I was lucky enough to score this adorable outfit from Macy’s last week when I co-hosted my first fashion show with Shelby from Glitter & Gingham in Louisville at Oxmoor Center Mall. The day was inspired by Kentucky Derby and Spring trends.
I spotted these heels after skimming the shoe department, and knew they would be perfect for this look and many other Lex What Wear outfits. They are the right shade of nude to go with nearly anything and everything. Also, they are super easy (it’s a faux lace – up), and cost friendly.
I was able to get this entire #ootd for about $160 which is a total WIN if you ask me. My Maison and Jules dress is just right for the derby, spring and summer events, and wedding season.
I’ve been trying to put together a list of my favorite go-to hairstyles for those lazy mornings. Sometimes I sport a braid, and majority of the time I go for a messy bun. I figured I would have my photog (Ev) snap the back of my hair, so you can see it really is just a simple bun.
Lastly I chose a basic drop earring since the print on this fit and flare dress is so bold. I’ve linked to a few favorites HERE.
XO, Alex
Friday 5: Life & Fashion
Life lately has been crazy, but totally fun. It’s about to get even CRAZIER as Evan and I have just bought our first house, I’m having another arm surgery (to fix something from over a decade ago), and wedding plans are getting finalized. Not to mention I started a new job in February, while I still I try to blog part-time and I run a full-time dog boarding service (via Rover) out of my home.
A dear friend said to me the other day that he appreciated my hustle. I have to admit, I’m pretty proud of myself too. I’m doing everything I LOVE all at one time in a brand new city. It may not be a New York hustle, but it’s just the speed I need, and at times it’s all going a little too fast. For now I’m trying to soak up every single minute of the adventure. Far too often I forget to stop and enjoy the ride. I think we’re all guilty of that at times.
Below I’m sharing some fun moments over the past two weeks, along with a few things I’ve learned and a few things I’m loving right now. Happy Friday, and remember to stop and enjoy the day!
XO, Alex
1. Last week was Nashville Fashion Week, and I got to enjoy a few events with a new blogger pal, Brooke. She is not only beautiful, but she’s literally one of the kindest people I have met in a very long time. Needless to say, she helped me remember a few key things: a) Blogging is supposed to be fun b) I need to not take myself so seriously, and simply live in the moment. I don’t know if she even realizes she helped me remember these valuable things, but she did. She took this photo of me before we went to a Friday night fashion show, and I look back at it and love it. I promise to keep on blogging, but to get back to the fun / hobby aspect of it, instead of focusing on the superficial aspect of it. {Similar Skirt HERE & Blouse}
2. During Nashville Fashion Week I was amazed by all of the local talent here, and the growth of Nashville fashion as a whole. Nashville is making its own, very unique mark on the fashion industry. I’m beyond excited to live here and to be surrounded by such inspiring and creative people. It brought me a fresh new outlook on a couple of creative ideas I’ve been toying around with (in my spare time).
3. I’m so excited to join the Commit Campaign. The Commit Campaign is a photo-based movement breaking the stigma associated with mental health, mental illness and suicide. It really rings home for me as I know so many people impacted by mental health and mental illness, and I find it crucial to speak out and give a voice to someone who feels they don’t have one. For the campaign, I commit to breaking the stigma associated with mental health and mental illness by openly talking about it on a daily basis. You all know my story with GAD and openly talking about it has given me so much strength and confidence and I hope it helps others. Talking openly about mental health issues is the best way to change lives, and save lives. #CommitCampaign #TCCNashville #NashvilleCommits
4. Pretty much the highlight of last week, was this sweet new addition to our little family of four. Evan and I were lucky enough to adopt Biscuit from a couple of friends who found him. Boo, our other adorable fur baby is excited for a little brother, and we apparently thought we didn’t already have enough going on, so why not?!? Evan and I are both huge animal lovers, and advocates for adopting. So many animals need a good home. We think Biscuit hit the jackpot, and we’re pretty sure we did too!
5. The peak of this week has been spending time with another great pal Shelby at our first hosting gig at Macy’s. We traveled to Oxmoor Center Mall in Louisville, KY for a Macy’s Derby inspired fashion show. We were both a little nervous, but I think we nailed our first attempt. This event was so much fun, and we got to shop too! Check out my dress HERE!
THINGS I’VE LEARNED & I’M LOVING:
Cat videos will ALWAYS, always make laugh!
I should basically live in Target, but for real!
I’ve fallen in LOVE with this book!
I need to spend more time doing yoga & in THIS BRA!
I’ve found my favorite wedding shower dresses HERE!
Brad’s Bets, 141st Kentucky Derby
As most of you know, Brad and I grew up around horses and the Thoroughbred industry with our dad. While Brad learned the ins and outs of the sport, you can probably guess, I was more concerned with what to wear to the races. Not only did Brad grow to have a huge appreciation for horse racing, but he studied and practiced the art of betting on the winning horse(s). As little as I give him credit for, I am proud of his love for this sport and his admiration for where we come from. For those of you who are reading from anywhere other than Kentucky, you will soon learn that the Kentucky Derby is not only our holiday, it’s our history. Much like last year, I’ve been looking forward to doing this again… Take it away Brad’o!
