color-blocked and printed OOTD

LEONA thursday tie top / LEONA wilson pant / tory burch bag (old)

xoxo,

clp

the best SAMPLE SALE of the year at LEONA

its the most wonderful sale of the year... sample sale that is. this weekend only, LEONA nashville is hosting their bi-annual sample sale at the 12 south flagship store! this only happens twice a year and this time around, LEONA fall 2014 samples are included! find more information about the sample sale on the Biannual Sample Sale event page on Facebook and get yourself to LEONA nashville as soon as you can THIS friday, saturday and sunday!

i already have a sample sale wishlist running and hope i can snatch up these amazing deals before they are gone! and if you can't make it this weekend, come see me at LEONA nashville sometime this month when i get to work the store over my break! i am so looking forward to being back at LEONA for a little while and can't wait to see what all is in store! let me help you find your perfect holiday soiree outfit! 

xoxo,

clp

P.S. you still have 7 days to shop my stella&dot trunk show! click here to RSVP and get some jewels to go with your LEONA sample sale finds!

lovely LEONA: october

have you checked out the newest releases from LEONA's fall winter collection?! they. are. to. die. for. i seriously don't know how lauren does it! the colors are just lovely, and two of my favorites: eggplant and emerald. the silhouettes are classic yet modern, and the styles can be worn at so many different occasions and accessorized in some many different ways. i happen to be going to LEONA Nashville this coming week so hopefully a few of the new pieces may come home with me (as well as the nashville exclusive items!).

necessary blouse with sweet skirt

super shift in eggplant chevron

perry dress in forest 

(i love that you can wear the bow at the waist or at the neck!)

i should honestly just post a link to the site and tell y'all to go there for my favorite pieces... everything that lauren designs goes on my "LEONA wishlist"! happy shopping y'all! its finally boots, scarves and vests season! 

xoxo,

clp

meet the LEONA intern: me!

as probably most of you know, i interned at LEONA this summer and loved every minute of it. today i am being featured as part of their "meet the intern" blog series.

(image via LEONA blog)

for more LEONA life, visit the blog at www.leonany.com/blog. michele works so hard on all the blog posts and i love getting a new one in my inbox!

xoxo,
clp

life lately: august update, summer recap

well, i am closing in on the end of my summer. these past few weeks have been busy but i wouldn't want it any other way. my internship at LEONA ended and i can honestly say my time at LEONA and in nashville was the happiest i have been in a long time. the internship presented me with an amazing opportunity to have a hand-on experience with the business and operations side of a growing designer label. every day was different, sometimes i did a task just right, sometimes i was presented with a challenge, and sometimes i made a mistake. it was an experience i will be forever grateful for. the LEONA team taught me so much, about myself and the business. i truly feel like i have found where i am meant to be and what i am meant to do. hopefully it won't be the last time i am working at LEONA! i already miss 2309 12th South Avenue more than i thought i ever could!

as far as my summer bucket list went, i think i added more to it than crossed off. i did read most of the books on my list, though found more to put on my wish list. unfortunately, i didn't make it to any movies but that's what red box is for! there was no lake day this summer but i spent a few afternoons by our pool and a weekend in charleston which i would choose over the lake anyway. i made it the local farmer's market as often as i could, both the one on 12th South and the Murfreesboro market. i have more than eaten my share of fresh veggies and fruits, with no plan of stopping. knoxville apparently has a wonderful market at market square on saturday mornings that i am hoping to get to soon. i also ate at some new restaurants & dessert places this summer (the pharmacy, taqueria del sol, the flipside, epice, saint anejo, gray's on main, boca loca, jeni's, crankee's) and dined at my all-time favorites (the puffy muffin, the frothy monkey, mafioza's, fido, las paletas). i definitely added more restaurants to my nashville bucket list! the summer was everything i could ask for and more. rewind it and let me press play again!

i have spent the past several days in murfreesboro at home. though i didn't want to leave nashville, i have relaxed here at home. mom and i went shopping and i have been packing up my things getting ready for my last move to knoxville. it is so strange to think that just 3 years ago i was moving into humes with a random roommate and now i am moving into my own single-girl apartment as a senior, with my best friends just a look out the window away. so much has changed since then, for better or for worse, but i couldn't be happier with where i am at this exact moment.

i have started blogging for my sorority and couldn't be more excited about launching the alpha chi omega at UTK blog! we plan to use the blog as way for parents, alumni, family and friends to stay involved in all that is going on with the delta pi chapter. check out our first post, sign up to get posts in your inbox and stay tuned for a recruitment recap coming next week!

i am still hoping to build my blog followers so please continue liking and sharing! also follow me on instagram, twitter and pinterest (links on the right). your support means the world to me and i appreciate my readers taking time out of their busy days to read my ramblings. speaking of ramblings, that is what this post has come to. i'm off to read my textbook-sized september issue of instyle!

xoxo,
clp

friday finds

well, nashville shopping got the best of us today... we came home with a full trunk and an empty wallet. but, back to school clothing shopping is done! and mom said i'm not allowed to get anything for a good while... going to have to practice some self control! we had the most perfect mother-daughter day: eating lunch at our favorite brentwood spot, the puffy muffin, and then stopping by LEONA on 12 south (i can't seem to stay away) and then going to the the mall at green hills! with lots of coffee (probably too much) we powered through and had quite the successful day! see all my friday finds below!

brittany fuson luggage tags

LEONA peppy top and very v blouse 

tory burch bernadette metallic flat

nordstrom faux leather leggings 

j. crew broken-in boyfriend jean

j. crew pleated lattice skirt

j. crew cotton cropped sweater

j. crew endless shirt

j. crew silk sleeveless blouse in heart dot

xoxo,

clp

saturday day + night OOTD

who says you can't change outfits twice in one day? today i am posting two of my favorite LEONA looks - one perfect for shopping around town and the other perfect for a night out. 

i love this look because the top can be worn two ways. known as the millie dress, it can be worn as a tunic, which is how it is styled below, or as a dress with more of a drop waist. also, wear the top off-the-shoulder or normal! the pants feel like pajamas (but obviously don't look that way) and have gold button details you can see when you tuck a top in! 

LEONA millie dress (nashville store exclusive), LEONA mercer pant, nine west heels, LEONA double chain bracelet

this saturday night outfit is so on-trend for fall. the drapey, flowy pants and top were all over the fall runways. wear the top tucked in or out of the garnet and black sponge print silk pants. 

LEONA tuesday tier top, LEONA easy silk pant, LEONA bar cuff

now you have your outfits - time to plan your saturday! 

xoxo,

clp

p.s. LEONA : nashville is celebrating their one-year anniversary with some AMAZING final sale markdowns! stop by the store on 12 south to grab some great pieces at unheard of prices! 

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

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! 

LEONA SAYS tee

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

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! 

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!

12 South 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

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

tory burch rosella stacked ring set

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

saturday shift dress

xoxo,
clp

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! 

favorite SALE picks

friday frock in tan safari + the beau bag

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

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

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! 

casual summer shopping outfit

xoxo,

clp

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 review: the 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! 

peppy peplum + frank shorts

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