Keep your Bag Spiffy & Organized

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Tired of digging around receipts and Goldfish crumbs in your old purse or diaper bag?

I tell you what gets me – being in a hurry and not being able to get what I need RIGHT when I need it.

I’m always looking for ways to help you stay spiffy and that includes your bag! Below are some beautiful fall bag options and tips on how to keep them clean and organized. All of the bags you can find around West Town Mall and the helpful tips are free ;)

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4 Lessons from a Knoxville Fashion Show

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the aaron white project, jackson terminal, knoxville fashion, east tn fashion, knoxville style, knoxville fashion show, knox rocks, fashion show, Teri Clark

the aaron white project, jackson terminal, knoxville fashion, east tn fashion, knoxville style, knoxville fashion show, knox rocks, fashion show, Teri Clark

Watching the models strut their stuff Monday night at “Catharsis” an Aaron White fashion show – made me realize that I couldn’t do it. I could not walk that entire way with a serious face. Something would make me laugh and I’d loose it. I just know that I would.

Good thing they let the professionals do all the modeling Monday night because they did a great job! I so enjoyed a night out with my friend Avi (pictured) and noted a thing or two for future fashion inspiration that I want to share with you…

Note how the bold shoe modernized this vintage polka dot dress.

The first designer to show was Teri Clark who is a wardrobe specialist and brought these pieces as part of a vintage collection. So this dress is vintage, but fooled us into thinking it was current simply because of the shoes.

Lesson One: If you want to update your wardrobe – start with your shoes.

the aaron white project, jackson terminal, knoxville fashion, east tn fashion, knoxville style, knoxville fashion show, knox rocks, fashion show, Teri Clark

the aaron white project, jackson terminal, knoxville fashion, east tn fashion, knoxville style, knoxville fashion show, knox rocks, fashion show, vintage fashion show, Teri Clark

Next was this stunning dress (still apart of the Teri Clark collection). It was another round of polka dots (which is to be read in an excited tone, not a whine) BUT the thing I loved most about this dress is that it included a subtle detail that set me to exclaiming out loud – “There are stripes!”

See the up close picture? Isn’t that so cool!? The subtle stripes done in the gorgeous blue was a perfect answer to the playful cut of this dress. The whole thing was just perfection. It showed me that I needn’t pass over something just because it’s not in my black and white wheelhouse.

Lesson Two: If you often buy the same pattern, try it in other colors.

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A bold color paired with a bold color isn’t something I’m used to doing, unless by the first bold color you mean black and the second one white.

But when I saw this color combo it was energizing. And it works. If you think about it – the green of a stem is paired with all kinds of beautiful flower colors and we never question it or wince at it. Because IT WORKS.

Lesson Three: Try an unexpected color combination this spring.

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Another designer of the evening was Elite Pour La Vie with a bevy of gowns worth swooning over. You can see more in the story highlights on my Instagram profile under “spiffy fashion”.

I wanted to point this number out…

This sparkly jumpsuit is a BEAUTIFUL answer to a cocktail dress. And think of how versatile it is… Because it’s pants you could wear it to a less formal event like a wedding or a dinner party, but because it’s all sequins and cut so beautifully it could also work at a black tie affair. Nice.

Lesson Four: Stop reaching for the same cocktail dress.

Finally, are some fun shots from back stage. Uh those baggies are a great way to organize jewelry for a fashion show AND when packing for a trip (bonus lesson number 5).

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the aaron white project, jackson terminal, knoxville fashion, east tn fashion, knoxville style, knoxville fashion show, knox rocks, fashion show

Special thanks to Claire Queisser for the tickets and my hot friend Avi for joining me ;)

the aaron white project, jackson terminal, knoxville fashion, east tn fashion, knoxville style, knoxville fashion show, knox rocks, fashion show

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More of TheSpiff to love!

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Knoxville was a hard sell. I moved here against my will, and didn’t think I could ever love a place as much as I loved my hometown in Florida.

I was 20 at the time and still living at home, so when my parents moved here I had to go with them.

It was either that, or find a way to go to school and get my Target paycheck to stretch enough to support me and my cat…I think I made the right call.

