Another day, another step closer to fall, and I’m one happy camper about it. Now don’t get me wrong. I love summer just as much as the next cat, but when I’m sick of the heat, I’m really SICK of it. I’m ready for pumpkin spice things (#basic), football games, and some breezy, pleasant weather. Bring on the sweaters, jackets, booties, Spanx leggings, and the comfiest high rise denim I own.
I’ve noticed the last couple of seasons that “high rise denim” sometimes is NOT very high rise at all, but I really can’t say enough good things about the high rise pairs I’ve snagged from Madewell. (You can find other favorite pairs here and here.) The rise is actually high enough, the denim is comfortable and flattering, and they’re available in SO many washes and style variations. They’re also pretty well-priced (with a ton of pairs under $100 right now), and some styles (like the pair I’m wearing) come in sizes 23 to 37.
Annnnd since today’s post is clearly all about singing Madewell’s praises (not sponsored), well then I guess I have to mention the mules too, right? Y’all, prepare to see these leopard flats a bunch this fall. They are so comfortable and pair just as easily with a basic black dress as they do with a bold floral jacket, and I’ll be wearing them on repeat for sure.
What are some of the cool weather staples you can’t wait to pull out this year?
Oh boy, we made it. Happy Friday from the happiest gal in town – the gal who’s headed to Sundance today and couldn’t be more excited about it. I’ve never been before and can’t wait for the snowy goodness ahead. (If you’re not following along on Instagram, then get to it, girl because I’ll be sharing all the fun there.) Luckily I just made a trip to Jackson Hole and have ALL the cozy things in the suitcase.
And if we’re talking cozy, then let’s talk this under $40 sweater that’s way worth its weight in gold. She’s available in six colors and is long enough for jeans or leggings – and let’s be honest, leggings are where it’s at for January. Anybody with me? Actually I don’t care – leggings for life, y’all.
Here’s hoping everyone has an amazing weekend ahead!
Last week I shared all about our December trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and mentioned that it was just a little COLD. There was no snow, but we did get a night of 9-degree temps, so, you know, pretty chilly. Luckily for me though, I was way prepared and packed my suitcase (OK, suitcases, plural) with all of the cozy things.
I’ve got another chilly trip in just a couple of weeks (Sundance, YAY!), and since half the country is currently freezing their tails off, I figured I would share a few of the cold weather essentials that saved my butt from the crazy cold in Jackson Hole.
Carve Designs Down Puffer Jacket (also love the black version here) – This jacket is so lightweight and easy to pack, so I had my doubts that it would actually be warm enough. And I’m happy to say that I was so wrong. The hood and “handwarmer” pockets are lined in the softest fleece which made a world of difference – as long as I had my hood on and my hands in my pockets, I barely noticed that it was, oh, nine degrees out one night. Plus, I loved all of the zipper pockets so that I could leave my handbag at home and just carry the essentials in my coat.
Free People chenille infinity scarf (on sale) and beanie – You know I’m ALL about ALL the chenille things this year, and this infinity scarf and hat combo just may be my favorite. I’m seriously thinking I may need to snag the blue version for an upcoming trip to Utah.
cabi Layer Turtleneck (similar version here) – I have a couple of these layering turtlenecks from last year, and I wore one every single day of the trip. A snug-fitting first layer is a must for me, and these easily layer under pretty much anything.
Hunter boots and fleece sock inserts – Layering up my frozen toes was KEY. I had seen a ton of photos of gals wearing their Hunter boots in snow, so I decided to order them for the trip and give them a whirl. The boots alone would have been pretty chilly, but paired with the boots socks (and these cozy socks as a base layer), these were super warm and comfy for roaming around town.
Ugg boots – Although it was SUPER cold in Jackson Hole, there wasn’t much (if any) snow on the ground so Uggs worked just fine for the daytime for me. For nighttime though, I definitely would have needed a taller pair like this one or these.
Faux fur lined footless tights (and these fleece-lined footless tights) – Y’all, these were AWESOME for beating the cold. I picked them up at Target a couple of hours before we left for the airport, and I was so happy that I did. Besides the one day that I wore jeans, I lived in these faux fur lined footless tights and can’t recommend them enough for cold climates.
It seriously seems like just a couple of months ago that I was writing a little recap of 2016, and yet somehow, here we are, already a couple of days in to 2018. I know that lots of folks are having lots of mixed reviews of 2017, but I gotta say, it was a pretty wonderful one around here.
We kicked off 2017 by packing up our house and getting ready for a pretty easy remodel. We were adding on a dining room and an office for Eric and changing out all of the existing exterior plaster for new. We found an awesome rental house and thought we’d make ourselves at home there for about a month. (The plaster changing meant we wouldn’t have exterior walls, so the house was just too cold to live in.) You know what they say, the best laid plans…
Fast forward five months, and our sweet little remodel turned into an entirely different house. We eliminated walls, vaulted ceilings, did an entire kitchen remodel, and changed just about every room in the house. Over the next seven months, we added on a front patio with a fire pit that we love, completely reworked the backyard to include a built-in BBQ and jacuzzi area, and finally switched out the dirt yard and port-o-potty out front for actual grass and landscaping. (Hashtag, that construction life.) And I swear, more photos of the home are coming soon.
