RUSTIC CHIC FOR THE THANKSGIVING TABLE UNDER $50 #MyKindOfHoliday

Target made me feel pretty dang special by including me as a part of their Influencer Network! Guess what this means: One more excuse to shop at Target!  Not like I needed another one, I pretty much live there...  

To get my slacking rear end in go-mode for Thanksgiving this year I've been spending an obscene amount of time sorting through Pinterest for inspiration to create a perfect centerpiece-masterpiece. Decorating has always been my favorite holiday tradition and I'm totally one of those people who put their Christmas tree up in November before Thanksgiving even rolls around. This year I got a little too antsy and it went up right after I took all of my Halloween decorations down. I just can't help myself!

Although my tiny apartment only allows for so many decorations, the centerpiece has been my focal point for years and I tend to decorate the rest of the house based on whatever theme my table ends up with. 

This year I went with a little country / rustic scene filled with earthy tones, moss, pinecones, mercury glass votives and an adorably shabby-chic lantern. All very "Nashville" inspired. I'm totally in love. 

What's even better? I filled my table up with holiday cheer for under $50!

The candle votives ranged in price from $3-$7 and my Threshold Traditional Lantern was under $20. Score!

Mercury Glassware via Target

You can find these beautiful mercury glass votives along with a whole line of mercury glass inspired dinnerware, decor and glassware at Target this season - and honestly, It's a great investment. I've seen so many adorable set ups on Pinterest incorporating mercury glass this year - and not only can you use it for Thanksgiving, but right into Christmas and way on into the New Year. Hard to believe 2013 is almost over, huh?

This is definitely #MyKindOfHoliday - Thanks Target!

HIT THE STREETS: NASHVILLE STREET STYLE / BOYS

NASHVILLE STREET STYLE / BOYS

Belmont. One of my favorites places to people watch. While people watching, you can grab a coffee at BONGO JAVA, do a lot of damage to your bank account at LOCAL HONEY and once you've worked up an appetite - visit my favorite sushi / asian inspired spot, PM. 

But hey, ladies. Belmont also has another upside: stylish boys. 

NASHVILLE STREET STYLE / THE NASHVILLE FLEA MARKET + THE GULCH

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!

MONIQUE LHUILLIER AT THE NASHVILLE SYMPHONY WITH MUSICAL GUESTS KAREN ELSON AND LEAGUES

I was so incredibly lucky to score a press pass through a delightful friend of mine last week, enabling my fashion obsession and allowing me to attend the swankiest of Nashville events at the Nashville Symphony - featuring one of the top evening and bridal wear designers in the country, Monique Lhullier. In addition to the total elation I'm still to this day experiencing due to the formal wear overload, I also got to meet one of my favorite Nashville ladies, Karen Elson. (You'll know her around town as Jack White's ex-wife, brilliant model and sultry songbird) Karen serenaded the crowd along with another great local band, Leagues. 

Did I mention there was an open bar? Yeah. That was cool too. 

So enjoy the impending photo flood:

I'm wearing: 

F21 Jacket & Dress (both for under $65!)

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Soiree

Hair: Reyna Waller of Salon YaYa off of 21st - Tell her I sent you and you'll get $20 off your first service. 

Red Carpet: Leagues, Karen Elson & Miss Tennessee

Emily Fletcher and Leslie Stephens of Ola Mai Handmade

What beautiful ladies! They were on point with their stylish ensembles and super cute accessories. I love Emily's bag and Leslie's dainty pussy bow. I always feel so awkward saying pussy bow - but I love them! 

Adrian Morales of Snappylifestyle. He always looks so sharp. His shoes are handcrafted! Can you believe it? 

Chic plus size fashion blogger and Tennesseean contributor, Codie Gentry of A Brunette. Doesn't she look classy?

Fan girl moment! 

Me and my favorite red headed songstress and model, Karen Elson. Check out her music, it's dreamy. 

Amber Williams Chapman of DNAStylix

 I couldn't have possibly expected a more beautiful collection. I was obsessed with all the fall and winter whites along with an array of textures, furs, feathers and fringe. Everything blended seamlessly together. The gold was a nice touch, too. I know what colors I'm incorporating into my wardrobe this F/W  - thanks for the inspiration Monique! 

AFTER PARTY

Miu Miu sandals! Beautiful!

Boutique owner Stacey Rhodes with the beautiful Meagan Nordmann Rhodes, Lindsay Timberlake of Thriftophile and Codie Gentry of A Brunette.

NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK NIGHT FIVE: ANTHEM // EMERGING DESIGNER SHOWCASE ++ AFTER PARTY

SATURDAY 4/6/13

EMERGING DESIGNER SHOWCASE W/ SPECIAL GUEST AND PROJECT RUNWAY ALL STAR CHALLENGE DESIGNER MYCHAEL KNIGHT 

This night was magical. Aside from tripping my way through the maxed out crowd in high heels, every last moment was perfect. What a great note to end on! I'm disappointed I didn't get pictures of all of the showcases, so I'm trying something different with this post and keeping it simple with a few of my favorite snaps from the installations and a few from the after party of some of my favorite stylish ladies and gentlemen. 

The emerging designer showcase featured brilliant designs from Blooming Leopold,  Jennifer Nina Evans, Elizabeth Suzann, Voyage Clothing, Corello, Phillip Madison & Sarah Jane Estes. 

You can read more about these talented individuals on the Nashville Fashion Week website HERE. 

The emerging designers were chosen from online submissions based on their creative talents. If you're a talented, fresh faced designer then please consider applying for next years emerging talent showcase. It will be a validating and incredibly fun experience, you can bet on it. 

With all that being said: Enjoy! 

I'm wearing: 

Dress / F21 + Shoes / Jeffrey Campbell + Bag / Alexander Wang + Necklace / Vintage Turquoise