Ask Our Readers: Worst Date Stories

We’ve all been there. You get dressed up for a date, you’re excited, you spend 40 minutes making sure your hair is curled in the right direction and…. the date is a disaster. In the year 2020, there were a whopping 44.2 MILLION users swiping right in the US alone, and it’s estimated that this number will increase to 53.3 million users by 2025. So, when we tell you that you are not alone - you are most definitely NOT alone. Like most things in life, it helps us to feel like our experiences are shared, dating triumphs and defeats included. With February approaching, this month of love can be pretty polarizing depending on which side of the Valentines spectrum you stand on. Whether you are pro all the heart-shaped candies and twitterpated feelings or you treat the 14th like any other day; we can all agree that bad dates happen to the best of us. We asked you to share some of your worst date experiences with us and you guys understood the assignment. We invite you to sit down, grab a snack, and enjoy yourself as we bond through our failed attempts at romance together.

“On our first date, he told me that he liked that I used big words like “wonderful.””

“The girl I was dating told me that she planned a romantic date night. But when I showed up, she had invited 10 other friends and they were all doing jager bombs.”

“They showed up in a glow-in-the-dark tshirt and demanded that we go somewhere dark.”

What To Wear: Winter Wedding Edition

There is something so effortlessly magical about winter weddings. We can’t quite pinpoint what it is that makes them feel this way. It could be the deep jewel tones and festive florals. It could also be that most winter weddings take place around heartfelt holidays or at the start of a New Year. Whatever the reason, your wedding gown should always reflect the beauty of your wedding day. When most of us think of “Winter Wedding Dresses” usually what comes to mind are long sleeves and velvet fabric. While these winter staples will always remain iconic, at Bustle we believe that your wedding gown should be whatever YOU want. This is us telling you that if you want to wear the spaghetti straps, you should ABSOLUTELY wear the spaghetti straps. In this blog we are going to share a couple of our favorite tips to find that seasonal magic without sacrificing your own personal style.

“You never have to worry about ‘pulling off’ any wedding look. If you are wearing it, you are pulling it off. You are what makes your dress.”

— Meredith Carter: Bustle Owner

Bustle Stylist’s Winter Gown Tips

Texture

We love how a wedding gown becomes fantastical when you add textural details. The winter season embodies so many unique patterns and textures. When you are able to represent those elements in your dress, enchantment follows.

Festive Accessories

There is nothing that says holiday sparkle like a statement earring or captivating hairpiece. It is truly beautiful how quickly a bridal look becomes a moment when paired with festive accessories. The holidays are grand and your wedding should reflect that momentous occasion because YOU are worth it.

Fabric

The touch and feel of your gown should always encapsulate home. When you choose a gown, the fabric matters! Whether comfort is at the top of your wishlist or you live for the drama and comfort can wait; the overall makeup of your dress is what you will remember for years to come. How did you feel in it? That is what makes a gown sensational.

Structural Details

Sometimes the opulence is in the details. The structural elements of your gown can captivate a room in a way that words never could. The whole idea of making a “statement” is just that. Giving a clear message without the need of vernacular. When words fall short, it’s those significant details that will make your winter wedding the day of your dreams.

“As someone who was also a winter bride, the most important aspect of your bridal look is that you feel the warmth that embodies the holidays & your love in your gown. The rest will fall in to place.”

— Jillian Darling: Bustle Blog Author

Bustle Bride: Anna Beth Cross

“I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.”

— John Green

Sometimes the best love stories are the ones that develop over time: like a cadence of notes all working together to craft a melody that stays with you and earnestly becomes your favorite song. Every note is a moment in time that is essential in telling your unique story of love. Each one is equally cherished because it strands together a life song that can then be shared with those around us. Anna Beth and David have created the sweetest of love stories through intention and heartfelt patience. The couple met while working together at a Birmingham-based summer camp called Passport. They spent two summers serving on the same team, but didn't start to form romantic feelings until the second year. Their romance began with genuine friendship and even though their time together took place over two summer seasons, it was effortless for them to pick up where they left off each year and grow closer with every meeting. However, it is a camp rule that you cannot date while on staff, so they had to wait several weeks until camp was over to go on their first date.

