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

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!)

Rocked it & Swapped it: Saddle Bag

Happy Thursday, friends! A great saddle bag is a wardrobe staple that can take you through all four seasons and can be dressed up or dressed down. I have had this bag from Sole Society for three years now, and it is still one of the most worn bags in my collection. As you can see, I pulled examples of myself wearing it in May of 2016 and Kaitlyn styling the same bag in September of 2017. Any bag that is this versatile is one every girl should have in their wardrobe. 

I searched high and low to find you guys the best saddle bags currently selling. I am loving all the beautiful colors and all are under $100, most under $50. Happy shopping! 

SHOP THE LOOK:

Do you own a neutral-tone saddle bag?  What do you think of the way we have paired this one? 
hank you so much for stopping by the blog today, I hope you make it a great day! 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

The Waiting Game | Pink Blush Dress

GUYS! Today is our DUE DATE! July 26, 2017...a date we've been saying out loud and repeating over and over in our minds for 9 months now. A date that seemed so far away, like it might take forever to arrive. I know it takes that long for the baby to grow and become healthy enough to enter the world but I also think the elongated time frame is intended to give new parents (Moms, specifically) a chance to get used to the idea of the huge life change that's about to occur. However, now that I have reached 40 weeks, I can officially say, no time will ever be long enough to realize your world is about to be turned upside down. No matter how much preparation you do or how much you talk about future plans, I don't think you can truly grasp how HUGE this is until the little person finally arrives. On one hand, I'm so ready to not be pregnant anymore (especially since I just ordered a few things from the Nordstrom sale in my normal size...here's hoping!), but on the other hand, that means I will be responsible for another HUMAN...

On that note, there have been so many feelings running rampant these days – I feel like I have been the most emotional in the third trimester, perhaps because it’s getting so close but I also feel like I have no control over it most of the time. Different reactions come in waves and I found them to be summed up beautifully by a blogger I follow:

“It could be any day now or you could keep us waiting to see your face a whole month longer. There's something so delicious and frustrating about the not knowing. My body hurts from trying to provide you comfort. A place for you to do your final growing before you're ready to join us here. I try so hard to understand what it'll be like to hold you in my arms, but I can barely imagine you. My son. Some days I feel like I know everything there is to know about you, other days you're a mystery to me kept safely under my ribs. I lie awake at night thinking about all the unknown, the fear and the excitement dancing together in a giddy show. 

I watch your Daddy sleep, I think about all the things we've achieved together, all the moments I've spent laughing and crying next to him. How much I need him now more than ever. And in a moment I feel so overwhelmed with happiness that we'll share being your parent together and a quiet sadness at leaving just the two of us behind. That's where we are right now. Stuck in between. Soon you'll be here and it'll be hard to remember a time before we knew you. Soon I'll know the sweet smell of your neck, the color of your eyes, and the way your hair crumples as you sleep. Soon there will be so much new but for now there is what was, in all it's imperfect beauty.”

SHOP MY STYLE:

Next time we talk, it's possible I'll be sleep deprived and snuggling a tiny little monkey. Okay, it doesn't sound half bad, does it? ;) Also means this is possibly my last maternity post...I feel like I have been talking about bump style for so long and for the most part, it's been a fun journey. Look back on all of my maternity posts here!

Talk to you guys soon...Wish us luck! Xo

Wearing: 

 Dress: c/o Pink Blush

Sunnies: Target

Purse: c/o Sole Society (Currently available in white)

Sandals: c/o Sole Society

Jacket: J. Crew

Bracelet: Alex & Ani

Maternity Monday: Packing the Hospital Bag

I've read so much during my pregnancy about "hospital bag essentials" and being 38 weeks, the time has finally come to put to mine together so I wanted to share with you what I'm including, many of the items being “must-haves" from other lists I've seen. I'm sure there are going to be items I don't even touch but in my mind, it's better to be safe than sorry and over pack...I even do this for our weekends at the lake, just ask my husband who can't believe what I deem necessary for a 2-3 day weekend! 

