white ric rac dress

June 22, 2020

I stopped into Target last week on the way to the beach with my mama (another wonderful, restful break) and came across this darling ric rac dress! It was the only piece from the collection at the store, but I was instantly drawn to the colorful ric rac trim and the gorgeous quality of the dress. I bought it without trying it on and wore it to dinner the very same evening!

DRESS ric rac dress (also love this sleeved style) // EARRINGS scalloped hoop earrings // SHOES platform sandals // HEADBAND woven headband // BRACELET woven bracelet (bought in-store a few years ago, found similar online)

Online shopping has always been a big part of my role here at Lonestar Southern. Finding lovely new styles, putting together fun ensembles and sharing it all with you has always been one of my favorite aspects of this blog!

You may have heard me mention this lately, but over the course of the past few strange weeks (and even months), I admittedly lost a bit of interest in keeping up with the latest in online shopping. What it all boiled down to? Hunting for new styles to share while most of us were spending lots of time at home, adjusting to fallouts from the pandemic and wrestling with social justice issues felt unimportant. That’s not to say I stopped all together.. but you may have noticed that outfit posts seemed to be a bit farther and few between.

Honestly, it was really nice to slow down. I will always be thankful for the lessons I learned during this season (perhaps a blog post on those later?) and I am incredibly thankful that y’all were flexible with me. For the first time since taking this blog full-time, I spent more time sinking into our new home, loving my little family, and truly, deeply resting than creating content. After a whirlwind of a year, it was just what I needed.

All that to say… that’s why the Lisa Marie Fernandez for Target collaboration totally took me by surprise. Normally, I would have been all over this. But since I haven’t been quite as focused on online retail as of late, I was late to the game.

I’ve always eyed the gorgeous, feminine silhouettes sprinkled with pops of whimsy and color from Lisa Marie Fernandez, but the price tag always deterred me. Needless to say, I am head over heels with the affordability, size inclusivity and variety of this collection and am dying to try a few more pieces!

Here are a few that have caught my eye in particular:

lisa marie fernandez for target

Goodness, y’all. I did not mean for this blog post to turn into a novel! But it feels nice to put words to where my head, mind and heart have been the past couple of months.

After stepping back a bit, something about this fun Target collaboration sparked my love for sharing fashion finds all over again. Suffice it to say, I am really excited to ramp that part of this blog up again, and I hope you are too!

On that note, I’m wishing you an inspired Monday and a wonderful week ahead!

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

my favorite new lilly pulitzer print // lilly state of mind

June 15, 2020

But one of my favorite things about Lilly Pulitzer is the fact that it is well-loved by women of all ages and from all across the country. That’s why I’m absolutely beside myself with excitement to be teaming up with Lilly to share the beautiful new capsule collection… Lilly State of Mind!

details

DRESS Cirista Midi Dress // SHOES bow slide sandal (sold out, similar linked) // BRACELETS allie bess bracelets // HAT wide-brimmed pandora hat // CLUTCH straw clutch (old, similar linked)

If you know me, you know there are so many things I love about Lilly Pulitzer… the bright colors that always perk up my wardrobe, the entrepreneurial juice stand origins, the whimsical prints that celebrate the beauty of life, and the fact that, no matter how trends change, it’s been a constant in my wardrobe for years and years.

But one of my favorite things about Lilly Pulitzer is the fact that it is well-loved by women of all ages and from all across the country.

That’s why I’m absolutely beside myself with excitement to be teaming up with Lilly to share the beautiful new capsule collection… Lilly State of Mind!

This print celebrates Lilly lovers across the nation, representing each of our fifty states in a beautiful patchwork of bright colors. I’ve had the best time pouring over the print itself to uncover the details in each “state square,” especially of the two I’ve called home, Texas and Florida.

The capsule features seven styles with, wait for it, coordinating styles for girls. All you mamas out there, how precious is this for matching with your littles!

I’m loving this fluttery maxi dress, perfect for dressing up with wedges and earrings or throwing on over a swimsuit to wear to the pool. You’ll find try on of this beauty and of a second style of the Lilly State of Mind capsule in my Instagram Story today, so be sure to head there after this post!

Leave it to Lilly Pulitzer for always finding a reason to celebrate. This time, the iconic brand is celebrating you! I have a feeling this print is going to be one that stands the test of time, don’t you?

Check out the entire collection here!

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

Thank you, Lilly Pulitzer, for sponsoring this post.

latest & greatest vol. 92

June 12, 2020

I can’t remember the last time I’ve been so excited for a Friday! My mama got in town last night, and we have a full week of fun planned for the days ahead. Honestly, I could just sit outside and drink coffee on the porch with her the whole time and it would be just as fun. I’ve missed her so much!

