Fashion Forward Watercolor

My name is Amanda Hoffman, I'm 22 years old, and I am an Etsy-aholic. In all seriousness, I have got to get off this website and do something productive, but not before I share with you some of the most gorgeous watercolor paintings I have ever seen! Aside from the obvious skill it took to create these beauties, I love that they are all extremely fashion forward, as well. What makes each piece all the more special is that they are hand painted in California by the über talented Cate Parr of Silver Ridge Design Studio. But don't take my word for it, see for yourself..

Vintage Kate Moss on the cover of Vogue ($250)

Hawaiianink ($200)

Indian Bride Azure ($300)

Bridget Bardot ($300)

Elle Russia ($335)

Jaune ($100)

Penelope Tree ($125)

Gemma ($100)

I just want to fill my house with them! Miss Parr has over 303 items in her Etsy shop, which means there is plenty of beauty to go around. I highly suggest checking it out, you won't be disappointed!


What is your favorite art medium?

Hey, Mama Rock Me

For all of you Old Crow Medicine Show fans out there, you're in for a treat. Today while I was hard at work browsing Pinterest, I came across this little gem of a tank by n2design, an adorable Etsy shop.

I'm a huge fan of typography, tank tops, and Wagon Wheel, so I feel like this tank just might be a bigger triple threat than Justin Timberlake. (I love him, don't judge me). Don't let the end of summer stop you from buying, either. Everyone knows 90+ degree weather lasts until at least mid-October in the south!

Have you found any awesome Etsy shops recently?

Class Act

Remember me? I used to write a blog or something. Crazy, huh?

But really y'all, I'm sorry about the lack of posts. I have been so busy at the Southern Bride office! I don't want to chat about work too much, but let's just say the December issue is going to be one for the record books. I'm having such a blast and I can't believe my stay in Memphis is coming to a close!

As my return post, I thought I would share a little outfit lovin' I recently created on Polyvore. Remember my post on Polyvore a while ago? In it, I talked about how I've never made my own "sets," but definitely planned to get around to it. Well guess what ladies and gents? I got around to it.

This outfit reminds me of a modern-day Audrey Hepburn, who just so happens to be the classiest woman to have ever lived. (Other than my grandmother, that is. Sorry, Audge). I've been pining over black peplum dresses for so long, it's a shame I haven't just ponied up and purchased one yet. Alas, I guess I'll just have to look at them online!

Kate Spade "Seaport" Earrings ($45), Kenneth Jay Lane Pearl Necklace ($120), Chanel Red Quilted Bag ($Can'tAffordIt), River Island Black Metal Detail Sandals ($93), Topshop Peplum Pencil Dress ($96)

Personalized Longchamp

Y'all, I practically screamed today when I discovered the "Create Your Own Longchamp" feature on the Longchamp website. I've seen quite a few girls with monogramed versions of the Le Pliage (their most popular bag) and I'm always super jealous - until now, that is! 

Here's the bag I created. Too cute, right? I'm a huge fan of neutral handbags because I really can't stand not matching, but I love the pop of pink. The little line of text on the pink stripe says "Amanda" in cursive; you know I had to monogram it! 

The customization process let's you choose literally everything that goes into a bag: the design, size, color, handle length, metal, and even your name or initials. Go check it out - even if you're not in the market for a new purse, it's always fun to play!

Unique Wedding Photos

Working at Southern Bride has already been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. One of the best parts, you ask? Learning so much about the ins and outs of publishing is a blast, but it's such a nice little bonus that I get to learn about weddings, too! If there's anything that brides have stressed the most, it's the importance of getting the best photos possible on their big day. After scouring gobs of pictures, I've put together my favorite unique shots to spruce up your wedding album and bring a smile to your face for years to come.

This is such a cute way to feature your wedding party! Think of them as the "glue that holds you two together." That was incredibly corny..

Oh man, I love this. The Superman tee will probably make an appearance on my wedding day.

This is such fun picture, plus I love the suspenders on the groomsmen. 

Alright, so this photo might not be "different" per say, but it sure is gorgeous. The lighting, her gosh, their loving gaze, everything is just spot on.

If anyone out there thinks Sophie isn't going to be ALL OVER my wedding day, they have another thing coming. I love when people incorporate their furry friends into their wedding day. Just make sure they're well behaved!

This is such a sweet way to have pictures together before the ceremony without spoiling the surprise!

Folks, you're looking at a contender for Amanda's Favorite Photo of All Time right now. The wedding party got together the morning after the wedding to take some quick snapshots and I think it turned out awesome! Plus, I'm still giggling at the "Maid of Dishonor."

Awwww! What a cute way to keep it cute on a rainy wedding day.

And here we have another super awesome bridal party. I love this shot - too fun!

Hey, it's supposed to be the happiest day of your life, right? This photo is the definition of happy!

Oh boy, I love a funny group of boys. 

Which photo was your favorite? Will you be incorporating any of these in your special day?

Until next time,

AJ

Preppy Stripes

The stripe trend is probably my favorite one of the season for one very simple (very lazy!) reason - I already wear them regularly. I found this adorable lil' outfit on one of my most favorite fashion resources, Polyvore. 

If you haven't heard of Polyvore yet, fear not, it's super simple to explain/understand. Basically, you log on and see outfits that people have put together. The added bonus is that if you hover over each individual item, Polyvore tells you the designer name, price, and even a link to purchase it! I've never gotten around to making my own sets yet, which I'll chalk up to my busy schedule (sike!), but I could browse the site for days.

What's not to love about this? Everything is so adorable, and it actually looks super comfy to boot! Those heels, that necklace, sighhh.

Ray-Ban Aviators ($150), Regatta Stripe Top ($70), Swarovski Necklace, Kurt Geiger Humbug Clutch ($280), Therapy Anlke Grazer Jean ($31), Malene Birger Sinousa Suede Pump ($449)

She is Clothed in Strength and Dignity..

Now that I'm a workin' woman, I am starting to fully appreciate the beauty that is Saturday. Waking up late (we're talking 9:00am) is now a luxury. I never thought I'd say that! Here is one of my favorite verses, and something I will try to focus on for a while. Can you imagine "laughing without fear of the future?" I am a planner extraordinaire, so it's really difficult for me to imagine what it's like to not fear what the future holds. But then again, who cares? It's going to happen anyways, right? Right. 

I found this particular photo here.

Have a great Saturday everyone! I hope it's both fun-filled and relaxing!

AJ