post #53. Working Woman's Wardrobe - Long Sleeved Dresses

Happy Friday! I'm still sniffly and recovering, but thanks for all of your sweet messages about being sick last week!

 I hope you're as excited for the weekend as I am! This weekend, we have a few friends coming in town and *brace yourself* we are attending the South Carolina game! It's going to be difficult to wear garnet, but after a few cocktails I don't think I'll mind so much. 

I got a text from a friend recently that sparked this post. She asked if I'd seen any cute long sleeved dresses for work - her boss had several, but they were all designer. Or sweater dresses (quite possibly the most unflattering thing I could ever wear). For those of us just starting out in the real world, it can be tough to wear stylish and professional clothes to work every day without repeating too frequently. I find this especially true in the winter, considering the only thing I want to wear in the morning is leggings and wool sweaters. Not exactly workwear.

I scoured the internet to find this week's Friday Five - Five dresses, winter and work appropriate, under $150. 

1. Ann Taylor 3/4 Button Shift Dress - $149, currently 30% off {buy it here}

2. Ralph Lauren Suede Trim French Terry Dress - $129, on sale for $90 {buy it here}

3. Michael Kors Draped Wrap Effect Stretch Jersey Dress - $120 {buy it here}

4. Zara Dress with Front Seams - $60 {buy it here}

5. Nanette Lepore Rabat Two-Tone Ponte Dress - $249, on sale for $148 {buy it here}

Which dresses are your favorites?

Xo - Morgan

(P.S. In other exciting news, I think my blog design is finally almost ready! It took longer than I expected, but I'm so excited for the makeover! Get ready for a big reveal next week *crossing fingers*)

post #37 - F5: Lazy Weekends, Fall Decor, Boots, Target, and a New Blog Design!

It's Friday? Five Things for September 13.

Hey there, pretty blog friends! Hope you've had a super week!

5 highlights of this week...

1. Lazy Weekends

Last week, I backed out of going to the Clemson game and stayed home with the pup. I started Saturday morning at the Farmer's Market with a girlfriend. Milly naturally made friends with the biggest horse dog there, we enjoyed mimosas, and I got some peaches, kale, goat cheese, and crab + avocado ravioli.

{nice and tired when we left.}

{my "single for the day" lunch - lavender goat cheese, pretzels, and cookie butter! mmm}

I watched the Georgia/South Carolina game with Jo's mom and called it a night. The next morning, I headed to the Panthers opening game in Charlotte with some coworkers. A fun time was had by all!

2. Fall Decor

I finally put out some fall decorations! I picked up the glass leaf plates at TJ Maxx over the weekend and love the touch they add to the table. And pumpkin candles...*insert sigh of happiness

{our kitchen table is ready for fall!}

{pumpkin spice candles make me a happy girl!}

3. Boots

Is it time for these yet? I'm quick to put on my cowboy boots - in fact, I wore them to our first football game against Georgia. But, when are we officially allowed to start wearing our riding boots? I got a pair of brown Nine West riding boots last year for Christmas that I love, but this year I'm in the market for some black ones. Is it just me, or are decent looking black ones harder to find? Let me know if you have any suggestions. Until then, I'll just keep dreaming about these.

{stuart weitzman 50/50 stretch over the knee boot}

4. My Target Haul!

After Christina posted an Instagram picture of her Pumpkin Spice M&Ms, I knew I'd be heading to Target to pick some up. Naturally, I didn't leave with just M&Ms. I tried to find the new Essie shades I talked about here and here, but of course they were sold out. I think I found the next best thing in Sally Hansen's Insta Dry - "Gone Grey." I also found some great smelling citronella candles for 70% off!

{clear organizer for work, sharpie pens, pumpkin spice m&ms, nail polish, & candles. + lots of diet coke, not pictured ;-)}

5. Blog Designs!

My little blog is still growing! It's been so exciting to keep gaining followers each day on BlogLovin, Google Friend Connect, and Facebook. (Not following yet? What are you waiting for!) The only thing that's been getting me down is my blog design. Right now, I'm using a freebie - I can't quite decide when the right time is to bite the bullet and purchase a paid design. Here's where I need your advice, experienced bloggers - at what point did you purchase a blog design? A certain number of followers? Page views? Are you happy with your designer? Could you justify the cost?

