Browsing Tag:

free people

  • Everyday Fashion

    Thanksgiving Day Outfit: And Weekend Sales

    Thanksgiving Day Outfit

    Can you believe it is time to talk about Thanksgiving Day outfits.  And not too far behind that it will be time for Christmas outfits.  I wanted to get this post out with time for all your orders to arrive for Turkey Day and to highlight a few great sales this weekend! Gobble gobble.

    On to giving thanks and Thanksgiving day outfits (and some sales).  For our family it is normally a casual affair so this distressed denim and chunky sweater look is perfect. We typically lay low, eat too much breakfast, eat WAY too much turkey and never have room for pie.  Isn’t that how everyone does Thanksgiving?!?  Ha.

    Giving Thanks

    Like so many of you I have an abundance to be thankful for this year.  This year, more than normal, I struggle to find the words to express my gratitude and thankfulness for all I am blessed with. For the health and happiness of my entire family and extended family.  This year I am ever more thankful that Declan is flourishing and thriving. For the opportunities and experiences of the last year that have continued to shape and form me.  And last but never least I am blessed beyond belief to be married to my life-long adventure buddy and best friend.

    Photos: Jenna Sparks Photography 

    shop the look: denim // sweater // booties // tote // ring

    This sweater is all over Instagram and it is obvious why; the comfort, the price (under $100) and the color.  All three make this the perfect sweater for your Thanksgiving Day outfit.  For me a good quality sweater under $100 (and under $72 this weekend) is a great find and while I am obsessed with this burnt orange color it does come in five other colors <here>.   It is on the shorter side so I paired it with these high-waisted distressed denim.  These jeans are a favorite this season. Plus the high-waisted nature of this pair keeps all that extra turkey tucked in!!  I got you girl. These are 150% my favorite booties.  I can not tell you the number of compliments I get them.  Order true to size and they will stretch a bit as you wear them.

    shop the post

    get your look with the weekend sales

    Keeping your clothes “on theme” is fairly easy and I have taken the hard work out of it by linking up my favorites for Thanksgiving Day outfit ideas.  Also, everything I have linked is on sale.  Both Loft and Evereve are having great sales that run through the weekend.  Make sure you order before Sunday to capitalize on these great sale prices.

    Chunky over-sized sweaters are an easy and logical choice- think lots of eating and cozy traditions.  Distressed denim is a great compliment as it keep is casual and less formal but a step above lounge-wear.  If your days events are a bit fancier I have even linked some great dresses that would be perfect for your Thanksgiving Day outfit.  Order soon to be sure your favorites arrive before Thanksgiving and before the sale ends! Everything I have linked in the widget below are on sale!!

    a big thanks to you

    That’s right, I want to thank each of you for your continued support and dedication to coming back week after week.  I know that often times the posts are long and emotionally heavy but I hope you can connect in some way.  It is my ultimate goal to inspire you, connect with you and I want to know how much I appreciate each of you.  Thank you.

    HAPPY THANKSGIVING 

    With love,

  • Everyday Fashion

    Letting Go: White Denim + Free People

    When do you decide to let it go? How long do hold onto something than is no longer in your grasp? Living on the fumes of our memories from London and in the haste of an abrupt move has left me holding onto something that I fear needs to be let free. It used to be more frequent but even 5 months later I get this sensation of unsettled feelings; I become overwhelmed with emotion as I am brought back, through my memories, of our life in London. So many people have asked “what was it about that city that made you so happy” and the honest truth is…. I don’t know.  

    Sometimes I think it was the tiny flat we lived in and the fact we survived on just what we had and the desire for “more” was never about space, objects or possessions. Sometimes I think it was the abundance of opportunities of daily exploration in a city rich with history, culture and pride. Sometimes I think it was the freedom of failure and success that rested solely on our shoulders and there was no obligation to share those moments.  Sometimes I think it was the neighborhood we lived in where we were able to feel grounded, establish a happy routine yet the world was at our fingertips.  

    Over the last several months I have been searching for the same amount of happiness I felt in London- we have considered moving again, we have talked about changing our family, we have discussed spending summers in London…but the reality is none of those things will make me happy.  I am to the point that I believe my holding onto a past is at the root of my inability to find grounded happiness here in Colorado.

