Enjoying the Transitional Weather

As hard as this season is on our immune systems (anyone else having the worst flu season ever?), this beautiful transitional weather we are having is amazing. It was 70 degrees one day in February, you guys! I know, not great on the global warming front, but in the moment, it sure did feel good! This up and down weather has me wanting to rotate my closet for Spring already, and today I styled a few pieces that are great for transitioning into the upcoming season. So many Spring trends to try, so little time! ;) 

These crop print pants are on trend plus beyond comfortable and stylish to boot! I added a strappy cami to dress it up a bit and a denim jacket to bring it back to everyday wear. To finish my look off, I chose cut-out flats and beautiful silver jewelry. To bring a bit of color into the look, I added a bright pink clutch and my favorite pick lip color. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

Cami: Express // Pants: c/o J.Jill // Jacket: Pepe Jeans (similar) // Shoes & Bag: JustFab (similar) Watch, Ring, & Earrings: c/o Park Lane Jewelry // Sunglasses: Ray Ban
Lip Color: Glo Minerals- Sorbet

Are you ready for the next season to begin?
What trends are you excited to try this upcoming season?

Pregnant in Peplum

I feel like peplum has made a triumphant return and being a little more than 4 months pregnant means I have no qualms with this situation ;) I remember how popular the style was in 2013-ish because multiple of my friends wore peplum to my bridal showers and Lisa and I each had peplum tanks that we wore relentlessly. 

I don’t know that it ever actually went away but I really like some of the new ways I’m seeing it styled throughout retail outlets and via other bloggers. There are so many cute styles, whether it's stripes, polka dots, short sleeves, tank top, long in length or cropped and I will admit, I want them all! A little extra ruffled material around the waist is not only fun and feminine but perfect for a rapidly-growing bump and my maternity collection...it seems to be happening overnight, guys! I think I need a few more of these babies (clothing, not humans that is…let’s just start with one of those for now!)

SHOP THE LOOK:

How do you feel about the peplum style?
Like, love, hate?

Wearing:

Peplum Top: Old Navy

Jeans: Old Navy

Shoes: c/o J. Jill

Jacket: Old Navy (similar)

Bag: Just Fab

Sunglasses: H&M

Necklace: Old (similar)

Windy Wonderland

I've said it before and I will say it again, I am loving the beautiful season of Fall this year. The weather has been cooler lately (it is December after all... it was bound to happen), but we still had a few days before the snow where you could get away with a light jacket. On this day, it was super windy, but an utterly beautiful, sunny day. 

I decided to embrace the wind and wear something that would flow. This midi dress from J.Jill is another fast favorite. It is the most soft dress I own, making it feel like I am walking around in my PJ's (does it get any better then that?). I added a sheer plaid scarf, wrap belt, bucket bag, and wide brim hat to dress the look up a bit. To finish it off, I added my favorite faux leather jacket and a great pair of heels. Let's be honest, a great pair of heels can make me smile any day of the week. 

Dress: c/o J.Jill // Scarf & Bag: Nordstrom (similar) // Shoes: JustFab // Jacket: SheIn (similar) // Sunglasses: Coach (similar & only $32) // Hat: c/o Sole Society // Large Ring: c/o Park Lane Jewelry // Teal Ring: House of Harlow 1960 (similar) // Belt: Anthropologie // Lip Color: gloMinerals-Crimson

photos by Cecilia Jean

What have you been wearing during these transitional weather days? What do you think of my "windy wonderland" outfit?

