Matching sets are making quite the impression. From track suits to short sets they are all over the place. I’m not going to lie, if there’s a way to cut corners on picking an outfit, I’m all for it. Monochromatic color palettes have been gaining a lot of popularity in the past few years, specifically in the neutral tones. However, with spring upon us we are now seeing pops of brighter colors as well. This is a great way to incorporate color into ones wardrobe. Oh and the florals! Let’s not forget about my previous post that touched on floral prints. I prefer a softer print like the one I’m wearing to create that flirty, feminine look. There is a vast range of sets from ultra casual terrycloth to extra luxe silks, but have no fear if being super matchy isn’t your thing. The beauty of a matching set is that they are usually sold separately. For example I bought this tie dye sweatshirt and not the matching sweats. I felt like it was a bit too much for me. Bottom line, matching sets provide you with an almost complete outfit. All you have to worry about are your accessories. Have you tried the trend yet? Well what are you waiting for? I’ve compiled some really cute sets here. Thanks for reading.
You may be noticing a lot of prints this season. Specifically florals and fruit like pops of cherries, bright lemons and pretty pink florals. It’s interesting how these styles and our own have evolved over time. You might even say I would have steered away from these in the past. However, I now find that these prints tend to be the right touch of feminine and delicate and are also lovely to play around with. Mixing feminine dresses with sneakers happens to be a favorite of mine. Topping a floral blouse with a leather jacket adds the right bit of edgy to an outfit. There are so many possibilities.
Growing up with four older brothers my mother was determined to get a bow in my hair. So much so that when I was born she tapped one on due to the fact that all I had was peach fuzz, true story. Even with growing up with all those boys and being a bit of a tomboy my mother never let me leave the house in a mismatched outfit or without my bow. I’d be playing with all the boys but dressed to impress. It’s funny how life works. I am still playing with the boys, my four boys, and doing it in style. Back to the fruit and florals. These prints are reminiscent of the 90’s. I remember watching Clueless and dreaming that I had Cher’s closet app. She had her clothes cataloged on a computer and then like at a dry cleaners she pressed a button and poof, here they were.
I’ve learned a few things over the years. One of them being to step out of your comfort zone. For me that’s exploring prints that wouldn’t normally catch my eye. For someone else it could be trying a new bright lip color. Remember there are no rules for your own personal style. Have fun with it and take a risk. Thanks for reading and as always my outfit details and some more goodies are linked here.
Last year I skipped over purchasing sandals since well we weren’t going anywhere. This year I’ve made up for it and then some 🙂 Most of my sandals have used up their miles and therefore were ready to be replaced. When shopping for sandals I like to play around with different styles and colors. Square toe seems to be making a big statement this year. I like the design because they are extremely comfortable and add a little sophistication to any outfit. I love any kind of sandal with a little metallic color (these are my pick) or prints. For example, I snagged these snake print colorful sandals the other day. I mean you can’t beat the price point. Plus metallic sandals can easily dress up any outfit. I mostly look for cute, flat everyday sandals but I did need to add a pair of sandals with a heel to my collection and these are fantastic. Plus they are very comfortable, I wore them every evening out on our trip to Florida last month. In fact, I loved them so much I bought them in two colors. Having a sandal to slip on and off my the pool was a must for me. I picked these slides but these are similar and at a better price point. Most of the sandals I own have lasted many years and I see all of these doing the same.
I have rounded up all of them in one place here. Thanks for reading!
Who knew skincare could be so complicated? Gone are the days of simple face wash and cream. We now have serums and beauty elixirs made from the blood of unicorns. Ok fine maybe they aren’t that extra but some products available are a bit much. My grandmother believes dove soap and cooking with olive oil is the best skincare routine. She may be onto something because she’s 90 years young and maybe has one wrinkle. Most mornings I’m in a rush and by the evenings my exhaustion kicks in right as I put my last son to bed. Bottom line people, I needed a fast, easy and effective skincare routine. I’m here to break down all the products I use. As I type this I do realize I use a lot of products. However, I promise the process takes about 5 minutes tops. I am listing the products in the order I use them. Let’s dive in.
