7.30.2014

the flipside + OOTD

on my last eve of living in nashville this summer, i met my parents and brother for supper before finishing the move at The Flipside, a new restaurant on 12 south! specializing in chicken and more chicken any way you might dream of wanting it, it certainly lived up to the hype. decorated as a modern-diner complete with a vintage record player, the flipside offers nashvillians a new dining experience.

we had to order the tator tot nachos since we had heard rumors about them and as bad as they were for you, they were so good. order them and don't think twice. i ordered the "betsy", which is a pounded thin chicken breast, topped with breadcrumbs, buffalo sauce, celery and blue cheese. it was so good! i had a taste of the "phuket" and i might have to order it next time. all of our plates were clean by the end of dinner! also known for their shakes, phillip ordered himself a coke float which he finished quite quickly so i am assuming it was good! put the flipside on your must-try list next time you are on 12 south - you won't be sorry! check out some of the pictures i took below. unfortunately we dove into our food before i could get any pictures!





today's OOTD is a new favorite of mine! i love all of LEONA's shirt dresses but this one is in a fabulous abstract dot print that takes it to another level! i also love that like with so many other LEONA pieces, it is transitional and seasonless. today, i wore it with sandals, but i plan on belting it with tights and boots or throwing on my fur vest over it with tights and booties in cooler weather! and since it was my last night living where i have been most happy, i had to take the ultimate tourist picture with the "i believe in nashville" mural (hey, reese witherspoon instagrammed it too!). i really do believe in nashville, believe in all the opportunities i can see that it has for me. 



LEONA shirtdress (similar here), nordstrom necklace, j. crew sandals


last but certainly not least, the wait is finally over! the much anticipated LEONA SAYS tees have arrived on 12 south! i got my "parlez vous du sud?" shirt today and can't wait to wear it! the tees are in classic LEONA font and lauren leonard's gorgeous handwriting, with five different southern sayings! get yours fast, i have a feeling they won't last long! 


xoxo,
clp

7.29.2014

white on white OOTD

as labor day quickly approaches, i am scrambling to get all my summer whites worn! i am a stickler to only winter white/ivory after labor day unless you are in the tropics. i know its old-fashioned but thats just the way i am! the following outfit is one of my favorite LEONA looks from the spring collection. the handwoven silk gingham is gorgeous and the sheer details keep it chic and modern. i love the gold buttons on the the top and the gingham couldn't be more southern! grab this outfit before it sells out at the LEONA : nashville store on 12 south! (its on sale now too!)


LEONA robyn shorts and lilly top, LEONA double rope chain bracelet

well, i am officially in a state of depression. not really, but i am sad to be packing up my nashville apartment. my sublease is up on the 31st so i have been getting everything ready to be moved back to murfreesboro tomorrow. i have absolutely loved this summer here on kirkwood. my roommates have been the best ever and i hope to stay in touch with them! i also realize how happy i have been here in nashville this summer - i know that this is where i am meant to be and hopefully i'll be be back full-time sooner rather than later. it certainly has been the best summer i could have ever hoped for. 

the next few days/weeks seem like they will be hectic with packing, unpacking, packing again, organizing my life, working and working out. i seem to have a to-do list a mile long (as i always do) and i keep adding to it. however, i do hope to spend a few last days of summer poolside and with my family! i hope everyone is having a great week so far and wish me luck as i pack up yet again!

xoxo,
clp

7.28.2014

charleston recap + LEONA Says

there is just something magical about charleston. i can't quite describe it. this past weekend i journeyed to the lowcountry to celebrate my best friend's 21st birthday. except for my 3 hour flight delay and a few other speed bumps, the weekend could not have been more perfect. her mom literally rolled out the red carpet for us, even decorating the condo for our arrival! it was the best quick vacation and i was so glad i could be there to celebrate! known for its restaurants, we dined in true charleston style. for the birthday dinner, we went to magnolia's downtown and i'm not sure i've ever had a better meal. i ordered the grilled chicken creole with grits and it was heaven. we also ate with the sun dipping into the marsh at RB's on shem creek which was yummy as well. for breakfast before we went our separate ways, kaitlin took us to one of her favorites, charleston cafe. my cold yogurt oatmeal with peanut butter was delish! i also got many new restaurant recommendations from true locals that i am dying to try! i can't thank kaitlin and her mom enough for including me and doing so much for us! 

