Fall Love List 2018

Happy first official week of fall!

Can anyone explain to me how the beginning of the ber months became October?

I am over here scratching my head a bit.

 

I have yet to even fall-ify my porch for fear I am too early (is that a thing?)

& here it is time to decorate for Halloween!

Do you decorate for fall?  Halloween? Or both?

I like to do both, but this year...I might just have to mix it up!

Here are a few things I am loving this fall... just to set the mood ;)

 

 1. (in store, similar) | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | 7.

I've been eyeing that galvanized pumpkin from Pottery Barn forever, but I can't justify the price.  I found one in Marshall's for half the price! 
Hoping it will make it's way to my Halloween fireplace soon...
I've had that little pumpkin garland since last year, & I tell you, from now until Thanksgiving, it is cute as can be a n y w h e r e.  The boys picked out our front door Fall/Halloween mat (of course, skeletons!) & I can't ever get enough of matching pj's this time of year.  I love the black & orange stars! 
Obsessed with the sweet cinnamon pumpkin scents from B&BW...BUT, it didn't last. 
I've talked myself into ordering a cinnamon essential oil to diffuse instead this time around.
The bag I have for work... in black.  Oh, it's on my wishlist! 
And I love my mules! They make every outfit feel cozier. 
Wear all day, everyday:). As long as it's not raining!

Other things not mentioned that I am currently looking forward to:
-Purple + orange + white mums
- making caramel apples
- looking through all my mom's old Martha Stewart holiday magazines
-Pumpkin Patch fun
-gathering all our Halloween costumes

Til' next time...

 

 

My Capsule Wardrobe || Summer

So, I'm t o t a l l y late in curating my summer capsule wardrobe...

but that doesn't mean that I haven't been thinking about next year!

And what better time to purchase quality summer pieces than the end of the season when everything goes on sale?😉  Plus, I love that a lot of pieces can transition me into the fall!

Here's what I've done with the capsule wardrobe steps so far:

1.  Purge & Pile

cleaned out my closet! 

In the process of selling the things I decided I didn't "love"...

2.  Make a List/Pin/& Plan

after I gutted everything, I made a list in my little notebook of seasons/a pie chart of my daily clothing needs which I found were:

 "50% mom comfy clothes,  40% work/"out and about" clothes/10% church) which I shared here.  Therefore, yes-tees and jeans were at the top of my list...  Then, I hit Pinterest & cleaned (am STILL cleaning out as free time happens) my seasonal boards to only consist of styles I have or want to invest in.  

IN PROCESS  👉🏽  3.Figure Budget & Pre-shop

Over here trying to find "my style," the patterns/colors that I am drawn to, utilizing most of the things I already own & putting it together to make the right outfits!

You can find a lot more in depth steps if you'd like, but they overwhelm me.  So, this is my interpretation & how I went about curating a capsule in a way that best met my needs😘.

*Most tutorials suggest doing a "fashion show" (try on outfits/take pictures of outfits you can put together), which I didn't do <<yet>>, but I guess packing for the beach with what is left has been a form of being creative & putting things together.  

P.S. My boys are w a y more stylish than I could ever think of being...see below👇🏼

After purging my closet, (we're talking two different consignment shops, taking the rest home, taking pictures of each piece, and uploading to Facebook yard sale/eBay pages... with two small children to plan around-mostly this happened during their nap time or late at night) I finally feel like I earned enough money to start adding a few pieces now!  I wanted to share with you some of the things I'd like to add to complete my summer capsule.  Don't worry (like you are😂), Fall is hot on it's trail.  It's my favorite season to dress for!🍂

sandals || tee || shorts || suit || hat || cardigan || sneakers || blouse

*Yes, you need sweaters in the summer...go inside anywhere & you'll freeze to death!

AND these items don't necessarily "go together"...they are just pieces I need to get outfits similar to below.

Outfits I find myself gravitating toward for late summer/early fall...

Seems like I have a boho/athleisure type style when it comes to the outfits I saved & the type of clothes I already own?  Idk.  

I think the pinning & pre-shopping part is my favorite!

Obviously, right?  🙈

But the great thing now, is that I know the characteristics of the pieces I love, what makes me feel happy and beautiful, and what I still need in order to complete my capsule!  I have also found that I have an extra picky eye to make sure I only buy the things I know I'll want to wear for a couple of seasons instead of impulse buying & ending up with something I'll wear one time!  Anybody else do that?😝

P.S. I no longer have a personal laptop😞. Read here to see why.  That's why things have been kind of quiet around here lately...Pray for a Christmas miracle, as I really need one to come into my life soon - not just for blogging-but work, too!  

