a lovely living

Hey guys! I realize that this is my second time taking you into the dressing room with me this week, but when I heard LOFT was having a 40% off sale, I couldn’t help but want to share everything pretty with you! I took a quick poll on Instagram yesterday before I went in to see if you’d be more interested in casual or work appropriate attire and it ended up being fairly split. The great thing about LOFT is that you know they have you covered from lounge to work and everything in between. The store is currently 40% so this is the perfect time to grab anything you’ve had your eye on!

Let’s dive into what I uncovered in store yesterday. The dresses and tops ran true to size (I’m typically a 0 or 2 in dresses and an XS or S in tops for reference) but follow along closely on pant sizing because I was in everything from 00 to 4!

Let’s start with the dresses and work our way casual. This dress was the absolute cutest in person, although hard to capture in a dressing room. It’s navy  (not black), has a very flattering shape, ruffle detail at the hem and button pocket detail. I could see this being dressed up for a wedding with some heels and the right jewelry or with a cute cardigan dressed down a bit for work.

Here’s another adorable dress. The color is just beautiful and the ruffles add a sweet, feminine touch to this shift dress.

It also looks great layered up with a scarf and denim jacket to take it more casual.

This dress was so sweet. I love the floral print and the smocked top. I think it pairs perfectly, although somewhat unexpectedly with this cotton moto jacket. A cute pair of booties wouldn’t hurt either!

One final shift dress that wouldn’t be complete with out a little ruffle on the sleeves ;)

I was a big fan of both of these pieces. The top is very pretty in person with a sweet bluebird print and ruffled collar. This could definitely work dressed down with denim as well. And if you’re on the hunt (or not!) for a pair of black pants, you’ve got to give these a try. The tie detail and crepe material made me wish I had to dress up on a more regular basis! These did run large for me though, so I’d size down.

This cute t-shirt comes in a few other solid colors, but I couldn’t pass up the polka-dot print. I also loved these pants which are running low on sizes (online at least) but worth grabbing if you can. I was in a size 2 here, but I would have taken a 0 if they had them in stock.

These jeans fit like a glove, but in my typical size 2 they were too tight for my comfort (as in I’d be scared to bend over!). I’d size up one size in these, but otherwise they are great jeans with a nice dark wash for fall.

Here’s another great work outfit. More polka dots and ruffles because workwear has no reason to be boring!

Here are the same jeans I had on above (order a size up) paired with a really great striped blouse. If you have long arms you may want to size up as I would, that tends to be an issue for me.

I couldn’t wait to try on this double-breasted jacket. It’s adorable and much more unexpected than a typical blazer. Still professional but a bit more on trend right now. As I mentioned, I’m typically a 0-2 in tops, this was a 0 and it was still pretty roomy in the chest/shoulders, so you could likely size down.

On to more casual pieces. It never fails that I fall in love with a pair of Lou & Grey pants or sweats. These charcoal pants were no exception (they come in three other colors too). And the boyfriend cardi was one of the first things I picked up when I walked into the store. The grey/green is so pretty and I’m much more on board with the laid-back fit of a boyfriend cardigan. It also comes in a bunch of other colors.

Here’s a really great Lou & Grey light-weight sweater. Soft and cozy for lounging, but it could even be dressed up for work if needed.

This dolman tee comes in a few colors and is crazy soft. I went with a small here to get a bit of a looser fit, but overall it ran true to size. And how cute are these floral jeans? The print is painted on and adds such a fun touch without being too overpowering. I was in my typical size 2/26 here.

If you’re looking for the absolute softest pair of lounge pants ever, look no further! You’ll have to experience these for yourself because it doesn’t get any better than this ;) Throw on a denim jacket and some cute sneaks and this is a perfect fall, errand running outfit for me!

This cowl-neck tunic is made of the same material as the previous pants. So soft! You could technically wear it as a dress, but I’d likely throw on some leggings under it, especially for fall.

