a lovely living

There will be sales everywhere you look this weekend, but I was excited to get back into one of my favorite stores to check out the fall goodies that are trickling in. Most everything in the store is 40-50% off at Loft, which is always my favorite time to shop! I love this time of year because we get to start layering again! I was tight on time, but did some mixing and matching to give you a few ideas on styling. Let me know your favorites!

This cropped sweater is adorable and comes in a few other color options. It pairs perfectly with high rise denim or skirts, or you could always layer a top underneath (as you’ll see later on). I’m wearing a size small as I typically do in their sweaters.

Apologies for the dusty mirror, but this dress was simply darling. It’s navy with gold buttons, pockets and a pretty peplum hem. It runs TTS for Loft dresses, I’m wearing a 0 for reference.

I can’t find this blazer online yet, but I’ll update once I can. A camel blazer is a great, classic piece to have on hand, especially during the fall.

If you want to add an extra layer for work, this light-weight duster is a great option. Wearing a size small.

Such a great, striped tee. The length is great for layering with leggings and a cardigan, but also works well if you want to tuck it in and add some shape…

This skirt was so fun to play around with. The color is perfect for fall and the length was great, not too long and not too short. I’m wearing a size 0 in the skirt.

I can see this sweater wrap selling out quickly. I love the tie belt that loops through the wrap giving it a flattering and not too bulky of a look.

Here’s that blazer once again. I love this look, pairing it with a tee or blouse and a faux leather skirt.

Anything that comes in this beautiful shade of blue/green typically goes straight into my basket. As did this one. It’s thin enough that it won’t add any bulk under fall jackets and will look just as great with denim as it does with this skirt.

Don’t hate me because this top is sold out, ugh! But thankfully Loft typically carries this sleeveless style, so you can pull off this look with this one as well. This duster is a fun, light-weight layer to toss on as needed.

Here’s another layering idea for this cropped sweater I shared at the beginning of the post. This top would work under it as well.

Without fail, here’s the coziest poncho sweater you could ever find by Lou & Grey. I love how it pairs with these wide leg cropped pants. The plaid is perfect for fall. They do run large however. I’m typically a 0 in their trousers and these were pretty roomy.

Here’s a closer look at the pattern.

This sweater pairs just as easily with the Lou & Grey sweats. If you don’t yet own a pair, do yourself a favor and grab these in every color ;)

This hooded, light weight sweater is another great option for fall. Pair it with sweats, jeans or give it a little front tuck with a denim skirt. Runs TTS, I’m in a small.

This Lou & Grey sweater was one of my favorites and one I may regret not getting. It’s adorable, soft and has a great fit (I’m in the small). I can’t track this one down either online yet, but I’ll update once it’s on!

This sweater is very similar in style to one that I have from last year with hearts all over. This year, of course, it’s leopard! Love the chic mock neck. Very classic and great for work or play. I’m in the size small.

This is becoming a popular style for Loft. A classic look from the front…

…and a fun, flirty look from the back. I’m actually wearing my normal bra here and it worked perfectly. I did grab an XS however, so if you size up too much you may end up with more of a gap in the back, so be careful with that.

This grid print is popular lately and I really like it. Sweater jackets are one of my favorite pieces to wear through out fall because they provide that perfect layer for warmth that also allows you to layer scarves on top if needed.

One final piece that ties in the grid pattern with the mock neck, both of which I love. Another sweater that works for weekend, but is also a great workwear piece. Just picture it with these Riviera pants in red!

Hope this was helpful and that it gave you an idea or two for styling some pieces for fall! I love that try-on’s allow me to share a little bit of everything! Have a great long weekend!

Shop the post:

This past weekend I was able to squeeze in a little shopping on our way home from the shore. J.Crew was one store that I was excited to swing by and was thrilled to see that they were having a 40% off sale. Unfortunately it doesn’t include everything, but luckily the bulk of what I tried was included. Below I included additional pieces that I didn’t catch in store. I’ve had my eye on these booties which I’ve since ordered with high hopes!

Love this throw back sweater. Such a classic that comes in a number of color options. I’m wearing an XS which fit well, but I also could have sized up for a roomier fit.

I’m not sure if their cashmere ever goes on sale, but if/when it does, I’m getting this guy! I’m wearing the small and absolutely love the shape and fit.

This shot doesn’t do this sweatshirt much justice, but it’s crazy soft and has a fun, dolman sleeve.

This tunic turtleneck is just asking to be paired with your leggings! Cute, comfy and perfect for layering.

Loved this cute button down. It has a heavier weight to it which is perfect for fall. It also comes in a pretty, light pink which I wish I would have seen in store!

