The Perfect Layering Piece

I am forever on the hunt for great layering pieces. They make mornings easier (hello grab and go), and can effortlessly mix and match with anything in your wardrobe. When I spotted this long hooded cardigan at J.Jill, I knew I could not only style it with active-wear, but also everyday wear. How have I never owned a piece like this? It sure seems like a wardrobe staple to me! 

 On this day, skinny jeans and a ribbed turtleneck tee were just the thing for grabbing lunch and coffee in a neighboring town. I was all too excited to add this long cardigan but wanted to give it a bit of a twist. By adding this great wrap belt I gave myself more of a defined waistline and a pop of color with the bold lip. In the end, I added leopard print wedges and suddenly the outfit had a bit of attitude (the good kind that is). 

Cardigan: c/o J.Jill // Top: c/o Style & Co. // Jeans: Old Navy // Belt: B-Low the Belt via Box of Style // Bag & Sunglasses: Coach // Shoes: Shoemint (similar) // Ring: House of Harlow 1960

What are your favorite layering pieces? What do you think of this long hooded cardigan?

Because Lisa Hosted a Kids Bday Party!

How am I the mother of a six year old? A six year old! For the record, I'm not one of those people who thinks they are "so old" on every birthday...I truly love birthdays. I am a thirty five year old mother of two and proud of it. But for some reason when my kids have birthdays, I feel old. Why is that? But I digress.. 

My son knew this year he wanted a karaoke themed party so naturally we turned our backyard into his wish come true. The weather was a perfect 68 and sunny so I decided to wear a shift midi dress. Super easy, plus cozy and great for moving around so I could dance my butt off as my little man sings!

Dress: Nordstrom // Key Necklace: EG Jewelry // Shoes: Shoemint // Sunnies: Prada // Bow Ring: T+J Designs

I always let my kids decided what type of party they want. We've done everything form an auto show theme to a dress-up tea party (yes, I think the adults enjoyed those hats more than the kids). It makes it way more fun for your child when they get to plan it. It makes it a bit more difficult for you as a parent to bring it to life, but I love a good challenge! 

Here is his gluten free, triple layer birthday cake. 

We picked up a helium tank and bought different guitar, music note, and colored balloons to have inside. My son picked literally everything out with me.

A great thing about having a outdoor kids party is you can use sidewalk chalk and get away with it. The night before the party while the son was inside I grabbed the chalk and wrote all over my patio, fence, and even the side of our brick house. He was so excited when he saw it. I love that something so simple and inexpensive made his face lite up so much.

We had seating in the yard and on the porch so guests could listen and watch the karaoke from all angles. We also kept the grass open for the hula-hoop competition, Gangnam Style dance contest, and Cha-cha Slide. Oh yes, this happened.

My son was so excited when his grandparents got up and sang. We all enjoyed their rendition of Sunny and Cher's, "I got you babe".

Obviously Kaitlyn and I sang Wilson Phillips "Hold On" (Bridesmaids style) And we were good in case you thought otherwise ;) 

My little love sang Katy Perry's "Roar" twice. And by sang I mean full on belted it out and KILLED IT! I was in the crowd dancing seriously so proud of him as he read the words and rocked out all by himself.

We couldn't be any prouder of our son! My husband and I are truly blessed and we hope our kids know that we feel that way.

What do you do for your kids birthday parties? What would you sing at a karaoke party?

Because Lisa Loves Pink & Blue

I can't tell you how much I love blue hues and the only thing I love more is pairing blue with pink.

Here is my pink & blue look:

Jacket: Pepe Jeans, Top & Jeans: Loft, Bag: C/O Just Fab, Shoes: Shoemint, Ring: C/O Lotus Blossom Designs, Watch: Fossil, Chain Bracelet: T+J Designs, Stud Bracelet: Dots, Long Necklace: Oh, Poppy!, Necklace: Urban Outfitters, Ear Cuff: Just Fab

Ever pair pink and blue together and your mood is lifted? Mine always is! ;)

#Lisa

Because We Rode the Polar Express!

The Polar Express has been one of my favorite Christmas stories since I was little, so I was excited to experience our own version with the family. Our family took Lisa’s children aboard the train which included chocolate milk & cookies, a reading of the story, a bell (that we could all hear ring) and of course, a visit from Mr. C himself. 

Here is what we wore:

Sweater: LOFT, Leggings: Express, Boots: Just Fab(similar), Sunnies and Hat: Target, Bracelets: Swap with Lisa (Baublebar)

 Top: Banana Republic, Vest: MNG by Mango, Jeans: Stylemint(similar), Shoes: Shoemint(similar), Sunnies: Loft,  Necklace: Threadsence

What are your favorite childhood holiday stories?

P.S. Happy Birthday Kaitlyn!! Here's to many more ;-)

#SistersMarie

Rocked it & Swapped it

This skirt showed up in my "Friend Swap" bag and I was very excited. I had seen photos of Kaitlyn wearing this skirt on Facebook, but was too scared to ask to borrow it. Kaitlyn looks amazing in it! LOVE that she paired it with not only the stripe top, but also mixing the neutrals navy and black together!

Skirt: Express (Similar), Top: Express, Necklace: Forever21 (Similar), Tights: Von Maur

So this my friends, is my first time wearing a bandage skirt. Why did I not try these sooner?! I feel like I want to own one in ever color. Seriously! I loved how the pink and blue looked together so much when Kaitlyn wore it, that I ended up pairing it with 2 different blue hues.

Top: Banana Republic (Similar), Skirt: Express, Shoes: Shoemint, Necklace: via ThirtySomethingFashion Box Service, Clutch: C/O Just Fabulous, Cuff: C/O Kristin Hassan, Bracelet: C/O T plus J Designs

Any bandage skirt lovers out there? I think I may be in the market for a bandage dress after this. Any suggestions? I know Herve Leger does an amazing one, but I was thinking of less of a splurge and more as a great deal. Know a place, do tell!


#Lisa

Rocked it & Swapped it

When I raided Kaitlyn's closet during one of our swaps in April, I saw this neon wonder and knew I needed to borrow it right then and there! How amazing does Kaitlyn look wearing this dress with sandals? LOVE! (Can we also discuss how beautiful my mother-in-law is?! I married into good gene pool! ;)

Dress: Forever 21, Shoes: Payless (similar)

When I wore it, I wanted to dress it up a bit for a night out with the hubs. I decided to add rose gold, pink, and green hues to the pallet. It's such an eye catching colored dress. Gotta love Forever 21!

Dress: Forever 21, Earrings: C/O Kristin Hassan, Shoes: Shoemint, Pashmina: C/O International Pashmina, Bracelet: Kristin Hassan

Cute right?! I love a good swap.
Have you swapped with a friend or family member recently? Shop our Friendswap bags here.

#Lisa