Mar 5, 2014
Aubrey and I are back with the Mother + Daughter Style Series for March. This month we’re thinking spring (even if it doesn’t feel like it) and styling a transitional piece that will carry us between the two seasons. Pieces like this are a necessity when you’ve had temperature fluctuations like we’ve had lately. The temperature dropped more than 70 degrees in a four day time span last weekend – from 84 to 12! Crazy Texas weather…
For this month’s style challenge, we styled the Maddie top in orange from Kiki La’Rue. This is THE perfect transitional wardrobe item. It’s a super soft, drapey top that’s flattering for every figure and comes in a variety of colors. It also elegantly spans the generation gap between mother and daughter.
On Friday, be sure to check out Susan’s post at Charming Lucy to see how she and her daughter styled this same great top in the stone color.
SPRING TRANSITIONAL STYLE | MADDIE TOP TWO WAYS
I chose the spring styling of the top by pairing it up with boyfriend jeans, The Conversation Piece necklace from Kiki La’Rue and nude patent cork wedges. This is an actual outfit that I wore to church when the weather was spring-like last weekend.
[Top: c/o Kiki LaRue/Necklace: c/o Kiki LaRue/Jeans: Gap/Shoes: Tahari (Similar)]
[The Conversation Piece Necklace]
[Watch: Michael Kors/Bracelets: c/o Alex and Ani]
[Shoes: Tahari (Similar/Similar)]
Aubrey went with more of a winter look by pairing it up with dark wash skinny jeans, a floral scarf and her combat boots.
[Top: c/o Kiki La’Rue/Jeans: Hollister/Scarf: Similar/Boots: Steve Madden]
I FEEL PRETTY
It’s the day of the week at GYPO where we celebrate what makes us feel pretty. Whether it’s a new outfit, hairstyle, or makeup, the I Feel Pretty link up is about anything and everything that makes your life prettier. Even if you’re not a blogger, you can still play along. Just tell us what made you feel pretty this week in the comments!
There are just a few simple rules:
1. Follow GYPO. (Bloglovin‘, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest)
2. Link up your pretty post.
3. Link back to my blog (using the button above or your own link).
4. Visit other pretty peeps.
Getting my pretty on with Fashion Friday, The Pleated Poppy and Style Files.
Mar 3, 2014
Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend. It was warm here up until yesterday, now it’s freezing cold again. I’m so ready for spring to come and STAY!
If you missed it last Friday, you must must must check out my Ultimate White Jeans Guide. I put a lot of sweat and tears into it – it’s not easy cramming this booty into that many pairs of jeans! Stop by and check it out HERE.
Here are last week’s Daily Style Diary outfits that were posted on Instagram.
Monday
I got ready for my (canceled) doctor appointment in this easy outfit.
[Tunic: Merona/Scarf: c/o Bindya/Jeans: Paige/Boots: Frye/Watch: Michael Kors]
A lot of you asked about the scarf I’m wearing. It’s beautiful but really pricey. Here’s a cute chevron mix scarf that would look great with the green tunic at a much better price.
[Chevron Mix Scarf]
Tuesday
After a nice warm weekend, it got cold again. Glad I didn’t pack away my sweaters yet!
[Sweater: Mossimo/Jeans: Wit & Wisdom/Boots: Franco Sarto/Scarf: Banana Republic]
This cobalt blue sweater was one of my favorites from Target this winter. They no longer have it in cobalt but do have it in three neutral colors perfect for spring. It’s lightweight enough to wear for awhile.
[Mossimo Lightweight Sweater]
Wednesday
Stripes and leopard, one of my favorite combos.
[Cardigan: Mossimo/Jeans: J Brand/Boots: Similar/Striped Tee: Old/Scarf: Similar]
Thursday
I got my floral scarves from Nordstrom this day and couldn’t wait to wear one to my rescheduled dr. appointment.
[Cardigan: Mossimo/Jeans: Wit & Wisdom/Scarf: Lulu/T-shirt: Forever 21]
The green cardigan is back in stock at Target! It’s the perfect companion for the floral scarf.
[Mossimo Striped Cardigan]
Friday
Craig finally came home on Friday. Yay! It felt like spring so I dressed accordingly.
[Sweater: Mossimo/Scarf: BP by Nordstrom/T-shirt: BP/Jeans: Similar]
I got my peach colored jeans at Target last spring. They don’t have them this year but Gap has a similar pair in this pretty apricot.