As the summer came to a close and autumn began, Anna Beth traveled to Raleigh to stay with a friend. In true hallmark fashion, David had also just moved to Raleigh, so the pair were able to finally go on a date. David planned to pick up Anna Beth after lunch and take a walk through the beautiful Duke Gardens; however, the weather had other plans after a slight torrential downpour. Quickly coming up with an alternate plan, David picked up Anna Beth and took her to a European-style cafe since he knew she loved studying abroad in Europe. They sat in the sweet little cafe for over three hours and never ran out of things to talk about. The pair ate dinner at one of their favorite restaurants, Tazza Kitchen, and ended the evening by going to see a movie. While their first date sounds like a pretty classic course of events, the 11 hours they spent with each other on that rainy afternoon was the start of a beautiful life that they would share together.

Anna Beth knew David was “the one” because of the unshakable friendship they had cultivated in their summers together. This friendship quickly became the most sincere alliance that would set the foundation for their love story.

“It was evident that we quickly became best friends and each other’s person, even after dating long distance for two years. Our daily FaceTimes and monthly visits helped make it clear this relationship was meant to last and something special. Also, seeing him with my family made it clear that he was meant to be part of me forever.”

— Anna Beth

Bustle’s sweet store owner, Meredith, had the wonderful opportunity to help Anna Beth choose her dream wedding gown. Everything about Anna Beth’s dress spoke to her: the style, shape, color, fabric, the open back. EVERY aspect of her gown was exactly what she pictured in her mind for so long. Anna Beth’s gown is a beautiful Allure fit and flare with a gorgeous v-neck. 

“Meredith did a great job helping me find the perfect dress without pressuring me into something I didn’t want. I’m so glad I got my dress from Bustle!”

— Anna Beth

One of Anna Beth’s favorite aspects of her wedding was watching their loved ones come together as vendors for their special day. Seeing each of them play such significant roles reminded Anna Beth and David how incredibly loved they are. Anna Beth’s aunt, her friend, and many of her cousins arranged the florals for their wedding, giving her the autumnal garden of her dreams. Most of the greenery came from Anna Beth’s family farm which added an even more sentimental touch.

Just in case this wedding isn’t already the sentimental work of our cinematic dreams, the couple’s camp coordinator officiated their ceremony and made everyone feel right at home.  Their loved ones set the scene from beginning to end by personally designing their wedding invitations and acting as instrumentalists and vocalists to set the mood for the day. (Where is the tissue box?) Anna Beth’s dear friend, Jenny Dansby, helped keep the day together by stepping up as the day-of coordinator. A wedding day is so much more than the love between a couple. Seeing that love radiate and spread from family and friends is a reminder that a full life is meant to be shared.

“My favorite memory from our wedding day was seeing all of our people in one place, my hometown. David is from Virginia but lives in North Carolina and I’m from Birmingham but lived in Texas. We also worked camp in many states, so seeing all of our people from various places and stages of life in one room to celebrate us was so special. We cherished getting to see and dance our hearts out with everyone we love!”

— Anna Beth

VENDORS:

Dress: Bustle

Suits: Men's Wearhouse

Photographer: Allison Naylor Photography

Venue: The Barn at Shady Lane

Cakes: The P'Pool's Bakehouse

Flowers: Beth Edwards and Jenny Loughridge

Day-Of Coordinator: Threefold Events (Jenny Dansby)

DJ: Disco Hristo (Chris Sarris)

H&MU: H+MU by Nat (Natalie Moore)

Caterer: Happy Catering Company

Invitation Suite (plus design for cups, napkins, koozies, & signs): Lauren Brawley Creative

Rehearsal Dinner Venue: The Up & Up at McLellan's

2021 Bustle Christmas Gathering

“The discovery of a new dish confers more happiness on humanity, than the discovery of a new star.”

— Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

In the wise words of Kacey Musgraves, “let me set the scene…” It’s a beautiful December night in Ross Bridge and the community is now a panoramic view of fresh poinsettias and glistening lights. The Bustle Team is welcomed into Chef Tyler and Jennifer Lyne’s charming home for our very first Supper Club. The environment is incredibly warm and buzzing with intimate conversation between familiar faces and strangers alike. Chef Lyne opens up our ten course meal with sincere sentiments expressing the profound influence that can be experienced when a thoughtful meal is shared among loved ones.

The beauty of food is that it has the ability to bring everyone together, regardless of our differences. With every glass held high in the candlelight, we eagerly await the meal to come. The amount of intention that the team at Tasting TBL puts into each course is truly remarkable and unlike anything we have experienced before.

Our meal begins with a canapé course complete with Blue Crab Hand Rolls, Beef Tartare, Pomme Aligot Mochi, & Black Truffle Puffs - sensational. Each course somehow felt like the main character in its own production, leaving every person on our Bustle team unanimously agreeing that this is the best meal we have ever had. We finished the night with a decadent chocolate cake, layered with eight (yes EIGHT) layers of absolute perfection. The cake is a merriment of hazelnut praline and chocolate mousse, adorned with warm chocolate sauce. Can we come back every night, please?

Celebrating the Christmas season is easy when we have all of you to be thankful for. We want to extend the warmest wishes to you and your loved ones this holiday season. Merry Christmas from Bustle. We hope your days are merry and filled with the best bites. If you would like to attend Supper Club for yourself, visit TastingTBL.com.

Birmingham Holiday Dessert Tour

We can all agree that the holidays are best spent surrounded by twinkling lights with your favorite sweet treat in hand. There is just something special about Christmas in Birmingham. The spirit of love and creativity is never in short supply in The Magic City. We decided to take a tour of our favorite places to find holiday desserts and we are bringing you with us - YAY! We hope you can take a trip to some of these local wonders and find a treat that puts your heart (and appetite) at ease this holiday season.

CHOCOLATA

Chocolata is an ethereal chocolate shop, beautifully nestled downtown on 2nd Avenue North. Each treat is incredibly special and always starts with the highest quality chocolate made with ingredients from South America. You will immediately feel like you have arrived in a chocolate heaven upon entering this place. The smell of sipping chocolate fills the air and it’s truly something straight out of a fairytale. The bonbons are so beautiful that you hardly want to eat them (but I promise you will). 

The holidays are all about sharing with loved ones and the Moonscape Peppermint Bark, Sipping Chocolate, Hot Cocoa, & Bonbon Boxes are great ways to share in the spirit of the season. The Sipping Chocolate is made with whole pieces of dark chocolate and a pinch of spice for a luxurious fireside treat, while the Hot Cocoa mix is prepared with a traditional cocoa powder and has hints of cinnamon. We’ll take one mug of each, please!

Chocolata changes their bonbons seasonally, so no matter when you choose to give this delectable gift a try, they are always such a treat for the recipient. As for the item that is the first to disappear from the candy dish - the Moonscape Peppermint Bark! This holiday treat is made with creamy Ecuadorian white chocolate, crunchy cacao, and festive peppermint for the sweetest Christmas dream.

You absolutely have to see this mystical chocolate shop for yourself to take in the true beauty. We could stare into their chocolate display case for HOURS. You can visit Chocolata’s website to find out more or check out their instagram (@chocolata_bham).

Daughters Baking

We might be a little bias because some of our team has personally used Daughters Baking as their own wedding cake vendor and we cannot get enough of this delightful bakery. Their shop is the epitome of cozy and fits right in-between Brombergs and Oulser’s, in the heart of Mountain Brook Village. Their Holiday Cake Menu is what Christmas wishes are made of: Almond Amaretto Layer Cake and Gingerbread Layer Cake.

Almond Amaretto Cake

The Almond Amaretto Cake is layered with almond cake, amaretto custard, coffee buttercream, and an almond crumb. We love that while this cake is decadent, it is also incredibly light and easy to eat in copious amounts. We obviously had to try it ourselves…for science, you know?

