The Dirty Blonde Stylist

Target: 20 years of design

Whenever Target and great designers get together, you know you have a recipe for success! For the last 20 years, Target has been teaming up with great designers to bring great style to everyone. Some of the notable collaborations include Lilly Pullitzer, Hunter, Victoria Beckham, and Zac Posen.

After 20 years Target is bringing back some of our favorites, with collections that will span from home to street style. This collection will be released on September 14th and you can count that I will be waiting at the door.

Today I am sharing a few items from each collection that I can not wait to get my hands on!

Isaac Mizrah

Lilly Pulitzer

Jason Wu

Marimekko

Missoni

Proenza

Altuzarra

Anna Sui

This collection truly has something for everyone. If you ever needed an excuse to go on a #targetrun this is it! What are your favorite pieces? Drop your comments below and tell me what you think!

-ML

The Nashville Git Up

Tomorrow we leave for Nashville and I can not wait! Nashville is second most visited location for bachelorette parties, so between my love of country music and southern pride, Nashville was an easy choice when I got to pick where I wanted to go. After a few minor freak-outs about the schedule, the packing and the outfits of it all, I am calm and ready to roll!

Since we are divas on a budget, we are going to be driving the 9 hours to Nashville. While this is a big haul for the four of us in the car, it also made me stick to a tight packing list. Every time I travel, the day I am set to leave I find myself doing “the last minute shove”. This is where I run around the house and find random things that I think I need and shove them deep down into any open pocket of my bags, am I the only one who does this? Sometimes this is a really helpful thing, it has many a time helped me remember to grab my hair straighter, an extra white T shirt or a speaker. Most of the time I admit, I am grabbing things that I really did not need to bring in the first place.

So for this trip, with my bag packed and already busting open, I am going to do my best to not upgrade my bag size. Rather then that I have determined to stick to my list! I am happy to share my looks for this trip and all the essentials you need rather than the random pieces.

Vintage band T

White body suite

Long sleeve denim top

White tank top with cropped tie front

Lace open front cardigan

Black tshirt casual day dress

Denim romper

Denim shorts

Denim skirt

Black long sleeve body con dress

Black leather dress

White off the shoulder skater style

Converse

Lace up block heels

Gold gladiator sandals

Cowboy boots (obviously)

Black straw wide brim hat

Any and all turquoise statement necklaces

Things not to forget:

Speaker for music while getting ready

Koozie for drinks

Sunnies

Tall boot socks

Flask, booze, vodka gummy bears

All chargers

A pack of cards for in the room games

A selfie stick, trust me there wont always be a kind stranger around to take a group picture

I hope this list helps with your Nashville adventures with your Bachelorettes. Well wish us luck! YeeHawwwwww

-ML

Weekly Wedding Words: Luxury details on a dime store budget

Bachelorette parties these days are getting more and more over the top and I am all about it. If you can get everyone in the mind set that this is a trip/vacation/girls weekend rather than just an event that happens before the wedding, your girls tend to be more on board. For my bachelorette party, like so many other brides before me, we are going to Nashville. It was a no brainier picking the location, I love country music, we did not have to fly and it’s a fantastic party on every block. While it might be “basic” to pick a location like Nashville, I could care less! I am so excited to spend some good quality time with my girls.

We will be heading out labor day weekend, so the time is right to start making all the final arrangements before we head out. I wanted to share with you some of my best tips for a luxurious bachelorette weekend!

Welcome bags

Being greeted with a welcome bag is so high end to me. For my girls they will each be greeted with a welcome bag complete with hard copy of the weekends itinerary, ibuprofen, snacks, a T shirt for the weekend and of course a mini champagne.

Custom playlists for the ride there, getting ready to go out etc.

Having a playlist that fits the mood of where you are going is a great touch. It is also much easier than hoping Spotify sets the tone for the night.

Plan a half day for Spa or pampering time

This might be a quick trip but if you are there more then 3 days, carve out some time to watch Bridesmaids or a romantic movie, put on a face mask and have some girl pampering time. If you can’t afford for a day at the real spa, resort back to your 10^th birthday party theme, spa party! My recommendation would be to come back to the room early before dinner one day, maybe around 2:00. Everyone has a shower then que the face mask and nail polish! You’ll have a fresh face for dinner and no one will feel rushed.

