Author

Shalice Noel

More chic faux fur:

faux fur cardigan and this one is crazy similar // red bag // lace up heel (on sale!) tee (old) similar // sunnies // jeans (size down) and these are cute!

 

Happy Saturday! Mom is here and we kicked off our weekend at the cutest diner. My mom loves mom and pop diners since as long as I can remember. Recently, I came across these cute taupe lace up heels online and they were on sale! I picked up this red bag as well and paired them with these comfy rips. I’ve gotten tons of questions on these shoes from instagram stories and your comments that I had to post them here as well. Hope you have a lovely weekend with your nearest and dearest!

 

overalls // similar // heels // top similar // bottles from 1907water

How to Get Your Family to Drink More Water

We’re a fairly healthy family – both my husband and I prioritize exercise, eating well, and spending enough time outside, and it’s something we constantly try to instill in our little ones. I think it’s incredibly important to teach children the value of a healthy body and mind, so we do our best to set that example.

 

One healthy habit we’re always trying to improve though? Water consumption.  

 

Especially lately as I’ve been reading endless articles with enough water being the answer to so many ailments and issues. Not only is it helpful for digestion and overall body function, but it helps with energy, skin, mood, pretty much everything. It’s simply hard to feel great when you’re dehydrated.

 

To get us and the kids on a 8-glass-a-day habit (or bottles in our case), we bought the entire family their own water bottles. This is not only eco-friendly (no more plastic bottles throughout the day), but it makes it kinda fun. We all try to drink a bottle before school, and then I’m working on getting the kids in a habit of filling up during the day. We drink another when they get home from school and so on.

 

The kids like having their own special water bottle, and making it a game of sorts has gotten them to drink more. I personally try to drink a huge glass or one bottle right when I get out of bed in the morning. It’s helpful to wake the metabolism up and get things moving.

 

To avoid accidents with the kids at night, we usually cut off the water bottle game by about 6 p.m.

 

Since focusing more on drinking enough water, I’ve honestly felt a difference already. Especially in my skin and energy levels. The kids are feeling good, too. And such an easy change, right?

 

Are you a good water drinker? What about your kids? How do you make sure you’re drinking enough?

 Since moving away from family in Chicago, gifts, letters and cards mean SO much more. Even though its an effort and labor and love, it is a labor worth laboring over. I’m trying to teach my kids the importance of this too. Below are some gifts I’m giving (and getting) that are worth your time.
Believe it or not, its 74 days till Christmas! Before you freak out, take a cue from the experts, and shop a gift for mom, your sisters and your coworkers now. These flats go great with these jeans, boots with faux leather leggings and this bag with a fuzzy sweater. I LOVE fall layering and these are great accessories to embellish.
Happy Thursday!

Red gets a bad rep for being too bold or even dramatic, but it’s actually one of my favorite colors to wear. We’re seeing it everywhere this fall, so even if you’re not a fan (yet), I wanted to share a few ways to style the color. Enter: My Style Red Series!

 

To kick things off, I wanted to talk about using red as a pop of color. Especially if the color feels too loud to you, there’s no better way to incorporate than with minimal styling tricks at a minimal price tag. It’s such a fun color to use as a statement piece, and I’ve always loved a good red shoe, bag or pair of killer earrings. Plus, you don’t need to spend a lot to get the effect.

 

Any neutral will work as your base for pops of red, but camel is less contrast than say red and black or white. Think gray, camel, brown, taupe, etc. as amazing colors to mix with – or even a floral print. I’m super into this chic camel dress – it’s not only flattering, but I like the juxtaposition of the neck coverage while it hugs the body (in all the right places, I promise!).

 

Since the dress is so neutral, I threw on these cool statement earrings, with equally as cool red booties. The combo is unexpected but complimentary at the same time – and perfect for any holiday parties this year. You don’t have to wear red everywhere to get the effect of the color – choose one or two places to add the pop and you’re good. Anything more, and things will look too matchy-matchy.

Feeling ready to add that pop of red now?

camel dress :: boots similar :: lip stick “prickly pear” :: H belt :: earrings

Happy Monday! We just got back from a whirlwind weekend in Carlsbad enjoying all the kid-friendly things to do there. I’d be very tempted to move there if it wasn’t so far from work in West Hollywood. As an on-the-go mom, I rely heavily on casual pieces that can go with everything. Unless it’s date night or an event for work, you can find me in everyday pieces that I can throw on and off as I head to a meeting, a school event, whatever. My hair and makeup is usually pretty minimal too, if I’ve done anything at all.

 

But just because I live in basics doesn’t mean I like to look or feel blah. I’m actually pretty picky about the casual basics that I buy, and always look for a detail that makes the piece stand out or look special. Or by adding a fun lipstick, usually in the form of a red.

 

Unique details, bright lips, or a pair of bold earrings are easy ways to take jeans and a cashmere hoodie to the next level – see these photos for proof. This cashmere sweater keeps this outfit chill, but how fun is the red stitching detail? Red always stands out to me, so it’s a detail that I look for when shopping for elevated basics.

 

A mixed pop of red on my ears and lips and the outfit instantly looks more put together than jeans, a bare face and a hoodie, right? All it takes is keeping an eye out for elevated basics and a bold swipe on your lips. Something even us moms have time for (usually!). Happy Monday!

earrings :: jeans :: boots :: sweater from LOVE PEACE AND THEN HAPPINESS


Tucker & Tate Clothes

While the idea of shopping for four kids sounds fun in theory – and it can be – it’s also a lot of work. There aren’t a lot of stores or brands that carry something that’s comfortable, can withhold busy kids, and that aren’t cheesy. For how young my kids are, they really do love picking out their clothes, so I want them to like what they’re wearing as well.

