a lovely living

Monthly Archives for January 2017

Plaid Over Stripes

Print/pattern mixing is one of my favorite ways to pull an outfit together. It doesn’t need to feel too difficult or overwhelming. Just follow a few broad rules such as a) mix different prints (it can be tricky to mix when they’re too similar), b) use like colors from both prints, c) use one larger print and one smaller, and d) ground the prints with a solid. This jacket is a wonderful piece to use in such a way! It’s priced at only $30 and it has pockets (which are always a plus!). A stripe/plaid combo is hard to go wrong with…in case you wanted to give it a try and needed a little encouragement, you’ve got it!

Details: SheIn jacket / Striped top (similar) / LOFT denim (similar) / Boots (similar) / Madewell tote / Stella & Dot monogram necklace / Rayban sunglasses

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Pink + Burgundy

I’ve been chatting with a bunch of ladies recently about closet cleaning, purging, organizing etc., and I’m thinking I’m going to have to work something together for the blog at some point. Anyone else have a need for that? This post makes brings that to mind because, although my closet isn’t perfect, I do my best to keep things in place. And by keeping things in place I’m able to come up with an outfit such as this one. Let me explain. I had found this tunic sweater recently at H&M and as I was running through what bottoms to pair it with in my head, I was coming up with the typical black or dark denim or maybe white….but then I took the top into my closet with me, held it up to my rows of pants and as soon as I saw the rose pink paired with the burgundy bottoms I knew that’s what I wanted! Not exactly ground-breaking, I know, but along with an organized closet comes a certain ease in allowing you to work outfits together. And that’s the end of my story ;) Hope you all have a great weekend!!

Details: H&M tunic / LOFT leggings / Boots (similar) / Stella & Dot necklace (similar) / Ann Taylor coat (similar)

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Everyday Fav’s

I thought it would be fun to share some of my everyday favorites with you guys today. Some of these you’ve seen and I have discussed before (hence the favorites) and others have won me over more recently. Check them out and then scroll down to see just why they’re all a part of my everyday!

Sugar Lip Treatment: I use this everyday and every night. I love the consistency and it keeps my lips hydrated all winter long. I love applying it before lipstick as well because it helps to smooth out my lips and allows the lipstick to go on much better.

Third Love 24/7 t-shirt bra: I first shared Third Love a couple of months ago (here) as I had been hearing so many good things about their bras. I’ve since been wearing the t-shirt bra and really need to order another because it’s the only one I reach for in the morning! I used their app to find my size (boy was I way off!) and have found that this is the first bra that I don’t even think about during the day…or to say that another way, I’m not ready to rip it off the minute I finish my dinner ;) If you’re considering trying it out, Third Love has passed along a discount code to receive 15% off your order, yay! Just enter BRABLEMSJAN15 at checkout!

IT Cosmetics CC cream: I’ve shared my love for Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizer that I wear regularly in the summer, but I love the coverage this cc cream offers throughout the rest of the year. It’s not a full coverage foundation, but it’s not often that I want or need that, so this is what I turn to most everyday.

Rodan and Fields Lash Boost: My husband gave this to me for my birthday last month and around week three of using it I could already see a major difference! I don’t have a desire to mess with fake lashes but knew mine could use a little boost…boy does this product deliver! You apply the serum nightly and my lashes are already noticeably longer and they’re now starting to thicken up. I love it! Rodan and Fields is certainly sweeping the country, but if you don’t know a consultant, I’d be happy to hook you up with my girl ;)

Stella & Dot monogram necklace: If you’ve followed along for a while, you know this is my go-to necklace. It works with just about any outfit hence my wearing it with just about every outfit ;) My bf gifted it to me a while ago and it’s been a favorite ever since.

Madewell tote: Again, if you follow this blog regularly, you know this bag is my sidekick practically everyday! I’ve weaved diaper  bags in and out over the years, but this remains my staple bag. Not to mention the fact that it’s help up beautifully year after year and I’m sure I could treat it a bit gentler than I do!

Amika undone texture spray: Once I dry and style my hair, this product gives it life! It keeps it from falling flat and body-less and gives it the perfect amount of lift and texture that I need. I go crazy any time I run out!

Hanky Panky underwear: Shortly after college, a co-worker of mine introduced me to Hanky Panky and as soon as I wore them I felt like I had graduated to my big girl undies, lol. I’ve thrown in some others over the years, but nothing can compare. They also work great during pregnancy because they fit low enough to not interfere with that growing belly.

Urban Decay makeup setting spray: For everyone that has known about this and never shared how wonderful it was with me, shame on you! It’s not everyday that I necessarily need my make-up to last all day, but after knowing that it can I became hooked! This spray keeps my make-up looking fresh up until the point I’m ready to take it off…really!

Now don’t keep it a secret, what are some of your everyday must have’s?!

