Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Trend Spin Link Up

This past week I picked up a great summer staple at SavVy, a local boutique in Greenville. I love it because it is jersey and easy to grab and go. I also love that it isn't just a plain old striped dress - its ruched detailing down the front makes it interesting and fun (as are most things from SavVy). Perhaps one of my biggest wardrobe pitfalls is that I stock up on dresses, and then I start to feel like my wardrobe is stagnant. It's kind of hard to change the look of a dress - and sometimes it feels like you're wearing the same outfit over and over and over again. So, today I took a basic dress and searched through my closet for some ways to make it look different. These are just two of the several that I found.

Disclaimer - I am not a "fashion blogger" (Clearly). I did not spend 3 hours in hair and makeup, and I still don't have a professional photographer following me around (seriously, though, need to get one of those). This is jsut me, on a Monday, with baby snot in my hair. Playing dress up....and perhaps posting it on the internet. Totes normal, right? Right. SO, here we go.

Here is the dress on its own paired with some heeled sandals.

Suki + Solaine - $136 at SavVy

I threw on my distressed J.Crew Denim vest to make it slightly more trendy. I kept the sandals the same - but would also have opted to wear my Converse Shoreline sneakers.

J.Crew Vest (on sale!)

Let me just say that if I could wear a denim vest with every outfit I own, I would. I think it makes everything 10 times cuter. And, not many people will rock a denim vest. You will get to be THAT girl. The cool girl, in the vest. I promise, that's what they will say. (and if they arent saying that, its likely they won't say anything at all...to your face. But whatevs. You're in the cool denim vest. Own it.)

My favorite pairing with this dress is a sheer lace crop top that I also purchased from SavVy. This was a total impulse buy and immediately I was afraid I'd never wear it. But, I've found so many ways to incorporate this top into outfits. (I'll be posting more on it later).

Endless Rose Sheer Crop Top - $72 at SavVy

I love pairing unexpected things together like this dress and crop top - it makes what could be a rather plain dress somethings super fun and cute! I love mixing floral prints with stripes, and this is a subtle and great way to do just that. I'm really in love with this top - and there are so many ways to wear it. Take it from me, the self proclaimed #croptopqueen that you need a crop top. Even if you don't want to show your stomach, you can still wear a crop top.

Do it. You'll thank me later.

Monday, March 28, 2016

I'm India Mood for PINK

I've worn the same shade of lipstick since high school. Seriously. Clinique Surprise. I'm picky. I've got small lips and small teeth and most colors just look ridiculous on me. I went to the makeup counter last week to find a new shade and failed miserably. I probably tried 20 colors. I thought I was destined to live a life with an *un*Surprising lip color. And then, I got my Clinique free gift. Typically, I toss the lip color. The gloss, the stick, all of them are terrible.

I thought this gift would be no different. But instead, Clinique stepped it up and threw in a trendy hot pink shade. It looked like fun, but surely it would make me look like a drag queen. Surely.

Much to my surprise (ha, pun intended) I kinda liked it. I even took a selfie (i never do this. I'm TERRIBLE at selfies.)

So today, I ventured out to have lunch with a friend when I realized, my fun new lip color totally matched my nails. I can't quite put my finger on why, but this realization has completely made my day. In fact, I encourage you to give it a whirl too. If you can't justify actually buying hot pink lipstick, go buy some lotion from Clinique at Macys and get a free one. You won't be disappointed.

Lip Color - Matte Magenta

Nail Polish - I'm India Mood for Love

Just Until We Figure out What's Going on.

I just can't even anymore. I've pretty much made my blog about the shallow things in life, because, well, Republican Politics. Again, I just can't. even.

So I saw this funny tweet.

That is all.

Friday, March 25, 2016

Five on Friday

Happy Good Friday, everyone! Hope you're all gearing up for Easter and enjoying this gorgeous weather. I'm linking up with April, Christina, and Natasha today to bring you my Five on Friday (finally getting back into the swing of things...)

one

Horchow Monogrammed Towels

I think Horchow has some of THE best monogrammed towels. It is only $3 to add the monogram, and they have some gorgeous options! I recently purchased some for my guest bath, and I adore them! I chose the brand of towel I liked and then chose the round monogram style.

Don't want a full monogram? I love these single initial towels.

two

Boden outfits

My mother in law purchased these two outfits for Beckett for Easter. They are absolutely adorable! I love rolled pants for children because you can roll them up when too long...and when they are too short. I feel like Beckett will wear these pants all summer long, and into the fall!

three

patio furniture

Back in February we took advantage of a 10% off coupon to Wayfair and bought some patio furniture. I'm not sure it's quite the discount Wayfair had in mind, but it was nice to see such a huge chunk of change come off the bottom line! We took a chance and purchased a 7 piece set and hoped it would be worth it. It was! This week we got RST Brands 7 piece Astoria collection. It's aluminun (so its protected against rust) with a powder coated finish to look like wrought iron. It came with all the cushions AND 6 (yes, 6) throw pillows! The fabric is sunbrella, so its heavy duty and resistant to wear and weather. I love the bright blue color, and so glad our big patio is now functional living space!