now that i am home, i am afraid to step on the scale after eating such amazing food! i did allow myself to let go some and took three days off from working out and tried to relax about my diet some.  still, this morning i was on the spin bike ready to work! my muscles did feel nice and loose after taking some time off. my goal this week is to work hard at the gym to work off my vacation-indulgences! i am happy with where my weight is now. i know i look better than i did a year ago and honestly, i feel much better too. 

on a totally other note, have you seen the new LEONA says tees? graphic tees are a major trend in the fashion world right now and LEONA has some fabulous new ones! i like to pair my designer graphic tee's with a skirt and heels to make it a bit more casual or sometimes i throw one on with a pair of jeans and a great statement necklace. they are also great under a stylish jacket come cooler temperatures! i had a hard time choosing which shirt i wanted to order from LEONA, but i finally decided on "parlez vous du sud?" meaning "do you speak southern?" in french. i particularly loved this one because sometimes i feel like i am speaking my own language when i leave the south! i think the other one i may get is going to be "hello darlin'", written in lauren's handwriting. i love that she is still staying true to her southern roots despite the brand's exponential growth across the country! check out all the tee's online and preorder yours today - i have a feeling they will be gone in the blink of an eye! 



that's all for monday y'all! this week is going to be a bit hectic so i am gearing up for the rest of it! have a happy last week of july (where did summer go?!)! 

xoxo,
clp

7.24.2014

gone to carolina + a recipe

in my mind i'm gone to carolina... and in T-12 hours i really will be! i am flying out today after work to meet my friends in one of my favorite southern cities, charleston! my best friend kaitlin has finally turned 21 and we are celebrating the milestone with a beach weekend! my bag is packed full of LEONA and i am ready to take off! it will be a quick trip but i can't wait to see my friends and have some relaxing beach time with them. be sure to follow my instagram as i'm sure i will be posting often!

i did want to share this recipe with y'all before i left! i am always looking for healthier dessert options since my sweet tooth is my Achilles' heel. this recipe substitutes avocado for the oil and butter in otherwise classic chocolate chip cookies. with the addition of whole wheat pastry flour, splenda instead of sugar and brown sugar, and dark chocolate chips, this recipe really hits as close to healthy cookies as you can get. don't be afraid of the avocado - i promise you can't taste it!

healthy chocolate chip cookies

1 cup + 2 tbsp whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 mashed avocado (about 1/2 of a small avocado)
1/4 cup Splenda
1 tbsp Splenda brown sugar blend
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 large egg + 1 yolk
1/4 dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs
  1. preheat over to 325. spray cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. 
  2. in a mixing bowl, beat together mashed avocado, sugars, vanilla, egg and the egg yolk until smooth. slowly stir in flour, cornstarch and baking powder. mix until well combined.
  3. stir in chocolate chips. 
  4. chill the dough in the fridge for at least two hours, or in the freezer until well chilled.
  5. when ready to bake, shape dough into tbsp-sized balls and place on cookie sheet. smash just barely with fork.
  6. bake for 13 minutes. they may seem undercooked but they aren't! 
  7. allow to cool or eat right out of the oven!
(recipe slightly adapted from Food Faith Fitness)

make these as a special treat tonight! i was eating the dough before i could even get them in the oven! i promise a charleston weekend recap when i get back! heres to safe travels! 

xoxo,
clp

7.23.2014

the essential shirt dress OOTD

one of my favorites from LEONA's pre fall collection its the essential shirt dress. not only does it come in three colors, but it also has a fabulous shirt-tail hem, is so easy to accessorize, can be worn throughout all the seasons and fits perfectly. i snatched it up in the lovely olive color to go with my hair but love the classic black and navy too!




