Fresh Start

I am finally coming out of hibernation (curse you winter 2014!) and have some new and exciting news to share! As I have mentioned before, I have always dreamed about going into interior design and/or getting into a creative field, but have never acted on it for a number of reasons.  While it always sounded fun, I feared the paycheck (or lack there of) and risky nature of changing careers. After much internal debate, self-assessment, and discussions (sorry friends and family), I finally decided to go for it!  A few classes and a couple of interviews later and I am starting to work part-time at one of my favorite design firms.  I am beyond grateful and excited and ready(!) for this next phase, as terrifying as it is.  Thank you all for your patience over the last few months and I plan to kick back into gear here at South of Main and also share all of the new things I am learning at the new gig!

While we’re on the topic of fresh starts… my spring/summer wardrobe needs a serious revamp.  I can’t remember the last time I bought a new bathingsuit (2010?) and I think I have outgrown the jean mini skirt…  check out these steals I found to ring in the season of sun!

A Marysia imposter… from Nasty Gal

Chambray and neon (best combo evah?) J.Crew beach cover up – it’s on sale ladies!

What’s a summer without Havaianas?

A pretty DVF dress for the many weddings ahead (note: this is an old DVF dress I have been eying since forever and found on ebay – my new favorite site!)…

Anddd a cute new tee…

What are your latest warm weather finds?  I’d love to know!  This year I went for a lot of solids that I can mix and match with different accessories.  I am trying to embrace a more minimalistic lifestyle (something I am not good at…) and my first step was tackling the closet!

Have a fabulous day!

XO

Meg

PS – If you’re thinking about changing careers, here are a few helpful articles (and feel free to email me!)…design sponge,  LearnVest, The Every Girl, Huffington Post… and a food blogger with an inspiring story on making a passion into a profession.  I know I have read so many other good ones, but am totally blanking!  All I have to say is – do what you love!  Life is too short :)

(photo via Pinterest)

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from South of Main Street!

Hope you have a wonderful day with your families and a Happy New Year!  I am headed to Sun Valley tomorrow for 10 days (!) of skiing and fun in the sun!  So I will be back in 2014 with new outfit ideas, home decor, beauty tips and lifestyle posts!  In the meantime, thanks to my loyal followers for sticking with me through my inconsistent posting and random thoughts – you guys are the best!

Love you all!  Cheers to an amazing 2014!

XO

Oh HEY!

Did you think I forgot about you?

NEVAH!  But I am very sorry for being MIA for the past MONTH (gulp).  I have been on a whirlwind of work, weddings, and more weddings…and this poor little blog has been suffering because of it.  So I apologize.  To both of you.

Somehow the summer seems to fill up before I even realize it’s started.  And with that, I give you a summer to do list that I will likely accomplish 50% of…

1. Go to Nantucket

One of my favorite places on the planet. I spent my college summers here waitressing at Slip14 and have such amazing memories.  My girlfriends and I now have an annual tradition to go for a week every summer (see beach babes above).  Some favorite spots: here, here, here & here.  (Nantucket guide to come later in the summer!)

2. Go to Martha’s Vineyard

Most people are one or the other, but why have one when you can have both?  My mom grew up spending her summers in the Vineyard, so I went every summer for a week or two with my family.  It makes me so nostalgic every time I go, and it’s so funny how certain neighborhoods or smells bring back such vivid memories.  Ahhhh vacation.

3. Eat ice cream

Err’day…although this is somewhat of a year round to-do for me.  Life is too short.

4. Mini golf on Pier 25

I mean this is footsteps from my apartment and I still haven’t done it… FOOTSTEPS.

5. Picnic on Hudson River Park

View from my future picnic.  Complete with red solo cups and a paper bag.

6. Complete a Triathlon

This is one of those cheater to-dos you write down just so you can check it off…because I am signed up for one in two.short.weeks.  (sidenote: this photo makes my stomach drop)

7. Get good at tennis

And look like this on the court…

Tennis lessons as a youngster have only partially paid off… and there’s a lot of work to be done.  I’m telling you A LOT.  Anyone want to “play” with me?

8. Shop in my own closet

Because I always seem to find things every year when I break out the summer clothes that I forgot about.  (No, this is not my closet and yes, I would like it to be.)