Morning:
Cleanser: This cleanser is my ride or die. It leaves my skin feeling so clean. It smells fresh and soapy. It’s not referred to as the cult classic for nothing.
Toner: Love this toner. It removes any impurities from my pours. It sets my skin up for the next steps.
Serum: If you add one thing to your skincare routine from this post make it this serum. Vitamin C is so important for your skin and this bad boy brightens your skin, smooths lines and helps protect against all the unpleasant things we find in the environment.
Moisturizer: I’ve been using this one for over a year and it has vitamin C and is extremely brightening.
Eye cream: Hands down my favorite brightening eye cream. I’ve used it for over a year and I have seen a dramatic difference in dark circles.
Sunscreen: Girls, never miss this step. It is SO important. Even on the days where I put on a tinted moistures that has SPF in it I will not skip this step! I love the little shimmer this one gives and it smells like vacation. I’ll put it on and pretend I’m on a beach. Hey, a girl can dream.
Lip Balm: We can’t forget to protect those lips. I have like 10 of these lip balms scattered around my house, purses and car. Absolute favorite.
Night:
So I will be a little extra at night. When I’m wearing make-up I double cleanse my face.
Cleansing balm: I like to remove my make-up using a cleansing balm opposed to wipes. Mainly because the wipes usually never worked and I would wake up with mascara under my eyes. I have tried a few others before I found this one. They usually left my eyes burning and blurry. This one is fantastic as I use an almond sized amount and it not only removes all my make up but doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes. It’s a tad pricey but it will you a while.
Serum: This serum has been referred to as “botox in a bottle” and it lives up to the name. It’s my favorite and I will never stop incorporating this serum into my routine.
Moisturizer: This super rich cream is perfect. Thanks to my 19 year old niece for introducing me to this clean and affordable brand. I have a few things from this brand and I really like them all.
Eye Cream: I need some extra moisture at night and this eye cream fits the bill.
Neck and Décolleté Balm: Yeah I said it. I’m no longer a spring chicken and I’m all about being proactive with skin care. This guy fits the bill.
Now that I laid out what I use daily I’m going to sprinkle on some of my extras.
The Extras:
Eye Patches: Love these to lift and firm. Love these to brighten.
Exfoliating/Brightening Mask: For when I need to add some glow into my skin. I’ll use this one.
Sheet Masks: Sheet masks have become a favorite of mine. Zero clean up. This one I love because of how hydrated it makes my skin feel. This one is I use when I want some brightening.
Exfoliator: So I like to feel an exfoliate to know it’s working. This one is more has more grit to it. I use it about 3 times a week.
Retinol Serum- I will use this 3 times a week at night.
Headband: I just ordered these cute spa headbands to keep my hair out of my face. I couldn’t resist the price and the cuteness.
There you have it. All my skincare broken down in writing for your reading pleasure. I’ll leave you all with two tips that I live by when it comes to skincare. ONE: drink water, drink as much water as you think you need then add like four glasses. Beautiful skin comes from within. Two: I can’t stress this enough NEVER EVER sleep with make up on. Thanks so much for reading. I’ve linked all my products here in one place.
What’s better then throwing on a sundress on a warm spring day? My style has definitely evolved over the years. For starters I’m no longer working in a corporate setting that requires a dress code. These days I chase around 4 little guys which limits my every day clothing choices. With that being said I still enjoy a lovely sundress. They are just so effortlessly easy to style. I just have to be a little more conscious about the ones I choose and how I style them. When picking clothing, especially dresses I am looking for a few key components.
Versatility: If I can’t think of three ways to wear a piece I’m not buying it. An everyday dress must be adaptable and prepared for any situation.
Fit & Length: Length is an important factor when picking a dress. Maxi dresses are beautiful but also dangerous for those on the shorter side. I’m still in the “wait, don’t touch that” phase with my kids which means I need to be able to move fast without tripping on material. Same goes for shorter dresses. One wrong move and everyone gets a show.
