Keeping it Casual

      If you haven't already figured out from my blog, I love a good casual outfit. The kind of outfit you can wear in your everyday life. I've recently became a huge fan of sneakers. A few years ago, I never wore sneakers unless I was working out. However, I've found some cute ways to incorporate sneakers into my everyday outfits.

(1) Pair with Ankle Length Jeans: these Gap jeans are perfection. They are a loose hem that are cut perfectly at the ankle. This style of jean adds an effortless look to pair with your sneakers.

(2) Buy good Sneakers: This goes without saying. However, I have a few favorites that can complete this look. I love these shoes from Francescas. They are so so comfortable. I have to stop myself from wearing them everyday. I would also recommend Converse shoes. They are a low-priced shoe that can be styled in many ways. I have four pairs and I wear them so much (I even wore them today).

(3) Shift-Dresses: Wearing your sneakers with a dress is a great way to accessorize while looking relaxed, yet sophisticated. I recommend a shift dress because the loose fit pairs nicely with sneakers. I usually wear a black shift-dress with my pink converse sneakers to add that little pop of color to keep it fun.

(4) Leggings: Sneakers + Leggings are basically BFFs. Pairing your leggings, top, and sneakers can be a bit tricky. I recommend pairing them with an oversized sweater or an oversized cardigan. I've pretty much been living in this look, if I'm being honest.

      So take off those heels.... and throw on your kicks. I know you won't regret it.

[Jeans]: Gap- similar, [Hat]: Red Dress Boutique, [Sneakers]: Francescas, [Sweater]: Gap, [Scarf]: Moco Creations, [Earrings]: Rocksbox (Use Code: MeganWBFF22 for your first month free!)

Winter Wonderland

     North Carolina got about 6 inches of snow over this past weekend! Let me just say: it was so relaxing and peaceful to wake up to snow falling. It was the perfect weekend for hot cocoa and blankets. If you saw my Insta story, you saw we took our dog, Bella, for a romp in the snow. She was begging to get outside and run through the snow (she hates the rain so I'm not sure why she loves the snow).
   On another note, how gorgeous was the sunset in these pictures? The sunset and the snow made a picturesque view. Side note: this was the fastest photo shoot in the history of man. It honestly took about 3-5 minutes. It was FREEZING cold. But, hey gotta do it for the blog. Anyways, this top is one of my absolute favorite tops. You may not be able to see it from the pictures but it has llamas on the bell sleeves. I'm obsessed. Bell sleeves are one of my favorite trends because they add a chic look. Even if bell sleeves are not your normal style, step outside your comfort zone and give them a try. Any age group can pull off bell sleeves! Trust me!
    I hope you all have a fantastic weekend! Thanks for stopping by Diamonds on Her Soul. As a reminder, you can use code: MeganWBFF22 to get a free month of Rocksbox. I'm wearing some of my new earrings on this blog post. Several of my friends have already gotten there first box so don't miss yours!

[Top]: Free People, [Booties]: Fabrik; similar, [Earrings]: Rocksbox, [Jeans]: Just Black, [Clutch]: Gili

**Links in photos.

2017 Traditions and A Little Luck

     Happy 2017! First of all, thank you to everyone who supported my blog in 2016. It was a huge step of faith but thanks to everyone's love and support I plan to continue in 2017. I hope you'll continue to support me by subscribing to my blog via email (on the homepage), continue to share my blog, and follow me on my social media sites. I'm excited for great things ahead in 2017.
     I have to share about my love for this Vince Camuto "cold-shoulder" sweater. It is one of the best feeling sweaters and the best "fit" I have found. Vince Camuto is one of my favorite brands. My bridesmaids' shoes for our wedding were Vince Camuto because I love the brand so much. The items are quality and last for years. This sweater was perfect for a little coffee and salted carmel brownie date on New Year's Eve. It was a rainy New Years Eve, so I paired my Hunter boots with the sweater for a cozy look. If you don't want to wear "rain-boots", add some style by wearing some knee length socks which pulls the look together.
    On another note, I'm not sure if you have any New Year traditions but we have a few I thought I would share if you need some extra luck this year. The first is we eat the traditional "New Years" meal which consists of black-eyed peas (represents coins), collard greens (represents money or wealth), and some type of pork (represents progress). Okay, I'm southern so this might be new to you. My Mamaw would make this meal every year and since she has passed away, it has been a favorite tradition to keep. Two new traditions we started this year is burning bayberry candles throughout New Years Day to bring blessings and abundance. The last and silliest thing we did was bang a pot outside the door at midnight to ensure a positive year. This came from my husband's grandmother, and I have to say, it will stay around in years to come (sorry to the neighbors)! The silly traditions are the best and most memorable. Oh, and I can't forget a good new years kiss!
    Enjoy a fresh new start this year. Thank you again for reading. I can't wait to see what 2017 holds for DOHS!

[Sweater]: Vince Camuto, [Rainboots]: Hunter, [Earrings]: Marley Lilly, [Socks]: Free People (Similiar)

** Click on photos for direct links. 

Hair Tutorial

    Merry Early Christmas!  Since I started my blog about 9 months ago, the number one request I receive from people is a hair tutorial. It kind of makes me laugh because I've never considered myself great at doing my hair by any means. I always joke that I'm going to go to cosmetology school just so I can learn how to style my hair. Well thanks to all the love and support you all have given me, I finally decided to take the plunge. This is my first video and to be honest I had no idea how to make one but I gave it a shot. I hope you enjoy and if you did, please let me know! I love to hear feedback either here or on Instagram (@themeganwhite).

