Ok—it’s the middle of August, which means that it’s almost September, which means that it’s almost fall. As tragic as this is I am looking forward to the new colors, fabrics, and accessories that I’ll be able to wear in the upcoming chilly months. One immediate seasonal change that I can make now is to swap out my flirty summer florals for some playful animal prints! I love adding just an accent of animal print with a bold accessory or comfy flat. Below are just a few of my favs from this season’s plethora of hot items.

• Animal print silk scarf, Aspinal of London $80
• Snake print sheath dress, Karen Millen $200
• Petite abstract animal Print dress, Precis Petite $70
• Leopard and gold bangle, ShopTwigs $48
• Animal print ballet flats, Made $211
• Franny animal-print PVC tote, Marc by Marc Jacobs $330
• Happy PM printed bag, Lanvin $1,775

I’m currently en route to the SOUTH…heading back home to Tennessee so that my wedding plans can officially commence!  I’ve been planning this special trip for months: scheduling potential wedding vendor meetings, planning out a menu for the reception caterers (so that I could have a tasting this summer while everything’s in season), and emailing back and forth with florists, photographers, cake bakers, etc…whew…

 Luckily, I’ll have my beautiful Mama (just further claiming back my southern vernacular), Aunt, and best girlfriends since childhood with me there to sift through the decision making.  I’ll be MIA here on Honeysuckle Chic until next Wednesday, but no worries as I’ll be sure to take plenty of pics while away to share with you all.

 XOXO Ashley

Since the wedding will be held in Nashville, I’ll be scouting out ceremony and reception venues, enjoying two cake tastings (yum), and speaking with photographers and the most awarded/acclaimed florist in the south.

In Chattanooga, where I’m from, I’ll be partaking in my reception menu tasting, browsing through bridesmaid gowns, and trying on bridal gowns—hopefully narrowing it down to “the one!”  

Now with the onset of summer, along comes the festive parties for family reunions, bridal showers, baby showers, weddings, engagement parties, etc…a popular girl can get overwhelmed with all these events.  However, you can remain polished and chic by slipping into one of these little frocks.  Floral dresses are perfect for just about any occasion during summer and my favorite part, they are effortless and require little accessorizing (a thought to consider if your fete requires packing and travel). I love how florals shouldn’t be only thought of as bright boldly colored, large bloomed, flowers either.  Notice how some of the prints below are muted colors and smaller printed—a great way to ensure you don’t stand out in candid wedding photos!

• Muse Back Zip Metallic Jacquard Dress $178
• Adrianna Papell Ruched Cotton Sheath Dress $118
• Tory Burch ‘Marsha’ Silk Georgette Dress $365
• Eliza J Print Sheath Dress $138
• Donna Ricco Split Neck Stretch Cotton Sheath Dress $79
• Diane von Furstenberg ‘Dessie’ One Shoulder Chiffon Dress $465

Well…now it’s less than two weeks until I fly to Nashville and wedding planning commences. I want to get all of your lovely opinions on which gown is your favorite style for my sweet bridesmaids to wear.  Keep in mind the theme of my wedding is “elegant garden party”—if there even is such a theme! :)  I’d also like the dress to be a design that my girlfriends wouldn’t want to stash in the back of their closets or, gasp, donate to their local Goodwill.  So…here are some of the options I’ve been contemplating below. I adore their unique necklines (especially the 5^th frock) and the modern cuts—yet they all have a hint of traditionalism.

Tell me your favorite, and remember, five ladies are in anticipation of what y’all will say!

Stella McCartney had a large presence on the red carpet at the MTV Movie Awards this past weekend.  Here are just two very chic ladies who wore her frocks and looked stunning!  I adore the feminine aspect of Amanda Seyfried’s selection, the lace and off-set waistline are very alluring despite the dress’ non-revealing neckline.  Eva Mendes embodied the perfect carefree Grecian vibe with a modern spin due to the print.  Her skin is glowing and her use of jewelry is ideally used as an accent, not a distraction to her overall ensemble.   

Evan Agostini/MTV; Steve Granitz/WireImage

Here are a few selections from the Stella McCartney online boutique that I adore.  All of her pieces have a playful comfortable look to them yet are still so in style.  Which is your fav?!? 

• White Cotton Jacquard Jati All In One
• Indian Organza White Stipitata Embro Dress
• Indian Organza Black Acorus Embro Skirt
• Black Cotton Lace Alphinia Jacket
• Black/Tobacco Stripped Jersey Tee/ Tobacco Canvas Polium Skirt
• Satin Python Print Maya Dress