Follow Brad on Twitter: @Tbradmclean
Happy Derby and welcome to the 3rd edition of “Brad’s Bets.” I hope to be of much better service to you all this year than the past two! For those of you who really enjoy horse racing, this year’s derby should have you excited. This year’s crop is a deep, extremely talented group of three year olds who bring big pedigrees and big trainers along with them. As a disclaimer, I am NOT using America Pharoah in my bets. I hate betting the favorite whether it’s the Derby or a maiden claimer at Keeneland. I think that he is the horse to beat but I refuse to use the favorite in the Debry. With that said, let’s get right to it. Here are my top picks for the 2015 Kentucky Derby!
- Dortmund – Bob Baffert – Martin Garcia
- A huge colt who has speed, something you don’t see a lot of. The last great, extremely large horse we saw was Zenyatta and she was a stone cold closer. Dortmund has tactical speed that Martin Garcia can use to rate off the leaders going up the back stretch. Look for him to be mid pack coming around the final turn and to use that speed to make the first run at the leaders. This horse is well bred (Big Brown) with a hall of fame trainer and a very good jockey. Unlike the prohibitive favorite, American Pharoah, he has been battle tested and I look for him to grind down the early leaders and use his huge stride to hold off the closers. Although I hate picking favorites, Dortmund, the morning line second choice, is my pick!
- Firing Line – Simon Callahan – Gary Stevens
- If you like Dortmund, you have to like Firing Line. Clearly, I really like both. Firing Line ran second to Dortmund in the Robert B. Lewis before winning the Sundland Derby in a romp. I am a huge fan of Gary Stevens and I think this horse is getting better with each start.
- Carpe Diem – Todd Pletcher – John Velazquez
- This Winstar Farm homebred is visually impressive and has done very little wrong in his racing career. I witnessed his impressive win in the Bluegrass and given the “wise-guy” hype around the second place finisher in that race, Danzig Moon, I have to use him in anything I bet for the derby. Like Dortmund and Firing Line, I look for Carpe Diem to be positioned mid-pack throughout the race. His post position (2) makes it critical that he break well from the gate and try and avoid the inevitable traffic jam going in to the first turn. Velazquez is one of the best in the business and will give this talented three year old every opportunity to win.
- Frosted – Kiaran McLaughlin –Joel Rosario
- Admittedly, I was not high on this leading into Derby week. I typically don’t like horses coming in to the Derby off one, big performance that may appear to be out of the ordinary compared to their previous form. For Frosted, I will make anexception. His win in the Wood was impressive! This Tapit colt is bred to like the 1 ¼ distance and McLaughlin is due a Derby win. They have a top jockey taking the mount and I think this horse has a huge upside. With the right trip can be right there at the finish, at a large price.
- Long Shots with a Shot
- Bolo – Carla Gains – Rafael Bejarano
- Has the look of an Animal Kingdom and Paddy O’ Prado coming in to this race. He is a grass horse who has taken nicely to the Churchill Downs track. I am a big fan of Bejarano and I would not be surprised if this guy closes at the end and catches a piece.
- Danzig Moon – Mark Casse – Julian Leparoux
- Given the past few years, you must consider a deep closer. This horse ran a sneaky good second to Carpe Diem in the Bluegrass Stakes and has been training well since that race. There are few better than Leparoux with true closers and I look for him to make a big run late and catch a part of the trifecta at the end.
- Upstart – Richard Violette – Jose Ortiz
- A horse who has been tough as nails throughout the prep season. Materiality beat him in the Florida Derby but only after taking an easy lead. Speed will be a huge factor in this race and I imagine that Ortiz will want to be close to it with Upstart. I have an affection for horses that may lack in talent but try their ass off. That’s why I put Upstart here. He will be a huge price for a horse that has proven so much!
- Bolo – Carla Gains – Rafael Bejarano
- My Bets
- $1 Tri Box 8-10-2/8-10-2-15-9-5/8-10-2-15-9-5-18-19= $90
- $50 WP 8 = 100
DERBY STYLE VIA @NORDSTROM
Derby Dressed
The Biggest Weekend In Sports
… And in FASHION
This year at the 140th Kentucky Derby, the stakes will be high, the crowd will be insane, the dresses will be fabulous and the hats will be bigger than ever. Did I mention the horses? They will obviously be the main attraction, with fashion coming in a close second. Although I won’t be able to attend this year’s Derby, or throw another festive NYC party, I am looking forward to celebrating in Manhattan with a mint julep in hand and a whole lot of Kentucky pride in my heart. So for all of you who plan to attend or plan to party, I’ve picked a few styles that will be perfect for your day. Just remember to “go BIG or go home”…
PS – Stay tuned for Friday’s post where Brad McLean, my big brother and horse racing enthusiast, will be giving his annual Derby picks. You don’t want to miss what he’s got in store this year!