Until then, I'll be stealing my  mom's every chance I get😁  Sorry, mother dear.

The Mom Tee + Capsule Wardrobe Quest

Why am I so obsessed with the mom tees?

The more I think of how nerdy it is, the more I love them.  

Seriously you guys, I fall in love with every. one. I. see.  

ES-pecially the boy mom ones.  I could seriously have them all.  I kinda have to reel myself back in sometimes...what seems the most appealing idea to me is g e n e r a l l y NOT the most practical.  So far, I've had a few summer days that have been laid back + I want to look put together, but comfy at the same time.  I think that's where my need for any graphic tee comes in to to play.  I feel like they are a necessary part of my wardrobe since about 50% of my time I'm at home/at a playground/ or running errands!  

And I really have so few...

god is greater |  wildlife |  raising arrows  |  pizza + biebs  |  slay 

WIWW || Winter Green & Plaid

Yep, posting for "What I Wore Wednesday" on Thursday.

It's been a while since I participated in this link up & when I recently found myself trying to maximize new & different outfits out of the clothes I already have, I knew it might be time to join in for a post.  

I saved this style inspiration from Pinterest back in the summer thinking it would be a really cute idea for Fall & never found anything in my closet to match at the time.  But, I happened to remember it Tuesday night & ended up finding all the pieces to create something similar for winter:)  Especially when it's been in the 70's this January & it involves the color OLIVE.  I may never get over this color.

*Style Inspiration from fashionsgirl.com

Lo & behold, it hung out around 37 DA-GREES for most of the day Wednesday...so I added the leggings so I wouldn't freeze my legs off!  Brrrrr N E L L I E!  Bring on the snow!

Scarf || Hillbilly Swag

Dress || Simply Sage Market via Jane.com

Booties || Lucy Avenue via Jane.com

I borrowed this scarf from my momma:)  (I don't think she had ever worn it).  The dress & booties are from our Christmas pictures & of course Jane.com;)  My life will never be the same after finding that site.  Hehe.   And I must say...this little outfit is so comfy & cozy for a cold winters day.  Did I mention how much I love the color combo? ;)  

Oh, & I'm pretty sure I'll live for hiding my face in big blanket scarves this winter...

I love talking clothes & all-but I don't think I'll ever be able to post something about clothes & beauty without including 
this verse.  I never want to forget where T R U E style & beauty comes from.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
 She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;

    her husband also, and he praises her:

Proverbs 31:25-28
I fail at living this verse everyday.  Would you pray with me that we as women would come together & strive for THIS rather than the worlds definition of beauty?
Happy Thursday!

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Thanksgiving Style Favorites || Baby Boy Style

This Thanksgiving ~ okay, most Thanksgivings ;) ~ I find myself a l l about cozy sweaters, flannel, & graphic tees for boys!  If you haven't already, check out Cat & Jack brand at Target.  They are kind of like Old Navy in the boys department- on point for unique & stylish boys clothes!  Inexpensive (especially when you catch the sales) & absolutely adorable.  Also, don't forget dear old Jane.  That's actually where I found my boys Thanksgiving duds this year...  See number three below:)  I love that they are p e r f e c t for Thanksgiving, but they can wear them the rest of the year as well!  And let's not forget, they share the t r u e meaning & reason we celebrate this sweet holiday #swoon

one || two || three || four || five || six || seven || eight || nine

P.S.  If you have a little guy, & are looking for a great pair of leggings for the winter months...  I found these buffalo checks for Conley at CARTERS last weekend.  Yes, they are in the girls section.  BUT really.    Slap a graphic tee on top, some converse or moccs below, & no one would ever know!!  Like 6 bucks, people! (in store, after the discount)  ;)

buffalo leggings

What are you loving this fall for your little guys?

Or ladies:)

One week til' turkey & thanks!

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Boy Mom On A Budget || Vests

Lately, in the realm of boy things, & after f i n a l l y getting to dress for chilly weather (yay!)...I have found myself gravitating toward vests.  I've found myself practically putting a vest on the boys about everyday this week & t h e n, when we went loafing weekend & I found myself buying...yes, you guessed it.  M o r e vests.  Wear them with dress shirts, tees, or flannel!  There is a vest for every style of shirt. 

 I think I'm in love with a new winter favorite!  Plus...they are easy to keep my boys warm while feeling less bulky so they can run-jump-& play with ease.  I'm a fan!  

