Spring/Summer Try-On: Quarantine Shopping Purchases Vol. 2

     I know I'm definitely not alone in using online retail therapy as a way to cope and cheer up during this pandemic. I foresee my online purchases slowing down significantly for the rest of summer (scratch that- rest of 2020) now that I have a car payment each month, but for the past couple months I've been having a steady stream of packages arrive each week.

    I shared a try-on haul of my March and early April buys last month in this blog post, and today I'm sharing my more recent purchases from late April to now!

Having a Great Summer When You Can't Take a Vacation.

     Getting real in today's blog post! Both in my choice of outfit (this is a more casual look than I usually wear on the blog), and in the topic of today's post. Can't wait to hear y'all's thoughts about this topic! 

Photography by Meredith Sledge

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Southern Belle in Training!

Top // Shorts // Sandals // Sunglasses // Purse // Necklace // Bracelets // Lipstick //

    Outfit talk up first: definitely keeping things very casual for today's look! This is a perfect example of the type of outfit that I'd wear on a summer weekend in Charlottesville. I picked up this cute striped t-shirt over Memorial Day Weekend, and I love all of the bright colors in it. These shorts have been some of my very favorites for a few years now- I love them so much that I re-purchased an identical pair this season since my previous pair was looking a little worn from years of love. To make this casual look seem a bit more put-together, I added a fun statement necklace, bright pink sunglasses, and a favorite pink crossbody purse.



     Now let's get to today's other topic: how to avoid FOMO and stay positive during the summer if you're not able to take a vacation this season. There's lots of reasons why some of us can't take vacations certain years. I actually haven't had a summer vacation since 2015, so I am hopefully much overdue for one in 2019! In 2016 I had just started broadcasting school, in 2017 I was still too new at my first job to use PTO, and this year, 2018, it's the same situation as last year! Radio is an industry that isn't famous for its PTO or benefits, and I have to wait until I've been employed six months at my new job for my time off to start. Of course, these are just a couple examples of reasons why you might not be able to take a summer vacation. There are tons: lack of PTO from work, being in school during the summer, family needs, illness, not having the funds, etc etc.


     It can be hard to stay positive about staying in your town or city all summer when friends are jetsetting all over the country and world (social media unfortunately makes the travel FOMO all the more real!). I wanted to share some tips in today's post to help with still having an amazing summer, even if you can't visit anywhere exotic or new.



      *Remember that social media is a highlight reel: We're all guilty of getting caught up in the downsides of social media sometimes. When you keep seeing perfect Instagram picture after perfect Instagram picture from people's summer travels, it can be easy to get into a negative mindset and throw a pity party. It's good to take a step back and constantly remind yourself that Instagram and other social media is people's *highlight reels.* 99% of the time, you're seeing only the highs, and not the lows that we all deal with. If the comparison game is really getting you down this summer, try to spend less time on social media!


      *Use the summer to reevaluate the reasons that you can't travel at this time: There's probably a major reason why you can't travel this summer. If you're staying close to home this month and next, take that time to remember your reason for not being able to go anywhere, and think about how you can fix that by summer 2019! For example, my reason for this summer is that I don't have PTO yet at my new job. When I start to feel down about not having any vacations coming up, I remember all the reasons that I moved to Virginia to take this new job, and how much I love my job, which makes it worth it for me. I also have started brainstorming a list of travel destinations I'd like to visit next year, which gets me excited about the future! If finances are the major reason you can't travel right now, I challenge you to save as much money as possible this month and next, and start a separate savings account for future adventures.



      *Plan a weekend overnight trip within a two hour radius: Y'all- never underestimate the power of an overnight getaway! Simply getting out of your home for a night and heading to a close by new city or town (or staying in your city for a staycation at a hotel) can do wonders! I had an absolute blast during my weekend trip to Richmond,VA last month (Richmond is just over an hour from Charlottesville). Weekend trips are generally affordable, and they can "hold you over" until you're able to go on a longer trip! Plus, I'm sure there's tons of places within a 1-2 hour radius of you that you're not familiar with yet.