9. Buy a cute new swimsuit

Since all of mine seem to be on their last leg and/or not fit me correctly anymore.  Do bodies change that much from age 26 to 27?  SCARE-REEE.

10. Apply & reapply SPF

I’m paying for my SPF 4 summers in Nantucket…should’ve listened to my mom.

11. Dine alfresco in the West Village

This is so random but I always imagine a perfect summer night of strolling through the West Village after getting out early from work, coming across the perfect alfresco restaurant and sitting down on a whim for a yummy dinner and a crisp glass of rosé‎.

12. Rooftop cocktails

There are so many rooftop spots opening up in the city and I am dying to try this one at the famous Standard Hotel.

13.  Dance in the rain… in the MoMA

…and pray it stops raining outside. (I can’t take it anymore!)

I mean this is just so cool.  And it’s about time I take advantage of living in NYC (If the fact that I didn’t see the David until the last week I was living in Florence isn’t telling I don’t know what is.).

Oh the joys of SUMMER!  So much to look forward to!

XOXO

(pics 1, 2 & 5 – my own, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)

What if…

…you had to pick one store to shop from for the rest of your life (note: budget is not an issue)?  I think about this often and go back and forth between J.Crew and Calypso.  When I think about my imaginary Calypso-only wardrobe I accompany that thought with the assumption that I will also be living a life of leisure in St. Barths or somewhere tropical and fabulous.  Very realistic, I know.  Where would you choose?

Lucky for us, the stores of our choice are going to be having some serious sales for Memorial Day this weekend so get your wallets out ladies!  I just so happens that Christmas has come early at Calypso… look at these finds at 50% off sale price…

Silk Dress $75

Cashmere sweater $100

Cotton tunic $40

Jumpsuit $50

Sequin Blazer $75

Tote $100

Belted tunic $75

Suede sandals $150

Happy shopping!

XOXO

Short Story

I think we’re at that point of the season where New York “spring” catapults to sweaty summer overnight.  I realized this while walking to work this morning in my spring coat, when 5 short steps in, I became extremely uncomfortable.  NEWS FLASH NEW YORK: Spring ended yesterday, say goodbye to layers until Fall.  And say hello to SHORTS!  Personally, I have always been a fan of shorts.  Oddly enough I think they flatter me more than skirts.  Last weekend, while perusing Chelsea Market with my mamma, I spotted these gems at one of those confusing Sample Sales, with a smorgasbord of items you have to sift through for days.  But everryyyy once in a while, you find a rose among thorns (i.e. the Walter Baker Aztec diamond beauties below).  As we continued on with our day I soon realized the plethora of adorable patterned options out there this season!  Thank you Anna Wintour (or whoever ignited this trend)!

The fun thing about shorts is that you can style them different ways to create many different summer looks!  Dress them down with sandals and a simple tee or dress them up at night with wedges and some fun gems (sidenote: tread lightly with the heels & shorts look…it can be challenging and often times disastrous).  Here are a few options for styling your patterned shorts this season!

sources here

sources here

sources here

Enjoy this beautius day!  And take those pants off – it’s short season ladies!

XOXO

Royally Fabulous

K-Midds (for short) is somehow relatable but also bloody utterly fascinating.  Maybe its the modern Cinderella story, or maybe it’s because she has that girl next door charm, but I have a minor obsession.  Every time I see a picture of her donning a new amazing dress-that-I-would-never-look-twice-at-but-somehow-looks-like-the-coolest-dress-I’ve-ever-seen (deep breath), I end up Google imaging the shiz out of her and finding a million new photos and inspiring looks.  So much so that I have a hard time closing the tab to remind myself I need to focus on work and stop fantasizing about the wardrobe that I will never have.  She somehow manages to appear effortlessly gorgeous, calm, elegant and graceful all at the same time.  No idea how she pulls that off, considering I get anxiety just thinking about my wedding day (whenever that may come) purely for the fact that all of the attention will be on me.  Hopefully I will get over that fear by the time it rolls around…

Anyway, check out some of my favorite looks from my (now public) online stalking issue

This might be the most gorgeous shade of green.  Her skin.  That hair.  The makeup.  All of it.

