Girls Night In at 506 Lofts

Photos || Jessica Steddom

Girls night in at one of the coolest downtown Nashville lofts??? Yes and YES!  It didn't take long for me to say yes when Blogger friend Alexis of Alexis Teichmiller asked me to join her and Larz (Blogger of Livin Like Larz) for a girls night in at 506 Lofts in downtown Nashville.

This busy Momma needs girls nights on the regular and being able to spend the night away while my Hubby held down the fort was just what I needed.  And after all, knowing Alexis and Larz, I knew the night would be so much fun and time well spent.

We arrived at our loft, #303, in the early evening and we quickly found ourselves settling in.  The loft was AMAZING...industrial rustic with a modern edge and it incorporated lots of Tennessee touches too!  Many of the furniture pieces are handmade by local craftsmen and the art is fabulous!

It didn't take long for us to plop down and dive into a variety of topics.  We talked a lot about blogging (that's what Blogger's do when they get together) but we also talked about so many other personal topics as well.  The conversation was amazing and we ended up laughing so much.  Talk about inspiration and fueling one's soul...wow!

We also cooked, we ate, and we drank wine...the perfect girls night in!

Whether you live locally and are thinking of a staycation or you are traveling in for a visit, you should definitely check out 506 Lofts and consider staying in one of their gorgeous unique spaces.  They are located right downtown so you can walk to everything!   Plus staying in one of their lofts would be such a different experience (great experience I should add) rather than staying in a hotel.  Something to think about next time you stay downtown Nashville!

As always, thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a great day!

Getting Back On The Horse in My Sweaty Betty

Photos || Madi Flournoy Henderson

LOW TIDE REVERSIBLE RUN TANK C/O || TRIPLE JUMP SHORTS C/O 

Falling off the horse is easy but getting back on can be difficult.  For those of you who consistently follow along with KBStyled, you know that I've been on a weight loss, health improvement, physical fitness journey since January 1st of this year, which means following a Whole 30 plan and working out 5-6 days a week.  

For those of you who may be new to KBStyled, first off WELCOME, I'm so happy to have you and secondly, you can read more about why I'm on this journey HERE.

I am now 6 months into this journey and although it has been going very well, it hasn't come easy...there have been many bumps in the road along the way.  I've worked hard and I've seen results...I can pat myself on the back and feel proud.  That feeling of accomplishment and seeing how far I've come and where I may be able to go on this journey keeps me going.

However, I've recently fallen off of the horse.  It all started with vacation...Peter and I went to Aruba (just the two of us...ahhhh, I am daydreaming about Palm Beach as I write this) and I knew before we even arrived in Aruba that I would allow myself to "cheat" my Whole 30 plan while there.  After all, vacation is vacation and I couldn't truly "vacation" without taking advantage of happy hour and drinking fruity YUMMY calorie filled frozen drinks every day and eating delicious food!

Overall, I did really well while on vacation...we worked out every other day while there, I always ate a healthy breakfast, and a healthy (Whole 30) approved lunch.  Dinner was a different story...I allowed myself to have whatever I wanted, which included lots of cheesy pasta, wine, fruity cocktails, AND dessert every single night!  All things that I had not had in MONTHS.  But it tasted soooooooo good!  p.s if you ever visit Aruba, you MUST go to Giovanni's and try their spaghetti formaggio...one of the best pasta dishes I have ever had.

We indulged ourselves while in Aruba and it felt good...I deserved it after all and I told myself that as soon as we arrived home, I would be back to my stringent rules and guidelines around what I ate.  Did that happen, NOPE, it sure didn't.

For about another week and a half after arriving home I was eating many "no no" foods and I wasn't working out as often as I should have been.  We were going through a bit of a stressful time with our house hunt right after Aruba and because I'm a stress eater, I began making poor choices...I had really fallen off the horse and I began second guessing my ability to get back on.

Even though it was only about a week and a half, enough became enough.  My body definitely felt the difference in my diet.  My stomach was always upset, I began having headaches again, I was feeling tired, and my overall mental state was not as great as it had been.  What I was eating was wreaking havoc on my body.  I was ashamed that I had allowed myself to eat so poorly and seek out those foods that I've worked so hard to cut out.

There was no other choice but to get back up on the horse.  Getting back to the basics and centering my focus and attention on exactly what's gotten me to this place in my journey so far.

Basics for me include tracking my daily progress using numbered post it notes, drinking loads of water, consuming only those foods that provide fuel and health benefits to me, and sticking to my workout routine.  It all sounds pretty simple but I also have to work through stress in a different way than I ever have before (no more stress eating here).

