Fall Denim Guide

September 25, 2015

I think I made it through the first few years of college without wearing jeans more than a handful of times. I just never felt comfortable in jeans which probably had to do with my freshman 15 and inability to find a pair that fit my new curves;) However, over the years they have become my trusty loyals. Despite my more minimal philosophy I have adopted, I still can’t quite weed down my denim stack. I justify it by the fact that I wear them all to death, but I am working on it…

A few readers asked what my favorite denim brands were, so here is what is currently in my closet on rotation for fall.

Fall Denim Guide

1. Citizens of Humanity – My very first pair of high quality jeans was a pair of Citizens of Humanity I found at a consignment store. Never had jeans fit me so well, and had that medium wash nailed down to perfection. I currently have a pair going on year 7.

2. J. Brand – These tend to run to long on me, so I have them hemmed up a few inches, but they are equal parts thick and stretchy which makes for a more forgiving material and form. Their bell flares have been good to me!

3. Lou & Grey – They have mastered the jegging. A jean material, but super stretchy and an elastic waist. I wore these to death last fall/winter/spring under longer tunic tops. (Currently 40% off sitewide)

4. Henry & Belle – You have seen these in style posts over the last few years because they fit me like a glove. I like that the length is not made for only tall builds. There are options for ankle fit which suit my 5’5” frame quite well. Pictured above are the Lila Skinny.

5. NYDJ – Newer to my closet, but I like their fit for a high waisted flare. It is hard to find flattering high waist jeans, and these have their pockets in the right place, and don’t hug the hips too tight.

6. Blank Denim – I love the stretch and give in these skinny boy jeans. Blank Denim’s price point isn’t as high as most designer jeans, but they have the same quality. There are so many good styles currently out for fall.

7. American Eagle – I hadn’t stepped foot in an AE since high school until a few years ago when I discovered a fantastic pair of distressed denim. They are on the more affordable end for jeans so for a good pair of distressed denim that fit normal body types, check them out. (Btw, they are currently Buy one Get one %50 off.)

8. Madewell – I hit up a Madwell sample sale last year and scored a few really good pairs of pants. These are super durable, and don’t wear thin. They live up to the name!

( From the Archive, Rag & Bone Denim)

So what about you? Your all time favorite brand? What style are you digging this season? Happy Weekend!

National Coffee Day Recipe: Morning Mocha Smoothie

September 24, 2015

National Coffee Day is on the 29th, and since coffee is a love language of mine, I invited Lauren of Love Lola to share today’s Mocha Smoothie Recipe. I made two batches of this already. One for Gabe and I (throw in some chia seeds!), and substituted milk for coffee for a kids version. It is actually completely sugar free! Bravo Lauren!

I have always been a lover of smoothies in the morning. They make a great on-the-go breakfast, which I’ve discovered I need if I am going to get out the door on time ;). I typically opt for green smoothies, getting a big dose of fruits and veggies first thing in the morning, but after a while I feel the need to switch it up.

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An Invitation: Happy first day of Fall with UGG Australia

September 22, 2015

I never gave much thought to the month of September since it is an in between month. One that ends a season and anticipates a new one. This year however, I have come to love this highly under-appreciated month;) The evenings are cooler and we can open the windows and let the breeze in. We can squeeze in a few more summer things before dabbling into all things fall….like some of my favorite clothing pieces (ankle boots and the oversized sweater)!

Gabe got me a pair of Ugg Classics a few years ago and I wear them around the house every fall/winter. It is like wearing a pair of pillows. I went into the store to check out what was new, and couldn’t believe the diverse range of styles. I must have saved 10 pairs of black ankle boots to my online cart last year and could never commit because I wasn’t crazy about any of them. However, this pair was love at first sight. All that I had been hoping for in a black bootie (including that comfort level). Also loved the color palate to the UGG classics collection. Buttons and bows…they must know the way to captivate a gal’s attention. It was nice to be able to wear the black boots out to a meeting and then slip into the comfort pair when I got home. After my little ones are in bed, I get a little time to relax with Gabe, and all I crave is a good read, (Btw, I don’t get to read magazines often, but when I do this mag has my favorite articles.) and a place to kick up my feet. I think these boots might do the trick. VIEW FULL POST

Raleigh City Guide + Garden & Gun Magazine Feature

September 21, 2015

Back in June my family and I took a trip up to Raleigh for the weekend. We explored as much as we could, took some good notes of the area, and got to share some of the images in this month’s issue of Garden & Gun Magazine!

Such an honor to be included in this issue (on the opposite side of my dear friend Mandy no less!), for their travel south guide. Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, NC areas are extremely family friendly, and there is more to do there than possible to achieve in a weekend, so here are just some of the highlights…

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Buildable Wardrobe Update: Stripes

September 20, 2015

I finally admitted to myself that I have an addiction to black and white stripes. Anybody else? Maybe just me? It’s just that they are so easy to work with, timeless, and really fun to layer. So when I saw this dress from Anthropologie, I decided it was time to use the last of a gift card I was holding onto. (It’s also nursing friendly which is always a plus!) Here is another similar option for half the price. These are just a few ways I styled the dress in varying temps, but expect this to be a repeat offender in the coming months. All pieces featured are from my #BuildableWardrobe…

Dress
Denim Vest
Wedge Booties (similar option)
Bucket Tote
Triple layered Necklace

Dress
Ankle Boots or Backless booties
Oversized Sweater (similar)
Similar Black Clutches

There is such a wide range of stripes, but right now I am sticking to thin black and white. So what do you say? How would you style the dress? And in case you missed, the reason I am trying to be a conscious consumer, and live more minimally.

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Product styling and photography: Rosemary Wild, Outfit photos: IHOD

Brand Boosters: Tips to grow your brand identity

September 16, 2015

(Image via Aesop, type by IHOD)

Anna : Today Melyssa and I are sharing with you some Brand Boosters to keep in mind when growing your blog or business. I really miss getting to talk branding and entrepreneurship through The Brand Market workshops, so I am happy to share some tips to grow your brand identity:

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Buildable Wardrobe: Denim on Denim

September 14, 2015

This week’s #BuildableWardrobe update includes two of my favorite denim pieces that I chose to keep in the mix when cleaning out my closet. I wear these in multiple ways in various seasons. Here is the breakdown:

Denim Button Down – This one I got a few years ago, but here is a similar one. I layer it in the winter, and wear solo with shorts in the summer. Here’s a few similar ones: High and Low.

Denim Flares – The fashion scene is trying to make flare denim a thing this year, but you know what guys? They never were quite out of the scene! I’v always had a pair in my jean stash. I snagged this pair last year on Shopbop. (c/o) (More flare styles here.)

Wedge Ankle Booties – The kind that are low enough to pull off in warmer months and comfortable enough to wear for hours on end. I have walked the miles in these! Similar pair here, and a variety of wedge ankle boots here.

Wooden Watch – Simple and neutral and somewhat indestructable! (c/o)

Sunburst Necklace – I don’t wear much jewelry anymore, so I look for one or two good necklaces when putting a look together with a good pair of stud earrings. This necklace by Noonday Collection is my current fix (and also supports an worthy cause).

Structured Crossbody – via The Common Knowledge. Love this deep Aubergine color to work into upcoming autumn looks.

If you are trying to minimize your wardrobe, any tips you want to share?
In case you missed, the reason I am trying to be a conscious consumer, and live more minimally.

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*Flat Lay image by Rosemary Wild
*Outfit photos by Chelsey Heidorn