Emily Maynard

It's that time of year again! The ShopBop Friends & Family sale is back and you can get 25% off your entire order with the code FAMILY25 at checkout. It only lasts for 3 days, so hurry up before all the good stuff is gone!

Here are some of my favorites.. Can someone come hold me accountable for ONLY buying things for Christmas gifts and not myself?

I'll admit it, I'm not a "sporty" girl. Shocking, right? Not loving football has never been a problem before in my life, until I got married. In his family, football is not just a sport, it's a lifestyle. He's one of four giant boys (all single, ladies!) and they all play and even though I may not ever LOVE football, I'm at least learning to somewhat understand it. This past weekend we went to New Orleans to see his brother, Austin, play against some team that I don't remember and after a very intense game (based on everyone else's reactions.. my face was stuffed in a plate of nachos the whole time) the Saints won!

But if you've come to my blog, chances are you're not looking for the play-by-play recap so I'll get to the important stuff: what I wore. Duh. I've never worn a jersey before and can maybe even remember a time I made fun of people who wore jerseys. If that was you, I'm truly sorry because now, I'm one of "those" people. When your brother-in-law is playing for the Saints I feel like it's your duty to wear his jersey but how in the world do you make that look cute? There's no way I was going to wear a pair of dad jeans and New Balance sneakers like every other guy in the Super Dome, so I paired mine with my favorite pair of leather leggings, a statement necklace from BaubleBar, and wedge boots. Equal parts sass and family pride, right?

PS-- How cute is my mother-in-law????

I'm sure you all have seen the crop tops that are in every store and every magazine by now and, if you're like me, wondered, "That poor girl left her shirt at home! Why didn't anyone tell her?". I knew my days of crop top wearing were long gone but I was determined to find a way to make it work without looking like a Forever21 reject. So, I found a crop top that was a little longer and paired it with a high waisted Party Skirt. Plus, it's a look you can recreate all year round with the addition of a cute sweater or blazer!

What are some looks you think you just can't pull off? Let me know in the comments!

I got engaged in January and unlike most brides, I had no idea what to do so in true "Emily fashion", I did nothing. Around March I finally hired a wedding planner/angel sent from God, Ivy Robinson, and she handled everything and gave me checklists of things I needed to get done. Top of the list was getting a dress. She sent me to Hayden Olivia Bridal Boutique and the sweetest girl ever, Whitney, didn't even freak out that I needed a dress in a matter of weeks. After a full day of trying on dresses, I finally picked one by Modern Trousseau but wanted to do something a little different, so we added the blush colored accents. I also knew I wanted a big princess dress because when else can you dress like a giant cupcake and not look absolutely ridiculous?? And because I'm convinced she and Ivy are bridal MacGyvers, she pulled out a detachable skirt that I could take off for the reception. As far as accessories, I wanted to keep things more low key since we were getting married on a farm, so I decided I wanted to wear a leather belt instead of the typical wedding sash everyone else wears. I swear.. it made sense in my head but after looking everywhere I was about to give up. I even went to tack shop looking for a leather belt. "And the bride wore.. Wrangler.." Just what every girl imagines for her wedding day, right?

It was totally divine intervention, because I ran into Mechelle from Our Place Boutique and in my book, she has the absolute best style in Charlotte and I knew she would have a better idea. She searched high and low and pretty much planned my entire wedding look in two weeks. Basically she's a magician. For my jewelry, Mechelle helped me pick out a stack of S.Carter bangles that I wore for the ceremony with a pair of earrings I designed with Towne & Reese. I also wore a beautiful ring my new mother-in-law gave me and an antique diamond watch my mom and dad gave me the day of my wedding. For the reception I added even more S.Carter bangles and a bunch of necklaces to make the look more "me" because let's be real.. for me, when it comes to jewelry, more is better. If you're in Charlotte, check out Our Place Boutique in Phillips Place and I promise it will become your new favorite store.

I always say that Ricki was more of a bridezilla than I was during the entire wedding planning process. I swear she tried on every dress, belt, earring, and shoe at Hayden Olivia. Since she wanted a strapless dress she immediately decided she wanted a Modern Trousseau "Teacup" wedding dress, but as her mother there was no chance that was going to happen. Thankfully they were able to customize the dress to give it straps and it looked like it was made for her! She picked out a sash and headband by Whitney Alyssa and sandals by Kate Spade to make her feel even more like the princess she is.