Material: I tend to gravitate towards lighter weight looser fitting dresses for everyday. It absolutely has to be machine washable. I have zero time to bring anything to the dry cleaners. Not to mention I usually forget to pick my things up. Come to think of it, I’m fairly certain I have a duvet sitting at the dry cleaners right now. Ugh, see my point.
I like to pick up a few new dresses for the season. Most are usually very cost efficient as with the weather comes lots of outdoor activities which can get pretty messy! However, If the occasion calls for it I will splurge on a piece. I have linked the dress I’m wearing (which I also got in yellow) and a few others that will be perfect for the warmer weather here. Thanks for reading.
Skin is in and cutout tops provide the perfect peek at showing some. From chunky sweaters to smooth silhouettes you are going to notice slashes here and there. This playful style is such a great way to elevate any look. Going into the spring I’m wearing thinner shirts opposed to sweaters but I will never rule out a great cutout sweater on a cooler spring night. If you are unsure about trying the trend there are many options for the modest. A sliver in the sleeves adds something a little extra to a plain shirt. My personal favorite, a little peek of the collarbone. I mean who doesn’t love a good clavicle? Pair these shirts with jeans or joggers. In the summertime they would look super chic with a pair of cutoffs and heels. Top the tanks with a light blazer and be on your way. There’s just something about showing a little pop of skin that makes any look unique. I have linked my sweater as well of some other options here.
I’ve become a big fan of baseball…hats. I haven’t been to a game in ages and I don’t particularly support any specific team but quite frankly I’d give just about anything to go anywhere these days and that includes a sporting event. Back to the hats. Baseball hats have been gaining more and more popularity these past years. They are a great option when transitioning from season to season. Specifically now, so swap out that beanie for a baseball hat. They add a sporty touch to any outfit. Not to mention they are great when your dry shampoo can’t take you that extra day. I love pairing them with a blazer. Mixing refined and sporty pieces is a favorite look I like to play around with. In the summer I like pairing them with fitted jersey dresses. Transitioning into spring I will wear a baseball cap with a hoodie sweatshirt. Baseball caps are also a lot easier to transport which means I’ll be wearing them by the pool this summer. I also like to keep one in my car just incase the occasion calls for it. I’m currently really crushing on this rust color. I just ordered this lighter one for the spring. I’m more into neutral tones but I do like a pop of pastels for the spring and a hat is a great way to achieve it. I have rounded up some hats here that are perfect to transition from winter to spring. I love all these colors…I see a purchase in my future. Thanks for reading!
I don’t know about you guys but when I get the urge to decorate and change things around there’s no stopping me. I recently rearranged our living room and it feels like a whole new space. I felt like it was just blah and not really doing much for me anymore. I would walk past, and nothing… I was about to order new couches and get new wallpaper, I had the items in my cart. I mean, I was a woman on a mission after all. Then, instead of hitting the ‘complete order’ button I thought to myself how can I redecorate without buying a ton of new things? The truth of the matter is, we didn’t need a new sofa or coffee table. I ended up rearranging the furniture and purchasing just one new comfy chair and a piece of artwork. These small tweaks gave the room a new look and feel. So I tell you friends, before you hit the add to cart button on a big investment read this post because I’m sharing how to change the rooms around in your house without breaking the bank. Essentially, one to two new things can add a new feel to a room. Another trick I like to do is relocating pieces into different rooms. For example, I like to change the decor on the bookshelves in my family room. Most things have been rotated from my dining room and foyer. Believe in the power of feng shui.
Here’s a few ideas:
Dining Room: Add a wine rack or relocate a piece of furniture. When we were redecorating our dining room last year I knew I wanted a bar cart or serving table for the corner. I was shopping around and couldn’t find anything I loved. Then it dawned on me to use my vanity! I love it but I haven’t used it in years and it holds sentimental value so selling it was not an option. All I needed were some trays, books and picture frames to finish the look. Next, a wine rack which serves two purposes. I got this one, it holds the wine and is also a decorative wall piece.
