Everyday Basics and Two Favorite Faux Fur Jackets

January 28, 2019 / Style Files / 0 comment

Madewell jeans (available in petite, tall, curvy, and maternity sizes here); cabi thermal tee (c/o); Shaci lavender and black faux fur jacket (also love this version; Plus sized style here); Dylan grey faux fur jacket; Steve Madden sneakers; Henri Bendel wallet clutch (similar here); Quay sunglasses

I’m not trying to kill my cold weather based readers or anything, but this weekend in SoCal we basically got a little taste of spring. Saturday was 82 degrees in Huntington Beach, and I had to double-check my phone to make sure it was still January. I legit thought I had time traveled or something, but nope. Still January. While I have no complaints about a little sunshine and warm weather, I was thinking for a minute that MAYBE I overdid it on the faux fur purchases for this year. But then I saw a low of 52 for later this week and thought, nahh, I’m good. (SoCal reasoning, you know?)

Also, I really can’t regret these two faux fur jackets because they are just so cozy and lovely and warm. The two-toned purple and black bomber (that comes in two additional colors and a plus-sized version) was just too fun to pass up. It’s plush and luxe and has the best hood for those ultra chilly days. And the grey and taupe one is a bit sleeker (slimmer) with a super soft knit lining. I scored it as a little souvenir from Jackson Hole, but you can skip the trip and Amazon Prime one right to your door. You really can’t go wrong with either, and they’re both under $100.

And then there’s the rest of the look – the jeans, easy black tee, and comfy metallic sneakers – that I just so happen to be wearing as I type this. It’s come to my attention lately that I definitely have a “uniform” these days, and for good reason. These jeans have become my ultimate go-to pair. They’re high-waisted, comfortable, and hold me in perfectly, and by now, I’ve worn them on the blog about 100 times. If you are looking for a good pair, I can’t recommend these more.

I’ve got an arsenal of black tees these days – short sleeves, long sleeves, and everything in between. Doing laundry lately looks like lots and lots of the same thing, and I’m not mad about it. I like super soft, slightly thicker fabric and a longer length and recently found these for under $15 that are SO good. (I bought 3 of them – no regrets.) And these sneakers are seriously the best. I bought them in camo a few months ago and wore them so much I decided I needed a second color. (I blame Amazon Prime for that one.) . It’s legit the everyday uniform that keeps on giving, and it just works for me.

I get so many questions from readers and friends about the pieces that every closet needs, and I think I’ve decided on this: find what really works for you, something you feel comfortable and confident in (without looking like a slob kabob), and embrace it. Currently, I’m loving that jeans, black tee, and sneakers life (with a fun faux fur every now and then) and invest in pieces like a handbag or piece of jewelry that I’ll have for years and years. (And then I keep said investment pieces away from the wild puppies around here because my mama didn’t raise a fool.)

What are the pieces that you’d consider part of your “uniform” right now?

xoxo

Photos thanks to Felicia Lasala

A Few Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale Favorites

January 7, 2019 / Giveaways & Deals / 0 comment

Lilly Pulitzer capris and similar cardigan (c/o); similar tee; similar Cole Haan sneakers; Ray-Ban sunglasses

Ahh, the first Monday of the new year, and I figured the only way to kick it off was with stretch pants, coffee, a cute pup, and one giant sale. The Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale is once again kicking off, and it’s the best time to grab a couple of new favorites for spring. Got a warm weather vacation on the horizon? I don’t, but I’m thinking I need to grab this coverup and these sandals and plan one STAT.

Looking for something super versatile that you’ll wear a ton? This linen button-down is seriously so good. I’ve worn the white version so many times (see here, here and here), and right now you can grab it in four different colors for under $40. I’m rounding up a few more favorites below – snag your picks before they’re gone!

