HAPPY TWO YEAR BLOGIVERSARY & HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year you guys! 
I hope you've all had wonderful holidays and are now blissfully in food comas, cuddling your empty champagne bottles or just basking in the glow of your 2013 accomplishments. 

And on the topic of accomplishments:

The 10th of this month will be my 2 year blogiversary! So, happy birthday, blog!

Oh how time flies. I'm getting anxiety as I type - knowing that in a single blink of an eye it'll be 2015. There are so many things on my New Years resolutions list! I better get started now! Maybe tomorrow. shit. the downward procrastination spiral begins.

my laziness aside...

I've had so much fun these past two years. I can't even produce words that match the feelings of sheer joy that I've gotten from finally taking the leap and staking out my own little portion of the inter-webs (otherwise known as my blog) and filling it with all that makes me happy.  

Not only that, but I've made so many friends along the way. The abundance of creative minds and open, warm hearts in this beautiful, beautiful town can be so overwhelming. I almost feel like my heart will explode when I think about all the people that I love here. All the inviting places I've been. All the places I'll go.  It's pretty mother freaking exciting. 

I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has been there with me each step of the way. When I was slacking, you'd keep me on my toes. Thank you for the support, the company, the collaborations and most especially - the fashion and friendship that you've all given me. 

I really value every one of you! And for those of you who I don't know so well - please don't ever be afraid to say hi. 

You guys can expect more from me in the future. Don't forget - #NashvilleFashionWeek is right around the corner. You can also keep up with me through Nashville Style Collective, which I can't wait to share more about.  LOVE YOU GUYS. 

I just wanted to share this beautiful quote by Kahlil Gibran which happened to be hanging on my friend Ruthie's fridge. I feel like quotes are always around, right when you need to hear them the very most.

Happy 2014.

EXPLORING NASHVILLE'S APRICOT LANE + CLUTCH GIVEAWAY!

Are you ready for one of Nashville's best kept secrets?  

Apricot Lane in the Gulch is one of the most adorable boutiques I've visited thus far - and it's safe to say I've been to quite a few - it's stocked full of everything you might need to get your spring and summer wardrobe started off right. Need a pair of denim cut offs for under $45? How about a perfect spring dress? You'll be ready for festival season in no time. 

You can find all of these beautiful things and more at Apricot Lane. You'll have a hard time leaving without purchasing everything, I promise. So be prepared. 

*Spring Dresses Under $100*

Pink & White Dress: $75 + Color Block Dress: $47 + Bird Print Dress: $60

Studded Carry-All Purse: $51 + 

Peach Woven Clutch: $39

Can you believe these adorable floral shorts are only $26??

The most important part of my shopping experience anywhere I go is how pleasant and helpful I find the associates - and you won't find a sweeter more helpful bunch anywhere! I had such a good time browsing through all the beautiful pieces and was so impressed by the quality and selection. 

Thanks, Apricot Lane!

Now for my favorite part:

VEGAN LEATHER TURQUOISE CLUTCH GIVEAWAY

You know you need this for your stylish spring wardrobe. You'll be the envy of all of your fashionable friends!

How to enter:

"Like" Apricot Lane Nashville on Facebook HERE

"Like" Le Minimalist on Facebook HERE

And be sure to leave a comment below letting me know you've done both. 

Contest ends May 1st! GOOD LUCK!

ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER

{LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF via SCISSORKIX On ETSY}

Oh, I know you've all missed me terribly. It's okay! I'm back now! 

Mostly.

After a little over a week's hiatus I'm trying to get back into the blogging swing. Things have been... interesting... this past week. Here's a little summary of what's been going on in my life, what to expect in the future from LM, and a bit of welcome / exciting news!

You haven't seen me updating lately for these three reasons:

1. I'm reading Cloud Atlas. I can't put it down! I'm trying to devour it as quickly as possible before the movie debuts the 26th of this month. I originally bought it for some heavy, five hour flight reading (which I'll delve into further in a moment) but once I picked it up, I couldn't stop.


I'm also loving my Kindle - which I've had for several months but haven't really used up until I bought Cloud Atlas. What a spectacular device! I'm sad to see less bound books in the world, but Kindle has totally won me over. Save the trees. 

Check out Cloud Atlas on Amazon, the amazing trailer HERE, or my personal favorite - songs from the movie: Cloud Atlas Sextet & M83 - Outro

{Image HERE}

2. I got sick and lost my voice for three days. Yay. Which brings me to the next topic: Natural Health! Expect a few natural living / natural health posts sandwiched between my fashion and DIY musings. I was fortunate to be raised in a home where a lot of emphasis was put on natural alternatives, which makes it a very real and very personal topic that I'd love to start sharing more of with you! 

3. And above all - my best news: I'm going to New York! Alright, well it isn't permanent, so all of my Nashville readers don't have to mourn my absence (haha) but I will be spending a solid ten wonderful days in the Big Apple surrounded by sweet friends and sweet shopping spots. If you're a blogger in the NYC area and you'd like to meet up for shopping / drinks / lunch - you should contact me! It could be fun! 

I'm really excited to share my upcoming New York posts! Expect a flood of those in the very near future. A FLOOOOOD.

{365 Days of Hand Lettering by Lisa Congdon HERE}

FASHION ON THE FLOOR BOARDS

BACKYARD JUNGLE

Vintage everything. Crop Tie Top, Ralph Lauren. Skirt, Vintage velvet. Hat is also velvet. 

Accessories as follows: Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Lita, Bag: Balenciaga, Bracelet: F21

Don't you love this hat? 

All photographs via 

PHILLIP CHADWELL PHOTOGRAPHY