Another reason to celebrate? Today, I’ve got a summery, vibrant roundup of the cutest new arrivals to hit the web! From whimsical pajamas to sea-creature accessories, there’s lots of fun packed into this post. I hope you enjoy!

click directly on an image to shop

P.S. Have you seen all of the new collaborations at Target? Check out the LoveShackFancy line as well as Lisa Marie Fernandez. I think you’re going to love!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

3 non-intimidating “clean” products i’ve been using

June 11, 2020

Over the past few months, I’ve switched my strategy from trying to learn everything on my own, to learning from people I trust and care about. Through this process, I’ve been able to gradually incorporate a few wonderful products that have contributed to a cleaner lifestyle. Excited to share three of those products with you today!

If there’s one thing I’m not good at myself, but so respect when I see others doing it, it’s researching through the world of toxins, chemicals, and all that other stuff in the pursuit of living a more clean lifestyle.

Can I be honest? It just, quite frankly, overwhelms me. There is so much information out there, and as much as I love the idea of living a cleaner lifestyle, the thought of “figuring it all out” (if that’s even realistic) completely overwhelms me.

Luckily for me, we live in a digital world where we can the things we are passionate about. And luckily for me, I have many friends who know much more about the world of clean living than I do.

Today, I wanted to share three non-intimidating “clean” products I’ve started using… products that work and I personally love!

caraway home cookware

Did you know that common dish materials (like Teflon) can can leach toxic substances into your food and the air? I had no idea (gulp) until I got an email from Caraway Home asking if I’d be interested in trying their set of ceramic cookware last fall.

I’ve been using these dishes almost exclusively ever since, y’all. These dishes are non-toxic, eco-friendly, ethically manufactured, and non-stick. They require less oil for cooking than normal dishes (win!) and are incredibly easy to clean.

I am truly obsessed with my Caraway Home cookware (the color options are so beautiful, ps) and highly recommend adding these to your next birthday, Christmas, or wedding registry list! They offer free shipping on orders of $90+ and a 30-day trial. To geek out on all the amazing benefits of this clean brand here.

countermatch foaming cleanser

Ohhh the world of clean beauty. Talk about a pandora’s box! There is so much info out there about the harmful chemicals and ingredients used in tons of beauty products, as well as the lack of regulation in the beauty industry, and for the longest time I’ve been operating under an “ignorance is bliss” mentality. Anyone else?!

I’ve had a few friends reach out about their love for BeautyCounter over the years, but if I’m being honest, the pyramid scheme vibe kinda turned me off. (Meant with lots of love, I know many of you love BeautyCounter!) I finally decided to order a few things and while not everything has been a slam dunk (the mascara isn’t my fave, for example) one product I’m really loving is the CounterMatch foaming cleanser!

I figure if there’s one skincare product in which clean, safe products are especially important, wouldn’t it be in what I wash my face with? I love knowing that this foaming cleanser is totally safe and healthy for my skin!

branch basics cleanser

I was first introduced to Branch Basics via the Instagram Story of one of my favorite follows, Elisabeth and Butter. Someone had asked how she keeps her kitchen so sparkly clean with all of her baking and cooking, and she mentioned she is always wiping down her counters with Branch Basics!

I decided to look into this company, and ended up loving what I found. It was started by an aunt, her niece and her niece’s best friend (#girlpower) and you can read the entire story here.

The one concentrate used in Branch Basics products is human-safe, plant & mineral-based, free of harmful preservatives, biodegradable, not tested on animals and is non-GMO, and can be used for surface cleaning, laundry, hand soap, and more. In a nutshell, it’s simple, affordable, and sustainable and I have been loving it!

So far, I’ve only been using the concentrate for surface cleaning… and I already feel so much better about using it in the kitchen around our cooking tools and food. Looking forward to trying it as laundry detergent next!

Learn more about this awesome company here.

Hopefully, if you feel overwhelmed at the world of clean, this helps you take a step in the right direction. And, better yet, if this is something you’re passionate about, I’d love for you to share your favorite clean products in the comments below!

I’ve still got a long way to go in creating a toxin-free home, but I’m enjoying the process of beginning that journey little by little!

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

happy list // no. 5

June 8, 2020

I wanted to share a new “Happy List” with you today! I began these roundups as a way to bring a bit of lighthearted happiness to the rather chaotic/confusing weeks of social distancing. Today, I want to use it to do the same while celebrating some incredible Black creators, Black businesses, and Black voices.

Like many of you, I stepped back from posting and content creating last week to listen. The events of the past couple of weeks put a heaviness on my spirit and awakened me to the urgent need to examine my heart while exploring resources in pursuing an active posture of anti-racism.

I love sharing the joys, twists and turns, adventures, faith journey, and fashion finds of my own life with you, and all the fun that comes with those things. But last week, I didn’t need to share. I needed to learn.

