Author

Shalice Noel

Traditions

by Shalice Noel

Teal on turquoise
Cheers!
“Mom, can we get more hot chocolate with mellows?”
His smile post 10 stitches to the mouth. If you ever need a hug, he’s your guy.
His curl kills me.
 There’s no looking back with the perfect nude pump, understated jewels, statement bag, and all black ensemble. 
Outtakes: The hair flip, my annoying habit. And negotiating  #notwinning

 
Skirt Leggings c/o Mumumaxi // Leather cape c/o MyIndahLeather // Nude Pumps c/o Rockport //  Isabella Bucket Bag c/o Dolce Vita Collection // Spike Lariat Necklace c/o Melanie Auld // Lips Stila //
Rings c/o Torchlight Jewelry
 

A real Christmas tree farm is the stuff of dreams around here. Alas, traditions can still be made and ours begins with 3 hot cocoas, a latte, and one coffee before our annual search for a skinny tall Fraser Fir from a tree lot in the city. You can bet your bottom branch we didn’t leave there without a couple spills. Speaking of searching, I was thankful my search for a perfect maxi skirt with equal parts stretch and silhouette had ended. Because its all about the silhouette. And the chase for my 3 year old in a maze of Christmas trees was about to begin. And as we left Starbucks, I realized that beyond the hot chocolate and inevitable spills, I am thankful for the more grown up conversations we’re having surrounding Advent and the meaning of Christmas. Back home, with the tree lit in the background, I snuggled #2 and #4 in the rocking chair while the oldest and her brother traced letters and thought, this is it. I don’t think I could trade these simple sweet moments for anything. Well maybe a one way ticket to 350 days of sunshine. Just kidding. A new tree, lots of snuggles, and way too many spills in one day is just how I like to start the Advent season. I just didn’t know it till now.


 

 

We have a saying around here when we go on dates, “How was your day?” And drinking tea at home or sitting on stoops together in freezing weather most definitely qualifies.
#dateyourkids
 
Helen Frankenthaler anyone? Love this color inspiration
 
 
I can’t resist a good monochrome via Ross Bleckner
  He thinks I look silly in hats
 
Jackson Pollock’s abstract expressionism at its best
 
At the end of the day, he was covered in lip stain …beso from Stila to be exact
 

Boots c/o Laidback London // Coat Jcrew (on sale!) // Leggings (on sale!) // Hat AE (on sale!) // Sunglasses Asos // Lips Stila “beso”
 

They may not remember Kenneth Noland’s way with color or get my giddy response when I see a real Jackson Pollock, but they may grow to appreciate a quality brushstroke when they see one. I’m content with that. Before stuffing our faces with grandma’s turkey and apple pie, we spent our days at the zoo and museums this week drinking in art and culture. I’m hoping between the yawns and “can we go home” requests, they’ll actually thank me one day. Speaking of true artistry, I stayed warm in my Laidback London boots which are not only handmade but a company with a conscience, creating jobs and giving back to the local community. Read more here. These boots came in handy between museum hops in blustery 20 degree weather. Can you say a trip for two to Palm Springs anyone? I’m ready to go. In the meantime, I’m enjoying a glass of wine in front of the fireplace and online shopping. Because the best non-regrettable deals of Black Friday are not in a line at 4am, but at your fingertips.

happy shooooooopping XO

 

Piperlime 25% off with code “THANKFUL”

Madewell 25% off your purchase

Loeffler Randall 15% off sale with code “BLKFRIDAY”

Torchlight Jewelry 30% off with code “GIVETHANKS”

 Matt Bernson 50% off (No, that’s not a typo) with code “ALLBLACK”


Nordstrom up to 40% off


 Anthropologie 25% off with code “HOLIDAY25”


 Daniel Wellington 15% off with code “shalicenoel” till November 30


 Shopbop up to 25% off with code “GOBIG14”


Jcrew 30% off with code “HOLIDAY”


 American Eagle 40% off with code “”GOBBLEUP”


Gap 50% off with code “BLKFRIDAY”


 Asos 30% off with code “TGIBF”





