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Scarf Season

11/5/2015

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PictureJorjanne
Although there are things I can appreciate in every season, Fall has certainly become my favorite. I love the colors of the changing leaves, the smell of peanuts being dug from the earth, the taste of anything pumpkin spice, and of course, the drop in temperatures after a sweltering summer.

Here in the South, Fall arrives later than in other regions. We do our back-to-school shopping with thermometers reaching triple digits, so we buy shorts instead of blue jeans. Boots, blue jeans, and jackets are articles of clothing my children receive for Christmas. We do not purchase stuffed-animal-like or furry Halloween costumes for our children because we’re afraid they may suffer heat stroke while trick-or-treating.

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Usually, you can count on November to bring some Fall-ish weather, though it may not last. And, somehow, the heat and humidity that returns after such a cool spell feels even more oppressive than it did over the summer, even if the temperatures don’t rise nearly as high. Fall weather is tricky in the South, because you may dress for Fall in the morning, but by Summery mid-afternoon you feel as if you’re melting like the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. 

Enter my favorite article of my Fall wardrobe: the lightweight scarf! It’s the perfect accessory to keep you warm on those cool mornings, but it can easily be removed when the afternoon heat becomes too much to bear. I have quite a collection of lightweight scarves I wear throughout the fall and even into our mild winter. They add color, pattern, and texture to almost any outfit. Choose a bold pattern to make a plain-jane t-shirt come to life, or a solid color to accent a busy print. The easiest outfit is a solid color t-shirt or tank with skinny jeans and flats or booties. Add a printed scarf to match, a blazer or cardigan if you need it, and you look like fall even if the weather around you doesn’t feel like it!
Many people are intimidated by scarves because they don’t know how to tie them. There are many complicated ways to wear a scarf, but I usually stick to a couple of basic and easy-to-wear methods, depending on what type of scarf you are using. 

  1. Infinity scarf - Easy-peasy, don’t even have to think about it! Simply place the loop over your head, twist in front, then put second loop over your head. Done!
  2. Long rectangle scarf - Probably the most common style of scarf. Place scarf behind your neck with 1/3 hanging on one side and 2/3 on the other. Wrap long end around your neck, then adjust both ends to look even. Or, fold scarf in half lengthwise. Place behind your neck with ends on one side and fold on the other. Pull ends through the fold in front of your neck. Voila!
  3. Large square scarf - A little more involved, but very cute. Fold scarf in half to make a triangle. Place center point of triangle in front. Wrap both ends behind neck, then pull in front of shoulders.
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Check out Pinterest for some of our favorite scarves and how to wear them!
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Jorjanne's Favorite Beauty Products and Accessories

9/1/2015

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PictureJorjanne
We’ve recently had a few cooler mornings with a bit of a breeze that hints at the coming of fall. This has me dreaming of boots and scarves, though I know it will be a while before I can wear them. So, while I wait, here are a few of my favorite things to help transition my wardrobe into fall.

1. JERGENS® Natural Glow® +FIRMING Daily Moisturizer
To keep my summer glow (especially on my hard-to-tan legs), I use Jergens natural Glow+Firming Daily Moisturizer. Unlike other sunless tanning lotions, this looks natural instead of orange and splotchy. My legs stay soft and streak-free, so I can continue to stay cool in skirts and shorts until cooler weather is here to stay.

2. ALMAY’s smart shade cc cream™
I recently discovered Almay’s Smart Shade CC Cream, and I love it! It’s light, but provides great coverage, and it blends to match your skin tone, so it always looks natural.

3. Warby Parker glasses - Carnaby in Blue Coral
I had to get new glasses this summer, and I’m so glad I found out about Warby Parker! You can choose 5 frames from their website, and they’ll send them to you for free so you can try them out! Send the box back with all the frames, then order the ones you want with your prescription. Their prices are reasonable, even if you’re nearly blind like me and have to pay extra to make the lenses thin enough to be able to wear them. They also give a pair to someone in need for every pair that is purchased. How cool is that?!


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4. Stella & Dot Rebel Pendant in gold
Every time I wear this long necklace, I get the most compliments. Many people think it’s a whistle, I suppose to call my children, but I love it because it reminds me of the necklace Joan wears in the series “Mad Men.” It’s simple, goes with everything, and not too heavy. I have the gold pendant, but it is also available in silver and rose gold from Stella & Dot.

