a lovely living

We woke up to a few fresh inches of snow this morning and are expecting a lot more along with many of you this weekend! I stocked up at the grocery store yesterday, which I always forget to do, so I’m ready with crockpot meals, cinnamon buns and all the other random snack items that ended up in my cart!

I wore this outfit yesterday and couldn’t love the sweater more. Not only is the print great, and appropriate this time of year, but the fit is so chic! Loft is still offering 50% off, so make sure you check out my latest try-on to see what I found in store. This coat is one of my favorites from J.Crew. If you’ve followed for years, you’ve likely seen me wear this cocoon coat many times before and it honestly looks brand new! There are still a few select sizes in various colors on major discount. So if you can grab your size, it’ll be well worth it.

Have a great weekend, guys! Stay safe and warm!

Details: Sweater / Coat (similar) / Denim / Boots (similar here and here) / Hat (similar) / Sunglasses

Hi guys! I was in LOFT over the weekend and found so many cute things that I figured it would be worth sharing with you on here. One of the best things about LOFT is that you can find just about any type of outfit you need. From sweats to lounge around in, to dresses that you can wear to work or a night out, they have you covered with that and everything in between. Here’s what I found this time around…

We’ll start with the cutest heart sweater that’s perfect all winter but most especially around Valentine’s Day <3 It runs true to size, I’m in an XS here for reference and like the fit although you could size up if you wanted a little more length.

Next is this pretty wrap sweater. It’s not a true wrap which I actually like. It keeps everything in place so you don’t have to worry about any shifting. I love that this could be worn with skinny jeans and booties or trousers and heels. TTS, I’m in an XS.

These are the pants I’m wearing in the above picture. I’m a sucker for a tuxedo stripe. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m prone to the ‘rear gap’ in many of Loft’s pants, and that holds true here. But if that doesn’t affect you, then you’ll likely adore these pants.

Such a pretty lightweight sweater. I love the floral print and although the neck is a bit wide, it lays nicely and would even look good with a button-up layered underneath.  Fit is TTS, I’m in an XS here but I would have sized up to S for more sleeve length if I would have ended up purchasing.

And of course, these adorable jeans. They have a great amount of stretch, so although I’m in my normal size here, I could have potentially sized down.

This top is actually referenced as a sweatshirt, but it’s the dressiest of sweatshirts. A skinny pair of trousers and some heels would look great with it. The pattern is beautiful and the neckline is so feminine and very Jackie O.

How adorable is this sweatshirt. I true sweatshirt material with the sweetest little embellishment. I’m wearing a S here and would say it’s TTS.

Yep, more tuxedo stripes! These are more of a legging but they have a zipper and hook closure making them a little more versatile for your wardrobe. I feel like this type of waist allows you do add a front tuck which you know is my bff.

Such a great polka dot, wrap dress. I love the navy/white combo, the fact that it can be worn for work, church or even a date night. The wrap is sewn in place and the dress zips up the back. It’s made of a thicker material so the shape is really great, keeping everything in place.

Oh ladies, this dress is so much fun! I’d pair it with some opaque tights and a cute bootie and earrings for date night (or Valentine’s Day). Fits TTS, I’m in an XS here.

This top is like a glorified thermal. I love the split hemline and the soft blush/grey color combo. I’d wear it with a cozy pair of Lou & Grey sweats for a perfect loungy outfit. I’m wearing a S here but would have sized down to a XS because I think it looks better a little more fitted and less oversized.

A terrible picture, but here I’m wearing the A+++ of all sweats that I rave about along with everyone else.

I love how different this sweater is from most that catch my eye. The colors, the pattern, the quality are all on point. I’m wearing a S but would have sized down had they had an XS in store. I feel like the S loses it’s shape on me. I’d love it a touch smaller with a little front tuck ;)

Call me a creature of habit. Or maybe I just know what I like. But a pastel hoodie is not something I’d pass up. I wore it all day yesterday and can vouch for the coziness. Perfect for lounging or traveling if you have any plans coming up. I’m wearing a S here, TTS.

Here’s another good lounge combo. This open front cardi is the softest thing ever and the Lou & Grey long sleeved tee underneath is perfect for layering and comes in a few color options.

And finally is this cute Lou & Grey swing sweater. It has a dolman sleeve and lays really well. I’m actually sitting in it now as I type this from my fav little coffee shop. I paired it with skinny jeans, booties and my Nickel & Suede earrings this time around.

