Weekly Whistle: Summer Fun with R. Tabb & Co

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On my recent trip back to the home-state, I stopped by one of my favorite boutiques in Starkville, Mississippi–R. Tabb & Co.. When I was living in Mississippi several years ago, I did a Town & Gown Magazine event at R. Tabb where I first fell in love with the clothing store. I totally stalked my own blog to find the photo below of Rebecca Tabb and I three years ago. Goodness gracious–hard to believe it was that long ago! Time flies when you’re having fun! How cliche am I *wink*

The VIP with owner of R. Tabb & Co, Rebecca Tabb in 2012.
The VIP with owner of R. Tabb & Co, Rebecca Tabb in 2012. Check out a blog blast from the past here.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at this week’s Weekly Whistle outfit below which features some fabulous Mississippi fashions and accessories! Be sure to come back tomorrow, too, for an awesome Three Ways to Wear Thursday featuring another R. Tabb buy–woo hoo! *happy dance* The VIP loves and misses R. Tabb & Co. 

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Tank: R. Tabb & Co (Starkville, Mississippi)

Shorts: Shellz Boutique (Jonesborough location)

Hat: Blu Gertrude (made in Mississippi)

Wedges: Jessica Simpson, Belk

Long necklace (blue): BROLIN & BAILEY CO. (GREENEVILLE, TENNESSEE)

Crystal necklace: gifted 

Short necklace (662): Aspen Bay (Starkville, Mississippi) –this necklace is a reminder of where my roots are, in Mississippi. The “662” is the telephone area code for where I grew up :)

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

 

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Weekly Whistle: Beach Vibes | Coral and Turquoise in Jonesborough

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Even though I am not beaching-it-up on the Carolina coast or Gulf Shores like a lot of my friends, that doesn’t mean I cannot channel my inner boho beach babe with this week’s Weekly Whistle!

Since I can’t make it to the beach, I am embracing some true beach vibes with coral and turquoise! So, join me as I daydream about sitting in the sand while listening to Kenny Chesney with this week’s Miami-inspired outfit of the week 

Photos taken in Jonesborough, Tennessee with iPhone 6s.

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Dress: Shellz (Jonesborough location)

Long Necklace: Brolin & Bailey (Greeneville, TN)

Short Necklace: “borrowed” from mom’s closet

Heels: Jessica Simpson, Belk

Earrings: Hearts of Stone

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Weekly Whistle: How to Dress for Hot-Cold Weather in Style

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Is it just me, or does it seem like winter weather keeps creeping into the forecast? *sigh* I am so ready for consistently hot weather; however, it seems nowhere in sight. So, how do we fabulous fashionistas dress-to-impress in this outrageously hot-cold weather? WELL…I am so glad you asked *wink* 

We all have a winter-to-spring wardrobe, but it is all about knowing what to do and how to do it. So, for this week’s fabulous Weekly Whistle, I am going to show y’all a simple outfit on how-to dress for hot-cold weather in style + give a few VIP quick tips. So, without further ado, let’s get this party started! *hit it DJ!*

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Sweater: GAP

Shorts: Shellz (Jonesborough, TN)

Heels: Nine West, Outlet Shoppes of Grand River (Leeds, AL)

Necklace: Brooke Morgan Designs (Louisville, MS)

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  • Play It Slow: Think about your transitional outfit like a crush on a cute, shy guy–you don’t want to jump in too quickly and make things awkward, so you play it step-by-step. Now, in the case of an outfit, you do not want to run straight into wearing light sun dresses and open-toe sandals, so reach for a cute pair of colorful shorts and a chunky sweater instead. This gives you a fabulously springy look without freezing to death when the wind blows *wink* 
  • Be a Layering Queen: I am the worst at this because growing up in the Deep South, layering was never really needed; however, living in Northeast Tennessee has taught me the power of knowing how to layer–especially when the seasons are changing. It is important during hot-cold weather to plan an outfit layer-by-layer in order to be comfortable from day to night. It is best to think about your outfit in segments, so that as the temperature rises throughout the day, you can shed your layers and show your true, spring colors! And when the temperature goes down with the sun, you can easily add back a light jacket or cardigan to stay all warm and cozy. :)