Custom dinner menus

If you have a large group and are doing a more formal dinner, call ahead and ask if there are any special touches you can add for the group. Custom menus with the Brides name, a special shout out from the DJ, or even special décor for a private table. You would be surprised what restaurants and bars can do when you ask.

Amenities

When you go to a fancy hotel or spa, amenities really set the experience over the top! So if you can’t afford the luxury hotel, take on that role yourself. Provide water bottles in car, champagne and juice for a make shift mimosa bar in the morning, or a keep sake from the trip.

The best way to create a luxury experience, is to plan ahead! small touches can go a long way! Happy planning lovely!

-ML

Weekly Wedding Words: The Perfect Playlist

Many of my guests and former clients will tell you, one of my biggest fears at my wedding is not that it will rain, not that the food will be bad, but that people won’t dance! Yep, I think it is so sad to see an empty dance floor and people not having a huge party to celebrate at the reception! Of course there are a few factors that play into this, not enough or limited alcohol, an older crowd of guests or a not so great DJ…

I am 66 days out from my wedding, so it is time to really get those details nailed down and stay down! One of those things is curating the perfect playlists for every piece of the wedding. Here are a few tips to ensure a good party playlist.

Make sure there is music whenever there can or should be music. Don’t forget songs for some key moments, walking up and down the aisle, bridal party intro songs, and first dance songs obviously.

Create your own cocktail hour playlist! Some people leave this time for soft jazz or quiet background music, which is very classic! If you are looking to set a different tone for your wedding though, take this time to pull together some of your favorite songs that get people excited for the rest of the night. Jacob and I pulled together an hour and 20 minutes worth of upbeat country love songs for our cocktail hour playlist including:

Loving you is fun by Eastin Corbin

Drunk on your love by Brett Elderedge

This by Darius Rucker

Somebody like you by Keith Urban

And many more!

Take the time to edit the reception playlist. Most people think creating a reception playlist is too long and too many songs to worry about everyone that is being played. In reality most receptions are about 3 hours long, not including dinner. Creating 3 hours’ worth of music is really not that hard, I have road trip playlist that are longer! If you are wondering where to start with your playlist reach out to your DJ, most Dj’s can provide you with the “top 200 wedding songs” list or something to that effect. From there send some time with your fiancée and go through it! Jacob and I had so much fun doing this, we would listen to little snippets of songs we were on the fence about and tried to think about other weddings and what was playing when the dance floor was empty. Some of the songs we cut include:

Cha-Cha Slide by DJ Casper

Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond

YMCA by The Village People

We Are Family by Sister Sledge

And a few others

There are a few moments that don’t always have songs, like walking back down the aisle, cutting the cake, or exit songs these moments can be made even more special by adding a small melody behind them. There also is the opportunity to add music if you are doing a game or special event during the wedding or reception. Think about romantic or dramatic movies, the powerful or sappy music that plays behind those quiet moments helps you know how to feel. I was in a wedding last year where the doors to the ceremony burst open for the bride when the beat dropped in “A thousands years” by Christina Perry and it brought a tear to so many people in that church.

So cheers to you, you beautiful bride! May your wedding day be filled with happy tears and bad dance moves!

-ML

Coffee Table Books: Daily Inspiration

Sometimes I truly just get stuck, I fall into this inspirationless rut. When hours of scrolling through Pinterest doesn’t do the trick I turn to some old favorites, coffee table books! I am breaking down 5 of my favorite books that have inspired me in countless ways. Not to mention, looks incredibly chic on a bookshelf.

Whiskey in a teacup by Reese Witherspoon:

This book is a new member to my collection, but has become an instant favorite! Resse Witherspoon has that amazing sense of old southern style that radiates through this book. I am obsessed with southern and country life, so having someone break it down from parties to monograms is a God sent! The beautiful images of food, florals, and southern homes are so inspiring. This book brings out my roots in the content it inspires me to create. There is nothing more powerful than authentic content after all!

Rose all day:

I love a good cookbook, especially one that is filled with flat lays! So this isn’t necessarily a cookbook but more of a history and education on Rose. Not to mention, the images inside are girly, fun and Rose filled, they are perfect. I love turning to books that are specific to a topic, so I know exactly where to turn if I want girl sweet like cocktails and cake content.