Gingerbread Cake

The Gingerbread Cake pulls on your heart strings because it marries together all of the most nostalgic flavors from your childhood. This masterpiece is layered with gingerbread cake, brown sugar cinnamon buttercream, graham cracker crunch, and salted caramel sauce. This flavor feels like home for the holidays in the best way.

Daughter’s Baking let us know that they will have a SURPRISE limited addition flavor launching on December 15th - eeek! Give them a follow on instagram (@daughtersbaking) to find out what flavor they are gracing us with next. If you need any thoughtful Christmas gift ideas, Daughter’s just premiered the sweetest gift sets now available in store. You will not regret a visit to one of our favorite cake shops in Mountain Brook. We highly recommend snagging a few of these festive cake cups then taking a stroll across the street to Starbucks and enjoying a holiday latte - true Christmas magic.    

Last call baking Cooperative

This awe-inspiring micro bakery was born out of a passion for French and Asian cuisine, as well as the love for feeding friends and family. The heart of Last Call is to make all feel invited to bring a chair to the table. At Bustle, we make very frequent stops to The General, located on the beautifully historic Clairmont Avenue. Inside The General you will be able to behold the delicacies of Last Call Baking. These sweet selections are always baked fresh and the menu is constantly changing. We love how the confectionary case is a surprise every morning, so there is always an opportunity to try something new.

The Matcha Chocolate Poundcake is a wonderfully light & moist poundcake, flavored with Japanese ceremonial matcha and dark chocolate. You will feel right at home with this one, while also experiencing the excitement of something new with the matcha flavor. Comfort in a slice.

The Olive Oil Sandwich Loaf is filled with citrus Swiss meringue buttercream and topped with roasted strawberries and fresh herbs. This cake is both decadent and light, while hitting the savory and tangy parts of your taste buds. An absolute citrus dream.

The Black Sesame Mochi Cake was originally sold at Shu Shop and quickly became a fan favorite. This dreamboat is served with a dollop of rosemary whipped cream and fresh herbs. We will take two slices, please!

You can keep up with Last Call’s daily delicacies through their instagram, or pop in to The General and try something for yourself. In October, Chanah Willis, the founder of Last Call, made a HUGE announcement stating that they are in the beginning stages of opening a STORE FRONT here in Birmingham - EEK! Chanah shared their gofundme page in the hopes that as a community we can help make Last Call Baking Co. a forever home in our favorite city. You can visit this link if you would like to spread a little holiday cheer through a generous donation.

Curateher Winter Box Launch

During the pandemic, over six million women lost their jobs and were left to navigate the world in a way that none of us had before.  Michelle Chandler, the founder of Curateher, saw that a vast number of women were honing in on their hobbies and taking this time to create, imagine, and play.  It is beautiful that in a time full of uncertainty and worry, women were able to come together and find an escape in the things they are most passionate about.  Michelle is an interior designer and the owner of Harper James Home.  She has two brilliant daughters, Phoebe (8) and Nia (5).  Michelle grew up in Northern California and went to college in SoCal, where she lived for twelve years before moving to Birmingham in 2015.

“ I finally found a way to combine my expertise in interiors with my passion and vision for helping women.”

— Michelle

Michelle couldn’t help but notice how the landscape of delivering products was changing and booming with direct-to-consumer subscription models.  She started to think about how the interior design industry had not evolved to meet the new way we all live, and then began to dive into how she could connect women makers with the massive market of buyers in the home decor industry.  Michelle had a growing desire to make design accessible without sacrificing quality.  She became determined to help female entrepreneurs grow their businesses and that is when Curateher was born. 

 Curateher is a home decor subscription box sourced exclusively from female makers, artists, and small business owners.  Michelle wants your home effortlessly styled in every season.  Each box comes with six products that have been thoughtfully selected to keep your home updated with the latest classic styles. These curated boxes are mailed out every three months and are crafted to work together interchangeably, giving you a designer level home collection to build on over time.  When you subscribe, you also gain access to her online member library, where Michelle will host empowering events and inspirational design workshops to provide a hands-on style experience.  Michelle believes the home of your dreams should be accessible to everyone.

