All things blue. Different shades and patterns, yet they still pull together for a cohesive look. A great tip for pattern play is to stick with one focal hue so you can mix stripes and florals but still look intentional and cohesive.
I shared this little Kate Spade bag recently on Instagram here, but it reminds me of something I would have longed for in my Grammy’s closet. The fabric, the pattern, the shape – it’s adorable.
These jeans are one of my favorite 2021 closet additions. And these heels might be in the top five. Why? They are sleek, classic, and solid making them extremely to mix and match. I’ve already worn them more often than other pieces I’ve purchased, which leads me to further realize that the majority of my closet is becoming solids.
I am, in fact, becoming my mother. It’s fine, it’s fine!
I don’t cover a lot of kids clothing/fashion because I do try to keep this blog centered around adult fashion, but “help! boy mom and we need clothes” emails and messages keep coming, so it felt like it was time to share an update post about Hudson’s wardrobe lately.
My biggest tip for dressing babies and toddlers is: keep it sweet and simple. The ruffles, logos, bright colors, phrases, busy patterns… it’s a lot on a small body! I try to keep Hudson’s clothing to solids and stripes (with the occasional large scale print like this), and the result is a sweet but small capsule wardrobe that easily mixes and matches for fool-proof mornings. I also mostly commit to soft colors like whites, creams, camel, soft blues and greens, etc. I don’t think he has any black in his closet and only a few navy pieces.
My second biggest tip is fit. Nothing makes me more sad than a baby in baggy clothes. I prefer to have less clothes that fit well rather than tons of clothes that don’t fit properly. I keep the clothes that currently fit Hudson in his dresser and clothing that he hasn’t grown into yet is in his closet, categorized by size (12M, 18M, 2T, etc). If it’s too baggy, it goes in the closet until it will fit properly.
To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage –
1 | 2 | 3 | 4– 62% off | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 – 50% off | 9 – 50% off | 10
H&M | This is probably my #1 go to for Hudson’s clothes. They are soft, they are a realistic price point, and honestly their selection is pretty amazing. A two piece linen short set for $30, a chunky knit cardigan for for $25, $10 camel joggers. How can you beat that?
Baby Zara | They do not have a user-friendly site, but so many cute kids pieces. Definitely for the “cool kid!”
Old Navy + Gap | I will get the occasional clothes and outerwear from here and oftentimes pajamas. I also have this knit onesie in grey and navy (both on sale!) and it’s adorable. I also have these solid sneakers in every size. Literally, I bought every size because non-logo sneakers are harder to find than you’d think!
Etsy | I do buy the occasional thing for him from Etsy, like these diaper covers in nearly every color and his Easter basket.
Cadets | We love all shorts from Cadets! They are a great length and have a super cute assortment of colors. You can also personalize them if you want, and I find the cut really flattering on little legs.
Osh Kosh | I got this toggle coat for Hudson that he wore allllll fall and winter and it is A+ adorable and fantastic quality. It’s no longer on their sit but this one is really similar. A lot of kids outerwear needs to be dry cleaned (which I find ridiculous), and this one can be thrown in the wash easy peasy. I also have this vest for next fall.
Grace & James | One of my all-time knit sets is from Grace & James, so much so that I have it in 3 sizes/colors. I also just got this personalized sweater and these spring overalls just in time for Easter. And how adorable is this swimsuit? Really beautiful, special pieces you’ll want to hand down for years and years.
If you have favorite baby clothes sources, I would love to hear. Thank you so much for reading and you can find more baby/family posts and resources in the “family” category of this site. XO –
We spent the majority of last week at the beach with Christian’s family, and it was Hudson’s second-ever visit to the beach! The first time he wasn’t quite sitting up yet, so needless to say, it was a little less fun for him.
I was excited to see him happy to play in the sand and timid around the ocean, so that felt like a win/relief! For the most part, when we visit Gulf Shores we are also getting family time. So we don’t go many places outside of the beach and house. This trip we did try a few restaurants and I shared them below.
I wanted to share a few things about our short trip last week! We went to Christian’s family’s beach home in Gulf Shores, Alabama. They have owned the house for almost 10 years, and while they all live closer to it and visit more often, we have only been able to go a handful of times.
So with that being said, I don’t know very much about the area and usually when we visit, we cook at home and mostly stay at the house or the beach. This trip however I was able to also see my girlfriend Jenn of Haute off the Rack, and we went to a few restaurants in Orange Beach.