    I miss London.  But I miss being blissfully happy even more.  If I am continuously yearning and  constantly thinking about the past than I am not allowing myself and open heart or mind to accept my present life.  And not just accept but to be happy.  Acceptance is step one and I am there.  I know we are here.  The next step is to put those memories, experiences and adventures in a safe place close to my heart where they will remain forever. Thus allowing my heart to be open and clear to find the happiness waiting for me here in Colorado.  I know it is here.. but I have been so clouded by the past I have not seen it… truthfully I have not been looking.  I am perpetually living in the past- even if it is just a few times a month- I need to be present here in this moment.  I owe myself this opportunity.  Finding happiness in my life now does not lessen or diminish the memories of London, it does not mean I can not look back fondly nor does it take away from the experience.  Finding happiness here actually validates our time in London… I learned a lot and changed so much- time to act on those principles.

    Photos: Jenna Sparks Photography 

    shop the look: Denim // tunic top // Sandals // Sunnies // necklace

    I am in love with white denim as you can tell from this recent post <here> and this one <here> but I am also loving this flowy tunic top from Free People.  Denver can get pretty hot in the summer but mornings and evenings are cool and this look is perfect for the changing temperatures.  These white denim are an absolute staple and I believe everyone should have at least one pair of white denim so I have linked several pairs.  This blue top has been simply amazing and for those who travel it packs really well.  It’s breezy which makes it easy to wear on warmer days.

    YOU GUYS… BOWS ON TOES!!!!  And these babies are under $25!!!  Been kind of loving Target sandal line up this year and these are my favorite.  Who doesn’t want to wear bows on your toes?????

    My dainty “D” initial necklace was my birthday gift from Brendan and I have yet to take it off.. .you have been seeing it in all my Instagram (make sure you are following me) photos!  I love how small and subtle it is but has the perfect amount of bling with the diamond encrusted initial.

    P.S.- had some technical difficulties with the links and trying to make them a different color- so everything is linked below in the picture shop widget- sorry!

    the signs it is time

    The latest terror attack in London.
    Going to a play where all the actors were British and it took place in the U.K.
    All of our boxes arriving from London.
    My son continuing to call me “Mummy”

    If I look around London is such a part of my everyday life- without me even realizing it.  I no longer need to live in the past.  The memories and experiences will and do live on in my life- the art on the wall- the way Declan says my name- the family photos we have- the stamps in my passport- the key to our flat I wear as a necklace- the clothes I bought there- the food we smuggled in and slowly treat ourselves to– its the small subtle things.  It is time.  London is not lost to me and despite the tears I cried while writing this I am ready.

    My hear it open and happy.

    With Love,

     

  • Everyday Fashion

    Choice: In Flowy Tops

    Choices and Instincts… who decides???

    Recently I have been having an ongoing conversation about the freedom of choice and the idea of who determines our path in life. There are so many beliefs carried by many different people that is there really one right answer??

    The conversation stems from a situation where a dear and cherished friend of mine has been faced with some very challenging life choices. As someone who grew up in a very strict faith and in adulthood committed and chose her faith over anything – she is now bound by the values and morals of her guiding religion. Only now what? And what about people who have been raised with freedom of faith? What binds us and drives us? As I have friends on both sides I am lucky enough to get to engage in close and honest conversations on both sides. How is our life determined? At what point, does love or life take precedent over prescribed beliefs and values? Is there a healthy mix of both?? 

    The reality is there is no roadmap for life- at least not one that I have seen. I believe in the power of choice and I understand that is not the same for everyone. I believe my destiny is not determined but rather I can choose, alter, guide and steer my life towards a destiny. The twists and turns at each corner remind me that I have the freedom to choose and for that I am grateful. Human instinct is such an incredibly strong force and I have learned that when I trust my instinct I come out on the other side happy. Trust me, I do not have it all figure out- in fact I have very little figured out but I am learning to trust my instinct more. I am learning to remember that life is not planned and that sometimes detouring off course can have amazing outcomes. Thinking about my friend who followed her heart – her instinct- I am hopeful that after the hurt and pain is gone she will embrace her choice to follow her instinct.

    Photos: Jenna Sparks

    shop the look:  denim // top // booties // earrings // tote // brALETTE

    Choosing my outfit is like choosing my destiny- I get to decide and I get to mix and match. Enter this open back flowy top which is a little bit off the path for me. Oh, and I choose to wear white denim year-round: talk about veering off course! Ha. I have had my eye on this top for a while but always felt it was a little out of character for me but I decided to just go for it and I am so glad I did!! I L O V E it. I wore it here with a lace bralette and love the free-flowing nature and the openness of the back. It is perfect for spring days as it is still long sleeve to add some warmth but the open back makes it perfect for those warm spring days.

