Fall Must-Haves: Alec Charles

I know people love Summer… and I am also a fan. I love hitting the beach and laying by the pool, but being 8 months pregnant in this ninety degree heat has left me yearning for Fall. These coming months are, by far, my favorite time of the year. I love the crisp air, football,  hot apple cider, pumpkin pie …really all things Autumn-esque. I love the anticipation of the holiday season and frequent family gatherings. Not to mention, that this Fall, we have another little Drake arriving and I really couldn't be more ready for that. 

I also love the clothes. Boy, do I just love the clothes. I love chunky sweaters, wool socks, and flannel. I love layering knits and tossing on my favorite pair of denim. And before kids, I didn't think that shopping could possibly get any more fun, but then it did. Below are a few fall must-haves for my big boy. 

Both long-sleeve tees are from Old Navy. They have a solid selection right now, most of which are on sale for under $10 a piece. Being that my little toddler man makes quite a mess during meals, I have a hard time investing immense amounts of cash on tees, so these are right up my alley.

This north face is the perfect fall coat. It's lightweight, yet incredibly warm. It has a hood, which is a must. And Al will still fit comfortably in his car seat/stroller without all the bulk. Plus, I love the look of the heather grey material, adds quite a bit of character to a basic piece.

This little fox sweater is from Zara kids. I love their children's clothes. I have a hard time spending the money, but every now and again, I find one item that is really worth the cost.. like this little fox sweater. 

All the pants, as well as, the socks are from baby Gap. I love their clothes, because a. they are always having some sort of sale online and b. they are quality-made and won't fall apart after only a few washes. I've already purchased the jeans and hope to add the other two to his collection. Al has the teeniest waist, so the draw-string is clutch.

I love TOMS, I really do. Not so much for myself, but their kids shoes are quality-made and actually easy to get on their feet. I am digging the 'leather' look for Fall/Winter and I think Al would get a ton of wear out of these. He is mostly in sneakers because boys play hard, but it's nice to have a decent shoe to throw on when we are going out to eat or to a family gathering.

Happy shopping folks! A "Fall-Must Haves: Baby Edition" is in the works for later this month. 

Fall Must-Haves

Just a few must-haves I have been lusting over as I gear to make the Fall wardrobe transition.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

*Side Note*

After reading this post by Caroline of Unfancy.com, I am feeling super inspired to create a stellar 'capsule wardrobe' for Fall. The concept of investing my hard-earned cash in some quality basics that are easy to mix and match all season long is really enticing.The older I get, the more I realize that less is more and simple is best. Anyways, I am super excited to take on this little endeavor. Be sure to keep an eye out for a capsule wardrobe post coming soon.

Maternity Wear: Summer Edition

The first and second trimesters can be a little tough when it comes to your wardrobe. I, for one, have been struggling to put ensembles together that I feel comfortable in. My body is in a bit of a transition stage currently. My little bump is beginning to become noticeable, but to a complete stranger, I am sure there is a bit of confusion. "Is that chick chubby or knocked up?…Hmmm". So my goal is to avoid that little scenario and just keep my growing belly under wraps for a bit longer (Or until I just plain can't hide it anymore). Anyway, below are a few of my go-to summer picks. As you can probably tell, I am all about lightweight materials and a comfortable fit. Flowy dresses have been a lifesaver and thank the heavens that kimonos are back in style. Funky accessories have allowed me to jazz up a few of my basic pieces. Versatility is key. Although I can't wear some of the classics I adore, like high-waisted denim, I am having a lot of fun playing around with different ways to dress my growing bump.

RVCA Sucker Punch Dress/ F21 Embroidered Gauze Dress/ LOFT Lou and Grey Catalina Dress

Yoga Slingshot Flips/ UO Panama Hat/ RayBan Clubmaster Classic/ 

Maternity Side-Panel Denim/ ON Maternity Legging/ F21 Kimono

I know, I know. It's a little early to start thinking about holiday party attire… but is it? I feel like the holidays are so insane and who wants to scour the busy mall for an outfit, last minute, when they could easily get a sweet deal online, way ahead of time. Either way, one of my favorite online shops is having a party promotion and all holiday party attire is 25% off. 

Since becoming a mama and cutting back my hours at work, I always feel pretty guilty spending money on myself. However, I think I can splurge on one fun party dress this season, especially for under $100. ASOS has some really affordable finds and because they aren't your standard store at your local mall, you know your dress won't be the same as someone else's at your next Christmas party. Above were a few of my favorites, but there are many more fun, affordable options on their website. Happy Shopping! and Happy Thanksgiving Eve! Be safe! 

Shop Mango

 

I've known about the shop, Mango, for quite some time, but I had forgotten about it until just recently. I came across that stunning brown leather jacket on Pinterest and clearly had to know where it was from. What is even more amazing is that Mango is having a promotion from October 16th through the 22nd, 30 % off coats, cardigans, and sweaters. Sighhh, if only there beautiful scarves were included, because let me tell you, that plaid scarf on the top right, has my name all over it. Christmas wishlist I suppose. 