Hope everyone has a great first full week of the year!

xoxo

Photo thanks to Katie Stuart

Getting Back on the Workout Bus

January 2, 2019 / Style Files / 0 comment

Spanx leggings; Hurley jacket (c/o); Johnston & Murphy sneakers (c/o); MZ Wallace tote; Quay sunglasses

Well, guys, it’s officially January 2nd and time to kick off some of those “new year, new me” goals. Sure, the new year did start yesterday, but everyone knows that January 1st is for useless hours on the couch and takeout Chinese food. Bonus points if you actually Postmated two meals yesterday. Not that I’d know anything about that.

But today’s a new day, and it’s time to get yourself together, girl. I’ve made a few fitness and overall just healthy goals for the new year and for going into spring in particular. I’m not the kind of gal who wants to give up every sweet, snack, and splurge trying to attain some unrealistic goal weight. I didn’t even do that before my own wedding and still have no regrets about it. I did set a few goals to look and feel my best, healthiest self, though.

Exercise – I want to make sure and get in some type of workout five days a week, whether it’s a pilates or Orangetheory class or just taking the pups (well, solo pup until Wilma has all of her shots) for a long power walk. It really is just about getting moving, and before the holidays, I was more than on top of this.

Eating – I generally cook pretty healthy, and we’ll have dinner at home 3-4 times a week. For the other nights, we try to grab sushi or something with actual nutritional value and save the cheat meals for the weekends. After a November and December filled with travel, parties, and holiday treats, I’m SO ready to get back to healthy eating and plan to share more meal and recipe ideas with you guys here and through Instagram stories.

Alcohol – Eric and I are hosting one last Christmas party with friends this weekend, and after that, we’re planning to have a dry January. We haven’t done one before, but I think it’ll be great to reset, recharge, and save all those calories!

Water – Good God I say this every single year, but perhaps 2019 is the year I finally start drinking more water? It’s seriously something I have to push myself to do, but when I do manage to drink enough water, I notice a difference in how I feel and how my skin looks. (One might think that would be motivation enough, right?) Well, with my current post-holiday breakout, it’s bottoms-up on the H2O currently.

And so this morning I woke up bright and early (to the sounds of a screaming puppy ready to make a jailbreak out of her crate) and scheduled my first pilates class of the new year. I threw on my new workout gear (No better motivation really. The husband got me these capris for Christmas and I’m OBSESSED.) and soon realized that my car battery was dead. Sweet.

So I Ubered to my first workout of the year, popped into a nearby grocery store for a few vegetables for the fridge, and Ubered my butt home to these wild-ass pups. No complaints over here, but perhaps the universe could cooperate when a girl’s just trying to make it to the gym? Here’s hoping everyone has a great rest of the week.

xoxo

Photos thanks to Katie Stuart

The Best Travel Bags from MZ Wallace

December 24, 2018 / Style Files / 0 comment

Lou & Grey sweater (40% off); plaid scarf; Madewell jeans; Marc Fisher sneakers; Ricardo Beverly Hills suitcase; MZ Wallace Tote and pouch; Quay sunglasses

And just like that, it’s Christmas Eve, y’all. And I’ve got one thing to say about it: WILD. The holidays always seem to fly by, but this year in particular, I’m over here scratching my head wondering where the last month has gone. I’m sure it’s because, as I mentioned in my last post, I’ve spent lots of time traveling over the last month or so (and this year in general).

Warm weather trips, cold weather gear, dressy staples, casual exploring gear – I’ve packed and unpacked a few times this year, and I have to say, I’ve gotten pretty good at it. I am ALL about our hard case luggage from Ricardo Beverly Hills. It’s been tough enough to last through a ton of trips and fits SO. MUCH. STUFF. (Because let’s be real, I’m not always the best at editing down the packing list.)

And when it comes to carry-on luggage or just a bag for short trips or errands around town, I seriously love everything MZ Wallace. My friend Jenn introduced me to the brand years ago, and I’ve now got a few different styles. The fabric is super durable, there are a ton of interior pockets and pouches, and the straps are so comfortable to carry all day long.

