Hello Weekend 02

{Side note: this is my new favorite outfit, one that I bought for myself for my birthday (from Target if you're interested). It's been so long since I actually bought clothes for myself! Maternity wear, then a babe will do that ;) I'm so in love with these pants though!}

We are signing off for the long weekend to celebrate birthdays and focus on spending some much needed time disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with nature and each other. Picture day hikes, mountain tops, evergreens, mountain side sunrises, campfires, warm snuggly blankets, roadside produce stands and spiced apple cider. 

And finally finding some room to breathe.

Other things...

top

similar pants

obsessed with oregano oil for the winter

excited about this class

Be back early next week with more fun things.

xoxo

Hello Weekend 01

Oh hello weekend, it's good to see you.

I am off work today (praise!) so we are spending some extra time at home in our pajamas. We had a lot of early mornings this week -- out of the house by 6am -- so I feel like little bit needs some time to roll around and play at home. (And so do I!) Also, I have decided that there is nothing cuter in this world that babes in footie pajamas. 

A few things for your weekend:

I'm in LOVE with these leather plant hangers.

In keeping with a plant theme, these fall flowers are gorgeous. I'm particularly smitten with the arrangement in the test tubes, naturally.

Also, gilded terracotta pots because, hello!

My fall wardrobe will consist of leggings, long sweaters & sweatshirts, topknots & boots.

Who wants to buy me this bag for my birthday? ;) Or this one, I'm not picky. Ha!

Elliot's favorite hymns are It is well with my soul and How great thou art, so he loves this song.

Happy weekend.

xoxo

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Make Believe // Spring Wardrobe

If money were no object... and I weren't currently pregnant... and wouldn't be trying to get my pre-pregnancy Crossfit self back*...
this is what I would be wearing this spring:

Pilot Jumpsuit - Emerson Fry

Organic Moto Jacket - Shop Bloom

Beach Side Twist Tee - Free People

Veranda Sandals - Anthropologie

Marni Dress in Pink - Sonnet James 

Here's to warmer weather, bare shoulders, and pink dresses. 

Happy Spring! 

xoxo

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*I cannot wait to do pull-ups again. I tried to keep doing them as long as possible during pregnancy, but it was too hard on my lower abdomen. Seriously looking forward to that first grueling workout!

Monday Musings {On a Tuesday}

My life has officially been out of control lately... and our little one hasn't even arrived yet! Ha! Guess it's a good indicator of what's to come. Despite our business, everything is going well. Still working my regular schedule, sleeping in three hour increments, enjoying some beautiful weather, accidentally running my belly into door frames, and waiting for the day that I can hold this little man in my arms instead of in my belly.

Some other things...

This article on the last days of pregnancy was poignant. I may have cried a little. 

I can't wait to wear real person jeans again. These are on my post-baby shopping list -- so good for summer!

Another item on my {small} clothing wish list: these clogs by Free People. 

A sweet family friend gave us a KitchenAid ice cream maker attachment, so making this strawberry ice cream is on my to-do list {oh, and it's paleo!}. 

Speaking of delicous desserts, did you see my friend Lesley's recipe for drunken bananas foster? I'm not much of a banana dessert person, but this recipe is just. so good.

LOVE the idea of gold dipped furniture, so there may be a DIY in my near future... I'm looking at you hand-me-down wooden TV cabinet. 

Another DIY: how to make a pendant light out of just about anything. 

A guide to indoor house plants. 

And, my favorite {all-nautral} face washes: one and two. Also love this scrub and use it a couple times a week. 

What are you up to these days? I feel like I am in a whirlwind and am making it a point to sloooooow down a bit this week.

xoxo

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Black & Mint // Maternity Style

Finding clothes that actually fit and look decent enough to wear outside my home has admittedly been proving more difficult than I anticipated. Most of the actual maternity clothes are a bit too long or too baggy for me, especially when it comes to pants. So lately I've taken to wearing my favorite pre-pregnancy brands in a size or two larger than normal {hello half off sale at Loft}. I love that this top is a silk blend, fancier than the many cotton tees that I live in these days. It pairs equally well with dressed down cords for the weekend and fancy black skinnes for work. 

Loft top, J. Crew cords, Macy's jacket {old, but I love this one}, Forever 21 heels, vintage bracelets, Anthropologie necklace, Michael Kors watch 

xoxo

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Chambray Uniform // Maternity Style

Lately I feel like I've been living in different versions of a chambray shirt and skinnies. Open with a fitted tank, buttoned with a chunky scarf and topknot, a chambray popover with colored denim, and even lounging around the house with leggings and sweater boots. But when only a small portion of your wardrobe fits, you work with what you have. And I happen to have chambray.