 

Nordstrom is always a one-stop shop for our family when shopping. I get a ton of my clothes there, in store or online – the inventory is excellent either way, and we can shop for the kids at the same time. Their return policy is like any other, so in case a kid grows out of something before they can even wear it, it’s simple to take back. The kids and I like going in store to pick out their clothes, especially before the new school year or holidays.

 

A Nordstrom brand we turn to often is Tucker & Tate. My girls love that they carry colorful, floral skirts and dresses, booties that “look like mom’s”, and the boys dig the beanies and cool shirts. Honestly, some of the stuff is so cute I’d wear it myself! If you’re doing any early fall shopping for the kids, I highly recommend checking out Tucker & Tate. I think your kids will be happy, too!

 

Thank you Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!

tucker and tate dress NORDSTROM:: knit leggings NORDSTROM :: booties SIMILAR 

boys hats NORDSTROM :: boys thermal t-shirts NORDSTROM :: boys sneakers  :: similar shorts

My Outfit

 similar jeans :: similar shirt :: booties :: LA bag 

 

 

When I think about what I’m most comfortable in, denim, a graphic tee, booties, and a cool jacket is always a go-to combo. It’s easy yet fashionable, which is how I like to think of my style. Part mom, part fashion girl.

 

As fall rolls around, I live in that combination. I’m very excited for all things velvet this season, and as blazers are more popular than ever, I’ve had fun mixing different versions into my outfits. When I first saw this chartreuse velvet jacket, I fell in love, even though the color might seem hard to style. I’ve personally always been attracted to unique statement pieces, and a color like this fits the bill. Paired down with ripped denim and a neutral graphic t-shirt, and the outfit instantly becomes California cool – a vibe I’m always into.

 

And because I can’t get enough of red at the moment, I mixed in two splashes to make the look feel even more like me. Fashion is supposed to be fun, and I’m all about an unexpected combination – whether colors, prints, whatever. My black booties didn’t do enough to compliment this jacket, but the red ones made the entire outfit feel more edgy and cool. A very effortless “I just threw this on but it works” kind of look, right?

 

I’ve already talked about adding pops of red into your wardrobe, but don’t be afraid to mix it with other hard-to-wear pieces. And do me a favor and see how red looks instead of reaching for neutral accessories on autopilot. Sometimes meshing the unexpected is the perfect combination!

More red boots from around the web:

denim jean // graphic tee similar // red boots similar // velvet blazer // earrings

 

One of the things I appreciate most about my kids is their unique creativity. They each have their own traits, personality, and likes, and it’s been cool watching that evolve as they get older. Especially as the younger ones come out of their shell and have their own voice and style that’s different from their bigger brother or sister. Super cute!

 

So when I let them pick out their own SoYoung Inc. lunch boxes, it was a fun experiment to see them each choose a design. They were very excited to have their own, and that they weren’t all matching (which tends to happen when you’re buying multiples of something).

 

And as a mom who is constantly cleaning up after them (why are boys sooo messy?!), I love that these are raw linen and machine washable. Plus, they’re eco-friendly, so we’ve welcomed them with open arms in our house. No more brown bags for us.

 

I actually have my own, too, since they make adult versions. Great for when I’m working or on the go. Aren’t they cool? Officially bringing back the lunch boxes, but in a modern, way cooler way. If you’re curious to try a bag, use code “Shalice15%” to get 15% off your purchase!

Thank you SoYoung for sponsoring this post!

sweatshirt dress :: silk trench :: sunnies :: boots

 

tank :: cutoff shorts :: blazer :: sunnies ::

I’m in the midst of putting together a fall must have collection of only a max of ten items to show you guys and a blazer is among the must haves for fall. While it’s still an 80 degree fall in SoCal, you can still dress up shorts with a blazer and chic heels. I partnered with Adriana Online on social this week, but this look was too good not to share here too.

DENIM I love a good pair of denim for fall dressed up with a tank and blazer. I tend to like both dark and light denim. See some of my picks below:

BLAZERS Nothing dresses up denim like a tailored blazer over a tank. And I’m loving them in all colors. See my picks below:

 

It’s funny how events come at perfectly unpredictable times.  Reid and I recently had the opportunity to take surf lessons at Manhattan Beach.  This was perfect.  Reid’s birthday was just around the corner and as a land locked kid growing up in Nebraska, Baywatch episodes conjured up dreams of hitting the surf.  Look at us now, living the California lifestyle we literally dreamed about as kids.

 

With 10 years of marriage under our sheets 😉 I want to express the importance of doing things with your mate that they enjoy.  It’s a simple concept really.  Something we teach our kids every day.  You do what your mate enjoys and they’ll do what you enjoy.  It really does keep the spark ignited!

Surfing was an opportune moment to share something with Reid that he has always wanted to do.  I on the other hand, was dreading ruining my recent blow out.  However, I sucked it up and gave it my all.

 

Honest to say, this day was the first day I ever stepped into the Pacific Ocean.  Reid and I learned something new together, shared in our vulnerability, expressed a little friendly competition and most of all showed each other that we are in love and a good team.  Even though I’ve never intended to learn how to surf, I relish in the memories this day made in the story of our marriage.

 

What does your mate enjoy doing?