Hey guys, happy Friday! Sorry I’ve been a little MIA this week, summer is so much fun and so much work with three little ones to care for 24/7! I’m in no rush for summer to end, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to gaining a bit of my time back come fall. And getting to shop for groceries without pushing the larger than life shopping cart that’s shaped like a car and weighs eighty pounds, is sounding pretty dreamy right about now ;) We do still have a few fun trips to tackle this summer which we’re all looking forward to. And we’ll be taking those trips in our, wait for it….mini-van. Oh my goodness guys, Jack and I can’t stop laughing about it because we can’t quite wrap our heads around the fact that we actually came to this conclusion. I don’t think I’ve ever said I would never have one, but I have a fond love for SUV’s and love the way they drive so assumed that’s the path we’d be on. Well, it turns out there’s no denying the functionality and space that a mini-van offers for our family of five. We pick it up next week and I’m honestly just as excited as the kids are. It’s time to embrace the soccer mom in me because I am in fact a soccer mom ;)

I haven’t had much time to shop in person, but LOFT is offering an extra 60% off their sale items right now! I’ve rounded up a whole bunch of favorites including staple tee’s, pretty tops, a few fun pant options and more. You’ve seen me wear this top multiple times (including here and here), these pants seen here, this sleeveless sweater here, and this adorable jacket here. Be sure to browse a bit if you have the time because there are so many great finds at some incredible prices!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Hey guys! It’s Friday and LOFT is having a 40% off sale, so all signs are pointing towards a great weekend!! I ventured in to do a little try-on session earlier this week with my two oldest, thinking maybe they could contain their boundless energy for a half hour, but it turns out that locking them up with me in a dressing room doesn’t exactly calm them down, lol! Fortunately I made it through enough to share with you all and you get to enjoy some cute little photo-bombers ;)

I love this shade of pink in addition to the eyelet details of this top. It would look so pretty paired with crisp white denim. The jeans are my own, you can find them here (just size up one, they are awesome!).

Adorable dress. I need a tan or at least a touch of color, but regardless, adorable dress. Apparently Madelyn thought otherwise, lol!

We’ll talk about this cute top first because the sleeves are so pretty and the pink is so soft and beautiful. It could easily be dressed up or down depending on what you paired it with.

This skirt is another winner! The fit is right on and the length on me (I’m 5’7″) falls just above the knee. I couldn’t capture just how cute it is in person, but you can trust me, it is!

The eyelet details on the sleeves of this dress make it anything but a boring t-shirt dress. It’s another versatile piece that could pair with flat sandals for a weekend picnic or wedge heels for church or a shower.

You know causal, comfortable clothes are my go-to’s everyday and that’s exactly why I fell for yet another pair of Lou & Grey lounge pants (and short sleeved hoodie!). I actually think they make it impossible for you to try on and then walk away from!

I own a few sleeveless sweaters (this one is a favorite) and they get much more wear than I ever expected they would! They make it easy to toss on a denim jacket over without the bulk of sleeves to worry about. And these shorts are a great alternative to denim if you wanted to switch it up a bit.

There are many times throughout the summer months that I reach for light sweaters, especially when we are hanging outdoors once the sun goes down. This is one worth grabbing!

I don’t know which I love better, this top or these pants. They both came home with me a few days prior and both are already broken in :) The top is so sweet and loose and comfortable at the same time. And I’m willing to say, if you were to only buy one item, these pants should probably be it! My goodness are they fantastic. I wanted both colors, but decided to start with one and go from there ;)

Another pair of adorable shorts. If the embroidery doesn’t win you over, the elastic waist will ;)

Madelyn clearly approves of this one! Adorable right? The girl and the top ;)

I meannnn, it has pom-poms! Cute, cute, cute!

One final pair of must-have shorts. I love the frayed hem as well as the tassle-tie.

If you need a good summer maxi, here it is! Great fit, cute stripes and a perfect length.

Although this last one was in our LOFT store, it’s actually from the Lou & Grey site, which means it’s not a part of the 40% off sale. It is however, a great summer sweatshirt to have on hand, so I wanted to share!

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Happy Friday! I snuck in to LOFT earlier this week and despite not having a ton of time, I was able to try on some new arrivals that I wanted to share. With a sale currently underway, I know it’s our favorite time to shop!

There are so many bright, spring pieces both in store and online that are worth checking out. The only thing I’m missing is a bit of a tan!