The latest bag I’m loving? The Large Metro Tote is seriously so nice. I love the larger size, the zipper closure at the top, and the sleek, easy design. I used this tote on a recent trip home to Louisiana with Weeze and managed to fit a full-sized blanket, my computer, and ALL of the other puppy necessities with room to spare. I put all my purse essentials in the Metro Pouch and used it as a clutch once we got to New Orleans.

If you’ve got travel planned for the new year and want to get organized, check out MZ Wallace to get your act together, girl. Merry Christmas Eve, friends!

Madewell jeans; Lou & Grey sweater (40% off); MZ Wallace pouch; Marc Fisher OTK boots; Quay sunglasses

xoxo

Photos thanks to Katie Stuart

The Full Black Friday Sale List Is Here

November 22, 2018 / Giveaways & Deals, Style Files / 0 comment

Spanx leggings; similar tee; teddy bomber (c/o – use code Nik20 for 20% off your purchase); Steve Madden sneakers; Forever 21 scarf; Zac Zac Posen handbag (c/o); Quay sunglasses

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! And also, happy day after Thanksgiving when it’s perfectly acceptable to throw ALL of the Christmas decorations up all around the house. Who’s ready for some holly, jolly, good tidings? This girl is.

If you caught yesterday’s post, then you know one of my favorite Black Friday sales hit a couple of days ago, and today I’m sharing a full list of the rest that I’m digging. Full disclosure, there are a TON of good sales this week, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Make your gift list, think about some of your favorite retailers, and take a little scroll below for discount codes and all that jazz.

Personally? I’m currently digging all things Madewell and doing some serious Eric-shopping in the Nordstrom men’s sale. Which retailers are you guys most excited to shop this year?

7 For All Mankind – 40% off sitewide with code BLACK40

Ann Taylor – 50% off everything with code BLACKFRIDAY

ASOS – 25% off with code EPIC25

Bloomingdales – Buy More, Save More event

Boohoo – 60% off everything

Dermstore – up to 30% off with code THANKS

Ginger June Candles – 25% off with code BECAUSEWELOVEYOU

J.Crew – 40% off purchase with code TOGETHER

Kendra Scott – Buy more, save more event

Levi’s – 40% off everything with code INDIGO

LOFT – 50% off with code FRIYAY

Madewell – 25% off purchase with code DEALWITHIT

Marc Fisher Footwear – 30% off select styles with code BF18

Minted – 20% off holiday orders over $150 with code BF2018

Nasty Gal – 60% off everything

Nordstrom – up to 60% off select items

Old Navy – 50% off sitewide

PMD Beauty – 35% off with code BLACK35

Pottery Barn – 25% off with code THANKFUL

Quay – Buy one, get one free with code BOGO

Sephora – tons of deals right over here

Serena & Lily – 20% off with code GATHER

Shopbop – Buy more, save more event

The Daily Edited – 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY20

Tula Skincare – 25% off with code BLACKFRIDAY18

Ulta – tons of beauty deals right over here

Urban Outfitters – buy one, get one 50% off sitewide

West Elm – Buy more, save more with code SAVEMORE

xoxo

Photos thanks to Katie Stuart

The Shopbop Black Friday Sale Is On

November 21, 2018 / Style Files / 0 comment

(Original post here) Similar cowl scarf; Spanx leggings; Hunter boots and boot socks

Happy Thanksgiving week, friends! While I’m mentally preparing myself for the food coma ahead (or, let’s be honest – I’ve been in a food coma since arriving in Louisiana on Monday), I’m doing a little deal-loving happy dance over here because the Black Friday sales just seem to hit earlier and earlier every year. And I, for one, am certainly not mad at it. Just shop the sales, eat the bird, and spend a little time with family and friends instead of focusing on that old school Black Friday dash.

