Biltmore Estate Frozen Over

Everyone has that one semester in college that hits them like a ton of bricks. This past semester was difficult to say the least, and I was more than glad to kick its butt to the curb in 2015. Now that the New Year is here I can't wait to blog more and spend less time stressing out over school, work, and life. My best friend came to visit me, and I knew just the place that I wanted to take her to. The Biltmore Estate is a getaway that screams blank slate and was just what I needed to start my year off. The grounds are gorgeous and have so many beautiful places to take photos. It was freezing outside, not literally freezing, but for the south it was COLD. The weather forced Elizabeth and I to wear layers on layers and it made for an interesting ensemble. I layered my fur coat on top of a black poncho on top of a knit kimono on top of a wool dress on top of a button-up collared shirt. So all in all, I was wearing five layers, plus leggings underneath. You lose most of your body heat from your head, or so I've heard, and the hat was amazing for blocking out the cold. I loved how cozy I felt all day, as if I were wrapped up in blankets.. Oh wait. Photos were taken by the amazing Elizabeth Speer.

Collared Shirt (teal, under dress:) H&M

Black Ribbed Knit Dress: Mossimo for Target  

Knit Long Sleeve Kimono: Francesca's 

Black and White Poncho: Forever 21

Coat (removable faux fur trim:) Christmas Gift, similar here 

Hat: Forever 21

Boots:Nine West

Gloves:Target
Liz's Blog: Divine2Define 

At the Twilight's Last Gleaming

Crop Top: American Eagle, similar

Bikini Top: Asos

Chambray Shirt: Forever 21, similar

White Shorts: American Eagle

Denim Shorts: Guess (Vintage)

Sunglasses: Karen Walker

Earrings: Claires Sensitive

Hair bow: Forever 21

On Him

Top: Columbia

Shorts: Izod

Shoes: Sperry 

For Independence Day in the south, a barbecue is a must. My family always spends the whole day on the lake and ends the night watching the fireworks that our fellow Lake Norman inhabitants put on. I love seeing the whole family and indulging in homemade ice cream. Sparklers, porch swings, and inner tubing, what more says America like an amazing day on the lake. I threw on easy pieces over my bikini, like my trusty Chambray shirt. If you only buy one piece of clothing for a fall/spring/summer wardrobe, a chambray shirt is so versatile. I didn't include shoes in this post because I never wear shoes on the fourth. My lipstick color is Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte 17. I also wanted to let Casey make an appearance. My boyfriend of four+ years and my usual cameraman rarely sees the other side of the lens. I hope you all had an amazing and safe fourth of july, and remember that we are not free because we claim freedom, but because we practice it. 

Stay Beautiful,

Lauren Elizabeth Millsaps