Fisher’s (Upstairs) | We had a double date here and it was such a great atmosphere. My meal was good (not amazing or anything), but I feel the ambiance made up for it. The dockside below is a more casual daytime restaurant.
Buzzcatz | A cute an easy place to grab breakfast or a pastry to go. We were only here briefly but it was good!
The Gulf | A really great open air daytime place that is very Covid-friendly, all spaced out across the sand with cabanas and the perfect view of the water. I would definitely come here again. And it’s definitely family-friendly!
Outside of that, we also got pizza takeout the last night from Janino’s and it was pretty good. I had some sweet gals reach out and share that Playa in Orange Beach was a great atmosphere for Mexican food.
Happy Friday! We are finishing our time at the beach, and while it’s a little colder than we had hoped for, it’s been refreshing nonetheless. We are still learning how to be parents in the “real world,” because we’ve mostly only been parents from within the walls of our house because #2020. As chaotic as it sometimes feels, watching this small yet enthusiastic baby discover the world is pretty special.
I brought this swimsuit coverup with me along with this adorable green midi dress, and they are really great for easy pieces that make a statement without a big price day. Purchase approved!
We hung the black & white gallery wall, and when I say “we” I mean Christian. I have to say, it’s even more wonderful than I had anticipated. I’ve renamed it my “gratitude wall,” because looking at all of these photos, moments, travels, our healthy families… my cup just feels so full with gratitude. I didn’t realize it would feel as sentimental as it does, so if you have the space to hang a wall of photos, I would recommend it! We have a mix of DSLR and iPhone photos, but when they’re all black & white it still looks like a cohesive story.
That’s all she wrote. I hope everyone has a beautiful weekend and enjoys some sunshine outdoors! I am so excited about spring weather and time outside in the yard. I’m a secret gardener wannabe, so you know I’m ready. Thank you so much for reading! XO –
I am always looking for fresh, healthy and easy-to-prep recipes for the week. When Christian, Hudson and I are together at 5PM, it always feels like 6PM rolls around so fast! So anything that can be marinating ahead of time is amazing because it allows us to just pull it out, toss or throw on the grill and dinner is served.
We made this Greek salad recipe with this Greek chicken marinade and truly, it was better than takeout. Blew my skirt up. Christian and I both thought it was one of the most flavorful meals we have had in a long time.
Next time I would serve it with some warm pita bread and hummus for a seriously delicious Greek spread. I’m bookmarking this as a great recipe combination when hosting guests as well!
Bon appétit! Thanks so much for reading and you can find more easy recipes in the “food” category of this site. XO –
This week’s wish list is themed around classic pieces that I consider closet staples. That usually means solid colors (maybe a stripe thrown in), cotton, linen, clean lines and lots versatility. If you look at this collage cohesively, you’ll see that almost everything goes with everything. That’s the major perk of focusing on elevated basics.
I have this midi dress in a few colors and it is so cute on its own or layered with a cardigan. I bought this linen blazer and shorts last year and can’t wait to pull them out again this year. This cozy set looks like a major win and this cashmere cardigan has a matching jogger that I have and love.
I can’t have enough tees and this one and this one are so chic with a pair of jeans and fancy flats. I have these sandals in a cognac and have loved them for years. Love the suede version. I just got these ballet flats and these, and they are just as comfortable as they are beautiful. And I recently pulled out these eggshell wide leg jeans and remembered why they are so fab.
Do you have any solid closet staples that you swear by? Because you know I want to know about it. Thank you so much for reading! XO –
I love a midi dress, and I am always very into the coming of spring, the return of exposing a little flesh and less static-inducing layering.
When I saw this white lace tiered midi dress, I thought it would be the sweetest dress for a bride or a great Easter weekend dress. Bonus points that it’s comfortable with the ruffles allowing as many french fries as one desires.
I paired it with neutral accessories and a pop of color in this bag, but you could also add colorful sandals, bracelets, earrings, etc. for a more vibrant look. I’m linking more white lace options at the bottom of this post!
similar sweater here (on sale) and here (on sale and under $30!) | similar cardigan here and here | leather pants – old, similar style here and here, look for less here and I just bought these | similar loafers | similar sunglasses, also have and love these | bag
This past weekend we went to Highlands, North Carolina for the first time to spend some time away and celebrate Christian’s birthday weekend. So many of the friends we’ve made in Georgia love traveling here as a weekend getaway as it’s only two hours from where we live. It was time to check it out for ourselves!