And in the world of budget, you could either splurge with a neutral that goes with e v e r y t h i n g or stay with the cheapies & get fun prints.  The fact that you can wear them with anything means you can get your wear out of them in the winter months!  (Which I definitely plan to do!)   

one || two ||three|| four||five

And let's just be frank, in the world of vests & budgets...#oldnavygotgame

P.S. Vests are pretty cute for mommies, too;)  

I think I'll just go dust off my ole Eddie Bower faithful & twin with them;)
Happy Monday!  

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What I Wore Wednesday || Olive & Stripes

Just to change things up a bit for those of you who read & AREN'T family... :)  I'm teaming up with The Pleated Poppy for the "What I Wore Wednesday" link-up.

I know I tend to write a whole lot about my family & not so much about anything else.  It's my goal as I come up upon my FOURTH year of blogging to make sure & spice up my content more while staying true to why I began blogging in the first place.

Yada yada yada. 

What have been your favorite looks of the summer?  I have really found myself gravitating toward olive & stripes.  And I think I am going to fall right into that for fall as well!  I also tend to choose a more casual take on outfits since I may or may not have to sprint after a runaway three year old or have cheerio slobber on my shirt the first hour into the evening out.  :)

All about Stripes & Olive...

Striped Shirt | Target

Shorts | J. Crew Factory

Sandals | J. Crew Factory (no longer available)

Necklace | J. Crew Factory (similar)

Inspiration.

And because we're talking clothes, Old Navy rocks in the boy clothes department, Conley looked so darn cute, & Big Brother wouldn't stand still for a picture with us...

I had to share Conley's smile & cute outfit det's:

2-Piece Muscle Tank Set for Baby

Annnnnnnd it's on sale!! ;)

Happy Humpday gals!

what i wore | 37 weeks maternity

Soooooo, we are about to head to the hospital.  I had contractions about every 10 minutes last night & I've had increasing pressure since about Sunday!  They told me to come in for that to be checked, but I've been waiting on my Mr who just arrived yesterday.  My nerves are getting more jittery every second & my excitement//anticipation is through the roof:)  We might have a baby today...but before I leave you-here's a new post!
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Welcome to yet another new link-up I'd like to start participating in..."What I Wore Wednesday," hosted by The Pleated Poppy.  Go check out her & so many other ladies style posts to feel inspired:)  I know I did!

I've been slack on my Style Finder posts for maternity these past couple of weeks.  Given that this will probably be the last week sporting my big ole' baby bump for a while <<Thank you Lord for seeing me to FULL TERM!  37 Weeks!>>...I'd like to part ways with a quick round-up of how I've dressed it two days with my "minimalist wardrobe" this week.  Haha:)  And Yes, if your wondering, I am going to tell you how alllllll of my winter things are in North Dakota for the gazillionth time.  Your welcome:)

My beloved Target came to the rescue this week, as our Southern air *finally* became the perfect touch of October chilly & I had to grab a couple of warmer items to last until my Mr can send some winter things my way.  No complaints about the change in temps here!  I finally got to wear a wooly scarf & not completely sweat my make-up off or look like a crazy person:)  

Top-tunic sweater//  Bottoms- liz lange maternity jeans//  Scarf-cozy plaid blanket wrap scarf//  Shoes- mandalaye ballet flats

Top-Plaid Tunic, simlilar//  Bottoms-see above//  Shoes-see above  

I can honestly say that I witnessed a fellow Southern girl SO excited for the cooler weather that she wasted NO TIME wearing her new purchase.  She paraded her new red beanie around Target, through the cashier line to purchase <I don't even think she took it off her head to checkout-we're talking run her head through the scanner> & proudly out the door to take on the rest of her day.  Talk about excited for fall weather!  All the Southern girls be like:  Quick locate my Uggs, leggings, vests, & Han Solo Boots, y'all! :)  I'd like to hand partial credit to my hubby for that tag line...  People watching at it's finest!

Hump Day Giggles...

 For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.  Prov 15:15

especially when your pregnant....

Would you want to also join “what i wore“?  all you have to do is follow these simple rules...

1. link to your specific blog post, not your blog’s main page. ex: http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2011/09/what-i-wore-wednesday-fall-inspiration/ not http://thepleatedpoppy.com/blog/.

2. please only link outfit related posts. your craft project may be adorable, or that may be a great giveaway, but this linky is for outfit related posts only – thank you!

3. please link back to The Pleated Poppy so all this wiww stuff makes sense to your readers. and its just nice to do ;) grab this button...

4. check out as many links as possible on the pleated poppy's site! You will feel constantly inspired by so many outfits each week! (and you will definitely find some new blogs that you’ve never stumbled upon before – so fun!)