True Beauty Files: I refuse to say Oxblood...

Okay I know the color "oxblood" is all the rage but I simply cannot bring myself to say the word. It might have to do with the fact that I am sqeamish. So here you are... a set of photos in oxblood burgundy, wine, maroon what have you pants...

{Jacket" c/o Sheinside, Sweater: Gap, Pants: c/o Sheinside, Boots: F21, Wrap Bracelet: c/o InPink}

Evenings are way too short here with the 5pm sunset so we offset the winter depression with lots of eggnog and christmas music. Another way to beat the winter blues? Invite a bunch of your friends over for good food, drinks, and Christmas cheer:) 

 And although I LOVE the mild winters here in Atlanta, I have to admit my midwestern heart misses the snow in December. Just a tad envious of those of you that got dumped over the weekend. I am dying to go sledding......I haven't grown up yet.

Thank you all for the beautiful responses and ideas to the last post! I am amazed by humanity sometimes, and I am thankful for getting to hear about your tidings of good will. 

P.S. Today is the last day you can vote in the J.Renee Blogger Style Challenge. I am actually only a few votes shy of the lead so yours really does help! Thank you kindly for doing so! (You can vote each day in case you already voted.)

Red Dress, Fur Snood, and a J. Renee Blogger Challenge

{Dress: American Eagle (similar), Fur: H&M (similar), Heels: c/o J. Renee, Chain Bracelet: c/o Loren Hope, Clutch: Russell + Hazel (c/o Blogshop)}

I was asked to be a part of a blogger style challenge for J. Renee Shoes. 

The theme: Holiday Party

Piece to style: Leopard Bow Pumps

My take: A Betty Davis inspired White Christmas type ensemble. Loved combining a few of my favorite things for the look. All I need is a white horse and sleigh, right? 

The challenge: To ask readers to vote for the look (most votes wins)! If you feel so inclined, you can vote here! And also enter to win your own!

Thanks friends! Wishing you a happy week ahead!

True Beauty Files: Cobalt + White

{Cobalt Cowl: c/o Knits & Knots, Sweater: thrifted, Tank: Guess (thrifted), Jeans: Polo, Bracelets: c/o Angel Wings Accessories, Boots: Zara}

Cheers to long weekends, husband's being off work, lots of snuggle time with chubby cheeked babies, and an endless source of baked goodies. It makes for a hangover of a Monday though, doesn't it??

I felt like sporting some winter whites to welcome the cold weather;) The only problem I have with this beautiful blue knitted number above... is that its so soft and fluffy that I want to doze off standing up. Its basicly a cowl neck pillow. Yes its true. A dream puff of winter warmth. I have been eyeing up every piece of clothing in this color and now I have an excuse to wear it on multiple occasions.

Hope you all had a grand holiday! The countdown to the most wonderful day of the year begins! Love, Anna

The True Beauty Files

A lookbook for the modern modeste.

"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years." 

~ Audrey Hepburn 

True Beauty Files: The Senti-mentalist

{Sweater: Gap (similar), Tank: Guess (thrifted), Coated Jeans: H&M (similar), Flats: F21 (similar here or here), floppy hat: H&M , Necklace: c/o LYLIF, Tote: Asos}

Gabe bought this hat for me on our last date.

I am drawn to hats (surprise- its an accessory;)) and I like to think of it as something I inherited from my grandmother. She has quite the collection of hats of all shapes and sizes, and they each have a story to go with them. My grandparents never had much money, but she always made sure to look her best and wear her finest to church on Sundays. This hat made me think of her as soon as I tried it on. 

I am realizing more as I get older how much of a sentimentalist I am.

I don't think I will be sleeping much in the next few days as the elections approach. 

So much is at stake, and never has the country been so divided on moral issues in my opinion. (Well at least not since the Civil War.) Gabe and I already voted with early voting here in GA. Trying not to stress, and just keep praying God will allow us a strong leader for our country. I think with young children, the future has never felt more important.