Graphic dome via Henry Doorley Zoo

Art pictures taken at Joslyn Art Museum

 
 


1.      Daniel Wellington Watch I can’t resist a good men’s watch. Use code “shalicenoel” on their website www.danielwellington.com to receive 15% off your purchase till November 30, 2014  2. Dipytique Candle Virtually an icon in the candle world. This one makes a great stocking stuffer. 3. Kimder GEE bag All her gorgeous bags are made to order. To purchase contact: info@kimder.ca 4. Rose Salve to save your lips from winter 5.  Origami anyone? 6. Geo Pendant So cool and virtually no sticker shock. 7. Burberry Brit blanket wrap its graphically pleasing and luxe. Get your dupe here 8. Graf+ Lantz Gray Frankie Bag Equally durable and gorgeous. Check out their color block duffel bag 9.  Laidback London Kili Black Silver love this shorter version too. More over Uggs, these boots are handmade and pure luxury. 10.   Free People Sweater Cable knits and turtleneck sweaters are my new obsession. Buy in every color. 11.  Koolaburra Notela boot I also love the fringe Dallas boot 12.   Commodity Goods The hubs has them to thank for upping my perfume game without the headache. Whether you choose paper, moss or cloth, you will smell amazing. 13.  Free People Arrow Cuff Simple gold goodness that won’t compete with your look.

 

 
 
 Blanket wrap Burberry // Pencil Skirt F21 // Cashmere sweater Cacharel //
Heels CM Paris Similar by Joe’s Jeans and Kenneth Cole  // Clutch c/o Kimder Handbags
 
Nothing ups my sweater game like some Burberry threads, namely this stretchy wool blanket wrap goodness. And if you know me well, I never met a stripe I didn’t like. But these simple lines I am digging like nobody’s business. Which is what caught my eye on this wrap while strolling the ol frog across the shiny floors, leaving one too many Cheerios in our wake…oops. And speaking of lines, I also can’t help but channel The Line when I don this wrap. Still, even before I can give the please don’t spill anything on this it was a rent check warning, my clever 4 year-old with hidden jujitsu talents simultaneously tells me about her day and sends her hot chocolate flying. I wish there was an exception to the rule but it happens every. time. That’s when I tell her our dates are a hundred times more important than her new Peek skirt that has never recovered or mommy’s luxe wrap that thankfully has. Can I get an amen?  And as your pocket stylist, let me inform you, these navy and burgundy lines compliment even the most tired of black sweatshirts. Not sweatpants. Nice try. Although I’m sure if you’re Kate Moss you could pull it off but take note these are acceptable. Truth be told, I may need sweatpants after my mother in law’s Thanksgiving spread. Ha! May you enjoy giving thanks with the ones you love and see above if you need a gift idea beyond the thought that counts.
 
Gratefully yours XO shalice

Bag Lady

by Shalice Noel
  
 
 

Tote c/o Neena & Co // Parka // Jeans // Booties  Similar Here
 
There’s nothing like a hot bag with an honest mission. This tote from Neena & Co is not only aesthetically pleasing but serves a greater good. Girl boss, Ali Hynek, behind Guatemalan textile and bag company Nena or “darling” as her mother fondly calls her, has been gracing young and old with her bags since 2013. Nena & Co sports textile designs that are not only hand loomed by locals but one of a kind that don the likes of totes, day bags and weekenders. One of their recent collaborations with Sadegua was born out of the need to lower the infant mortality rate in the Guatemalan highlands by educating women to deliver babies. In addition, you can follow their Peace Pilgrim blog to keep updated on how they’re giving back whether its providing purified water or auctioning off a day bag to donate school supplies to remote village children in Guatemala. I love the merging of fashion and mission. Thankfully, this tote’s multiple colored patterns easily styles the blackest of parkas and its supple leather takes a good beating (or just some toddler love) for the greater good. Find out more here
For my readers, get 15% off your purchase till Friday, November 14, 2014
with code: SHALICEXNENA
XO

This Jacket

by Shalice Noel

I love dressing up a pair of Chuck Taylors

 
 
She’s such a ham who always finds an excuse to dance and reminds me to do the same.
I’m convinced God gives us children to remind us to stay silly. It’s healthy.
 

