Sunday, September 29, 2013

Colorful Cutouts and Cobalt, Oh My!





 Dress: Francesca's, Shoes: Aldo  Bag: Michael Kors, Necklace/Bracelet: Target-similar, Watch: Fossil, Nails: Revlon's Cherries in the Snow, Lips: Loreal Raspberry Rush

Alex has a great eye for fashion! He is the one who found this amazing dress in Francesca's on our honeymoon. The pop of color immediately grabbed my attention and I love the uniqueness of the side and back cutouts-it bears just enough skin to be fun. Those hot heels are my mom's-she picks out some fabulous shoes and I raid her closet every time I go to visit. This look is a favorite of mine...you will soon see that I am drawn to bright pops of color in my wardrobe--I love to be "merry and bright" and I want the clothes I wear to express what I'm feeling!

My wonderful photographer for the evening was Alex. These pics were from Friday night-date night!  We try to eat in for every other meal of the week to save some money (one income + grad school = careful budgeting!) I believe going out together at least once a week definitely helps keep the romance alive and spices up our otherwise hum-drum daily schedule of working/studying/housework. It gives us a night both of us look forward to :-) Since both of us were pooped after a very busy week, we didn't feel like going too far for dinner, so we ate at Olive Garden. They have the best salad and breadsticks! My peach bellini was very delightful as well, if I do say so :-) I hope everyone has a great week, and thank you for reading!


Sunday, September 22, 2013

Autumn is in the Air!

Like so many people, fall is my favorite time of the year. When I walk outside and smell earthy amber leaves and there's that warmth but briskness in the air, I become so exhilarated. Maybe that is the reason I become excited about the clothes, decor, tastes, and definitely smells that reflect the changes of fall. It just seems natural to want to transform my lifestyle along with the outdoors! This is Alex's favorite time of the year too, although he is not as gung-ho as me about venturing out to Kirkland's just to buy new pumpkin-scented candles for each room of our apartment or dealing with my need to splurge on one amazing leather THARP  handbag from Aldo because it matches my seasonal camel-colored equestrian Coach boots to perfection! No, he's definitely more about Notre Dame football. And that's fine with me, because if not, I'd be worried.
Meet one of my favorite people in the world, my little sister, Lindsey! We are three years apart but look and act like we're twins! This girl is my best friend and partner in crime. She is the smartest, funniest, most hard-working yet fun person you could ever meet. And she's so real. She keeps me on track and I joke with her about how she has to protect me :-) I trust Lindsey with everything, and I love her to pieces! I hope everyone has a person in their life like that. I have to brag on her because she was accepted into optometry school a whole year early for being so darn smart! I couldn't be more proud of her, but it is definitely sad not having her around all the time. She moved to Birmingham, AL this summer and I can't help but feel a little empty without her. Another reason fall is my favorite time of year is because I know how close the holidays are, which means I will be able to spend time with my BF! (Look at her cute little style in the above pic--work it girl :-))
My older sister, Jessica, is my other favorite person of all time! Isn't she gorg? Man, my family's 
B-E-A-utiful! :-) When I was younger, I only wished I could be as "cool" as her! She's seven years older, so back in the day, we didn't exactly "mesh." Now, though, we hang out all the time and we're sooo alike! I used to secretly go shopping in her closet when she wasn't at home and would read her hidden Cosmos that she kept in a tote under her bed. She was pretty savvy though, and I always got caught :-( I'm pretty sure my love of fashion and style came from watching this girl. She was voted "Best Dressed" in high school for goodness' sakes! I admire her so much and I still think she's the coolest sister/mom/housewife there is. 
This photo was taken the evening before I was married. The wedding plans changed from being close to home to a destination wedding in Destin, Fl. about four weeks before the big day! I was sooo thrilled Jessica and Linds could make it on such short notice--it means so much to me that they were there. On a different note, I particularly love this dress I'm wearing in the pic! It's a 20's style fringe dress that I scooped up at a hot little boutique, Sister Kate's (one of my best friends, Kayla Hargrove, turned me on to this place---she has an awesome new blog, btw!) This dress has been on repeat the past few months. It hangs so loosely above the knee and the fabric is super soft. Not sure if they still have this in stock, their inventory is forever changing (like the seasons!), which is exciting. I urge you to go check them out if you're in the Columbia, TN area.
I hope everyone has a great first week of fall :) Thanks for reading, and Go Irish!

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Let Me Introduce Myself...

After two years of practicing as a dental hygienist, I realized I had a deep-seeded passion for fashion. Wearing the same drab blue scrubs day in and day out made me realize how much style and accessories matter to my personality!
Hi. My name is Steffi. And, why yes, those are ruby red slippers. For a little girl who used to tell people her name was really Dorothy, I HAD to wear these shoes under my wedding dress! I recently married my high school sweetheart on August 10, 2013 after eight amazing years of dating. He is truly my best friend and supports my dreams :-)
This stud muffin is my husband (I love saying that), Alex. He is currently in the Master's program studying public administration with a concentration in health administration and planning. I'm SO proud of him----and isn't he so cute?!

While scaling heavy ledges of calculus off of peoples' lower incisors and polishing away plaque and stain definitely fulfill my OCD behaviors, my definite love is fashion, design, beauty tips, and all things girly. I have a major obsession with old Hollywood glamour, and with as much E! network as I watch, I guess you can say I am fascinated with new Hollywood glamour as well. This blog is something completely new and adventurous for me, and will hopefully satisfy my hunger for creativity. I decided this would be the perfect time to start since Alex is busy working and studying. I am so excited to start blogging now-thank you so much for reading!!!