on the bikini top from Aerie. 

Y'all already know I have a slight obsession with Jack Rogers during the warmer months, but these Georgica Jelly Jacks are perfect for the beach. No worrying about ruining them in the water and sand!

And can we talk about this beach bag? I am in love. Not only is it a perfect beach bag but it is the ultimate carry-all for summer. I'm thinking farmer's markets, day trips, shopping, you name it and I think this bag can do it. 

Beach Daze by thecharlestonbelle featuring a blue beach towel

Betsy Pittard Designs: Arm Party

Last week I won a stack from Betsy Pittard Designs on their Instagram contest called Win It Wednesday! I was so so excited because this girl never ever wins anything. Since receiving my turquoise arm party in the mail I have been obsessed and absolutely had to share. 

I have been wearing these bracelets (at least a couple) every single day since I got them. What I love about them is they are so versatile. I have worn the entire stack for a bold look, mixed in a few with my other regular jewelry, and worn just a couple for a more simple look. 

 In my opinion turquoise is considered a neutral and can be worn with just about anything and I have been doing just that.  

What makes these bracelets stand out are the fun gold details. I love the chains and little tassels they add such a flirty touch.  I am also equally in love with the sparkly gold bead on one of the bracelets, a girl can never have too much sparkle. 

  

If you have never seen the other jewelry from Betsy Pittard Designs you must go check them out! Locally, in Charleston, I know her jewelry is carried by Simply J Boutique on King Street. I tried to find a complete listing of locations, but unfortunately was unable. If you cannot find a boutique close to you check out the Betsy Pittard Designs Etsy page. 

Happy shopping y'all!

The Masters 2014

Every year during Master Week I start longing to be back in my hometown Augusta, GA. Unfortunately, I won't make it back for the tournament this year so I will have to live vicariously through the many friends that are there. Even though I won't be going to the wonderful place that is The Augusta National, I have thought up the perfect outfit for walking the course, eating pimento cheese sandwiches, drinking beer out of green cups, and, oh yeah,  watching a little golf too I suppose. 

For me, Lilly Pulitzer is a must for a day at The Augusta National along with a pair of well broken in Jack Rogers for all the walking that will be done. A simple monogram and a small clutch are the perfect accessories to complete the outfit. 

Although I won't be in attendance, you better believe I will be eating my pimento cheese and wearing my Lilly from Charleston this year. 

Happy Masters Week Augusta!

The Masters 2014 by thecharlestonbelle featuring graduation dresses