Memphis, Tennessee

It's finally summer. My goal for the next few months is to discover new things to do in a city that I love so dearly. It just so happens that I call this city home and I'm super proud of it.

For many people (Corinth residents and more), Memphis is a city with malls, "chain" restaurants & Graceland. I totally used to be one of these people, but I soon discovered with the help of my Memphis friends that this city has so much more to offer. Here are a few things I've learned since I moved here in January 2011.

Ten Things A New/Visiting Memphian Needs To Know:

1. My favorite attraction is Sun Studios.

 (Aunt Barbara & I having fun at Sun Studios)

2. There's more to downtown Memphis than Beale Street (check out Main).

3. Get your coffee at Otherlands or Republic Coffee.

 (image source: examiner.com)

4. Visit ilovememphisblog.com for the unique and completely useful scoop on the city.

5. WEVL 89.9 has the best, random mix of music (seriously, I've heard polka, techno, Willie Nelson & No Doubt in one day)

6. The best restaurants are off the beaten path (e.g., drive past the malls and find some local flavor).

• Boscos
• Cafe Piazza
• The Majestic Grille
• Local Gastropub
• The Elegant Farmer
• Central BBQ
• Molly's La Casita
• Memphis Pizza Cafe
• Ask me if you need more options...I have plenty!

7. Vintage/Antique stores are everywhere. Ask me about them.

8. People are friendly. Don't be afraid.

9. The events and attractions are endless.

 (Christie & I at the NKOTBSB concert)

10. There's something in the air that makes you fall in love with it.


Simply,

Court

The Stylish Smell of Spring

In honor of Spring Break 2011, I'm going to share my favorite wardrobe essentials right now. I know I'm no fashion maven, but clothes and shoes make me happy.

1. Skirts


This one is from Anthropologie. I adore wearing skirts like this one with a loose t-shirt and sandals.






2. Flowy Shirts

From GAP, my favorite store in the world (besides Anthro). They were having a super sale last weekend and bought a loose top for $10.00.






3. Oxfords

ModCloth has gazillions of pages with adorable shoes. I'm dying to go on a shoe shopping spree.








4. Retro Inspired Jewelry

LA Green Jewelry is based in Mississippi. Her designs are so fabulous and buyers are supporting a good cause. You can buy this fabulous bracelet at J. Brown's Trading Co. in Corinth or on the LA Green website!






5. The Perfect Tote

I love Cinda B. I bought this tote at Kates & Company in Corinth for school and it has been my lifesaver. Check out Kates & Co or the Cinda B website to see all of the fabulous items!



Oh, check out the blogs I'm listing below. They have some great style tips!

http://bleubirdvintage.typepad.com/blog/

http://www.delightfuldozen.com/

http://petalsandwaves.blogspot.com/


Happy Spring Shopping Y'all!


Simply,

Court

A Little Black Dress Plus Nine

Today I'm lightening things up a bit. Let's talk fashion. I'm so into summer dresses right now, so I'm going to share my top 10 wish list items for everyone!

1.
(photo credit: modcloth.com)

This gorgeous maxi dress is from Modcloth.com, a fabulous Web site, we super fun, unique items. I adore the embroidering on this dress. It reminds me of Ivy Jane apparel (which is available at Ginger's in Corinth).

2.
(photo credit: Forever 21)

How cute is this vibrant, striped dress from Forever 21's Faith 21 collection? You can't beat the price ($22.80) and it flatters curves. Every girl knows Forever 21 is the place to go for any and every fashion need!

3.
(photo credit: Jessica Simpson Collection)

Did y'all know Jessica Simpson had a dress collection? I discovered this about a month ago at Belk. I love Jessica Simpson - she's a southern girl with faith and style. Not only are her dresses amazing, her purses, perfume, luggage and sunglasses are too.

4.
(Photo credit: PaintedOyster)

Confession: Last week I purchased something with my first paycheck at Libby Story in Starkville, Miss. It was the coolest dress -- description -- a man's shirt with a t-back embellished with a man's tie created by PaintedOyster. There isn't a dress like the one I bought on PaintedOyster's Etsy shop, but there are shirts that have the same feel. I am willing to bet the dress I'm featuring on this blog is just as comfy as mine.

5.
(photo credit: Anthropologie)

I own this dress from Anthropologie. For Christmas, my aunt gave me a gift card and I used it over Spring Break on my favorite dress in my closet. In this photo, it is displayed differently than I wear it -- the rope can be adjusted so the keyhole is in the back. Anthropologie has sales all the time. Shopping online is fun, but I suggest going to the store (it is so ecclectic). A few stores are located in the south: Memphis, Huntsville, Ridgeland, Birmingham, Nashville, Baton Rouge, Atlanta, & Dunwoody (GA). Go see...you'll love it!

