Showing posts with label statement necklace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label statement necklace. Show all posts

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Comfortable Mom Style | New Site & Blog Design

T-Shirt Dress | Skinny Floral Belt | Statement Necklace (similar) | Messenger Bag (similar) | Wedges | Sunnies

My blog began during my pregnancy with Klair as an effort to journal more than anything else. If you go back to some of my first posts, they weren't written with the intent of ever sharing them with well... anyone. Anyone other than my own little family that is (something that is evident by the way they are formatted...or weren't. Yikes). I simply wanted a place where I could collect pictures and write down meaningful events/thoughts about my family. The title "The Ausam Life" was born of this sentiment--it was our family blog "Autumn + Sam" of which I happened to be the author.

Over time, however, I became brave and started sharing my blog on Facebook. I figured people that I knew and loved might be interested to know what was going on in our lives, and I began writing to an audience other than Klair when she's a mom and suddenly cares about all this stuff. Then, slowly, I started to become involved in the blogging community. I loved how much inspiration and strength I was able to draw from others. Everything from fashion, to religion, to Pinterest-worthy projects... even good old mommy support. I became even braver and started to venture into these topics myself. As of late, my blog has become my blog--it's no longer just a family journal--it's an extension of me. Now, it's a place for me to share anything I want to--my life, ideas, recipes, DIYs--with a particular emphasis on fashion. With my interest in modest styles and my husband's growing love of photography, this was the natural progression. Moving forward, fashion will be a major theme of this project.

With this in mind, and a desire to have my own domain... I've decided to change the name of my blog and basically re-brand this thing. Welcome to www.autumnklair.com! Luckily my name is unique...or, at least, it's spelled uniquely, so it was pretty easy to pick a domain. I worked with Erin over at Love, Fun, and Football for my blog design. I like a very minimalist look, and she brought my vision to life. She was so great to work with, and very reasonably priced. If you are ever in the market for a new design I highly recommend reaching out to her! I can't praise her enough.

I have really enjoyed blogging thus far, and I'm excited to see where this adventure takes me. Thank you for all of the love and support you've shown! I really value the connections I've made in this blogging world.

Oh, and I should probably mention the styles featured in this post. This particular outfit is one that I will likely wear too much this summer. It's comfortable (and practical for chasing a toddler), cool for the hot summer days that are just around the corner, and cute. I found the dress and shoes at Target, and I'm tempted to go back for another dress in a different color/print. It's so basic, I feel like I could wear it a million different ways. Also, Sam bought the bag for me as a gift from a local boutique and I absolutely love it. There is a similar one from Urban Outfitters that I also love (linked above). It's big enough to hold all of Klair's "necessities," without feeling like a diaper bag.

Isn't it nice to find ways to be a functional mom, while still feeling fashionable?

Friday, May 9, 2014

Mother's Day | "MOMories"

"Mama."

This is who I am--my identity. Later it will likely change to "Mommy" then "Mom" and, on occasion during those lovely teen years "MO-OM!" (pronounced "mah-ahm" with an evident bit of annoyance).

I'm a MOM. !!! 

Wow. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around that one. I'm not sure I ever will. I brought a life into this world. My body housed and nourished a child for 9 months, and fed her for another 14 after that. I know I did these things. I remember them, I have photographic evidence... but it still seems so surreal. The whole pregnancy process is mysterious, amazing, and beautiful. All of motherhood is.  I continue to feed, nurture, teach, and love her, but she teaches me more. She is my daughter. She looks to me for comfort, safety, love, assurance, guidance, and fun. We have so much fun! I turn to her for everything. She and her dad are my world, and every moment I spend with either of them strengthens the love I have for both. I have spent more time with that little girl than anyone else in my life. We know each other so intimately, yet... there's still so much to learn. And, I wouldn't have it any other way.

My Klair Marie has captured my heart. She has taught me to love in a way I didn't know was possible until that blue eyed, mischievous little blonde came along. She showed me what it means to truly live. She is the embodiment of the love that Sam and I share. Before her we were happy, but now... now our happiness is at a level that we could never have dreamed of. She is everything good, beautiful, and pure in this world, and I am humbled to be able to call her mine.