Hands down my favorite dress of all time.  I would get married in this dress (panic attack or not).  And Prince Wills is a hunk.  I don’t care what people say.

…speaking of… her look for the wedding reception?  TO.DIE.FOR.  She has never looked so glam and that waistline makes me want to crawl in a hole and never come out.

I mean this dress?  I don’t know HOW but she looks AMAZING in this.  I would look like Mrs. Doubtfire.

Now here’s a dress I may actually be able to get some use out of… if I could actually afford it.  Love a good white embroidered dress, or shirt for that matter, and this is no exception.

Here we are again with the simple cover-all of a dress and still looking amazing.  Would also emulate Mrs. Doubtfire in this one if I tried.  Which I wouldn’t.  So don’t worry.

A little too thin for my liking here, but purple is definitely Kate’s color!  Work it girl!

Another beautiful emerald green dress… and it’s DVF!!!!!!!!  And how does she get her hair to do that?  Oh princesses.  Also, makes me want this green DVF dress even more… uhoh.

OK, I am cutting myself off…….

If I had a black tie event every night it would be hard not to want to copy every look the Midds has come out with.  Luckily that’s not a problem I have.  So I will continue to admire her (or her stylist’s… doesn’t matter to me) amazing style on the couch in my sweatpants.

Happy Hump Day Peops!

XOXO

(photo 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

Costume Gala Gals

On Sunday night, extremely exhausted from the eventful weekend (Did I mention I love guacamole and margaritas?), I dragged my ars off Bry’s couch to go for a little stroll on the Upper East Side (a.k.a. Antarctica) while Bry was busy playing b-ball with the boyz (had to).  As I decided first avenue wasn’t doing it for me, I continued to venture on westward where I feel more “at home”.  As I approached the park I realized, Hey, why not take a walk towards the Met for old-time sake?  As I got closer I saw trucks and what looked like a huge construction site; somewhat disappointed I trudged on until I started seeing trucks that read, “Red Carpet Company” and things of that nature.  Putting two and two together I realized they were setting up the COSTUME GALA (!!!!) and let me tell you… it was a serious New York moment.  The streets were so quiet and peaceful as I watched the grand entrance being constructed with people placing roses one by one into the walls and people running around like madmen trying to make this thing all come together.  One of my favorite fashion events every year, there are always A LOT of surprises to look forward to and A-listers to last a lifetime.  Now it would’ve been a little bit cooler to have been there last night, but it still feels a little more exciting this year, having seen the set up right in front of my (bleary) eyes!  Here are my takeaways:

The Good…

Not so punk but Lauren Bush always looks au naturale and amazing

Don’t even love the dress but Allison Williams looks amazing.

Oh Blake, do you ever look bad?

Cara Delevingne pulls off punk well.  SO gorgeous!  I wish I could rock those eyebrows.

I have such a girl crush on Emma Watson.  She can do no wrong.

I mean, come on.  Is she up to 3 kids now?  Annoying.

Jessica Alba looking beautiful per ush.

Jessica Alba looking gorgeous in her mesh dress.  No one, I mean no one else would look good in this.

Love Kate Bos’s little number.  Would totally wear this – punk or not (and if I dropped about 50 lbs).

Speaking of dropping 50 lbs.. yikes.  I think Miranda should try eating while chasing around her little chubby son (who I am so in love with – look at those cheeks!).  But of course, she still looks beautiful. 

Love how Nina plays up the punk theme with her pant/dress and poufed hair.  Killin’ it!

Rooney Mara wears white!  How ironic.

LOVED Rosie Huntington’s look with the olive green and winged bodice.  Her clean hair and makeup makes for an interesting contrast with the edgy dress.Sienna Miller makes anything look cool.  Can I raid your closet please?!

The Bad…

Guess who?  The unrecognizable January Jones.  January, you confuse me beyond belief.

A swing and a miss by Katie Holmes…

No, no, no, no, no.  (Please notice the gloves to match the dress… what?)

AHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!  (my initial reaction to seeing MK)  WTF is going on here?  Just terrible.I used to think SJP could pull anything off… until now.  It brings me back to that horrid bird on her veil in Sex and the City (the movie).  Let’s not go overboard now SJ.  (Note: Would’ve loved just the dress.)

The Ugly…

How do I begin?

