Ladies (and gents – I know you are out there), I have lately been hearing the call to accessorize. The most recent nudge was seeing this article featuring the adorable ladies of Ritzy Bee, but really, this has been going on for at least a few weeks.

Abby Jiu

Oh, hello, most stylish people ever. Also, I would like Ms Kelly’s hair, please and thank you.

I have never been a shoe person, and I have really never been a jewelry person. I wear my engagement ring, pearl studs, a silver link bracelet, and a Dogeared necklace day in and day out, without fail. (In fact, I sleep in everything but the earrings.) Yes, I have a few necklaces hanging in my closet, and a few earrings and bracelets in a bowl in the bathroom, but we’re talking very few. And they’re all pretty much neutral pieces. My clothing budget is so tiny that allocating money on accessories always seemed like kind of a waste to me.

But THEN. I bought a belt. A fairly simple, fairly wide, caramel-colored leather belt. From Old Navy, of all places! I bought this belt kind of on a whim, after I pinned a particular outfit on Pinterest that featured a similar piece. And ladies, the ability this belt has to make an outfit feel put together is nothing short of incredible. White v-neck tee, greige shorts, and Jack Rogers? Basic. White v-neck tee, greige shorts, Jack Rogers, and belt? Instantly super stylish (at least in my easy-to-impress opinion). I don’t know what it is, but it’s sure changed my thinking on accessories. Also bold color and tunic-style tops – see below for evidence:

Clockwise from top left: Trina Turk Suzette dress ($248), from What She Wore 365, Boden Long Island top ($78, but I got it for 15% off and free shipping by Googling for a coupon code – whoo!), Rikshaw Design Classic Kurta ($70), Trina Turk Brecita blouse ($228), Kate Spade Kati cardigan ($298)

Sorry about that, y’all – I don’t usually like to dangle so many expensive and awesome things in front of your (our) eyes, but I couldn’t help myself.

And unfortunately, my budget has not changed alongside my thinking, so the truth is that in all likelihood I will end up purchasing maybe one of the picks below. But I had fun dreaming, and perhaps one piece below will be just what you’ve been looking for to put some pep in your step! I hope so!

A. Kendra Scott Allison earrings ($65), B. Kate Spade bangle ($128), C. Design Darling studs ($32), D. Kendra Scott Cassie bracelet ($130), E. Kendra Scott Carly earrings ($55), F. Trina Turk Sao Paulo sandal ($165), G. Target enamel bangle ($18), H. J.Crew Tessellate necklace ($85), I. Target gold and coral bamboo bracelet set ($14), J. Bridier Baubles Campbell Chandelier earrings ($23), K. Target Gold Square enamel bracelet ($15), L. Target enamel bracelet ($15), M. J.Crew Classic link bracelet ($88)

Tell me: If you could only pick one piece from this post to add to your wardrobe, which one would it be? I am having a VERY hard time choosing between the link bracelet and the coral and turquoise studs…

Such fun to have my cupcake flags included in this bridal shower inspiration shoot! A big thank you to Sarah Tucker for asking me to take part. You can see the full feature and all of the vendor credits on The Everygirl right here!

Photos by Naomi Chokr, styling by Sarah Tucker Events

P.S. If you’d like to order your own cupcake flags, I have sets of 25, 50, and 100 available in the shop right now, or you can convo me to request a custom number!

You know how sometimes you enter a store, and you just want to live there? That’s how I felt about Lowcountry Produce, the market and cafe we visited while in Beaufort. To me, everything about this place was just perfect. To start with, the interior design decisions were spot on, including but not limited to the beautiful green trim, the pendant lights, the black Tolix stools, the soaring ceiling, and the marbled white and gray subway tile.

Then, of course, there’s what they actually sell: fresh produce (naturally), delicious-sounding local and organic goods, and the most perfect selection of entertaining accoutrements. And by perfect selection, I mean it was like someone got in my head and chose exactly the cocktail napkins and serving pieces I would have chosen for myself if I was having an exceptionally good day of aesthetic judgement.

Lowcountry Produce is also a cafe, and we enjoyed a delicious breakfast of homemade donuts and fresh-squeezed orange juice with the sun pouring in those tall windows. John pretty much had to pry me off my stool when it was time to leave.

If you’re in Beaufort, SC, or Lobeco, SC, I would highly recommend a visit to Lowcountry Produce!

P.S. While in Beaufort, we also ate at Wren and Panini’s, and enjoyed both!

Whew, it is hot, hot, hot here in NC all of a sudden! The soaring temps outside make me even happier to revisit about our last destination in Beaufort, SC: Hunting Island!

Hunting Island is one of the most popular state parks in South Carolina, attracting more than one million visitors a year. Thankfully, it didn’t seem that crowded at all when we visited! Our first stop was at the Marshwalk, a boardwalk that extends across the tidal flats, through a few tiny islands, and out onto a platform perfect for viewing marsh wildlife. We saw egrets, some sort of gecko, and tons of fiddler crabs on our walk, but alas, no dolphins!

The Marshwalk is less than a mile long, so it was a quick out and back. Our second and final destination on Hunting Island was the beach and lighthouse area. There is a $5 per person fee to enter this part of the park, but both John and I would say it was well worth the price. As we drove past the gate house, we both agreed it felt like we were entering Jurassic Park – so lush, green, and tropical!

This might sound strange, but we were both a little bit obsessed with the parking lot! It’s hard to describe, but instead of being one large area, it twisted and turned between the trees, and each spot felt like it was tucked away.

Once we finished oohing over our parking space, we took another boardwalk out to the beach.

Turning left, we walked along the water’s edge until we got to an entirely new section of beach, which looked like this:

Children’s book lover that I am, my immediate thought was that it reminded me of the post-hurricane illustrations in Robert McCloskey’s Time of Wonder. Anyone else?? Here’s a visual aid for those who aren’t familiar with this masterpiece:

I’m not sure what causes all of the downed trees and driftwood, but we had fun exploring.

Next up: the Beaufort shop with which I completely fell in love. Sigh…

All photos personal