xoxo,
clp

7.22.2014

review: product, book, restaurant

busy day, whirlwind week! i am going to rattle off a quick post reviewing some of my new finds including a book, two products and a restaurant!
  • frank coffee scrub: who doesn't love the smell of coffee?! if i could have a forever-brewing pot of coffee going just for the smell, life might just be perfect. anyway, with frank coffee scrub, you can smell like coffee, all while deep-cleaning your skin. my roommates turned me on to this stuff and i am so glad they did. frank targets dry skin, stretch marks, cellulite and other skin conditions like scars and psoriasis. i noticed just after one use that my skin was already softer and smoother (not to mention smelling great). i really do recommend ordering this product - i ordered the original to start off with but may have to try the other varieties soon! as frank says, "get naked, get dirty, get rough, get clean." 
  • bumble and bumble surf spray: i have stick straight natural hair. little volume, very fine. in high school, my friend and i tried just about every wave-producing product in the store on my hair to give it a little something, but nothing ever worked. this past weekend i picked up a trial size bottle of bumble and bumble's surf spray since i had read so many great reviews on it. so far, i have been pleased with the results! my hair actually had some volume and body to it, as well as added texture! i still need to work with it some to really see if its worth the price but so far, so good! (*another product i may try in the future is Oribe's Dry Texturizing Spray - another roommate recommendation!)
  • the blonde theory by kristen harmel: i read this after being recommended it by one of my best friends. a great summer, light read that follows the classic girl can't find guys, tries all the wrong ones and then finally learns something about herself and finds the right one formula. predictable but funny, harmel brings new light to the common "blondes have more fun' stereotype. read this one if you aren't looking to stretch your thinking and don't mind listening to a whiny, yet successful main character.
  • martin's bbq: BBQ in the south: a staple. while i have had my fair share of barbecue in this state, from east tennessee all the way to west, i find that nashville has the best. while edley's is still my absolute favorite, martin's is a close runner up. located on belmont boulevard, martin's is famous for their redneck taco, which of course i had to order. it did not let me down: the cornbread pancake, topped with bbq pulled pork and coleslaw (more vinegar-based than mayo, so a thumbs-up in my book) and then finished off with martin's signature dixie sauce (try all the sauces if you have a chance to go) was delicious and i ate every bite! those i dined with ordered the brisket which quickly disappeared off their plate as well! i definitely would go back to martin's anytime and encourage you go soon! 
thats all for now! happy tuesday to everyone, and a happy 21st birthday to my best friend today as well! 

xoxo,
clp

7.21.2014

j .crew august style guide favorites

i think i may have missed june and july, but its time for a j. crew style guide favorites post! i feel like my style has evolved a little bit lately, partially due to my internship at LEONA, but j. crew still makes its way onto my wardrobe wish list. j. crew made it particularly difficult to choose favorites for august! the collection is great, with pieces that can be worn now in the warmer months and later when it starts to get cooler. it has many of the fall trends seen on the runway: menswear, patterns, graphics and clean silhouettes. like before, j. crew posted the august style guide on pinterest. here are my favorite looks for the coming month!






(all images via j. crew's pinterest)

xoxo,
clp

7.20.2014

wedding recap + OOTD

well she is a now a mrs.! i still can't get over the fact that my friend and sister courtney is now a married lady! the wedding was absolutely beautiful... the bride was the most gorgeous person in the room, a smile never left the handsome groom's face and the reception was a blast. even i got on the dance floor! i didn't realize how much i missed all my sisters (alpha chi may have taken up a whole section of the church) until i saw them and was around them! i am so lucky to be able to celebrate such a special occasion with those girls!


of course, i have had my outfit planned since i got the save the date card (okay, i may be exaggerating a little). but once i tried on this dress at LEONA, i knew it was the one (my own version of "say yes to the dress"). as a bonus, i even coordinated with the bridal party!


LEONA james dress in indigo daisy (ON SALE NOW!), tory burch clutch, j. crew sandals, kate spade hoops and bangles

xoxo,
clp

7.18.2014

friday calls for the friday frock

one of my favorite new pre fall arrivals at LEONA is the friday frock. and what better day to wear it than its namesake? the safari print is fabulous, of course, as it is hand drawn by lauren herself. the leather piping detail at the neckline is chic and subtle and the dress is super flattering and is the perfect length. i can just see this dress going from the office to friday night drinks!



LEONA friday frock, kate spade beau bag, nine west heels, LEONA bar cuff, LEONA chunky chain tube necklace

this weekend i am off to knoxville to see one of my sorority sisters get hitched! i can't believe her wedding is already here - seems like just yesterday we were singing "goin' to the chapel" at her candlelight! i am so excited to see all my friends! it has just hit me the past couple of days how much i really miss them! i will be posting a wedding recap (& wedding OOTD) as soon as i can! 

xoxo,
clp

p.s. don't forget about the 12 South Block Party tomorrow! i know LEONA will have gifts with purchase, sweets and drinks as well as new markdowns! 