Living Room: Statement chair: Sometimes you just need a piece of statement furniture to do the trick and this sherpa chair did just that. It tied the whole room together. It’s cozy, priced right and fits in perfectly. I also bought a few these decorative pillows.
Family Room: Photos or wall art. I love to display family photos. These frames allow me to create a gallery wall in clean and uniform fashion. I always change up my throw pillows in the family room. They see a lot of action with all these kids. I’ve had thesethreestyles for a while and they have survived many pillow fights.
Kitchen: Add some cozy vibes by decorating the island with trays, candles, a faux plants or pedestal trays. I personally have these pedestal stands. I love adding some fresh greenery such as baby’s breath, eucalyptus and lavender from the local farmers market. A faux plant will look just as good. I have this little cutie. Stack a few cutting boards behind the stove top. I like to get ones that look like petrified wood but any cutting boards can do the trick.
Foyer: I like to keep the foyer simple. We have this table and I love it. I decorate it with small objects like this and this (I have both and always switch there locations around) ,a candle, fresh flowers and lean some art work up against the wall behind it. Mine is no longer available but I like this one a lot.
Other ways to spruce up a room are area rugs and storage baskets. they work in almost any room. I hope this post has given you some decorating ideas. Thanks for reading you can find some more great products here.
I like my knits how I like my peanut butter..chunky. Winter jackets aren’t my favorite but living in the northeast they are a necessity. Please don’t even get me started with driving with one on. Think of the kid from A Christmas Story trying to drive an SUV filled with four tiny humans arguing over who get’s to open the garage door first. This is a true story. Thinking of it actually gives me hot flashes. Ah sweet motherhood. Anyway back to the knits. Chunky knits replace jackets as soon as it warms up. A good knit is my saving grace on warmer winter days. They are the perfect piece to transition from season to season. Layer an oversized tee with one in the fall. In the winter you can add a little something extra to your turtleneck. Going from winter to spring I like to use them as my coat. Not only are they warm but they are extremely stylish. The Sophistication of the silhouette elevates any look. I have styled them with joggers, leggings, jeans and slip dresses. I’ll throw one on when I feel chilly at home. They go especially well over pj’s. I have the one I’m wearing in three colors. I guess you can say I’m a fan. Thanks for reading!
The House Dress – a simple, usually washable, dress suitable for wearing while doing housework. That’s the definition according to google. In this post I’m referring to dresses that can easily transition from wearing around the house to running errands. When you imagine a house dress what do you picture? I’ll tell you what I see, a woman in the 1950’s with a button down long dress that has short sleeves. It might even have some sort of floral print. How do I picture house dresses today? A stylish, comfy dress that can be worn doing housework, chasing children around the yard to also the occasional run to the grocery store. Or in other words, a nice change from my typical leggings and oversized sweater. Let’s face it, sometimes you just want to look cute even though you’re staying home. Ever since I’ve had children I feel like I’m always in a rush. I think it just comes with the territory. I like simple outfits that don’t take much thought but the finished product is stylish and a good house dress fits the bill. We don’t wear shoes in our home so I am always in slippers. The only time I wear shoes is when I’m snapping a quick outfit pic. I go through so many slippers it surprises even me. When home I like to style dresses with a nice pair of comfy, chunky socks. If I do venture out I pair them with combat boots or sneakers. If you’ve been reading my posts you already know that I love mixing feminine pieces with sporty sneaks or rugged boots. Think Dr. Martens or converse sneakers meets lace and frills. It breaks up the formality of the look. Since we are still in the winter season I usually wear long dresses around the house. Once the spring hits I’ll pair them with a leather or denim jacket. My mom got me a white denim jacket that I can’t wait to wear. I know a lot of us are stuck home right now but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on dressing cute. Throw on a house dress and see where the day takes you!
I’ve linked all my current favorite house dresses here.
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