They're back

Shoes: Birkenstock // Jacket: W118 by Walter Baker, similar here // Boyfriend Jeans: Rag & Bone // Hat: Target

One trend I am THRILLED to see back this summer? Birkenstocks. Yes, "those hippie sandals". Not only are they the most comfortable sandals I have EVER owned (I think my first pair was back when I was 13) but they simply go with everything, and frankly, aren't too expensive.

I found these at DSW last weekend for close to $60 plus, DSW is always handing out coupons and deals that you could easily get them down to $50. ALSO, I was at Nordstrom Rack this weekend and saw a pair there for also $60. Be sure to check the discounted stores and, dare I say it...thrift stores before you pay more than $80 for a pair.

{Amy}

Proud

 

Tee: Baldwin, similar here // Skirt: Forever 21 // Heels: Milk & Honey Boutique // Necklace: old, similar here // Bracelets: African grass // Belt: old, similar here

Photography by Lauren Frisch

Be proud of where you're from, where you are, and where you're going.

I've always been proud to say I live, and grew up, in Kansas City. Even if it's just on a simple tee, written right over my heart. 

{Amy}

Changing of the seasons

 

Dress: J. Crew, Similar here // Booties: Nordstrom // Necklace: old, similar here // Watch: Michele // Bracelet: David Yurman // Earrings: Kate Spade // Jacket: Kate Spade
Photography by Lauren Frisch

Whether we are talking about the weather seasons, or the seasons of life; one this is always constant, change.  This week, KC saw 20 degree temperatures and 75 degree temperatures. We are threatened with snow, and rain, all within 24 hours. We were reminded that a new season is on the horizon and with a new season comes a new chapter in all of our lives.

Spring is my most favorite season of them all. We can shed our ‘winter skin’ and look forward to crisp mornings and cool nights. (I’ve often contemplated having a bonfire to burn all of my winter tights and wool socks. I mean, enough is ENOUGH.) It’s the season of changes; kids are graduating, people are getting married, March madness starts (which I would know nothing about since I'm from the state of Kansas (insert sarcastic look here)), bunnies start terrorizing our flower beds…FLOWERS, we can plant FLOWERS again! Days become longer and colors become brighter, wool pants turn into maxi skirts, boots turn into sandals, and transparent skin becomes a little sun kissed. Be still my heart…

SPRING IS HERE {almost} !!!

{Amy}

Other side of the closet

Men's Button Down: Wal-Mart // Beaded Bracelet: DIY // Glasses: Warby Parker // Necklace: Kate Spade, similar here // Denim: Baldwin // Watch: Michele // Bracelets: Coordinate Collection, Tiffany's, David Yurman
Photography: Lauren Frisch

Sometimes, you just need a crisp men's button down and a broken-in pair of blue jeans. 

(and sometimes, you just need to shop at Wal-Mart.)

{Amy}

Takes Me Back

 

 

Sweatshirt: Love Nail Tree // Clutch: Kate Spade pencil case // Dress: Tibi // Belt: Nordstrom, similar here // Necklace: old, similar here // Shoes: Milk & Honey Boutique

Photography by Lauren Frisch

I remember the black tank top with a sequined red rose I was wearing the day the twin towers came down, and sitting in Art class just frozen in time. I remember I had just gotten it from Express the night before and debated sleeping in it just because I was that anxious to wear it. I remember the old navy denim skirt and white v-neck J.Crew tee I was wearing on a cool, crisp, late Spring day. The day my life as I knew it came to a crippling halt, the day my parents told us of an inevitable divorce. I remember the Diane Von Furstenberg dress I was wearing the night Scott proposed. Whenever I wear that dress I still feel like something magical might happen. And, I remember the scent of Stanley Korshak and the taste of coffee the day I found my wedding dress. Most recently I remember the dusty pink top from Kate Spade I was wearing the day of the doctors appointment. I still cannot get myself to wear it, no matter how beautiful it might be. 

I remember this Tibi dress and how I coveted it for months as I wanted it for my rehearsal dinner. I also remember hearing Edward Sharpe's song 'Home' the month I had gotten engaged and it engulfed me. It was at work, Milk & Honey Boutique, that I heard it and it just so happens that this sweatshirt was given to me by the owner. Even when I hear it today, it takes me back to happier times with the warm Texas Spring air with the hopes I had for my future with Scott and our family. 