Fast forward 11 years, and I’ve turned into quite the fan of this happy town. I love the community that Knoxville has, the events that go on, the seasons we get to enjoy. I’m thrilled for Jackson to grow up here and experience all the fun things East Tennessee has to offer.

Which is why I’m so excited to announce that I’m now a blog contributor to Knoxville Families Magazine!

As a newly minted mom, I’ve got a re-invigorated passion to help women get out the door feeling good about how they look. Add to that my love for Knoxville and all that goes on around here, and I think it’s quite the match made in heaven.

Knoxville Families magazine and website offer the latest things for families to do around town (and in the surrounding areas), and features all kinds of content to help you and your family thrive.

Even if you don’t live in the area, you can stay on top of your mom-game with articles about raising kids, things to cook (and here very soon) some great ways to style outfits or which beauty product will help you get ready faster.

I’m excited about this new venture and I can’t wait to be able to offer you even more great ways to make every day a spiffy day!

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The Most Important Person in Your Beauty Life

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Here’s how my mornings go…

6 AM the alarm goes off. I’ve got it set to a quack – which was cute at first, but some days it’s really not.

I hit snooze a couple times until I’m ready to not hear a quacking sound anymore, then I get out of bed. From there I walk to the bathroom, turn on the light and let my eyes fully adjust so I can look at my hair to see how it survived the night. As I’m brushing my teeth, I assess what needs to be done to get it ready for the day.

Most of the time, I can predict what it will do. In fact, I have to, because if I’m going to need to wash it I’ll need to budget some time for that waaay in advance. #thickhairprobs

Your morning may vary a little, but just like me, your day starts with your hair – washing it, fixing it, grimacing at it.

If you’re happy with it when you walk out the door, you can concentrate better, live life more fully. I know if I’m not happy with mine – the public better hide because nothing puts me in a bad mood faster. Which is why I’ve taken steps to ensure that never happens. And really, it’s rare.

Why? Because I’ve found the greatest hairdresser on the planet – Salon Barnes and Barnes – run by a husband and wife team who really know their stuff.

In the past, I’ve had hairdressers who would ask me questions every step of the way (kind of like the cabinet guy on Seinfeld). Then there’s the kind that chop away and yadda, yadda, yadda you’ve got bangs (I’m happy about it now, but I sure wasn’t happy about it 13 years ago).

Both Barnes’ are the perfect blend of asking you what you want and giving their input. Sometimes I know exactly what I want, and other times I want their input because I trust them. Implicitly. Have for 11 years.

When you go to someone as experienced and knowledgeable as they are, you can take them any hair problem and they’ll help fix it. I don’t have to deal with as much hair in the summer because they can cut it in a way where I lose the weight but keep the shape and length.

It’s a one-stop shop too because you can get your nails done, get a massage, and now you can get a facial. Then just walk across Market Square and finish the day off with some Rita’s Italian Ice – which has nothing to do with hair, but it’s amazing stuff.

So the answer to the question, “Who is the most important person in your beauty life?” It’s your hairdresser. Go get a good one at Barnes & Barnes. And I’m not being paid to say that, I’m just speaking the truth.

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Floral & Polka Dot Pattern Mix

pattern mix, knoxville fashion, floral top, polka dot sweater, cardigan, tights, green skirt, wedge shoes, belts, oldnavy jewelry

pattern mix, knoxville fashion, floral top, polka dot sweater, cardigan, tights, green skirt, wedge shoes, belts

pattern mix, knoxville fashion, floral top, polka dot sweater, cardigan, tights, green skirt, wedge shoes, belts, oldnavy jewelry

I own one floral tunic that gets pulled out every time I have a girly event to go to (i.e.: baby shower, high tea).

It’s because it’s the girliest thing I own. After I got married my husband helped me realize I was going to have to give up some of my menswear inspired looks – like the pair of suspenders I used to rock. Man, those were cute.

Now I can say that tunic isn’t the only girly piece I own. This floral top from TJMaxx can join the ranks.

I love it because it’s great for pattern mixing. This polka dot sweater from Target plays off the tiny floral pattern perfectly, particularly because the polka dots are about the same size as the floral but more spread out so together they’re not visually overwhelming.

The floral top was a spring/summer purchase, but see how I worked it into a fall look?! Nailed it. I mean…Girls, isn’t it lovely? *she giggles holding tea cup.

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