Hair Tutorial Tips:
(1) Turn the barrel in vertical position for longer lasting curls.
(2) If your curls are too tight, run your hands through your hair or use the wet brush to loosen.
(3) Sleep on a silk pillow for longer lasting hair (also prevents aging).
(4) If your curls don't last, spray each individual piece of hair after curling.
(5) Remember that barrel size is very important depending on the length of your hair and the look you want. Generally, smaller barrels give a tighter curl and bigger barrel gives a large curl or wave.

Styling Items:

• 1. 25" T3 Curling Iron (not pictured) 
• Wet Brush
• Big Sexy Hair
• Tease Brush
• Joico Volumizing Hairspray 
• Hair Clip

** Song: Closer by The Chainsmokers (feat. Halsey)

Cozy Christmas

(laying with his favorite toy in the world)

(Our first christmas card, circa 2012)

(my little elves this year)

     Only 16 more days until Christmas!? Can you believe it? Today I'm sharing a peek into our home and how I've made it cozy for the Christmas season. I've always decorated our living area in red and green simply because I love the festive colors. It screams Christmas to me and I love the traditional look.  This year I went for a more rustic vibe including old trucks, cloth trimmings, and bells. I based the decorations off of the large truck I found at Target. I kind of have an obsession with these really old trucks. Maybe because I grew up in the country and a country Christmas is hard to beat. These adorable trucks are everywhere this year... so I'm guessing other people love them too! Many of the little "extras" are from what I call the "dollar" section of Target. They have the cutest little decorations to add to your home or apartment. I seriously spent like $20 on lights, garland, trees, and two trucks.
     Many of the items needed to create this look are inexpensive. For example, our tree topper is actually just ribbon and wire pieced together (1/2 on each side). The simple garland makes an incredible difference by making our mantel look more cozy. Another great tip, if you have a counter-top corner that is just missing something... simply add a string of lights (which you can probably get for $2 or have laying around your house somewhere), a Christmas coffee mug, and a Christmas book (like The Night Before Christmas). It looks absolutely gorgeous especially at night when you are curled up watching Elf.  I kind of wished I would have taken a picture of my little kitchen corner now (maybe I'll share on twitter soon). These simple tricks of adding lighting and small items make your home look so cozy without breaking the bank. Even Evan commented on how cozy our home looks this year!
    I hope I gave you a little inspiration for making your home cozy and traditional during this  Christmas season.

[Tree Ornaments]: Cracker Barrel and Lowes, [Tree Skirt]: Lowes, [Old Truck Decorations]: Target, [Small Trucks]: Lowes, [Bell Lights]: Target's Dollar Section, [Cloth Garland]: Target's Dollar Section, [Snow Trees]: Target, [Light-up Boxes and Sled]: Kirklands, [Leggings]: Nordstrom, [Slippers]: Target, [Blanket]: Pottery Barn, [Mug]: Pier One

Christmas Pictures

     Merry Early Christmas! We took these pictures a few weeks ago and while we have been enjoying some 80 degree days, this day was freezing cold! My hands and feet were completely numb by the time we finished taking pictures in uptown Charlotte. I'm so glad it's finally getting a little cooler because it actually is starting to feel like Christmas.
     We decided to do something a little different this year for our family photos. My wonderful mama braved the cold and took these pictures for us. It was perfect because we got to experiment with some ideas and we got to "play" in uptown Charlotte. To top it all off, our Christmas cards are ordered! We were earlier than normal this year so Evan and I had a little high five celebration. (No RUSH shipping! Yippee)
    Christmas is such a beautiful time of year. I enjoy the lights, the comfort of home, and making memories with our loved ones. This year I actually watched Miracle on 34th Street which is something I say I'm going to do every year but never get around to. I must say it was a wonderful movie and it proved to me why it stands the test of time. I might have secretly loved the legal arguments of "why Santa is real."
    Besides taking our annual Christmas pictures, I have a few favorite traditions. I love making a huge bowl of Chex Mix and sitting down to watch some of our favorite movies like Elf, Home Alone, and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Also, one night every year (usually in our PJ's or sweatpants), we ride through all the neighborhoods looking at everyone's Christmas decorations. We have the best time jamming out to Christmas music and driving around. The dogs love it too. I would be doing a huge disservice if I didn't mention shopping. Christmas shopping is a tradition. I LOVE to go Christmas shopping with my mom. We listen to Christmas music, grab a Starbucks, and shop all day. It's one of my favorite traditions from childhood. We would spend all day shopping at the mall and gazing at all of the decorations. My favorite of all traditions is that every Christmas eve I pick one gift under the tree and open it. I've done that as long as I can remember. When I was little it was probably a sneaky way of me getting a present a little early. However, the traditions survives. It's a fun teaser for the following morning!
   I'd love to hear about your favorite traditions on my instagram (@themeganwhite) or below! Enjoy this wonderful season and remember the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus Christ!

Megan: [Dress]: Belk, [Leopard Jacket]: Gift, [Shoes]: Halogen, [Earrings]: Kendra Scott, 

Evan: [Dress Shirt]: J Crew, [Pants]: Belk, [Jacket]: Jos. A. Bank, [Dress Shoes]: Steve Madden