Now that Halloween is behind us, I always feel like I can start to get in the winter spirit with velvets, coats and chunky knits. I wanted to round up some winter pieces I’m loving right now – some of which are on pretty significant markdown!
This wrap coat is everything I love in a coat. Soft, camel, tie belt, and it’s on sale. And that’s called checking all of the boxes.
There is nothing softer than a chenille sweater or blanket. This one comes in two colors and is the kind of turtleneck you’ll never want to take off.
I have a handful of black, camel and white bodysuits because I think they look so polished and sleek with pants, skirts and even layered underneath a sleeveless or spaghetti strap dress! This one is so pretty with its v-neck and subtle puff sleeves, comes in 4 colors and is under $50. If you’re looking for a turtleneck bodysuit, I’m loving this one and this one.
You guys know I love a leather pant (styled this fall here, here and here). This faux leather pair looks so comfortable and the style would easily work with sneakers and flats as well as booties or heels.
Velvet midi dress perfection! I have a similar style from years ago that I still really love. I love the tie strap and ruffle bodice and hem of this one. Gorgeous, gorgeous.
Is there anything you have your eye on right now as the temperatures drop? Fill a sister in. Thank you so much for reading – XO –
Some of you might remember this blouse from this post, but it was so fancy I wanted to share it styled in an edgier way.
I think something like this could absolutely work for Thanksgiving weekend. When it’s cooler but not necessarily cold enough to really bundle up. Plus, if you’re helping in the kitchen, it can get hot! If you know, you know.
A few more looks I would recommend for Thanksgiving:
What is the dress code like for Thanksgiving at your house? I do tend to stay away from denim as… who needs that button as a reminder that they had too much pie? NOT the vibe (or reminder) I’m looking for.
We have officially been in our home for over a year, but I am still having so much fun decorating, rearranging and making it feel like “us.” Last fall we were still in painting mode with temporary furniture and a completely bare, empty patio. So this is our first fall to really be able to enjoy our covered patio, and I’ve been so pleasantly surprised at how much time we spend out here.
This month I partnered with Bed, Bath & Beyond to add a few fall touches in preparation for Thanksgiving month – which also happens to be the month of our wedding anniversary and Hudson’s birthday. So you could say we really love November.
I bought two of these eucalyptus wreaths and I can’t even tell you how impressed I was with their size and quality. They arrived packaged so well, and when we (eventually) get new front doors I know they will look so fabulous side by side! For now I hung one on the front door and one on our patio.
I also snagged these throw pillows that are so soft, this falling leaves candle and this candle that has the cutest basket sleeve I may have ended up ordering two more. I’m thinking when I’ve burned all the wax inside I’ll use them as floral vases – so cute!
In 2020, we have been entertaining much more outdoors than indoors. Therefore making our outdoor space as comfortable and welcoming has really become such a priority for so many of us.
To even be able to just step outside for a little happy hour or to watch a football game outside is really so nice. Especially after living without any outdoor space in the past. And it’s even better when we can light some candles, grab a blanket and sit in a fluff of pillows. My kinda vibe!
Thank you so much for reading – and I’d love to hear how you’ve elevated your outdoor space this year.
brought to you by Bed, Bath & Beyond– order online for complimentary contactless curbside pickup!
Combat boots. The “it” shoe for fall and winter, and Sam Edelman has some of the most chic pairs I’ve seen yet! So much so that I’ve already snagged both these and these. You can see the waterproof pair styled here.
When I first saw this boot style being worn last fall and winter I thought… not for me. But this year there are so many sleek and sophisticated takes on the combat boot that I really wanted to see if I can find a pair that felt more like me.
Below you find some of my favorite combat styles from Sam Edelman, but what I love about this Nina pair is that they feel mature and polished. Chunky footwear isn’t for everyone (and also why I personally avoid Dad shoes), but if you want to dip your toes (literally and figuratively) in the combat boot trend, this is the pair for you.
When it comes to dressing Hudson, sometimes I’m ahead of the preparation curve and other times I’m way behind. However when it comes to the busy holidays, I know that it’s definitely better to think ahead of time.
I always lean into sweet, softer colors for him, and Janie and Jack has a particularly fabulous winter collection this year. You can actually but this entire look in a set or you can find the pieces individually. I think the sweater would be so sweet with gray leggings too!
Sometimes you put on an outfit and you just feel like, “this is so me.” And that’s how I feel about this ensemble.
I was recently interviewed for a podcast (will share with you guys when it’s live!) and was asked about my style changing as we moved from the South to California and back to the South. And while I am absolutely inspired by my surroundings, I’ve slowly combines all of the unique styles of those places and have found a balance that feels like I’m presenting on the outside who I feel I am on the inside. In fact, that’s entirely what fashion is to me. Using clothing and accessories to show others on presentation alone who you are.