For my makeup, Ivy introduced me to another angel on Earth, Lindsey Regan Thorne, who made me feel as beautiful every bride dreams of feeling. But not only that, she was the best friend every girl needs on her wedding day.. she kept me calm, made me laugh, and made the whole day so much fun. I wish I was brave enough to show you all the before picture, but let's just say the girl knows how to make a girl look her best! So many makeup artists just paint on the exact same makeup they did on the bride the week before and you don't even recognize yourself when you look in the mirror. Lindsey took her time, listened to what I wanted, and made me feel the most beautiful I've ever felt. Now I just need her to come back to my house and teach me all of her tricks.. Hint, hint, Lindsey! :)

I truly had the dream team when it came to my wedding and I'll never be able to say thank you enough to each of you.

DRESS: Modern Trousseau / BOOTS: Ash & Golden Goose / NECKLACES & BRACELETS: S. Carter from Our Place Boutique / EARRINGS: Emily Maynard for Towne & Reese/ BELT: ADA/ MAKEUP & HAIR: Lindsey Regan Thorne / RICKI'S DRESS: Modern Trousseau / HEADBAND & SASH: Whitney Alyssa/ SANDALS: Kate Spade

Oh me... Where do I even begin? I guess I could come on here and say I've been crazy busy and haven't had time to blog,and blah, blah, blah, which would be totally true. But to be honest, I just really wanted to take the time to enjoy being married, my new family, our new home, and really just LIFE that I kind of checked out on life for a little while. It's been the best summer of my life, but now school is back in session which means I have the time to devote to my blog again! I've missed you guys! If you follow me on Instagram, by now you've seen pictures from our wedding but I figured I would share a few (ok.. maybe a lot) more because it truly was the most perfect day ever! I've always wanted to have a surprise wedding, and with the help of the most amazing planner, Ivy Robinson, and swearing my family to secrecy, we almost pulled it off. To be honest, I think most people knew what was happening, but I just wanted the day to be about the love God has brought together and not seating charts, presents, and bridesmaids. Can you believe it was so romantic two couples got engaged?! I have to give our Pastor, David Chadwick from Forest Hill Church all the credit on that one though. I think everyone was crying after the beautiful words he gave. I wanted all of our family and friends to show up wearing whatever they wanted and ready to have a good time at an "engagement party". It was everything and more that I ever dreamed of and I have a million people to thank for making this the most special day of my life. But as a blog reader, I know you guys are here to see pictures so here ya go!

* If you need a password use emilytyler

PLANNER: Ivy Robinson Events / PHOTOGRAPHY: Corbin Gurkin Photography / INVITATIONS: Ceci New York / MIXOLOGIST: Bob Peters; Lenny Boy Brewing Co.; Tito's Vodka; Bulleit / FURNITURE: Circa Antiques & Interiors / CAKE: Wow Factor Cakes / GROOM'S CAKE: Neet's Sweets / POPSICLES: King of Pops/ FLORAL DESIGNERS: John Lupton & Andrew Thomas/ CATERER: Porcupine Provisions / MUSIC: Zachary Kale *We danced to the song he wrote, Marry Me as our first dance. My fave song ever! / The Solemates / Mo's OBX Skeeter Beater / Split Second Sound / Party Reflections / Dee Dee's Gourmet / Helen's Kitchen / The Bungalow Picnic Company /

**The biggest thank you goes to my mom and dad, because without them there's no way this day ever could've happened as beautifully as it did. Mom, thank you for being there every step of the way and Dad, thank you for not complaining about the bill :) I love you both! Also, a huge thank you to Tyler's parents for letting us take over your beautiful farm for our special day! I know at times it seemed like a nightmare, but we pulled it off and I can't say thank you enough! We love you guys!

And a huge thank you to every single one of you that made this day so special for us! I'm going to do another post last this week to give you all the details on my dress, accessories, and amazing makeup artist!

I'm sorry I have neglected the blog a little lately.. I was out of town for a couple days and ended up getting a nasty sinus infection. I just hope this is natures way of getting all the germs out so I don't have to worry about anything for the rest of the summer! Wishful thinking?

Anyway, I hope all you mommies had a great Mother's Day! Tyler and Ricki made the day so special for me starting with my favorite guilty food, a McGriddle with no cheese and an Iced Latte with whipped cream, waiting for me when I woke up. After church we went to one of my favorite breakfast spots, Zada Janes, they let me take a nap, and then we walked to the park with the dogs because it was so beautiful outside! The best gift of all though was just getting to spend time with them, so I guess everyday is Mother's Day for me! Minus the whole nap thing, which I strongly believe should be a requirement for all adults.

