The Dirty Blonde Stylist

The 10 under $20.00 : Make your stockings sparkle!

I am all about the sparkle, year round! This time of year it is just more socially acceptable to wear sequins, glitter and shine a little brighter.

I have broken down my favorite sparkling gifts that are great stocking stuffers, coworker gifts or a treat for yourself this Christmas! All these items are under $20.00!! I also have taken this time to not just snag, cute, but obvious items from Target. These are all brands I love (including Target) that I support and personally love to order from. I hope you love the way these Christmas gifts sparkle and shine!

Love supporting other boss babes on their journey, this adorable mug is only $18.00, click on the photo to make this yours!

Nothing like a frosty statement this Christmas season! Love these drop crystal earrings with a great velvet dress or solid sweater, so chic and effortlessly dresses up a simple look! Also since they are from Target, the greatest place on earth, they are just $14.99

This girl is amazing! I am happy to call Affton, the creator and owner of Broken top candles, a friend. Her hustle is truly inspiring and not to mention her candles are AMAZING! These 100% soy candles will fill your home with all the Christmas vibes you could need. This beauty is only $14.00!

Is this too much sparkle? Said no one ever! A tree, like many other things, can never have too much sparkle! This festive dishtowel says it all! $10.00 and free shipping? Sold!

As many know, I love sending things in the mail. It’s a joy of mine to take the extra moment to send someone something that isn’t instant. These adorable pink Champagne cards sum it all up. Perfect for everything occasion, because all moments can be celebrated with champagne! These cuties are also from one of my favorite stationary providers, Graphique, and will only cost you $10.99

swooning over this little guy! I have always hated using my phone as a mirror, maybe just because I always think people think I am taking a selfie when I’m using it. This mirror is so perfect to avoid that! $11.72 to have that old Hollywood moment once a day. Staring at your lovely face in your own personal mirror.

When giving cookies as a gift, I like to make sure they are a little more than just Betty Crocker cookie mix. That’s when I turn to William Sonoma for some luxury cookie mix. These come in a variety of flavors from the basics of Chocolate chip to Rocky road! Because let’s be honest, everyone loves a good cookie and only $9.99!

Every girl has experienced the panic of losing a Chapstick. When there is supposed to be one in your purse and it isn’t there, the panic begins, then the anger when you have come to terms that it is simply gone. That is why every year, I ask for chapstick, the more I have ready to go, the less likely I am ever going to have that frustration of not having it. Also, I hate paying for simple things that in my head should just be there, like chapstick lotion and hand sanitizer. So having someone gift these to you is not only practical but very handy. So thank you in advance for the 8.99 Chapstick.

Small wood home is the great rustic chic style that I am all about! They specialize in the large box and scroll signs, multiple of which I have in my home. This being a $20 and under gift guide, I was still able to give this as a gift last year to my neighbors in an “at home” themed basket. This refreshing line spray is a great alternative to Lysol spray and much prettier if you wanted to sit it out on display in the laundry room. These feel good smells will cost you $15.00 and be on their way to you from TX!

My final pick is the most extra of them all, a glitter eyeshadow palette tells the world, “ I am bold and beautiful and wasn’t afraid of getting glitter all over my face applying this!” I’ll be honest like I have said before, beauty is not where I gamble. I don’t dye my hair, I was browns and gold eyeshadow to make my blue eyes pop. So when glitter shadow came back into play, I was surprised. Yet, he thought of glitter brought me back to my days of Lizzie McGuire and pop star pants, so I figured why not give it a try. My first time I tried loose glitter and it went everywhere! I couldn’t get it off my nose to save my life, it ruined the whole experience for me. After convincing from others to try it again but with pressed powder I gave in, this pallet was simple yet stunning! My favorite part is that this is $18.00 from Ulta and exactly what I needed.

Merry Christmas and happy shopping lovely!

-ML

Building the best boxes for the best ladies: Bridesmaid’s boxes

When it comes to asking your favorite ladies to be part of your special day, there is more that goes into it than meets the eye. There is a price tag attached to every element of the wedding. If you are a member of any Facebook group for wedding planning, the words “cost an arm and a leg” is a frequent phrase when searching for; vendors, gifts, basically anything! it’s no secret that a wedding is going to cost money if you want to make it a big deal. I am a firm believer that you can have a beautiful wedding for under 20 even 15 thousand dollars.

