A Wish List for Parker

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

Parker has no clue that he has a "Fall Wish List" and will probably be embarrassed one day that he ever did, but since he can't defend himself (insert evil laugh here), I've made a list of a few of my must-haves for Parker this fall. I am super pumped to be moving on to fall and winter clothes. I'm actually not a huge fan of summer clothing, especially for little kids...it's hard to make them look stylish when it's too freakin' hot to wear anything but a t-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops. Thank you fall for letting us layer! 

(I must admit--I have just ordered most of these items, and many others that aren't shown on this list, last week during all of the Labor Day hoop-lah...so I guess this is my "pre-Labor Day" wish list...just being honest!)

1. Dressy sweaters. Love this one from H&M. We have gotten him several, as well as a few casual ones from the Gap.

2. The poor kid (in his dad's opinion) now has colored pants... which I love! These will really spruce up all of his outfits for church and general everyday wear. 

3. Parker's fall/winter wardrobe will mostly consist of a bunch of plain, long sleeved tees...I love stripes and raglans! These are from Old Navy.

4. My mom just got him these sneakers. I am a teensy bit obsessed with them. Gap Kids!

5. Every kid needs some shades. When Parker wears sunglasses, we always say "Cooool Dude!" like big nerds. It's fun being that cool though. 

6. Colored khakis! Yep. Got 'em.

7. JCPenney has shocked me with the level of cuteness in their Joe Fresh line. LOVE these shirts and many other items in this collection!

8. P didn't have a denim shirt yet, so of course he needed one ;). Goes great layered or by itself!

I have to say, even if my little man didn't have all of these stylish clothes, he would still be the cutest kid around in my book. Just saying. 

So moms out there, where have you found the best deals for your little ones? 

Have a wonderful weekend. I'm hoping you are not noticing that I am a day late with this post :). I got half-way through Friday before I realized that this post was only half-way written! Thanks for reading.

A Fall Wish List

1/2/3/4/5/6

Here is a small wish list I've compiled of my absolute favorite "must-haves" for fall...of course we have zillion other things that need to be paid for at the moment (including a visit from the bug guy because I've seen one too many spiders around the house and that is NOT okay), but hopefully I'll get around to seeing a few of these in my closet/house sometime in the next few months...;)

1. Oh, these will come home with me, and probably later this month. Old Navy is usually hit and miss with me, but I saw these red booties in person and fell in love. Cute, comfortable, and they work dressed up or down.

2. I've been debating splurging on nice sunglasses for, well, years now. I definitely wouldn't go this pricey (the ones pictured above are $395), but I've been keeping an eye out for some structured looking shades similar to these....especially with tortoise shell frames!

3. Leather, leather, everywhere! I love it. I've already bought a faux-leather shirt and am debating on getting some leggings...but I know without a doubt that a leather jacket is definitely on the want list. I love love, LOVE this diamond-patterned one from SheInside. 

4. Another big comeback trend that I want to hop on (again) is the distressed jean, and thankfully this time around they are skinny jeans and it's not 2004. More than likely, this will be a DIY project with one of the many pairs of neglected skinnies already hanging in my closet ;).

5. Okay, this hat reminds me of the 80's, and maybe in a bad way, but it's still a fun trend, so why not? That's right: printed baseball caps. All I need is a scrunchie and a can of Aqua Net. (Kidding.) But seriously though...a loose pony, skinny jeans and an oversized sweater...so cute!

6. So, I realize a tea kettle is not in the clothing/fashion category...but the idea of a pretty little kettle to make tea on those cool fall nights has been on my mind for a while!! And the copper is SO perfect. 

What's on your list for the fall? Do we have anything in common?

Have a great day!

What's Your Mom Style?

Alright, we're doing two fashion posts this week. As you all know, I love a good girly outfit. Heels, layered tops, skirts, big jewelry...you name it, I basically love to be uncomfortable. ;)

Unfortunately, that doesn't work out too well for my current lifestyle: The Mom Lifestyle. Working for two years in an office job does not a mama wardrobe make, so I'm venturing out to the mall today to find some new staples.

These days, you are more likely to find me in my pj's or---if you're lucky--a pair of running shorts and a t-shirt... complete with however my hair looked when I rolled out of bed. (This excludes girls nights, date nights, and church--give me a little credit, now!)

