#MMLovesFashion: Summer Trends

Allow me to introduce you to the first of many of my “#MMLovesFashion” columns. Seeing as it's summer, I felt it appropriate for the first post to be about summer trends. 

I recently went shopping with my Momma the other weekend when she visited me here in Austin. Our first stop? Lilly Pulitzer (le duh)! Right when I walked in, I spotted the Elsa Top in a shocking pink and fell head over heels for it. To me, neon screams summer; it instantly makes you look tanner, and little pops of it in your wardrobe can brighten up any day. If the top is a little too much to handle, try a more toned down version of neon in the form of J. Crew’s 3” Chino Shorts (aka the most perfect shorts in the world). Want something a little more dressy? Look no further than Amanda Uprichard dresses! They’re casual, yet dressy and come in a few neon options (the Kelly Dress is a personal favorite).

I know what you’re thinking; neon is great...but what about some other trends? Another one of my absolute favorites is that of lace. Summer in Texas equals many a day spent in nothing more than a swimsuit, so what better way to cover up than with a cute lace tunic like the Roma Tunic from Jen’s Pirate Booty? If casual is more your style, Lilly has the Lacie Short (I own them in navy) which looks super cute when paired with wedges. For a more professional look, anthropologie has this gorgeous embroidered lace pencil skirt (currently on sale!) that would look great when paired with a simple solid blouse and heels.

Next on the agenda? Graphic tees. I LOVE them. So much. One of my favorites is this Biggie vs Tupac muscle tee from Urban Outfitters (I’m a Biggie girl). Pair this with some leather skinnies , then go and make your tee the topic of conversation! For something summery, look no further than Wildfox. The Salty Hair coverup is perfect for a day at the beach or pool and looks adorable thrown over a swimsuit with sandals. Looking for something more structured (and personal)? Try The Home T. Personalize this top with your own state, then pair it with skinnies and a blazer for a look that everyone is sure to love.

Lastly, let’s talk about the monochromatic craze. Since it’s summer, let’s focus on all white ensembles. I am a huge proponent of all white; it’s clean, it’s fresh, and when done right is perfect. Currently, I’m obsessing over the 7 For All Mankind The Skinny in White with Silver Jacquard Snake jean. This jean is so beautiful and would look great paired with Equipment's signature silk shirt in white. However, you don’t have to limit your all white outfit to just jeans and a top! Try the Dream Motions dress from Nasty Gal paired with a neutral heel and accessorize with color either via jewelry or a clutch. Typically when doing an all white ensemble, I look for accessories in a single color/metal to bring a pop of color to the outfit (for that, I suggest my all time favorite jewelry designer Kendra Scott).

What are some of your favorite current trends? Tweet @ModernMagnolias with your favorite trends (don’t forget to hashtag with #ModernMagnolias) and we’ll choose a few to style in an upcoming post!

-Amelia

Meet Amelia!

Lorde have mercy!

She may not be Southern but she is definitely an artist you need to know about. I found this incredibly talented 16-year-old via Tumblr a few months back and have become completely obsessed. If you haven't heard of Lorde, you will. She's going to be BIG. "Royals" is sure to be your new favorite pre-game song. 

Her new single, "Tennis Court," is just as fabulous. Be the first to introduce your friends to this sassy, new music and they're sure to love you more than ever!

You can find her on iTunes and Spotify. 

You're welcome in advance.

Stay Southern y'all, 

Caroline 

@RulesForBelles

Southern Charm on a Budget

Whether you're moving into your first dorm, apartment, or mixing things up around the house, were showing you how to decorate for less! We'll help create the perfect, feminine room with a touch of southern charm while staying on a budget!

Bedding

For those of you moving into a dorm, most underclassmen rooms already come equipped with a coffin twin bed. To avoid buying expensive bedding you'll only use for a year, I recommend purchasing an inexpensive, neutral comforter or duvet cover. There are a number of fun ways to dress up a solid comforter: 1. Add a touch of Southern Charm with a monogram 2. Add a printed throw 3. Add an arrangement of printed pillows- By using a neutral comforter, you are given more freedom to mix prints into the theme of your room!

(1) Look at these inexpensive Target bedding options (2) Love these monogrammed pillows! (3) We are obsessed with these Caitlin Wilson pillows

Seating

When it comes to dorm seating, here's a word of advice: Skip the futon. Futons only get more uncomfortable as time passes, and most only last a year. Go ahead and invest in a small, comfy couch. I recommend a solid, neutral color so you can use the couch all four (or five) years! Add more printed pillows to liven up the look. 