'MOM' Style

I am finding as I get older ( And as I chase after a wee babe) that some of my pre-baby clothes just aren't A. appealing to me anymore and B. unrealistic on a daily basis. These days I am constantly on the lookout for comfy, yet stylish, clothing that is practical for my everyday  'mom' routine and easy on the wallet. I just recently came across a new line at Loft, called Lou and Grey. Let me tell you people... it's been a real game changer for me. I've never been a huge Loft shopper, but this collection alone, has seriously won me over (To the point where I may or may not have opened myself a LoveLoft credit card). Check it out.

Camo Green

I can't get enough of camo green these days. 

Below are a few of my fave finds.

 Factory Hooded Parka

 Factory Garment-dyed Skinny Jean

 Factory Funnelneck Sweatshirt

 Ecote Festival Ankle Boot

Hunter 'Tour" Packable Rain Boot

Chaos.

Chaos is among us! Not only do Kiel and I have a four week old, but we are about to put our home on the market. Insane, I know. But a home just down the road, in our same safe and beautiful neighborhood, became available to us just recently and we couldn't pass it up. 

We have lived in our town home now for just over five years, and it has been a great run. I wouldn't even say that we have even outgrown it yet, because it's a pretty spacious house.. over 2000 square feet. Even so, Kiel has been on the hunt for a single family in our area for some time now, and nothing has really hit the mark in regards to our must-list. Of course, at the most chaotic time ever, a beautiful single family became available and it just so happens to have everything we want... nice curb appeal, a huge fenced-in back yard for the pup, a large double driveway and two-car garage, a pretty open floor plan, a finished walk-out basement, and some recent upgrades that were pretty much just a bonus at this point.  Even though this place offered us everything that we ever wanted, I was still on the fence about purchasing. It just didn't seem like the right time and we would have to stretch ourselves a bit financially to make it work. Needless to say, my parents and Kiel convinced me that if we didn't put an offer in, I'd regret it... and so, we put an offer in and our home inspection is already in the works. We are set to move in early spring... yikes.

I love our current home, it's ridiculously cozy and the color scheme is so warm with hues of tans, oranges, and reds. But as much as I love our house, I am so excited to have a new blank canvas to work with. My style has changed drastically since we bought our town home five years ago. I have been pinning like crazy and I have come across some really inspiring decor ideas.

 The perfect bright white kitchen and open concept living space.

 An inspiring entryway.

 A quaint little coffee bar.

Laundry room organization at it's finest.

Fall Wedding Wear @ asos

No matter where I look on the web for affordable, yet fashionable clothing... I always seem to end up at  ASOS. 

"ASOS is the UK's largest independent online fashion and beauty retailer and offers over 60,000 branded and own label products across womenswear and menswear. Dresses, jeans, T-shirts, shirts, shoes, jewellery, and lingerieand beauty."

I discovered the website this past winter, just after I had also discovered that I was pregnant. This site has been my go-to for maternity clothing, and I am so thrilled to finally be able to wear some of their non-maternity trends. They literally have everything you need to build a trendy wardrobe, for an incredibly affordable price... plus free shipping worldwide. Give it a whirl, I guarantee you find something you love.

Pinspiration

I don't know about you, but I am thrilled for fall.  Every year, come August, I am officially over my summer wardrobe. I get overwhelmed with joy to soon be wearing scarves, denim, and boots again. For one, I hate being hot and sweaty. The summer months, especially this year, have been unbearably warm. A cool, fall breeze just can't come soon enough. Also, as much as I love to play with colors like coral and mint... I am really much more of a neutrals kind of girl. I adore army green, maroon, and camel. I also love that you can constantly layer, mix, and match in the cooler months.  

Bring on fall baby, Mama is ready.

Lunch Date!

Welp, if I'm gonna be preg, I'm at least gonna try and do it in style. Gotta lunch date with my girls tomorrow and I'm rocking the floral, because it's suppose to be 50 degrees and I want Spring so badly.

Asos Maternity Crew Neck Long-Sleeve Tee, $17.59

Gap Always Skinny Floral Jeans, $69.95

J.Crew Knots and Pearls Necklace, $85

Navy Linen Wedge Sandals, $19

Spring Weekend Wear!

Old Navy Terry Dress, $24.95

J.Crew Women's Scarf, $59.95

Denim Jacket, $69.50

Rainy Day Ballet Flats, $34.50

Winter Trends.

Five trends to get me through the winter...

layered jewels.

winter white.

fancy loungewear.

nordic knits.

plaid scarves.

SheInside

Super cozy sweaters for the cold winter season from sheinside.com.

All under $50

Holiday Party Chic

For the girl on a budget
C'mon Get Happy One Shoulder Dress in Black

Only $38

For a formal affair

French Connection Maxi with Bead Trim

Work appropriate attire

Oasis Animal Trim Shift

Celebration in the city

Black Scalloped Peplum Dress

Only $69