It also comes in this bold purple which is very pretty, but as you know, I’m a sucker for all things muted in color :)

I hope you all had a great weekend. We woke up to the prettiest snow yesterday. Just a few inches to cover the ground without trapping anyone in is the perfect amount for me!

On Friday I shared a bunch of recent finds from Target. This sweater happens to be another bullseye gem. In addition to this pretty olive, it also comes in a beautiful cream color. The fit is great, being fitted but not clingy. The Who What Wear line has been one of my favorite lines that Target has carried for a while now. They just seem to get it right, from quality to style and price point. I threw on my Ugg wedges with this outfit because they can handle the snow without requiring me to be in a ‘snow’ boot. Sizes are starting to dwindle (despite the fact that they have yet to go on sale), so I’ll put a few links to various retailers below. I don’t regret this investment one bit.

Details: Sweater / Coat (similar) / Jeans / Scarf (similar) / Wedges

Happy Friday guys! I don’t know about you, but this week flew by for me. I’m not complaining though, I’m ready for a sleep-in day :) Target was one of my pit-stops earlier this week and I ended up trying on a bunch of cute things that I found. This hooded sweatshirt was one of them and I immediately loved it. It’s cropped and closer to a sweater material and also comes in a pretty light grey. I’m typically a sale shopper, but I don’t hold tightly to that rule when I’m in Target because their prices tend to be more budget friendly. I’ll link more of what I found below for you to check out, there are some goodies!!

Details: Sweatshirt / Coat / Denim (similar) / Boots / Hat (similar) / Sunglasses

Last week felt as though we were taking a step back into reality, but this week we are all in! Our house is pretty much back in order, thank goodness! I’m much more motivated when I’m decorating, but tearing down is just not nearly as much fun. Not to mention the mess it leaves behind, yikes! But we are now back under control and things are feeling much more fresh around here. To go along with that, our weather has been fairly mild. And by mild, I mean the temps haven’t gone below freezing within the past week or so, so it’s ok to expose an ankle here and there ;) Great timing because I realized that these booties happen to be on clearance for a steal! They come in a bunch of color options and are still decently stocked. I’ve been getting so much wear out of this ivory pair, but honestly it’s the shape of the bootie that I love. The cutout at the ankle has a way of elongating the leg that’s so flattering. An overall, perfect everyday bootie. And I can’t forget to mention this fun, striped sweater. I’m bummed that it’s not currently on sale (because you know that’s the best time to shop!), but I’ll keep an eye on that for you!

Details: Sweater / Coat (similar) / Denim / Booties / Earrings

Happy 2019, everyone!! Yesterday was our first day getting back into our normal routine and I won’t lie, that 6:30am alarm was probably the hardest on me! Jack and Madelyn were up dressed and eating breakfast before I groggily made my way down the stairs. My Christmas decorations are only partially down and as much as I wanted to take the morning to tackle it, I found myself sitting at my regular coffee shop eager to tackle some work while I had the peace and quiet of Audrey back at preschool.

I love the energy of a fresh new year and even though I don’t have a solid resolution this year, I plan to reenforce a healthy mindset physically, mentally and spiritually. Physically I’ve been on a pretty consistent routine of running, breaking out the Sweat app at home and getting to the gym as I’m able. I also strive to reach a certain water intake daily (half my body weight in ounces). This was my resolution last year and although I don’t hit it everyday I sure try! The trick for me is keeping a water bottle with me at all times. If I don’t, I could easily go all morning without a sip. Mentally I’m working on some goals both for the blog and my color consulting business this year. I love being inspired by all the talent out there and hope I can continue to serve as a bit of inspiration to as many of you as I can. And spiritually I plan on jumping into another session of bible study at my church. We’ll be studying some of the women in the Bible and I’m really looking forward to finding out what’s in store. I always learn just as much from our small group as I do from the study itself, which is such an added blessing!

Well, today’s post has little to do with anything I’ve been discussing thus far today, but I decided I would work together a bit of a capsule wardrobe for you guys. As much as I love finding a good statement piece, my everyday pieces are what I turn to just about, well, everyday. I focused on my most worn pieces and put together a group of items that could get you through most of the winter season with a bunch of mixing and matching. I’d focus on a color palette that works for you and hone in on that. A lot of these items come in various colors, so you’d be able to adjust as needed to piece together a wardrobe that makes you happy to get dressed each day! Jump below where I discuss a bit about each piece and why I included it.

