A Christmas Eve Look

Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year. All the excitement and anticipation of the big day without any of the letdown that it's all over which is pretty much always how I feel when I go to sleep on December 25th. I know, that sounds a little crazy but it's the truth. I feel like Christmas Day is similar to your wedding day -- It's something you wait for for SO long and when it's finally here, you spend all day trying to soak every piece of it in and just hope that it doesn't by too fast, but it always does. 

Can you tell I'm a girl who just loves the holidays too much? I attribute a lot of those to my wonderful Parents who always made Christmas such a magical experience for my brother and I. From the earliest ones I can remember, it was everything a child hopes for -- Half-eaten chocolate cookies and a note from Santa on the morning of, a plentiful stack of presents under the tree, holiday music all month long and a long list of traditions that are special to our Family. I have so many memories of going to pick out a real tree as a Family, driving through the Grand Geneva lights (which we still do each year), eating chocolate croissants on Christmas Eve after Grandpa's house, sleeping in a fort on the floor in my brother's room, helping my Dad put the angel on our tree each year and so on. 

Sometimes I miss being little, living at home and experiencing the festivities the way we used to but I'm so lucky to live so close to my Family so we can still share in so much together and I look forward to passing many of these traditions onto Ro as he grows up. I'm also excited to start our own and participate in things like Elf on the Shelf (yes, I know - it's a lot of pressure!) and watching Christmas movies in sleeping bags by the fire...that's one I can't wait for! We always spend Christmas Eve at my Grandpa's house with a lot of Family and so many of my cousins have young kids or new babies as well so it's going to be loud and chaotic but so much fun. Santa will make an appearance and now that I have baby, I get to reclaim my spot on his famous couch in front of the tree :) #kidperks

SHOP MY HOLIDAY STYLE:

And speaking of Christmas Eve, I'm thinking this outfit will be perfect. I want to LIVE in this dress -It's so comfortable (and leaves plenty of room for cookie snacking), a great length, very flattering AND most importantly, it's fa la la festive! It shows just the right amount of skin when paired with these OTK boots, which by the way -- THESE ARE UNDER $40. AND...They don't slouch! I was super skeptical since they were such a steal price wise and I figured I would be returning them a day later but so far, they have not disappointed. I really can't justify spending hundreds of dollars on the real thing so I'm glad to have found a stand-in that works with everything from dresses to jeans. Think these will be go-to this season, until it snows that is...

What are your favorite Christmas traditions? 

Thanks for stopping by! Xo

Wearing:

Dress: c/o J. Jill

Scarf: c/o J. Jill (similar)

Boots: Target (under $40!)

Hat: Old Navy (identical version!)

Purse: c/o Sole Society (old)

Lip color: Crush - Glo Skin Beauty

Stepping Out in Floral Style

I love when a fresh wardrobe piece inspires me to step outside of my comfort zone and mix up my personal style. I’m typically more classic with a twist than boho chic, but when I tried on the “In the Band Jacket,” it felt like the two styles had come together in sweet harmony. The juxtaposition of the feminine floral dress with a menswear-inspired coat seemed like the perfect storm. The military-inspired jacket is a fresh alternative to one of my regular Fall uniforms—jeans, tee, and moto jacket combo—so it’s a welcome change. This structured jacket adds a bit of edge to any look, yet seems effortless at the same time.

Obviously these photos were taken a few weeks ago when bare legs were still an option - Oh, how I already miss those days! But that said, how CUTE would this look with tights? I actually have them in gray and navy and I'm thinking either would be a nice touch and now that I think about it, it would make a perfect Thanksgiving outfit since this shift dress offers plenty of room for seconds and even thirds. Hmm, I'm off to re-evaluate...

How do you step out of your style comfort zone?

Thanks for reading! Xo

Wearing:

Jacket, Dress, Booties, Earrings: c/o Cabi Clothing

Bag: Target

Hat: Sole Society (similar)

Glasses: Old Navy

XoXo, Gossip Girl

I am officially naming this look "Gossip Girl meets Girl Boss." I am a sucker for anything with a bow, so I jumped at the chance to channel my inner Blair Waldorf with this feminine tuxedo blouse and and my absolute FAVORITE coat of the season, this beautiful plaid trench. (Not to mention, an ivy covered wall? I was pretty much living out an entire day at Constance Billard on the Upper East Side). To keep things modern, I paired my top with jewel-tone corduroys which are my go-to Fall color and SO comfortable. 

Let's not forget to draw attention to the best velvet loafer/flats I have probably ever owned to date...We have already boasted about them various times but it's only because they're the kind of shoe you want to wear everyday and that means you guys NEED to know about them.

Basically, there's nothing about any of this 👆 that I don't love.

With Gossip Girl on the mind, answer me this: Were you team Blair or Serena? I loved them both for different reasons (Blair, her attitude and Serena, her perfect hair) but I'm a huge Blake Lively fan in general so she generally won out. Does that girl EVER have a style fail? Sigh, I miss the good old days of teen dramas on the CW. 