     
      *Make a summer bucket list of local activities: I shared my summer bucket list on the blog last month- and I'm so glad I made one! The one I made has kept me motivated with trying new things in Charlottesville and Central Virginia this summer. If you're feeling especially financially thrifty, I challenge you to make a bucket list of only free activities in your local area!


      *Keep your social calendar full: Staying busy with friends is a great way to enjoy your summer and local area! Although I was bummed I can't travel this summer, I have been viewing it as a blessing in disguise because I've been able to devote a ton of time to fostering new friendships and meeting people in Charlottesville. If I was on-the-go all summer long, that probably wouldn't be the case! It was really hard for me to make friends in Vermont last year for the first few months (last summer), so summer 2017 felt so long and boring to me. I've had a much different experience making friends in Virginia, so summer has been awesome so far! I have different social things to look forward to each week, and it's all been a total blast.


      *Become involved with a summer activity in your local community: If you're staying put for the summer, it can be a great time to get involved with a summer specific activity or local project! I joined a summer bible study group at my church, and it's been a way to meet new friends at church, learn more about topics in the bible that I hadn't previously studied, and it also gives me something to look forward to each week! Other options include getting involved in a volunteer opportunity, joining a sports league, signing up for a fun class at community college or your parks and rec department, or even picking up a new side hustle.


   


     Are you traveling a lot this summer, or also staying grounded this year like I am? I'd love to hear in the comments!



     God Bless,


   
      xoxo Annaliese

Preppy 4th of July Outfit.

     Some holidays I manage to hit every year on the blog in terms of content and outfits based around them... and some just escape me. The 4th of July is weirdly one that usually blows right past me each year- it's already happened by the time I remember that I should have shared an outfit related to it! Luckily, I didn't let that happen this year. I'm sharing this simple and preppy 4th of July look in today's post, and also talking about my plans for the holiday this year; my first one in Virginia!

Photography by Meredith Sledge 


This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Southern Belle in Training! 




Top {mine not online, very similar here} // Shorts // Shoes // Earrings // Gold Bracelet Stack // Rose Gold Bracelet // Ring // Lipstick // 

     I realized when putting this outfit together that while I have a plethora of white and bold blue items in my closet and accessories collections... solid red fashion items are something I'm lacking a little bit. I actually just ordered these red earrings (which I'm hoping will be here in time for the 4th next week!), but until then, I opted when styling this outfit for a bold red lipstick to make sure I had all three colors of the flag represented!


     I've been loyal to J. Crew Factory shorts for many years now- and this blue scalloped pair is no exception! They're so cute for all types of summer outfits, and of course absolutely perfect for the 4th of July. I paired them with this favorite tie-front white top, and fun blue statement earrings to finish off this preppy look. This outfit is simple, but definitely still patriotic for the 4th!



      What are your plans for the 4th of July this year? Do you have any traditions, or do something new each year? Since graduating college, I've done different things each 4th! Two years ago, I went to a fun pool party in Charlotte, and then watched the fireworks with friends in Tega Cay, SC. Last year I was in Vermont, and I had to work in the morning. Later that day, my friend Ciera flew in for her summer visit, and we spent the rest of the day at a state park on Lake Champlain (and then I think went to bed before any fireworks shows- lol!). This year, Ciera is coming back to visit me for the week of the 4th! Our friend Priyanka (also from Charlotte) is coming up with her, and I can't wait to have the girls here with me in Charlottesville for a few days. They're both arriving on the 4th, so I think we will keep things mellow that day, and try and check out one of the fireworks shows in Charlottesville that night! I'm still asking around of where the best place is to catch them here.

   

     God Bless,


   
      xoxo Annaliese 

My Happy Places...

      We're not only talking happy places in today's blog post, but I'm also literally showing y'all one of mine! I've been blogging for almost six years now, and working with photographers for content for Southern Belle in Training for over two years. That's a lot of blog pictures and photo shoots in that amount of time- sometimes I have to think a little outside the box to still be creative with my pictures. Last month, I had the spur of the moment idea to shoot one of my outfits for the blog in one of the Charlottesville libraries! It was so fun, and totally out of the norm from the types of places I normally do blog photos, but hey, sometimes it's fun to mix it up. 😊

Photos by Lacey Botteon

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Southern Belle in Training! 