Morning Routines

 Each morning my alarm goes off and within 60 seconds I am walking down the hallway to wake up my kiddos. I go to my daughters room first (she rises a bit slower) and after she promises me she will in fact open her eyes soon, I move on to my son's room. As soon as he hears me, he darts up (not unlike his mother) and says "I'm awake". In each of their rooms I open the blinds, turn off their fans, and make sure they have clothes already laid out for the day. Next stop coffee! As the coffee brews, I set up their breakfast before walking back upstairs, this time to tell them it's time for breakfast. This is when my daughter no doubt talks me into carrying her down for one reason or another. ;) 

Then it's coffee time. I sit in my rocking chair, the same chair I rocked my babies in, and sip my perfect cup of organic dark roast Joe with them in view. This is me time. For the next 25 minutes I can check (and post) my social media, news sites, and emails. After my coffee break, I have exactly 20 minutes to make sure two kids are dressed, have brushed their teeth, hair is done, plus I need too get myself ready. My go-to effortless look lately has been tops like this gorgeous one from J.Jill. It is not only beautiful and functional for everyday (or active wear), but it is also the softest thing I have ever put on my body!

I generally set out my outfit the night before, so mornings run smoothly and no one feels rushed. I run a tight ship and this way there is less room for error, or in my case, making the kiddos late to school. These skinny jeans are so affordable and I have had this pair for three years now. I love how the holes evolve over time. Toss on a great flat and blanket scarf and you are good to go with time to spare. 

I obviously had time this day to go back home and put on more of a face. I am dying for burgundy eye pallets and red lips right now! I met up with a fellow blogger and we got some outfits shot. What's the great part about being out mid-morning in an area with lots of local shops? MORE COFFEE! So we did a little work, stopped and had some yummy seasonal flavored coffee, and then got back to work. Sometimes morning routines are so nice you need to do them twice! 

 Top: c/o J.Jill // Scarf: Target (similar) // Jeans: Old Navy // Shoes: c/o J.Jill (similar) // Bag: JustFab // Sunglasses: Coach (similar) // Rings: c/o Park Lane Jewelry // Pom Pom Key Chain: T&J Designs (similar) // Lip Color: gloMinerals-Crimson

Photos by Cecilia Jean

What is your morning routine? Do you have go-to cozy items in your wardrobe that gets you happily through your day. 

The Cutest Little Lace-Up Sweater

Sometimes it's the smallest detail that draws me to an item of clothing. In this case, the cutest little lace-ups on either side of the sweater were enough for me to swoon and shop. This classic staple, a cream sweater, becomes more playful and draws the eyes to the bottom. I can't wait to style this top all winter long! 

On this day, I wanted to keep the pairing as cute as the lace-up details. By pairing this sweater with skinny jeans and OTK boots, your eyes really do go to the laces. I finished my cozy look off by adding a statement jacket and a great winter hat. In the end my look was so comfortable to wear and still seemed fashionable to boot. The best of both worlds, no?

SHOP THE LOOK:

Sweater: French Connection // Jeans: Old Navy // Boots: Report // Coat: Tinley Road // Hat: Neff (similar) // Bag: JustFab // Large Ring: c/o Park Lane Jewelry // Teal Ring: House of Harlow 1960 // Necklace: Clyde's Rebirth

Photos by Cecilia Jean

What details are you drawn to when shopping? Do you own any lace-up sweaters?

How to Shorten a Dress Without Sewing

At a whopping five foot three (and 3/4's!), my torso is on the shorter side. This comes in handy when I want to wear a romper or jumpsuit (anyone else notice those are only made from shot torsos?!), but not so much when I want to wear a tunic or a knee-legnth dress. As you already know, Kaitlyn and I swap a lot, but what is a perfect fit on her is not always a perfect fit on me. For this I use an easy fix for shortening a dress without sewing, a belt! 

OK, I realize I am not reinventing the wheel here, but by realizing this simple trick you really can get more out of your wardrobe. Prior to belting this beauty, it was below my knees. Not the best length for my body type to be honest. By adding this gorgeous tassel belt and pulling the material up over it, the dress quickly took on a new look and shape. Which was better for my shape. ;)

Dress: c/o J.Jill // Jacket: Sheinside (similar) // Boots & Sunglasses: c/o Sole Society // Necklace: Baublebar // Bag: JustFab // Belt: B-Low the Belt via Box of Style // Ring: Vintage // Lip Color: gloMinerals-Sorbet

Do you ever belt a dress to shorten it? What are your favorite no sew hacks?