wedding wednesday no. 29 // packing for my honeymoon with my new married initials
May 29, 2019

Wedding month is almost here! Can you even believe we’re almost to June? I feel like April and May have basically flown by, and something tells me I’m going to wake up as a wife before I even know it! Want to hear a bit of a confession? I started…

Wedding month is almost here! Can you even believe we’re almost to June? I feel like April and May have basically flown by, and something tells me I’m going to wake up as a wife before I even know it!

Want to hear a bit of a confession? I started shopping for my honeymoon pretty much right after Andrew and I got engaged, y’all. Yes… it was in the middle of fall, but I couldn’t wait! Whenever I’ve felt stressed out by wedding planning, it’s been fun to daydream about heading off to the honeymoon as husband and wife. That’s been the light at the end of the engagement-tunnel for us!

Now that we’re finally getting close, I’ve started to let myself pack a few things for our post-wedding week away as newlyweds! (As a reminder, I have no idea where Andrew is taking me. He’s determined to make it a surprise, and all I know is we’re headed somewhere warm with a beach!)

Today, I’m absolutely giddy to share my new Barrington bags that I’ll be bringing along with me! Complete with my married initials, of course. Eek! It’s so fun to see them on something real and in front of me!

SMALLER TOTE st. anne zippered tote | LARGER TOTE st. charles zippered yacht tote | PASSPORT CASE glasgow passort case | EARRINGS kendra scott kat earrings | BRACELET gold mavis kendra scott bracelet | SHOES white espadrille wedges | SHIRT j.crew white tshirt | SKIRT white mini skirt (old, similiar linked) | BELT white belt

color combinations

St. Charles Zippered Yacht Tote // blush chambray + rose/geranium stripe

St. Anne Zippered Tote // blush geometric + rose/geranium stripe

Glasgow Passport Cases // stone chambray + rose/geranium stripe OR black/coffee bean stripe

Y’all know I’ve been an avid Barrington-fan ever since college, when I first fell in love with the St. Anne tote. Over the years, that love has only deepened as I’ve had the chance to wear more and more of their designs. (See some of my favorites here, here and here!)

They just keep getting better, y’all, and to kick off my first week as a “Mrs” I decided to try two new-to-me styles… the St. Anne Zippered Tote and the St. Charles Zippered Yacht Tote!

While I’ve owned and loved my fair share of St. Anne and St. Charles Totes over the years, I’ve never opted for the zippered style until now! Since Andrew and I have a connecting flight to our final honeymoon destination (another clue he let me in on!) I knew I wanted bags I’d be able to zip and secure for all of the commotion that comes with travel.

I’m here to tell you that the zippered style is my new absolute favorite! Incredibly secure, incredibly high-quality, incredibly chic, they’re everything I love about Barrington bags plus a bit of added shiny security.

And don’t they look adorable in these fun pink color combinations?! I usually choose more versatile tones for my Barrington bags since I carry one nearly every day, but I couldn’t help but choose this beautiful hue for the summer months. It turned out even more gorgeous than I had imagined!

I’m also a little too excited about the matching passport holders I made for me and Andrew. One of the many things I love about Barrington is that their pieces are incredibly customizable, both for ladies and gents! I loved using the Stone Chambray fabric as a base for both of our pieces… you can make it girly, manly, neutral, school-spirited, the options are truly endless!

Needless to say, I am too excited to walk through the airport sporting my new married monogram thanks to these beautiful Barrington bags here soon! Want to know another thing I’m too excited for?

Sharing a Barrington discount code with y’all!

That’s right, friends. The Barrington team knows how much we love their pieces around here, and have graciously offered 10% off with the code BowmanAndWife from now until Thursday, May 30th at noon! (Psst… that’s also our wedding hashtag!) Barrington discount codes are incredibly rare, so I cannot recommend using this before it expires enough!

Whether you’re in the market for graduation gifts, fathers day presents, engagement gifts or a new school tote for yourself, head here for my absolute favorite leather goods. And be sure to share this code with all of your Barrington-lovin’ friends. It’s too good to pass up!

Love from Texas,

Kate

Thank you, Barrington, for sponsoring this post.