If you're interested in my outfit details, all the links are listed under the picture. Also, if you follow me on Instagram (@emilygmaynard) you can sign up for Like To Know It and then every time you like one of my pics, all the details and link will be sent directly to your inbox!

Are you as tired of hearing about the weather as I am? It's the go to awkward conversation starter that everyone is guilty of, but really, how crazy has it been this year? I don't know about where you live, but in Charlotte it will be warm one day and then freezing the next. Hopefully the warm weather is here to stay for a little while! However, I'm just so thankful we don't have to worry about the awful tornadoes and hurricanes so many other people have to deal with, especially this time of year.

So, if you're like me and beyond ready to wear all of the cute sundresses that have been hanging in the back of your closet for what seems like an eternity, it's time to pull them back out! If you live somewhere that it gets a little cold at night, or even during the day, try layering a cute crochet over it. I also love this look for the summer with a lightweight lace tank or tshirt for an easy way to dress up a simple dress.

If you follow me on Twitter (@EmilyMaynard) you might remember me asking what color you all liked in these Vanessa Mooney by DV heels. Well, I took your advice and got the nude! Let me tell you, the last thing I needed was another pair of nude shoes, but I LOVE them and had people asking me all day where I got them! I also love them with a pair of rolled up boyfriend jeans.. I'll do a post on that later :)

Last thing.. you can now shop your favorite bloggers Instagram pictures! Just sign up at liketoknow.it and then every time you "like" a picture on Instagram, you get all the details and links sent straight to your inbox!

PS-- Sorry for the awful pictures! As much as I love Tyler, iPhone photography is not one of his gifts :)

I'm embarrassed to say that I'm on my 3rd iPhone 5, since I got it in December. I dropped the first one the day after I got it and, not wanting to go wait at the Apple store, I procrastinated on getting it fixed until I actually cut my finger on a piece of glass. You'd think after that I would've learned that I need to have some sort of case on it, right? Nope. Flash forward two phones later, not to mention investing a small fortune, and I've finally given in to the whole "case idea". I've always thought they made your phone so much bulkier and wouldn't fit in my bag. So, after searching high and low for the cutest cases out there, here are my favorites!

What are your favorites? Let me know in the comments!

I've been saying forever that I want to start doing video tutorials on my blog, but to be totally honest, I'm scared to put myself out there in that way! Like pretty much every other girl out there, I stay up way later than I should watching everything from Cara, of the blog Maskcara, highlight and contour to Mr. Kate, doing the perfect sock bun. How do they make everything look so easy?!

When I try to film mine in my bathroom I look like, well.. a girl in her bathroom filming on her computer. It's not good. So, thats where I need YOUR help! For all of you that have done the "YouTube" thing, what am I doing wrong? Is there something I need to invest in that will make this whole thing much easier? Give me all your tips!

In the meantime here are some of my favorite YouTube channels:

Maskcara Jaclyn Hill Mr. Kate Elle Fowler MMandLShow Kandee Johnson

Who are your favorites? What do you like about them? What kind of things would you like me do? Let me know in the comments!

I remember growing up and wondering what in the world my mom did all day while my brother and I were in school. In my mind it went something like this:
7:30am- Get kids off to school
7:35am- Back to bed
11:00am- Wake up and watch "Dr.Phil"
1:00pm- "Days of Our Lives"
2:30pm- Get out of pajamas
2:45pm- Kids come home

I'd like this post to be a public apology to my mom, Susie, because it's only after having my own child that I realize being "Mom" is the hardest job in the world. I just pray I can do it half as well as she did! She'd volunteer to help anyone that needed it, have dinner on the table every night at 6:00pm, and keep a spotless house.

All while wearing heels and a french twist. Pretty amazing, right?
Yesterday I had an event and didn't have time to change, so that meant running the dog to the vet (just a check up!), soccer practice, etc. in a skirt and heels. Is it weird that I felt better all day than when I wear my normal "mom uniform"? (In case you're wondering thats Lululemon Yoga Pants.. without the yoga.) I'm not saying I want to look like a Stepford Wife, or that it's only what you look like on the outside that matters, but maybe there's more truth to the saying, "Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world," than I thought! Am I crazy or do you all feel better when you get dressed up too? Let me know your secrets in the comments!

I got these shoes a few weeks ago and LOVE them! They're super comfortable and now I'm wondering what I wore before I bought them. Also, anyone who knows me knows that turquoise is a neutral in my life and how cute is my bag? Gigi New York does free personalizing, which is perfect for me since my initials will be changing pretty soon! (*All outfit details/links listed under the top picture)