A little glam (the sweater), a little edgy (the pants) and sleek and an understated sass (stilettos and bag) that feels playful yet confident. This time of year you can add leather pants or a leather jacket to so many looks and achieve the same kind of vibe.
I love seeing what’s in other people’s grocery carts (like this), and it’s been a while since I shared what’s been purchased from my Amazon cart! Let’s dive in –
I’ve bought these and these for Hudson for his birthday after seeing him love them at a friend’s house.
I also recently bought him these leggings in 3 colors and I love them. Such great quality, really comfortable for him to crawl in and much thicker and more well-made than I expected. This summer I also bought these bloomers for him in a handful of colors. F
I bought this little cover for grocery carts but have yet to use it. I’ve only taken him on a handful of errand runs since March and when so, I carry him in the baby carrier because I don’t want him to touch anything. I still try to keep his exposure to germs as low as possible at our pediatrician’s recommendation, but when I do take him – he loves it. He is always so silent, observing all of the action. Bless these 2020 babies!
I can’t even tell you how many times this plastic mat has saved us. We usually keep it on top of the rug under our dining table. If he tosses food, so far it has always landed on the mat making cleanup super easy.
Similarly this play pen or baby gate, baby fence, play space, baby jail – whatever you want to call it, has been a home run.
I have two of these key rings and love them. You can’t beat $9.
I finally received these strappy heels and absolutely love them. I’ve also ordered these glitter sneakers which have yet to arrive, but I’m hoping they will fit!
I’ve been using this detangler for years – always a favorite.
I read someone compare this sports bra to a lululemon version, so I snagged it, and I’ve ordered these no-show socks twice.
These $15 sunglasses are fabulous! I keep the matte black pair as a spare in my car.
If you google it, you’ll see some articles comparing this body creme to La Mer.
I bought these for our bathroom drawers and they’re great for the price.
After having them for a few years, I lost an AirPod and didn’t want to pay to replace it so I bought these. So far, so good.
If you’ve bought something from Amazon lately that you love, please share in the comments!! I love recommendations! You can find other Amazon posts here, here and here. Thank you so much for reading – XO –
How do you keep your house so clean? We never see you clean but it’s always immaculate!
I have always been a type-A kind person. Emma, who helped us keep our home clean growing up, had to ask me to stop making my bed on the day that she came because it was more work for her to unmake it to change the sheets. Like… what 6th grader is like that!?
I do have two women who come every other week, and they are wonderful. That’s not to say that I don’t clean sinks and toilets myself, because I definitely do! I have a roomba that runs daily Monday – Friday, and I probably use my Dyson at least once a day (more because of Bailey’s Labrador hair than Hudson’s messes).
We have invested in these nice things for our home, so I’ve always kind of thought – what’s the point if the house is always a mess and I can’t enjoy it? I think I’ve just found that it’s a lot easier for me to clean a little bit every day than to wait until thing are really dirty and spend hours.
When will you be showing us your bathroom?
When it’s fully complete! We still have a few finishing touches and I felt a little rushed to share many of our room reveals (all in the “home” category) that I plan on waiting until it really feels fully done. So I guess some time in early 2021.
I’m planning my wedding. What did you think was a waste of money?
I chose to have an outdoor ceremony and an indoor/outdoor reception and it greatly reduced the cost of flowers. We did have some floral arrangements of course, but used a lot of candles, twinkle lights and of course, nature was the biggest backdrop.
We also used the incorporated the florals from the rehearsal dinner for the wedding reception the next day. Why not maximize gorgeous flowers and save a little money?
What’s the biggest misconception people have about you?
I guess I don’t really know because I haven’t asked what people’s assumptions may be?
I think there can be a lot of confusion about my job. It’s kind of crazy that I spend more time on email, negotiating projects and reviewing contracts than I do creating actual content.
For three sponsored Instagram stories, there’s often 35 emails back and forth, a 7-page contract and 14-20 page brand document with asks and deliverables. So on the outside it looks like 45 seconds, but the behind-the-scenes of everything we see in social media and/or entertainment is more complex than it appears!
Do you use both natural and cashmere mist deodorant? Which do you prefer?
I do use both! I usually use this deodorant (currently 15% off) in the warm months and this one in cooler months. When it’s really hot, I need to know what I’m wearing is 100% sweat and stink proof.
Do you have any favorite drug store dupes of luxury skincare or beauty products?
Definitely! I use this clear mascara on baby hairs and often as eyebrow gel.
Dark green, navy blue, black and burgundy. I’m an SNS dip person, so I never know the exact color names.
What holiday tradition are you looking forward to this year?
Last year I had envisioned the holidays with our one month old newborn baby, sleepy and snuggling.