Flannel shirt: A great flannel is is a staple in my closet. I wear mine alone or layered under a sweater. Size up one to get a little more length to pair with leggings and some sneakers. This one comes in a bunch of color combos and is super soft (aka comfortable).

Denim: A great pair of jeans can be such a game changer. Madewell has been my go-to for years and they only keep getting better. This is the style I recommend to people the most frequently. I love the exposed button fly and the raw hem. Sleek and just a bit edgy. If you’re new to Madewell, make sure you sign up as an Insider (it’s free) and you’ll receive free shipping and returns.

Sweater Jacket: Despite living in an area that has rather frigid winters, I still love a good sweater coat. I often find myself running back and forth from my car and don’t always need those extra puffy layers, so many times I’ll throw on a heavy sweater jacket and a scarf and it does the trick. They typically have enough room to layer over not only shirts and button-ups, but sweatshirts and light sweaters as well.

Faux Leather Leggings: For sure, my most worn pair of leggings over the past few years. I love the character these give to an outfit and the way they can vamp it up. You can pair them with a sweatshirt and sneakers or throw on heels and a sweater dress to head out. Plus they fit like a glove and are one of the very few pairs I own that never ride down during the day. I recently ordered a pair in bronze as well because they were (and still are) on sale.

Sneakers: Sneakers are always a good idea. I’ve been wearing this pair almost as much as my booties the past few weeks and I love the sporty twist they can give an outfit.

Sweatshirt: Sweatshirts are great but tunic sweatshirts are the best! I have this one and love snuggling up in it, even when I have to be out and about. It works with leggings or jeans and you can layer up with either jacket above as well as a scarf for a cute and pulled together look.

Earrings: My most worn earrings over the past few months. I have a few colors from Nickel & Suede but this cork pair is my favorite. They come in various sizes and I wear the mediums.

Striped Tee: A long-sleeved tee is another closet staple. I love the stripes to add a little character to your outfit. You can catch this one for a steal right now.

Scarf: I’ve been wearing this scarf in green just about daily. It’s soft and chunky (but not overly chunky) and wears really well. It also comes in a few other color options.

Tunic Sweater: Tunics are great because not only are they extra comfy, but they give you that added length making them more versatile (hence more bang for your buck) to pair over your leggings as well. This sweater would look cute over the leggings with sneakers and this jacket, or swap out the leggings for jeans and the sneaks for booties.

Jacket: This coat keeps selling out, and then restocking, and then selling out. It’s fantastic, so I get why. It comes in both green and brown and at the moment sizes are available in both colors here. Any warm, cozy teddy coat would do, but I love this one in particular because it is collarless and has massive pockets. It does run large though, so be sure to size down at least one if not two sizes.

Monogram Necklace: One of my favorite and most worn necklaces. I love that it can go casual or dressy and looks just as chic both ways. This would also make a great gift for a friend or sister.

Wedge Bootie: These were quite a splurge for me, but I have been getting so much wear out of them. I also have someone stop and ask me about them just about every time I’m out. There’s something about the wedge bootie that adds something extra. It gives you some extra height without sacrificing a bit of comfort and they are weather proof and work with almost all of my outfits these days. So if you’re contemplating how to use that Christmas money, let me recommend these to you.

Chambray Shirt: This is something that has and will be on any capsule wardrobe I’ll likely ever put together. It’s such a necessary piece that you can use to intermix various pieces in your wardrobe and create countless looks with.

Sorry about the blogging hiatus guys! We’ve been spending the week with much of our family and friends (as I’m sure many of you have been as well) and come evening all I want to do is curl up with my husband and a good movie. It’s been nice to just slow down and relax though because it doesn’t happen all that often. I don’t know exactly how regular the rest of the week will be either, but I promise to be back to a regular routine by next week!

I wore this look to our Christmas Eve service and despite my husband’s amusement with my ‘Michael Jackson’ pants, I felt I rocked them ;) I love a good tuxedo stripe as well as a monochromatic white combo. The pants run large, so I’d size down. They sit at the waist and have a loose but not overly wide leg. They were a nice break from the skinny leg that I wear so often. My red shoes only get broken out once or twice a year, so you know it was a special occasion. This sweater is almost sold out but I’ve found a number of other options that I’ll share with you below.  Also, if you’re looking for a pretty, bold but not too bold red lip, this Stila lip in Rubino is perfect.

We made it to church early so we had a chance to get a shot of everyone. They clean up pretty well ;)

Details: sweater (similar options below) / pants / shoes (similar) / coat (similar) / earrings / lipstick