I knew I loved this cardigan as soon as I saw it on the hanger. It’s part wool, so it does have a little itch if you’re sensitive to that. I’ll be layering under it however, so it wasn’t a deal breaker for me. I loved this neutral color but ended up purchasing the pink…

One other piece that unfortunately isn’t included in the sale is this awesome leopard, sweater blazer. Such a great layer for fall that could go from jeans to trousers to a pencil skirt. Very versatile!

Here are the other pieces that caught my eye…

Hi guys! We are back from vacation and adjusting back into a sense of normalcy around here. My older two start school on Wednesday so we have two final days to enjoy and prepare. We had a wonderful time down at the shore last week and I’m missing that sand for sure! One of my favorite things about Stone Harbor, NJ is that it’s a very walkable town. After living in Hoboken, NJ for nearly a decade, I came to love the fact that we could walk just about anywhere. A few blocks to the local grocery store or the beach or downtown to walk around. I felt the mileage in my legs every evening when I sat down! Audrey still enjoys the stroller, so she was my walking or running buddy for most of it which was so fun.

There are so many adorable boutiques in Stone Harbor (another reason why I love it so much!) that my girlfriend and I enjoy browsing through. One of those shops in particular, Skirt, if any of you are familiar, is one of our favorites. They carry a lot of designer brands, most of which are outrageously priced for my budget, but we always hit the end of season sales at this time of year. My girlfriend and I both scored this shirt dress for 70% off and we couldn’t believe our sizes were the last two in the store! Totally meant to be. You can find this exact piece on their site here, or in another color here, but don’t worry, I’m sharing a bunch of other similar options below! The gist of it is, shirt dresses are a classic piece to have in your closet and very versatile to work with! This was the first way I imagined wearing it. Monochromatic pieces for a base layer and then tossing it over top with some wedges and cute jewelry. Very preppy chic! I’m looking forward to wearing it buttoned up with a belt, booties and a denim jacket, or maybe throwing a sweater over top. All I know is, you’ll be seeing more of it ;)

Details: Shirt dress / Denim / Tank / Sunglasses / Necklace / Earrings / Bracelet / Wedges

Denim is the foundation of so many great outfits. Having quality pieces that fit your shape well, can be worth every penny. Once in a while I come across some relatively inexpensive pieces of denim that exceed my expectations (this denim jacket is one great example), but for the most part, I tend to invest a little more into finding denim that not only will last, but also has a fit that can’t be passed up.

Denim runs the gamut these days, from jeans, to skirts, tops, overalls and obviously jackets. Below I have gathered pieces that I own or are very similar (or updated) versions of what can be found in my closet. This shirt has recently been added and I cannot stop reaching for it. It’s such a great year-round staple. My overalls are going on a few years now and I’m already looking forward to wearing them again come fall. When it comes to jeans, I’m loving this cropped pair (especially when I’m able to throw on some booties), this casual, everyday pair (size up 1-2 sizes!), and this wide legged pair. Not to mention, my black denim that may be one of my best fitting pairs to date. I own two denim skirts. One in this chic longer length and another in a mini (but not too mini) length. I also love having a ‘fancy’ denim top. I own one that can be tied in a bow around the collar, but this ruffled option serves the same purpose, adding a fun element to an otherwise basic piece. And finally jackets. I’ve owned a Pilcro jacket for years and it’s my absolute favorite when it comes to a more fitted jacket with a bit of stretch and has the most flattering shape. I also have this bargain jacket from Old Navy that’s been a go-to for a more relaxed fit. More recently I’ve been eyeing this jacket, which although it’s on the pricey-er side for me, I’ve been hearing rave reviews on it. I had to the chance to try it on last weekend and I’m totally sold. It’s perfectly broken in, fits like you’ve owned it for years and has a beautiful wash with the perfect amount of distressing. So yes, this guy will likely be making his way into my closet sometime soon ;)

Do you have a favorite denim piece? I don’t think I could narrow it down much more than this list!!

Although August always flies by, it’s a month that I always enjoy. Since our kids don’t start back until the very end of the month, it’s a month we get to enjoy while feeling as though summer has really settled in. We swim, we grill, we explore, we sleep in, we vacation….I’d gladly take a few extra days tacked on to this month!

When I saw this dress on a few other beautiful ladies on Instagram, I quickly fell for this pretty, boho style dress. Being that August is rapidly flying by, I thought it would be wise to go with a color combo that would transition well into fall. There are quite a few other color options, but this dusty pink with touches of brown and orange will pair perfectly with my booties and a wrap or denim jacket come fall. The best part is certainly the fun shape and style (not to mention the print), but second best is that it falls under $30! I honestly can’t recommend it enough. For reference, I’m 5’7″ and wearing their size small. These wedges are a great warm weather staple that are now on sale under $50. They are extremely comfortable and also come in various colors.