In actuality, he had colic weeks 2-11, I was really struggling with disliking breastfeeding (more on that here), and I was in my busiest season of work. It’s hard to bond with your first baby when they are always crying. I actually spent the afternoon of Christmas day crying in my sister’s laundry room (exhaustion, breastfeeding hormones, you know the drill).
All of that to say, this year I am keep expectations low! Christian will be working this Christmas so we will be celebrating with just our little trio in Georgia. I know that Hudson will enjoy boxes and wrapping paper more than his gifts so I don’t plan on going too crazy. I’m sure closer to time we will make some loose plans (meals, movies, hot chocolate, these matching pajamas, etc.) to make it feel special. Last year the week of Christmas we drove around different neighborhoods with Hudson sleeping in his car seat and looked at all of the decorations, and that was really fun.
And I know those of you who have a baby with colic are going to ask me for tips. Sadly… I don’t have any. I’m so sorry, and I know it’s so hard. You don’t even know how tough it is unless you’ve lived it. I followed the advice of our pediatrician (whose first child also had colic) and was fully honest with him. I hired help when I needed a break. We tried all the drops, prescriptions, gripe water. I cut all dairy from my diet. Breastfed exclusively, then tried incorporating different formulas. It didn’t make much of a difference. My dad is a Gastroenterologist and he even sent us pediatric GI articles on colic that we read.
Hudson even stumped our night nurse who works in the NICU and has kept hundreds of babies. And like all newborns, he eventually grew out of it. They all do. On week 11, I had a new baby who smiled, coo-ed and rarely cried. And that’s when we really started to bond.
I remember exactly where I was standing when he first smiled at me at 10 weeks. I stood there and wept, Christian laughing and hugging me. After having such an easy pregnancy, delivery and recovery, those first few months of mom life were so tough. That little baby smile was truly a small gift from God. A little encouragement, letting me know it was going to get better. And boy, did I need it at that time! I cried again just typing this and revisiting that time. It was a lot. You’re not alone!
So all of that to say… I feel confident the holidays this year will be a little happier!
How has motherhood changed you? Has Christian noticed anything different about you?
That’s a great question! I would say that I feel like so much of my life now is centered around making our son as happy as he can be.
Sometimes I realize it’s 10AM and I’ve been up for 3 hours, have fed Hudson a bottle and a snack, changed his diaper multiple times, gotten him dressed and done his laundry. And I haven’t even poured myself coffee or gotten dressed. There’s no one else that I put before myself entirely like that. And it’s not because I have to. It’s because I want to. Because I’m addicted to him!
I asked Christian and, he said that I’m the same other than that I’ve reevaluated my priorities and value more personal time. I used to happily work all of the time, and now I work harder to ensure I have a healthier amount of time off the clock. Which means I’ve learned to say no more often than before in order to ensure that there’s not just family time, but also more time investing in relationships with new friends in Georgia.
I would agree with the above! I think having a child makes you view and value your time differently.
Which MacKenzie-Childs pieces would you recommend for someone new to the brand?
How did you get in shape after Hudson? I need some motivation.
You know how everyone tells you “9 months in, 9 months out?” I would eye roll to myself like, yeah yeah, not me.
Well I’ll be damned. About a month or so postpartum I had 15 lbs to lose. It came off slowly on it’s own. But I had to work at those last 5 lbs. Month 6 – 9 postpartum, I had to really try to make healthier choices daily. And truthfully, once my clothes fit again… I didn’t really care that much.
I kid you not, when Hudson was 9 months old I finally stepped on the scale one week (I weigh myself around once a week, sometimes less) and I was one pound below my weight when I got pregnant with him.
It took time. Literally was 9 months in, 9 months out. That really surprised me that everyone who said that was 100% correct.
Where is your gold safety pin earring from?
You can find it here. I love it, and rarely take it out.
Can you tell us more about your hair color?
I haven’t gotten a cut or color since February 2020. I usually get balayage about once a year and I have my hair cut about twice a year. Perhaps one of the only areas of my life in which I am fairly low maintenance/under budget!
Can you link your diamond eternity band?
My band is a setting redesign from Albriton’s Jewelry with my original stones. You can see more of it here – I am truly obsessed.
Best bra for mock neck tops or sweaters?
I have been LOVING this one because it has no underwire and the thick side strap smoothes everything out so nicely. I also am a big fan of Third Love and Tommy John bras.
Do you wear your Love bracelet all the time (gardening, showering, working out)?
Always. I don’t remember the last time I took it off.
Thanksgiving dinner outfit ideas?
This one is on the blog, but I just think whatever makes you feel your best. Denim and a sweater is an easy go-to (like the photo below). If it’s not cool enough yet where you live, a tee and denim with a big sweater cardigan is nice because you can easily take it off.