Get the look for cheap here!

Curtains

There are three things Modern Magnolias look forward to most in college: rush, gamedays, and studying naps. To this day, I still believe one of the best investments I've ever made were the navy curtains for my room Freshman year. After adding a little too much Firefly to your sweet tea the night before, dark-colored curtains are a lifesaver. Tie back the curtains using a brightly-colored bow to brighten up the room!

Pictures/Wall Art

I love the look of a gallery-style wall right now. Above your desk, add all types of pictures, canvases, and framed quotes/bible verses. You are bound to have a couple longgg nights in college, so it helps to look up at these for that extra motivation to get through an assignment! For an inexpensive look, transform dollar store frames into works of art with a little paint. Before your group of friends parts at the end of the Summer, get together and paint canvases for each other with your favorite quotes. If anything, it's great practice for big/little week!

Flowers

Adding a small vase of flowers can brighten up any room! In order to make these fun vases, all you need is tape, gold spray paint, and vases from the dollar store! I like to buy an arrangement of flowers from the craft store. You can add real flowers, but I seem to have a hard enough time making sure my iPhone lasts through the weekend, so keeping something else alive is out of the question. But for all of you ambitious Modern Magnolias, go for it!

Fabric

I love the idea of purchasing your own fabric. You can use this to make extra pillows, a cushion for your desk chair, and to tie back your curtains during the daytime. Using the same fabrics throughout the room make it look more cohesive! Search around for a few fabric choices here!

Use your favorite fabric to cover wooden boxes and add a glass top for the perfect table!

 

Animal decor

Most toy stores have an assortment of these fun, plastic animals (I found mine in the dollar bin at Wal Mart!) With a little spray paint, transform the plastic toys into chic decor!

(1) Use them as fun desk accessories (2) Cut in half and attach to driftwood to use as a key holder (or necklace holder!) (3) Cut in half, attach magnets, and liven up that fridge!

Enjoy decorating!
-Chloe

What you really want to know about the College World Series- The Hotties

Let me start by saying, I have always loved baseball. I’m not exactly sure at what age I realized that looking at the boys playing could be even more entertaining than the game itself, but I’m sure glad I did. Like myself, Modern Magnolias love America’s Past Time. No matter which team we are pulling for, we can all agree on one thing: baseball pants make everything better. So, because I love y’all, I took on the grueling task (jk it was fun) of browsing the rosters of the eight lucky teams heading to the Mecca of college baseball– the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, to find some mancandy for y’all. Not surprisingly, they all play for teams from the South. Raise your hand if you’re surprised…

So, with some help from @RulesforBelles, I’ve comprised a list of some of my favorite faces heading to Omaha. (P.S. I’ve provided their twitter handles so y’all can get even creepier than I did!)

Skye Bolt #20, UNC

• Seventeen Magazine featured him in their "Hottest Guys of College Sports" Agreed Seventeen, agreed.
• As a child model he was featured in an Ingles commercial with Greg Maddux.
• Has arguably the best name in college baseball. Good for his mama for thinking that far ahead!
• You can catch (pun intended) this Georgia boy playing outfield for the Tarheels.
• Did I mention he's only a freshman?!?! Hey Skye, how do you feel about dating an older woman? I'm asking for a friend. (No I'm not.)

Find him on Twitter: @SkyeBolt20

Chris Cotton #58, LSU

• Senior pitcher from Shrevport, Louisiana (Not too far from Bon Temps.... True Blood!)
• His birthday is November 21, 1990 which makes him a grandpa as far as college baseball is concerned.
• Drafted in the 13th round to Houston
• Watches Game of Thrones

And he's reasonably entertaining on Twitter: @59percentcotton

Russell Reynolds #45, LSU

• Another Freshman
• Another LSU pitcher
• Google told me he's out for the season because of an issue with his arm... (Lookout for him in the dugout?!)
• Like everyone on the planet, loves a Southern girl. I mean, obvi.
• Also, apparently a Michael Jackson fan. We're on board with this.

