A Feel Good Fall Outfit

Wearing:

Plaid Top: c/o J. Jill (similar) | Jeans: Old Navy Booties: Target (old, similar) | Necklace: c/o Park Lane Jewelry Purse: Target (similar) | Sunnies: Raen Lipstick: Crush by Glo Skin Beauty

Sometimes on the blog, I'm looking to step out of my comfort zone and try something new or find inspiration in my current wardrobe to make things feel fresh again. But this look just felt quintessentially me -- A favorite pair of jeans, a classic plaid shirt with the perfect fit, a pop of fun with the leopard print bootie and two necessities in tow: A hazelnut iced coffee and a taupe bag that will never go out of style. OH...and my favorite red (dish) lip color, "crush" by Glo Skin Minerals. It's a little bit red, a little bit orange and screamingly bright which works out well for an otherwise muted color palette. 

This blouse has quickly made its way to the front of my closet. I'm very willing to admit I wore it multiple times this week (each time in front of different people, ok!) and it received numerous compliments. It's so soft and the a-line shape (with a peplum cut party in the back) keeps an otherwise masculine print looking a little more feminine. I love it with jeans but would certainly work well with a suede skirt for the office or under a shift dress with booties. Think I'm going to take my own advice and try wearing it differently next time...

SHOP THE LOOK:

What kind of outfit makes you feel your best? 
Happy Wednesday! Xo

The Return of Pre-Baby Jeans

I have dreamt of this day for 9+ months...the day I would be able to slip on a pair of jeans in my regular pre-pregnancy size. I CAN'T EVEN tell you guys how happy this makes me -- While I was so lucky to have a wonderful, complication-free pregnancy, I basically counted down the days until I could return to my normal wardrobe, though it was hard to believe that day would ever come. It's not that I hated maternity clothes...it's just that I felt so much unlike myself. No matter how stylish the maternity options were, I still felt like I was dressing a body that wasn't mine and it was much harder to feel confident in the every day.
So today, I decided to test out the pair of jeans I ordered from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (obsessed with the uneven hem!). I had actually put them away thinking they wouldn't actually fit for another month or so but as a welcome surprise, they slid on and it felt just right. It felt like such an accomplishment to put JEANS on...I've barely been making it out of pj's and nursing tops so for a brief moment in time, this felt really nice. It's AMAZING to me what the body can do...3 weeks ago, I was still dressing a beautiful baby bump and without even realizing it was happening, my body has been working hard to find its way back. Our lives have been a blur these past few weeks, meaning there's really no time to pay attention to my appearance...I've just been focusing on consuming enough calories and drinking plenty of fluids in order to keep the little man's weight up and in the meantime, my body has been working overtime for me as well. It's not the same as it was, but neither is our life...it's better.

P.S. I've been loving mules for a while now and I originally had a few pairs in my cart during the #nsale but I still wasn't convinced on the prices...then I thought, I'm sure I can find a more cost-effective pair that looks identical (just like this Gucci pair!) and low and behold, Forever 21 came through in the clutch. This black pair is under $50 and so comfortable. Most of the sizes are low in stock so don't wait to shop!

SHOP MY STYLE:

Thanks for coming by...It's nice to be back (both here AND in my jeans!) :)

Wearing:

Jeans: Nordstrom

Top: ASOS

Mules: Forever 21

Bag: c/o Verloop Knits

Sunnies: H&M

Necklace: c/o Park Lane Jewelry

Bracelets: Alex & Ani

The Year of the Jumpsuit Comeback

Let's face it, jumpsuits are back in a big way. I  am clearly obsessed and have shifted from buying up all the maxi dresses to stocking up on jumpsuits. I can't wait to see what styles come out this coming fall and winter!

This beautiful black number was in my latest swap bag from Kaitlyn and I was over the moon.
It's such a great basic piece and can be dressed up or down and even worn year round.
I call dibs on this one Katie is you ever plan to add it to your Because I Shop Too Much closet!

Jumpsuit: TJMaxx (Swap w/ Kaitlyn) // Shoes: Victoria's Secret // Charm Bracelet: Alex and Ani // Watch: Fossil // Initial Necklace: House of Gemmes 

I kept the styling super simple by adding black flats and delicate gold jewelry.

Are you a big fan of jumpsuits? What do you think of this one?

The Kind of Black & Blue You Want on Your Body(con)

Does anyone else think of a bruise when you wear black and blue? It's such a weird assimilation, but none the less, I always think of them when I find myself in the colors black and blue. Needless to say, this bodycon dress looks nothing like a bruise!

This super sexy number found it's way to me in my most recent swap bag with Kaitlyn and I couldn't wait to try it out. I love that it is a midi length and the cut-out detail on the back is just the right amount of something different, don't you think?

I kept the styling super simple as the stripes and cut-out already make it styled enough in my book.

Dress: Forever 21 (Swap w/ Kaitlyn) // Bag: Target // Sunnies: Ray Ban // Shoes: Just Fab // Watch: Fossil // Charm Bracelet: Alex and Ani // Bangle: It's a Bling Thing // Ring: Lauren Conrad 

Do you own any midi length bodycon dresses? What do you think of this one? 

How Have I Never Paired These Items Before?

 

I got this peplum over 2 years ago and I have also had these white denim jeans for around the same length of time. How have I never paired them together before? It seems like such an obvious combination in hindsight.

Black and gold were the easy colors to toss in for accessories, but I feel like the teal in the necklace gave it a little extra pop, no? 

Top: Zara // Jeans: Level 99 // Shoes: Just Fab // Necklace: E Street Denim (swap w/ Kaitlyn) // Bag: Michael Kors // Bow Bracelet: T+J Designs // Watch: Aldo // Bangle: c/o It's a Bling Thing // Charm Bracelet: Alex and Ani // Ring: Lauren Conrad // Earrings: House of Harlow 1960

Do you ever style an outfit and think "DUH, I should have been wearing these pieces together for years!"?
What do you think of this pairing?

Why Couldn't I Live in the 70's?

I think I would have LOVED to be an adult in the 1970's. I guess it's fitting that I was born in 1979, but for some reason the styles of the 70's just call to me. Enter the jumpsuit tread.

Thankfully jumpsuits are all the rage this season and I am over the moon that I have so many options to choose from. Kaitlyn got this sexy number and I was very excited to wear it for a night out! I kept the styling simple by adding great black heels, simple gold jewelry, and my favorite black fringe bag.

Jumpsuit: Missguided  (Swap w/ Kaitlyn) // Shoes & Bar Necklace: Just Fab // Bag: Target // Sunnies: Ray Ban // Bangle: c/o It's a Bling Thing // Watch: Fossil // Charm Bracelet: Alex and Ani 

Are you a fan of the comeback of jumpsuits?

Do you long to have lived in a different decade, from a fashion point of view?

Cooled Down Summer Style

 

This really has been the strangest summer weather wise.
Lately, it's in the lower 70's as the high temperature for the day. That is fine by me as long as the higher temps come back and we can have a few more pool days before school starts! 

This is a prefect example of my "mom style" for everyday wear. Jeans and flats with a flowy blouse is just the thing for days you are on the go with your kids. 

I love the butterfly print on this peplum and the color is perfect for the spring/summer months. 

Peplum Top: Lauren Conrad // Jeans: Jennifer Lopez // Bag: c/o Sole Society // Shoes: Loft // Watch: Fossil // Charm Bracelet: Alex and Ani // Sunnies: Ray Ban 

What is your go-to style for cooler summer days? What is your idea of perfect everyday wear?