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

 

Three Ways to Wear the Deals You Got at Gabe’s

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One thing I absolutely LOVE is a good deal–I mean, who doesn’t?! *wink* So, when I went shopping at the grand opening of Gabe’s in Johnson City, Tennessee, I was in heaven! There were so many fabulous items for fabulous prices that it was hard to choose which items I wanted to add to my wardrobe. Honestly, I would have added SO many more; however, I kept myself on a budget just to see what all I could get *wink*

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For just $50, I walked away with three of the items in this blog post–a blazer, printed shorts, and a Vince Camuto blouse (originally $129–got it for $24.99). AHH! I still cannot believe I got a Vince Camuto blouse for over $100 off! 

Now, without further ado, let’s take a look at three ways to wear the deals you can get at Gabe’s! It’s “unbelievable!” See what I did there *wink, wink* *nudge, nudge*

Look 1:

Wild Card

professional pattern-clasher

One thing I love about discount department stores like Gabe’s is there is such a wild variety of clothes–patterns, styles, brands, etc. It makes it SO EASY to find and put together wild-card outfits like this one. Even if a piece you love is a season behind, you can easily mix it with new items or items you already own to create a funky outfit that fits your awesome fashion sense! It’s all about wearing the ensemble with confidence!

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Jacket: Gabe’s (Johnson City)

Tank: Express 

Shorts: Gabe’s (Johnson City)

Wedges: Lucky Brand, Belk 

Handbag: Issac Mizarhi, Gabe’s (Johnson City)

Earrings: BluGertrude, Deep South Pout (Starkville, MS)

Bracelet: Deep South Pout

Look 2: 

College Casual

Being in college, I have had to learn how to blend casual and comfort with cute and dressy. So, for this look, I combined a super soft Explore Downtown Johnson City graphic tee (get your own here!) with printed shorts + wedges and layered accessories to create a college-town look with a dressier vibe. 

TIP: The key to mastering College Casual is accessorizing. A little arm candy can go a LONG way when trying to step-up the look of a basic, comfy outfit.

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Tee: Explore Downtown Johnson City

Shorts: Gabe’s (Johnson City)

Wedges: Blowfish, Marshall’s (Bristol, TN)

Arm candy: BlueGrits, Etsy

Sunglasses: Ralph by Ralph Lauren, Sunglasses Hut

Look 3:

Red-Hot Night Out

My initial thought when I spotted this fabulously flowy top on the rack at Gabe’s was I would wear the blouse with skinny jeans and probably boots; however, once I decided it was meant to be mine *wink* and I brought it home…I had another idea. Now, wearing this blouse with black shorts is NOT rocket science; however, it gives the blouse a whole new look. Instead of the blouse being sexy, it is now more sassy and fun–like for a red-hot, girls’ night out *wink*

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Blouse: Vince Camuto, Gabe’s (Johnson City)

Shorts: Target

Heels: Jessica Simpson, Belk

Necklace: BluKatDesign, Etsy

Bracelets: BlueGrits, Etsy

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Beauty Tues: Naturally Curly Hair Hacks | Short Curly Hair

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Ah…natural curls. They are a blessing and a curse. Everyone tells you to straighten your curls while they are out getting perms or getting on Pinterest looking for curling iron hacks. So, don’t listen to the critics and feel like you have to slick down your curls–let them breathe! Embrace the beautiful craziness of your natural curls! *fist in air*

Now, you might be thinking I can’t wear my curls natural because the battle with frizz is too stressful! Trying to dry my curls takes too long! It’s an endless struggle because my curly strands have a mind of their ownTrust me–I know the struggle all too well; however, I have fabulous news for you! On this special post of VIP Beauty Tues, I am going to spill the beans about all of my top-secret naturally curly hair hacks! Okay–so maybe the tips and tricks aren’t top-secret or super ground-breaking…but they surely are helpful *wink*

SO, without further ado, let’s take a look at the VIP’s curly hair hacks that are perfect for girls with short curls *wink* 

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1. Talk to your stylist!

