Holiday Giveaway for Kansas City Locals

  Hello, hello and happy holidays! I hope you are enjoying the season as best possible this very different year we're living in. I am still trying to get a bit more into the spirit, but Oak Park Mall is making it a bit easier!  
Oak Park Mall and I have teamed up to give one Kansas City local reader* a holiday gift package of FIVE different items, total value of $240!
*These holiday gifts are for local pick up only, thus local reader, however if you know someone else in KC area who can pick it up for you - enter away!
To Enter: 
Head to my Instagram account @ChasingDavies to find this giveaway post. You must be following my IG account + tag 2 friends in separate comments who might want to enter themselves (good time to tell your KC area friends).
I will announce a winner on Thursday 12/17 for pick up Friday 12/18.

Giveaway Items:

NEW Ugg style, Mini Bailey Bow II Boot (retail $160), Chestnut color, size 9

Why I love these boots: They are super comfortable, easy to slip on and off, and keep my feet toasty warm (even without socks!) in this chilling weather!

Discovery 2-in-1 Space and Planetarium Toy Projector, Age 6+ (retail $25)

Why I love this toy for my kids: We love learning about the stars and planets in the sky, and get such a kick out of spotting planets with our bare eyes!  This will be such a family fun toy to bring the sky indoors to us.

Altar'd State 'Take a Nap' mug (retail $20)
Why I love this mug: It's a deep one to hold a real full cup of coffee or cocoa, and fun staying on the mug lets everyone know how you are feeling.

Abercrombie & Fitch red beanie with pom (retail $18)

Why I love this beanie: I love how warm it is, the festive color and the fun pom on top!

Harry Potter insulated lunch box (retail $16)
Why I love this lunch bag: My son is very into Harry Potter right now and he loves anything related!  Such a fun bag for your lunch, or in this current time we're in (never leaving the house ever), use as a bag for other collectibles. 
Now head on over to my Instagram post to enter!
For more gifting ideas, you can check out Oak Park Mall's gift guide from the plethora of stores they have here + their COVID procedures here.
And check out my other gift guides:
Stocking Stuffers
Etsy Gifts to shop small
Gadgets & Gizmos for everyone
Gifts for keeping kids busy
Gifts for the year 2020

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Back to School Shopping at The Legends Outlet

 

  Moms on the lose!  We conquered back to school shopping and had the best time doing it. We got a few things for our kids, and a few things for ourselves - because the Legends Outlets has it all. I hadn't been in awhile, and was kicking myself for it!  I have been missing out on so much goodness at great prices.  And I already can't wait to go back - because I definitely didn't even get to some things that I'm really wanting to hit up (you can see all their stores here, so maybe you can plan ahead).  We decided our next shopping trip is going to be a whole day. :)
Heads up - there will be a Legends Outlets gift card giveaway on my Instagram today!
It's nice to bring my kids with me to shop, but that isn't usually as fun, and I certainly don't feel like I can get as much done. So, my girlfriends and I decided to make a night of it to catch up with each other, too. I'm so glad we did, because don't get enough quality time together.  And with any new season - it's not just kids who need things, but the adults, too!  See below on some of the fun places we hit up and what we got.
We started the night at Rack Room Shoes - which you can see all about that new store and what we got here.  And then I was so excited to go into a Gymboree store (after years shopping online). My kids each got a few new outfits for fall there (you can see those here), and I just love their style - clothes that I'd wear myself in adult size.
One of the places I was most excited to hit up was the GIANT Kate Spade store there! 

One of my friends got a new work/computer bag, another a small cross-body purse and another got a cute tassel keychain. I have my eye on a few pieces and couldn't make up my mind.... so I'll be back! ;) . The store itself is really cute, too! I loved that big picture wall, and they have tons of great jewelry, too. I'll definitely be back....
An old favorite... J.Crew Factory!  We're clearly feeling their camo theme they got going on!  We basically turned their display into real life and all walked away with navy and camo (my friend and I both getting this camo sweater).  They have really cute kid clothing, too. I got Nora a sweet little bracelet since all the sudden she is VERY into jewelry.  She was very excited for the surprise.

We also went into Soma and got some undergarments. And Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a little treat.  And after all that shopping and walking, what better way to end the successful evening than with dinner and drinks (and shhhh.... dessert) at Yard House. 

My camo twin and I ended up getting the same dinner (Grilled Cheese), too, and you guys - YOU HAVE TO GO GET IT RIGHT NOW. It's the best grill cheese evaaaa. You must spring to get it loaded with avocado and bacon. And it comes with tomato bisque (which I used to dip my sandwich into liberally).

