Say Thanks

chase thank you (Tiny Prints c/o), cam thank you (Tiny Prints c/o), mom card (Tiny Prints c/o), coffee table books & pillows (Adele of Lexington)

This summer, well really this year quite frankly, we've had quite a bit to be thankful for.  Wonderful family and friends that have rallied around us during what has been our most difficult year indeed gives the little ladies and myself so very much to be thankful for.  My mother always emphasized the importance of sending a Thank You Note when I was a kid and it is something I have definitely passed on to the little ladies.  And while typically they moan and groan when I bring out the stationery, the bunnies were totally digging their new Kid's Color-In Thank You Cards from Tiny Prints.  I mean what I wouldn't have given to have Personalized Stationery that you could color in!?!  Instead I had loose leaf notebook paper and some janky blunt pencil to send my Thank You's--B O R I N G.   The gals loved personalizing their cards and writing a sweet little something to a very special woman in our lives--Mrs. Lavender.  I won't go on too much about how special she is to the three of us, but let's just say she is a very bright light in our lives--a very special woman indeed who loves my children like they are her own.   I cannot stress enough the importance of sending a hand written gesture--in an age where everything is electronic, I think it's important we keep snail mail alive.  Thankfully, Tiny Prints is the absolute best source for all things paper---Thank You's, Invites, Birth Announcements--you name it, they've got it--and the cutest dang (personalized) selection around!  It's my go to for the kids' bday parties & Xmas cards year after year!  Right now Tiny Prints is offering Free Shipping on Orders of $49+ so be sure to hop on it!

Alright gang, cheers to a wonderful weekend---we've got a good one on deck.  Celebrating two gal pals' bdays tonight---and a neighborhood block party tomorrow with the bunnies.  Weather is perfection here in the Bluegrass so she's shaping up to be a fab weekend indeed.  Make it a great one!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

School The Sneaks

this post was sponsored by DSW

cam:  sneaks (Converse c/o DSW), tank (Old Navy), shorts (Old Navy), denim jacket (Old Navy), doll (blabla kids c/o Adele Lexington)
chase:  sneaks (Converse c/o DSW), tee (Old Navy), overalls (Target)
mom:  jeans (Target), sneaks (Vans c/o DSW), tee (SIMILAR ON SALE), vest (Target), shades (Michael Kors)

We are well underway into our second week of school and she's gone off without a hitch thus far.  So (thank Heavens) my gals wear uniforms meaning the BACK TO SCHOOL SHOES are kinda everything when we are prepping for the school year.  Here's the criteria--they have to be comfy, durable, versatile, and without a doubt---suckers have to be stylish.  These Red & Black Converse from DSW have been our tried and true choice year over year when getting the kiddies geared up for school.  Best part is, they can wear them on the weekends too with their play clothes!  They're perfect with pants, shorts, skirts, and even dresses---we all know I love a good dose of tomboy and thankfully the little ladies do, too!   Don't ya know when mom shops for the kids I may tend to snag an Item (or ten) for myself.  These Floral Vans were a no brainer--going to pair perfectly with a slew of things in my closet this fall!  And there's what I love about the back to school shopping situation with DSW, you can kill two birds with one stone shopping for the whole fam AND do so affordably!  
Here's to wishing all the kiddies a safe start to the school year--make it a great one gang--a special thanks to the teachers and staff at LCA for making the gal's first week such a wonderful--couldn't love that school more if we tried--Go Eagles!  And to Chaser & Cam--mom thinks you're rad as all get out--thanks for coming to work with me and making it so much fun--love you all to the moon and back--always.

DSW

• At DSW, we believe in the power of shoes, and in the power of shoe lovers. With thousands of fresh styles for men, women, and c hildren, we've got something for everyone, no matter who they are or how they dress. Shoes say
  a lot about you. Say something great. 
  

• photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Dare To Denim

this post is sponsored by Target 

 **waving to the bunnies watching mom work from the window**

look 1:  denim (Target c/o0, tee (Target c/o0, belt (Target c/o), flats (Sole Society c/o), clutch (BCBG c/o Morton James), shades (Michael Kors), jacket (BB Dakota ON SALE), cuff (BCBG), rings (BCBG, Anna Beck)

look 2:  denim (Target c/o), tank (JCrew see Similar), cardigan ( Gap see SIMILAR), sneaks (Adidas), bag (Hayden Reis c/o), belt (c.wonder, see other Monograms)

I'm a huge believer in finding a signature look or uniform. Denim is one that is universal for most of us and can be incorporated into a slew of day-to-day looks. I've found that the skinny jean is one that works well with my figure and what I feel most comfy in. 

This mid-rise skinny denim from Target is pretty darn perfect for a host of reasons: The wash is one that will go with a handful of tops; the fit is flattering even if your bottom half is a little curvy (read: hips and backside); and the cropped ankle makes them a perfect partner for flats, sneaks, and heels. I feel ridiculously comfy in these, and since buying them last week, I've easily worn them four times. Not. Kidding. 

And while I'm a huge fan of having a signature look, I also think it's important to avoid a fashion rut and to be daring with your look now and again. My standard denim short is one with a bit of distressing and a frayed hem, and not too short or not too long (must keep her age-appropriate, right?). Not one to typically gravitate towards a longer boyfriend fit for shorts, I have to say I'm super pleased with these boyfriend shorts from Target. I absolutely love their relaxed feel and lighter wash. The distressing is the icing on the cake. And when paired with an equally relaxed cardigan and a sporty pair of sneaks, you have a look that is both pulled together and still perfectly casual.  

And so here is my challenge to all of us: No better time than the present to be daring with our wardrobes. It's the perfect time given the impending change in seasons. Again, let's stick with our classics and what we know works, but don't be afraid to give a new cut and/or wash a test drive. Target is serving up a solid dose of denim with a number of washes, cuts, and styles. Be sure to take a gander at the denim below and give a style or two a try. Cheers to a great day--make it a great one, gang!

Find your style @targetstyle

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Twice the Stripes

top & skirt (Tibi c/o AJs Casuals), heels (Zara see SIMILAR), clutch (Sole Society), rings (Anna Beck, BCBG), cuff (BCBG), bracelet (Lulu Frost c/o Omar + Elsie), shades (Ray Ban), necklace (Dogeared)

For a gal that loves STRIPES, this two piece TIBI number from AJs Casuals, is right up my alley.  Add the midi and knotted detail on the skirt, and it only adds to the stripe's charm!   And while sadly these caged heels from Zara are last year and no longer avail, I'm loving this Caged Lace Up Heel as a strappy alternative.  
Alright gang, gonna cut her a bit short this morn so I can get the kiddos dropped off and make a boxing class this morn before a Closet Edit !  Hope your week is off to a great start.  Feel free to shop the look below (or locally at AJs Casuals)---make it a great one, gang--oh and ps: today is the last day for the Lilly Pulitzer Sale!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Lilly Love

This SALE is a goodin' indeed, but beware, sizes are going F A S T.  Can't be a native Floridian and not love a healthy dose of Lilly Pulitzer...went ahead and scoped out some of my faves I've been known to sport...see Maxis & Scallops....feel free to take a gander below--oh and ps, the sale ends tomorrow!  

I'll be back with an outfit post tomorrow---getting back into the groove after a little weekend getaway.  Cheers to a great start to your week, gang!