Another option is a dress with boots or booties – always cute and you don’t have to think about unbuttoning your pant button after all the turkey and dressing!
Thank you so much to everyone who sent in questions! You can find every Q&A on this site by searching “Q&A” in the search bar or visiting the “personal” category.
I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween and here’s to election week. May we all try to remain calm and respectful regardless of whether or not the outcome is our preference. Thank you for reading – XO –
– hydrangeas that have been alive for weeks – the best! –
– the most gorgeous throw pillows from Paula Rallis Home’s new linen collection –
TGIF! This has been a particularly fun week because I had a few social plans that I have been looking forward to for weeks. We all know that in the year of Covid, there are just fewer things to look forward to. So when you make (safe!) plans it feels twice as exciting.
Last year when I first started seeing people style combat boots, it was a trend that, like Dad sneakers, I did not intend to fall for. Cut to seeing this pair and knowing that I couldn’t live without them. They’re waterproof, somehow still slimming at the ankle and a pull-up style that is no fuss, no frill. I love them. I ordered my usual boot size and they fit perfectly! I’ll be styling this pair in the next few weeks for a campaign, so more combat vibes to come.
This Is Us came back this week and I cried not once, but twice in the premiere episode. So that feels about right. Looking to watch Rebecca on Netflix this weekend. My mom also brought it to my attention that Saved by the Bell is having a reboot so that was a real mood booster this week!
We are having a small neighborhood outdoor get together before trick-or-treating, and I’m not sure what to do about candy. Do I leave candy outside? Do I let kids touch the candy in the bowl? I’ve asked some parents of older kids what they would prefer, and I just want to do whatever makes the parents so comfortable. It’s so hard to know what everyone’s comfort level is, you know? If you have an idea, I’d love to hear.
Thanks so much for reading and of course, Happy Halloween! XO –
I mean… who doesn’t love an animal print!? This week we’re rounding up some printed pieces that have caught my eye, and they’re all under $100. Let’s get into it –
This jogger and matching top – love. Python workout leggings? YES. I wear this leopard mask almost daily, and I am loving this one. These slippers are right up my alley, I love the thought of this top with high waisted denim and these socks are fab. I always forget I need new socks until I put mine on and see they have holes. I also really love this dress – would be so cute for those shopping for pieces that work for baby bumps.
You can find some of my animal print outfits here, here and here. Love this bag styled in python here and here. Thank you so much for reading! XO –
I don’t know how you guys are, but if I plan on working out it’s likely that I’ll end up wearing that outfit all day or nearly all day. Which is why I like to feel good in my fitness pieces and prioritize tops and leggings that are sleek, elongating and stylish.
My strategy for any workout clothes I purchase? Dark colors, often black. That’s not to say a burgundy or olive might sneak in the mix, but you can always look polished and put together in black – even if it’s in exercise clothes!
Below you’ll find a strappy sports bra top with two different black leggings – all from J.ING. They work for Pilates or Yoga to sportier sneakers and sweatshirts or puffers for walks outside.
I linked a few more of J.ING’s yoga pieces that I’m loving below, particularly this sports bra and legging combo in olive – I love anything in olive!
For those of you still working out at home also, I have some of my favorite at-home workouts here. I usually exercise offline as it’s kind of my wind-down “me time.” But if you guys would like to see more posts like this, let me know and I can work on it! A few more fitness posts:
I’ve got a lot of skincare. And I’m always rotating between many different brands. After all, part of my job is to try new things and share my thoughts with all of you! So today I wanted to share 5 skincare brands available at Nordstrom that really stand out to me above the rest along with my hero product(s) within those brands.
I have been using and loving Clé de Peau for a few years now, and their skincare always wows me. You can see that I’m nearly to the end of their Multi Repair Oil – you can use it from your nose to your toes! As well as their Clarifying Cleansing Foam – a little goes a long way. I talk more about the cleansing foam in detail in this post.
We all know and love Bobbi Brown makeup, but their skincare is new to me. Their face creams are wonderful but the eye creams are extraordinary. I’m personally a big fan of the Extra Eye Repair Cream. It is exceptional.
I just talked about my experience with reFa in this post, but their Carat Ray Face is a new addition that I’ve been loving. It’s designed to be used on your face and body and I always have it nearby for mornings I need a little depuffing.
I shared several stories on Instagram about Guerlain’s products, but I was introduced to them this summer, and the Youth Watery Oil is absolutely fantastic. It somehow has this balance of oil and something almost essence-like that is the best of both worlds.
Another brand that is new to me, Augustinus Bader has products for the face and body that are super hydrating. I have been using The Rich Cream at night with a few drops of the Face Oil, and I also think the Body Oil is fabulous. I’m always a sucker for a great oil!
