Southern Belle Garden Party Outfit.

     "Southern Belle in Training" is the name of my blog, but I feel like it's been a little while since I've posted what I think is a true Southern Belle type outfit. I think today's look definitely fits the bill, and I'm excited to share this beautiful dress in today's blog post. There's also a Nordstrom gift card giveaway with some other bloggers further in the post- Early Access for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is on the way soon!

Photography by Deeana Kourtney 

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Dress c/o // Heels // Necklace c/o {sold out, similar linked} // Bracelets c/o // Sunglasses c/o // Purse {old, similar here} // Lipstick // 

      What is a Southern Belle? According to Wikipedia (my favorite reference source), a Southern Belle is a "stock character representing a young woman of the American South's upper socioeconomic class." This description brings to mind pictures of 1800s Southern women in hoop skirts... I think we're way past that in terms of Southern Belles! To me, the modern Southern Belle is a woman who is put together, poised, and confident. Her fashion sense is feminine, bright, and classic. On a deeper level than fashion, the modern Southern Belle knows how to stick up for herself and is strong and independent, but also loving and nurturing. Her faith is the center of her life, and that plays out into how she loves and interacts with her family, friends and significant other. And most importantly... she LOVES living in the South and loves Southern culture! These are the attributes I think of in 2018 when I hear the words "Southern Belle," and I try and live them out myself through both my blog and my real life. 😊

     Now- onto the outfit! This dress from Chicwish makes me think "Southern Belle" every time that I see it! The bold red and pink flowers are so eye-catching and beautiful. It's made of a light enough material that you wouldn't sweat too much wearing it outside on a hot Southern day (it was about 90 when Deeana and I shot these photos!). It makes me think of all sorts of fun summer occasions like garden parties and tea parties. I paired the dress with classic pointed-toe nude pumps, a bold pink lipstick, and a coordinating necklace. 

      Switching gears now- did you know that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is just a few weeks away? If you've followed me or other fashion bloggers for a few years, you know that this is one of the biggest sales of the year, especially here in the blogging world! I make a conscious effort each July not to *over* promote it, but with that said it is a great sale, and I am excited for it this year! To get excited for the NSale, I've teamed up with a group of other bloggers to give one lucky person a $1,000 Nordstrom gift card to shop the sale!! Giveaway details are below: 

I’ve teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers to give YOU a chance to win: a $1,000 Nordstrom Gift Card, just in time to shop the Anniversary Sale!

Simply enter below by completing the rafflecopter. You’ll receive one entry per completion. This giveaway is open to the U.S. and Canada only and runs until 7/9. Winner will be announced here. Good Luck!

Void where prohibited. By entering the giveaway you acknowledge that you are agreeing to complete each task, which involves following, liking and subscribing to newsletter's.

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       God Bless,

       xoxo Annaliese