We had such a good night together, after a great dinner, delicious drinks and all the bags to prove our success! I can't wait to go back soon with these friends of mine. <3

I've partnered with Legends Outlets for this post, but all opinions are my own!

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Rack Room Shoes Grand Opening at the Legends

  I am a sucker for an entire store dedicated to shoes! Shoes might be my most favorite thing to buy, can definitely make (or break) a look and so fun to collect.  So, when Rack Room Shoes reached out to let me know they were opening a new store at the Legends Outlet in the Kansas City area - and having a grand opening VIP party,  I was there in a heart beat!  After the shoe party (and they had wine!) last Wednesday, they are now fully open!
I love, even more than a whole store of shoes, an everyday 'Buy One, Get One 50% Off*' deal.  Rack Room Shoes is a great place to shop for the whole family, and that can add up when you're trying to update your kids' growing feet before a new school year, but Rack Room Shoes makes it easy with deals off already low prices. This back to school season, you can grab everyone the latest and coolest athletic sneakers, fashionable flats and all kinds of slides - they even have backpacks and lunch boxes.
I got my son sneakers and myself Pumas from the new Kansas City Rack Room Shoes!  I can't get enough comfy footwear right now, and my kids love sneakers for back to school.  And I think my friends are on the same page as me, as they also got cute, comfy shoes for themselves and/or family members. It was definitely a successful night of shopping and money saving.

My friend went home with these cute green sneakers!

And I couldn't wait to wear my new sneakers, pairing with a floral skirt to dress it down, but also keep comfy (while my son is waiting to wear his until his first day of school!):

I'm so glad that Rack Room Shoes has come to the Kansas City area! If you live in KC, make sure you check them out - and if not, no fear - you can shop online + they have tons of other store locations around the country. 

Another aspect of Rack Room Shoes that I love is that they give back. Because some children don't go to school because they don't have proper footwear, while many have ill-fitting ones, Rack Room Shoes partners with Shoes that Fit, a national non-profit organization that provides shoes to disadvantaged children, to help them focus on their studies.  You can even donate $100 donations to support this organization.

This post done in partnership with Rack Room Shoes, but all my opinions are my own!

*BOGO Disclaimer: BOGO 50% Off promotion: 2nd pair must be of equal or lesser value. Excludes accessories and certain styles, including but not limited to Bearpaw, Converse, Asics, Adidas, Saucony, Birkenstock, Rainbow, Sperry, Keds, Teva, Rockport, online Timberland & Timberland Pro, plus all Nike styles. 

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Favorite Wears: Vintage-Inspired Tees

 

  One of my favorite clothing pieces lately (besides sneakers) has been soft, vintage-inspired tees.  I wear them to bed, to work out and with skirts. Talk about versatile. I especially love ones that support local artists, charities, fundraisers, etc.  
I actually have this KC Dream tee in a matching kiddo size for Nora (us matching here), and I love getting to match with her (sometimes). ;) She thinks it's pretty cool when I wear the same top as her. She does this pretty funny growl-laugh when I am in this tee, and then goes digging in her own drawer for her own. <3
I know this won't last long, and I also don't want to try to match my kid too much too often, but on the rare occasions it works out, it's pretty cute. 
Shop this look & other cute tees:

{Outfit Details: Tee, Jacket (similar here and here), Skirt - old from J.Crew (options here and here), Tote, Pink Sneakers - old (similar here and here).

Photos by the talented Elizabeth of Elizabeth Ladean Photography.  She shoots portraits, engagements/weddings and lifestyle sessions all around Kansas City.  You can follow here on Facebook here and on Instagram here to see more of her work!

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Holiday Gift Guide | Kansas City Favorites!

