Loopsway Style

I'm often drawn to certain colors when shopping. I love pastels, neutral colors, whites, and blacks. I suppose I like to keep things simple, and I prefer softer hues. When the owner of the fabulous online boutique, Loopsway, contacted me about collaborating with this blouse, I automatically had a preference for color. I figured that either the white or pale pink would look best on me. I was wrong. Once we took the photos, I discovered that my favorite was actually the vibrant cerulean blue. I surprised myself.

It's funny how that happens. I guess it just goes to show that I shouldn't be afraid to try new things when it comes to my look. It's so easy to get stuck in a rut of wearing the same colors and styles. This is actually one bonus to my recent blogging ventures in fashion--it's forcing me outside my comfort zone, a fact that I'm having fun with.

This particular blouse actually comes in two other colors as well--black and a light olive green. I love how flowy it is without feeling shapeless. I also love the gold detail on the neckline--simple, pretty. Loopsway is an online boutique that specializes in spectacular jewelry at affordable prices. Recently, they have started branching out into clothing as well. With their cute styles and awesome prices, this is a shop worth following!

Loopsway 

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Date Night Style | Jewels and Gold

When I was younger I used to look forward to the days that I could forgo makeup, forget my hair, and stay in my pajamas all day. Working full-time, going to school full-time, dating, and juggling the demands of family, friends, and church left me with little time to be undone. I always had to be made up. Now, as a mom of a toddler, the tables have turned. I look forward to any excuse to get ready. Applying eye shadow (something I rarely have time for), curling my hair, donning heels--the occasions that demand these tasks are so few and far between that I've learned to relish them.

Our weekly date night is one such occasion that I can rely on for some relief from my typical mom attire (jeggings/yoga pants/t-shirts). Although I'm well aware that my appearance does not define my worth and is only a small part of my identity, I love feeling done up and polished.

This outfit was particularly fun for me.The neutral tones are jazzed up a bit with the jeweled shoulder, subtle printed jeans, and a pop of gold on the stilettos. The blouse seemed to me to have a vintage vibe, so I paired it with retro side-swept hair, red lips, and a clutch to complete the effect.

Do you get excited for any excuse to dress up? Or are you in a place in life where a casual day is a nice reprieve?

Blouse (similar here & here) | Jeans (similar here) | Pumps | Earrings | Clutch 

Five on Friday | Things I am Loving (Wanting) for My Little Miss

1. A Denim Dress

2. Gladiator Sandals

3. A Dainty Little Floral Crown 

4. A Purse

5. Sunnies

Clothes for baby girls are particularly dangerous. DANGEROUS (yes, italicized, bolded, and capitalized)! One could easily break the bank at say... Baby Gap. The denim dress above attests to this. Or Michael Kors? For toddlers? Who knew? Probably a lot of people, but I just learned about it and fell in love with these tiny golden gladiators. It's almost like they want us to spend all our money. Oh wait... 

Good thing I have self-restraint. Good thing my husband has self-restraint, which influences me. Although I try to be good (by basically avoiding Pinterest as much as possible) I do want to get her a floral crown in the near future. I love this look, and seeing it on my little Klair would bring me enough joy for me to justify it. Also, although it isn't necessary or really practical, if I find a good deal on a purse like the one shown above I will buy it. Klair loves my purses so very much, and she would adore one of her own (and I would adore watching her carry it around). I'm a sucker for that girl. 

What baby/toddler items are you eyeing right now? Wait, maybe you shouldn't answer that. My wish list is already big enough... 

Happy Friday!

Sharing Style: The Comfortable Mom (Without the Mom Jeans)

Do you ever have one of those days where you just need to be comfortable? When getting dressed feels like a chore--one that you definitely don't have time for? Whether you're a mom with demanding little ones, a college student with a chemistry final on your plate, or a career woman with one day off to try and finish your errands and juggle the demands of your personal life... I think we've all been there. I've been each of these at different times, and maybe you're all three. I currently fall into the first category, and it's amazing how demanding one little baby can be on my time. There have been many makeup-less days where baggy sweaters and the high, half-hearted bun have become my default. And while this isn't necessarily a bad thing, I definitely think there is value to feeling a little put together, maybe even a little pretty... especially on, those days. This look is one that comes together quickly, and is comfortable enough to let me tackle the tasks of the day (like running all over town and chasing after a toddler). 

This easy side-braid is a nice alternative to my typical top-knot and high ponytail (thanks, Katniss!). I paired it with printed leggings, a flowy tunic with pretty gold detail, and the comfiest flat booties around. Throw in a few staple pieces of jewelry (I always gravitate to my gold necklace and watch) and voila! You have a look that is both fun and practical, easy yet polished. 

What are some of your go-to quick styles for those days? 