Ashley Greene who is a usual stunner must have been sick of the spotlight because she is hiding in the dress.  Way too much fabric = extremely unflattering.  I hope it’s just the camera angle.

Just wrong in so many ways.  The first things that come to mind are: hippie, Pocahontas, Hook. 

“A” for effort but I could seriously do without the black-eyeshadow-to-the-brow look.  Yuck.Beyond words.  Has she gone off the deep end with the rest of them?

Alrighty that’s enough criticisms for one day.

Have a wonderful Tuesday (sigh) and let’s get through this one together!

XOXO

(Pics from People & Huffington Post)

Romping Around

Rompers, rompers everywhere!  I’m curious, would you try the look?  I have to admit I bought a romper a couple of years ago at French Connection and was surprised at just how much use I got out of it.  While it’s just a simple short, long-sleeved, navy number, it’s still a one piece suit, which can be terrifyingly daring to pull off!  But what I have found is that they are shockingly flattering on many different body types!  And there are several different styles of romp to fit to your liking.  Hell, I am going out on a limb here – I am a fan of the romper, trendy or not (there, I said it).

Anthropologie

Forever21

Shopbop

What do you think?  Would you hop on the romper train?  Next time you see one in a storefront go in and try it on!  Your mom pulled it off in the 70s so who’s to say you can’t pull it off in ’13!  Shake what your momma gave ya!

Is it Friday yet?

XOXO

Maxi Maven

I have been dreaming about a DVF maxi dress ever since this post on one of my favorite fashion blogs, Atlantic-Pacific.  Isn’t that dress AMAZING????????  She apparently got it from a sample sale…and that scarf is OLD NAVY?  I mean, come on.  Ugh, Blair you get me every time!

SO with all of these weddings coming up (I think Bry and I are up to 7 in the next 14 months…HELLO!), I think I can justify buying one, right?  Well, it’s going to happen people!  As much as I love pretty much everything Di puts out, I am still hooked on prior years looks… so much so that I am on the prowl trying to find this coral number in my size… or there’s always these options below…

And this is not wedding event material but HOW INSANE is the dress below?!?!?  I am so tempted to buy it and make it work even though it’s not my size.  Picture it with a thick black belt and these DVF wedges.  Ahh!  It might have to happen…

Help me decide!  Which one would you pick?  I’m thinking of either a patterned maxi with simple gold/white accessories OR one of the solids with contrasting bold colored gems… thoughts?!

Hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful weekend!  My girlfriends and I rode bikes up to the Cloisters and picnicked with a baguette, delicious cheese from Murray’s and of course, a bottle of wine.  It was one of the best NYC days I have had to date!

XOXO
Meg

pic 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

SPF

It’s Self-Promotion Friday!  (And hopefully this weekend will be nice enough to require some SPF…wishful thinking.)

Hey people!  I just wanted to fill you in on a new online styling service called Keaton Row.  Keaton Row was started by two lovely ladies who graduated from Harvard Business School (surprise, surprise).  The concept is basically to create an online styling service for aspiring stylists or people who love fashion like myself (and I am assuming you if you enjoy at least 50% of my blog).  Keaton Row gives people who would love fashion advice but can’t afford a personal stylist, the resources they need to get personal styling without the service fee.  I was introduced to this site through my boyfriend’s very stylish mom, who sent me this article on Forbes (worth a read!) and I knew I just had to apply.  I have always enjoyed putting together outfits for myself, my friends, and for you guys on the old blogaroo!  One of my greatest discoveries from entering the Blogasphere was Polyvore, which is how I create the collages I post (whether it be fashion, beauty products or home decor).  Keaton Row basically gives you the ability to create those “look books” for actual clients and make a (small) income from doing so.  While I am still keeping my day job, I thought it would be a fun way to do something I love on the side and (potentially) build a network of clients and make people happy as an added bonus.

Here’s an example of a look I put together today:

Casual Day

Weekend Wear

If you are at all interested in getting my two cents on amping up your wardrobe, please check out my Stylist page here: http://keatonrow.com/stylist/megmarr and request to be a client!  I would love to create a custom lookbook for you and of course, everything is free of charge!  (And I apologize for the self-promo post…sigh.)

Happy weekend!

XOXO
Meg