This winter is all about the cozy fabrics and textures, and velvet is at the top of that pile for me lately. You can see my last velvet outfit (HERE!) that is a bit more dressed up, but still all the cozy and soft feels. It's all I'm wearing in these super cold Kansas City temps (we've hit the negative degrees in the first time in a long time).
Therefore, another must getting me through winter (and the post-holiday break blues and cobwebs): coffee. Give me all the coffee. Yesterday was my first day back to work after a great (and super busy) holiday break. That's always a transition, because even though holiday break is only a bit over a week, I quickly fall into a new routine with the kids home, freedom for naps and lots of adventures, many friends and family in town with tons of visits and gatherings.
But it's nice to get back into a "real" routine, too. And more than anything, I'm super grateful to work for a company that gives us this time off (separate from our vacation days)!
But! Back to the coffee - I have to share one of my favorite Kansas City coffee shops (situated on my way to work that leads to frequent visits). Hi Hat is the cutest little coffee shop (they serve some pastries, too!) that is made out of an old gas station. They make amazingly delicious and unique lattes (my favorite is the Bee High - which is a latte with milk of choice - I get coconut - and honey) and, of course, serve up you basics needs, too. If you are in KC, try 'em!
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!
Last Friday night was one of those nights I'll remember forever. Nothing special by any means, but simple, fun and silly. Two of my girlfriends and I had an impromptu happy hour at a newer spot in Kansas City, Stock Hill Grill. We just wanted to sit in the bar, and this is the place to do it! They have 4-5 couch "pods" with beautiful emerald green velvet couches between windows that went from floor to high-ceiling and a glamorous gold bar. We got comfortable and ordered hush puppies, sliders and a few rounds of fabulous drinks.
After a couple of hours there (no joke!), we went to Capital Grille - on of my long-standing favorite spots for drinks and apps at the bar (especially at night). Not to mention, one of my cousins, Jenny, is a well-known bar tender there, and it's always great to see her. But, because my cousin works there, it's often a spot for my extended family to stop in at to say hello. This particular night was just that. Another cousin was on the plaza with a friend to celebrate her birthday earlier in the week. So, we texted her to come by and say hi. Her parents (my aunt and uncle) were also meeting her and her friend up for dinner, so they diverted to come meet us all.
Then, totally randomly, I see my dad, followed by my mom. They had just finished dinner at another restaurant with friends and were stopping in to say hi to Jenny. Unbeknownst to them, they were getting a whole group of us! I have a really large extended family between both of my parents large families - most in the KC area, too. So it's not totally uncommon to run into someone, but this was excessive. :) At the end of it all, my parents even gave me a ride home, hah! So, friends and family all in one night - two different fun spots - lots of catching up and lifting each other up - my kinda night. xoxo
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.
One of my favorite places as of lately in the Kansas City area is Westside KC (it's where our family photos were taken!). This is my go-to area of town for brunch, lunch, a snack, photos, walking around and even gift shopping! The Westside Storey is my go to for gifts for anyone and any occasion - bust especially the KC fan and hard to shop for. And sometimes, I just walk around ogling at everything, because it's a store of amazingly unique finds, a lot of locally made craftsmanship, funny items and lovely smell-good things. So this is officially my PSA announcement - get yourself to this area of town, this store specifically - and grab yourself an adult slushy once the weather turns warmer (soon!).
Photos in this post taken by the uber talented and sweet 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.
If you aren't from the KC area (or NYC or baseball fans, for that matter) these KC-inspired looks might be getting a bit old for you... but I try to keep it real here. No photoshoots of outfits I don't actually wear, no fake situations for a photo only. And blue and/or KC-themed items has been on rotation this blue-October (we're in the World Series, in case that wasn't clear).
So, if you are a Royals fan - this if for you! If you aren't, this is still for you: no matter what team you root for or what sport you follow - there are ways you can dress sporty and show support for your team, but still get on with your life (like go to work...).
Even my new rain/wind/cooler weather jacket is the perfect shade of royal (navy) blue! Oh, and the kids are totally joining in on these KC/blue looks!
Hot summer days call for a sweet lunch of a snow cone. Aw, sweet taste of childhood, except at Little Freshie (a sweet little hand crafted soda foundation and espresso bar with light bites, too), you can upgrade your snow cone flavors to foodie level with mixtures like green tea pear or strawberry rhubarb. The flavors change weekly, and are constantly delicious. And if you aren't into the whole iced soda thing, you can have it the old fashioned simple soda-way or a float!
This little cafe is such an adorable and local staple to the Westside of Kansas City, which is quickly turning into one of my favorite little areas of my hometown. It's comprised of several restaurants, little shops and awesome views of downtown.
This outfit was previously worn here. And this hat will be worn throughout the summer.