Find him on Twitter: @RReynolds45

Brett Pirtle #13, Mississippi State


• Texas boy
• Junior outfielder for the Bulldogs
• Born March 23, 1991
• Enjoys Netflix and apparently Goosebumps

Find him on Twitter: @brett_pirtle

Chris O'Brien #14, UNC

• Born November 23, 1991
• He's from Pennsylvania but we won't hold that against him.
• Left-handed pitcher
• Has fairly funny tweets

Find him on Twitter: @OBE_whun_KANOBE (interesting choice of handle...)

Chance Shepard #24, NC State

• Outfielder from North Carolina
• Only a Freshman so hasn't seen much playing time
• Here's hoping he gets to travel with the team!!
• Is on the same page with basically everyone in the South regarding the NBA

Find him on Twitter: @ChanceShepard

So these are just a few of our favorite hotties. We'll be tweeting about any more that we discover throughout the tournament. Let us know if we left off any of your favorites!

Love y'all!

Mary Lauren

@Lauren_Reddeck



Southern Belles Shine in Vegas- Miss USA preview

Like any Modern Magnolia, I love a good pageant. My favorite SNL skit is “Pageant Talk”, I religiously watch Miss USA and Miss America, and I still compete in pageants to this day. That being said, it's only fair that I highlight and present to you the girls of the South that will represent God's country at the 2013 Miss USA Pageant this Sunday (9 pm EST on NBC!).

Miss Alabama USA: Mary Margaret McCord

Going into the weekend as a fan favorite (even the Vegas bookies have this girl taking it all), Mary Margaret has a phenomenal shot at bringing the Miss USA title back to the state that breeds champions. However, don’t confuse this beauty with former Miss Alabama USA Katherine Webb—Mary Margaret was featured on ESPNU during the BCS National Championship game because she was working alongside the network. I would not be surprised to see Mary Margaret crowned Miss USA on Sunday night.

Miss Florida USA: Michelle Aguirre 

A native of Hialeah, Florida, Michelle is not only gorgeous, but is also of Cuban and Puerto Rican decent- which makes for a stand out contestant on and off the stage. She is currently studying to be an elementary school teacher; she was “inspired by her fourth grade teacher” to go into education. Michelle is heavily involved in community service—working alongside organizations like Susan G. Komen, Best Buddies and the American Cancer Society. 

Miss Georgia USA: Brittany Sharp

All you UGA girls are going to LOVE this contestant- she's a Senior, studying mass communication/journalism. Watch out Erin Andrews—Brittany has interned with IMG Bulldog Sports Network, working as an on-air broadcaster interviewing the talented athletes at UGA. Brittany has also appeared in a T-Pain music video—you go girl. 

Miss Kentucky USA: Allie May Leggett 

This blonde bombshell is one of the youngest contestants in the pageant but don’t count her out! She is not only gorgeous but like any good Southern girl, she enjoys being outdoors AND her favorite movie is Step Brothers. Me too girlfriend! 

Miss Louisiana USA: Kristen Girault

As a Bama alum, it pains me to say this, but this LSU nursing student and current Saintsation (NFL Cheerleader for New Orleans Saints), also has a great chance of being Miss USA 2013. Fun/interesting fact: she suffers from a slight case of narcolepsy... Hopefully she can stay awake for the competition, as she could definitely win it all. 

Miss Mississippi USA: Paromita Mitra 

This young lady is the true definition of a Modern Magnolia—Paromita is a first generation immigrant from Bangladesh, however she has called Hattiesburg, MS home since she was a little girl. Smarty Pants Alert! —Paromita is an Aerospace Engineering major at Mississippi State University, is pursing a minor in mathematics and can speak FOUR different languages! Brains, beauty and she's Southern… what more could you ask for?! 

Miss North Carolina USA: Ashley Love Mills 

Ashley is a graduate of NCSU and currently works as a model and actress across the Southeast. Bullies watch out—Ashley has an anti-bullying campaign called “Reach For More: Be Better Than Average," where she works to implement anti-bullying practices in North Carolina schools. Now that is a girl who could change the world. 

Miss South Carolina USA: Megan Pinckney

I will try and not be biased with this one (Megan is a good friend of mine) BUT this is a girl to watch out for this Sunday. Megan is a fashion merchandising major at the University of South Carolina and has interned with famed Pageant/Prom designer, Sherri Hill. Megan aspires to be the editor of a fashion magazine and is currently a Legislative Aide at the SC House of Representatives. Megan also served the state of South Carolina as Miss SC Teen USA in 2010. You go girl.