Top {similar} // Shorts c/o {such a bargain!} // Shoes // Necklace // Earrings {similar} // Bracelets c/o // Purse // 

     Let's talk about the outfit details for a second! So in one of last week's blog posts- I shared an outfit from my favorite online discount retailer Shein that was actually kind of a miss for me (a "get what you pay for" in terms of quality situation). The shorts I'm wearing in today's post also from Shein.... but WOW! These are a win!! They are only $10, and fit well and are really cute. As with most things from Shein, I did size up in them! Usually in the summer months I wear even brighter and colorful outfits than I normally do, but this outfit is all black and neutrals and I still really liked it.



      Now let's talk about happy places! We all have them. You know what I'm talking about- a place that you can arrive at and instantly feel at peace, or at least able to forget a bit about the distractions and stress of everyday life. I'd love to share a few of mine with you, and please let me know in the comments what yours are!



     *Library: Probably a given from these photos! I've loved libraries and reading since I was a little girl. There's not a lot of things that are truly free to enjoy in the adult world, but public libraries are a rare gem! I am such a big bookworm, so letting myself get lost in a place that's completely dedicated to the love of reading and books is something I'm always down for! I've had a local library card in every city/state that I've lived in- it's usually my motivation to go to the DMV for my new license when I move, because new license equals being able to get a library card!


     *Mall: Okay- it's no surprise that I love fashion since I have a fashion blog! However, one thing that I've noticed from a lot of girls' blogs that I read is that a lot of bloggers admit to preferring shopping online! While there are some online-only retailers that I do like shopping at, I still love the retail experience and going to the mall. Maybe it's part childhood nostalgia (I have the best memories of looking forward to mall trips for my birthdays or other special occasions growing up!), or part the fact that I did work in retail for a bit myself, but malls will always have a special place in my heart. There's just something about the smell of cinnamon buns wafting from the food court- you know what I mean! Even if I'm not going to the mall to buy anything specific, if I have a few hours to kill and want to get out of my apartment, it can be a nice place to walk around, especially in winter when the weather isn't great.


     *Beach (especially in my hometown): Okay- cliche answer here! Who doesn't like the beach, right? But it holds a special place in my heart as a happy place, since I'm from a small coastal town in Maine! Now that I live in a landlocked place, my heart misses the ocean where I'm from, especially in the summer months! Maine beaches are very natural and serene, most of them aren't built up or commercialized. I don't get homesick very much as I really do love the South, but sometimes I do long to take a long walk on one of my hometown beaches! I definitely appreciate it a lot more when I get to visit home now, as visits are few and far between.


      *Radio studio: I feel so lucky to be working in my dream industry, one that I dreamed of being in since I was a little girl! Being in my station's studio, where I spend the majority of my workday, really is a happy place for me. Some days I have to take a minute and just reflect about how lucky I am to be able to play great music, and bring joy to people's day in their cars or workplace (or wherever they listen to the radio!) - like that's my actual job!


     *Airport: Okay- this one needs a little explaining. Airports definitely stop becoming a happy place when severe flight delays are involved. But if everything goes smoothly on the travel end, I love airports! I feel like there's so much excitement in the air to see everyone hustling and bustling around, off to different destinations. And I think airport gift shops are so fun- I've found some of my favorite touristy souvenirs in them!


     *Church: There's just something so sweet and special about coming together to worship God and hear a great biblical message with other believers! This goes beyond just traditional Sunday services though. Church being my happy place includes bible study meetings, service opportunities, or just general times of fellowship with my church family!


     *Waterfalls: I love hiking and checking out beautiful places outdoors, but I have a special affinity for any trails that lead to waterfalls! There's just something magical about seeing them for yourself in nature. (Or maybe my love stems from my obsession with 90s music and TLC's hit song Waterfalls.... hahaha!)