Before you make any drastic changes to your hair or hair routine, talk to your stylist about the best cut and products he/she recommends for YOUR curls.

If you have natural curls and friends with natural curls, you know that all curls have different textures, volume, and curl style (like spiral, wavy, messy, etc). So, it is important to consult a professional before lopping all of your hair off or deciding to try products (like oils) that could make your curls cooperate less than before…leaving you more frustrated and ready to schedule a blowout. *gasp* and we wouldn’t want that! 

My hair stylist, Courtney Bennet of Salon Confidence, always helps me choose the best length and layers to help me manage my natural curls while also making it easier and faster to get ready in the morning. Recently, I chopped my hair off the shortest it has ever been + for added attitude, Courtney cut it short in the back and long in the front. See photos above.

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2. Know Your Curl Type

This hack is pretty self-explanatory; however, it is very important to know your curl type because different curl types require different styling products and hair care. If you are uncertain of what your curl pattern is, refer to step one and talk with your stylist :)

**Do keep in mind that as we age and our hormones change, our curls can change too. I have noticed as I am getting older, my curls have gone from super spirals to a messy combo of waves and loose spirals. If your curls start to change like mine have with me, you can experiment with a new hair cut (like I am currently doing) in order to revive and manipulate your curl style. 

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3. Don’t Be Afraid to Use Heat!

I have had my fair share of hair stylists who encouraged me NOT to use heat when drying and styling my natural curls; however, I see better results with a hairdryer and diffuser than I do pin-curling and air-drying. 

Sure, drying curls on “hot” with a diffuser can cause damage; however, ways to prevent breakage, flyaways, and excess frizz include: anti-frizz sprays (like the one I mentioned on last week’s Beauty Tues), a conditioner made specifically for curly hair, and a weekly hair-repair mask. You can find all of these products online or at your local Walgreens/CVS!

4. Taming Frizz and Flyaways Without Product

Though taming frizz without products MIGHT sound impossible, trust me–it’s not! Two hacks I swear by are scrunchies/lose pony tail holders and dryer sheets. SAY WHAT?! How does that work? Well–let me explain *wink* 

If your curls are frizzing all over or your curls aren’t as peppy as usual after styling, take a few stretched-out pony tails and make loose buns in random places all over your head by starting at the roots and working your way to the back. Let the loose buns set for approximately 5 to 8 minutes then flip your head over and remove the pony tails. Once you have set your curls free, lightly shake out the curls with your fingers before flipping your head back up.

If this does not help with the frizz the first time, take a damp rag, lightly scrunch the ends of your curls, and repeat the process above.

Now, about the dryer sheet–

On cold days, I find that my curls often frizz and have lots of flyaways, so I figured out that dryer sheets are a need little trick for taming that craziness. I simply rub a dryer sheet on the problem areas and/or all over–and TAH DAH! Done. *presses Staples button* That was easy!

**This handy-dandy dryer sheet hack also works fabulously if  you’re straightening your natural curls and trying to tame static frizz without using styling pastes or heavy hair sprays.  

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5. Skip a Wash Once a Week

I am a total clean freak when it comes to my hair; however, I have learned the power of skipping a wash once a week. Because my hair tends to be quite oily when not washed everyday, I schedule my skip-a-wash day around my busy schedule + when I know I will be home with no plans on venturing out *wink*

Skipping a wash once a week gives your curls a break + allows the curls to “soak up” natural oils that can help keep your hair healthier longer. If your hair is oily like mine, I recommend using a clarifying shampoo the day after your skip-a-wash day in order to strip the excess oil and grime without damaging or over-drying your hair. 

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Now, go out and love your curls, girls *wink* Remember your curls are something to be proud of–not something to hide! :)

To see what products I use to style my natural curls, please check out the Beauty Tues post here.

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn