Maxi the Moment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This past week was my much needed Spring Break. I spent the entire week on the Big Island relaxing, sight-seeing and having a lot of laughs with the best girlfriends around. When I imagine the small-town life of Waimea, where my parents live and where I stayed, I immediately think of maxi dresses. This outfit is the epitome of comfort, while still maintaining some sort of fashion sense (we all know yoga pants cannot be dressed up), and I always love having a go-to outfit when I want to put the least amount of thought into it. I took these gorg shots in the backyard of the house, and the view just takes my breath away!

 

Later Gators,

MF

 

PS: I will be posting trip pics soon!

 

 

Classic Inspiration

 

 

 

 

 

 

{Dress: Gap / Jean Jacket: Gap / Necklace: Old / Wedges: Steve Madden / Bracelets: J Crew, Lilly Pulitzer / Sunglasses: Ray Bans / Clutch: Jessica Simpson}

 

I have always looked through fashion mags and gossip columns, searching for inspiration to create my own personal style. The one person I always look to is Reese Witherspoon: she's southern, outspoken, glamorous and has always been a classic dresser. Being that I idolize Mrs. Witherspoon and all her fashion statements, I learned early on that a staple in her wardrobe is a jean jacket. She is constantly being photographed in florals, tanks and dresses with a jean jacket effortlessly thrown over it to add a rustic touch. I find that whenever I want to add a bit of comfort and ease to an outfit, this jean jacket does it; it never goes out of style, and will last a lifetime.

 

Later Gators,

MF

 

Some looks from the fab Reese Witherspoon:

 

 

 

 

 

A Few of my Favorite Things

 

{Sunday Mornings full of Fashion catch-up and Note Writing}

 

{My Mannequin Penelope decked out in Color}

 

{Kicking back in the Sun, Catching up on Divergent}

 

 

{Christmas Gift from Grandaddy to inspire Me}

 

 

{Obsessed with these Earrings for casual meetups}

 

The Sound of Music is one of my all-time favorite movies; the singing, dancing and my living in Germany when I first watched it really hit home for me. I find myself looking throughout the weeks for things that inspire and lift me, hence the title. My favorite things are my happy place, something that gives me a break from all the madness around me, and gives me the opportunity to sing and dance around my room, channeling my inner Fraulein Maria.

 

Later Gators,

MF 

 

 

Carpe Diem

 

 

 

 

 

Top: Gap / Skirt: Old Navy / Wedges: Target / Vest: Gap / Bracelets: J.Crew, Lilly Pulitzer, Juicy Couture / Sunglasses: RayBans

 

 In my own personal opinion, every woman should have an outfit, accessory or piece of clothing that makes them feel like the belle of the ball; like you could actually walk up to Channing Tatum and declare your love without drooling. For me, Its hot pink and cheetah print. There's something about this skirt, when I put it on, I feel as though I am instantly in a better mood and can conquer even the biggest of problems. I had such a blast shooting for this post because I felt confident, and just loud enough (which we all know, us women like to criticize every picture we take!). So my challenge for y'all is to put on those pumps, blot that lipstick on, slide into that dress, and take on the day with a confidence only fashion can give.

 

Later Gators,

MF

 

 



#hilife

 

 

 

 

Ya gotta love a Monogram!! c/o Vera Bradley

 

 

 

Growing up in Hawaii, I have developed a serious relationship with the beach. It provides what all great Boyfriends should: love, calming tones and a great free pedicure (gotta love rubbin your toes in the sand.) Whether it be for an hour on a break from work, early morning paddle boarding (the only type of boarding I can do!), or just to escape from the midterms/death week of college, the beach offers me a place to lose all worries and focus on what's important: getting caught up on my fashion mags, blasting Zac Brown Band, and improving my tan. On the daily, I am so lucky to be living the #hilife.

Later Gators,
MF 

Alooooooha

Well hey there! Welcome to my little spot in the sand, The Sandy Magnolia. If you love glitter, bright colors, and have a love for anything remotely Pintrest-worthy, you have come to the right place my friends.

 

 

Where have my manners gone! Lets starts out with an quick intro about myself. My name is Mary Frances Donnelly, just call me Mary Fran, and I am a junior in college at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. I am a military kid who has moved from place to place, until finally finding my home for nearly 10+ years on the islands of Hawaii. I am a southern belle at heart, my Momma is from Georgia, and an island girl, my dad is from Hawaii, on the daily. I combine my love for stand-up paddleboarding, drinking from mason jars, snacking on shave-ice, and sayin "Y'all" in all my sentences by mushing it all into my daily lifestyle. This Blog is my way of showing that you can combine two places from opposites sides of the world, and create a perfect combo: The Sandy Magnolia.

 

 

 

 

 

My complete obsession: Alex and Ani bracelets

 

 

 

As y'all can probably see, I am not one to shy away from color, and this scarf is no exception. This gorgeous gal is a Lilly Pulitzer Murfee scarf and is specifically for the state of Georgia. I fell in love with it because it shows all of the gorgeous parts of Georgia in such a cute way. Its the perfect accessory, and always puts a smile on my face!

 

Later Gators,

 Mary Fran