But wait...I just finished the first season of Riverdale so I guess my taste hasn't changed all that much... 😂

How do you feel about this super prepster style?  Thanks for reading!
Wearing: 
Top, Pants, Jacket, Shoes, Bracelet: c/o Cabi Clothing Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (similar) Sunnies: Old Navy Lipstick: Glo Skin Minerals

Having a Moment with Uneven Hem Denim

Focus on the fit, not the size...easier said than done, right?

Seriously though -- When it comes to denim, not all sizes are created equal and as women, this can be extremely frustrating. I've talked about it before and I'm telling you guys again because this is IMPORTANT STUFF in the world of women's clothing - If you're looking for a new pair of jeans that feels like they were custom made for you, there's no more need to cry in the dressing room or go on Kanye's workout plan because the pair is out there already. 

It DOES exist -- (Santa? M&M's? Anyone?) 👀

Fitcode is awesome because it helps you find jeans that will look and feel great based on fit instead of size. How many times does a size 4 fit you in one store but you're a size 8 in another? It's whacked out but luckily, there's an easy way to solve this problem -- A short quiz will reveal your personal "Fitcode," followed by a custom "denim boutique" which features a variety of brands, styles and price points, all matching your "fit number." 

This is the second pair of jeans I've gotten through Fitcode and both times, I have been more than pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Let's be honest, I need more jeans like a hole in the head (think I have 18ish pairs...it's a problem), but I'm having a big time moment with the uneven hem so I've had a little trouble holding back from this pair from Silver Jeans. This brand has been around for so long, blending modern and vintage details and most recently, they have made some beautiful updates to the brand which has led to some majorly cool denim looks. This I've always loved distressed denim because of its laid back, casual vibes so when I started seeing raw, frayed edges on the bottom of jeans, it was love at first sight. Even more so, I like that so many of them are cropped, ankle styles which is perfect for bootie season -- My favorite of all! I dread the day when we have to start wearing socks because there's snow on the ground...

Needless to say, I'm going to be living in this pair for quite some time (or until that first flakes fall, at least). This mid-rise style is equal parts supportive and stylish -- Just the right combo for a new Mom! They're super soft, have an above-ankle inseam and oh yes, are completely ripped in the back near the ankle. It adds just the right amount of edge to my Fall weekend style.

SHOP MY STYLE:

And side note -- One of the reasons I love this season so much is because we get the chance to play around with cozy layers because we're not (yet) required to stuff ourselves into thick, uncomfortable heavy jackets. To expand on that, I am definitely living my best coat life this year...I have a growing collection of lightweight coats, sweater jackets and dusters, all which offer an extra element of effortless style to a basic jeans and tee look. This textured sweater topper was a fast favorite of mine! It's a great alternative to a bulky coat, pairs with almost anything and best of all, I can file it under

"Grandpa chic," a section of my wardrobe which (I'm not joking, nor sad about), continues to grow. Both my Mom AND Lisa own it as well and we are all different heights, shapes, etc., so it may be safe to say it looks good on everyone!

How do you guys shop for jeans?  Let me know if you have any questions about finding your "Fitcode!"
Wearing:
Top: Old Navy Jacket: c/o J. Jill Jeans: Silver Jeans c/o Fitcode  Booties: c/o Cabi Clothing Hat: Sole Society, sold out (similar) Purse: Express, sold out (Love this style too!)

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

When Overalls Come Full Circle

As I pulled these overalls on, I thought about the last time I styled them on the blog...I was about 2 months pregnant, having just shared the news with our Family and feeling pretty excited about everything. Though it really wasn't that long ago, so much in my life has changed and that's one of great parts of blogging my outfits - Getting to look back not only on what I was wearing but what was going on in my life and how my style was representative of that time. I look at those first overall photos and think, how crazy that I hadn't even started writing about my maternity adventure here yet and now, here I am...wearing the same denim but this time as a Mom to the most wonderful boy who has completely turned my world upside down. Sure, clothes are just clothes but they also accompany us on some of our biggest journeys, providing comfort and nostalgia along the way. 

Speaking of comfort, I am not ashamed to say I have been LIVING in these overalls recently...like, multiple days a week. Not only was I so excited they fit again (though a little differently time around, I might add), but they are also super convenient for breastfeeding thanks to the straps. Not to mention, they pair well with tanks, t's and long sleeves which accommodates our recent Summer/Fall weather patterns so they're a great transitional item. Like I said in the first post, when I wear them, it makes me feel like all my regular jeans just aren't as exciting...there's a little bit of quirkiness to these and I plan on keeping them in my weekly rotation this season. As I type this, I'm also searching for a few more pairs because when you love something, you don't set it free...you get as much of it as you can ;)

SHOP THE STYLE:

Wearing:
Top: c/o J. Jill Overalls: H&M (similar) Jacket: J. Crew Booties: Toms Bag: Sole Society - sold out but similar here Choker: c/o Park Lane Jewelry Lip Color: Demure by Glo Skin Beauty