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latest & greatest vol. 81
May 24, 2019

Friday is always a good day, but especially when it kicks off a three day weekend! Sunny skies, time reflecting those who made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf, huge sales… it’s always one of my favorites!

Friday is always a good day, but especially when it kicks off a three day weekend! Sunny skies, time reflecting those who made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf, huge sales… it’s always one of my favorites!

This year, I’m keeping things pretty low key and hoping to get a few wedding-related things crossed off of my to-do list hehre in Dallas! I can’t believe wedding month is basically a week away… will someone please pinch me?!

I spoke about it briefly on Instagram Stories this week, but I so appreciate y’alls patience and grace as I’ve been less-consistent than usual here on LonestarSouthern.com and on my Instagram handle. I’m trying to soak in and prioritize every moment of these final few weeks of engagement, and I can’t wait to be back full force once all the craziness subsides! Truly, thank you for your understanding and constant support! Y’all. The. Best.

While I’m keeping it low key around here, I’m also taking advantage of some of the fabulous sales going on this weekend. The collage above shows some of my very favorites of the weekend. Simply click through to score all the great savings!

KENDRA SCOTT // 20% off any purchase of $100+ with code LONESTAR

MARK & GRAHAM // 30% off site-wide with code SUMMER

VICTORIA EMERSON // buy one get one free, no code needed

MADEWELL // 20% off dresses and sandals with code PERFECTMATCH

SERENA & LILLY // 20% off site-wide with code SummerPrep

SHOPBOP // up to 40% off select items, no code needed

TUCKERNUCK // up to 70% off new markdowns, no code needed

LISI LERCH // 30% off all jewelry, no code needed

KATE SPADE // extra 30% off sale styles with code POUNCE

OLD NAVY // 50% off all tees, tanks, shorts and swim, no code needed

ASOS // up to 40% off new arrivals, no code needed

LILLY PULITZER // receive a free travel stemless glass with every $100 spend

J.CREW // 40% off site-wide with code SUMMER

Before signing off, I also wanted to let you know that my FAVORITE yearly planner has just been released for 2019-2020! Can you guess which cover I chose? :)

Love from Texas,

Kate

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caps for a cause

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my favorite summer set is 40% off
May 23, 2019

use code shop40 for 40% off your j.crew purchase TOP blue striped tassel top (wearing size XS) | SKIRT smocked blue striped mini skirt (wearing size XS) | SHOES white slide sandals | EARRINGS hoop earrings The trend I’m most obsessed with this season is easily that of the matching…

use code shop40 for 40% off your j.crew purchase

TOP blue striped tassel top (wearing size XS) | SKIRT smocked blue striped mini skirt (wearing size XS) | SHOES white slide sandals | EARRINGS hoop earrings

The trend I’m most obsessed with this season is easily that of the matching set. There’s something about a coordinating ensemble that gets me goo-goo eyed!

To be quite honest, it’s been hard to find sets that meet the following criteria: adorable, modest, and affordable. So when I came across this adorable set and found that both pieces were under $100 each, I did quite the happy dance!

I’ve been wearing this set non-stop over the past few weeks, first on my trip to Seaside and recently out and about in Dallas! I’ve also worn both the top and the skirt separately like you saw in yesterday’s post. Both are so good, y’all, and easily hold their own when worn separately!

Today is a good day, because you can get this set for 40% off using the code SHOP40! That brings this set to well under $100 total. Such a win! I’m only wishing it was made in more colors, because I’d buy them all. (J.Crew powers that be, can we get a white and a pink STAT?!)

There are so many good pieces included in the J.Crew sale, so be sure to take advantage!

Love from Texas,

Kate

wedding wednesday no. 28 // designing my reception
May 22, 2019

I came across Perch Event Decor during one of my lengthy Instagram rabbit trails as I was searching for wedding inspiration in the Dallas area. After scrolling through their website (be warned, you can spend hours on there!) I decided to make an appointment!

When I first started the wedding planning process (those many blissful months ago when the big day was a far, far-off dot on my calendar) I felt like I had a pretty good understanding of what goes into making a wedding beautiful:

Lovely flowers. Pretty white dress. Big, yummy cake. Fun party.

Sounds simple enough, right? I thought so, too. That was until I began learning about all of the “under the radar” elements that go into creating a breathtaking event.