7.16.2014

need weekend plans?

looking for something to do this weekend? come to 12 south! the entire 12 south neighborhood is throwing a block party! join us for a saturday filled with giveaways, promotions, food, fun, sidewalk sales, refreshments and raffles! some of my personal favorite 12 south businesses are participating as well as others i haven't had a chance to visit yet! check out the flyer below and click the link for more information, including what businesses are offering as part of the block party!



can't make it this weekend? go ahead and mark your calendar for august's party! better yet, come to both! you won't want to miss this new, exciting event! see you there?! 

xoxo,
clp

7.15.2014

sparkle shoes OOTD


LEONA blouse, j. crew jeans, kate spade for keds shoes, kate spade beau bag

xoxo,
clp

7.14.2014

monday mantra + 2 ingredient cake


you won't be truly happy with anything until you are happy with yourself. you won't love anyone fully until you love yourself. we try to put other things in front of us that we feel we should put before ourselves instead of putting ourselves first. we have to remember our own self. it took me awhile to realize how true this quote is. when i started college, and even in high school for that matter, i thought i had to be a certain person to be liked. it took about a semester to finally see that i don't have to do things that other people like to do even though i don't like them. i was pretty unhappy my freshman year of college and i think part of it was because i had forgotten who i was, i had forgotten to fall in love with myself. now, i couldn't be happier. i have said that quite often lately but its because it is true. i finally fell in love with myself.

i am also in love with this dessert recipe! quick, light and easy this recipe is perfect for summer! best kept in the refrigerator after one day, i like to top mine with whipped greek yogurt cream cheese spread and coconut flakes! 

two-ingredient pineapple angel food cake

1 box angel food cake mix
1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple (i use libby's canned skinny fruit)
  1. combine cake mix and crushed pineapple in mixing bowl. mix well. batter will be fluffy.
  2. pour into baking vessel of choice (i chose a tube pan) and bake according to cake mix directions. 
  3. allow to cool before releasing from pan. 
monday wouldn't be complete without an OOTD! the temperatures outside called for something light and cool, so LEONA's silk top and shorts were the perfect pick! i also posted the rings i wore today since you can't see them in the photo! they are fifty shades of fabulous because you can wear them so many ways: just one, two, three or all four!


LEONA tuesday tier top, LEONA sylvia short, j. crew sandals, kate spade hoops



and finally, check out this classic silhouette dress on LEONA : nashville's instagram! best thing about it now: IT"S ON SALE!


xoxo,
clp

7.13.2014

new kate spade picks

well summer temperatures are here that's for sure! i ran outside this morning and thought i was going to die! i know, i complain when its cold and i complain when its hot! i would much rather be hot than cold though and i definitely don't mind the heat when i'm next to some body of water!

kate spade released the latest collection from their "places to go" 2014 campaign and this month's city  is buenos aires! i stopped in the store on friday and picked up the postcard (they do one for every different destination each month) and then proceeded to fall in love with the clothes! i am loving the trends popping up in all the designer's pre fall collections (blog post on that soon!) and kate spade of course did not disappoint! so, without further ado, here are my kate spade buenos aires picks!













who doesn't love a gorgeous floral print and a fun cheetah print?1 if i could buy it all i would! pre fall keeps looking better and better! i am off to do some sunday afternoon relaxing then it is the usual work week for me! have a happy sunday and here's to a good week ahead! 

xoxo,
clp

7.12.2014

meet me at the loveless OOTD

some people may call us crazy, but waking up early for the loveless cafe on saturday morning is worth it! a nashville institution and must-go place for locals and visitors, it is one of our favorites places! worth the drive and every calorie in those yummy biscuits, we only go a few times a year. i always eat more than i need to but the biscuits from scratch and preserves (peach is my favorite) are worth it. serving tried and true southern favorites, the loveless is famous and worth the wait i promise! just a tip though: going bright and early on a saturday at eight AM will get you seated right away!