Before:

After:

Now we just need a few accessories and some more potted plants. We ordered outdoor speakers today...almost ready for Beckett's first birthday party!

four

smash cake session

Yesterday we had a mini smash cake session with Dear Lissie Photography and today we'll finish up with his one year photos. Can't wait to see the final results!

five

Restoration Hardware Bunny Rocker

I've been DYING to get some sort of a rocker for Beckett's nursery...however, they are expensive. And Beckett is too small to enjoy it (but I think it looks SO cute in his room!). Well I got lucky, one of my friends from college randomly sent this rocker to Beck for his first birthday! How she knew that I wanted one, I have no idea, but I'm so excited!!

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Shopping Bag roundup

Spring is here and that means giving your closet a quick refresh with some fun and trendy pieces. My go-to is always a fun dress, and this year it's no different. You'll notice, I fell for the girliest ruffled, embroidered items....typical.

Saylor Ida Jumpsuit

Ruffled Bell-Sleeve Shift Dress

Cotton Eyelet Halter Dress

'Neville' Stripe Off the Shoulder Dress

Denim Off The Shoulder Trapeze Dress

Best Child Toys

Buying toys for you child is like target shooting in the dark. You aim in the general direction, and hope you hit the target. Somewhere. Anywhere. Until a kid gets to the ~~annoying~~ I-have-an-opinion-about-EVERYTHING phase, you really have no idea what will entertain your child. You just guess. We've had a few hits, and plenty of misses (that I'm constantly tripping over.)

So, here we go...

1. Alphabet Train - My mother in law has purchased a version of this train for every grandchild - it has superceded gender, and even age. Its great as a sitting toy, but it also is a toy that can be ridden, pushed, and teach your child the alphabet! It's slightly pricey at $56 but it's not something they will outgrown very quickly.

This is the "Ultimate" Alphabet Train

You can opt for the slightly cheaper version, for $42.

2. The Cube - Sure, it's songs will drive you mad. And you'll find yourself singing 'The Bird in the Square" ALOT. But, from about 4 mos on, your kid will adore this toy. And it travels pretty well too.

Vtech Busy Learners Activity Cube - $15

3. Sit to Stand Walker - I think everyone I know has this toy. There's a reason - its perfect for teaching your toddler how to walk. Beckett recently started cruising, and this is the toy that started it all.

VTech Sit to Stand Learning Walker - $29.99

4. Ever Earth Garden Activity Cube - I needed to add in a toy to this list that was NOT plastic. We do like to choose some toys that don't make noise and are made of wood. While he has several,, this is by far the best one.

$79 on Amazon.com

5. Table Toys - These save our life EVERY TIME we go out to eat. When we sit somewhere with a table incompatible to suction cups, we panic slightly. Not really, but still, these toys make life easier when you're out. We have 4 different onese we rotate out but he loves the Bee the best. Search suction table toys and you'll get a ton of options!

$18 (2 Count) Munchkin Sassy Illumination Station - $8

6. Any type of Ball - Here are two ball toys that Beckett just loves. His favorite game is throwing balls, and he will spend so much time just crawling around chasing a ball, throwing it, and so on and so on.

Early Years Pop and Play Sensory Ball

VTech Baby Little Critters Discovery Ball

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

The best shoes ever.

A few weeks ago I put my son in a mothers' morning out program, and it might be the best decision I've ever made. The second best decision - purchasing these shoes. On my first day of freedom, I decided to check out some of the adorable shops near my house - first stop was a shoe store (duh). I walked in and locked eyes on these lovelies, and I never looked back. They are great for warm days, great for cool days. They are trendy but classic and best of all -- you guessed it -- a TASSEL!

Jeffrey Campbell - Open Cut

I would have showed you a photo of the cute outfits I paired with it, but that's another post for another day. When I've showered.

Happy Tuesday!

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

March Madness

For me, March Madness has everything to do with new spring trends, and nothing to do with sports. Ever.

I'm in love with all the new spring trends - mostly because of the feminine embellishments mixed with boho vintage silhouettes. If you'll notice, most dresses are a-line, flowy, or fall away from the body. The fabrics are light and breezy with geometric or floral designs. The solids are far from boring with eyelet appliques or scalloped edges. And Ruffles. Lots of ruffles. (If you know me personally you know there are 3 things that will make me pull the trigger on something - a tassel, a ruffle, or a cropped anything). I'd suggest hurrying and snatching up the items you love most, I've already noticed some things selling out!