And today I’m kicking things off with some tried and true favorites from the Shopbop sale. This is the Black Friday sale I look forward to every year. For the second year in a row, I’ve used the sale to stock up on a few cold weather essentials for our upcoming trip to Jackson Hole. (If you’ve got a cold weather trip coming up, I can’t recommend these Hunter boots, boot socks, shearling inserts, and chunky scarf more.)

It’s a Buy More, Save More sale, so the more you spend, the bigger the percentage off. Just use code MORE18 at checkout. Scroll through to see more of my favorites that are on sale and some brand new goodies that should be arriving to my door any minute now. The anticipation, y’all. Happy shopping, friends!

xoxo

(Original post here) Eberjey pajamas (Original post here) Lace-up dress; Free People booties (Original post here) Lace-up tee; Madewell jeans; Tretorn sneakers; Zac Zac Posen handbag; Quay sunglasses (Original post here) Eberjey pajamas (Original post here) Three Dots thermal; similar OTK boots; Quay sunglasses (Original post here) Moon River sweater (Original post here) Moon River dress; Madewell handbag (Original post here) Similar scarf; Zac Zac Posen handbag

Visit Here: Knoxville, Tennessee

November 8, 2018 / Travel / 2 Comments

Thank you Tennessee Tourism for sponsoring this post. Plan your vacation to Tennessee, and experience the beauty with more to see !

Spanx leggings; Carve Designs sweater; Hunter boots; plaid scarf; Eric’s Pendleton shirt

Happy Thursday, friends! If you’ve been following along on Instagram then you know that Eric and I recently took a weekend trip to Knoxville, Tennessee. It was a quick trip, but we tried to pack it all in. We ate, we drank, we saw so many pretty views – including a “colorblind-less” view for Eric.

Veterans Overlook and Eric’s Colorblind-less view – Our Sunday morning at Veterans Overlook was the coolest part and the entire point of the trip. Tennessee has some of the most beautiful fall foliage that I’ve seen, and Tennessee Tourism has done something really cool so that more people can enjoy it. They’ve installed “Colorblind-Less” Viewfinders at several scenic spots around the state, and fun fact, Eric is colorblind. We drove out to Veterans Overlook on Sunday morning, and although it was super foggy and overcast, we were excited for Eric to try out the viewfinder.

And his immediate response? “Wow.” For the first time, he saw a huge fall landscape that was, in his words, more vivid, more colorful. He would look in, look up, look in, and look up again. He also turned the viewfinder on me and decided, thankfully, that he still liked what he saw. Could’ve really ruined the trip! All jokes aside, thank you to Tennessee Tourism for such an amazing time in Knoxville. We are so grateful to have gotten to explore a little bit of Tennessee and love that Eric got to have a little glimpse into a colorblind-less fall. Read on for a few more favorite spots from the trip.

The Tennesseean Hotel – After a full day of travel, this hotel was surely a sight for sore eyes and has since become one of my favorite places I’ve stayed. I knew the hotel would be beautiful from the photos I saw beforehand, but the comfort and pleasant experience was seriously on another level. From the beyond friendly staff, comfortable rooms stocked with Molton Brown shower goodies and Illy espresso, the coziest lounge for relaxing with lunch and a cocktail, and the best location that was an easy walk to Market Square, it really became our little home away from home. It was the place we couldn’t wait to get back to at the end of the day, and when we make it back to Knoxville, I wouldn’t think of staying anywhere else.

Knox Brew Tours – Eric and I had no idea that Knoxville had such a fun and interesting beer scene happening, but I came across a suggestion for Knox Brew Tours and decided to buy tickets. And we are so happy that we did. We met at a local beer shop that was a quick walk from The Tennesseean Hotel, and for 45 bucks we hopped on the brew bus for tours and full tastings at four local breweries. We enjoyed tasting the craft beers but also learned a bunch from our tour guide Ace and our driver Queso. It’s a must and is also how we discovered the next must-see stop on my list.