I was immediately drawn to this coral smocked top. It could easily be tucked into trousers for work, or some fun floral pants! Light and airy and perfect for summer. The shorts are adorable as well and have a flattering flat front.

I love the mix of colors on this Lou & Grey t-shirt dress. It’s such an easy summer piece to throw on over a swim suit or with some white sneakers and a denim jacket to run around town.

Another pretty striped piece was this skirt. The colors again were right up my alley and I could see it being paired with any number of sweet, summer blouses and a pair of wedges. Great for work, church, showers etc. And this top is another winner. I’d end up pairing it with blue or white denim, a little front tuck and some statement earrings.

Floral pants for the win (as I was also discussing earlier this week)! They basically feel like you’re walking around in pj’s. I’d probably throw on a solid tee and denim jacket if needed.

Love, love this sleeveless sweater. The colors are bold and bright in person and I couldn’t pass it up. You could pair it with trousers and a structured jacket for work, or dress it down with a pair of chambray pants as I did here.

I can’t seem to track these pants down online yet, but I wanted to share for those of you that may be able to get to a store. They didn’t have my size, so I can’t accurately judge the fit, but they are super cute with the striped print and raw hem. Very fun and playful for spring/summer!

This sweater caught my eye at the end and I’m glad I didn’t miss it! I adore the soft blue and love the loose, airy fit! It’ll look so pretty paired with white denim. I wanted to try these shorts too, which make for a great casual short. They are Lou & Grey so you know the fit and comfort is right on!

I found a few more favorites as I was browsing online, so I’ll share them below as well! I hope you guys have a wonderful weekend and I wish all of you mothers, grandmothers, aunts etc. a very Happy Mother’s Day!!

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It’s Friends and Family at LOFT, ie 40% off the store, and since we’re all friends (and family), I ventured into the dressing room yesterday to check out all the goodies! I admit it was difficult to get excited about all the pretty spring pieces as we watched the hail fall outside, but I did my best! This sweater is likely my favorite and absolutely perfect for the spring we’re having. I also grabbed this cardigan as I was walking out the door because the sleeve caught my eye. Super cute!

As for the rest…

There were a few stand-out pieces, and this shirt dress was one of them. Great structure, great fit, great stripes. Throw on some heels for work or Converse for the weekend.

I own too many versions of this jacket, but if you don’t, you should. It’s a good one!

Lou & Grey is always good and this top is no exception. Such a great fit and a perfect summer popover piece for the beach or chilly evenings.

There were a bunch of adorable pairs of shorts in store. Word must have been out because it was difficult to find my size in most of them (this pair in particular that you can see sitting behind me). These were a size too big, but adorable nonetheless. I love the solid tee paired with it and it’s adorable ruffled sleeves.

This eyelet top is super cute and very versatile. This one could easily go from work to casual weekend paired with some cut-off shorts. The frayed white jeans were cute too!

This top is so darling! Check out the back…

I may be going back for it…if the snow decides to let up!

Yellow is not my color, but if you can handle it, in addition to some polka dots and bubble sleeves, please grab this top!

It makes quite the statement!

Totally fell in love with this sweater. And these Lou & Grey sweats that I mention all the time, are the best! I made my girlfriend try them on and the second she felt them she knew ;)

This t-shirt dress is another Lou & Grey piece. Such a good staple for summer…

But you could also dress it up to an extent for a work day…

This shot doesn’t do the jacket justice, it’s a really great piece with a long, flattering, slim fit.

I’ve shared these adorable jeans before and they are back in stock again! The twisted front tee is adorable but I can’t seem to track it down online yet. Hopefully it’s in your store.

This last one was actually an online order that I tried on at home and is very much worth sharing! I’ve already had friends buy it who were just as excited about it as I am. The best part is that it’s actually a romper with hidden shorts under the wrap part of the dress. I love that added reassurance ;) The fit is spot on and the navy is universally flattering. A+ from me!

On another note, many of the pieces I wore back in this post are still available for this sale and are likely worth checking out!

Hope that’s helpful for you guys! Let me know what you end up grabbing for yourselves!