Levi's shirt, Target tank, Gap maternity skinny jeans, Madewell pumps (old, here is a similar pair and I also like these), Michael Kors watch, Apple of my eye necklace via Etsy

xoxo

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The Great Shoe Debate {Continues}

Because I stand for eight to ten plus hours a day, I am always on the look out for cute but comfortable footwear, and this winter is no exception. I am absolutely determined to find a pair of boots that I can stand in all day. Especially since I made it through last year with only a pair of Dansko wedges {and no socks!} and a pseudo-comfortable pair of booties. Let's just say that I had to choose between cold feet or painful soles. Here are some of the contenders....

indigo by Clarks

Toms Wedges

Toms Botas

Dr. Scholl's 

Clarks Ignalls

Aerosoles

Clarks

The Aerosoles and Dr. Scholl's pairs are currently on their way to my house for a test run. I am on the fence about the TOMS, simply because my summer pair left my feet a bit achy. Perhaps they are too flat? Either way, those leopard botas are stinking cute, although I'd probably opt for the grey hemp for a more versatile look. I also love the simplicity and color of the suede Clarks booties, but I'm not sure that even that small heel would be the best option for a long work day. They would be really cute with skinny jeans for holiday hosting, though...

Do you have any comfortable shoe suggestions?

I'm all ears.

xoxo

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Casual

Old Navy top, Gap leggings, Target scarf, Loft necklace, Michael Kors watch & bag, Tommy Hilfiger booties, vintage bracelets, Essie Chincilly polish

There's nothing really special about this outfit, except that I recently discovered Old Navy petites online. Despite my love of all things Banana Republic, I never really shop at Old Navy because honestly, the clothes just don't fit well. Since my discovery however, things have changed. And while I already own the perfect worn-in chambray, this light-weight pop-over was just too good to pass up.

xoxo

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Color Crush: Burgundy

While I usually lean towards emeralds and sapphires during the fall, this season it seems as though all my favorite items are deep crimson. From sweaters to scarves, I've picked up some great items for the season that will pair quite well with my current fall wardrobe.

floral scarf

leather tote

two tone jumper

baroque print skirt

western boots

fabric flats

xoxo

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Doubled Up

The weather is starting to get cooler around these parts, and I am itching for days of layering. Shirts, scarves, boots, light jackets, please. So when I awoke to a crisp breeze this past Sunday morning, I decided a bit of layering was in order.

Levi's chambray, Target blouse and skinnies, Nine West pumps {old}, vintage pearls, Michael Kors watch

Happy Tuesday.

xoxo

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Black & Blue

Target blouse & pants, LuLu Townsend heels via DSW, Anthropologie necklace, vintage bracelets, Michael Kors bag

Although I own a fair amount of blue clothing, this top has quickly become a favorite. The flowy silhouette, contrast piping, and uneven hemline make the solid royal blue {a favorite of mine} even more interesting. Added bonus -- it pairs equally well with black skinnies and flared jeans, making it versatile enough for both work and play.

xoxo

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Back to Black & White

Black and white is a combination that I often overlook. I own very little black, a fact that I am slowing changing, and usually pass up what I do have for something more colorful. But lately I've been drawn to the simplicity of black and white outfits, pairing patterns and textures instead of color. I especially love the print of this top and the hi-low hem.

 {Target top, Loft denim, Anthropologie necklace, vintage bracelets, Steve Madden platforms, Michael Kors bag & watch} 

What are your tricks to keeping a black and white ensemble interesting?

xoxo

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Packing for Panama

Since one of the things on our pre-babe bucket list is to have a big adventure together, husband and I are headed to Panama next month! Our itinerary includes a zip line expedition, hiking in the cloud forest, sightseeing in the city and canal, a volcano hike, maybe some whitewater rafting, an excursion to a coffee estate, sea kayaking, and some down time on the beach. To say that I am excited is a vast understatement.

Breezy dresses, sandals, hats and sunglasses are my planned uniform, so I've compiled a few of my current favorites that would be perfect for this getaway.

chambray dress

technicolor scarf

panama hat 

stripe maxi dress  

alice bookshelf bandit tote 

 menorquina flat sandals

slingback sandals

xoxo

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Like the rest of you I was absolutely broken-hearted over the tradjegy in Oklahoma. I cannot imagine the pain and grief the people there must feel. Today I can't help but hold my loved ones a little tighter and praise the Lord for their health and safety. My prayers are with those affected by the tornado, those who are there helping pick up the pieces, and all of us as we watch the events unfold.
 