6.
(photo credit: Maurices)

This dress is from Maurices. I just found it online, but I think it would be perfect for a date party, wedding, rehearsal dinner, or just for a fun and dressy girls' night out.

7.
(photo credit: Belk)

This dress, from Belk, is $17.39 and it's black. I think that's enough explanation.

8.
(photo credit: American Archive)

I just found this on Ebay. There's a lot of neat vintage items to be bought on that Web site. This store & top rated seller, American Archive, has some funky pieces for smaller figures.

9.
(photo credit: Leanne Marshall, www.leanimal.com/bridal.htm)

My favorite designer, EVER, from Project Runway, Leanne Marshall, has some incredible dresses. This wedding dress is featured on her online store for bridal inquiries. She also has an Etsy shop and a blog. She's uber talented. I would love to own a piece of her collection one day!

10.
(photo credit: Walmart)

And I'm ending this blog with a Wal-Mart bang! This dress by Norma Kamali is an online exclusive to Walmart.com. Actually, I should say all-in-one dress. You can wear this so many ways. I might buy one for myself.

Simply,

Court

Sharks, Sales & the South

Here's a quick note to express my current loves:

1. Monday night television (The Bachelorette, Secret Life, Tori & Dean)

2. That "Shark in the Water" song by V.V. Brown. I totally don't get it yet, but it's quirky.



3. Glee!

4. Rice cakes with white chocolate peanut butter (try it - the brand is Peanut Butter & Co.)

5. Country music (especially Brooks & Dunn, Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, and Sugarland)

6. Sporcle - http://www.sporcle.com

7. Do-it-yourself projects (photos to come)

8. The cutest photo of Olivia taken by On Location in Corinth.

9. Online designer sale sites
http://www.giltgroup.com & https://www.mynines.com/login/index.jsp

10. Etsy

Quality Roommate Time Day

Today was designated as "Quality Roommate Time Day." This semester has been extremely busy for the both of us, so it feels like we only see each other in Intro to Philosophy and other sporadic times. I've known Amanda since Kindergarten and we have experienced so much together, from trips to college. In the 18 years I've known her, I don't believe we've ever argued or had major disagreements. Needless to say, I'm amazingly blessed to have a fantastic friend like her in my life.

Both of our birthdays are in February (we were born 5 days apart). Today was Amanda's and mine doesn't exist this year! Both of us deserved a relaxing day of our favorite things: clothes, shoes, scarves, jewelry and food. No stress. No worries. No hurries. We enjoyed spending time together and realizing how blessed we are to have one another.



I hope everyone has a friend like Amanda. I, and everyone else in her life, would absolutely have no idea what to do without her. She's an amazing person inside and out. In my opinion, she's the most credible and talented 22-year-old ever. I love you Manda and thanks for being my friend/roomie/cook/Starkville Mom/comforter/etc. I love you like I love judging the American Idols (You know that's a lot)!

Orgs

PR in Organizations.

I've played hard yesterday and today, shopping til I dropped. Now it's time to work hard on two papers due next week.

Should you need a PR professional one day...

Simply,

Court

Who doesn't love shoes?

This morning, my mom called to inform me that we would be going to Germantown today to return some clothing she received for Christmas. I didn't expect the abrupt shopping trip, but I definitely was not going to complain.

Me + Shopping = Love.

We went to her all-time favorite clothing store, Talbots, to exchange the items and buy new Spring apparel. She always finds perfect things in there. The clothes fit her style (my mother is a classy, stylish lady, if I do say so myself). She was especially proud of two sweaters (black and pink) that were lightweight and easily matched with a variety of items. In about one hour, we left Talbots with new clothes and over 100 dollars in savings.


I was excited. I knew that if my mom had such amazing luck with her store, I would find fabulous Spring items at mine. Off to the GAP we went. But, I had no luck. There were tons of cute items, but nothing looked right on me and I was indecisive about colors. Of course, this would happen to me on the day I was so excited to shop. Oh well, I did come out of the GAP with a pair of jeans and a comfy sweatshirt (totally college material).

Because I felt as though I didn't succeed in my Spring clothes shopping endeavor, we decided to turn to shoes. Shoes always work. When one enters the shoe department, a sense of excitement ensues. Oh, you know it does. Heels, wedges, flats, sandals, boots...every kind you could ever want. Who doesn't like shoes?

I ended up buying two early birthday gifts. BCBG camel colored flats and Calvin Klein black satin ballet flats. I adore both of them. I left with a smile on my face. Something as simple as shoes can make one's day.

WARNING: RANDOM THOUGHT --
My next shoe mission: Oxfords. They are so in, and I cannot wait to find my perfect pair.

P.S. Did I mention that both pairs of shoes were on sale (under 30 dollars a pair). Life, or shoe shopping does not get much better than that.

Expect a photo of shoes to posting over the next few days.
Fun day, fun shoes, and fun memories.

Simply,

Court