Pretentious Glass Co. – One of the stops on the Knox Brew Tours bus was Pretentious Beer Co., a really cute little brewery with fun decor, a great outdoor space, and a door connecting it to Pretentious Glass Co. where you can watch glassblowers creating the most unique and beautiful glassware. We could’ve stayed and watched all day (had to jump back on the bus), but we did purchase and ship home some goodies that we can’t wait to receive.

Breakfast and lunch at The Drawing Room in The Tennesseean Hotel – The lounge at The Tennesseean Hotel was seriously the best. Big, comfy chairs, cozy couches, friendly staff, and some seriously yummy food. We had breakfast here one morning and lunch with a side of football the next. The low country boil (basically a seafood stew dish), fig and prosciutto flatbread, and burrata were all so good.

Three Rivers Rambler Train Ride – The Three Rivers Rambler is a train ride that takes you right along the Tennessee River. We hopped on the 7:15 train, and to be honest, I’d definitely recommend booking one of the earlier departures so you can take in the scenery before it’s too dark. Other than that, it was a pretty cool experience and is a really great option for families with kiddos.

BBQ at Sweet P’s Downtown Dive – From now on, whenever someone asks about the best BBQ I’ve ever had, I can easily say Sweet P’s in Knoxville, Tennessee. This place came highly recommended (for good reason), so Eric and I stopped in for a late dinner after the Three Rivers Rambler. And we are SO glad that we did. We tried the dry-rubbed ribs, the garlic hot wings, mac and cheese, and cole slaw, and it all looked so good, I accidentally took zero photos. The ribs were crazy good, and the mac and cheese alone might be enough to get me back to Knoxville.

Breakfast at Sugar Mama’s – Y’all, this place was serious Southern deliciousness. We randomly stopped in and were so happy to find the cutest little spot with $1 mimosas, homemade pastries, lots of beers on tap, and biscuits galore. Oh, and the pulled pork tacos loaded with mac and cheese, jalepenos, and pimento cheese? A little bit life-changing. Sadly, the day that we visited was actually the day that Sugar Mama’s closed its doors, but I’m still mentioning it here because the owners are in the process of opening a bigger location somewhere soon in Knoxville. Fingers crossed it’s open when you go.

Exploring Market Square – This is a pretty idyllic town square that kind of looks like something out of a movie. The Market Square area has a beautiful park area, restaurants, and cute local shops. We roamed around, found the birthplace of the SEC (#winning), and stopped into Woodruff’s Downtown Grill & Brewery for one last beer sampler before heading to the airport.

xoxo

Above photos thanks to Alaina Rene Photo; Below photos from Eric and me

Spanx leggings; sweater hoodie; Forever 21 scarf; Tretorn sneakers; Zara jacket (also love this one); Gucci handbag Lobby of The Tennesseean Hotel Lunch at The Drawing Room at The Tennesseean Hotel Cozy room at The Tennessean Hotel Exploring around Market Square and the Theater District Forever 21 sweatshirt dress and scarf; Tretorn sneakers; Gucci handbag; Quay sunglasses

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Faux Suede Jackets for the Fall Win

November 7, 2018 / Style Files / 0 comment

Madewell jeans; Tie-front top; Similar Lysse jacket; Leopard sneakers (similar styles here and here); Saint Laurent handbag (look for less here); Ray-Ban sunglasses

I know what you’re thinking – another day, another jeans and sneakers get-up. And to be fair, I’ve worn the hell out of these jeans around here lately. (See this post and this one.) But when I came across these photos from New Orleans that somehow slipped my mind, I just had to share this faux suede jacket.

In lightweight versions or something a little heavier, it’s hard to beat a little faux suede jacket for fall. It’s the best throw on and go jacket with your favorite denim or layered over a lightweight sweater dress. Sadly this Lysse pretty is sold out (similar color here though), but I’m rounding up a few more options below, in so many price points, fits, and colors. In particular, I’m loving this one (under $60!), this two-tone, and this reversible one.