In taking a pause to listen, I was introduced to amazing anti-racism resources, important Black voices, incredible Black creators, and imperative action steps in pursuing what Latasha Morrison describes as “being a bridge to racial reconciliation.”

In light of this, I wanted to share a new “Happy List” with you today. I began these roundups as a way to bring a bit of lighthearted happiness to the rather chaotic/confusing weeks of social distancing. Today, I want to use it to do the same while celebrating Black creators, Black businesses, and Black voices. This is something I haven’t done a good job of in the past, and something I’m committed to doing better about with this platform moving forward.

I hope you hear my heart in the purpose behind this post. You don’t need me to tell you there is a lot of hurt in the world today, and I don’t want to slap the term “happy” on a post to pretend all is well. I also don’t want to publish this as a performance and collection of empty words. Rather, I hope that in sharing these incredible creators, businesses and resources that are good and worthwhile, we are all a tiny bit more equipped to face tomorrow with hope, with joy, and a desire to exhibit active love no matter how heavy the world may feel.

the happy list

I have been so challenged by and encouraged with the gospel-centered work Latasha Morrison is doing towards racial healing, equity, and reconciliation at Be the Bridge. Join me in ordering her book (paperback is currently sold out, but you can buy for Kindle or listen via Audiobook!), joining her Facebook group and donating to the work of Be the Bridge!

As a community, I’m hoping to raise $1,000 to support Latasha’s work. This week, I am matching donations up to $500! Send me a screenshot of your donation and/or book purchase (if you haven’t purchased it already) via email or Instagram direct message!

The prettiest glassware you’ve ever seen. I’m dreaming of a shelf stocked with these colorful creations!

Obsessed with these palm leaf earrings and these perfect headbands by The Tiny Tassel! Mimi’s creations are fabulous, and let’s just say I can’t wait for restocks. Did I mention her clothing designs are adorable, too? (Scroll to the bottom of her page to sign up for the newsletter to be notified!)

English Countryside perfection. Paula from Hill House Vintage has impeccable taste!

Gifted illustrator and Christ-follower Danielle Coke shared a three-part IG Story series last week (one, two, three) that you should listen to today.

A fellow Lilly-lovin’ Florida gal I ran into outside of Publix and have loved following ever since, meet Ebonee! She has the cutest style and best home-reno inspo. You’ll love following her blog and Instagram!

If you’re starting or interested in starting an online business, check out my friend Rachel‘s incredible bank of resources for entrepreneurs here!

Fanm Mon. This. Clothing. Line. I just ordered this dress and am so excited!

Obsessed with this girl’s vivacious smile and perfect style. Venita is also a trained chef and shares her creations in her stories! If you’re not following her already, do it.

This list of book recommendations from Jamie Ivey is a great resource for your next read!

Not only do I love Victoria of @PrepfordWife‘s preppy style, she has an amazing “Black Herstory” highlights tab that shares the stories and histories of some incredible people.

What an incredible group, right? I would love for you to share your favorite Black creators, businesses and voices with me as well!

As the overall focus of social media shifts “back to the norm” in terms of content, I am praying that our hearts don’t also shift away but rather, stay committed to educating, examining and equipping ourselves to be better allies to our Black friends, family, and community at large, especially in the heart-work that happens behind our phone screens. I am committed to this life-long endeavor, and I hope you’ll join me!

“Let present privilege awaken us to present duty, and now, while life lasts, let us spend and be spent for our sweet Lord Jesus.” – Charles Spurgeon

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

wedding photo reveal no. 3 // our reception

June 1, 2020

I can’t believe I’m saying this… but today is Andrew’s and my one year anniversary! I could wax poetic about it (y’all know I love a long-winded blog post), but I think these images by John Cain Photography will give you a much better peek into just how magical of a night it was.

I can’t believe I’m saying this… but today is Andrew’s and my one year anniversary! What a year it’s been. Looking back on the past 365 days as Mrs. Bowman, I am so overwhelmed at the blessing, provision, and joy the Lord has filled our first year of marriage with. To put it plainly, it has been the best. And it’s been so fun sharing glimpses of our first year with you!

In celebration of hitting the one year mark, I thought it would be a fun opportunity to finally share our reception photos! To be quite honest, I had planned on sharing these much, much earlier, but in the blur of this first year (moving to Florida, Andrew starting residency, etc, etc) this post somehow never got published.

I could wax poetic about it (y’all know I love a long-winded blog post), but I think these images by John Cain Photography will give you a much better peek into just how magical of a night it was.

I hope you enjoy reliving this night with me!

I can’t round out this post without a huge thank you to everyone who made this night possible. My parents, each and every vendor, all of our wonderful friends and family. Oh… and my husband for giving us all a reason to celebrate!

If you’d like to see more wedding-related posts, click here!