     Okay- those are my favorite happy places! What are yours?


     Hope your week is off to a good start!!

     God Bless,


     xoxo Annaliese

   

My Summer 2018 Bucket List!

     I have my Instagram friends to thank for the theme of today's post! Last week I was feeling a bit stumped for what to write about for the topic of today's blog (I pre-write my posts a few days in advance), so I posted a poll on IG Stories asking which you'd rather read between two post topics. My Summer Bucket List was the clear winner- so here you go! I'm excited to share this today, and these outfit details as well. These photos were taken a few weeks ago, back when all of the spring blooms where still going strong in Charlottesville.

Photography by Lacey Botteon

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Southern Belle in Training!

Crop top & shorts set c/o // Shoes // Earrings c/o // Necklace {old, similar here} // Sunglasses // Bracelets c/o // Purse {old, similar here} // Lipstick // 

     This little crop top and matching shorts set is from Shein! I've worked with them on my blog to style and review their clothing for a couple years now. Generally speaking, despite their very low prices, I usually like most of the items that I get from this online store. This top and shorts was a miss sadly, It did photograph well in these pictures, but I found the quality of the fabric to be terrible, and the zipper was so poorly made on the shorts that they didn't zip fully! So I actually wouldn't recommend this.... if you do want to buy it for like a beach vacation, expect that you're getting what you pay for! But generally- I do really like Shein. 

     Alright, onto my summer bucket list! Sharing a few things that are personal goals for the summer, and some things that relate to life in Charlottesville and Virginia. I'm planning to put together my first ever 1001 in 1001 style bucket list for my birthday and blogiversary in September, so consider today's bucket list a little preview for that!

      My Summer 2018 Bucket List

      Personal Bucket List:

• Try one new recipe a week - either a dinner, snack, or dessert recipe! (I haven't been as creative in my cooking since moving and want to step up my game again!)
• Find a new primary care doctor in Charlottesville and make an appointment, and make an appointment with my new dentist for a teeth cleaning. 
• Begin my 401k savings account once I become eligible through work (and if eligibility date is later in the year, put the money I would put into that into my remaining student loan during this summer!).
• Work out three times a week - either at my apartment gym, playing tennis, or going for a long trail or neighborhood walk. 
• Find a new-to-me show to watch this summer on Netflix.
• Finish (re-watching for me) Season One of Hart of Dixie on Netflix with my friend Becca- we are watching together!
• Read a minimum of three books each month.
• Call my grandma at least once a week.
• Host my housewarming tea party in my new apartment.
• Host friends from out of town at least once a month at my apartment!

Charlottesville / Virginia Summer Bucket List:

• Plan an overnight trip to see one of Virginia's beaches.
• Visit one new-to-me hiking trail somewhere in the mountains. 
• Find a local nature walking trail in Charlottesville for weekly walks.
• Drive more of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
• Visit 12 wineries (by the time summer is over) on the Monticello Wine Trail!
• Go to a polo match at King Family Vineyards.
• Go to Sunset Series at Carter's Mountain Orchard (Thursday night concert series).
• Shop at Short Pump in Richmond (the nicer shopping district, similar to Charlotte's SouthPark).
• Go tubing on the James River.
• Continue meeting weekly with my women's Community Group at my new church.
• Continue participating in monthly service projects with my new church.

     Historically speaking, when I share things on the blog it does hold me pretty accountable to getting them done! So hopefully since I shared this with y'all, I'll be able to report in September that I checked all the items off. 😊Have you made a summer bucket list this year? If so- what's on it?


     Even though today's post focused all about my new life in Virginia, in an upcoming post this week I'll be taking y'all back to Vermont1 I'll be sharing a travel guide specific to visiting the Burlington, VT area in the summer months. Vermont of course is a popular state to visit in the winter with the plethora of ski resorts in the state, but it also makes for a very unique and different type of place to go to for summer vacations as well. I might not have had the best experience living there as an actual year-round resident, but I think Vermont could be great for a certain type of summer vacation, so I am excited to share some recommendations from my time living there later this week on the blog!