Creating my bridesmaid’s boxes was one of the first DIY projects I have taken on while planning my own wedding. I wanted to share my creative process along with the total price tag. I wanted my boxes to be unique and relatively practical. There is nothing I see more of for sale after a wedding is things that are labeled; “Bride, Maid of honor, Mrs. & Mr.” etc. So I wanted to give my ladies something they could use long past the wedding.

Contents:

Stemless tumbler wine glass with a monogramed name ( cups from Homegoods and Monograms by a fellow boss babe with R.O.C. Expressions!

Emergency chocolate a.k.a Dove Chocolate with a little DIY wrapper

Blue and gold marble planner/notebook ( cheap find from Amazon)

Rose gold pen ( another cheap find from Wish.com)

Mini Bottle of Champagne ( with a little DIY on the glittered coating)

Lavender bath salt (local find from the farmers market)

One of my favorite parts of the putting these together was the wrapping. I was lucky enough to find 40% photo boxes from Hobby Lobby, so each box can again be reused. Their names were printed on a label for the front slot of the boxes for that little special touch. I can’t say enough about Hobby Lobby when it comes to wrapping, there were sales on top of coupons for everything I needed! This is pretty much all year, not like these boxes were put together on Black Friday. I wrapped a thick braided ribbon and tucked an artificial piece of lavender in the knot and they were finally ready! When I added it all up, the total rang in just under $30.00. Think about that what you will, there are plenty of premade options that are around or a little more then what I spent. Then there are plenty of options that are more around $10.00. At the end of the day, I like what I gave my girls, I like that I made it, I picked the items and it was custom to my day.

With 3 bridesmaids and my maid of honor, this whole process was right around $100.00. this Isn’t to try and say look how much I spent or oh look how I saved, this is just a reference. A real-world application of how much It can cost to build a Pinterest ready bridesmaids box.

Spending the money and having a big wedding versus going to the courthouse it’s a difference of opinions, plain as politics. Neither is better than the other. EVERY bride is entitled to make her wedding the way she wants it to be to the best of her abilities. Bride to Bride and Planner to Bride, Don’t let anyone make you feel bad about your decision about what type of wedding you want to have. Enjoy this time, don’t let your haters kill your bridal buzz.

-ML

The Mom bag: National Handbag day

As big a fad that Mom jeans have become, wouldn’t it make sense that a well-stocked “mom bag” is right behind it? While this probably isn’t the case, in honor of national handbag day, I am here to share the insides of my bag on a daily basis.

Since Middle school, my purse has been stocked with the essentials. While my definition of “essentials” may have changed over the years, my bag is still always stocked for the female emergency. Every single purse I own has four things at all times; A pen, feminine products, at least two bobby pins and business cards. Stocking all my bags only took about an hour one rainy Sunday. So if you ever needed to thank that woman in the restroom who had an extra tampon for you, I’ll be accepting our thank yous on behalf of us all. And happily respond with “you’re welcome, anytime!”

While these items live permanently in every day I have, there are a handful of things that I move from bag to bag, but always have with me.

2018 essentials:

Batiste dry shampoo Lotion (Bath and body works always clutch)

Sunnies Hand Sanitizer ( also a bath and Body works necessity)

Ibuprofen Chapstick and or lip gloss

Cash Mints or gum (usually left over from a restaurant)

I take after my nana who has always carried so much in her purse, she by far has the heaviest purse at any given time. While my sister and mom always mocked her for how heavy it was, I now see we are one in the same. Mock us now, until you need ibuprofen at brunch or a dollar to get through the toll on the way home. I may not always have it together, but I can fake it for a while with some magic from my purse. Happy National handbag day you purse loving people!

-ML

October To Do: RVA

My love of events goes further than just planning, I love to attend events as well! I have always been the girl who wants to be involved, go to all the festivals, see all the shows, do all the bar crawls. When I met my, now fiancee, one thing that really brought our relationship to another level was that he also loved to go to everything, we aren’t homebodies when it comes to the weekends. Fall is the best time of year for “event season.” Everyone is having fall festivals, pumpkin pickings, flee markets etc. Then it bleeds seamlessly into the holiday season of haunted houses, costume contests and then before you know it, BOOM it’s Christmas! So I always make a list and mark my calendar of all the things I want to do this season. I decided this year to share my list of a bunch of fun events happening around town that won’t leave you with a single dull moment this October!