Which ones are you guys digging?

xoxo

Photos thanks to Michelle Preau

Dressed Down Metallic Mini + Our Non-Halloween Plans

October 31, 2018 / Style Files / 0 comment

Zadig & Voltaire X Aqua skirt; SheIn sweater (c/o) – take 20% off your order with code NIK20; Tretorn sneakers; Henri Bendel handbag; Quay sunglasses; Kendra Scott bracelets

Remember this little metallic skirt from this post? Well I promised myself I wouldn’t let it sit unworn in my closet forever, so today I’m taking her for a spin with a slouchy little sweater and those favorite sneakers again. And will probably be re-wearing it for dinner tonight at the Red O. Yep, dinner, because this year we are skipping Halloween.

You can call me a Halloween scrooge, but trick-or-treating in our neighborhood is seriously aggressive. There is a house that was built to look like a castle that throws the biggest haunted house in the city and invites everyone in, so we get tons and tons of families passing through. Last year we went through 750 candy bars by 7:30 and got yelled at by two disgruntled mothers for running out. I’m not even kidding.

So this year I bought the usual giant mound of expensive candy, thought about Weeze losing her mind with every single “trick-or-treat”, and figured this year we could use a break. Candy was returned, dinner reservations were made, and we’re taking our little hot dog to hang with her best doggo pal. I know, I know – are we totally lame? I don’t care, and I’m sure we’ll be back in the treat-giving action next year. But maybe if you’re hitting the streets with your kids tonight, try not to yell at people for running out of candy. I don’t know, just a thought.

Happy Halloween, friends!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Katie Stuart

Always Sneaker Season + a Few Current Favorites

October 24, 2018 / Style Files / 0 comment

Madewell jeans; Splendid tee; Tretorn sneakers (c/o) Shopbop; Zac Zac Posen handbag (c/o); Quay Australia sunglasses; Jemma Sands bracelets (c/o)

If you ask me what my least favorite trend of the moment would be, my answer is hands-down, without a doubt the whole “dad sneaker” thing. I mean what in the world are we thinking, fashion friends? It’s gonna be a big fat NO from me, dawg, and while we’re at it, I’ll go ahead and throw in the Kardashian-esque horrendous bike shorts and tiny 90’s sunglasses that are flattering on literally no one’s faces. More power to you if you’re into these things, but I’m just unapologetically NOT here for it.

Now something I can get behind? Sneakers of so many styles and colors – just not the dad variety. I’ve been on board the sneaker train for a while, but last fall is when I really kicked most of my booties to the curb in favor of my favorite comfy kicks. I’m obsessed with this athletic-inspired pair, can’t get enough of this comfy grey pair, and have worn these leopard sneaks more times than I could ever count.

And I’ve already started adding to the collection this season starting with the metallic leopard sneakers above. Y’all, these are fur-lined and seriously feel like walking on a cushy cloud. I can’t recommend these enough for pairing with jeans, jogggers, my favorite faux leather leggings, or even this gold skirt. (That look is coming to the blog soon.) I also just recently purchased this pair that I L-O-V-E.

So today I’m rounding up a few more favorite pairs of the moment because when it comes to sneaker love, I just can’t get enough. Hope everyone is having a great week!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Katie Stuart

Searching for "sneakers"

Everyday Basics and Two Favorite Faux Fur Jackets

A Few Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale Favorites

Getting Back on the Workout Bus

The Best Travel Bags from MZ Wallace

The Full Black Friday Sale List Is Here

The Shopbop Black Friday Sale Is On

Visit Here: Knoxville, Tennessee

Faux Suede Jackets for the Fall Win

Dressed Down Metallic Mini + Our Non-Halloween Plans

Always Sneaker Season + a Few Current Favorites

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