Nouveau Nuptials x Solange

The social media-sphere exploded last night with wedding pictures of 

Solange Knowles + Alan Ferguson. 

I was all the way here for it + shamelessly stanning with each new pic so I decide to put together some Solange inspired wedding day pieces.

Killer Kimono

Kimono: Thrifted | Tank: Kohl's  

DIY cuffed Shorts: Urban Outfitters | Shoes: Charlotte Russe

The kimono.  A super versatile piece that makes it look like you put that much more effort into getting dressed. It just pulls everything together so nicely. I found this one during my most recent thrift store scavenge. 

This was one of those pieces where you've been searching high and low for "the one" and then BAM, it just seems to materialize right in front of you. The material is light and colorful, making it perfect for these final summer days, but it can easily be carried into fall with the right layering. I'm thinking a thicker t-shirt, nice distressed jeans and some brown boots. I'm getting excited just thinking about it....maybe a future blog post? We shall see.

Well I'm off to enjoy my day. I have two weeks off to just relax (which means run around town as much as possible), before I start working my first REAL job. *dances* I still can't believe it! 

XX

A Modern Belle

That New New

 Jacket: Zara | Booties: ASOS

Fall is approaching, although this Atlanta humidity seems to disagree with this notion. 

With a new season comes new additions to my wardrobe! 

I grabbed this baby blue leather jacket during the most recent Zara sale. It was originally $129 and I grabbed mine for $70! I had been stalking this jacket ever since it's original store debut, so when I spotted it across the store on the clearance, I knew it was meant to be. So romantic, right? Plus, this was a few days before my birthday and I decided to chalk the purchase up to a birthday gift to myself.

Boots are such a major part of my fall/winter wardrobe so I'm always on the hunt for the perfect pairs. I was "window" shopping online one day and saw these on ASOS. They were originally about $120 and because I was trying to be a "responsible adult" I told myself I would come back for them.  Of course, as fate would have it, I checked back a few weeks later and they were temporarily marked down to $80!!! They're quite comfortable, the print is amazing and they will add the perfect pop of color to my cold weather 'fits. 

Don't good deals just make you happy?

XX

A Modern Belle

A Modern Belle x Moments of Silence

Dress: Forever21 | Shoes: Charlotte Russe | Necklace: Vintage

My amazing friend, Greg Wilson, offered to shoot me a few months ago. 

This was something we'd both talked about for some time and I'm SO glad we finally made it happen.

The weather + lighting were glorious, Greg was making magic happen and one of my best friends, Alex (pictured above) joined me!

Greg is crazy talented at photography and someone I love being able to call my friend. 

Check out his work for his photography company, Moments of Silence, on Facebook + Tumblr!

XX

A Modern Belle

Color Me Chartreuse

 Necklace: H&M | Top: Brandy Melville

Trousers: H&M | Shoes: Charlotte Russe

I'm good for buying things that don't fit me perfectly, especially if I know I'll be able to alter it to fit and the price is just too good to pass up. 

I've had these chartreuse trousers for about a year now and I finally got to where them this weekend. They were originally way too big and not tailored at all but they were a bargain at $10 and I'd already envisioned them as THE piece for 5 different outfits. After fixing up the waistline and tapering the legs as bit, they were perfect! 

Plus, they're super lightweight and perfect for these super hot + humid Atlanta summers. 

Fun fact: Chartreuse is a mix of yellow + green and named after a French liqueur. Yay knowledge!

XX

A Modern Belle

Mammal Factory

Necklace: Urban Outfitters | Top: Zara 

Skort: Topshop | Shoes: Converse

This Saturday I went to an AMAZING young artist event in downtown Atlanta at The Mammal Factory, hosted by GOD2ATL (Gaining Our Definition). With artwork coating the walls, live performances, good vibes and an eclectic crowd, this was an artistic utopia! 

I love being in creative spaces around equally creative people, it's so invigorating and inspiring!

I wanted to put together an outfit that gave off a fresh vibe to match the event. Since my skort masterfully mixes comfort and style, it was the perfect pick for the night. Pairing it with a simple black crop top and white Chucks dressed it down, while still managing to give the right amount of casual edge.

XX

A Modern Belle

Kitchen Chronicles: Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey

A few weeks ago I had a late night realization: 'A Modern Belle' is more than just style + fashion, it's a way of life for me. 

I've decided to start featuring different things that highlight other areas of my life, outside of fashion. 

Well, I LOVE cooking + baking and being raised in the South it's just something you typically learn to do, whether you love it or not. 

Every couple of weeks I'll share a new recipe with you guys that reflects my palette (which my family + friends sometimes describe as "bougie," while I prefer terms like modern or cultured).  

With that being said, I give you the first installment of Kitchen Chronicles. featuring flavorful Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey, adapted from myrecipes.com!

What you need:

- A little less than 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour

-1/4 tsp. of freshly ground black pepper

- 1 large egg

- 1/2 tsp. of sea salt

- 1 tbsp. of water

-1/3 cup of Panko breadcrumbs

- 1 1/2 6 oz. logs of goat cheese infused with honey

- 1 cup of grapeseed oil (canola also works)

- 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper

- 3 bowls

- 1 deep saucepan or mini fryer

In your first bowl, whisk together your egg + a pinch of your sea salt + water.