It feels great to be back on the horse.  I've come to realize that I can't allow myself too many "cheats" along the way because when I do, I end up craving more and more.  Of course I will continue to cheat every once in a while but I just won't do it every day like I had been most recently.

Moving forward...the journey continues!

And we must talk about this amazing Sweaty Betty gear!  Their new post-workout essentials are made for a luxe cool down.  I'm wearing gear from their "Summer Run" collection...loving these fun vibrant shorts and I'm completely obsessed with this reversible run tank!  The material is breathable and wicks away sweat all the while keeping you dry.  If you haven't checked out Sweaty Betty, you definitely should!

Thanks so much for letting me share a bit about the challenges I've recently faced on this journey of mine!  I'm sure many of you can relate...falling off and working hard to get back on.

As always, thanks for stopping by...have a great day!

Flower Power Floral Romper

Photos || Catherine Truman

ROMPER C/O || HEELS || BAG C/O || WATCH C/O || NECKLAC C/O 

Fun flirty floral rompers have become a "thing" for me lately.  They are fun to wear and I love that they can easily be dressed up or dressed down.

This "Liz Flower Power" floral romper immediately caught my eye because of the neutral backdrop and the amazing vibrant floral print.  The belt accentuates the waistline and the 3/4 sleeves makes it feel a bit more casual...almost like wearing shirtdress.

Complete this look with a pair of nude heels, a nude bag, and a few simple accessories.  Make it more daytime appropriate with a pair of lace up sandals or nude cork wedges.

 Who else loves wearing rompers this time of year?!

By the way, if you haven't gone to see "Finding Dory" yet, you totally should...it is so cute!  I think Peter and I enjoyed it just as much if not more than the kids. ;-)

Hope you all have a great start to your week and as always, thanks so much for stopping by!

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OBSESSED WITH VICI

Photos || Madi Flournoy Henderson

ICE BLUE ILLY DRESS FROM VICI C/O || HILLSDALE WRAP MAXI DRESS FROM VICI C/O || SANDALS C/O

I've fallen hard for VICI and I'll tell you why!  It's pretty simple...they have the most AMAZING unique pieces at SUPER AFFORDABLE prices...enough said?!

I had not heard of VICI until recently but I'm soooo glad that I know of them now...they will be one of my go to destinations when looking for beautiful pieces that you won't find in every department store or on every online boutique.

The ice blue Illy dress is such a fun flirty number with beautiful detailing...how fantastic is the neckline?!  It's so light and airy...the perfect summertime dress.  For a size reference, I'm wearing a size small and this beauty is only $54!!!

And stop the press...the Hillsdale floral wrap maxi dress is a complete show stopper, jaw dropper!  The print is bold yet super feminine and the wrap style is figure flattering.  Obviously, there is a bit of peek-a-boo taking place but it is elegantly done.  This dress offers the perfect balance of elegance and sexiness.  I'm also wearing a size small in this dress.

I dare you to visit VICI's site and browse around...I can guarantee that you will find numerous pieces that you love.  I've got several pieces in my cart right now...just trying to decide what else I should add!  Decisions, decisions. 

It's Friday y'all...time to celebrate!

As always, thanks so much for stopping by and have a great day!  Cheers to the weekend ahead!

Skincare with Ren Dermatology + A Giveaway

Photos | Madi Flournoy Henderson

I'm switching gears today and talking about skincare with Ren Dermatology!

In my late 20's, after having our son, I started to pay more attention to my skin.  I quickly realized that I had not been taking care of my skin the way that I should have been and that I needed to make some rather drastic changes in my skincare routines.

It was also at this time that I had to have a few spots removed...being pre-cancerous, it was so important to take care of those spot without delaying.  This was certainly a wake up call for me and I knew that going to see a Dermatologist once a year for a full body check would need to be a part of my new skincare routines.  Unfortunately, I spent years and years baking in the sun and my skin began showing signs of the damage in my late 20's.

After moving to Nashville, I was lucky enough to have a friend refer me to Ren Dermatology.  Dr. Jennifer Lee has a STELLAR reputation so I knew that I would be in great hands under the care of her and her team.

During my visit with Dr. Lee she assessed my skin, reviewed my skincare routines, and began making recommendations for how I could not only improve my routines but also see a significant difference in the appearance and texture of my skin.

For over 10 years I have used a skin lightening product called Hydroquinone.  Although I love this product, it was time to switch things up and try Lytera and I can say that I am so thrilled that I did!  Lytera is a hydroquinone free lightening/brightening product that works beautifully on dark spots, acne scars, etc.  And you can buy it without having to have a prescription, unlike Hydroquinone.  