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Despite my giving up apparel shopping for the rest of March, I decided to venture in to LOFT to check out their latest arrivals. It had been a few weeks since I had been in the store and honestly it was nice to see some of the girls and say ‘hello‘. Needless to say, there are some great pieces right now that I wanted to share with you.

I immediately loved this darling swiss dot sleeve tee. It could work with my everyday casual style as well as being dressed up for work etc. with a cute pair of trousers or a skirt (see more of both as you continue). I have it on here with the most stretchy pair of denim leggings. Not only are they comfortable but the grey is perfect to pair with spring pastels.

If you’re in an area that continues to see snow falling (hello Pennsylvania!) then sweaters may still be on your radar. This one however, is light enough to take you through spring and also comes in a handful of other colors.

And if you need a good pair of dress pants. these cargos meet trousers are a great option. I love the button detail at the waist.

I don’t always love these loose fitting tops on me, but in general I love the style. If you have somewhat of a chest, I feel like they tend to look frumpy.

But the back is what could win me over…

How I wish I was able to have purchased this striped top. It has a wonderful shape to it (I love the hemline of shirttail tee’s) and it would be perfect with a spring scarf or denim jacket. And to be honest, I’d be wearing it at home with my sweats!

Moving on to more spring-y pieces, how about this top?! It’s SO pretty in person, the colors are perfection. As is the flattering shape.

And these pants guys! They aren’t super clingy in the leg which is nice, but the tapered leg is very flattering. And the pink is so pretty and perfect for spring/summer.

For those that work in an office or appreciate an extra layer, this cardigan would work tossed over any number of outfits. I love the slightly flared sleeve and the open front.

You can throw a ruffle on just about anything to win me over. This skirt is no exception (just ignore the dusty mirror). I love this shade of grey and the flat front is a great shape to wear with tucked in blouses/tops.

Here’s a great scarf that’s perfect for spring (I actually have this one). It’s light, yet has a nice warmth to it and would look great with a lightweight jacket. It’s also marked down to a great price!

And finally, this kimono. It’s light-weight but makes such a statement! I’m so predictable when it comes to the colors I wear, but you have to agree on this one, right?! Just beautiful.

Before I left I found the most adorable pins that I grabbed for the girls (but I’m thinking we’ll share!). I can’t find them online yet, but if you head in store be sure to look for them! Cactus, bee’s, sunglasses and initials to name a few! Super cute for warm weather to throw on jackets, bags or backpacks!

Have a great weekend guys!!

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Happy Friday! I ventured in to LOFT yesterday because I had been seeing some of their new arrivals trickling in and was excited to give them a try (on) ;) They’re also offering 40% off full-priced styles and I know we all love a good sale!

Check out what came into the fitting room with me…

I’m just going to start here, because nothing can compare to Lou & Grey sweatpants! At home especially, I love lounging around in their sweats and a comfy top. Let’s just say I have a few pairs in my closet. Just as I walked out of the fitting room with them, some of the employee’s were surrounding the rack discussing the same pants. Apparently they had just been put out within the hour and were already all the rage! This sweater is also amazing. It has a great fit and was very comfortable. Had I not already bought a similar one recently, I would have brought this one home with me.

This shot cracks me up because the angle makes it looks a though I’m showing off a baby bump….which I’m not ;) The perfect hand placement and all, lol! But I promise, in person, this sweater won’t make you look pregnant. Unless you are pregnant, in which case it would look adorable on you!

The denim pants are also super cute, check out the snap detail at the ankle. They have a great amount of stretch to them which makes them extremely comfortable.

The new arrivals include a bunch of beautiful florals. This embroidered sweater is example A! I love the colors, the embroidery and the 3/4 sleeves, especially for the spring.

This was probably my favorite floral top. I love that it was paired with stripes. A little fun, a little preppy, a lot of style! I also love the button fly on these jeans. I still tend to battle the rear gap in some of their denim, but if you don’t, you’ll want to check these out!

Another adorable top that could be dressed up for work or worn on the weekend with denim. I love the bell sleeves and I’m always up for a good peplum!

How cute is this top? The bright colors are screaming for spring with its Lily Pulitzer-ish vibe. It would look so crisp paired with some white denim!