Valentine Inspiration

I’ve had this t-shirt tucked inside my pj drawer for months now because it is so darn comfortable that I love jumping into bed wearing it! But I broke it out over the weekend and took it for a little spin. As I was looking over my outfit, I realized that I was wearing a few key pieces that would happen to make great Valentine’s Day gifts next month! The wifey tee is obviously one of my favorites. This Tiffany bow necklace was a gift from my son and husband a number of years ago, but remains a staple in my daily jewelry. This Mrs. necklace is another adorable option. I’m also wearing my Kate Spade bracelet and although I could no longer find the exact piece, I came across this love knot bracelet as a great alternative. Just a few ideas in case your significant other needed an idea or two ;)

Details: ILY Couture tee / AG denim (similar) / SheIn sweater jacket / Scarf (similar) / Converse sneakers / Tiffany bow necklace / Kate Spade bracelet (similar)

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Layered Up

I first shared this sweater on the blog a few weeks ago here, but I’ve been wearing it so often, I figured I’d give it another go-around on here! I’ve been layering it up with various flannels, button-ups and t-shirts and still can’t get enough of it. If we must endure these cold winter months, we can be thankful we get to play around with all the layering, right?! ;)

Details: JCrew sweater (similar option) / JCrew flannel (similar) / Denim / Boots (similar here and here) / Kate Spade bag (similar) / Target hat

Style Made Easy

Tomorrow I am speaking to a local MOPS group on developing personal style and gaining self confidence during the process. Public speaking is way out of my comfort zone. I’d much rather hide behind a computer screen and share my thoughts from my couch! But nonetheless I’m flattered to have been asked and pray that I can clearly express my thoughts in order to help anyone that may be struggling in this area. For those that may be attending, I look forward to meeting you!

As a part of my discussion, I put together this 10 piece wardrobe in an attempt to show these women that style does not have to be difficult or intimidating. These items (or items very similar) are likely in most closets, even if you have to dig around to find them! On the other hand, if your wardrobe feels outdated and you’re looking to start updating but have no clue where to start, well, here’s that starting point for you. I’ve taken what I see as a number of closet staples and pieced them into six different outfit combinations, with many more possibilities at hand! In fact, my guess is that one could mix and match these pieces for a month (or close to it!) without having anyone take note that they’ve been in one big rotation!

Here are the 10 items I selected, followed by the outfit combinations.

  1. Cable-knit Sweater
  2. Knee-high Boot
  3. Striped T-shirt
  4. Plaid Scarf
  5. Denim
  6. Pendant Necklace
  7. Cardigan
  8. Black Denim
  9. Chambray Shirt
  10. Booties

Plaid Scarf

I think my secret weapon to dressing as of recently is to throw a scarf on it! Honestly, I can have on the most unimpressive outfit, but somehow throwing on a cute scarf (plaid is my current go-to) as I run out the door can quickly pull everything together. I’m not saying this turtleneck sweatshirt is unimpressive though, it’s anything but! Sweatshirts are becoming more and more my thing lately and I just love that this one is a turtleneck. It also comes in a beautiful shade of red. Worth checking out, for sure! As are plaid scarves, in case you didn’t catch that ;)

Details: Scarf (gifted from my bf, see other options below) / JCrew sweatshirt / Ann Taylor coat (similar) / JCrew denim (similar) / UGG boots

Winter White

I hope you all have had a great week! We’ve been fighting off the stomach bug around here, but thankfully it’s been quick….hoping it stays that way!

This sweater is 40% off at the moment and it is amazingly soft! It also comes in navy which I was tempted by, but the winter white ultimately won me over. My mom gave me this Stella & Dot necklace for Christmas which has since sold out, but I love the look and found similar styles for you here and here. I love that it makes a statement but can be worn with a number of outfits because of it’s neutrality.

Wishing you a great weekend and I’ll see you back here Monday!

Details: Lou & Grey sweater / AG denim (similar here and here) / Stella & Dot necklace (similar here and here) / Boots (similar here and here) / Michele watch

As some of you know, my husband works from home. There are pros (he’s there to help me bring in the groceries and I have the freedom to run quick errands while the girls nap) and cons (he’s home for three meals a day and I need to keep the kids at a decent decibel level throughout the day), but overall I do enjoy having him home. One of my favorite pro’s is that he’s always willing to whip me up a smoothie for lunch whenever needed…or um, wanted ;) He has a knack for playing with recipes and adapting them to our taste. I often have one for lunch and they keep me full all afternoon, which a typical lunch doesn’t usually do. Today I wanted to share one of my favorite smoothies, adapted from this recipe.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Protein Smoothie:

Ingredients:

6-8 ice cubes
1 C milk (or almond milk)
1/2 C greek yogurt
1 banana
1 scoop protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
2 Tbsp peanut butter
1 Tbsp honey
1 tsp cocoa powder
Sprinkle of cinnamon

Directions:

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Serve over ice if desired.

The Blues and Browns

As I was putting this outfit together, I couldn’t help but think how cute it will be when spring rolls around, minus the fur, coat and boots. So basically, a pretty peplum top paired with white denim, which I absolutely love wearing year round. This top is a deal at $18…a far cry from the price of all the designer gowns I’m currently watching on the Golden Globes! I don’t have a fav yet, but Zoe Saldana’s Gucci ruffled gown in shades of pink and red is definitely up there! Who was your winner?

Details: SheIn top c/o / Ann Taylor coat (similar here and here) / JCrew denim (similar) / Boots (similar) / Faux-fur stole (similar)

 

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