Fashion has always been my escape. I can disappear into my own world for a moment in time. So, the next time you see Dixie shopping in baggy boyfriend jeans, a baseball cap and no makeup on; please excuse me. It's therapy hour. 

Find your escape, find your therapy.

{Amy}

CREATE

 

Clutch: Kate Spade // Jeans: Citizen of Humanity// Shoes: Hinge // Jacket: W118 by Walter Baker // Shirt: J. Crew, similar here// Sweater: madewell, similar here// Necklace: Kate Spade

Lauren Frisch Photography

We were put on this earth to create. We were shaped and formed and essentially made by the grace of god to have specific skills and to go out into this world and create something beautiful. At the young age of 26, I've been lucky enough to call some of the most talented people, my friends. Some are talented in the way they listen, the way they give, the way they cook, the way they love, and some, in the case of Lauren Frisch, the way they create beautiful images.

I've never been one to buy expensive art or ever even care about that sort of art (sorry art majors). But photographs, sign me up. Not only do I enjoy taking photographs (I actually considered minoring in it) but I have albums upon albums of family photos and signed copies of Anne Leibovitz books. I guess you could say it runs in my family to cherish pictures, my dad was a photographer his whole life and still takes some of the most breathtaking landscape photos. I don't care who the photo is of, if the composition is right and the photo speaks to me, it's going up on my walls.

I met Lauren through my Husband's good friend, Kyle, as Lauren was Kyle's girlfriend. Now, I have the pleasure to say that I cannot WAIT to see them get married in July. Lauren reached out to me and after talking about what we dreamed we wanted to come from my blog and what she would love to start doing, we decided to get together and take a few photos. When I say Lauren is talented, it's an understatement. I truly believe she is one of the best wedding photographers out there and her eye for natural lighting and candid shots is untouchable.

Thank you, Lauren, for helping me see that 'Impatient Dixie' could become something I'd dreamed of.

And now I challenge you. What do YOU create? What's your skill set? If you're to scared to go out and find it, then you will never know who you might have touched, what you have seen, or how different you're life could have been. If I hadn't followed my path and created something for me then I would have never found my 'Never Ending Love Story' (see clutch). 

{Amy}

Home

 

hat: Milk & Honey Boutique// Jeans: Seven for all Mankind// Chambray shirt: J. Crew // Tee: Home Tee.// Jacket: Kate Spade // Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff // City: Chicago

I have been beyond fortunate to be able to call some fabulous places 'Home'. I lived in London for 3 months while studying abroad (and left a little bit of my heart there), lived in Dallas on 2 different occasions to total 4 great year (although I could not get out of there fast enough). Houston was probably the low point in my family's living situation but I was able to experience a pool in my backyard which, at 6 years old, is on a totally different level.

I went to college at the University of Missouri and lived in Columbia for 4 amazing years. Columbia is where I found my people. The people that pushed me to be a better person, the people that loved me just the way I (and my family) was, and the people that would never leave my side.

After college I needed to "find myself" (news flash: you never really 'find' yourself and a tip of advice, you definitely won't find her 10 bud lights deep in a bar.) so I moved to Chicago. Chicago lasted all of 12 months but it changed me. It made me grow up and force me out of my comfort zone. I learned about heartbreak, admitting fault, and knowing when it's time to let things go.

I live in Kansas City now and it is my childhood. I grew up here, found my husband here, bought a house here, and where I hope to raise my family. I get gitty when I hear 'start me up' by the Rolling Stones (only chiefs fans will understand), and crave having barbecue sauce roll down my arms. I've lived here for close to 20 years and as many bad memories as some of these streets hold for me, I always look forward to coming home.

However, if you were to ask me "where are you from?" With a defiant answer, it is always 'Fairhope'. Fairhope, Alabama is where I was born and where my dad's side of the family still resides. It is a perfectly quaint small utopia on the Mobile bay. Everyone knows everyone else's business and at any given moment you're bound to run into someone you grew up with. There is something about the crisp southern air that makes everything okay. When I'm there, I move slower, talk slower, and just breathe. I long for walks on the pier at dusk and yearn for dinners that last too long on my grandma's porch.

Last weekend I traveled to Chicago for a dear friends wedding weekend and I combined 3 of my most favorite things. I wore my Alabama tee that was given to me by my best friend, whom I met in Columbia, on my way to a friends wedding in Chicago. Roll this outfit up, put a bow on it and call me happy.

{Amy}