      God Bless,



      xoxo Annaliese 

Lilly After Party Sale Style + Sizing Guide with Pink Colony.

     2018 is off to a fantastic start- the Lilly Pulitzer Winter After Party Sale came extra early this year!

All photography in today's post by Melissa Lynn Studios

Today's post is in collaboration with The Pink Colony. Today's post also contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Southern Belle in Training!

     It's no secret that I'm a huge Lilly Pulitzer fan, and I look so forward to this biannual sale. Lilly's colorful prints and patterns make my closet and heart happy, but their clothing and accessories at full price don't always make my wallet happy. So the After Party Sale really is my favorite time of the year, and it's when I purchase most of my Lilly pieces!


     This year, I am so excited to be bringing you a very fun and different first blog post for this After Party Sale. I am teaming up with Pink Colony, which is Vermont's first and only Lilly Pulitzer signature store, to bring you a style and sizing guide for some APS items and also a few pieces from Lilly's newest winter collection. I'll be starting this post off with a Q&A about Pink Colony, and why it's important for Lilly lovers to shop APS from both Lilly's website AND local signature stores! Next, I'll be sharing all of the beautiful outfits that I got to play dress-up in during my recent visit to Pink Colony (and also sharing which came home with me!). Everything that I'm wearing is linked under each photo to Pink Colony's website- be sure to order quickly if you like something as things will sell out during the sale! And finally, Pink Colony's sweet owner Jessica was kind enough to run two giveaways to celebrate the After Party Sale, one on my Instagram and one in this blog post! So be sure to read through to the very end of the post so you don't miss the best part. 😊



Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store Q&A:

 
     *What is a signature store? Lilly lovers have the option to shop their favorite colorful clothing through a couple different retail options! The Lilly Pulitzer brand operates corporate owned retail stores (under the Lilly Pulitzer store name) in several states. (There was one in Charlotte at SouthPark Mall that I used to shop at.) Lilly is also sold at some high-end department stores. One of my favorite ways to shop Lilly though is through signature stores! These are locally owned boutiques which are licensed to sell Lilly Pulitzer, and their majority of what their store sells is Lilly, which gives them the official signature store designation! You can spot a signature store as it usually has "pink" in the title- hence Pink Colony in Vermont!


     *How do signature stores differ from official Lilly stores? A few ways! Since they're locally owned, the store itself is often decorated in very fun ways. I love the look of a true Lilly store, but I always love shopping at signature stores when I travel to an area with one, as I feel like you can really get a feel for how Lilly Pulitzer fits into the local area when shopping at one. Signature stores also area allowed to sell other preppy brands, which makes for a super fun shopping experience! (Think things like Jack Rogers, Kiel James Patrick, Hunter boots, etc.) And lastly- the SALES. While signature stores like Pink Colony do participate in the After Party Sale, they often have amazing clearance racks of things you'd never find on sale throughout the year on Lilly's website or in official Lilly stores! I've gotten some of my favorite Lilly purchases through the years on amazing sale at the signature store in my hometown.


     *What is Pink Colony? Pink Colony is a Lilly Pulitzer signature store that was opened by owner Jessica Cameron in July 2017, so it's still brand-new to Vermont! They're proud to carry the largest selection of Lilly Pulitzer in the Green Mountain State! Jessica is a Florida native who is excited to bring her sunny and preppy style to New England. In addition to Lilly, Pink Colony also carries 20 other preppy brands and a wide assortment of jewelry. They're located right in the mountains in the scenic ski village of Stowe, just an hour from Burlington!


     *How does Pink Colony do their APS? Pink Colony's After Party Sale is STOREWIDE- which means that not only the Lilly is on-sale, but also the other preppy brands that they sell! It runs today and tomorrow, January 3rd and 4th, just like the regular Lilly sale online. Excluding new arrivals, everything else in the store is 40-50% off!! You can shop in-store, and if you're not located in New England, you can order via phone at 802-253-PREP or shop online.