In May after moving back into our house, we welcomed our sweet pup Louise, and although girlfriend certainly put me through it for a couple of months, she’s now the sweetest little member of our family. (And as you can probably tell from the photos above, my furry sidekick loves a good photo opp.)
Over the summer we were super fortunate to purchase a house in Palm Springs (more photos here) and worked with a handful of amazing companies to furnish, decorate, and make it a home. We’ve loved every single day we’ve gotten to spend there, loved ringing in the new year there, and can’t wait to spend more time in the desert this year.
Year after year, I’m so very fortunate that you guys keep reading and following along on my journey. I’m so thankful for all the comments, likes, emails, in-person hello’s and so very thankful for this little community. There are already some fun things in the works for 2018, so I certainly hope that you’ll keep following along! Here’s hoping everyone has the best year ahead!
xoxo
P.S. – For all outfit details and photographer info, click the photo above to see the original post.
Exactly one week away from Christmas – y’all, how the heck did this happen? I swear it was JUST Thanksgiving, and yet somehow, here we are. Ready or not, my favorite holiday is coming, and although I may not have all of my gifts figured out yet, I know what I’ll be wearing. (Well, hot weather permitting.)
I’ve chatted about these high rise skinnies before, but y’all, I swear – they really are the highest rise I’ve found that are still way comfortable. Plus, they suck you in like a pair of Spanx. And let’s face it, after alllll the holiday meals, sips, and treats, couldn’t we all use a little suck-in power? I know I could. They’re available in a ton of washes and are super easy to tuck into your favorite boots or booties.
So I’m crossing my fingers for a cool breeze in Southern California that just might let me wear this denim – sweater – scarf combo, but just in case, I’ve got my backup plan ready right over here. Annnnd then obviously as soon as it’s acceptable I’ll be curling up in my favorite holiday PJ’s because Christmas is for living your best life.
It’s been about four days now, and I’m still on Cloud 9 from our trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming this past week. It’s a place I’ve wanted to visit for so long and was a bucket list destination for a couple of our friends, too. Eric had been a couple of times in the past, but it had been a few years and he was dying to go back. So sometime in October, we picked out dates, booked the tickets, and made it happen. And I have to say, Jackson Hole did not disappoint.
I’ve got a whole post coming up with where we stayed, where we ate (and ate and ate), and all that jazz, but today I’m sharing a few photos from a morning in the National Elk Refuge, just outside of town. We didn’t see any elk because I think I was a couple of weeks too early, but this area was crazy pretty with views farther than you could ever see and each individual blade of grass covered in tiny ice crystals. There wasn’t any snow during our trip, but believe me when I tell you – IT. WAS. COLD.
It was the kind of cold I’ve only experienced twice before during a couple of February New York Fashion Weeks, but unlike New York, this time I was prepared. I lived in layers (and layers) and chunky scarves, and this Coalition LA jacket came in so handy. It’s super thick and warm, and I swear when I put the hood on, my entire body was instantly warmer. The huge pockets are also great because with so many layers, I wanted to ditch the handbag and just carry around the essentials with me. If you’re headed someplace cold this winter (or live there), I can’t recommend this one enough because, bonus – it’s under $100.
Hope everyone is having a great week, and stay tuned for more posts from Jackson Hole.
While scrolling through Instagram over the last couple of days, I’ve noticed that we tend to chat a lot about the hectic pace of the holidays, how busy we are, so much shopping to do, parties to attend, meals to prepare, blah, blah, blah. Maybe sometimes we forget – it’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. It’s the season I look forward to all year long. So this year, I’m not letting that holiday to-do list get me flustered. I’ll be taking it all in stride with a coffee in hand, Christmas tunes in my head (and in my car), and comfy kicks on my feet.
I’m excited to team up with Famous Footwear to share a little inspiration to “do it all in style” this holiday season. And my holiday footwear of choice? Well you can find me in sneakers, girl. And specifically, THESE new sneaks from Famous Footwear. They’re seriously so comfortable, and the grey and rose gold color combo? Get outta town.
They’re actually running shoes, so they come in REALLY handy when a certain puppy grabs an ornament and runs with it. I’m not naming names. But for running errands around town, I love these comfy kicks paired with faux leather leggings, sweatshirt dresses, and distressed denim. I’ve now had these on my feet for four days in a row, and the compliments just keep on coming. How’s that for fueling some holiday happiness?
Hope everyone is having an amazing holiday season so far!
Holy food coma, Batman. Well this Louisiana Thanksgiving was certainly an overstuffed, overfed, roll-me-outta-here success. No shame in my game that it’s currently 7:30 pm and I’ve just switched out my Spanx leggings for flannel pajama pants. Hashtag, living my best life over here.
If there’s one piece that’s made for days like today, it’s an oversized sweater like this one. Y’all, this thing is killer. I originally ordered it for our upcoming trip to Jackson Hole, WY, but I obviously couldn’t wait until then to wear it. I pulled it out recently for my birthday dinner when, admittedly, it probably wasn’t quite cold enough out. But I looked cozy as hell, so that’s a win, right? (Size note – definitely size down in this one, maybe go down two sizes. I’m 5’9″ wearing a medium, and it’s pretty big.)
