7 Favorite Things for Transitional Weather

  The early signs of spring brings hope for some resemblance of normalcy, and that has me excited to get out of my sweatpants.  It's been a long year of hibernating, working and schooling (and everything) from home and zero needs to dress up or get ready.  I've kind of forgotten how to even get ready, to be honest.
I am interested in merging the way things used to be and the new more low-key look of what this year has brought. I'm excited to forge a new style that  reduces fast fashion, works together better and adds some fun back in to getting dressed again.
As I start to pop around on the internet for things of this nature again... here are a few things catching my eye:
1. Any simple jewelry that I can wear with anything. I love simple huggie earrings for everyday wear, but also leveling up a bit for a slight drop style earring.  I also love that simple delicate chain necklace, but leveling up for the chunkier chain necklace.
2. I love comfy pants as much as the next person. But I'm adding to my fav go-to black leggings some pants that can be dressed up or down but still in comfy material.
3. I have a drawer full of white tees (I swear they're all slightly different), but I'm leveling up this season with some BRIGHT colored tees, like hot and/or bubble gum pink tees (lighter pink here & long sleeve here).
4. I'm leveling up my morning face routine by moving from foundation to tinted sunscreen the majority of the time. Sunscreen is so important, and even the days I don't plan to be outside, I sit by a window and always find myself on a walk or spending at least a little time outside.
5. I'm not giving up my sweatshirts but leveling up from frumpy to fancy ones, and the options are endless out there! Like this color-block style, sleek white one, fun tie-dye print, and one for summer with short puff sleeves.
6. I have to be honest... I have rarely worn a real bra this entire last year, and I really don't want to go back.  Finding a supportive and comfortable bra that is flattering is my ultimate goal. Right now, for a larger chest, I'm pretty smitten with this sports bra that has shape and is super comfortable from workout to every day wear!
7.  From make up to skincare, this is one habit from a year at home I hope to upkeep! I plan to spend less time and money on changing the way my face looks to taking care of the one I have.  I found my current favorite skincare line at the start of the pandemic and have been using it since.

What habits from the pandemic do you hope to change or keep? What is inspiring you this season of transitions?

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10 Things to Get from Target RIGHT NOW!

 

  Target is legit my go-to for everything. From lunch for the day to groceries for my home, to clothing for my kids to the latest fun trendy piece for me - I can't stop. I have especially taken up shopping their online site, which has so many more items, sizes and styles to select from (then you can return in store, easily if it doesn't work - so I always order several items/sizes if I'm not sure). 
But the site of all the options and selections can also be overwhelming (not to mention, the site isn't the smoothest of retail sites...).  Since I'm constantly poking around the site and spending all-too many lunch breaks roaming the aisles (now that my newer job is right next door...), I find it easy to give you my top 10 Target picks!
1. Under $13, super soft and comfortable and waterproof white sandals - perfect for the beach or pool this summer. I wore mine to FL for girls trip and realized quickly they'd be my go-to for the summer! (and in fact, this line has several cute sandals!)
2. I am obsessed with Target's new loungewear pieces - so soft and comfortable. This nightgown is on repeat for me, I highly recommend!
3. Some of my longtime most favorite leopard pieces are from Target, and I am loving this new leopard top. And as a bonus, this leopard skirt is the bomb.
4. We get 85% of our kids' clothing from Target from basics to trendy. Like this freakin' adorable leopard dress and our favorite everyday shorts for Nora.
5. This is the bra you have to try! This seemingly same bra by the same brand is also sold at Nordstrom for more than double the cost. Comes in multiple colors and all sizes.
6.  My favorite storage baskets - we have both sizes in our bathroom to store hair products, toilet paper and smaller day to day products.
7.  My favorite sunglasses of the season! Two of my friends and I picked up these sames ones (planned) and have been rocking them since (see two of us in them here).
8. This hat looks similar to the more expensive one that I have (worn here) - I love the classic look and the sun protection in one!
9.  I am on a plant hunt for both faux and real alike. I love the fresh look and pop of color that plants bring, but few places (or people) in my home can actually keep a real one alive. I love this faux-plant in white pot at a good price!
10. I am also loving Target's workout wear - and this top is super soft with a great mesh panel in the back for warmer weather. I also love the length of the back of the shirt to cover my bum.
Shop all these picks and a few extra:

And thank goodness for Target!

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Spring Trend: Clear!

  The season ahead looks very clear!  Pops of transparent bags and straps on shoes filled the runways, showing us what Spring and Summer 2019 accessories will be all about (and not talking about those clear bags to get into NFL games).
And even if you aren't totally cool with revealing all your insides, there are baby steps towards the trend you can take. Like this semi-transparent holographic bag that I got last summer after my good friend Katie inspired me with the cute way she styled hers. 

{holographic bag from this outfit here}
My recent clear/white leather bag has been one I have been eying for awhile! I love the mod style, and how easy it is to use with any outfit.  I shared more about it - and this look - here.

The other half of the clear trend I'm seeing everywhere are on your feet! I love love love these clear sandals (more sizes here & here), but decided to take a cheaper route to this trend with these ones (more sizes here). These clear sandals are actually comfortable and the studs break up all that clearness. I love that they can really be worn with anything, and add a little something extra to a look. 

