A Trip to the Gardens {A Reason to Get Dressed}

  Our days are pretty similar day in and day out. All our trips, like most, have been cancelled, camps also cancelled.  We're still mostly quarantined at home, hanging outdoors with only a few families a few times a week who are also limiting their exposure while keeping distance. So with this little variety, we took a day off work and headed on a little local adventure to break up the day and step away from the monotony.
Some how we'd never been to Powell Gardens. Only 45 minutes southeast of Kansas City, an expansive space with art sculptures, a pond with several islands that can be explored, a beautiful chapel, walking paths, and 7 themed gardens full of extraordinary landscaping. We ooo'd and awww'd our whole way through and could have spent more time there but the rain came. 
Powell Gardens is taking safety measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. You have to make a reservation for a time to come so they can limit crowds. They have arrows marked on the walking paths to keep traffic going the same direction, as well. We went on a week day, in the morning before a rainy afternoon, so we only saw maybe 4 other groups of people, so felt very safe the entire time.
I definitely want to go back!  And if for nothing else, but to get dressed again. It was nice to put on a summery dress and leave the house. I love any easy, breezy dresses, especially in white Swiss dot and lace fabric.
My first real outfit worn since quarantine:

Now I just need to find more family-fun outdoor adventures that are safe from crowds. Do you have any recommendations within driving range of the Kansas City area? 

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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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Favorite Wears: Leather and Sweater

  Last week I shared my top 10 things to get from Target - and this black "be courageous" tee was one of them! Here I'm wearing it (and have worn it several times since getting it) with a black faux-leather skirt and long cozy sweater.  Fall is the best time for layers, and I love playing around with different ways to do so.
Happy fall layering!
Shop this look:

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10 Target Must Haves for RIGHT NOW!

 

 
It's no secret that Target is one of my most favorite go-to stores for EVERYTHING, but certainly including clothing (for the whole family). They've really become such an attainable and easy option for updating your wardrobe season after season. I typically find the best stuff online, where they have way more options and styles.  
I've done a quite a few of these in these Target posts in the past, and it's been awhile, so thought it was time for another one!  Plus, Target is really good right now. Like reeeeaaaallll good.
You can shop the above top 10 items here:

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What to get from Target RIGHT NOW!

 

  It's been awhile since I've done one of these - but that is only because I've been lazy, as I've still been loving on my Target!  And right now is too good not to share!
1. Starting with Swimsuits, because right now it's BOGO (for the whole fam)! My friends and I have literally been scooping up swimsuits from Target this summer, including what we wore in Costa Rica.
Some of my favorite suits:

2. There shoes are also totally my style this season!  I'm getting these ones right now.
3. I'm really loving their earnings right now - especially all the gold drop and statement earrings. These ones are in my cart now.
4. This is the best tank I own. I love it, and you need it (in any/all colors because they are 2 for $10!).
5. Summer dresses are a must have! Loving this pink button up one, and this denim one is a must.
6. Totes for the pool and everything else this summer...
7. Target is the BEST place to grab sunnies - especially fun/trendy ones (because you can afford to get over them by the end of the season, or loose them in the lake/ocean!).
Shop the rest of these goods here:

Happy Target Shopping!

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Favorite Wears: Summer Work Look

 

  Sabbatical is over, and it's back to reality! I went back to work this past Monday and hit the ground running - including a trip to Nashville and Atlanta in two days.  After spending a month in mostly workout wear (to be fair, I was also working out a lot more), I'm looking for new inspiration and trying new things to get me back into the creative spirit with my personal style.
I always struggle with what to wear to work during the summer (well, maybe always, too)!  I have to dress for the warmer outside weather, but also the cooler office air conditioning.  I also struggle with making summer outfits feel interesting with the lack of layering and textures.  So, my first attempt was to play with the blush trend, pairing it with a full skirt of pattern!
I love gingham for spring/summer, and my immediate go to would be to pair it with white, so I like the blush to really draw attention to the pattern pop.  And these loafers are the most comfortable things to have happened to my feet. They are super light, soft and packable. I just wore them on my first post-sabbatical travels, and I can further attest (I know want them in every color)!
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: Comfy Cozy

 

  MLK Jr. Day, we both had off work/school - so we got to spend the day together. A rare mama/son day, and we had a blast.  We hit up a current favorite coffee shop of mine, so I could get some caffeine, and he got a special treat (a purple donut!), therefore we were both in good spirits. ;) 
Plus, Liam is on an only-sweatpants kick lately, and because it was a casual day, we both went comfy (not that he doesn't ALSO go comfy for school a bit to often....).  He loves "soft pants," and heck, so do I!  We didn't intend to coordinate, but totally did - down to our match sneakers. He thought that was pretty cool, actually. :)
It's amazing to get this one on one time, and I forget how simple the time together actually has to be. I put pressure on myself that this time needs to be packed with all the best stuff, but in reality - the one on one time is what is most important, and a special treat doesn't hurt either. Something as simple as uninterrupted attention makes him happy.
Outfit Items/Similar Styles:

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: More Velvet (and Coffee!)

  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!
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: Velvet Softness

 

  The trend of the winter: velvet everything. Next up, softness anything. Today's outfit contains both, plus color mixing that I kind of threw together and ended up loving the result.  This velvet skirt can be dressed up or down, is super comfortable and comes in two colors if light pink isn't your thing - oh, and it's under $25! I've been wearing it non-stop for this holiday season.
On the softness side, Chenille is all the rage right now. You have to be a bit careful on snagging it, but if you do (and I have a lot), you can easily pull the thread back through the other side.  The softness makes it all worth it. Mine is no longer available, but I've linked a few similar ones below!
And two last things you need in your life (besides velvet & softness): these boots and a yellow coat.  I literally wear these boats several times a week - they go with everything and are so comfortable. I love the way they look.  And I got this yellow coat last year from my favorite place to buy coats, and love the bright yellow options currently on sale (linked below).
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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