    White denim. Let’s not be scared to wear it all year round. Embrace it, wear it, love it. These new skinnies were a part of the “Operation Update my Denim” that you may have read about in this post. I was so excited to get back to the US and start buying up some essential staples and these were first, maybe second, on the list. I will wear them all season- all year!!! I may add a pair of distressed like <these> or <these> to the line-up shorty but for now I am loving these babies.

    New location = new booties. Again, really capitalizing on the weather and indulging in all the perforated styles. These were a great purchase and will carry me right on through to flip-flop and sandal weather.

    TWO DIFFERENT PATHS.

    I consider myself to be an open and transparent person and therefore I am willing to write and share my wonderings, to share my values and beliefs.  The fact that my heart and instinct would lead me down one path and there are people, whom I consider very dear friends, have been lead down a different path is encouraging as it reminds me about the power of choice. It keeps me on my toes and allows me the opportunity to both expand my knowledge and open my perspective to something different. Furthermore, the fact that conversations don’t turn into judgement is a reminder of the power of humanity and positive intent. Connecting with others and engaging in discussions about real things- including religion and choice- is what I live for. I am not a superficial person. I want to talk about deep things- I want to talk about life. Thanks for allowing me the freedom and space to do so here. Thank you for supporting and being open minded to differences in opinions.

    With Love,

    Shop all the items here with one click- I try to ensure everything is in stock and update if needed!

     

  • Everyday Fashion

    Indecisive V-Necks. Or not??

    Decisions. They are what make up our each and every day.

    Some are voluntary and conscious.
    Some are involuntary and  routine.
    Some are easy.
    Some are hard.

    The problem I am having is the decisions that should be involuntary and easy are all of a sudden really hard and take a lot of conscious thought.  And the opposite is true.  Decisions I used to spend a lot of time on and required a bit more voluntary action have become routine and easy.

    For example- I used to wake right up, never hit the snooze button and was ready to start my day- wide eyed and excited.  Now, I snooze for like 35 minutes sometimes, find any excuse to stay in bed and then drag myself into the kitchen to start my day…. so what has changed??  I still sleep the same number of hours, I still sleep as soundly as I did and I still follow all the same bed time routines… honestly, it is a puzzle.

    But the problem is not just getting up. There has been a switch across my whole life.  I thrive at making huge  life decisions and am challenged at making daily decisions.  Oh, gheez!

     

    Photos: Zoe Griffin Photo 

    SHOP THE LOOK: DENIM // SWEATER // BOOTS // NECKLACE <SIMILAR> // BAG 

    Friends! Run run run to get this sweater.  It is the best sweater I have bought or styled this whole season- honestly.  I love the fit, the color (it comes in many other options) and the material.  It is perfect for under a light jacket as it is super warm.  It is easily worn with a longer layering tee underneath and leggings or with denim as seen here.  These boots are becoming a favorite as I wear them more and I am loving them with skirts!  These are my ever popular J.Crew toothpick jeans and as you can see I wear them all time  The dark color makes them perfect for daytime or evening.  This exact necklace is a few seasons old but J.Crew always has the best statement pieces so I have linked several others <here> <here> <here>.  The bag was a Christmas present and I am simply in love with it- perfect color for winter and will transition so well into spring/summer.  A nice bag can really take an outfit up a few notches- this baby sure makes me feel sophisticated!

    These photos were taken in Clapham Common which is at the end of my street- I literally walk down this path almost everyday.  I was so lucky to have my photographer make the journey to South London for this shoot- these photos will be the prefect reminder of just how beautiful my neighborhood was! But you can be rest assured it took me many many days o decide exactly where I would shoot.

    D E C I S I O N S— T H E    B R E A K D O W N

    Let’s start with life decisions… like moving; we made the decision and then we continued on with life.  Decision over.  Decision done.
    Let’s talk about my breakfast decisions…. do I want coffee or tea? Coffee, so I made coffee and then wanted tea.  Cereal or eggs, well cereal is easier but eggs are better for you- but eggs I have to wash the pan after, cereal is just one bowl…. so I had toast.

    My life just runs this way and I am starting to wonder what is wrong with me?!?  Ha.  I think maybe I am so worn out from making such challenging large impact decisions that I use up my ‘decision making quota’. And so I have toast.  Either way I am working on being better at determining the appropriate amount of thoughts and effort of decisions… should I spent 45 minutes deciding whether to wear burgundy or wine colored lip stick?  Should I spend 3 to 4 days deciding whether to get extra soft tissues or just regular soft tissues?  I guess I will get back to you when I decided… or do not decide…   Just don’t hold your breath waiting!

    With Love,