[1969 Legging Jeans]
You NEED these scarves for spring! I couldn’t be happier with them, they’re so much prettier in person than the pictures online. The size is perfect and the colors are vibrant. You can be sure I’ll be wearing them over and over this spring.
[Black Floral Scarf]
[Green Floral Scarf]
LIFE LATELY
Snippets from our day to day.
- To be honest, I’d love to own a small farm and raise golden retrievers. Problem is I would keep all of the puppies! I’m kind of obsessed with them. Until then, I’ll just have to play with the puppies at the pet store.
- Sometimes it’s ok to eat dessert first. The girls and I went to dinner Thursday night at Central Market and did just that with this yummy turtle cheesecake.
- Craig finally came home on Friday! He surprised the girls and me by taking us for mani/pedi’s. We were SO happy to see him!
- Saturday was preview day at one of colleges Devon is considering. Two visits down. Hopefully he’ll be making his decision soon. Fingers crossed!
Last week, a few of you asked about the book that I was reading, Dr. Ned Hallowell’s “Crazy Busy – Overstretched, Overbooked and About to Snap!” I decided to pick it up after seeing him talk about it in this interview. While it was a bit of a slow read, I did get some really good info from it, especially in Chapter 28 – Ten Key Principles to Managing Modern Life. This chapter and chapter 32 made the whole book worthwhile.
My biggest takeaways were:
- Figure out what matters most to you, then do what matters most to you. Don’t get sidetracked.
- Cultivate your lilies (projects, people and activities that make you feel fulfilled ) and get rid of your leeches (projects, people and activities that deplete you).
- Don’t live a life of trying to please everyone else first and you last.
- Don’t allow yourself to take on more projects than you can handle, learn to say “no, not now”.
- Don’t waste time “screen sucking” (wasting time engaging with any screen – iPhone, laptop, TV, etc.)
I’m working to structure my time and my days to focus on what matters most, spending less time “screen sucking” and more time being present for my family. I’m cutting out some stuff that’s not my key focus in blogging too. One of those changes is I’ve decided to step down as a co-host of the Beauty Buzz link up. Don’t worry, I’ll still be doing beauty posts from time to time, they just won’t be a regular Tuesday feature.
Overall, I’d recommend this book, even if it is a slow read. Part of me thinks the author purposely makes the reader slow down to address and highlight the problem of our fast-paced lives. There are some gems in there, if you have the patience to find them. 🙂
I was not compensated in any way for this book review. I bought the book myself and all opinions are my own.
It’s Your Turn: Do you have any tips or strategies that work well for being more intentional with your time? If so, share them in the comments!
Getting my pretty on with Fashion Friday.
Feb 17, 2014
Did you have a good Valentine’s weekend? Mine was nice. We spent most of it relaxing and then my sisters and I had a birthday party for my mom yesterday. We went for mani/pedi’s together afterward. It was a much needed break! I have to honestly say that last week was one of the busiest I’ve had in a long time. Too busy. The kind of busy that sucks the joy out of everyday life. The kind of busy that prompted me to buy this book. I just have to find the time to read it. Here’s to a calmer, less hectic week ahead!
I turned to Pinterest for a lot of inspiration for last week’s outfits. When life gets really busy, it’s nice to have some formulas on the style board to turn to for quick dressing. If you’re following along on Instagram, you already get these looks live. Mondays are a recap post with links to what I’m wearing.
P.S. If you missed it yesterday, I finally twisted Craig’s arm enough to let me style him for the blog! Check it out HERE. 🙂
Monday
I took my dad for his carpal tunnel surgery on this day. Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes. Everything went great and he’s on the mend now. If you saw Friday’s post, then you know that this look was a recreation of an inspiration outfit I found on Pinterest.
[Sweater/Denim Shirt/Jeans/Scarf/Boots]
Tuesday
Casual sweatshirt day. This was comfortable and felt totally put together at the same time. My kind of outfit.
[Sweatshirt: Loft – Sold Out (Similar)/Jeans: Loft/Tank: Mossimo/Boots: Similar]
I’ve gotten lots of questions on the layering tanks that I wear. I’ve been wearing these for years, just the right length.