I also started using SkinMedica's "Total Defense and Repair".  It's so important to wear a daily sunscreen, especially on your face, and what I love most about this sunscreen is that it is tinted and it absorbs quickly without leaving your skin greasy or sticky.  I always put this on before putting on my foundation...it makes a great base coat!

I've been using both Lytera and SkinMedica's "Total Defense & Repair" for a few months now and I couldn't be happier with the results.

If you live in the Nashville area and are in the market for a Dermatologist, I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Lee!  Not only is she fantastic but her team is fantastic as well.  Many times that I have been into the office for various skincare needs, I often times see Nurse Practitioner, Meleah Johnston, who is amazing as well!

I'm so excited to share with those of you who live in Nashville and the surrounding areas that Dr. Lee has so graciously offered to giveaway a skincare package to one lucky supporter of both KBStyled and Ren Dermatology!  We will be giving away a bottle of Lytera,  a bottle of SkinMedica's "Total Defense & Repair", as well as a chemical peel!

Entering this amazing giveaway is super easy...just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter tool below!  The giveaway will run until Wednesday, July 6, 2016 and a winner will be announced shortly after that.  PLEASE note that you MUST live in Nashville or the local surrounding areas to be eligible to win...best of luck!

As always, thanks so much for stopping by and please let me know if you have any questions about today's post!  And thank you for supporting those brands and businesses that support KBStyled!

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Jess Lea Boutique Lace Up Top

Photos || Madi Flournoy Henderson

TOP C/O (USE CODE KBSTYLED FOR A DISCOUNT) || DENIM SHORTS || SANDALS C/O || HAT || WATCH C/O (USE CODE KBSTYLED FOR A DISCOUNT) || RING

Casual weekend style made simple with this soft lace up top from Jess Lea Boutique.  It's the perfect casual top to front tuck into a pair of distressed denim shorts, wear with a pair of flatforms, and a great wide brim straw hat.  This particular look has become one of my go-to weekend looks.  It's just so simple yet so put together!

p.s you can shop anything from Jess Lea Boutique and use code "kbstyled" for a discount!

As always, thanks so much for stopping by and have a great day!

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New York & Company Maxes Out with Summer Dresses

Photos || Madi Flournoy Henderson

DRESS C/O || CUFF BRACELET C/O || WATCH C/O || EARRINGS || RING || WEDGES

Summer is here and it is starting to get hot, hot, hot!  I'm all about comfort during these hot summer months but I don't like to sacrifice style for comfort.  So what do I do?!  I wear maxi dresses a TON during the summer and I'm rather smitten with NY&Co's new collection of summer maxi dresses.

This blue halter maxi dress is one of my favorites from their new collection!  It's one of those dresses that you just throw on and go without much fuss.  It is beyond comfortable and because it is polyester and not cotton, the material lays so nicely and doesn't cling to your body.  I don't know about you, but I don't like maxi dresses that cling to me or show whats underneath through the fabric...catch my drift?!

What I also LOVE about this dress is that it doesn't need to be ironed...I'm not kidding!  It is one of those dresses that you can pack, unpack, hang up, and then throw on.  I can't help but still have vacation on my mind and how perfect this dress would have been for our recent trip to Aruba!  It will just have to go on our next vacation with me. ;-)

Not to mention, the tribal print on the straps adds such fun visual interest to this dress as well!  The straps are stretchy but tight enough to offer plenty of support.  Throw on a pair of sunnies and a statement cuff and you are ready to go!  p.s this dress also comes in orange!

Head to NY&Co to check out their new arrivals...I guarantee you will find a few must have pieces for your summer wardrobe!

As always, thanks so much for stopping by and have a great day!

New York & Company is also having a contest June 10th through June 27th! Take a pic of your favorite NY&C outfit and share your look on Instagram using #ReadySetSummerContest for your chance to win a $5,000 shopping spree!! Plus, you could win a daily $50 gift card and be featured in our emails to be seen by millions! Must be 18 or older to enter and live in the US. Visit nyandcompany.com/nyco/ReadySetSummerContest for more sweeps details.

*This post was sponsored by NY & Company via Shopping Links, but all opinions are 100% my own.

Goodnight Macaroon Flash Sale Tuesday

 Photos || Catherine Truman Photo

B&W LACE DRESS C/O || RED PALM PRINT DRESS C/O || WHITE LACE DRESS C/O || FLORAL ROMPER C/O || WHITE BELL SLEEVE BLOUSE C/O || HEELS

DON'T MISS OUT on Goodnight Macaroon's "Flash Sale Tuesday"!  Every piece that I'm wearing in today's post will be featured in their sale and even better, they will be marked down up to 50% off!  The sale will run from 9am EST this morning until 12am PST Thursday.  Don't delay to ensure your size is available!