Haunted History at Tuckahoe Plantation – Sunday, October 28, 2018, at 4 PM – 7 PM

Goochland County Fall Festival – Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 12 PM – 4 PM

Busch Gardens Hallowscream- September 15th- Oct- 28th

Gourds, Goblets and Ghouls, Hanover Vegetable Farm – October 13th and 14th

The State Fair of Virginia, with Scotty McCreery October 7th 7:00 PM

RVA Makerfest– Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 10 AM – 5 PM

Scott’s Addition Pumpkin Festival– Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 12 PM – 6 PM

Richmond Folk Festival- Sunday, October 14, 2018 at 12 PM – 6 PM

Barktoberfest- Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 12 PM – 6 PM

I hope you enjoy this BOOtastic month, who knows, I may even see you out around town. I’ll be living my best life with all these fall events!

-ML

RVA Coffee Guide: Inspiring Places

Coffee, Coffee, and more Coffee. That’s what my week, day, life runs on. I can get all the sleep in the world and still want my coffee as soon as I wake up. My overly sweetened coffee has become part of my routine. Along with my coffee, my “office” situation is pretty routine. I sit sideways on the couch for half the day, then move to a desk in our living room unless I am working my flat lay magic. For my fellow boss babes who work from home, it can get a little mundane working from the same place you watch movies, drink wine and entertain people. So when being at home too long has killed the creative spirits, I love to hunt down more coffee and sit in a place that gets those creative juices flowing. I wanted to share with you some of my favorite hideouts with the best coffee and treats!

Sugar and Twine!

Cozy and cool are the first two words that come to mind when I think about Sugar and Twine. Conveniently located just a few blocks up from my house, on Cary Street, this gem has become one of my favorites!

Iced coffee is my go-to drink, with either a snicker-doodle cookie or chocolate croissant on the side and I am a happy girl! My spot is by the window, I love seeing the creative characters walk by on Cary. This place is always packed with other hard-working people, which I find inspiring. I once walked from my apartment in 6 inches of snow to go and sit, have a coffee and get some work done and it was still packed! I love that for them though, just proof that this is a good place, for coffee, work, friends, and just being inspired!

The VMFA: The BEST Cafe

I am not just hyping up the VMFA when I say BEST, that’s literally the name, but they aren’t wrong, it’s awesome! I have loved the VMFA since I was 16 years old. My fashion dreams were fueled more than ever when I took a summer fashion design program through the museum. I have been going ever since, to soak up creativity and also to have a glamorous coffee in a glass mug. Something about sitting in a white space or outside on the deck, that really gets the creative juices flowing.

Quirk Hotel

This has really become one of the gems or Richmond! It is so beautiful and girly, any boss babe would love it! Being able to shoot with She Shoots RVA here was such a pleasure. The Quirk has become a place of inspiration, celebration and a feeling of joy. Even if I grab a quick coffee to go, the signature “fuel the love cup”, keeps me going through the day!

It was such a pleasure shooting with Stephanie and making this feature post come to life! While you are making yourself at home, in your favorite coffee spot, be sure and scroll through her Instagram and find even more inspiration!

-ML

Falling for Fall

As women, we have the ability to create something out of nothing whenever we want. This is usually a trait that is used against us, but I ask you, “who do you think invented Fall as a holiday?” We have managed to turn a season into an event, that has the same about of hype, decor, planning, and events as Christmas. We are now into September and I am hearing the same things over and over again from my fellow #BossBabes, “Is it too soon to put up my fall decorations?” The answer is no, mine have been up since the last week in August.

So why are women so excited for Fall? For me, it is a time for new fashion statements, cute events like flee markets and apple picking, it’s the start of the holiday season! So I guess, somewhere down the line, ladies looked around and said: “let’s just go ahead and make this a reason to celebrate.” And why not? Fall is awesome!

So from someone who is so extra and very into planning, of course, I have plenty of fall decor that is scattered through my apartment. I wanted to share a few cute ways to decorate that won’t break the bank or look like you are trying too hard.

I am all for a DIY! This little project I made a few years back when I really had no money, being a recent graduate.