What do I mean by “under the radar”, you ask? The pieces of a wedding you don’t even realize are orchestrated. Those special touches that look so lovely and natural and organic that they create an entire ambiance without you even knowing it. Added elements like rentals, y’all, which I’ve learned are singlehandedly one of the most impactful ways to customize your event!

I came across Perch Event Decor during one of my lengthy Instagram rabbit trails as I was searching for wedding inspiration in the Dallas area. After scrolling through their website (be warned, you can spend hours on there!) I decided to make an appointment! One visit to their beautiful, colorful, chic showroom and I knew they were just the team I wanted to help me transform my reception space into something truly personal and amazing.

Today, I’m thrilled to walk you through the beautiful Perch Event Decor showroom here in Dallas, Texas. Doesn’t it just make you smile? Read on for a few sneak peeks into what we have up our sleeve for the big day!

dallas wedding rentals, perch event decor
dallas wedding rentals, perch event decor
dallas wedding rentals, perch event decor
dallas wedding rentals, perch event decor
dallas wedding rentals, perch event decor
dallas wedding rentals, perch event decor
dallas wedding rentals, perch event decor
dallas wedding rentals, perch event decor
dallas wedding rentals, perch event decor
dallas wedding rentals, perch event decor
dallas wedding rentals, perch event decor

TOP j.crew blue striped peasant top | EARRINGS kendra scott didi earrings | NECKLACE kendra scott jaxon necklace | SHOES gold wedges (sold out, available in cheetah here) | JEANS white jeans | WATCH michele high shine watch

I never realized that the options for designing an event space were truly so endless. From additional seating for your guests to stage fronts that frame the dance floor and even walls and shelves to enhance or create separate areas, there are so many ways to bring your own personal look to a party.

Meeting with the Perch girls to dream up my reception has easily been one of my favorite parts of the planning process. They caught my dream immediately, and always had an adorable cup of coffee (in the cutest
“Perch” cups) ready for our meetings! It’s so easy to be overwhelmed by all of the decisions and options that come with wedding planning, but they were able to recommend exactly what would best-enhance the reception.

Y’all have already heard that there will be lots of pinks in the wedding, and today I thought it would be fun to share a few more hints about the whole look! Let’s just say the Perch team will be adding the perfect pops of white, gold and pink to create a beautiful evening ambiance. And have I ever been one to turn down a ginger jar? :)

In fact, one of the things I’m most excited about is the outdoor seating area Perch is putting together! When you get a second, cross your fingers extra tight and pray for clear, sunny skies for me, because it’s going to be so beautiful if weather permits!

So if you’re in the process of dreaming up your own wedding, don’t forget that you can truly transform any space into something you just love. I can’t wait to see everything the Perch Event Decor team has in store, and am so excited to reveal all of our ideas after!

Love from Texas,

Kate

Thank you, Perch Event Decor, for being a part of our big day!

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lights, camera…

brand spotlight // emily mccarthy
May 21, 2019

Hey, friends! Today I thought it would be fun to introduce a new series to Lonestar Southern… Brand Spotlight! I’m so thrilled to kick things off with a brand I’ve admired ever since my college days, Emily McCarthy. Hide your wallets, you’re going to love her!

Hey, friends! Today I thought it would be fun to introduce a new series to Lonestar Southern… Brand Spotlight!

Over the past few months, I’ve come across countless new-to-me brands that I feel deserve an introduction here in this colorful corner of the internet. Something tells me you’re going to love these lines as much as I do!

I’m so thrilled to kick things off with a brand I’ve admired ever since my college days, Emily McCarthy! Let me start off by saying this… hide. your. wallets. Over the past few years, I’ve watched her business transform from monogram design to an all-encompassing, one-stop-shop for all things feminine, fun and personalized.

Whether you’re looking for a perfect wedding gift, something for a recent graduate or some entertaining pieces for your own home, you’re going to love the massive, amazing selection offered by Emily McCarthy. What’s even better is that I find all of her items to be exceptionally well-priced. I wish I could just live in her store!