6. A Little Humor For Today

I had to add a 6th this week. This link is too. funny. Dying. Like, tears might be escaping. 

Thanks for following along with my little old life! Your comments just make my day ;-) And if you're not following along yet, I'd sure love to have you along for the ride!

Xo - Morgan

post #36: Turbulence

Turbulence

The color - Not the kind-of-fun thing that happens on a plane sometimes.

Pantone has named this color one of Fall 2013's top colors. I can't say I'm disappointed, since I wear this color pretty frequently, especially for work.

Usually I wear this as a suit, a sweater, or a skirt. Or a pair of heels. I wouldn't mind adding a few more pieces in this trendy but timeless color - here are some of my favorites:

{J. Crew Contrast Knit Blazer}

{Banana Republic Sheer Scattered Sequin Tank}

{Loft Polka Dot Tie Neck Dress}

{Essie Cashmere Bathrobe}

{Halogen Geo Stitch Infinity Scarf in Gray Castlerock}

Do you have any favorite turbulence pieces? I'd love to hear about them!

Are you following along yet on Facebook, Bloglovin, and Instagram? If not, why wait!

Xo - Morgan

post #29 - F5: Top 5 Travel Essentials

Top 5 Travel Essentials for Friday!

Happiest Friday, friends! For my last travel post of the week, I thought I'd wrap up with the 5 things I find crucial for surviving a plane ride. I may be in the minority, but I usually kind of enjoy flying. I get to drink cran-apple juice (so good), and get to a new place oh-so-fast. Here's what I think makes it a bit easier...

1. Some kind of comfy wrap. I brought a J.Crew Cashmere one with me this time and it was perfection. I used it to double as both a sweater and pillow. Ahhhhh.

2. Lip balm or lip gloss. I probably need this from all of that cran-apple juice. Am I the only one that applies this about 6 times? (Per hour, that is)

3. A good book makes the flight go so much quicker! I just finished Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger, the author of The Devil Wears Prada. While not the best book I've ever read, it was definitely entertaining enough to read once or twice.

4. Am I the only one that thinks of important lists that have to be written down immediately the second they ask you to put away your electronics? I bring my May Books (still obsessed. Miss that post? Check it out here) with me everywhere, so it was super handy to have them around. Also handy for playing Hangman with the hottie beside you. (Ok, it was my husband...and all the hangman words revolved around our dog and our trip. Not quite as cool now, right?)

5. A big ol' bag to throw allofthethings in. I broke down and finally purchased the Michael Kors Hamilton Tote. So so happy with it and it it the perfect size to fit everything I tend to bring with me on a daily basis. I know I'll be using it for a longgg time to come!

Are you following Makeshift Margaritas on BlogLovin, Instagram, and Facebook?

Better yet, do y'all have any travel must haves? I love to read your comments and see who's stopping by!

Happy weekending! MBC

Linking up this week with the Five on Friday girls - Carolina Charm, A. Liz Adventures, The Good Life Blog, Hello! Happiness and also with The Lauren Elizabeth!

post #19 - F5: Seabrook Island, Black Orchid Candle, Toothpick Jeans, Drinks, & Coffee!

Friday Favorites for July 5!

Happy July 5th everyone! I hope that you are all recovering from fun Independence Day celebrations and that this morning isn't too rough! I'll have to admit - this was my lamest 4th of July yet. After all, it's 7am and I'm up and at em. (WHAT.) But you can bet that I'll be celebrating double time next year! Favorites this week...

1. Seabrook Island, SC
Seabrook has a special place in my heart, as it's where Jo and I got engaged, over a year and a half ago. (wow!!) This weekend trip will be a little more low key than our engagement weekend, but I am super excited to go back and relive the memories. We'll be leaving when he gets off work today and I'll be taking some of Saturday off from studying (please keep your gasps to a minimum). This time, we get to celebrate his sister's birthday! To say I'm ready for sun, sand, and a drink in hand is an understatement!

(Milly's last trip to Seabrook!)

(Engagement! Can we do it again this year? When I can wear real, non-gym clothes?)

(Celebrations!)