So won’t sugar coat this, this is a stick from my yard. I got some clearance sheer ribbon, a bag of fake leaves from Micheals, then hot glued them to the end of the ribbons. once dried I tied them to the stick and hung that bad boy up on a command hook. For a little extra sparkle, literally added some glitter to Modge Podge and painted the leaves before gluing them down. Adds a little extra sparkle and also makes the leaves look crisp like they were kissed by the fall air!

I found these apothecary jars at a yard sale, such a good find! Now I keep one on my bar cart year round for my seasonal decor. For fall it becomes an easy way to get that cozy fall look. I got two sleeves of plastic little pumpkins from Target and boom, done! Insider tip, my first year I filled them with real mini pumpkins and gourds and unfortunately the real veggies fog up the jar if the lid is left on, hence where the plastic pieces came in.

A festive centerpiece for your coffee table or kitchen table is one of my favorites! I’m kind of obsessed with this! Michaels sells styrofoam hollow pumpkins and tall glass candles. Measure the width of the candle base that will sit down inside the pumpkin. with a knife, cut the top of the pumpkin. Before you put the candle inside, you can always do a little extra Modge podge with glitter down the sides like I did, because I am so extra!

So if you’re a fall fanatic, like myself, I hope these tips will come in handy! I would love to see your fall decor, I am always looking for new ideas! So go ahead ladies, enjoy every Pumpkin spiced latte, snuggle into every sweater and crunch every leaf!

-ML

Work with me

Meghan Butcher

Richmond, VA

Stylist. Content Creator. Wedding Planner.

The Dirty Blonde stylist was created out of a love to create things that are beautiful. From weddings, parties, product photography, and wardrobe styling, there are unlimited opportunities to make ordinary moments sparkle! Serving my clients is my primary focus, whether that’s creating social media content for you or planning your big day, I am here for you and I would love to work with you!

For inquiries about weddings, content creation or anything style related, shoot me an email at Thedirtyblondestylist@gmail.com. Be sure to let me know what pricing info you are looking for in the subject line. I can’t wait to hear from you!

I love collaborations and getting to know your story. Think we would work well together or have an awesome idea for a shoot? Shoot me an email at Thedirtyblondestylist@gmail.com

Meet the Pre-Fall Fanatic

Yep that’s me! I am obsessed with Pre- Fall! Ever since I started my fashion design studies at Radford, my favorite collection to research was pre-fall. I was always able to find endless inspiration for sketches and new designs, not only for the fall but it just seemed to work for every season. Since then, I have been obsessed with a very specific time of year that I call, Pre-fall. Here in Virginia, there is a certain time of year between late August and early September, where the wind blows just right, the sun is just bright enough and the temperature is just cool enough to create…PRE-FALL weather. Just to give you an example of that you wear on a day like this, it’s like shorts and a thin sweater or three quarter length top. It’s those open toed suede booties that look so fall but you’d freeze your toes off if you actually wore them in October. Those pieces that are only able to be worn when the weather is just right, every girl has at least one piece!

To celebrate this awesome time of year rolling in, I wanted to highlight some of the key trends for fall that are going to be everywhere you look.

1.That 90’s throwback

Everyone from Target to Versace has embraced the 90’s valley girl plaid. If you haven’t been to Target lately, a new brand called Wild Fable has leapt into the Young contemporary department. The brand is divided into multiple sections, one literally called the Throwback. Filled with the yellow clueless plaid mini skirts, black stretch fuzzy crop tops and fanny packs for days, this brand has proven to be right on trend. Not only Target, but these primary colors, cropped pieces and fanny packs are everywhere this fall!

2. Leopard

The way Rachel Zoe says Leopard is my favorite, Leo-Pard, it is forever pronounced that way in my head now. I agree with what she says about it as well, “I think every woman should own a piece of leopard, but not every woman will wear leopard.”

It’s a bold and brave print, ill admit that. But I honestly think every woman should have the confidence to carry herself in leopard. Even if its something small like her shoes or lining of her coat. Small touches of that animal instinct tend to rub off on a person, releasing that inner confidence we all need sometimes.

3. Mauve florals

I love this, it’s the perfect hybrid of a spring trend in fall! Those dark forest colors on flowers is just everything! I have never been one to mix prints often, ill be honest, it scares me. I have never been one of those girls who can put on multiple prints and be totally confident with how it looks, I normally feel I look more clownish then chic. This moody romantic trend is perfectly paired with solid colors or for the brave, even other prints.