We haven’t traveled out of state since fall of 2019, outside of visiting family. Not only because of covid and trying to limit hotel stays, but also because if I’m going to invest in travel, I don’t want to be restricted. Restaurants are at half capacity and nearly all require reservations, masks are required both indoors and outdoors and you’re paying the same price whether there are restrictions or not. That combined with having a busy and often unpredictable toddler… it has just been significantly easier to stay home and save for when we can vacation without as many restrictions.
I also didn’t realize that so much in Highlands is “closed for winter.” For some stores and restaurants that means mid-March and for others it means April and onwards. We were there in early March and the weather in the morning was in the 30’s (and windy which made it feel colder!), so it makes sense that a lot of the outdoor activities were on temporary hold. That is something to consider when/if planning your trip!
Where We Stayed
Lofts on Main | Christian did some research before booking a little loft right on Main Street, and he really couldn’t have chosen a more perfect setup. If we are able to visit without a little one, I would love to stay at Old Edwards. But if you have a family, the Lofts have small kitchens, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, balconies and is right in between Wolfgang’s restaurant and Bardo. It’s also a stone’s throw from Mountain Fresh Grocery. Extremely convenient!
Where We Ate
Four65 | We got takeout here and the pizzas are to die for. So delicious and would eat there again!
Mountain Fresh Grocery | So many recommend this stop as an easy, quick and family friendly spot. It’s a higher end grocery in town (artisan cheeses, wine shop, coffee bar, it has a very “California” feel) that also has small and casual order-at-the-counter style restaurants. A pizza shop, lunch/breakfast counter, coffee/espresso bar, takeaway items, etc.
We popped in to get some snacks for the weekend and one day I hopped in here to get a chicken tender meal for Hudson and I to share for lunch. They were probably the best chicken tenders I’ve had in a long time. I even saved one for Christian to have when he got back from his fishing trip and he agreed!
Madison’s | I wanted to have at least one really nice meal to celebrate Christian’s birthday weekend, and I called ahead of time to make a lunch reservation here. I also wanted to see the inside of Old Edwards and didn’t really feel comfortable snooping otherwise as so much is limited due to covid restrictions.
The restaurant is gorgeous, they were incredibly welcoming and kind to Hudson, the food was beautiful and outstanding and it was the perfect spot to end the trip. Currently they are only allowing guests to dine for lunch and breakfast and dinner is limited to hotel guests only. I hope to visit again!
The Ugly Dog Pub | We popped in here for a quick dinner and it was easy pub food. They are one of the few places that don’t require reservations, we felt like Hudson could appropriately sit with us and it was easy. I wouldn’t call it our most memorable meal but a great spot for a quick meal in a pinch! I didn’t want to make a ton of reservations as I didn’t know what Hudson’s behavior would be based on naps, etc., so I appreciated the easy come-and-go.
Also if you bring a framed photo of your dog, it might get hung it on the wall!
Other | Additional restaurants that were recommended that we would like to hit next time: Wolfgang’s, Blue Bike Cafe for breakfast, Kilwins for sweet treats, Wild Thyme (temporarily closed for winter), Paoletti’s (also temporarily closed), the Bridge at Mill Creek, the Wine Garden at Old Edward’s (closed for winter)
Downtown Playground | The Methodist Church has a sweet little gated playground we visited twice to blow off some energy for Hudson as he was mostly strapped to the stroller. It’s easy to walk to and right at the end of Main Street.
Spa | Everyone rave about the Spa at Old Edwards. If we visit after covid life, I would love to try!
Hikes | Sunset Rock, Dry Falls, Glen Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Whiteside Mountain
Ice Rink | There is an ice skating rink downtown that is open for winter until early March that would be really fun with older kids.
We intended to go on a short hike, but with Christian taking a half day to fish, the colder-than-anticipated weather and nap schedules, we didn’t make it this time. But it’s on the list next time! I also would have loved to check out Cashiers but we ran out of time. I hear summer is a poppin’ time in Highlands, and I hope one day we will make it back up during the warmer months.
If you have any favorite spots I didn’t list here, I would love to hear about them in the comments! Thank you so much to everyone who offered their tips and recommendations. I hope we will get to visit to try some more places soon!