Similar Items: 

Tunic | Leggings | Booties

Sharing Style: Straw Fedora and Tribal Scarf

I picked up this hat at Target, and I'm in love with it. As in, I've already worn it too much and will continue doing so. It has a nice chambray piece with a bow detail that makes it perfect for pairing with... everything. I actually saw it on Emma first, so click to see another way to style it. I also really loved the tribal prints that made an appearance this winter, so I was excited to find a light, springy scarf with a similar design.

Also, this post isn't complete without mentioning my bracelet. I bought it a few years ago in Hawaii, but that's not where it originated. It's from a company called Bead for Life where women in Uganda recycle bits of paper and create beautiful beads. The program has done wonders for the war torn and impoverished country by improving the local economy and empowering women.  They give them an opportunity to work and offer ongoing entrepreneurial training to launch their own sustainable businesses once they graduate. You can check it out here.

And then there's this picture with my sneaky little Rosie photo bombing the left corner that had to be included. 

I love that fluffy little pup! 

Fedora: Target (similar here) | Scarf: Chalk Garden (similar here) | Blouse: Thrifted (similar here) | Belt: Bohme (similar here)| Jeggings: Forever 21 | Shoes: Target (similiar here) | Lipstick: Rimmel 

Peter Pan, Polka Dots, and Pleats

Spring has sprung! Well... at least most days of the week. On the day of this photo shoot at Daybreak Lake it was particularly lovely and sunny. Yesterday, on the other hand, it snowed. Today, the season depended on the hour. I woke up to snow, in the early afternoon it rained, and by dinner time it was sunny. Oh Utah, it will never be said of you that you are predictable or boring. 

I love both the Peter Pan collar and polka dot trends. So, naturally when I saw this shirt I couldn't resist. Plus it's super flowy and pleated, so I'm thinking it will lend itself nicely to a future pregnant self. A shirt that looks good both when you're not pregnant and when you're ready to pop is a good thing, right? A girl's gotta plan ahead, after all. 

With the collar, pattern, and cut I feel like this shirt is a bold statement piece in itself. Therefore I decided to keep everything else simple, and paired it with some simple black skinny jeans, gold jewelry, and grey wedge booties. 

After years of being a stiletto girl, I've recently fallen in love with the wedge. They are so much more supportive and comfortable, while still giving me a much needed boost in the height department (without assistance I'm a measly 5'2"). I feel like I could walk around in these all day. 

The talented photographer Jesse Wride took these photos, and at the end we had Sam jump in for a few. All the people passing by thought we were taking engagements, so we decided to play along. Cue classic proposal pic:

This is actually the location where we took some of our engagement photos... 5 years ago. Wow! Time flies when you're having fun. I guess  it's good timing to get a few more couple pictures in the same location for old time's sake. 

I do love this man :) 

Blouse: Lush (Similar Here) | Jeans: H&M (Similar Here) | Wedge Booties: Forever 21 (Similar Here)  | Watch: Geneva (Similar Here) | Lipstick: Revlon 

Mother Daughter Style: Pinch Protection from Head-to-Toe...

First off, if you haven't already, be sure and follow the link below to enter the giveaway for some cute spring time accessories (you can read all about and see pictures of the prizes here) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

With that said...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Klair and I are feeling festive today in our complimentary green and gold attire. 

I'm not a huge fan of the traditional dark, grass green color usually associated with the holiday, so I dressed us in some mintier and more aqua hues with gold accents for good measure. 

Naturally, Klair steals the show in her chevron dress and gold headband--that I made! I'm actually really proud of that. I think it turned out really well for a first attempt.  

Oh, and I can't forget to mention her jelly shoes. I saw them, and at once I knew I had to purchase them. ...I guess I'm a sucker for the throwbacks from my own childhood. Hers are cooler than mine ever were though because they actually smell like jelly. The things they think of. 

We had fun during our little mommy and me photoshoot. The only way I could keep her from trying to wriggle out of my arms was to jump up and down a few times 

and briefly pause, so Sam could snap a picture.

This picture is the result of one of those moments, haha! 

This post would not be complete without mentioning our "pinch protection" nails. It was much harder to paint her nails than I anticipated, and resulted in a crying tantrum that left her sulking for hours afterward. In fact, every time she looks at her nails I think she's reminded of how mad it made her and she still gives me the cold shoulder from time to time.

I did these the day before, hers are already so chipped. 

Can you tell she's an active little baby? 

Oh, how I love her. 

I hope you all have a lovely holiday!

Klair's Outfit: 

Dress | Headband (homemade) | Sweater | Tights | Jelly Shoes | Nail Polish

My Outfit: 

Peplum Shirt (similar here) | Necklace | Pants (similar here) | Shoes (similar here) | Belt | Lipstick