With Mother's Day approaching, I can't help but think of all the beautiful moments that I've been able to experience in the past couple of years. I was recently approached by Dropcam for a "MOMory" campaign that they are doing in honor of Mother's Day. Thus, with this cute little pun in mind, here's a link-up with a few of my fondest "MOMories" with Klair:

 The moment we discovered I was pregnant--when we found out she was in fact a she. The first kick. The ultrasounds. The magnificently beautiful, transcendent moment Klair was born. All of her firsts--her first cry, her first smile, her first laugh, her first word ("mama"), her first scoot (she was a scooter) her first step. I even remember some of the harder moments with a bittersweet sense of fondness. When she has been sick or sad, she clings to me for comfort, and in those moments I am able to calm the storm within her--not because of me, but because of what she inspires within me. 

Additionally, as Mother's Day approaches, I can't help but think of my own mom. She went through so much, struggled so terribly at times to keep it all together in a family that was constantly being barraged by the fierce winds of opposition. Yet, through all of the pains in our family, addiction, illness of every variety, the death of my dad--she somehow made it through. And, although there were hard times, I always knew that I was loved. I had a sense of security. I had a home. I knew I could go to my mom, and she would let me lay my head in her lap while she played with my hair. I have many fun, beautiful, and tender "MOMories" of my own mom. And, now that she's a grandma, I'm able to see her in a whole new light that only adds appreciation for the mother that she is.

Lastly, with Mother's Day just a few days away, I can't help but think of all the strong, loving, nurturing female figures in my life who have "mothered" me in some way or another. I don't think that motherhood is reserved only for those who have children. There are some women who give birth that never mother a day in their lives. While there are others without children of their own who mother every day of their life. I believe when we, as women, accept and embrace the divine potential within us to love, to nurture, to inspire, to lift the hearts that hang heavy, then in those moments we truly embody the essence of what it means to be a mother. There have been many women, too many to count, who have extended love and true charity to me in a way that only those with a mother heart really can.

Motherhood. In a world where the role of a mom is viewed as less than--is constantly diminished and relegated to the sidelines in terms of what is important, or worthy of a modern woman's time--I'm grateful to know how important moms and mothers of every variety really are. I'm thrilled to be part of a church that honors, even reveres the sacred work of women--of mothers. Because of Him, I have strength, guidance, and perspective. Because of Him, I have true purpose and joy.

 “Motherhood, is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels." 
-The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 
...

Our Matching Outfits.
Yep, I'm one of those moms.


Mine (similar items): 

Klair's (similar items): 
Chambray Shirt | Dress | Necklace (vintage) | Shoes | Bow (homemade--tutorial here





Monday, May 5, 2014

Sharing Style | Neutrals with a Pop of Color

A few weeks ago Sam, Klair, and I made a mini road trip to Salem, UT for Sam's mission reunion. For those who might not know, Sam served a 2-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS/Mormon) in Detroit, Michigan. His former mission president is from Salem, and hosts a big get together for all the missionaries who served with him. It's a bit of a drive from where we live, so we loaded Klair up with toys and snacks, hopped in the car, and embarked on our adventure. Salem is a tiny little town nestled in the mountains, and on the particular day that we went it was a bit overcast from a previous rainstorm. Thus, with the recent moisture, everything was green, lush, and really beautiful. We arrived a little early and Sam took advantage of the opportunity to take a few photos of Klair and me. 

In regard to our outfits, I wanted something that felt a little more dressed up than my day-to-day, while still looking casual. I put Klair in a cute denim dress, and added a pop of color with her red bow. For my own attire, I also stuck with more neutral colors and threw in a bright statement necklace to mix things up a bit. I suppose it's representative of my personality in a way. I like to keep things relatively simple and low-key, while throwing in a little fun and spontaneity here and there. 

Also, while I was uploading the Salem pictures I found this gem and felt the need to share. I can't begin to believe how old she looks here! My beautiful baby is transforming into a kid before my eyes. I love this sweet girl. 
My Outfit: 
Shirt: Bohme (similar here) | Skinny Jeans: Forever 21 | Pumps: Vintage (similar here) | Statement Necklace: Gifted (similar here) 

Klair's Outfit: 
Dress: Carter's (similar here) | Navy Onesie: Carter's (similar here) | Striped Leggings: Carter's (similar here) | Shoes: Stride Rite (similar here) | Bow: Homemade (tutorial here) 

Happy Monday! Here's to the beginning of a good week! 