 

Source: littlewhitelion.com via Tobin on Pinterest

 

I'm thinking comfy. Comfy so that I'll actually take the time to put these clothes on everyday. But still cute. I don't plan on "letting myself go" at 24! That would be pathetic. Tempting, but pathetic. 

Source: blogs.babble.com via Sayward on Pinterest

 

Source: thedaybookblog.com via Gwendolyn on Pinterest

 

Source: tumblr.com via Stacy on Pinterest

 

Source: remainsimple.tumblr.com via Stacy on Pinterest

 

So I ask you, what is your Mom Style? I need some help here.

Thanks in advance, friends! Have an awesome day. :)

Styled: Pretty Prep

Watch / Necklaces / Shoes / Pants / Top

For many girls out there, the first day of school is coming up, which of course, (at least to me) means one thing: new clothes! (Forget the tests, homework, and long study hours; this girl knows what's really important.) I always loved the traditional "back to school" shopping trip each year, and am a little bummed that I can't ever take part in that again....SO in honor of those years that have passed, I came up with what I would wear on the first day of school this year...if I could. :)

Seriously a dream outfit. And that top? It's called the Parker Top. And to quote the website, is "The BEST name a boy or girl could be given." I have to agree.

How many of you are still in school? Do you still plan out your outfits for that first day? What is your perfect "First Day of School" outfit?

P.S. Don't forget to stop by and shop the Stella & Dot trunk show and enter the giveaway! Open until August 31st.

Shopping Obsession: Initial Necklaces

Hi, friends! I was reading the wonderful Daybook blog a few weeks ago (love me some Daybook) and saw an adorable Von Eshna initial necklace in one of Sydney's posts. It was love at first sight. The idea of getting some sort of special reminder of my precious little Parker had been casually floating around in my head for a few weeks--but seeing this necklace made things serious.

I began searching for the necklace. My necklace. The sort of necklace I can wear every day, with every outfit and every piece of jewelry. A hard task, but not impossible. ;) Here are a few of my favorites:

Here is the original Von Eshna necklace that caught my eye. I love it, but am having a hard time swallowing the $79.99 price.

I love this Von Eshna monogram necklace as well. Same price, very different.

I headed over to Etsy to check out my options there. Of course, I wasn't disappointed. I found this adorable little bow necklace from Maria Allen Jewelry. AND it's only $29. That's right, twenty-nine bucks. Yeah!

Another favorite was this dainty little leaf necklace with a simple stamped initial from CoCo Wagner Jewelry. I'm slightly obsessed. And the $28.00 price tag doesn't hurt either ;).

I love love love this simple one from Bluegrass Loft. Pure perfection! And it's the cheapest at $22.00...so tempting.

Another take on a leaf necklace is this pretty little thing from the shop, Dangling Jewelry, that is only $31.00. My only worry is that it's too girly. Is that irrational? I am a girl, after all....I just worry that since it's for Parker, he might be embarrassed by it. Yes, I suppose that's dumb.

Another great monogram option is this beauty which is a little less than the Von Eshna version at almost $50.00. I love it but can't decide if it's too....frilly. Yes? No?

And lastly (but not least-ly),  is this super simple hand-stamped necklace from E. Ria Designs. Only $35.00 and definitely able to handle everyday life.

So, what do you think?? Which is your favorite and why? Is getting a pricier necklace worth it or should I go for something handmade? Have you seen any other goodies like these? Tell me, tell me! I need opinions.

Have a great day!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Savvy Shopping

So, it's no secret that I LOVE to shop. It is seriously therapeutic for me. I especially love to shop during sales, so when I found out that Dillard's was having a massive sale last week, I just had to stop by. And oh man, did I hit the jackpot. I spent just a little over $100 and got some great (pretty!) stuff.

First up are these awesome Gianni Bini leopard booties. A little show-y for my usual style, but I decided to give in and take the risk. Plus, they were 40% off the original price and then an additional 40% off of that....so I got them for like 17 bucks. I know, pretty awesome.

Next, we have a cute cardigan that I wore in this post (I can't remember the brand right now...) and another pair of Gianni Bini boots! Both for less than $20 each! Heck. Yeah!

And finally, this lovely Kate Landry handbag and a TON of fun jewelry. I love my new feather earrings and that chain link strap on the purse. Makes me SOOOOOOO happy. :)  I will take this time to point out that the original price of the bag was $129.00. My entire shopping trip didn't cost that much, people! Seriously, I am SO proud.