“I want every person to have the confidence to be their own interior designer.”

— Michelle

Michelle shares that her heart for Curateher is the ability to connect home with our wellbeing. Our homes should feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside and that is a daily practice.  One of our favorite aspects of this business is how intentionally the products are married together.   This has always been one of Michelle’s strongest skills as a designer: finding unique pieces that work together to make a statement.  Each box is seasonal, but that doesn’t mean it has to be literal. You will definitely get a feel of each season through texture, color, and the details of each piece.  The Winter Box is perfect for Christmas because the high quality, classic pieces will add the perfect touch to your holiday decor, but can absolutely be enjoyed well beyond the Christmas season.

“Our homes should bring us back to ourselves. Mindfulness is the key to not only a beautiful home, but a beautiful life as well.”

— Michelle

“We are so stimulated by the rush of everything this time of year, I want to make homes light, classic, and easy to be in.”

— Michelle

We are swooning over Michelle’s Winter Box!  The effortlessly neutral color palette will fit into any space while celebrating the classic Christmas nostalgia that we all love.  This box is “cozy” personified and we couldn’t ask for a better way to wrap up with the people we love most this season.  Each item in this box is selected with comfort and ease in mind.  Michelle wants every client to come home and feel relief.

Curateher is a yearly subscription, but Michelle has made it possible to exclusively purchase the Winter Box from now until Christmas by itself. YAY! The Winter Box would be a beautiful gift for a loved one or yourself.  If you want a little holiday magic for your interior decor this Christmas, visit www.curate-her.com to make your spirits (and home) very bright. 

Bustle Bride: Brittney Vigna Wysong

In a world full of online dating horror stories, it is beautifully refreshing when one of those “swipes” ends in real romance.  While Brittney and Rory’s story may have started in Bumble DMs, it is no question that the authenticity of their connection is something that each of them had never experienced before.

When Brittney met Rory she was working at The University of Alabama while Rory was temporarily located in Tuscaloosa for work.  Brittney is a huge craft beer fan (we love a girl who knows a good brew!), so it is fitting that they chose Loosa Brews for their first date.  When Brittney arrived to the brewery, she had so many butterflies that she completely darted past Rory and tried to calm herself down.  In true hallmark movie fashion, the warmth of their conversation quickly put Brittney at ease and she laughed more that day than she had in a long time.  Rory failed to mention that he had NEVER tried craft beer before, so Brittney took the lead and introduced him to her favorites.  Needless to say, he quickly realized that craft beer hits a little different - instant fan!  

“ I knew he was the one when he became the first person I wanted to call for anything. That person had always been my mom. It sounds funny, but that’s when I recognized the fact that this is my person, this is my family.”

— Brittney

When Brittney felt that shift within herself, she knew Rory was her person. It was undeniable that Rory had put himself in her heart and she would continually find him residing there.  The earnest thing about love is that sometimes there isn’t one instance that tells you someone is “the one.”  It is all of those little feelings that build onto each other until it is absolutely impossible to see that person as anything else.

Brittney’s wedding day encompassed all of her most significant dreams.  She never saw herself in a ballgown.  When she had her Bridal Appointment at Bustle, Brittney went in thinking that she would go for something backless with long sleeves.  It is no surprise that she did not choose either of those things.  When Brittney tried on the ballgown, she felt like a bride for the first time.  She was no longer just a girl trying on white dresses.  She was THE BRIDE and had all the confidence to go along with her showstopper gown.  Brittney’s dress did not need a single alteration, so she felt like it was quite literally made for her.

“I finally felt like a BRIDE in this gown and the confidence that came with that is the most I’ve ever experienced in my whole life.”

— Brittney

Brittney’s gown is an ethereal masterpiece from the designer, Mikaella.  The high neckline and lace bodice exude sheer elegance while the chiffon skirt is playful and romantic.  We’ve never met a tulle skirt we didn’t like!  Brittney is a true vision in her gown.  She was able to dance and enjoy her wedding comfortably while simultaneously feeling the most beautiful.