Home body by Joanna Gains:

Another new member of my collection but already so inspiring! There is something so calming about the Gains family, maybe it is their morals, business savvy or the ability to make having a large family look so easy. Whatever it is, I love everything they do. This book is no exception, being a first time home buyer I looked to this book for ideas to jog my interior design sign. It brought out a minimalistic side that had been heavily ignored in out 800 sq ft apartment. She also inspired several blogs for the girl on a budget trying to add life and country style to her life.

Celebrations by Lauren Conrad:

An oldie but a goodie! This baby has been on my shelf since day one of my love for events and parties. The Lauren Conrad style is so easy to the naked eye yet covered in details to make it extra special. This book is also dripping in flat lays from beautiful parties, she breaks down every kind of event; from a Cinco de Mayo bash to a baby shower. If you are new to decor, parties or out of ideas, this book will get you though!

Living in Style: Rachel Zoe

Rachel Zoe has been a style icon of mine since I learned what a Stylist was. So no surprise that her books provide endless inspiration! She has always had that same sense of 70’s glam from day one. I used to worship her show “The Rachel Zoe Project” and still watch old episodes sometimes. Her brand has become a model of timeless style. I can always find helpful tips like when to save vs splurge on certain pieces, which usually get me thinking more about fashion and how I can talk to my audience about certain topics. I always find that my work takes on that sense of timeless classic style after flipping through the pages oh her books.

Cheers to finding inspiration that produces quality content each and everyday!

-ML

Weekly Wedding Words: Reminder list

80 days left! We are getting closer and closer to our big day! That being said I am currently making Final Documents. Yes our wedding will have final documents, I am a planner what can I say? People are getting more and more curious about the wedding, asking questions and coming to me with different wedding related issues. That being said, I have given more time to the over all look of other things rather then to my own plan. For all you other Brides who are down to crunch time, here are a few reminders for things not to forget.

Your jewelry, My bridesmaids have all their jewelry and I don’t have one thing for myself other then my wedding ring.
Your lipstick (all day lasting, kiss proof, cake proof, rim of your glass proof)
Undergarments, this is something you can talk through and think about during your fitting. Just make sure after your fitting you actually go and get them.
Something old, new, borrowed and blue
A toss bouquet, don’t throw your 150.00 worth of flowers to some drunk girls. Throw them one that’s worth about $20.00
Lighters for sparklers, if you are doing a sparkler exit don’t forget to have at least 2 lighters and somewhere to discard the burnt ones
Pick out your hair I have approved all bridesmaids hair and have no picked a thing for myself.
Your emergency kit! (tampons, tide stick, sewing kit, mints Advil etc)
Label your décor: have locations, diagrams or a solid verbal understanding with your planner about where you want things to go
Purchase, wrap, steam, and load up the Bridesmaids gifts.
Don’t forget to save an invitation suite to bring to the wedding or give to your photographer before hand
Make a timeline for the week of: shine your ring, pack your honeymoon bag, focus on you etc
Purchase cake cutting utensils (if not provided by the venue)
Have pens for the guest book
Have lighters for candles and a sparkler exit, don’t assume someone will have one.
Purchase a wrap a gift, along with a meaningful card to your soon to be hubby.
Pull cash out for tips for any vendors day.
Add meals for your vendors to the catering order
Arrange for some light food and beverage for the wedding party during the getting ready process
Don’t forget to get your marriage license, good for 30 days.

I hope these tips don’t stress you out. You’ve got this girl! Happy wedding day!

-ML

National Sister Day: The 14 best things about having a sister

National Sister day:

My sister is younger then I am by about 20 months, I have always considered her to be my best friend. We shared a room until we were in high school and even then we shared a wall and could stay up talking half the night. My sister is the total opposite of me, I used to say I don’t think we would be friends if we were not sisters, but I don’t even like to think of a world where Emily and I aren’t close.

Today is National friendship day and National sister day, how fitting that I can write one blog and cover both topics with the subject of my sister Emily. Today I am breaking down my 14 favorite things about having a partner in crime who’s related to you.

You have the same funny stories and quotes to relay back and forth at any given time.

One of our favorites quotes from “the Simple Life, Season 1” That stuff is gold!