Happy voting! 

The True Beauty Files

A lookbook for the modern modeste.

"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years." 

~ Audrey Hepburn

True Beauty Files: The Royals

{Coat: Thrifted (similar here or here), Skirt: Gap outlet (similar), Booties: Zara (similar), Tote: Asos (similar)}

Friday was sunny and 80 degrees, and by Sunday it was blustery and cold. Thanks Sandy.

I think the entire east side of the U.S. is getting this nasty weather. Atlanta will just be getting some rain and wind. My prayer for my east coast friends is that you all have your loved ones with you! 

How was your weekend? I am still in lazy Sunday mode. Time for a cup of joe;)

*Premier spots are full for November sponsorship, but there are a few standard spots available. Email for info:)

The True Beauty Files

A lookbook for the modern modeste.

"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years." 

~ Audrey Hepburn

How we wore it: Aubergine Trousers

If you remember this recent For a Fraction post, you'll remember how fab those Burgundy pants were. It inspired Sarah and I to do a back to back style post of how we would wear the look. Except they are more aubergine than burdgundy;) 

Isn't Sarah a beauty? She has such a fun personality to boot. For her outfit details, visit her blog, Wearing it on My Sleeves (one of my daily reads!)

My outfit details: Sweater: c/o Deloom, Cords: True NYC (similar), Tote: Mimi Boutique, Shoes: Francesca's (similar), Sunnies: H&M

Did you all have a good weekend?

We were outside 90% of ours, and enjoyed the best month atlanta has to offer:)

P.S. Can't wait to announce all the giveaway winners for Deloom and InPink tomorrow! Last day to enter:)

True Beauty Files: Outerwear

{Utility Jacket: F21 (similar), Yellow Jacket: c/o Deloom, Gingham Shirt: Banana Republic (similar on sale), Jeans: ON, Boots: Carlos Santana, Bracelet: c/o Inpink}

A funny thing about Atlanta in the fall...

There is a 20-30 degree difference from the morning till the afternoon.

This is why the only solution is to layer and layer well. 

Obviously this is okay with me - its my favorite hobby.

How was your weekend?

I am a little bitter over the fact that it felt like a long day rather than a whole weekend.

I'll get over it...

Fun things to share with you all this week. Stay tuned!

The True Beauty Files

A lookbook for the modern modeste.

"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years." 

~ Audrey Hepburn

True Beauty Files: Layering Season has arrived

{Jacket: c/o A-Thread, Denim Chambray: H&M (same here), Lace top: (similar), Necklace: c/o InPink, Bracelets: InPink, Jeans: Old Navy, Boots: Zara (similar)}

Weekend recap:

Birthday celebrations and an irish pub,

Pumpkin Farm, Hayrides, Boiled Peanuts, and wide eyed children,

Cooking, baking, and company. 

Mass, brunch, and some glorious family naptime.

Fabric hunting, DIY-ing, and project planning.

Foyle's War Marathon on Netflix.

(Photo re-caps on instagram)

Maximizing our fall weekends as you can see. And now that it is officially boot weather in Atlanta, layering is also in full swing:) Couldn't wait to bust out my A-thread jacket. 

And btw, you all are going to want to come back tomorrow- have got a pretty amazing giveaway going on! (Hint: there will be multiple winners!)

Hope you all had a fun weekend:)

Love, Anna

*Cleaning out my closet- Just listed some fall pieces on Copious.

The True Beauty Files

A lookbook for the modern modeste.

"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years." 

~ Audrey Hepburn

True Beauty Files: Amber

{Dress: c/o A-Thread, Scarf: c/o Deloom, Shoes: Zara (similar), Tote: Asos (similar), Bracelets: c/o InPink}

Lets raise our coffee mugs to October, eh?

My favorite month of the year, and one of the most beautiful in Atlanta. 

