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

New York, New York - Part 1

I have some serious baggage under my eyes.

The mini trip to NY was crazy in more ways than one. The travel part was rough. Due to cancelled and delayed flights I missed Tuesday night. However, Wednesday made up for it. It was a whirlwind jam- packed with amazing moments. I will recap IFB fun in another post. 

Part of my excuse for visiting NYC was to see this girl....

Meet Liza, my best friend from college. I got to end the nights catching up with her.

She knows the ins and outs of the city, and can kindly remind me that you don't call a cab, you hunt one down...

What would I do without her?

Due to the fact that it started to pour, my hair decided to make its own decisions. Frizz was on the menu as well as my usual top knot. Oh well. I will share with you some of the girls who were more fortunate and had some seriously fab up-dos. (Coming soon)

{Top: Francesca's (similar also here or here), Necklace: c/o LYIF (sold out), Coated Jeans: H&M, Watch: Aldo, Bracelet: c/o Loren Hope, Cuff: Bellafusion, Shoes: Zara (similar), Tote: ASOS (similar)}

(Photos thanks to my beautiful friend Hilary)

Cobblestone streets make every outfit post more interesting, no? 

I swore I would never wear peplum. NY makes you do things you never thought possible;)

(Naomi, Natalie, and I)

A highlight of my trip was getting to have coffee with these mamas. (We missed you Sydney!)

I felt like I met some soul sisters that night. They are so down to earth, funny, positive, and inspiring. It was an easy 3 hours of chatting about life, motherhood, and blogging (of course). It was the spirit lifter I needed. Now if only they could live in the same city... ;)

So happy to be home with my babes. I can't stand being apart from them. So thankful for Gabe, who supported and encouraged this trip. 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend ahead! 

Love, Anna

True Beauty Files: Summer Evening Contrasts

{Contrast Top: Sheinside, Striped Tank, Shorts, Shoes : H&M, Necklace: c/o Loren Hope, Bracelet: c/o Loren Hope, Watch: Aldo}

The last long days of summer...

Suntan lotion,

Two pairs of little bare feet,

pool time,

The 15th and 16th date of summer (more on that soon),

movies,

Ohio State and Wisconsin football,

Trip packing,

perpetual eating,

and thankfulness for these blessings.

Happy Labor Day Friends!

P.S. Excuse the short shorts...didn't realize till after the photos that they are borderline inapprop. with heels...not cool. Don't take modern modeste notes from this one girls...;)

P.S.S. Last day to enter the custom Maybooks giveaway! Get on that!

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: White's Last Hoorah

Gave my favorite white dress one last wear of the summer. But whose to say you can't where white after Labor Day, right? 

{Lace Crochet Dress: Banana Republic (similar), Denim Vest: DIY, Shoes: BCBG, Tote: Mimi Boutique (similar), Initial Ring: c/o JL by JanetLeigh, Shades: Urban Outfitters, Cuff: Bellafusion}

With the way summer flew by, I am accepting that time will never go slowly anymore like it did when I was young. Summers seemed like they were months and months. I wish I could make time slow down, but since I can't, I have learned to stop looking ahead. This is the first year I can honestly say I am not wishing for the next season. I want to live only in this moment here and now. I thank my children for teaching me to appreciate the slow beat of being still (which seems to be a lost art). We intentionally didn't make any plans this weekend, and it was wonderful. I think I will make plans to make no plans more often;) How was your weekend friends?

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 time I tried Zooey Bangs

{Top: c/o Sheinside, Denim: Levi's, Shoes: BCBG, Tote: Mimi Boutique (similar), Necklace: c/o LYLIF, Monogram Necklace: (similar), Sunglasses: Oscar de la Renta (via TJMaxx)}

I went in for a simple and quick eyebrow threading appt, and left with Zooey Deschanel inspired bangs  (you always envision it much better than it actually turns out, huh?) and a short haircut. I am still getting used to the new look. Husband thoroughly approves, so I guess I will keep it for a while;)

By the way, threading for the first time is a painful experience. I got light headed and almost fainted...no joke. And I am supposed to have a high pain tolerance?! At least the result is great! I'm telling you the menfolk have it easy. (Although there was a pretty manly dude getting his eyebrows waxed next to me?? I don't know, you tell me!)