[Mossimo Long and Lean Tank]
Wednesday
This was my laundry and cleaning day so I *almost* didn’t get changed out of my yoga pants. But I had to run errands in the late afternoon and evening so I decided to make a little effort. Plus Craig got back from a business trip that evening, so I wanted to look decent. 🙂
[Sweater: Old Navy/Jeans: Similar/Tee: Old Navy/Scarf: Similar/Boots: Frye]
Mint jeans make me think that spring isn’t too far away. Here’s an amazing deal on this pair of Vigoss.
[Vigoss Skinny Jagger in Mint]
Thursday
College visit day! We took a road trip to take Devon for a recruiting visit (more on that at the end of this post). It was a long but fun day with lots of meetings and walking, so I dressed for comfort in my leopard flats.
[Sweater/Striped Shirt: Similar/Jeans/Scarf: Similar/Flats/Watch]
I live in my leopard flats when the weather is nice enough to wear them. My pair is no longer available but here are some other great options and both are ON SALE!
[Corso Como Famenka]
[Corso Como Elke]
You’ve probably already noticed that I wear one of my striped shirts at least weekly. They just work so well with everything – leopard, polka dots, floral…
[Scoop Back Ballet Tee]
Friday
It’s not easy being green, especially on Valentine’s Day! Craig came home early from work to take me to lunch, then we both went to Ava’s classroom party.
[Shirt: Merona/Jeans: Forever 21/Flats: Sole Society (Similar)/Necklace: Kendra Scott/Watch: Michael Kors]
Aren’t these popovers so cute for spring? They come in eight different colors and at this price, I want them ALL!
[Merona Popover in Mahal Green]
I got mine in my regular size (small) but definitely could have sized up to a medium. They run a little on the small side.
The bright colored popovers are the perfect backdrop for the Kendra Scott “Rayne” necklace. I wear mine with everything.
[Kendra Scott ‘Rayne’ Necklace]
LIFE LATELY
Devon’s recruiting visit went great. We really liked the school and coaches. It’s a very small private university about three hours from home. He has a big decision to make now, whether he wants the commitment of playing football in college or not. We have two more visits planned (at large schools, not for football), then he will make his decision.- New favorite road trip snack! These dill pickle sunflower seeds are completely addicting. Craig said I looked like Ava’s hamster stuffing them in my mouth. 🙂
- We witnessed Ava falling off her horse for the first time while jumping. His hoof brushed her face but otherwise, she was fine. She’s taken plenty of “dirt baths” (as her trainer calls them), but Craig and I had never actually seen one. We were both a little shaken up. It’s an inherently dangerous sport so we try not to think about it.
- Craig made chocolate fondue for the girls and me for a Valentine’s Day treat. YUM!
Happy Monday! Hope your week is off to a great start.
Getting my pretty on with Fashion Friday, The Pleated Poppy and Monday Mingle.
Feb 10, 2014
Can you believe it’s already been four weeks of daily style? I’m really loving this new feature because it’s challenging me to make the most of what’s in my closet. I’m pulling out pieces that I haven’t worn in a while and finding new ways to pair them up. So although this was your idea, it’s really benefiting me. 🙂
The great thing about posting these pics on Instagram first is that you guys get to ask questions throughout the week that I can answer in my Monday recap post. This past week you asked a lot about the tunics I’m wearing. With the exception of one day, tunics seemed to be the theme for the week!
MONDAY
Gray and cream stripes with leopard.
[Top: c/o Golden Tote/Scarf: Similar/Jeans: Forever 21/Boots: Frye]
This top got lots of questions, no surprise, it’s one of my favorites! It was one of the pieces in my Golden Tote so I can’t link to it, but here’s a similar option.
[ShopRuche: Striped Sweater]
TUESDAY
Ava had a doctor’s appointment on this chilly day. I layered a striped top under my tunic for some extra warmth.
[Tunic: c/o J. Jill/Scarf: c/o Leslia NYC/Jeans: Similar/Boots: Similar (On Sale!)/Striped Top: Similar]
The striped top I layered is from Target but I bought it last year. I LOVE the hem on this new one and may need to get it too!
[Long Sleeved Striped Tee]
WEDNESDAY
Strayed from the tunics and made a little extra effort to meet a friend for lunch.
[Henley Blouse: Loft/Scarf: c/o J. Jill (Similar)/Jeans: Paige/Boots: Frye]
THURSDAY
Snow day! A good excuse to get cozy and wear my Wellies.