2. Scentsational Black Orchid Natural Soy Candle
I picked one of these up at TJ Maxx last year, and it is my favorite candle EVER. I looked frequently and couldn't find another one anywhere. Not long ago, I was in Marshalls and the heavens opened - one was sitting on the shelf. This candle seriously smells divine and lasts forever! If you ever see this...buy it. I've been burning it nonstop this week and it's veryyyy yummy.

3. JCrew Toothpick Jeans
It's been a rainy summer. Lots of pants. Not so many shorts. Believe me when I say, over the years, I've tried a lot of jeans. Most of the designers you can think of. These jeans are probably my favorite pair that I have ever owned. They fit like a glove, and are soft and actually comfortable. These have been making appearances a little too often. Including once at least twice this week.

(dark wash. love. next i'll be hopefully getting a lighter wash, so I can actually wear them actuallyallthetime)

4. This drink of April's!

I saw this post on A. Liz Adventures and had to give it a try. My love for St. Germain has blossomed over the summer, and this drink hit the spot! I made a few small changes so I could work with what I had on hand, but this cocktail tasted like candy and put me right to sleep and was delicious!

1 part St. Germain

1.5 parts 99 Whipped Schnapps

2.5 parts club soda

Pinch of mint leaves

Lavender sprig

 5. COFFEE
I've been drinking a lot of coffee lately. Like, a lot. Jo is a big coffee drinker, too. I've never been so glad that we decided to make a coffee bar at our new rental house! We have a small kitchen, so this was the perfect solution to keep all of our coffee supplies. I got a lot of Pinterest inspiration, and am so happy with how ours turned out. I still plan to decorate this and fine tune it more, but it's working for now. I can't wait until we purchase a house and can actually paint the wall behind it, but love the utility of this set up!

(we keep this in the office...right where it belongs.)

I got inspiration from some of these...

(thevintagewren.blogspot.com)

(thevintagewren.blogspot.com)

(savvycityfarmer.blogspot.com)

I also have some super super super exciting news this week. For the next few weeks, I'll be spending too much time studying. I've decided to take a break from blogging because 1) I don't have time, and 2) I'm not doing anything interesting enough for you to want to read anyway. But, I have asked a few of my most stylish, creative, and awesome friends to fill in for me. I'll be having two guest posts a week, running from mid July until the beginning of August. I can't wait to see what these ladies have to say and get some advice on decorating, products, and more! Is there anything you'd like to see blogged about? Leave a comment!

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram, Bloglovin, Blogger, and Facebook!

Have a wonderful weekend!

MBC

Love Thai Food? Check out my post about Basil in Columbia, SC here!

Thanks for the link up A. Liz Adventures, Carolina Charm, Hello! Happiness, and The Good Life Blog!

post #17: F5: Mom, Coat, 12 Bones, Contadino, & Starbucks Deals!

Goodbye June! Favorites to Wrap up the Month!

It's the weekend! Well, almost. Hope you all have fantastic weekend plans! Jo will be at a bachelor party this weekend, so I plan on getting LOTS of studying done.
On to my favorites this week...

1. My Mom

I almost had a mini meltdown this week. The screen on my MacBook Pro has been wobbly for about a year now, but after the weekend, it became extremely loose. As in, the screen is either at 90 degrees, or tilted all the way back. After talking to the tech people at school, my options are basically to 1) Send it to Apple (after some research, it is likely between a $700-$1200 fix), 2) Purchase a new computer, or 3) Continue using it, hoping the screen doesn't fall back & completely conk out in the middle of something important.

We've been casually looking at some computers and iPads, but since I'll be starting a new job soon, we haven't had any sense of urgency. Except for one minor detail - I'll be typing the bar exam on my computer in a month. URGENT. URGENT. URGENT. When I asked the tech guy about taking the bar on my computer as it is now, he made a face and said he definitely wouldn't risk it.  URGENT. URGENT. URGENT. URGENT. URGENT. 

Thankfully, my wonderful, kind, amazing mother has offered to let me use her MacBook Pro for the month, so that I can take the bar exam on the same kind of computer I use now. Crisis averted. Once again, Mom saves the day. So, without a doubt, she is my favorite thing this week. Moms are really the best, don't you agree?

Once again, Mom to the rescue!

2. New Coat

I love summer, but I'm so ready for winter to wear this bad boy. Last weekend's sale = success.