How was your weekend friends? Will share more about what we did later this week! Happy Monday:)

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: Holding on to summer stripes

{Dress: Hatch Collection, Tassel Necklace: c/o Le Pompon (my friend Camille's brand new shop!), Belt: H&M (similar), Sandals: Dress Up Boutique, Tote: H&M (Similar), Earrings: Stitched + Adorned, Watch: Aldo, Bracelet: c/o Loren Hope)

Remember how you all helped me vote on which Hatch Collection dress to get on the fan page??  Well this one tied for most votes. I think everyone knew how much I love stripes. I can't imagine why?? ;) Its so comfortable I want to sleep in it! I wore it out on our date this weekend. (More on that later.)

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Anyone else a little depressed the Olympics is over?! It was an incredible year for the games....Although I can't say the Closing ceremony was all that grand. Agree or disagree? At least the Spice Girls made a cameo and rocked it! (I shamelessly admit I got giddy excited about that one.)

Wishing you a great start to your week!

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: Neutral Mash Up

{Jacket: Loft, Satin Tank: Thrifted (similar), Shorts: c/o Windsor Store, Shoes: H&M (similar), Bag: Vintage Thrifted, Necklace: c/o LYLIF, Macaroy Kangaroo, Cuff: Francesca's, Ring: H&M, Earrings: Stitched + Adorned (Out of stock but also can find here), Lip Color: Covergirl Spellbound}

Style Word: An easy way to dress up your printed shorts is to add a jacket over your tank. Can wear with both flats or heels and your good to go!

We soaked the summer out of this weekend...

Grilling with family,

Cornhole,

Boat time on the lake,

Polish Horshoes and Washers with neighbors,

Swimming....and pretending we were Olympians,

and sleeping our exhausted selves till Monday morning!

(More weekend snapshots on instagram.)

How was yours??

Thank you all SO much for the awesome response to the 5 Blog Boosters post! It made me so happy to hear it was helpful to you. Will keep them coming:)

*Last day to enter the Matine Clutch Giveaway!!

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: Top Knots and Stripes

{Top: c/o Conversation Pieces, Denim: ON, Sandals: c/o Windsor Store, Necklaces: DIY, Bracelets: gift, c/o Loren Hope, Shades: Urban Outfitters}

The kind of summer weekends that you live for...

...making no plans till Friday,

watching late night movies,

morning porch or patio talk,

lazy afternoons blowing bubbles, and running the sprinklers,

shopping with a friend,

pool side basking,

catching up with family over brunch,

Olympics,

evening run with Gabe and the kids,

bedtime stories with the fans on high,

and knowing your husband doesn't have to go to work the next day....

Only a few of these kinds of weekends left.

How was yours??

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: Day to Evening Summer Edition

True Beauty Files: Mint + White

{Top: c/o Windsore Store, Jeans: Ralph Lauren (similar here or here), Shoes: Nine West, Necklace: F21 (similar), Watch: Aldo, Earrings: gift from husband, Bracelet: c/o Loren Hope, Ring: Gift (similar)}

I believe I wore white every day of vacation this past week. It just works with everything.
Monday after a week of fun is always a little rough. My head is....foggy. So happy Gabe still has some time off. We still have a summer list to conquer.

Hope each of you had a grand weekend!

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 + Length

{Top: Dress Up Boutique (similar here or here), Skirt: Gap (similar), Necklace: c/o LYIF, Belt: H&M (similar), Clutch: DIY, Shoes: Nine West, Watch: Aldo, Bracelet: Etsy}

We went to a wedding in Ohio over the weekend, and this outfit got me through hours of dancing;)

There is nothing better than a wedding to bring you together with friends and family. We had such a fun time, and I am always renewed in my own marriage to see the new love of a bride and groom. Gabe and I always wish we could re-live our wedding day over again.
(Btw, It was getting dark - hence the grainy pics..)

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend! I have some fun posts for you this week:)

P.S. Today is the last day to enter the Casey Wiegand giveaway. Don't miss out!

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: Stripes + Gingham

{Stripes: Banana Republic, Gingham: Banana Republic (similar), Denim: Gap, Shoes: Target, Necklace: Ebay, Watch Aldo, Bracelets: Loren Hope, Etsy}

These are the type of prints I love to wear in the summer. A little gingham here...a little stripes there...and always a good dose of yellow. I will be re-mixing these numbers often!
What are your summer frequents?

Had quite a fun-tastic birthday thanks to Gabe. He never ceases to amaze me. (Will share more on Wednesday:) 

P.S. Now you know something new about me. I have to wear glasses when I drive, watch movies, or work behind the computer!

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