Miss Tennessee USA: Brenna Mader 

This graduate of Belmont University calls Nashville home. You might recognize her from GAC’s Superfan Weekends or CMT’s My Big Fat Redneck After-show. Brenna was also the lead in Blake Shelton’s “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking" video and has appeared in several other music videos. Brenna aspires to meet Beyonce, as she "truly cares about empowering women." What a coincidence Brenna… I want to meet Beyonce too! Hook a sister up. 

Miss Texas USA: Ali Nugent 

Another young gun in the competition, Ali is more than just a pretty face. She is incredibly compassionate and patriotic- she created her own charity called “Crowns for Heroes” which raises money to build specially equipped homes for wounded soldiers. God bless Texas!

We don't know who will win Miss USA 2013 but we know these Southern belles would each be fabulous representation of this great country!

Tweet me your thoughts- @A_CATindahat.

Anna Catherine

Father's Day Gift Guide

Thank you to our friends at Social Primer for providing this post. 

Dads are notoriously difficult to shop for, mainly because most don’t like shopping in the first place, but step away from the Home Depot gift cards and go for something that your Dad- and everyone who sees him, will really appreciate. Here are my picks for Father’s Day gifts that any Dad would be happy to get!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15

The outfit

As a son who is always trying to get my father to dress up (seems to skip a generation, huh?!), I am well aware of the need to help an older man look good without feeling like he is dressing inappropriately for his age. Thankfully, this can be done with fresh takes on just a few items they probably already have... or, at least, should have!

Get the look here. 

What says summer more than a great seersucker blazer? Chances are that dad has one and it is probably older than you are, so introduce him to the fine craftsmanship and quality of Ben Silver blazers. This is a piece that will last him for the next 20 years. The shirt by Ledbury and pants by Dockers are classics that have been updated for a more modern fit, helping Dad ease into the transition of dressing in a new light. (PS- the pants are on sale.) Dad’s neck gets a manageable but interesting pop of color thanks to the Social Primer, Peter Ashley Collection, Red washed-silk tie which is as good for the boardrooms as it is for Sunday service. Speaking of boardrooms, keep his desk looking sharp with the Brooks Brothers handpainted enamel brass paperweight. 

Dad’s accessories even get an update (though he would never call them accessories) starting with a change from his oversized straw golf hat to one of these comfortable and stylish straw numbers from Goorin Brothers. Although Dad’s belt (Four Majors Leatherback Tabbed from Knot Belt Co) is a conversation starter that adds fun to any wardrobe, his sunglasses (Ray-Ban Clubmasters), shoes (Weejuns), watch (Timex Andros), and even pocket knife (Case Mother of Pearl CopperLock) are all timeless classics that he is sure to recognize and appreciate. Dad’s cologne is updated with the fresh, new scent of Moonshine, sure to please any Southern gentleman!

The extras

Keeping in line with updated classics that Dads will be comfortable with, we have the Hatteras Weekend Duffel from Hudson Sutler- perfect for quick fishing trips on the lake or an afternoon at the country club. In tow with his new weekender, what trip isn't complete without a good, stocked cooler from Yeti, perfect for those weekends tailgating at his alma mater!

Find it here. 

Finally, and arguably most important, is the chalice from which you father drinks his scotch or whiskey. Do yourself a favor, for heirlooms sake, and begin investing in a set of the sterling silver ox horn whiskey tumblers from Sir Jacks.

Find it here. 

More than the gifts and the cards that you will give to your father soon, make sure to thank him for helping you become the man or woman that you have become today- that means so much more than anything you could ever purchase!

Enjoy!

T. Eubanks

@SPSalesman

It's National Sweet Tea Day y'all!

Well technically, it's National Iced Tea Day but if the tea ain't sweet, it ain't tea... Am I right? 

While we'll be drinking Arnold Palmers throughout the day, we can't wait to celebrate this sacred holiday with one of our favorite Southern products, Firefly Sweet Tea vodka. 

Get ya' a glass of half lemonade, half skinny fly and you're ready to watch the sunset on the front porch or The Bachelorette- your preference. (If you're planning on doing the latter, catch up on last week's episode here.) 

Let us know how you plan to celebrate National Sweet Tea Day on Twitter at @ModernMagnolias!

Congratulations Patina!!!

Congratulations to South Carolina girl and Modern Magnolia, Patina Miller, who won the Tony Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical!

Thank you Patina for showing all of us how to follow your dreams while honoring your past! You are a true Modern Magnolia.