Part of our weekend was dark and rainy, but we didn't mind since we had a brown bag apple pie to bake and movies to watch. One of them, ironicly was October Baby and through the movie found this site. I cried through just about every video. Just a really cool reminder that each person we meet is beautiful, and everyone has a story! I know I need to stop sharing tear jerkers with you all.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

Love, Anna

P.S. Check out the new IHOD sponsors on the right. Some pretty awesome sites!

The True Beauty Files

A lookbook for the modern modeste.

"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years." 

~ Audrey Hepburn

True Beauty Files: Heart Patches and Print Mixing

{Scarf: Gap, skirt: Gap (similar), Heart Tank: ON, Shoes: Francescas, Cardi: DIY Patches/Gap (similar), Watch: Aldo, Chain bracelet: DIY. Specs: Nine West (similar)}

Has your style changed since college? As I was going through these back-to-schoolish photos it hit me how much mine has seemingly evolved and changed each year since my Freshman year in college when I would wear sweats almost every day to class. (I would like to just skip over and forget high school style..) I remember trying to figure out what my style was, and would second guess everything I tried on. I think so much of it has to do with where you are at in life, how your self-image is, and what makes you comfortable in your own skin. These factors have changed so much for me over the years, and hence my style has as well. I finally am at a place where I know exactly what is me and what isn't. Gabe reminds me that he fell in love with me during the sweats phase, so that will always be his favorite, but I know he loves when I dress up for our dates as well. I still default to sweats on Monday mornings, but the beauty about putting on your best is that it changes your attitude for the day. I challenge myself to put a little more effort into the way I dress because ultimately its a positive uplift to how I face the day, which affects everyone around me. Now if I had a money tree, I am pretty sure that would affect my wardrobe as well;) Its probably best that I don't have one...

I have been working on a closet overhaul, and re-vamping some cardis. Heart patch pockets met this grey grandpa cardi and together they created a new wonder. Will be sharing a few more up-cycles Thursday:)

How was your weekend? Do tell.

Love, Anna

The True Beauty Files

A lookbook for the modern modeste.

"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years." 

~ Audrey Hepburn

True Beauty Files : Lace and Leather

{Utility vest: ON (out of stock but similar here), Lace tunic: c/o PB&J Boutique, Leather leggings: Nordstrom, Shoes: Zara (similar), Tote: H&M, Bracelet stack: c/o Angel Wings Accessory, Necklace: BMB}

I am almost whispering to you that I am indeed wearing leather leggings. 

Going out of my comfort zone yet again and sharing with the general public. I may regret this later.... However, surprisingly comfortable and versatile, these leggings will most likely make a reappearance.

Style Word: May I just get this off my chest....leggings are not pants, hence they must be styled with caution! Raise your hand if you have seen leggings styled with a short shirt. Unfortunate, right? It just reveals TMI if you know what I mean. I feel so much better now that I have been able to share my distress over this matter;) Long tunics like this lace one, or an oversized sweater are great balance of length to pair them with, as well as a good pair of boots:)

Seen any fashion faux pas lately?? Do tell.

Hope you all had a great weekend! 

Love, Anna

The True Beauty Files

A lookbook for the modern modeste.

"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years." 

~ Audrey Hepburn

True Beauty Files: Touches of Gold

{Studded Collar Top: c/o Swaychic, Silk Tank: Guess (thrifted), Denim: ON, Studded Heels: DIY, Shades: UO, Cross Wrap Bracelet: InPink, Clutch: DIY, Gold Bobby Pins: Elle (via Ulta), Nail color: Velvet Voyage}

As much as I try to avoid talking about mundane things such as the weather, I can't help but mention how utterly splendid it feels to have cool mornings and evenings back in Atlanta. I even broke out a summer scarf for last night's date, opened the windows, and changed my weekend supply of iced tea to hot tea. Yes, this is how you officially transfer over to fall. ;)

How was your weekend? Did you break out those boots you have been dying to sport? 

P.S. Part 2 of the NYC trip coming up tomorrow! 

The True Beauty Files

A lookbook for the modern modeste.

"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years." 

~ Audrey Hepburn