Lilly Pulitzer APS Style + Sizing Guide: 


     *Look #1: Workout Look 

     Surprise, surprise... for yet another year in a row one of my New Years' resolutions is fitness based! This year I got a head start on it though and started making the gym a priority again in November, so I'm planning to actually conquer my specific resolution this time, instead of making excuses. Cliche as it sounds, one of the best ways to get excited about going to the gym is by wearing cute athletic apparel! I already own one pair of Lilly Pulitzer Luxletic leggings, but I knew I needed a second pair. Jessica suggested that I pair the leggings with this Larina velour zip-up hoodie, and it was super comfy!! Wouldn't this be a cute outfit to hit the gym with now that it's 2018?! The leggings are one of the things that ended up coming home with me and I can't wait to wear them!!

     Sizing: I wear an XS in Lilly Luxletic leggings, so they run large. I wore a small in the jacket. 

     *Look #2: White Elsa + Bright Shorts

     Lilly Pulitzer's Elsa top is one of their staple items, and when I think of it I always associate it with bright prints. It's easy to forget that one of their essential tops also comes in essential basic colors, like this lovely white hue! I styled it casually here with printed Callahan shorts and Lilly wedges, but wouldn't this top also look great with dress pants, a blazer and heels for the office? I'm all about versatility when considering APS purchases!

      Sizing: I normally wear in S in Elsa tops but this one was an XS and it still fit! More of a "true fit" rather than a relaxed tunic feel. I'm wearing a 2 in these cute shorts (my normal size). The clutch I'm carrying is called the Bask in Clutch and it's just darling! My wedges are also Lilly and in stock at Pink Colony.

     *Look #3: PJ Day... Lilly Style

      Most of us associate Lilly Pulitzer with their colorful shift dresses, and sometimes it's easy to forget that Lilly makes so many other things in their iconic patterns! I was just delighted when Jessica showed me Pink Colony's selection of Lilly loungewear and pajamas. I was lovingly dubbed the "Bathrobe Queen" in college by many of my friends and I pride myself on having a large robe collection, so you bet that this darling and plush Lilly robe came home with me and is now in my closet! These PJ pants were oh-so soft and cozy, and I also had to snatch up these adorable Lilly coffee mugs (I definitely have a problem with mug hoarding!).

      Sizing: I'm wearing a S/M in the robe, and a S in the PJ pants. Mugs of course are one size fits all. 😉

     *Look #4: The "Champagne" Dress

      This dress is a bit different for Lilly, and also a bit different than what I'd normally go for when shopping Lilly! Jessica encouraged me to try it on, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it! Just a few days after we shot the photos for this post, I had a last minute semi-formal event  come up, and I realized how few winter cocktail dresses I own. I was so frustrated I hadn't gotten this at Pink Colony- lol! It would make the ideal winter dress for a semi-formal event or wedding! Jessica and her staff lovingly named this the "Champagne" dress, but its real name is the Mango Shift in Gold Scuba. The elegant clutch that I'm carrying here is called the Ibiza.

     Sizing: I'm wearing an S, but there was definitely some extra room so I could have also worn an XS.



     Look #5: Color Blocking with an Elsa top + Callahan shorts

     Here's another look with an Elsa top and Callahan shorts, but I feel like this is totally different that Look #2, which also featured that! I was surprised by how much I LOVED these shorts! Their color is called Berry Sangria, and I could picture myself styling them with so many different summer tops. This blue and white Elsa was also really cute! My sorority's colors is blue and white, so for any of my fellow ADPi's - this top would be perfect for us (especially if you're still in college!). I'm carrying the fun Cha-Cha straw pouch here as well.


     Sizing: I'm wearing a 2 in the shorts and my normal size, a S, in the Elsa top. I like my Elsa's to be a tad loose!



     Look #6: Winter Swing Dress

     A struggle for any Lilly lover living in New England (or any northern climate) is making your Lilly appropriate for all four seasons. You've already seen some of the outfits featured earlier in this post- and most definitely aren't suited for Vermont's harsh winters! It's always such a delight for me to find winter-appropriate Lilly pieces, especially living in New England! I'm wearing the Olive Swing dress here, it's made of velour and would look so cute for winter paired with tights and booties! It's also super soft- I kept "petting" the dress in between these photos, ha!