In a second bowl, combine your flour + black pepper.

In the third bowl, combine your Panko breadcrumbs + remaining sea salt.

You now have the bowls ready for your popper prep!

Roll goat cheese into small balls, no larger than about 1 tbsp. 

Roll each ball into the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture and finally evenly coat each in your Panko breadcrumbs.

Place the coated poppers in your freezer for around 20 or so minutes so they firm up. 

While they're busy firming up, heat your oil to 350º. 

When your poppers are nice and firm place them into the oil in small batches of 3-4 at a time. 

Cook until they're crispy + golden brown all over. 

Remove your poppers from the oil and drain them on a paper towel.

Place your finished poppers on a pretty plate, drizzle some extra honey on them 

and add dashes of crushed red peppers all over. 

Now pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy!

XX

A Modern Belle

That New New

 Lace Skirt: ASTR from Nordstrom Rack | Skort: Topshop from Nordstrom Rack (similar here

  Trousers: Zara (similar here) | Shoes: Zara

I am a self-proclaimed Zara addict. I get beyond excited every time their semi-annual sales happen. 

It's like Christmas in July! 

I had been stalking these pink pumps for months. I'm a huge fan of the T-strap and rounded heel, so when I saw them on sale AND one final pair left in my size, it was clearly a sign. Since, it would have been a bad idea to ignore such an obvious sign, I knew they were destined to come home with me. 

The trousers were a magical find for me. I'm on a seemingly never-ending hunt for cropped trousers that aren't too short and fit my waist and thighs. These floral ones are it! They're lightweight and perfect for summer (plus they match perfectly with the pumps). 

On top of the Zara sale, I discovered that another favorite store of mine, Nordstrom Rack, was also having a big summer sale. 

Your girl was was in fashion heaven!

The lace skirt fits like a glove! It's that perfect mix of lady-like appeal and playfulness with the sheer lace bottom. Plus I can wear it with the pink pumps (It should be clear I was supposed to have these shoes at this point). 

I was especially excited about this emerald green Topshop skort. For one, the color? Gorgeous. Two? As a child of the 90s, I appreciate a good skort. I get to look like I'm wearing a skirt without the worry of having a serious wardrobe malfunction (i.e. unintentionally flashing someone). 

'Tis all for now my dears. Hope you enjoyed and thanks for stopping by!

XX

A Modern Belle

| Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Tumblr |

Daisy

Top: Nordstrom Rack (borrowed from my younger sister) | Skirt: H&M | Shoes: DSW | Necklace: Urban Outfitters

Black and white outfits with pops of color are definitely a staple outfit formula for me. The combinations are endless. 

I'm usually not one to wear yellow but I saw this textured skirt at H&M and knew it had to happen. It just screams happiness and it makes me feel like a daisy. 

I had a special spring in my step as I bounced from place to place in this 'fit. I even had a woman at the fabric store tell me I looked like a life-size Barbie doll!

Since I was feeling especially playful this day (I credit the power of the skirt), I decided to try something different with my hair outside of my usual top bun or long braid. So when one bun isn't enough, why not try three!?

It's safe to say I had a lot of fun with this one. 

Until next time!

XX

A Modern Belle

A Modern Belle Loves: Matching Set

Draya in Preme Houston

Clover Canyon S13

Avenue 32

Solange in Diane von Furstenburg

Pixie Market 

Matching sets have become a huge trend over the past year and I have been here for it since day one! They just make life so much easier and take away some of the stress of trying to put together that flawless outfit. In ode to my love for the look, I put together some swoon-worthy matching sets that are giving me some serious inspiration. 

xx

 A Modern Belle

Royal

Turban (Scarf): Street Market | Dress: Zara | Shoes: Zara

This outfit had me feeling AMAZING! I wore this back in February when I performed at a V-Day cafe and I'm glad I'm finally getting around to sharing it.

Peep the turban game though? Turbans will always be fashion heroes in my book. They're my best friend when my hair decides to do it's own thing (like it did this night). 

 XX

A Modern Belle

Long Time No Post

I completely fell off from blogging.

For lack of a better term, I was "sick" from January until the beginning of April. (The last thing you want to be as a second semester college senior.) I dealt with crippling joint pains which, on bad days, left me virtually unable to walk but a few feet and, on good days, allowed me to shuffle around on crutches. It was rough but guess what? I'm back and better than ever, with a greater appreciation for the things that are often taken for granted......like walking, putting on pants, not carrying my Starbucks in my shirt pocket, and of course, being able to wear heels! 

I'm excited to get back to blogging, sharing my passion and trying out some new ideas! 

XX

A Modern Belle 

Leather Goods

Top: Zara | Jeans: Zara | Booties: H&M 

Clutch: Karmaloop | Necklace: Vintage 

Leather is absolutely one of my favorite fabrics. 

It can add that perfect edge and sophistication to my outfits.

Plus, since it's so versatile, it's easy to dress pieces up or down. 

This leather peplum top is definitely a favorite in my closet and I jump at any chance I get to wear it out. 

XX

A Modern Belle