Details: Dress / Wedges / Sunglasses / Earrings

Happy Wednesday guys! As we enjoy our last few weeks of summer including a vacation coming up, I’m not going to push the creative content, but rather roll with what happens a little more organically. Like yesterday, for example, I ventured into Target with the kids along-side me, and we all came out with a few new things for our closet. Because that’s just how Target works ;) My kids may have been loud, but oh my gosh did they laugh and have a good time trying on a random hat here and random sunglasses there. In a few weeks I’ll be able to venture through those aisles peacefully with a Starbucks in my hand, but for now, I’m enjoying my company.

This midi dress was one of the things I came home with and I couldn’t wait to play around with it. It comes in a bunch of colors, is form fitting with a nice stretch to it and comes in under $25. I’m wearing a size small and would say it runs true to size. Here were some of my initial styling ideas…

This dress could easily be work appropriate when you toss on a cute blazer over top. I personally love this pink/olive combo!

With a chambray shirt and flats this dress becomes one that I could wear out and about for my everyday. Speaking of these flats, they are now restocked and a great fall shoe to have on hand.

I also pulled out this Madewell cardigan from last year and loved how it immediately became a cozy, relaxed look. Booties add the finishing touch to this fall look.

Shop these looks:

Hey guys! Hope you all had a great weekend! Ours was spent with friends relaxing and enjoying summer as we cooked out and and had fun at the pool. I know some kids start back soon, but we actually have three more weeks until ours head back to school, so I’m enjoying the last few weeks of laid back schedules.

I’ve had this pretty top tucked in my closet for a few weeks now and finally got around to wearing it. Of course it’s almost sold out in this color (although the white is beautiful and still stocked), but here’s another similar tie-front option that comes in a ton of different variations. At this point in the summer, it’s nice to go with tops that (and all clothing actually) that will begin to transition into fall for us. These tops would all look cute under denim jackets or cardigans and paired with booties when the time comes!

Details: Top (similar option) / Denim (similar) / Slides / Necklace / Sunglasses (similar)

With very little time to myself this summer, it’s been difficult to squeeze in many try-on sessions. I did manage to get into our Loft quickly yesterday to see what was new and try a few things on for you guys. Many of these pieces are 40% off online, but if you can make it into a store, they are offering 50% off right now!

Unless otherwise noted, I’m wearing an XS or size 0, which is my typical Loft sizing for reference.

This dress was one of the first things that caught my eye. The pink ruffles had me. Although it may look rather fancy, it’s actually made of a light-weight sweatshirt material making it super comfortable!

Another pretty dress that I was drawn to. I love the black, grey, pink leopard combo and how versatile this dress could be. It has a tie waist and the prettiest sleeve detail…

I went with a Small in this dress whic fit well for me.

One final dress I took back with me was this sweet, sleeveless one. I love the soft colors and the ruffle details. I have on a Small but would have gone with an XS had one been in stock.

I liked the slightly heavy weight of this top. Simple and cute with a good length to it. I tried on these denim which were not a great fit for me. The waist fit TTS for me but the legs were skin tight.

They had a ton of adorable work-wear pieces in store. The built-in collar and shirt tail on this tank make it an easy toss on and go piece. I’m wearing a Small here as they didn’t have an XS in store, but I think I could have gone either way on this one. The Small just had a little bit looser of a fit.

Can’t go wrong with this one in leopard print!

I adore the lavender shade of this blouse and how beautiful is this skirt?! It looks and feels like something you’d find at Anthropologie but at a fraction of the price.

This light weight sweater tank was a really good piece. This could be worn with everything from denim and a fall jacket, tucked into an a-line skirt, or worn over trousers as I am here. I can’t remember if I had the XS or S on here, but I’m thinking I grabbed the S.

Of course I came home with this leopard top! It’s basically a heavy t-shirt, but I loved that I could throw it on with trousers just as easily as I can (and will) with joggers. I tried these trousers on in my last try-on in red and this time I finally caved and ordered them in olive for fall. I’m not always a huge fan of Loft bottoms, but these are just so good! I’d say you should order your TTS Loft size, I’m wearing a 0 (but I’m more of a true size 2).

I loved the detail on this top. Especially the ruffled hem on back…

Another pretty top with eyelet detail on the sleeves.

This is a great late summer sweater. Or perfect for air conditioned offices! I love the scoop on the back which gives it some added interest…

I have on a small here which fit well. I needed it especially for the added arm length.

This is a really good, clean-cut denim jacket. I’m wearing the XS here which gave me a nice, fitted look, had plenty of arm length and has just the right amount of stretch.

Here’s a better look at the trousers that I had on for most of this try-on. You can see how flattering the wide leg is and works well with flats or heels. This top was one of my favorites. It was the same print as the dress I tried on, but I loved the long sleeves on it. It’s light-weight, would look amazing with white denim and could go more casual or dressy depending on what you were going for. I may have to go back for this one!

Here’s a closer look at the detail. So pretty!