A round up of these and other cute clear sandals and bags (at all price points) to try this season:

Are you trying out this trend this season?

Leopard & Shopbop Sale!

 
The last big Shopbop sale I picked up this clear and white leather Staud bag that I'd been eyeing for months. It's already been such a fun piece to spruce up an outfit, and will definitely be getting it out even more this spring and summer.  I especially love it mixed with leopard and sneakers!
Outfit Details:

Right now, only until end of day Friday the 12th, Shopbop is having another big sale with code EVENT19 to get 20-25% off (even off sale items)!  Here are some of my favorite picks (including my favorite white block heeled mules I wear alllllll the time, my APL slide sneakers, my favorite beach/summer hat and these white woven slides that are similar to mine:

Let me know what you are getting in this sale?!

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Favorite Wears: Oversized Blazers

  I have been wanting to get into the oversized blazer trend - a blazer more for fun than work (though they can certainly work for both) - since last Spring when the casual blazer look started being such a thing. I loved the look on other people, but couldn't find the right one for me, without spending a ton.  On a whim, I got this one, because I thought the color (while I wasn't totally sure about it at first) felt good for Spring/Summer, and the price was right.
What I learned after getting this one, was that the double-breasted style added more fabric to drape and apply that "oversized" look without being too bulky around the shoulders/back (making me look even broader).  I also had fun styling this blazer casually with a t-shirt and sneakers.
I wear these sneakers with everything - and have over the last year (or more) I've had them. They are super comfortable and feel like they make any outfit a bit cooler. ;)
Shop this outfit:

What do you think about the oversized blazer trend?

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Favorite Wears: Summer Bold

 

  What's better than summer white and neutrals? Mixing bold colors or patterns together in unexpected ways!  For instance, wearing burgundy in the summer doesn't seem very seasonal, but mixing it with this bright coral top makes the combo feel right on.  Of course adding other seasonally relevant accessories helps bring the whole look together.  I love when I can extend the wear of pieces throughout multiple seasons!
One of my favorite things to do with Nora on our one-on-one time is to explore new KC places. I love the addition of this coffee shop to the Nelson Atkins Museum (late last year).  She's the best little adventurer, never complains and always looks for the excitement. She especially loves coffee shops, because she gets to pretend to drink coffee and try new treats (like macaroons this time!). I love the quality time with her, and the bright open space of this Quay Coffee shop!
Shop this outfit:

  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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Favorite Wears: Spring Pants

 

  Spring is all about layers, loose fits for breezy feels and fun colors. I had to give these wide leg, easy breezy pants a try - and they are indeed fun. I especially like them dressed down with my new favorite sneakers and casual jacket, but they can easily be dressed up, too!
One thing I've been working on more: I try not to avoid wearing certain colors or things just because I'm not a size 4.  And what I find that makes bolder pieces work on me most is having fun with them and confidence. But also balancing a more adventurous item with neutral or tried and true piece helps! 
What helps you be more adventurous or try new trends/items?

Shop this look:

 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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Favorite Wears: Coffee Break

  These days, my favorite coffee break date is my lil' Nora. She gets chocolate milk (in a coffee cup to be like mama) and I get my caffeine fix.  We share a treat (she gets most of it) and we actually chit chat. Spending one on one time with each of my children is so important to me - I can see them flourish right before my eyes - and I get so much out of it myself. I love learning more and more about their evolving personalities, seeing them change and enhance daily. They make me so happy (most of the time), and this age is golden (because they still like me).
On another note, I've been where these new mules non-stop since getting them.  I have even walked 20 minutes through the uneven streets of NYC on a work trip. They are comfortable and go with everything (thus also my go-to travels shoe).  These are the types of products I'll invest in - they hold up, work with my busy lifestyle and are comfortable (and work for my coffee dates).  Nora even clammers around the house in them acting like mama.
This outfit is my easy-throw-on-and-go-outfit.  I feel comfortable, but it feels chic for whatever the day brings us. You can shop the look 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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Favorite Wears: Flowy White Dress

 

   I found the perfect spring into summer little white dress, and just in time for my first vacation of the year!  This dress is oh-so-comfy, and has those extra details (like the crocheted neckline and tasseled cuffs) that make you feel like you are somewhere exotic!  Now, I happened to be somewhere semi-exotic last week - a super fun girls getaway with my mom and sister to Palm Springs! I'll be sharing our packed 3 night/4 day itinerary next!  This is one of the outfits I wore for a night out (dinner, piano bar + dancing).
We stayed two of the nights at the Saguaro - the most colorful hotel you'll ever find!  I was drawn to this place because of all the color and the pool space - that totally lived up to expectations. The rooms themselves could use a little updating, but we had a great deal on a suite, which was super spacious for the three of us (all had our own bed).
Anyways - I promise to share more on our trip soon!  For now, scoop up this comfy dress you'll be sure to where all spring and summer long before it's gone!

Have you found any perfect summer/spring dresses??  I need more!

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