5. Stella & Dot Nancy Studs in gold
I just don’t feel completely dressed without earrings. Confession: sometimes, I even wear earrings to the gym. These are my go-to earrings for nearly any outfit: dressy, casual, even gym clothes. They are simple, but have just the right amount of sparkle to make me feel like I can handle anything, from a business dinner to a workout with my personal trainer!

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I also love the Stella & Dot Bianca earrings! I purchased these this spring and wore them quite often until I lost them in my car accident a few weeks ago. They are great because you can wear them as small hoops or as longer drop earrings. And, like the Nancy studs, they go with anything!


6. cinda b Saddle Bag
I began carrying a cross-body purse when my boys were small. It was so nice to have both hands free to hold their hands or to lift them into the stroller. Now they are big enough to walk on their own, but I still love having both hands free, especially when I’m shopping. The cinda b Saddle Bag is my all-time favorite cross-body purse, because it has room to hold all my essentials, and the flap keeps everything covered inside without having to deal with a zipper. The pocket in the back is perfect for keeping my phone and keys easily accessible. Best of all, it’s on sale now on the cinda b website! Of course, I purchased mine from Room 3A, located inside The Shoppes at Fourth and Cherry in Ocilla, Georgia.
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7. Oil of Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15
I learned from my grandmothers to age gracefully and be grateful for every day you’ve been given. I’m pretty sure that all my grandmothers used Oil of Olay moisturizer, and in the late years of their lives, they all had beautiful soft smooth skin. If it was good enough for all of them, it’s good enough for me! Of course, now Oil of Olay has added sunscreen for even more skin protection.

8. Stackable Bracelets
Since I am usually working in the kitchen all day, I don’t normally wear much jewelry every day. When I am able to dress up a little, a stack of pretty bracelets make my outfit feel complete and polished. These two have become some of my favorites, and you can purchase them here at The Southern Mercantile!
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10. Shiraleah White Rae Tote
I fell in love with the Shiraleah Rae Tote in white early this summer and purchased it from Expressions, located inside The Shoppes at Fourth and Cherry in Ocilla, Georgia. Of course, as a particularly clumsy, busy working mother of boys, I knew I was taking a risk carrying a white purse. I am proud to say that I kept this bag clean all summer - until my car accident. I am now looking for a fall version of the Rae tote, because it has been perfect! It stands up straight and keeps its shape, so I can find whatever I need in it, even at the bottom of the bag.
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Style Favorites--Transitioning into Fall

8/13/2015

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PictureTara
If you know me, you know my style is pretty simple.  I always have my nails painted, I love sandals, and my metal of choice is gold.  I picked up a few pieces this summer that I am excited to transition into Fall.  You'll see my favorites below and I'll tell you a little bit about each one.

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1.  OPI Nail Lacquer  "Suzi Takes the Wheel"
I just discovered this amazing color--is it green or is it grey?  It's both!  I love the subtle combinations in this polish.  I could wear this color over and over for weeks--and it's the perfect color with Fall right around the corner! You can find this polish along with many other of my favorites at Target.
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2.  Gap Racerback Muscle Tank
This tank is now a go-to.  It's available in a few colors-- I actually have it in white!  It's perfect for layering into the Fall, and I love the high neckline.  It makes me feel like I'm wearing a more sophisticated top.  It's now on sale at Gap for $14.99!
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3. Shiraleah Jolene Studded Crossbody Bag
This bag is actually from last season--but I LOVE it!  I have used this purse every day this year--it's so versatile and did I mention well made?  Even though you can't get this exact bag, I wanted you to know about this brand and their stylishly durable products!  Shop Amazon for a few similar styles.
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4. Stella and Dot Signature Engravable Bar Necklace
This necklace is a classic staple and sentimental piece.  I have to stop myself from wearing it everyday!  You can choose your engraving--dates, initials, you name it!  It is stylishly simple and sweet.  Shop Stella and Dot for this necklace as well as many other beautiful pieces.
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5. Steve Madden Aveery Flat Sandals
I found these adorable sandals online at Macy's after I was in desperate need of new shoes! (My sweet dog ate three pair in one week.)  
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I have loved them since I received them in the mail!  I have these shoes in white, but I want every color.  One good thing about the abundance of warm weather in the South is that you get to wear your sandals through the Fall!  I wish I had them in the "cognac" color you see above so I could wear them a little longer.  You can find a better selection of sizes and colors in this sandal by shopping SteveMadden.com.


I hope you've enjoyed a little glimpse into my closet and a few transition ideas for Fall!  This is the first of many style blogs to come--so let us know what you think about these favorites and what you'd like to see us feature in the future!

Shop our Style category for even more of our favorites!

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