I’ll leave you with one final adorable top. In case the florals didn’t sell ya, maybe the pearls will :) Another piece that will be absolutely perfect for spring.

So how about you guys….ready to start prepping your spring wardrobe or still cozy-ing up in all things warm?!

Happy Friday! I’m taking you into the LOFT dressing room with me again today for a bunch of reasons. First, there are sooo many cute things right now! Second, everything is 40% off (and card members receive triple points). Third, I’m going to be hosting a style event at our State College LOFT store tomorrow! For those of you that are local I’d love to see you there between 1-3pm to help style you for your holiday events or help you pick out some great gifts for those ladies left on your list. Or just stop in to say hello! And if you’re not local, road trip to Central PA?? :)

Here are some of my favorites that I tried on…

This blouse was one of my favorites. It’s colors are so vibrant and I love the shape and mock neck detail. The velvet pants are also adorable. I have a close up of the side stripe detail further down in the post.

If I didn’t already own an almost identical faux fur stole I would have bought this one. I love the thickness, the color and the way it lays without feeling too bulky around the neck. I highly recommend this for yourself or as a gift!

I’m not always one for bright colors, but here’s another piece that I had to try. If you’re looking for a great sweater that you’d get a ton of wear out of this season, I’d start here!

Another adorable sweater with a fun heart stitched detail. I love chunky sweaters, but I also love some that are lighter in weight and better for layering. The pants are also great, I adore the zipper detail.

This lace top is so sweet and pretty. It would really work for any time of year but it works well paired with these velvet pants…

Isn’t that tuxedo stripe detail great?

This velvet kimono is so pretty in person. I’d love to pair it with some high waisted denim and a lace cami.

If you want to talk about the dreamy-est cardigan ever, oh my gosh guys, this is it! I didn’t want to take it off! If you get to a store, promise to at least try it on ;)

Just a cute polar bear sweater because, well, it’s a polar bear!! :)

Oh, this sweater! I walked through the store while wearing it to grab a different size and was already receiving compliments on it! That might be a sign ;) I also love these pants, the belt adds a fun element to them.

I’ll tell you, Lou & Grey has a strong hold over me. Their lounge pieces are so fantastic. My sweats drawer is just about full of their pieces and I swear they keep getting better! Pink lounge pants (that I can’t track down online, ugh!)? Yes please! And this top is super cozy!

Cute mix and match pj’s always make great gifts because I feel as though most women don’t care to spend money in this department. Pair this cute ‘sweet dreams’ tee with some comfy bottoms and surprise someone special with Christmas pajamas!

Let me know if you have any questions about these pieces and I hope to see/meet some of you this Saturday, 1-3pm at our State College LOFT store!

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Happy Friday, ladies! LOFT has a 40% off sale going on, so I figured sharing some of my favorites would be a great way to jump into the weekend, yes? I didn’t have much rhyme or reason to what I was grabbing to take into the dressing room with me, but by the end of my try on session I couldn’t get over how darn comfortable everything was! Let’s take a look and I’ll give you the details…

This top, or ‘sweatshirt blouse‘ as it’s called is the reason I went into the store initially. I had seen it before but was waiting for a sale as I typically do. It’s adorable and comfortable and will fit into my day to day wardrobe perfectly! I’m also very much into straight jeans lately and love the look of this pair. I had the ‘back gap’ (is that a thing?) as I often do in their pants, which is a bummer because I loved everything else about them.

 This sleeveless sweater is so cozy! It also comes in grey and oatmeal, all great fall options!

While we’re on the cozy topic, this was the coziest of them all! This piece falls somewhere between a poncho and a sweater but has enough coverage that a shirt underneath isn’t necessary. It also comes in a pretty, neutral color. These herringbone leggings were also adorable. They actually had a bunch of fun legging options, more of which I’ll be sharing…

This outfit doesn’t really scream Marisa, but I think it’s super cute. The plaid leggings are fantastic and I love it paired with the stripes of the sleeveless sweater.