tory burch tunic, j. crew navy shorts, andre assous espadrilles, lilly pulitzer bangle, louis vuitton neverfull 

it was just the perfect day spent with my wonderful mom and dad! too bad phillip wouldn't get up early enough to join us! we also treated ourselves to iveycake of course! i was trying to practice self-control and be good, but when they tweeted that they had a seasonal special today, we couldn't resist! the blackberry lemon cupcake waiting on me for dessert is already calling my name! 

xoxo,
clp

7.11.2014

friday favorites: anniversary sale edition

one of the best events any retailer puts on has started! nordstrom's anniversary sale started yesterday for cardholders! i was too tired after work to go yesterday, but today i fueled up with some iced coffee from the e-bar after lunch and i was ready for the tents (if you have never been, the sale items are put behind curtains/tents)! the sale is ah-mazing because nordstrom discounts new fall merchandise for a limited time and then the prices go back up after the sale! it is a great opportunity to get new fall clothing at a price that would usually only be at the end of the season! here are my finds today at the sale!


via spiga jaffa wedge: such a good wear now & later (with tights) shoe


kate spade tidbit plates: to use or to hang on the wall


kate spade "places to go" mug: to add to my coffee cup collection

bella j "charming darling" candle: once fully burned, each candle reveals a bracelet


phase 3 chain detail open front cardigan: reminiscent of classic chanel 


kate spade branton square stone ring: every girl needs a good cocktail ring


lorac "nude" skinny eyeshadow palette: the perfect palette for everyday 

safe to say i did some damage but all were at such great prices! it really was just a perfect friday! spin, grocery shopping, sale shopping, laundry and cooking! and as a plus, i was all over the LEONA instagram today, both on the LEONA new york account and the LEONA : nashville account! check out two of my favorite outfits, one on sale now and the other brand new! 



tomorrow i am meeting my parents at one of our favorite nashville traditions: the loveless! those yummy worth-every-calorie biscuits are calling my name! tonight is going to be spent relaxing and taking it easy! have a fabulous friday evening y'all!

xoxo,
clp

7.10.2014

double OOTD thursday

i missed posting my OOTD yesterday so today's post is double! double the OOTD, double the fun! but before that, a quick review of the pharmacy restaurant, which i finally got to cross off my bucket list last night! 
  • restaurant review: the pharmacy - there is a reason why people are lined up outside waiting to eat. certainly one of the best burgers i have ever had, and the tater tots were just as good! i went with the pharmacy original burger since it was my first time there and it did not disappoint! i highly recommend you go to the pharmacy if you are looking for a burger, fries, some beer and a milkshake to round off the meal! 


southward apparel southern belle v-neck, j. crew linen pants, tory burch miller sandals


j. crew chambray shirtdress, j. crew red leather wedge sandals, kate spade necklace, LEONA ID bracelet


LEONA ID bracelet, micheal kors watch

on another note, the supper i made this tonight may have been one of my favorites yet! as i mentioned on sunday, tonight's supper was spinach-herb pesto ricotta-spinach tortellini with chicken and salad. however, instead of chicken breasts, i sautéed some sliced italian chicken sausage and then sprinkled some parmesan cheese on top! it was beyond yummy and ready in under 30 minutes, salad included! 

coming up soon on the blog are my nordstrom anniversary sale picks (eek! going tomorrow!) and my favorites from kate spade's latest collections! don't forget to follow me on instagram (link is on the right) and also follow LEONA : nashville as well! i was on there the other day in one of my favorite outfits: ava top + sylvia short. keep reading and i'll keep posting y'all!

xoxo,
clp

7.08.2014

go big orange OOTD

well i may be a month or two ahead of myself, but today's OOTD could have easily been worn on a saturday in neyland stadium! i threw on the cardigan to add an extra print in the mix and was out the door this morning!


j. crew button down, j. crew linen skirt, kate spade gingham cardigan, jack rogers sandals, j. crew pineapple necklace 

be sure to follow leona nashville's instagram account! i have been working on building followers for it and would love to see some familiar names on the follow list! yesterday i was on there in an adorable outfit, if i say so myself! 