  One of my favorite gifts to give to those that live in Kansas City and those that live elsewhere are artifacts and unique pieces made right here in my home town.  When you shop local, there is always a special spin to your gift, no matter what!  
I've rounded up 7 of my favorite Kansas City gift ideas for anyone on your list:
1. A Kansa City Wellness Gift card for BBL (BroadBand Light) treatments, hair treatments, fillers, microneedling, or some of the other services from the comprehensive anti-aging and aesthetic center.  I know there are several wellness centers in the KC area - but this one is founded by Dr. Amy Carter, DO, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist in private practice, who delivered both of my babies and is the best OB/GYN in the area!
2. Kansas City has no shortage of amazing jewlry by local artisans. I'm particularly always going back to Janesko and Nickel & Suede for earrings (but they have so much more, too!).  I actually have a these gold Janesko studs on my own Xmas wish list after I lost my own pair. These don't tarnish or make my earlopes react poorly. They are my go-to. 
3. Just the newest brilliance by the Ampersand Studio ladies.  These bright stars of Kansas City create the most colorful gift wrap, party, stationary and more supplies - and adorable fashion that leaves you even more excited to support KC.  This Kansas City shirt has the perfect amount of retro for any girl or guy on your list.
4. Even something sweet for the little ladies on your list! You guys have to do some of your shopping from Hazel & Ollie, a shop of hand made modern goods for cool kiddos (and grown ups, too!).  You can see Nora's fun jewelry and both Liam & Nora's personalized clothing from the shop here!
5.  Chances are you have probably heard of Trapp candles, but you might not realize this is a local KC brand and shop!  They certainly are some of the most beautifully smelling scents you could ever possabliy get!
6. Try getting someone SUPER unique this year - a gift that keeps on giving all year around.  Is it a stool, a shelf or a piece of art? How about all of the above. This stool/shelf by flotsmist is a beautiful hard working piece, doing way more than just one thing - just the way I like it! It comes in white, too!
7. Mmmmm.... can you smell that?  This might just be the perfect gift for that hard to buy for dude on your list!  Try the KC Signature Gift Boxed Steak Combo which includes Boneless Ribeye Steaks, Super-Trimme Filet Mignon and Kansas City Strip Steaks. For something a little smaller, try getting a customized amount of Super-Trimme Filet Mignon, the most popular steak and hand selected from premium corn-fed Kansas beef!

Do you have any favorite Kansas City gift ideas??

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Favorite Wears: Tulip's NEW Plaza Location!

One of my most favorite locally owned Kansas City boutique's on the Plaza has moved locations.  Tulip, a hand-curated shop of women's classic and trendy clothing and accessories, is still on the Plaza, but they are now off of Ward Parkway, just east of Season's 52.  You can still find them by their adorable black and white stripe awning our front.
Something fun that Tulip does is host shopping events for groups (of friends, family, co-workers, etc) that include wine, snacks, shopping discounts and giveaways.  You can also do a social gathering as a way to contribute to your favorite fundraiser!  Tulip will make percentage of sales donations to the charity of your choice.  I'm always looking for unique friend get togethers, and this is high on my list! Just contact Tulip to plan your event - visit their Facebook page to message them there, or give them a call!
I stopped in a couple of weeks ago to check out their new digs, and new transitional/fall pieces, and walked away wanting the whole store. I honed it in though, and actually took home something I can wear now, and later!  

I picked up this season's perfect item to layer with, a gray sweater vest!  I love it now over light fabrics, short sleeves and/or more summery looking pieces to help fall-up.  Later, I envision layering the piece over a turtleneck top or long sleeve shirt-dress and boots!
I also couldn't leave without grabbing a black-fringe dress from the sale rack, and a long gold necklace with marble-looking pendant. They have so many cute things for now (that you can also wear later), with a constant influx of new goodies coming in.  I know I can always find cute clothes and accessories to go with it.

{Outfit Details: Sweater Vest & Necklace c/o Tulip, White Blouse - last year from Loft, Wide-Leg Pants, Sunnies, Fringe Clutch, Leopard Wedges - old (but similar here), Lips}

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The Coolest Hand Made Goods for Kids!

` It is such a good day when what the kids want to wear the things I'm hoping they'll want to wear.  And that's why I have really involved them in the process of picking out clothes - from the store to the morning of.  There are a few brands that we all can get behind!
I'm so smitten over Hazel & Ollie, a shop of hand made goods for cool kids (and grown ups, too!).  The owner of the shop, friend Emily, who also owns the Bloom Academy (see more about that here), has a colorful and playful eye that has my kids' interest, and mine!  She also has my daughter now in a tizzy over jewelry. ;)  Nora is obsessed with her new jewelry - loves the fun wooden beads (hand painted by Emily) and sweet charms, especially the ice cream cone!
The clothing is just beautifully done. It's all made to order, hand sewn and embroidered. I have my eye on these pieces for many kiddo gifts to come!  It's the perfect meaningful and personalized gift to give!  My kids love wearing clothing that are totally for them, they feel special and excited in these pieces - and that makes me happy.   It's a win-win!
Hazel & Ollie also makes really cute jewelry for grown ups - which I'll have to show you soon! Stay tuned.

 {It's clear how he feels about her aggressive kiss!}

Hazel & Ollie pieces c/o

Shop the adorable pieces here:

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