I’ve had my eye on a few spring picks from Amazon recently, so I wanted to dive into what I’ve ordered and what I have my eye on so far. To shop, simply click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.
I have owned this dress in pink and black and it’s the most amazing layering piece (styled here). I know once the weather is warm enough, I will definitely be pulling it back out. Along with this dress that is so comfortable and easy, I think I need it in more colors. I’ve ordered this dress in two colors and I think it’s going to be so versatile. How cute would it be belted!?
I ordered this dress and so badly wanted it to work for me! Sadly it was too short on my 5’7″ body. But if you’re a little bit shorter than me I think it’s the cutest dress.
I have these heels in two colors, and you’re not going to find a designer dupe better than these slides or this bag. Yesterday I ordered this lounge set and this cardigan looks SO cozy and perfect for a spring layering piece!
Have you snagged any Amazon Fashion finds lately? Do share! I also have all of my favorite Amazon finds in my Amazon Storefront that you can also find underneath the “Shop” page at the top of this site. Thanks so much for reading – XO –
Body conscious dresses. I love the way they look – celebrating curves – but I don’t love that I have to be so aware or self conscious of my posture, not overeating so I don’t feel uncomfortable, etc.
I absolutely love this top and skirt set (and think they would be great as separates also) and wanted to show how you can easily layer over your form-fitting outfit for a more approachable look that still shows some curves. There is no point in wearing anything you don’t feel confident in, and sometimes layering helps me take something that I might initially question to a place where I feel en fuego.
Did I technically layer with a robe kimono that can be worn as a house robe? Yes. But I mean, versatility is everything! If you think it works, I say go for it.
What’s your stance on body conscious dresses? Are you up for them or not so much? If your answer is not so much, would you reconsider with layering or no?
– the cutest MZ Wallace bag that I’ve already used multiple times –
A happy Friday to you!! We are finally all healthy and energized after being hit with a winter cold, and I am so grateful. I’m definitely a mover and a “do-er,” but like clockwork, once a year I get hit with a cold that wipes me out. No one likes feeling tired all of the time, so I always find that return to health so uniquely wonderful. There’s nothing like being happy simply because you are well. If only we always had that kind of gratitude!
We are heading on our first 2021 adventure today, and I am so excited. After doing so little last year, this year we have been intentional to make more plans. When I feel like I’m living in groundhog day, repeating the same motions over and over again, breaking that monotony really brings excitement and inspiration. We are still adjusting to traveling with a child… so that part brings some new-to-us struggles. But you gotta live to learn!
I did a little spring shopping for other upcoming adventures this week. I thought this skirt would be so great with flats and a simple top. Bought this breezy dress for a beach trip, along with this swimsuit I’m crossing my fingers fit. On that note, I also bough this bikini top and bottom and this one-piece that are made of some miracle stretchy fabric allowing them to be one size fits all. Will it be too good to be true? Time will tell! And I saw these heels were recently released in new colors, and I have loved them so much I snagged the Toffee color.
Yesterday was Christian’s birthday, so we will be celebrating him all weekend, and I’m loving it. Who would have thought that we would all be experiencing not one, but two Covid birthdays. Although he is vaccinated this time around, so that’s a bonus.
I hope all of you have a beautiful weekend. Thank you so much for reading – XO –
We’re not necessarily centered on a “theme” today, but I have had a little extra time on my hands lately and have been perusing online. Blame it on the warmer weather, the sunshine, finally shaking a cold or planning our first few adventures of 2021… but I have my eye on some pretty cute stuff.
To shop simply click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.
Let’s talk about these Hunza G swimsuits. They are one size fits all, super stretchy and flattering on so many different body types that it makes me super curious to try one out. It’s hard for me to want to splurge on swimsuits, but this one might be an exception.
I’m seeing sandals like this and this everywhere for spring and summer. I’ve already splurged on these and these and can’t wait to wear them, but I might need a trendy pair for fun!
I find vases and bowls hard to resist. I love the sleek style of this one, these are such a great deal and this ginger jar is so beautiful with its gold detailing.
I don’t quite know why, but I’m really gravitating towards this bag and I love that this is just a small “phone tote.” I mean… adorable. These slippers are a $24 dupe that come in so many colors… I think I’m going to have to snag the green.
We all know I can’t resist a midi dress. This one looks super chic and classic (on sale for $33!), and I am so into camel right now that this one under $80 is in my cart.
What’s speaking to you right now? I would love to hear what you have your eye on! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