When I first tried on this sweater I thought it was cute, but I wasn’t sold…

…and then I threw on this skirt with it and wanted to walk right out of the store wearing it! I couldn’t get the camera to capture the colors in the fitting room, but they are so rich and beautiful in person.

One more adorable skirt, and again, sooo comfortable! It has a nice stretch to it and is made with a super soft denim. Great for fall (and spring and summer!).

Adorable sweatshirt-like top that could easily be dressed up or down. I’d wear it at home with sweats, throw it on with denim or even cute trousers!

Grey. Ruffled. Sweatshirt. Three of the most dreamy words combined :)

LOFT always has a cute military jacket on hand. This one doesn’t disappoint.

Ok, you’re going to be sick and tired of me saying this, but goodness girls, this dolman top is so soft, and comfortable! I love the attached shirttail detail that makes it seem as though you put even more thought into your outfit ;)

I’m going to finish off this post with some really great sweater options. This one is so flattering and the sleeves are adorable. It also comes in a few other colors! I also loved these wide-legged jeans. I needed one size down (which they didn’t have), but you can get a pretty good idea of the look here.

This Lou & Grey sweater was one of the first things I picked up.  I love the shape and the fringe. I’m wearing an XS here but probably would have sized up to a S if I bought it to get a slightly looser fit.

And finally, a super soft and snuggly sleeveless sweater to wear now and layer up later! You may also notice that I am wearing stirrup leggings! I haven’t worn stirrups since I was in grade school and I was actually hoping they’d work. They were adorable but at 5’7″ and evening sizing up they were not staying up on me. I’d say if you are 5’5″ or under you have a better chance at them working for you ;)

I hope that’s helpful and maybe you’ll find a great piece or two to add to your fall wardrobe, you know, once Mother Nature decides that it’s actually fall! ;)

I swung into LOFT yesterday with my 5 year old in tow because we are nearly napless these days. I suppose that’s a good thing however, with full day kindergarten starting in a few weeks! She was more than happy to tag along and I know I’ll be missing our days together when I can’t have her :( She was a great little helper (when she wasn’t trying to open the door on me!) and I was able to try on a bunch of beautiful transitional pieces that I uncovered in store. Everything is 40% off at the moment, so it’s a good time to take advantage of some warmer pieces as the temps will be dropping all too soon!

I love the off-the-shoulder look, but I admit with short sleeves they can be a bit of a hassle because you aren’t always able to raise your arms! Once you add sleeves however, the problem is immediately solved! This sweater is one such example and a beautiful piece for fall!

And let’s not skip over these embroidered jeans! Adorable! There are actually a ton of embroidered pieces in store right now and I was loving a bunch of them!

I thought this combo would be perfect for a more professional environment. The top is lovely in person and the skirt is dreamy. You need to feel the faux suede in person! Beautiful for fall.

I can’t track this sweater down online yet, so you may need to head to the store if you want to grab it! It’s a beauty. Lightweight and perfect for the end of summer/beginning of fall. These pants are also great for fall. Not only do they come in this pretty sage, but also a beautiful bourdeaux.

I’ve said before that black isn’t a great color for me (I’m a summer!), but for those that pull it off, check this out…

Awesome! Now you could certainly layer a tank under this sweater for more coverage, but I lean towards the modest side with clothing and I’d feel comfortable in this for a date night or night out. There’s more than enough coverage for a bra, and that’s key for me!

And since we’re talking fun, this little number is ready for a good time! Perfect for now or later, later with a denim jacket or a blazer depending on the occasion.

In case you didn’t grab any new denim at the Nordstrom Sale and you’re looking for a pair for fall, these are great. They’ve got a perfect amount of stretch to them, some distressing and have a great wash. If you’re between sizes you could size down in these. And this light weight sweater…she was love at first site for me! You need to see it in person, it’s even better…

Another fun fall sweater. Think of all the fall photo opps coming your way. A nice cream sweater would work beautifully with the backdrops!

This cute t-shirt dress is adorable, comfortable and perfect to layer under jackets…and scarves…with boots….or booties….oh the options!!

And finally, here’s the jacket that’s nearly identical to the one I got at the Nordstrom Sale, and you can get it for 40% off!

Happy shopping and let me know what you find! I always love hearing!!

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