09.23.13

Make. My. Monday.

This past weekend, I spent most of my time “toasting”. To friends’ birthdays, to the first day of fall and of course, to my lovely roommate whom forever will be credited with “Make. My. Monday”. Now, I realize this is a challenge, but hopefully this Monday’s list will brighten up the start of your week!
Below are a few of my faves from the shop and beyond.

1. Baseball Cap: I love this hat! It’s perfect for a fall day at a baseball game; paired with riding boots and a Barbour jacket.

2. “New York” Print: I am headed up to NYC later this week so I find this pick absolutely fitting! Mackenzie Horan of Design Darling just got more prints back in stock and this, among other darling (no pun intended) little finds, should be on your list to purchase from her shop.

3. Earrings: Emerald is the color of 2013 so appropriately so, these jewels can be worn day to night (think dark jeans by day and that LBD by night).

4. Hairspray: Confession: I’ve always HATED hairspray (many cheerleading competitions and plays later, I am scarred), until I found Drybar’s Money Maker. It’s light, holds hair in place and smells amaze. It’s also conveniently available in travel-size now too. Don’t worry, this isn’t the last you’ll hear about Drybar.

5. Boots: These riding boots are perfection. The almond/charcoal colors make them versatile and I’m a sucker for all things quilted. Jackets, vests, boots…you get the idea.

6. Highballs: These KS glasses are the cutest engagement + wedding presents for your besties. Plus, every engaged couple needs one more glass to toast with!

7. Lips: Red lips are back and Chanel Pirate is long lasting and just the right shade of red.

8. Flats: If you haven’t invested in a pair of tieks yet, stop what you’re doing! These shoes live by the motto “the ballet flat, reinvented”. They come in fun colors, have bright turquoise soles, are made of the finest Italian leather and mold to fit into your purse. These are a life changer for commutes and late night dancing.

There you have it, Make. My. Monday.

09.20.13

#InstaInspired: Chambray + Prints

Depending on where you call home, the leaves may be starting to change, the days are becoming shorter and you might just need that jacket again on your morning commute. OR, if you are like me when I was growing up (read: FLORIDA), it’s still 90 degrees and you’re laying out by the pool. Nonetheless, crisp air or not, fall is surely almost here (Sunday, to be precise). This also means it’s time to transition the wardrobe you’ve been flaunting the past 3 months.

As a self-proclaimed Instagram addict, one of my favorite type of posts is often hashtagged with #OOTD (outfit of the day, of course). So I thought I would appropriately kick off the first of many #InstaInspired #OOTD blog posts with a fun fall look I am fancying these days.

1. Top: J.CREW (similar here) 2. Sunnies: Karen Walker (similar here) // 3. Bracelet: J.CREW // 4. Bag: Louis Vuitton // 5. Bracelet: David Yurman // 6. Flats: Mercanti Fiorentini Agila // 7. Jeans: J. Brand // 8. Chambray: J.CREW

Why I Love This #OOTD:

CHAMBRAY + DEMIN:

This is, for lack of better words, “so in right now” and it’s fun to mix dark and light shades.

LAYERS:

You can be prepared for those cool mornings and evenings while de-layering as you see fit.

PRINTS:

I love to mix-and-match all prints including stripes and leopard patterns; this is sure to be a repeat or a #threepeat for me.

COMFORT:

The flats make this the perfect ensemble for an afternoon of errands and shopping. However, if you wanted to take this from day-to-night (#OOTD to #OOTN), you could throw on a killer pair of leopard pumps (like THESE). Oh yes, and red lips don’t hurt either.

Stay up to speed on all my #InstaInspired moments by following me!

Happy Friday!

09.18.13

A Toast + End of Summer Shrimp Boil

Welcome to Hosting & Toasting!

This blog has been a long time in the making and I am beyond excited to get started!

I hope to share with you some of my favorite things to do, to wear, to craft, to purchase and to celebrate. From fashion finds to how-to’s on DIY crafts and dinner parties, you will find it all here on H&T. Oh yes and I’m Brittney, or Brittney Ann or let’s just make it easy — BAC; a nickname I acquired from my friends due to my fond love of monogramming.

Up first, a recap of my “End of Summer Shrimp Boil” that I hosted for a few close girlfriends.

With the first day of the fall season not until Sunday, we’re technically still transitioning so this serves as one last toast to summer!

{The Menu}