While for some people this means “two closets” in reality, borrowing clothes was not allowed. If I lent Emily something, I swore I would never see it again.
There was always someone else to blame when Mom came looking for whoever broke this or stained that.
You could yell fight and scream but even to this day I don’t call my sister any bad words, she is always a Butt never a Bitch.
We always had someone to play with and being the oldest meant she would go along with whatever crazy game I came up with that day.
When we couldn’t sleep on Sunday nights, I always had someone to talk to.
Your sister can become your therapist, from boy trouble, to weight loss, to style, we have each other’s back.
No one is going to be as “constructive” with her comments (other then maybe your grandma)
Sister code, secrets are just safe with her.
You both can get distracted by old toys and random do dads from your childhood
It’s like bringing your best friend on a family vacation or to holidays
I can live vicariously through her different life
No one else will understand the significance of: Animal crossing for the DS, Thirteen going on thirty, or going to our Nana’s in the summer.
No one is going to support you like your sister.
No one is going to fight with you like your sister.

While sisters may be super annoying, steal your clothes and listen to your phone calls as a kid, there is no one who can replace her. Cheers to all you lucky ladies who got to grow up and become best of friends with your sister.

-ML

Weekly Wedding Words: Wedding Day Bliss

Wedding day bliss:

I often worry about how things are going to come together on the big day. For months, I have been make decisions left and right about colors, textures, taste and the overall vibe. Part of me wishes I could set it up now and see how it all looks but the other part of me knows that it will be hours before my wedding that I even see half of it for the first time. As a wedding planner by trade, I know I am not the only Bride who has felt this way. Calming nerves before the big day is one of the most common things I come across in my work. Some are nervous about the physical act of getting married, some are worried about a relative getting in the way or stealing the show. For me, my nerves are centered around the success of the event.

Here are a few tips on how to settle yourself and keep it together before the big day.

Trust in your vision:

No one knows you wedding like you do, even if it’s all in your head. Being a visual person, I like to draw out the things that I am having a hard time translating to reality. I sketch out centerpieces to florist, welcome tables to my planner and so on. It may not be the prettiest drawing, but it helps show what everything looks like in my head. This also can be really helpful for vendors making your vision come to life the way the client wants.

Set goals you will actually meet!:

I cant stress this one enough, we always seem to set these crazy goals for ourselves ten are disappointed when we don’t meet them. The same is true for wedding planning. I think it is unreasonable to plan and plan for 2 months then not touch your wedding again until two weeks before. Spread out your planning, but on the same note, don’t leave everything to the last minute. If you are two months out from your big day make lists and set real timelines for each piece. Goals that still leave you with two fully open weeks at the end. There will always be last minute things that come up but being ready for them is much easier to tackle.

Talk it out:

If there are things you are scared will happen at your wedding, talk it out. This could be a serious chat with a family member or just a calming your nerves chat with your fiancée. Vocalizing a problem is a great way to get it off your chest or to work through it. So if you are worried that your uncle will tell that embarrassing story during his toast, a serious chat will usual set them straight.

Let go of the things you cannot control:

As Brides, it is easy to think that you can have anything your way for your wedding. In the end though, planning only goes so far then comes God. You can not control the rain, but you can have plans in place to fix it. You cannot control the surprise zit you wake up with on your wedding day, but make up can go a long way. Finally you can’t control other people, even as much as we try. So remember to take a breath and relax. This day will still be wonderful, don’t not let the things you cannot change, change you.

Exercise:

This is one of the oldest ticks in the book. At the end of the day it is only natural to feel nervous before your wedding. As you get closer to the date, ramp up your workout routine. Throw in a casual walk, pick up an extra class at the gym, grab a gal pal and go for a run around the park. Extra endorphins go a long way in high stress times, not to mention some extra working out before your wedding is always good. When you lay your head down at night your body and mind will both be tired and fall right to sleep. What is better then sleep after all??

I hope these tips and tricks will put you at ease. If you ever need any extra help shoot me an email at Thedirtyblondestylist@gmail.com I would love to help!

-ML

26 Things I’ve Learned by 26

Today I am 26 and it feels like such an odd year. It’s like being 14 again, the general thrill of being in your teens is over but you still aren’t old enough to drive. 26 is one step closer to 30 but feels like 10 years away from the carefree days of 21. This year has been such a busy year from start to finish. We got engaged in June of 2018 so the whole year has been about wedding planning, on top of that in May of 2019 we bought our first house. This year has been full of celebration and adjustments. So in an effort to not throw a party for myself in a year that has already been all about me and Jacob, I have not planned a thing for myself. Just because I didn’t plan anything does not mean I didn’t put together a little birthday wish list though!