     Sizing: I'm wearing a S here, but this dress is supposed to fit very loosely and run large. Jessica told me that the S fit properly for the dress, and not to go down to an XS.



     Look #7: The Lilly LBD

     I saved my favorite outfit for last! The color black is probably the last thing that the Lilly Pulitzer brand is associated with, but let me just say that when Lilly does an LBD, they do it oh so well! This ended up being my very favorite look from my try-on session at Pink Colony! How elegant is this Mila shift dress? It would be perfect for any type of fall or winter event under the sun (or under the snow if you're in Vermont, lol!). I'm also carrying the gorgeous Bask in Clutch again in this look.

     Sizing: I'm wearing a size 2 here. It fit snuggly but well. I probably could have worn a 4 as well for a slightly looser fit.




     I hope you enjoyed seeing all of the fun outfits that I got to try-on and style during my Pink Colony visit! Now for the best part of the post... a giveaway! Jessica and Pink Colony are sponsoring not one, but two giveaways with me to celebrate the After Party Sale! One is happening here on the blog, and this one will run through Sunday, 1/7/18. That's after the sale ends, but the winner will have a great chance to pick up an extra Lilly gift or two for themselves (consider if the "After the After Party Giveaway")!! And over on my Instagram @miss_alk there's a second gift card giveaway with Pink Colony, but that one only runs for 24 hours! That way the winner will be able to shop in the APS. Be sure to enter both giveaways to double your chances- good luck!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway



     Stay tuned for more After Party Sale coverage and posts on social media and the blog tonight and tomorrow! I'll be sharing my picks from Lilly's official sale online as well!




     God Bless,




      xoxo Annaliese

Spring Pastels + Blooms.

      I did a shopping fast during the month of May, so I had to get creative in restyling things that I already had in my closet. No girl wants to be an "outfit repeater," but sometimes you just have to think outside the box a little bit when re-wearing things that you already have! At the end of this blog post I'm also sharing a few new songs that I've been loving lately. 

Photography by Melissa Lynn Studios

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Southern Belle in Training.

Top c/o // Shorts c/o // Shoes // Sunglasses // Purse {old, similar here} // Earrings {old, similar here} // Watch // Lipstick c/o 

     I first styled these shorts last year in this blog post! I am still in love with them for this season. A gorgeous violet hue, seersucker, AND a big bow... what more could you want! (FYI they also come in a bunch of other pretty colors!) I knew that in creating a new outfit with them I wanted them to have a totally different look. I recently received this adorable OTS top in the mail from Charming Charlie to style, and I thought the light pink and violet would compliment each other well. My blue purse (which my mom rediscovered in my room at home in Maine when she was packing things for my recent move!) added a final pop of pastel color. I think this outfit reminds me of Easter egg colors, and since Easter is my favorite holiday that just makes me happy! 😊

      Working in radio, I spend the majority of my day listening to music. A lot of it does blend together, but a few new summer hits have stuck out to me. Now, a few new songs that I've been loving lately: 

      Katy Perry ft. Nicki Minaj - Swish Swish 

I've never been a huge Katy Perry fan in the past, but y'all I am digging some of her new stuff (just not the weird new haircut...). This song has an infectious beat and reminds me of early Britney Spears music. 

Anne Marie - Ciao Adios

Anne Marie is the lead vocals in Clean Bandit's mega hit from earlier this year, Rockabye. She has a solo track out now on her own, and it's very catchy and fun! Such a good breakup anthem. 

Chace & Moski - For a Day

My station actually isn't playing this song, but another local Top 40 has been, and I am OBSESSED with it! It has such a good club/European Dance pop vibe to it. Listen to this and you won't be able to stop.

      Wishing you all a wonderful start to your weekend! 

       God Bless,

       xoxo Annaliese (or Charlotte XO on the radio!)