This bag. On major repeat

 

 

 
Banana Republic coat // similar plaid coats:  Pim + Larkin // Cooperative plaid // Ann Taylor ombre plaid and Greylin Mason Wool Plaid // J Brand Jeans // My Indah Boots similar H by Hudson Slate Bootie // Converse Chuck Taylors // Loeffler Randall Bag 


Beyond the basic need to have 6 cups of breakfast blend coffee before 12pm, I also require a coat with a fresh take. I knew I wanted a plaid coat beyond the red, navy and forest green that one usually sees, and this coat fit the bill. It’s not super heavy, so a light sweater underneath keeps things cozy without the snowman proportions. Above all, it has an eye-catching oversize check. Perfect for dressing up with a heel or down with chucks. Up or down, I have big plans in store for it. Because when you live in a cold weather climate, black goose down is bah humbug. And bold check has the same punch…..as 6 cups of Joe.

Cozy

by Shalice Noel
 
 
 
 
This clutch arrived and it only took 5 seconds before my girls asked if they can put their lipstick in there and beg “can I use it?”

The humidity is killing my hair. Obv.
 
 
 
Anthropologie Sweater // Necklace via Woodkeeps // Topshop Jeans // Jcrew Coat //
Matt Bernson Booties // Loeffler Randall Bag 

 

 
 

Got the Blues

by Shalice Noel
Autumn blues 
 
Blues via Lavish Alice
 

 These heels are as legit as the mud stains
 

Love this creative talented six year old who always stumps me with the hardest questions. And who apparently loves to jump and won’t quit the leggings with the holes. Give it up mama.
 
 
Messy hair moment

 

When I looked at his pants, he says, “don’t worry mom, granny can sew them”
 
Love this heavy knit crop top balanced with a high wasted skirt. Not to mention a nude heel that elongates the leg and lets the cobalt shine.

  
 

 

I read today we only have 900 weeks of childhood with our children before they leave home. It struck me to make more intentional moments with them. The only thing this kid wants is balloons and a date to Target, not to mention lots of leg hugs! Little do we know that many singular moments end up being moments of growth. However inconvenient it may seem at the time. Virginia Satir wisely pointed out “We need 4 hugs a day for survival, 8 hugs a day for maintenance, and 12 hugs a day for growth.”
I say, double it when you’ve got the blues.
 
 
Cobalt crop via Lavish Alice // Nude Heels // Leather Skirt Similar // Hat F21 //
Necklace Woodkeeps // Fringe Clutch

 

 

Runway

by Shalice Noel
 
 

#19!

Arriving in a Canadian tuxedo to try on my two outfits …
 Jeans // Top // Clogs

This melted all the toddler tantrums I had witnessed that day.
#therapy

 
Just about to hit the runway, but first, a selfie with blog fan, fellow Instagram winner and all around adorable @withlovefromjill

Suede cropped pant // Moto Jacket // Clogs // Cuff // Similar Clutch

Working it or working off the nerves?? 
I love when black feminine lace teams up with a military cape.

Quilted Cape // Dress Similar

 

What do two moms of a combined eight kids do after the show?
 Leave with the same jacket of course.