We asked Brittney to share with us the most memorable aspect of her wedding day and her answer has us all reaching for the tissue box.

“My favorite part is when I walked down the aisle and saw Rory. I truly felt like time stopped. I didn’t see anything but him. It was so special and I had no doubt that our forever would be just as beautiful as that moment.”

— Brittney

Vendors:

Hair: Shelby Cox

Venue: Clubhouse on Highland

Florist: Three Things Floral

Tent Rental: Pre Events

Catering: Happy Catering Co

Suits: Black Tie

Bridesmaid Dresses: Lulus

Videography: Kate Elaine

Photography: Hannah Sharriee

Officiant: Chris Clevenger

Expert Tips from a Christmas Tree Stylist: How To Trim the Perfect Tree

“There’s no such thing as a bad tree. All it needs is a little love. ”

— A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

If there is anything that has become abundantly clear in adulthood, it is the fact that it is never too early to begin celebrating Christmas.  The pure serotonin that is felt when the storage containers labeled “CHRISTMAS” start coming out of the attic is unmatchable.  We can all relate to the nostalgia of unboxing our favorite ornament or playing the Michael Bublé Christmas album for the first time in a year.  We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the Holiday Queen herself and gleaning from all of her Christmas Tree decorating mastery.  If there is anyone who embodies the meaning of “Merry & Bright,” it’s Madison! 

Meet The Stylist: Madison Box Robinson

Madison began professionally decorating trees last year after coming to the aid of her best friend and co-worker, Leah.  What was originally intended as a routine girl’s day turned into Madison kindly asking her best friend, “what is going on with your tree?” After Leah told Madison that she needed to go out of town for her daughter’s gymnastics meet, Madison decided she would surprise her friend with a little Christmas magic.  Leah returned home to the gorgeously trimmed Christmas tree of her dreams and Madison discovered a new passion.  Now, with over 25 trees under her belt, she is quickly becoming the Belle of the Holiday Ball.  Madison has graciously shared with us her top seven Christmas Tree decorating tips, so that we can all twinkle a little brighter this season. 

“Growing up in Mobile, I remember watching my Mom and the women in my community decorate like this and it just feels like home.”

— Madison

The Stylist’s Top 7 Christmas Tree Decorating Tips

1. You don’t need a huge budget to decorate a stunning Christmas Tree. Cultivating an enchanting tree experience is all about taking your most valuable decor and marrying it with affordable options to craft the best look for your own personal style. Don’t be shy about buying ribbon from Amazon or some staple ornaments from Walmart. You can even utilize natural aspects like pinecones from your family home to adorn the perfect tree.  The sky is the limit. 

2. NEVER mummy wrap your tree. Ribbon is one of Madison’s favorite decor components for Christmas trees because it can really add so much texture and fullness to your tree’s overall aesthetic.  The term “mummy wrap” refers to the technique of wrapping ribbon around your tree horizontally which can take away from an elevated look.  Instead, Madison recommends her signature technique where the ribbon starts at the top of the tree and beautifully cascades down vertically.  This elongates your tree and feels incredibly special.

3. Buy ornaments in various sizes! Don’t be afraid to play with different sizes and textures. Madison is adamant about never skipping out on the big ornaments. She usually adds a minimum of 3 very large ornaments to every tree because it immediately catches your eye & feels grand.

4. Let your family be part of the process. If your spouse doesn’t have an eye for decorating, but wants to be involved, let them help by putting ornament hooks on your ornaments. Kids love doing that too and it often helps create the sweetest memories together. One Christmas when Madison and her brother were children, their Mom let her younger brother help decorate the tree. He was just barely walking at the time and put Vanilla Wafers & Goldfish around the entire bottom of the tree. They always look back at those photos and get the best laugh!  We have to agree that edible decor is the best type of decor.

5. Always buy decor in odd numbers. Whether you are buying ornaments, sprigs, or ribbon, always buy in odd numbers. This helps to avoid anything looking too “perfect.” Incorporating this technique will ensure that your tree will always have an organic and effortless look.