3. 12 Bones in Asheville, NC

I convinced my friend to have lunch here over the weekend - it is truly the most delicious BBQ ever. Their Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens, and Jalapeno Cheese Grits? Pretty much to die for. Oh, and their Cornbread and Blueberry Chipotle Sauce? Still drooling. (See the menu here). Do yourself a favor if you're around Asheville and go here. You can thank me later.

(cornbread, collard greens, chopped beef brisket, mac & cheese, + side of chipotle blueberry sauce)

4. Contadino Pinot Grigio Vivace

Bubbly. Pinot grigio. Do I have your attention? Labeled a pinot grigio, this wine tasted more like prosecco to me. But, I'm no connoisseur.  Coming in at only about $6/bottle from Trader Joe's, it's a great addition to your "every night" wine collection. ;-) Oh, and comes in a pretty bottle! Let's be serious, probably the reason I picked it up to begin with.

(photo credit here)

5. Fabulous Starbucks Deals

I love Starbucks. No beating around the bush on this one. I have already expressed my love for canned Starbucks Refreshers in a previous post (found here). Today and tomorrow (and yesterday, sorry for the delay in posting this!) from 3:00-5:00, Starbucks is offering half priced Refreshers! I've been needing a refresher most afternoons...to the tune of a can a day. Oops. I enjoyed/guzzled a trenta Very Berry Hibiscus yesterday, and suspect that today and tomorrow will be no different. Hope y'all enjoy this little pick me up as much as I did!

(my biggg drink set me back a whopping $2.23 yesterday. so. worth. it.)

I love reading your comments! Don't forget to follow Makeshift Margaritas on Facebook or Google Blogger (to the right!). You can also follow me on Instagram!

MBC

As always, thanks to these lovely ladies for hosting this link up!

A. Liz Adventures

Carolina Charm

Hello! Happiness

The Good Life Blog

Are you a fashionista? I'd love to get your thoughts on these fun bags! Check out my last post here.

post #16: Carrying the Weight of the World - In a Gorgeous Bag

Carrying the Weight of the World...in a gorgeous bag

For the past several months, I've been looking for a big, wonderful tote to spend my graduation dollars on.

My criteria are: 

Camel/tan color so it can be carried with both browns and blacks

Real leather

Big enough to carry a BUNCH of stuff (including file folders, an iPad, and all my personal items)

Under $500. 

I want a bag that I can carry every day, that I'll have and will be in style for a very long time, and that can adequately substitute for a briefcase. Because, seriously, how many cute briefcases are there for girls? 

#1 - Michael Kors Collection, Miranda Stitch Leather Tote, $995 Find it Here! (probably a bit too pricy for me, but it's too pretty not to share!)

#2 - Michael Kors Hamilton Leather Tote, $358 Find it Here!

#3 - Tory Burch Marion Tote, $550 Find it Here!

#4 - Tory Burch Robinson Double Zip Tote, on sale for $402.50 Find it Here!

#5 - Tory Burch Robinson Tote, $550 Find it Here!

#6 - Ralph Lauren Amalfi Tote, $298 Find it Here!

#7 - Michael Kors Jet Set Tote, $278 Find it here!

Do you have any favorites? I'd love to hear your input!

MBC

post #6: Maxing Out

Maxing Out

I'm a little late jumping on this train, but lately I've been loving maxi skirts. Due to studying for the bar exam, my legs will be lacking the hint of tan that they usually have in the summer time. This is sure to look amazing in photos with my sun kissed friends. I've decided that the solution to this problem is wear maxi skirts - nonstop. There are lots floating around out there that I loved when shopping... but some were a little a lot out of budget. Here are some of my favorites - can you tell which ones made me shop or drop?

1) Tibi Pleated Maxi Skirt (found here) ($395) 

2) Milly Luca Dot Print Maxi Skirt (found here) ($525, on sale for $315) 

3) BCBGMaxazria Dillon Pleated Maxi Skirt (found here) ($295, on sale for $150) 

4) Forever 21 Satin Maxi Skirt (found here) ($25) 

5) LOFT Textured Maxi Skirt (found here) ($69.50, on sale for $55)

Are YOU loving Maxis right now? What are your favorite summer looks?