The Great Shoe Debate: Style versus Comfort

Being on my feet all day every day means that I have to be careful about my footwear decisions. As much as I love my stilettos and four inch wedges, they just aren't feasible when standing/walking ten hours a day. Even my favorite flats and flat sandals tend to fall short on comfort after walking around in them for more than a few hours. I've found that I need both a comfortable sole and a bit of arch support {hello, high arches that I loved as a ballerina}. The challenge is finding comfortable shoes that are also somewhat stylish. And while these styles aren't exactly fashion-forward, they are pretty cute alternatives to aching feet.

Dansko Thea Clog

Dansko Tasha Clog

Crocs Huarache Flat

 Swedish Hasbeens Ornament Clog

Worishfer Wedges

Crocs Super Molded Ballet Flat

And just for fun, some of my current favorites that don't make the wear-to-work cut... or maybe I could wear them for a half day? 

Mattie Wedge

Ella Flat

Lace-Up Sandal

Addy Flat

Sandra Mini Wedge

I currently own the Dansko Thea wedges in nude, and I love them. They aren't quite as comfortable as the standard orthopedic Dansko clogs, but they are much more comfortable than regular flats. {Two words: arch. support.} I'm also ordering the Worishfer wedges in black because I've actually been wearing Crocs ballet flats all week. My feet are hurting that bad. I like to pretend I'm wearing one of the cute styles directly above, but in reality, it's Crocs flats. I know. I've reached an all-time low.

  

Any comfortable shoe suggestions? I'm all ears.

xoxo

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{What I'm Wearing} Easy Like Sunday Morning

Lately I've been all about simple pieces, especially a white tee... paired with a long skirt, distressed denim, grey skinnies, neon shorts and a chambray. The list for me is endless.

Details: (old) Abercrombie denim jacket (new version,  similar), Loft tee, F21 skirt (similar), vintage belt & bangles, Gap aviators, Clarks wedges, Michael Kors bag (similar)

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Also, a note about these posts....

My style isn't fashion forward or groundbreaking, and I'm okay with that. I enjoy dressing up and often ogle over runway shows or fashion magazines, but in reality, cocktail dresses, gowns and even the most amazing, detailed peplum just don't fit into my daily life. I'm a simple gal, leading a simple life. I like pretty clothes, big jewels, and heels, and I like to share them with you.

xoxo

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{What I'm Wearing} Blues

 DETAILS:
H&M blazer (similar) & neckalce (similar), Loft top, J. Crew pants (similar), Seychelles booties (similar here & here, but I like this open toe version as well), Michael Kors bag, H&M faux fur stole

{What I'm Wearing} Black & White, Dots & Stripes

 DETAILS: 
Loft top (similar) & skirt (similar here and here), F21 belt (old, but this one is fun), Dolce Vita heels, Michael Kors bag, June Shin ring

Last weekend I had the absolute pleasure of spending some time with my dear friend Lesley on her birthday. It was such a fun night, filled with laughter, stories, red wine and homemade chocolate cake. But one of my favorite moments was sharing fashion tips with sweet little four-year-old Matilda. Til and I found out we share a love of stripes and polka dots, and she suggested that I wear them together. And while this skirt isn't exactly polka dots, it's a close second and one that I think Til would approve. So this outfit is for my friend Matilda Graham, that sweet little blonde that stole my heart the moment I met her.
 

xoxo

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Encouraging Spring

Loft blazer, peplum & trousers {ha!}, Nine West heels {old}, Ily Couture neckalce via Etsy, vintage bracelets

It's about this time every year that I truly start to long for springtime. January has passed with it's cold days and fireplace nights, and as February is winding down, so is my desire for winter. Spring colors start to creep back into my vision, and I long for the days of open toe sandals and trail runs in shorts. 

This February is no exception. The instant I eyed these pink pants in my closet this morning, I knew they needed to see the sun. So, I wore them. And although the sun and blue sky made me believe it was warm outside, today's high of 40 had me back inside in a fleece not too long after church. 

Guess you can't win 'em all.

xoxo

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Spring Inspirations: Pink + Yellow

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Happy Friday. I'm so glad it's finally here.
xoxo

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Layered Basics

{Loft dress, H&M blazer, Modcloth tights, Seychelles booties, Michael Kors bag & watch, Anthropologie necklace, vintage & F21 jewels}

With the weather here fluctuating between 70-degree afternoons and cold-enough-to-ice-the-windshield mornings, layering has become a must. And although most days I wear pants purely for practicality, sometimes a dress and tights is what a girl needs.

xoxo

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