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Five on Friday | Things That I'm Loving

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 
I honestly cannot believe that it is already Friday again. I probably sound strange and/or ungrateful saying that. I imagine the sentiment of most is "thank goodness!" Yet, Fridays don't hold the same meaning that they used to for me. Motherhood/parenthood/adulthood/responsibility-hood changes things a bit. Unless we manage to snag a babysitter well in advance, our Friday nights are very similar (A.K.A. the same) as our every-other nights. My biggest reaction to Friday is simply shock that another week has come and gone. I actually am pretty excited for the weekend for one simple fact: Sam gets to stay home. Klair and I enjoy him so much, it's nice to have him around all day. And, although we don't often do anything too elaborate and we're certainly not partying the weekend away, the end of the week is really enjoyable because my little family gets to be together. 

This weekend we're planning to spend some time with our extended family for a birthday party and early Mother's Day celebration. Also, weather and time constraints permitting we are going to try and make it to a tulip festival that is happening at a nearby garden. I'm really hopeful we can go. Being surrounded by thousands of colorful blooms and listening to the "wows" my daughter is likely to elicit sounds heavenly. What fun things do you have planned for the coming weekend? 

Here are my current picks for the week. I am in desperate need of some boyfriend jeans, and these are a great candidate. I love the look of mixing the casual (jeans and a plain gray tee) with pieces that are a bit more elegant. The pink blazer is both the perfect color and style for spring. And those shoes! I've always liked the oxford look, but I'm particularly fond of this summer-friendly lace-embellished pair. And, of course this dream outfit didn't feel complete without a pretty little statement piece. I like the way the soft green hues compliment the salmon pink blazer. 

I'm beginning to think this "Five on Friday" thing is more dangerous than I realized. I want everything in that collage... 

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Five on Friday | J. Crew Summer love

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 
The season of the late night sun is upon us, and I couldn't be more excited. In honor of the impending heat I put together this swim inspired list of picks. And, in honor of the $125 giveaway that I'm currently involved in, all of these items on my wish list come from J. Crew. 

I mentioned before that I love polka dots, so when I saw this swimsuit, well... it's kind of perfect. And the hat is both practical for a bright beach and oh so chic. I will admit that the pale pink statement necklace isn't very practical for swimming, but I just loved it too much to not include it. You could wear it if you were just soaking up some sun, right? It would look pretty with that suit... 

For those who haven't already entered, the contest goes until next Tuesday and it is open to international readers. 
Good luck! 

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

$125 J. Crew Giveaway! | Easy Entry for The Ausam Life Followers

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6

The title pretty well sums up the gist of this post. This week I am teaming up with Meagan over at Because of Jackie for a group giveaway in the amount of 125 dollars to one of my personal favorites: J. Crew. Who doesn't love that store? In honor of this contest I put together this list of my current likes --i.e. what I would buy if I won. A girl can dream, right? 

Everyone who knows me is probably aware that I'm particularly fond of polka dots. My closet is full of pieces with this sweet, classic print. If it was possible to over-do the polka dot, I would probably fall into that category. Luckily, I don't think it's possible :) 

I love the idea of this blouse paired with the bright, fun pencil skirt. And those black suede pumps? Yep. I'm definitely crushing. 

What lovely little J. Crew item have you had your eye on? 
What would you buy yourself if you won? 

This giveaway will last a week, and it's open to international readers. 
If you're already following me then that's one automatic entry. 
So, go ahead and try out your luck!


Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Easter Photos with My Klair Marie | eShakti Dress Review

I love Easter. Growing up, my mom would always buy me a dress in a bright, springy color that I could twirl and flaunt. Now that I have a daughter of my own, I want to keep this tradition alive... for both of us. Because let's face it, I may be grown up but there are some things I choose not to grow out of...such as my love of dressing up on the Easter holiday. It's fun! And having the cutest baby around to coordinate with doesn't hurt either. 

eShakti sent me this dress, and I am in love with it... and with their company. They reached out to me a few weeks ago and let me pick a design. First of all, I love their business model. They have dresses (and other apparel) from size 0 to size 36, and  they feature real women of all sizes on their website and social media sites.  Additionally, they make customizations based on your body type and style preferences. For instance, this dress that I picked was originally sleeveless and had a longer hemline. I was able to add sleeves, and shorten it to account for the fact that I'm a little vertically challenged. They asked for my measurements, and within a couple of weeks they sent me my dress--designed perfectly for me. Oh and the best part? My dress has pockets! 
Perfect for a mom on the go... or for any woman for that matter.

Basically my experience with them was awesome, and if you want a dress for a special occasion, or if you just want to treat yourself to something nice... I highly recommend eShakti. Check them out for yourself. And, if you decide to buy something, use the coupon code "awees" to get 10% off an order from now until May 4th. 


Also, in case you're wondering, these photos were taken at the Draper LDS temple. We made a trip up there yesterday, and I'm glad we did. The grounds were absolutely stunning and bursting with new life for spring. Klair was enchanted with the flowering trees and bright blooms all around her. And, of course, the temple itself was captivating. Being on those sacred grounds with my little family was a good reminder of the true meaning of Easter. 
Klair was such a good sport for the photos, but as we were leaving Sam snapped this gem. 
It looks like my intuitive little girl knew that we were done, and she was celebrating. 

My Outfit: 
Dress: eShakti | Necklace: Local Boutique (similar here) | Belt: Vintage (similar here) | Earrings: Forever 21 (similar here) | Shoes: H&M (similar here) | Watch: Skagen (similar here)

Klair's Outfit: 
Dress: Carter's | Shoes: Carter's | Bow: Homemade | Bunny: Target (similar here)





*note: eShakti sent me this dress, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Friday, March 14, 2014

Guest Post by Emma Cristy and a Giveaway!

Follow the link below to enter this giveaway! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway 
Thanks for entering! The winner will be contacted in 1 week.

(CLICK HERE!) TO SEE MORE OF THE GIVEAWAY! 
...

I am excited to have guest blogger Emma Cristy from emmacristy.com take over my blog today! 

She is a phenomenal beauty and personal style blogger from Utah. And the best part? Everything she models is modest. Yes!!! I feel inspired every time she posts something. Incredible outfits, cute accessories, DIY nails, and her hair. It's always perfect. Following Emma is like having your very own fashion consultant!

This girl is seriously the whole package, and if you don't follow her you will regret it. 
Hello readers!  I am Emma and I blog over at EMMA CRISTY
which is my personal style and beauty blog.
I'm so excited to be guest posting today on The Ausam Life!  I love reading all about Autumn's life and her cute little family.  Can you even handle Klair's cuteness?  One thing I love about Autumn, is her style.  I think we share the similar interest of modest fashion and that is one thing that I make sure to incorporate into my own blog.  I want to be an inspiration for other women out there, to dress modestly and still keep up with fashion and current trends. Today, I am wearing this pink, chic floral statement necklace that I'm completely in love with!  I think it is such a great addition to this Spring season and I can tell I'll be wearing it all throughout the season.
Autumn and I have collaborated together to bring readers of THE AUSAM LIFE and EMMA CRISTY a chance to win a fun Spring time giveaway!! We will be giving away this beautiful pink, chic, floral statement necklace that you see me wearing, along with the pink bow and nail polish. This Spring is all about bright and light colors, so we thought these items would be perfect for this Spring season.  Good luck!!! 
 I would love if you stopped by and said Hello!  Love hearing feedback from readers and meeting new friends :)  For more outfits visit EMMA CRISTY.
Thank you so much for having me Autumn!
Emma-Cristy
(Outfit Details)
Hairbow: Forever 21 | Necklace: Forever 21 |  Blouse: New York & CO. (Similar Here) | Jeggings: Honeys JP (Similar Here) | Heels: Korea (Similar Here) | Rings: Forever 21 (Similar Here) | Watch: Marc Jacobs (Similar Here)