I am also going to take this opportunity to share 26 things I have learned in my 26 years.

No job is guaranteed or handed to you. No matter the degree, certification or experience.
Don’t waste time on men who aren’t treating you the same way you treat them. Don’t be the chaser, be the one being chased. You are the Tequila not the lime.
Self-care is not a waste of time.
Do not compare yourself to the fabulous strangers online.
Buttered noodles is always a dinner option.
You must know how to drink in a professional setting.
Five extra minutes In the morning getting ready can make a huge difference in your day.
Smiles are contagious.
Better to be over dressed than under dressed.
You can celebrate anything and pop the champagne any day of the week.
You are not invincible, wear sunscreen.
Make up is expensive.
Be patient in all aspects of life.
Know your weakness and make plans to strengthen them.
Sleeping in until noon is a waste of the day, bottom line.
Value your friendships.
Ask questions no matter how dumb it may seem.
Don’t act like you’re 45 when you’re 25, you are only young once.
Coffee is a necessity.
Dreams never die, they are just filed away somewhere.
Working out is required.
Unless you are on a boat, beach or tailgate having a beer before 10:00 AM might make you an alcoholic.
Men don’t think like women.
Have a favorite breakfast place.
Walk in beauty appointments are no longer acceptable, make an appointment with someone specific!
Love is often taken for granted, always cherish the ones you love, and the ones who love you.

Happy birthday to all you Leo’s out there may this be a day all about you!

-ML

Weekly Wedding Words: Getting ready looks

Weddings are expensive, there isn’t really a way around it. Event with a favor and strings pulled it is still expensive. I am 101 days out from my wedding (eeppp) While that still may sound like a lot, when you started with close to 400 days it seems like next week! Being a planner by trade, I am aiming to have everything 98% done by October 1^st. getting into the nitty gritty, I have found is the place where “smaller” fees come into play. For example gifts and tips, while they don’t add up to the final payment of your venue, these numbers can add up quick! You think you’ve almost successfully mapped your way through the financial woods that is your wedding and all of a sudden it’s time to pay $300 for robes and gifts just for your girls! As much as I love my girls and love to spoil them, $40 X 5 in my case is a cool $200.00, again while it may not seem like a lot, it happens to fall during the same time frame as final payments for vendors.

So as I make my decisions in these last few months, I am looking to get the best bag for my buck! Today I am sharing my top 5 options for getting ready attire. It is always such a cute shot during the getting ready, all the girls on the bed in matching robes laughing and excited. So what do you want your girls to have as a memento from your wedding? Also, what is going to be cute comfy and practical for getting ready all morning?

Target $21.99 for both pieces

These are made from that amazing fabric that is sooo comfortable, I prefer these rather than an expensive pair from Etsy. Want to take these up a notch? Take these to your local Monogrammer and for about $10 you have custom cuties for your girls to wear around the day of.

The Men’s Denim Shirt

Love this look for something casual and rustic, the men’s shirts will be comfortable and long enough to wear with black leggings they already own. Pick yours up at Walmart today and skip the delay and annoyance of shipping.

The Lace Robe $27.50

While this isn’t the most practical it sure is cute! I love this robe because it is unique and I hate a silk robe TBH. The fabric does not breath and I am left there sweating all over everything, so this light weight beauty is just what I was thinking! P.S. I love this site for anything wedding and gifting related!

The Off the shoulder sack dress

If you are looking to do something a little different, I think an off the shoulder dress is a great idea. It’s easy and comfortable and this particular one has a great boho vibe to it. My favorite part is they are only $9.99 from forever 21! P.S. it also comes in white!

The Zip up 26.99

Depending the time of year and location of your wedding, a zip up hoodie could be exactly what you need to get ready. I can see it now, the hotel room with a coffee laughing with your girls about “that one time when” while Sarah gets her hair done and Emily is having lashes glued on.

Fun tip, iron on monograms are a great way to save a little and still make your girls feel like you didn’t grab something off the rack!

So what do you think? Drop your picks for your favorite getting ready pieces below!

-ML

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