xoxo,
clp


7.07.2014

chanel QOTD


this morning i came across this quote on pinterest and it just stood out to me. coco chanel really has a way with words. but a girl should be who and what she wants. these days, between social media, peers and other societal pressures, many girls think there are limits to who and what she can be. it saddens me to see girls who are not yet in their teen years already worrying about their weight. i hate when women think they can't do something just because they are female. women in history have fought for women's rights in order to give girls the ability to be whoever and whatever they want to be. so, as an end to this monday evening soapbox, i challenge you to break the glass ceiling. let the late, great coco chanel inspire you: be who and what you want to be.

xoxo,
clp

7.06.2014

weekend recap + on the menu

i'm not sure what could have made this holiday weekend any better. the fourth of july went off with a bang (both literally and figuratively)! it was a perfect day spent with friends and family, celebrating my aunt and america! i of course overindulged in snacks and desserts, but you just can't resist homemade ice cream!


yesterday we went to the farmer's market on the square and stocked up on some homegrown veggies and fruits! the rest of the day was spent just relaxing after our busy friday (the calm after the storm) and then i cooked a delicious (if i do say so myself) all-american supper! i made some minute steak, mashed cauliflower, baked squash casserole and biscuits! we sliced some local tomatoes and cucumber to round out the meal! i also finished my book this weekend, reviewed below!


  • book reviewthe one and only by emily giffin: i have loved emily giffin's other novels and they are all great, light reads so when this one came out in june i added it to my reading list! the novel follows a texas journalist in love with her hometown university's football program. through the wins and losses in both the main character's personal and sports world, emily giffin writes a page turner that is sure to hook you. definitely a great by the pool and ocean read for the summer! 
this coming week is going to be much more routine, which i am happy to say! nothing too major is going on, just the normal nashville life! the menu this week is looking delicious, especially since there is a trip to the pharmacy and loveless (for breakfast on saturday) in my future! 
  • sunday - grilled eggplant caprese with white bean puree and salad: instead of using mozzarella cheese, i'm going to use all-skim ricotta cheese to change things up! 
  • monday - leftover slawsa baked beans from the fourth with cornbread and fruit: nothing beats beans and cornbread! some sliced summer fruits will be served on the side! 
  • tuesday - crockpot salsa chicken tacos with guacamole: this time i am making these using ousley ouch's peach habanero salsa! i bought it at the farmer's market and have been dying to try it! they make it with the peach truck's fresh peaches which are my favorite! i will also be slicing some fresh peaches to add to the crockpot as well! 
  • wednesday - the pharmacy: i am so excited to eat here! a nashville institution apparently, i will be meeting some friends from school there for burgers! 
  • thursday - spinach-herb pesto ricotta-spinach tortellini with chicken and salad: i always love pasta night! it is just an easy go-to for me that doesn't take much time or energy. i especially love barilla's ricotta and spinach tortellini because it is shelf-stable and a smaller size! 
  • friday - better for you hamburger helper with a fruit salad: not sure why, but the hamburger helper craving has hit me again! i reduce the amounts of the recipe to make it single serving and it always hits the spot! 
looks like a yummy week to me! click the links above to see the recipes! on a side note, be sure to follow leona : nashville on instagram! yesterday my sale picks were featured! 


i hope your fourth of july weekend went off with a bang as well! come see me in nashville this week and have a lovely sunday! 

xoxo,
clp

7.03.2014

fourth of july flashback & OOTD

it wouldn't be thursday without a throwback! this week, its a fourth of july flashback! the fourth is big holiday for my family, we celebrate both america AND my lovely aunt's birthday! it is a day full of family, friends, pool time, too much food, homemade ice cream, fireworks and of course a sparkler dance by the birthday girl herself! the fourth is one of my favorite holidays of the year and i love being able to throw a party at our house! it is one of my family's traditions that i am most fond of and look forward to every summer! i am headed home after work today to start prepping for the festivities, but first a couple of pictures from past fourth of julys!


i think my love of fashion comes from my mama dressing me to the nines when i was little...


somehow i never quite made it through the whole fireworks show...

yesterday's OOTD was a seersucker dress (on sale now!) i have worn before, but this time i styled it differently. i added a simple white button down underneath and threw on my espadrilles along with some statement earrings and i was out the door! layering button-downs underneath simple silhouette dresses has become one of my go-to's when looking for a different way to style something! 



have a happy and safe fourth of july everyone & happy birthday america! 

xoxo,
clp