Check out a few of my favorite pieces below. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to link everything for an easy click through, so use the links underneath this collage to shop specific products!

monogrammed scarves | monogrammed to-go cups | gold bug napkin rings | ginger jar robe | monogrammed cheese board | flamingo punch bowl | monogrammed champagne glass | monogrammed note pad | personalized koozies | colorful canteens | personalized plates | pink check throw | monogrammed pillows | oyster ice bucket | pink colorful scarf | monogrammed wine glass | lemon pajamas | pink striped vacation cups

I mean… don’t you just die?! I’m wanting to order either the monogrammed scarf or the pink multicolored scarf for my honeymoon, and can’t decide which. Also, don’t you think these monogrammed to-go cups are an absolute necessity?

I’m so excited to introduce Emily McCarthy to you today. You can find her gorgeous site here, and her colorful Instagram page here!

I have a few more new-to-me brands I can’t wait to introduce y’all to soon. If you have any brands you’d love to see featured, I’m all ears!

Love from Texas,

Kate

two sandals i’m wearing non-stop this summer
May 20, 2019

When it comes to spring and summer style, you’ll almost always find me in one of two pairs of shoes… a pair of strappy sandals, or a pair of fabulous summer wedges!

When it comes to spring and summer style, you’ll almost always find me in one of two pairs of shoes… a pair of strappy sandals, or a pair of fabulous summer wedges!

Between these two staples, I can cover just about every summer festivity in the books. This year, I found my two pairs of go-to-shoes at my favorite shoe department ever, Nordstrom!

Here’s the best part… they’re both under $100, comfortable, and oh-so-versatile. Let’s dive in, shall we?!

my summer shoe staples

Pair No. One // Steve Madden Susana Espadrille Wedge Sandal

WEDGES steve madden susana espadrille wedges | TOP smocked top | SKIRT smocked skirt | EARRINGS kendra scott pepper hoop earrings | SUNGLASSES heart-shaped sunglasses

Behold… the perfect summer wedge! First and foremost, let’s talk about the scallop detailing. So adorable, right? And subtle enough that you can wear these wedges with any ensemble.

I’m super picky when it comes to wedge “proportions,” and love that this pair gets the heel and platform height just right. There’s nothing more classic (or more perfect for summer) than a traditional espadrille!

Finally, I’m happy to report that these babes are so comfortable! The platform beneath the toe, the ankle strap, and the width of the material across the ball of the foot all make this wedge super secure and perfect for sporting all summer long.

The Steve Madden Susana Espadrille Wedge fits true to size, is currently available in all sizes and comes in tan as well as black. I can’t wait to wear these all season long, and well into fall, y’all. The faux suede makes them a great transition piece from summer to autumn!

You can grab them at the Nordstrom shoe department here!

Pair No. Two // Soludos Madrid Sandal

SANDALS soludos madrid sandals | TOP smocked top | JEANS rag & bone jeans | EARRINGS kendra scott pepper hoop earrings | SUNGLASSES heart-shaped sunglasses

Since sandals are everywhere this season, I’ve had the flexibility to be super picky in finding my go-to summer pair! When I spotted these Madrid Sandals by Soludos, I was instantly sold.

Gold has always been my absolute favorite sandal shade, but I’ve always found it difficult to find the perfect iteration of it! When the hue is just right, a gold sandal is instantly flattering and effortlessly versatile. This pair checks off all those boxes, and then some!

Since there are so many slide sandal styles out this season, I was thrilled to come across an actual strappy pair. The combination of the toe strap, diagonal braid across the foot and ankle strap make this sandal such a flattering and elongating style. It looks adorable paired with everything from jeans to dresses!

Again, a main priority for me, comfort level., is 100% there with this cute sandal. I’d say the first time you put them on, you notice the toe strap… but not in a bad way. After that initial wear, you forget it’s even there!

The Soludos Madrid Sandal fits true to size, is currently available in all sizes and comes in gold as well as tan. I’m trying to decide if I should splurge on the tan as well for the honeymoon… it’s so perfect!

My sister tried to steal them from me this weekend, so you know they’re good. You’ll find them at the Nordstrom shoe department, here!

A fabulous pair (or two) of go-to summer sandals is essential, and I’m so happy to have found these at Nordstrom! Don’t forget, shipping and returns are always free, which makes shoe hunting so much better. See all of their adorable new styles here!

Love from Texas,

Kate

Thank you, Nordstrom, for sponsoring this post.

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