Do I have any other sale lovers out there?? To what extent will you go to get a good deal? I have to admit, I am ALL for 3am Black Friday shopping trips, but that's just me. Sometimes saving money on pretty pretty things is worth the lack of sleep (and sanity). :)

Have a great day!

Oscar Fashion

Who all watched the Oscars last night?? This is the only awards show that I will sit through (and that Bryan will tolerate) and 99% of it is due to the fashion! I think it's completely awesome that I can be a fashion critic for a few hours each year....anyone else agree?

I thought I'd share  my top 10 Oscar dresses for the year. I changed this list about 50 times before I just decided to leave it alone. There were so many great dresses, but these were the ones that stood out the most (to me, at least)!

10. Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

So classic and simple. Only Gwyn could pull off a cape!

 

9.  Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen

This dress was definitely unique and went perfectly with her skin tone and hair color!

 

8.  Ellie Kemper in Armani Prive

I LOVE sparkly dresses. Love them. And this one matches her hair....it is all so perfect.

7. Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton

The cut of this dress and the whimsy frills are just to die for.

 

 

6. Viola Davis in Vera Wang

Could this green be any more perfect on her?? I think not. And the chiffon (or organza?) ruffles at the bottom add just the right touch.

 

 

5. Cameron Diaz in Gucci

Ah! This picture does not do this dress justice. When she walked, it was perfection. I love the sparkles going down the skirt.

 

 

4. Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji
I totally got choked up during her acceptance speech. And this dress was absolutley stunning on her. Such a great silloute!

3. Giuliana Rancic in Tony Ward

I love this lady! I can't believe that she looks so great after all of her hardships this past year. The sleeves, the bodice....I am obsessed with this gown...it's something I would want to wear if I ever went to the Oscar's.

 

2.  Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab
Another photo that doesn't do the dress justice. I'm obviously in love with bling. I literally gasped when I saw her on the red carpet. SO classic!

 

 

1. Stacy Keibler in Marchesa 

There is no one better than George Clooney's girlfriend to wear this gown. It is seriously a work of art. And that gathered rose at her hip? Ah....I die.

 

I just noticed that my top 5 are all neutrals. Bah, oh well...I'm a sucker for neutrals. :)

What were you favorites??? Happy Monday!

My Maternity Style

Sources: Boots, Blouse, Blazer (similar), Jeans (similar), Necklace, Watch, Bag

If you see me around anytime soon, chances are that I will be wearing something similar to this. Skinny maternity jeans (my favorites are from the Gap), a flowy blouse ( I saw this little birdie blouse at Old Navy last week and just about died), riding boots (or flats), and some fun accessories.

What more could a pregnant girl ask for? For all the preggos out there, do you have any favorite pieces of maternity/ flowy clothing that make life easier?

Tuesday Loves.

Let's do clothing and accessories this week, shall we?

Casual and checked.

Source: mih-jeans.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: net-a-porter.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: cusp.com via Katy on Pinterest

I cannot express how obsessed I am with this dress. Too bad I'm lacking a waistline at the moment or else I would try and find it for myself. ;)

Source: atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Katy on Pinterest

Marc Jacobs scarf.....ah, I need it. I need it. I need it.

Source: net-a-porter.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com via Katy on Pinterest

Are you noticing a trend as well? I guess I need to go out and get something black and white....it's all I've been drawn to lately!

Hope you have a great day today!

I'm Loving...

1. Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color in Twinkle: Ya'll. I am obsessed with this. It's bad. I'm actually wearing it right now and I'm in my pajamas. Judge if you must.

2. Lulu Frost Code Rings: I love the look of a dainty gold ring. Especially one you can stack with other rings. I would totally stack our wedding date or maybe the birth dates of our future kiddos. Just one problem...they are $440. Each. Booooooo. A girl can dream, right?

3. Red Skinny Jeans: I just bought a pair of these! I am SO pumped for my 30 for 30 to be over with so I can wear them. I have about 234,456,321 outfit ideas for these babies in my head. My main inspirations can be found here, here, and here.

4. MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation: I recently switched from my old powder (also MAC) to this (in NW20). Not on purpose either. I couldn't remember the name of my original powder (typical), so the MAC girl had to guess which one it was after hearing my clueless ramblings on all things powder-related. She didn't guess correctly, but that's completely fine with me. I. Am. In. Love. This stuff creates such a flawless look and doesn't have to be touched up during the day. Definitely a keeper.

5. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Certainly Red: I don't wear red lipstick too often, but I never regret it when I do. It's funny because I had just gone out and bought this along with my beloved Maybelline Twinkle (listed above) when Sydney from The Daybook posted this. So weird! I think we're supposed to be friends. She would definitely be the cooler of the two of us though.

6. Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips in Kitty, Kitty: I don't know how it is where you live, but I'm pretty sure every girl around here has a set of these. I'm actually wearing them on my nails right now and can't stop looking at them. Glitz Blitz is another favorite as well.

7. Black and White Striped Sweaters/Skirts/Cardigans/Tees: Stripes are everywhere, and have been for a while, but I just now hopped on the bandwagon and purchased an amazing striped cardigan at Ross ($12.99...holla) that I cannot WAIT to wear. Inspiration found here, here, here, and here. (Can you tell that I'm obsessed with The Daybook? Don't answer that.)

What are a few of your current obsessions?

30 Outfits in 30 Days.

Holla holla. I'm feeling very hip today (yes, I just used the word "hip" at the ripe old age of 23), so I felt that this greeting was necessary.

Do any of ya'll read Kendi Everyday? Well, I do, and I have to say-- she is a genius. How do you cure a twenty-three-years-and-running shopping addiction? Well, you shop your closet of course! Kendi has come up with the "30 For 30" challenge, where you pick 30 items from your closet and "remix" them for 30 days. She so graciously shared this method of saving money and rediscovering the fabulous things that you already own with the rest of blogland, and after some long, hard thought...I've decided to do it.

Yes, that means I will be taking pictures of myself and yes, that means that I will feel extremely stupid so don't make too much fun. My dreams of modeling for Limited Too were given up by the age of 11 and with good reason.

I'm going to start this challenge on August 1st. I'm already trying to figure out what I want to include in my "30 items" and am actually really excited to see how creative I can be! This has fueled so much excitement that I'm even thinking of posting a "What I Wore" post once a week, like so many other bloggers do. Maybe. We'll see. I love, love, love shopping and fashion...always have, so why not blog about it?

Here are a few new inspiration pictures from Pinterest. Yes, more Pinterest. You will look at it and you will love it, until I get my computer back. :)

Great for work:

Source: None via Katy on Pinterest

This is probably the best scarf I have ever seen.

Source: productshots1.modcloth.com via Katy on Pinterest

I love the simplicity of this. And I'm pretty sure everyone and their mom is obsessed with stripes right now.

Source: ishandchi.blogspot.com via Katy on Pinterest

I need it to be winter so I can wear this outfit.

Source: bexastylediary.blogspot.com via Katy on Pinterest

This necklace. There are no words.

Source: anthropologie.com via Katy on Pinterest

So, does anyone else want to join me in this 30 For 30 challenge? It will be fun!!

Fashion Sense.

My thought of the day:

I really need to be more creative with my outfits. Silly, I know. But I'm in a slump. I head to work everyday and usually just throw on whatever I see in the closet that's clean (somewhat, ha) and unwrinkled.

I didn't used to be like this... am I really already starting to "let-go" at 23? I sure as heck hope not! I won't let it happen, which is why I'm now in the process of trying to be more creative with what I wear. Especially to work. Looking "stylish" in a business environment is not exactly the easiest thing in the world (I'm still very used to "college girl" clothes), but I'm bound and determined to do it!

Of course, Pinterest has played a huge role as my main source of inspiration. Here are some of my favorite outfits that I've seen lately:

Source: thedaybookblog.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: blog.needsupply.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: sidebysideblog.blogspot.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: kendieveryday.blogspot.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: cupcakesandcashmere.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: thedaybookblog.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: None via Katy on Pinterest

Source: thedaybookblog.com via Katy on Pinterest

Of course, I've also been kind of obsessed with fashion blogs lately. Some of my favorites are The Daybook, Cupcakes and Cashmere, Could I Have That, and Kendi Everyday. Great, great inspiration. And most of them buy a lot of things thrifted which in turn spurred on my very first shopping trip to Goodwill (a little scary and gross but in the end: very good results). More on that later.

So...that's that. Sorry to my dad and father-in-law for having to read through this post. You probably gave up at the words "being more creative with my outfits", but if you made it through, I am very impressed (and you were very bored). Although...I know my dad will appreciate the Goodwill comment. I have never seen a bigger bargain-lover in my life. Go Dad!