 
Had to get This clutch 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Like the morning of a marathon, the day started out too early, slow and with lots of cheerios thrown around for good measure. We began school with devotions, then math, handwriting, history and journaling, and to keep their 6, 4, and 3 year old attention, 10 jumping jacks in between. Ha! After lunch I packed up and headed to Anthropologie on Chicago/Michigan for their #Anthroevent fashion show. The best part? I got to be in it.  I entered the Anthro open call by hash tagging #Anthroopencall wearing Anthropologie on Instagram. I was direct messaged and told I was one of two chosen for the Chicago Ave store. Sweet! I arrived at 3pm, immediately tried on my two looks (day and evening) and was ushered off to hair and makeup by Aveda. I loved the mini braids they wove into my bun  and a bold lip. Pop!  My friend @Diamantagrace was with me through it all, feeding me warm potato leek soup, decaf lattes, a sip or two or three of her cranberry bellini and the best pep talk before hitting the runway. She is so darn intuitive, loving and compassionate. Seriously God’s gift to me personified.  I quickly found that the runway is harder than it looks, and sprinting into the changing room for the next look is like the marathon you didn’t sign up for. I guess that’s why they call it runway?!  I’m thankful I didn’t trip and shopping afterwards with a cocktail in hand isn’t so bad either. I anxiously awaited getting home to my crew and rockstar husband holding down the ever so crazy fort. I loved their outdoor greeting of wet kisses, warm hugs, chocolate covered faces, but the 1100 grains of rice on the floor and kitchen covered in dishes not so much. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat, and maybe bring my running shoes and my littlest fans, without whom my life would be devoid of hilarious conversation, constant adventure, and the daily reminder that “its not about me.” The truth is, whether you’re single, wife or mommy, we’re all on the runway with little eyes staring, studying and modeling us, whether we like it or not.

So, don’t. trip.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Prints and Popsicles

by Shalice Noel

Don’t forget to zip your boots . . .
 
 
Sometimes I can’t believe they’re all mine?!
 

Outtakes: There’s always one running away

A blurry jump

 


 

 
  
 
 
Bold prints are intimidating for some, but paired with neutral booties and a denim shirt, it works. I also love how it moves with you in thick stretchy wool material. The latter of which is essential when chasing 18 month olds like mine who are only into taking things out of drawers, throwing folded laundry, sipping mommy’s La Croix and playing peek a boo at nap time. These really are the best years. I just need more Jesus, b12 and stretchy skirts to enjoy it.
And popsicles don’t hurt either.
 
 
 
 
 
 

School

by Shalice Noel
 

 
1. Cowhide rug Incredibly soft and surprisingly durable
 
2. Kallax Shelf Looks custom without the price
 
3. Kallax Tall Shelf Fits on top of the Kallax shelves perfectly
 
4. Drone Baskets These fit perfectly in the Kallax system shelving and are cheap to replace. Mine are already covered with crayons 🙁
 
5. Red Panton Chair I don’t have this yet, but its on the list. Every room needs a pop of red!
 

6. Knuff Magazine File Love this birch wood file holder and a convenient way to hide books and papers

7. Cacti Its trendy, cute and holds up nicely after baby has dumped it out a couple times.
 

8. Handwriting books Getty Dubay Book A (Kindergarten) and Hymns in Prose Copy Book Zaner Bloser Print (first grade)

9. Melamine Shelf Found at Menards or your local hardware store 

10. Sofia Black and White Stripe Fabric I’ve covered headboards, pillows and here for a pin board in this fabric and it has yet to fail me. If you’re wondering how we made this board: We purchased Homasote (fiber board) from Menards, covered it in fabric and stapled and sprayed it with fabric adhesive




Before… in process

Nothing sexier than a guy putting a room together, getting his saw out and working all free moments on the weekends. Love him.
 

 

I can’t resist a lil man in a camo vest!

 


They just got their handwriting books in the mail and they were super excited to start. Best was when little lady asked, “How does the mail lady know we’re doing school?”

 Lunch: turkey hot dogs and peaches and lots of snacks in between. This looks pretty pathetic. It actually tastes better than it looks!


Recess is their favorite!
 
Nature loot: she collects leaves and twigs to observe and draw. She basically crawled into this world with colored pencils. Science over naptime is just an excuse to draw what she sees. And she loves doing it.
 
 Bonus of homeschooling? The park is empty at 1:30pm.  I love that I’m not missing these moments.  Most importantly, I’m the student. And each day brings new trials despite the lesson plans which keeps me flexible and dependent on the Lord which is a good place to be. If you were wondering, wrestling matches and fights over pencils and chairs are real and if my lil guy drops his morning nap, it’ll be a game changer! But I know where my strength lies and who doesn’t like the extra random hugs, retelling our day to daddy when he walks in the door and witnessing the “aha moment”?