And right now, you can grab this sweater as well as the leggings, the sunglasses, and similar boots on sale with code MORE17. And if a good sale is calling your name, make sure to check out yesterday’s post where I rounded up a few favorite sites offering some sweet Black Friday deals. Hope everyone is still enjoying their Thanksgiving week. And now, time to pull out those Christmas decorations. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Oh, ho, ho, the holidays, y’all, and I am ready. We’re kicking things off with our annual Friendsgiving festivities tonight and hopping on a plane to Louisiana tomorrow morning to spend Thanksgiving week with my family. It’s my hands-down favorite time of year, but it can also be a stressful time if you let it. Travel, work responsibilities, and party after party can really take a toll on a gal’s health, ya know? And there’s no better way to ruin my favorite season than by getting all sick and exhausted and pooped out. So today I’m sharing a few ways that I’m focusing on my health this holiday season. (And don’t get it twisted, I still fully intend to live my best life in the weeks ahead – bring on ALLLL the food!) But here goes anyway…
Drink Your Juice (and Eat a Veggie or Two) – And the candied yam variety probably doesn’t count. We all know that the holidays can get a little out of hand with the meals, the treats, the cocktails, you name it, but it’s important for me to remember that holidays or not, my body needs a little actual nourishment regularly. And you can call me crazy, but I’m totally one of those juice enthusiast people. When I start to feel sick, I usually book it to Juice Served Here for their Hot Shot and Turmeric shots and the Pipe Cleaner juice. Last I checked, loading up on ginger never hurt anybody. (And bonus, this week all of their juices are just $5.) My mom has this theory that whatever you believe in will work, and I gotta say, she’s probably right. If you build it, they will come, y’all.
All About the Essential Oils – Call me crazy twice, but I’m also a huge believer in essential oils, and doTERRA is my oil drug of choice. My friend Corrine introduced me a year or so ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Lemon, lavender, Breathe (amazing for snoring husbands), and Peppermint are in constant rotation around here, but my favorite by far is On Guard. It smells amazing (especially around this time of year) and is my go-to when I’m feeling a bit under the weather. I’m constantly grabbing the oil and also love the softgels.
Get Some Exercise – Well, this one is groundbreaking. I know, it’s not rocket science, but sometimes when I’m being pulled in 100 different directions the last thing on my mind is fitting in a workout. But 10 times out of 10, when I make the time and get a workout in, I’m 100% happy that I did. I work out at Core Reform Pilates a few times a week (and have since wayyy back here) and normally take my wild ass puppy on long walks everyday. We’ll be traveling a couple of times over the holidays, so I’m making it a goal for myself to get in so much walking.
And Some SLEEP – I’m pretty much always guilty of not getting enough sleep. I’m a natural night owl, and let’s just say that mornings generally aren’t my jam. (I get these genes from my dad.) But sometimes in the real world, a girl’s gotta wake up early, so I’m making it a priority these days to get a bit more shuteye. For a little nighttime help, I occasionally rely on Olly Restful Sleep Supplements or Dream Water – both work like a charm to relax and turn off my overactive mind.
Take a Little “Me” Time – As a blogger, the holidays can be an especially busy time for me. End of year projects kick into high gear, the event invites are more frequent than any other time of year, and there are personal obligations on top of that. But over the past couple of years, I’ve found that it’s so important to learn to say “no”. I can run around from event to event, trying to please this company and that one, but in the end, no one wins because I’m burnt out and giving everything only half of my attention. These days, I pick and choose my obligations and make sure to take a little “me”time. My ultimate “me” time? A good old fashioned bath, y’all.
And a Little More “Us” Time – What are the holidays if you’re not spending them with people you love? I love the holidays – love, love them – and there’s nothing better than creating new holiday memories with family and friends. I made a priority list for myself a while back, and it goes like this: my husband and my marriage, my family and friends (and pup), and then my blog and career and anything else. It’s admittedly over-simplified here, but when I remember what’s important in life, I think it can do wonders for my mental health and overall happiness. And don’t we all just want to be happy this holiday season?
Greetings, gals! Remember these Spanx faux leather leggings that I wore on serious repeat last year and raved about more than once or twice? They are seriously the best faux leather leggings that I’ve found. They’re soft and comfy, have an actual “high-enough” high rise, and suck you in like nobody’s business.
It’s my go-to fall look just in time for a full week of fall weather around here. I mean, the weather this week? It’s chilly and overcast, and we may even get a couple of days with rain. So, so dreamy, am I right? Today’s 65-degree day totally made up for last week’s 105-degree nightmare. And now I’m off to throw some ingredients into a pot – it’s the first chili of the season, and I’m seriously excited.
Madewell jeans; similar camisole (cheaper version here); SheIn jacket (c/o); Madewell leopard mules; Gucci handbag (look for less here); Julie Vos bracelets; Ray-Ban sunglasses