6. Get creative with your tree skirt! If you have a hard time finding the tree skirt that lives rent free in your mind, don’t be afraid to get creative. Blankets and fabric from a local craft store can be transformed into the most beautiful tree skirt. If you come across the perfect fabric for your tree’s aesthetic, you can absolutely drape it around the base of your tree for a stunning image that is completely your own.  No sewing required!

7. Coordinate the gift wrap for your holiday gifts with your tree’s color scheme. If you want to elevate your decorating game to the next level, try coordinating your gift wrapping paper with your Christmas tree. The overall aesthetic will make you feel so put-together and allow you to give your tree it’s full moment!

“I always listen to my favorite Christmas playlist while decorating because it puts me in the best mood.”

— Madison

If you would like to keep up with Madison and her Christmas masterpieces, you can find her on instagram (@MBRTrees).  While she is officially booked for this season, she will be taking new clients for Christmas 2022.  You can reach out to her via instagram to book your own holiday magic for next year!  Madison is eager to work with your budget as she brings the spirit of Christmas into your home.  When she isn’t spending her time creating a winter wonderland for clients, Madison teaches a precious second grade class in Homewood.  This year she decorated her classroom to the theme of Candyland, complete with the sugarplum-filled tree of her students’ dreams.  That is what we call a very Merry Christmas!

Bustle's 8th Birthday

We recently celebrated 8 years of Bustle! To mark the occasion we gathered for a birthday picnic at the home of Meredith Carter (Bustle’s owner). Southern Charm Picnic Company set up a luxury picnic spread complete with candles, cushions, flowers and festive decorations. We enjoyed our time together, sipping wine and eating from the ultimate charcuterie board put together by Martha May Designs. Then we took turns getting treated to manicures by Lily Wen. What an incredibly fun way to ring in Bustle’s 8th year!

We’re so excited to share the photos from the evening, taken by the talented Meghan Murphy Gray.

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“I am so grateful to be able to celebrate 8 years of Bustle. I could not be more proud of the women on my team — you ladies make this place special and I love you more every day. You are bright and lovely and have a special way of making other women feel beautiful. Thank you for sharing your time with me and with our brides. I could not do this without you. ”

— XO Meredith

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Expert Tips from a Personal Stylist: 4 Quick and Easy Halloween Costumes

Meet the Stylist

We all love to look good, but style definitely isn’t something that comes natural to everyone. So many women walk in our doors saying “I have no idea what my style is” and we get it - styling yourself can be HARD! That’s where Emma comes in! Emma is a personal stylist and closet consultant who owns The Chic Next Door. She offers virtual and in person styling and is a fashion expert. Basically, she’s every gal’s dream best friend! With Halloween coming up, we asked Emma to help us pick out 4 couples costumes that would look great on any dynamic duo and she did NOT disappoint. If you want to pick up any of the items from these costumes, be sure to click the images to shop for all your costume pieces.

Cruella & Dalmation:

Have you seen the new Cruella movie? Personally I’m obsessed. SO much fashion but also such a great plot - a must see! Cruella will need the right accessories to pull this look off but it’s all easy to find. You might already have a red dress and heels in your own closet! For the Dalmatian, paint some spots on a white tee and on your significant other, tail and ears aren’t imperative but they do make the outfit look complete!

His & Her Scarecrow’s:

Last Halloween, my husband and I needed a super quick and easy costume (pictures of us). We used blush and eyeliner to make the patches and the rest came together on it’s own!

Sandy & Danny:

Black? Leather? Hair? That’s all you need! This costume can be super easy to pull together for a last minute party. I’ve linked some extra’s that will make Sandy & Danny truly come to life!

Barbie & Ken:

This costume can be executed SO many different ways. I chose to use the Barbie Dream date idea because these are pieces you can either easily buy or already own in your wardrobe. Want to stand out even more? Create your own “barbie boxes” with some cardboard and paint!

Thanks again Emma for curating these amazing costumes for us! To learn more about Emma and her business, click here.