4.Pops of Pastels

I’ll be honest, when i saw lilac and pastels coming back into The Who What Wear collection I was so confused. It is popping up everywhere in unexpected ways, ankle boots, in trench coats and all the accessories giving that Easter feel in the middle of October. This trend is all about styling and how to use bold pieces to accent you’re already fabulous looks!

5. Femininity

In the peak of the “Me too” Movement, it is no surprise that designers have heard the call towards a more feminine look. This took shape of flowing dresses, longer hem lines and a romantic vibe to it all. The girly pastels, to the bohemian feel of the florals, they are all tied back to what a woman in today’s world wants to wear and feel good about being in. Fashion is what you wear, style is what who you are.

Your personal style transcendence to your business, your home and of course your wardrobe. Remaining authentic to your style is how we stand out and what makes us different. What makes trends so fun, is interrupting them into your own language. So here’s to translating the best and the bold into your own personal look!

-ML

RVA Hot Spot: Tang and Biscuit

Oh RVA you beautiful city, constantly moving and changing while maintaining the same sense of home in every new place. I definitely take for granted where I live, I have been surrounded by the city and all it has to offer all my life. I am so lucky to now live in the heart of it all, the museum district. A hop-skip away from downtown, Scott’s addition or the fan. There is no other city that would mean as much to me as Richmond.

It always surprises me when a new type of entertainment pops up. Places like River city roll, The Circuit, and now the newest to Scott’s Addition, Tang and Biscuit, a shuffleboard bar! The Owner, David Gallagher’s, mission is to create a place where you can put down your phones and really interact with each other.

David is a Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business alumnus, and the founder of the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation. This latest venture is designed to be fun for the everyone, from the families to the millennial’s! Creating a unique space that is the first of its kind in RVA.

Boy, did he ever succeed! This place is so interactive; with a warehouse-style layout, 10 shuffleboard lanes, additional board games on every table, plenty of seating and a private event space in the back filled with more games! Kick back and enjoy a drink from the 50 ft bar featuring beer, wine, and the signature Tang inspired cocktails.

For those of you who don’t know, in Shuffleboard, the pucks are called biscuit and the stick is the tang. This place is more than just a creative name but my favorite kind of play on words. What is a creative name without a fun interior? The building is painted an eye-catching blue, filled with RVA style murals inside. Makes a great photo Op for anyone!

This place is so fun, it’s such a high energy place that still makes you feel like you can hang out for a while. It’s truly a unique addition to the city! The Grand opening is Sunday, August 26th! Be sure to shuffle on down!

-ML

Dani and Eric’s “Summer Love”

On June 16th 2018, in Cliffton Forge Virginia, Dani and Eric said “I do” in an intimate ceremony surrounded by family and friends. As a wedding planner, I get to be a part of peoples most special day. I am like a fly on the wall to the love filled day. I felt so lucky to be a part of this small town love story come to life in such a beautiful wedding. They were married in Ridgely Historic Gardens. A perfect location for an intimate ceremony of family and friends! I was so obsessed with how this space turned out, with all the bridesmaids in a variety of mauve-purple gowns and flower crowns to complete the look. Beauties from start to finish, but seeing Dani walking arm and arm with her sister down the aisle was everything. When the moment allows you to make a long dramatic entrance, DO IT! Her walk along a hedge lined aisle was so beautiful and seeing Eric look at his bride the way he did, brought tears to everyone’s eyes.

From the Gardens the guests made their way right down the road to the Historic Masonic Theater . The space was separated into two venues of a cockatil hour and then the doors opened for the dramatic reveal of the reception space. I would describe their style as simplistic boho. The florals were mostly greenery, but when done correctly, it can be more than beautiful! Hanging hoops covered in greenery, simple bud vases on the tables and string lights across the ceiling!

The love of these two is God filled, family oriented, and meant to last forever. I am so blessed to have been a part of their day that they won’t soon forget. This June wedding was one of my favorites, from the small touches, good home cooking, and wonderful people, you couldn’t have asked for a better time!

For this particular event, I served as essentially a 6 month coordinator. I helped with planning aspects from major details to the small touches. There are no two brides who need the exact same things, that’s why most of what I do is custom to the couple, including pricing. Looking for your custom wedding and event planner, reach out! I would love to hear from you!

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Meghan Butcher

Richmond, VA

Stylist. Content Creator. Wedding Planner.

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