[Tunic: c/o Subtle Luxury/Jeans: Similar/Scarf: Similar/Boots: Hunter]
This tunic also got a lot of questions. The one I’m wearing was gifted to me by Subtle Luxury. It’s gorgeous but it’s cashmere and has a high price tag.
Here are some more affordable options for a similar look
[Silk Cashmere V-neck Tunic – 50% Off]
[Sheer and Solid Tunic]
[Cowl Neck Soft Tunic]
FRIDAY
I love this striped tunic from LOFT. It’s one of my favorites and makes an instant outfit with skinny jeans and boots. It’s also on clearance! The necklace caused a commotion on Facebook, but mainly because of the high cost of shipping! This necklace is a great alternative that’s on sale and ends up being about the same price with flat rate shipping.
[Tunic: LOFT/Jeans: Kut from the Kloth/Boots: Similar/Necklace: Similar (On Sale!)]
LOFT is sold out of the color I have but there are three other options – hugely discounted!
[Striped Tunic]
P.S. It runs a little small. I normally wear a size small but went up to a medium so it would be longer.
LIFE LATELY
Snippets from our day to day.
- Bailey had WAY too much fun in the snow. She must’ve gone out to play in it at least 20 times in one day. She probably wishes she had owners in a snowy climate instead of Texas.
- Ava and I made a pit stop for some Whataburger on the way to her doctor appointment. She was extra hungry so ordered the big burger and was excited that it was as big as her head!
- Shay made my day with this super sweet gift for being the guest at her Pajama Party last week. Everyone leaves her parties with a favor. How can you not love her? The Velvet Sugar smells just like Valentine’s Day!
- It was cold and rainy on Friday night so we headed out for a big bowl of curry at our local pho restaurant.
- I’m taking my dad for carpal tunnel surgery on both of his hands today. Prayers for a successful procedure and quick recovery would be really appreciated!
Getting my pretty on with Fashion Friday, The Pleated Poppy, Monday Mingle, Totally Posted Tuesday and Style Sessions.
Jan 20, 2014
You guys really know how to make a girl’s day, week, month. Seriously.
The results of the reader survey are in. And wow, I’m just completely blown away! Thank you for being so open, so sweet, so honest. I took the weekend to compile and analyze the feedback and will be reporting it in Wednesday’s post.
Until then…
One of the key pieces of feedback you gave me was that you want to see more outfits and more casual ones at that. As a mom, I understand that you’re not wearing heels, carrying clutches or dressing up on a daily basis and neither am I. I want my blog to be about style inspiration, not aspiration. I hear you loud and clear so I’m going to start showing you what I’m really wearing on a daily basis. Because my hubby is my photographer and he works full-time during the week, the selfie in the mirror is the only way to do this, so please forgive the quality. We’ll still be doing our regular outfit photo shoots too.
If you’re following me on Instagram, the outfits will appear over there first before getting compiled into a diary entry for the blog. I won’t be posting pics every single day but if there’s an outfit that I put together that I think you might like, I will be sure to post it.
Here are this past week’s entries in my Daily Style Diary.
Day One
I had a few questions on Instagram and in the comments section about the jeans in this photo. The brand is Paige and they’re one of my favorite fitting pairs of jeans. The exact pair that I’m wearing is HERE.
Day Two
Day Three
Day Four
Day Five
Day Six
Day Seven
As you can see, I follow an outfit formula most of the time – skinny jeans + boots + a sweater + a few simple accessories. I had to include the obligatory yoga pants picture because I actually went to yoga that day. Don’t worry, I got dressed in real clothes later. 🙂
It’s Your Turn: Do you have any easy outfit formulas you follow? Share them with us in the comments!
Getting my pretty on with Fashion Friday, The Pleated Poppy, Shanna, Totally Posted Tuesday and Style Sessions.
I chose the spring styling of the top by pairing it up with boyfriend jeans, The Conversation Piece necklace from Kiki La’Rue and nude patent cork wedges. This is an actual outfit that I wore to church when the weather was spring-like last weekend.
[Top: c/o Kiki LaRue/Necklace: c/o Kiki LaRue/Jeans: Gap/Shoes: Tahari (Similar)]
[The Conversation Piece Necklace]
[Watch: Michael Kors/Bracelets: c/o Alex and Ani]
[Shoes: Tahari (Similar/Similar)]
[Top: c/o Kiki La’Rue/Jeans: Hollister/Scarf: Similar/Boots: Steve Madden]