If you are anything like me, I live for a great sale.  Finding gorgeous pieces that are marked down is my jam...I'm a bargain shopper, what can I say.  

Couple of things to note...their pieces run TTS but I do recommend that you read through their size chart as well.  The red palm print dress has no stretch so keep that in mind.

Let me know if you have any questions about these looks and also let me know which Goodnight Macaroon pieces you end up ordering!

As always, thanks so much for stopping by...have a great day!

JTV Pearl Earring Giveaway

Photos || Madi Flournoy Henderson

**This post is sponsored by JTV. I was paid for this post and received a JTV jewelry piece for myself and one to giveaway.

A ragged rough grain of sand is transformed over time, slowly growing into an object of great value and beauty...the PEARL!  A pearl symbolizes honesty, purity, wisdom, and integrity.  

From a very young age, I would spend time looking through my Mom's jewelry box.  I was always trying on her pieces and asking her if I could "have them".  "One day" she would say.    And I remember her telling me how classic and timeless pearls have always been.  Pearls are a piece that every woman should have in her jewelry box. 

My Mom gave me my first set of pearl earrings and my first pearl necklace and I have them in a special place to gift to our daughter one day.  Because of their classic and timeless qualities, wearing my pearls has always made me feel like a true southern belle.

And did you know that the birthstone for the month of June is in fact a pearl?!  JTV has the most beautiful selection of pearls...from earrings, to bracelets, to necklaces you can find a very special piece for yourself or for someone special.  And even better, their pieces are super affordable yet high quality!

I'm wearing a pair of their gorgeous pearl drop earrings!  I love the classic look of these earrings.  The pearl is large enough to stand out and I love that they dangle ever so slightly.  I'm also so excited to share that JTV.com will be giving away a pair of these earrings to one of my supporters as well.  Entering is easy...just click on this LINK and follow the instructions to enter.

NO PURCHASE NECCESSARY.  Ends 6/21/16 at 11:59:59 p.m PT.  Open to legal residents of the US/DC who are 18+ years of age.  For full details, see Official Rules.  Winners will be contacted on or about June 27, 2016.

So tell me, do you own any pearls and if so, do you remember the story behind receiving them?!

As always, thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

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SUMMER LOVIN' IN MATILDA JANE

Photos || Madi Flournoy Henderson

MOMMY & DAUGHTER LOOKS: C/O MATILDA JANE

My Photographer may just think I am crazy.  She says she doesn't but how could she not?!  Shooting pictures with two rambunctious kiddos who only want to run wild and free is like trying to corral wild horses.  Not saying that I've ever done that, but I can only imagine what that would be like and well, it seems like a logical comparison.  Not to mention, trying to keep my cool and not turn into "that crazy Mommy" was well...again, my Photographer may think I'm crazy. 

They feed off of each other...one does this so the other has to follow.  It's like their own little language.  They communicate through looks at one another and don't even have to speak.  Next thing you know, its like they made a joint decision pathologically and they are off in the distance executing the exact plan they just put in place.

"Get back here" I call and in the opposite direction they go!  Now don't get me wrong, they are good listeners and the mind me (most of the time) but when taken to a beautiful wide open space to shoot pictures all the while telling them that they can't run around and play...well, that's like dangling a carrot in front of a horse, or rabbit, or donkey.  You get what I'm saying.

So what did we end up doing...we played!  They ran, they picked flowers, they twirled, they searched for one live animal to feed something to, and we tickled.  Mostly, we laughed and had such a great time (at least once I told "that crazy Mommy" to take a hike).  

Let it go and let it be I told myself.  As I look back at these images (there are tons more where these came from), I remember all of the giggles that we shared and I think the pictures beautifully captured the fun we were having.

We were just comfortable being ourselves.  And I've got to say that my look from Matilda Jane is one of the most comfortable no fuss looks I've worn in a long time.  I just love how relaxed I felt wearing this outfit!  And Addison's look is just DARLING if I say so myself.  She felt so special wearing her outfit and coordinating with me.  Plus, anything that twirls well gets an A+ in her book!

So next time you are thinking of taking photos with your little ones, remember to have as much fun as possible...everyone's genuine happiness will shine through.  And check out Matilda Jane for some gorgeous coordinating Mommy & Me looks!

It's Friday y'all...enjoy!  And as always, thanks so much for stopping by...have a great day!