Hopefully my packing plans will help other pregnant Mamas out there or at least give you an idea of where to start. By the way, I'm using this satchel from Sole Society...it's one of my favorite travel bags and has a zippered section on the bottom, perfect for shoes and separates. 

Mama Must-Haves:

• Insurance info & hospital forms - We pre-registered online with our hospital to have one less thing to worry about when we arrive
• A warm robe or sweater you don’t mind sacrificing to the cause - I like this one because it's still pretty while being functional.
• A going home outfit - I think I found this to be the hardest item to plan for, not only because I wear all of my maternity clothes regularly (so I didn't want to pack anything) and I know there's a chance I'll be pretty uncomfortable leaving the hospital so I wanted something as comfortable as possible (without it looking like shower curtain, basically). Enter the Molly Ades nursing maxi dress - I started talking with Molly via Instagram late in my pregnancy, as she resides in Lake Geneva and noticed me trying to keep up with my style during these last few weeks. She told me about her collection which provides comfort, portability, ease of nursing, and the ability to fit and flatter a changing body - YES PLEASE! Her pieces make it easy to nurse when you need to and still look cute. I have been wearing the maxi dress often lately and figured it was perfect for the hospital (along with this tank and nursing poncho).

SHOP MY HOSPITAL BAG:

• 1 or 2 maternity bras (no underwire, I'm told!) and nursing pads (whether or not you plan to nurse, you’ll appreciate the support and leak-protection). P.S. I also just purchased this hands-free bumping bra which will be waiting for me at home, but I've had many girlfriends suggest it so I figured I'd share!
• Due date playlist (and iPad or something to play it from, obviously). I typically have music on at all times (at work, while making dinner, getting ready, etc.) because it relaxes me and provides the right ambiance for the situation. Labor day is no different...work with your spouse to create a list that will calm you throughout the experience.
• Toiletries and personal items — hairbrush, lip balm, nipple cream, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, makeup (sorry, but I don’t go anywhere without mascara and there WILL be photos taken!), shampoo, conditioner, lotion, contact lenses, solution, glasses, etc. (I hit up Bed Bath & Beyond for some travel sizes to make it easier!)

• Headband or ponytail holder -- So essential for us long-haired ladies. I sense a top knot in my future!
• Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor (candy with sugar will make you thirsty)
• Pen and paper
• Non-perishable snacks (you’ll probably be hungry after labor, and the hospital cafeteria could be closed – I’m a big fan of granola bars and trail mix).
• Cell phone and charger - Dire!
• Light reading - Not sure I will have time or even be focused enough to read but just in case! I am currently reading this book...it's the second I've read by Ruth Ware, pretty good thus far. Anyone else read it?

• Your own pillow - I feel like this is important because you're already so out of your element and having something comforting from home sounds like a nice addition.
• A travel fan - This may only apply to me but I can't sleep without it...it comes on all trips with me and this is no different. Again, comforts of home.

Baby Basics:

• A going home outfit! Of course, this was the most fun thing to pack, especially since he got so many cute clothes at our shower. I packed a cute Summer outfit (see nautical onesie and plaid shorts) but also a few more practical ones (in different sizes) like onesies with a pair of comfy pants, just in case. 
• A swaddle blanket - The Aden & Anais brand seems to be a common favorite
• Pacifier - Think this will give everyone some peace of mind, especially on the car ride home...
• Baby book: If you have some time in the hospital you might want to write down some details about your labor so you don’t forget. I also packed our "letters to my baby" book so we can write him a message about this special day that he can read years from now

• The car seat! Obviously this isn't a bag packing item but definitely needs to be (safely) installed beforehand so your little one can make his journey home. P.S. Our lightweight stroller pictured here is the Graco Breaze Click Connect (in Pierce). It came highly recommended to us and the car seat transfers perfectly to our larger jogger stroller so I think we're going to be happy with it.

My biggest tip for packing your hospital bag is to do it early… just in case! At the end of the day, the hospital has mostly everything you will need but it will give you peace of mind to have your daily items from home since you're embarking on an already unfamiliar situation. 

Mom's - Did I forget anything important? What did you find helpful to bring/leave at home?

Happy Packing! Xo