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Patchwork Vest TOPSHOP / Top EQUIPMENT / Jean AE SIMILAR VIGOSS

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Some of you know, the best look is usually in the best fit. Well, Skinnycalf proves it. If you have narrow calves, which I do, and you’re not a fan of gaping or gaps when you rock tall boots, Skinnycalf is for you. It has a unique narrow hug-your-calf-fit to tailor your easy shift dress and tall boot get up. Finally. If you’d like to try them out yourself, Karen Feldman, girl boss and founder of Skinnycalf is offering 20% off your purchase, using the code “Shalice20” Ps. And yes, I’m obsessed with layering denim on denim!

“Leo” in black, size 9, from SKINNYCALF BOOTS (20%off with code Shalice20)  / Hand Bracelet KENDRA SCOTT / Jeans and Coat AEO SIMILAR JEAN / Top NORDSTROM (similar)

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The one and done fall must have is really just a simple jumpsuit. Here I’m loving it in black and a tomato red. Since most are nervous about it looking like a straight jacket, I paired it with a heel and a belt for shape. Because simple always wins.

red jumpsuit TOPSHOP / leather jacket ZARA SIMILAR / heel FARYLROBIN / Belt SIMILAR

/ necklace KENDRA SCOTT

black jumpsuit MISSGUIDED / sweater coat ANTHROPOLOGIE / belt VINTAGE / heels SIMILAR

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: Mollie Moran

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While I wouldn’t advise settling up a tipi on a windy day, it’s a great way to get my crew excited. The kiddos are not normally fans of pictures, and standing still or smiling on cue is not their cup of tea. However, when we asked them after church if they wanted to go on an adventure in the woods with binoculars and a tipi, they were all in. And it didn’t even involve snacks. This tipi from Knight Raven was custom made for us, light grey and tie dye, with some crochet detailing. Learn more about customizing your tipi here. It is gorgeous, so the fact that it’s not too big for the living room is actually relevant. It even manages to fit all four kids and a small family of pets, but only if the pets aren’t expected to breathe. If only all photo shoots involved a tipi and less wind, we could forgo the snacks (and tears) more often. Read more about Knight Raven HERE.

blouse ZARA (ANOTHER I LOVESIMILAR / leather shorts SIMILAR / mini fringe boots MINNETONKA / my fringe boots FARYLROBIN / Tee Pee KNIGHT RAVEN


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The coziest sweater vest!

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Beautiful brunch at C Chicago

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Our date had a bit of a rough start. First, I failed to feed the street meter and I got slapped with a parking ticket. Then the hubs sliced into a parked Hyundai, and by the time that was all said and done, we were late. Not the best way to kick-off the much anticipated date. Thankfully, a melon and lemon verbena shot was right around the corner, and there is very little that can’t remedy, right? Soon we parked ourselves at C Chicago, and settled in for a luxurious brunch. I think they saw the writing on the wall because I got that shooter right off the bat. The bright and sunny restaurant, and the delectable four courses, healed all wounds. Parking ticket? What parking ticket? We felt spoiled, which is pretty much how every date should be. While we kicked ourselves for not bringing the kids, they would’ve been all over the lemon ricotta pancakes, it was nice to hear ourselves talk, walk in my comfy Rockports, and eat at a normal pace. And yes, we licked the key lime pie plate clean and didn’t even have to share. It was definitely a day date to remember. We’ll be back for the egg white omelette AND the lemon verbena shooter.

sweater vest ANTHROPOLOGIE / dress SIMILAR / booties ROCKPORT  /

Photography credit Mollie Moran

TOP 5 Date spots in CHICAGO

  1. C CHICAGO Brunch for sea foodies and foodies alike. Get there at 11am for their yummy egg white omelette, lobster scramble and key lime pie in the shape of an apple.
  2. ANTIQUE TACO – Everything on the menu. I’m craving the pork taco as I type.
  3. The GAGE The regular burger, chips (fries) and amazing ambience on Michigan Ave.
  4. REVOLUTION BREWERY A neighborhood brewery. Cozy ambience with awesome burgers.
  5. CINDYS ROOFTOP AMAZING Michigan Avenue views and yes, the food is yum.

Where will your Rockports take you?

Share it on Instagram using the hashtag: #MYDAILYADVENTURE

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Since I get a lot of questions about my jeans on Instagram, I wanted to share all my denim favorites  chosen for their shape, slight distressing, and perfect shade of olive and blues. Surprisingly, (mostly) all are under $100, which means I can still rock these studded pointy boots and stripe top. The latter of which I plan on wearing a million times over and a million different ways. How’s that for an investment? Just a couple pieces can make the 8 AM school drop off THAT much easier. Here’s to the blues. The good kind 🙂

1. Skinnys in olive J BRAND

2. Mid Rise Capri J BRAND

3. Skinnys FREE PEOPLE

4. MID RISE CAPRI J BRAND

5. Slight busted knee TOPSHOP

6. STRIPE MOCK NECK LEITH

7.  PLAID in “GREEN IVORY FLANNEL” that goes with everything

8. TURTLENECK SWEATER TOPSHOP

9. SPLURGE PLAID FLAT PRADA

10. STUDDED BOOTS TOPSHOP

 

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My outfits usually reflect my mood. When I’m feeling low key and still need to look pulled together, I pull out my trusty turtleneck and tall boots that pop. I love this combo with shift dresses, suede skirts and here with jeans. I plan on buying them in bulk for my girls to layer under their school uniforms. Here’s hoping they’ll take their mama’s advice.

Jeans PAIGE / Boots FARYLROBIN / Trench ZARA SIMILAR / Turtleneck JCREW SIMILAR

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: Mollie Moran

 

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The silver lining to dipping temps? Why faux fur of course. I can’t get enough of them worn over jeans or dresses. Here’s my top four that I’ll be reaching for come forty-nine degrees, that is, besides a venti hot chocolate with extra whip. What are some of your faves?

 

1. Blush faux fur that’s sporty and sweet? yes please. (ANTHROPOLOGIE)

2. Nothing beats a faux fur collar, well, maybe an Aquazzura sample sale. Just sayin. (F21)

3. The bigger the coat, the skinnier your legs look. Not a fact, but worth a try. (ASOS)

4. The kind of faux fur that fakes you out, glams you up, and never leaves you disappointed. (ELIZA J)

 

 

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jeans MADEWELL / fur ELIZA J / booties M.GEMI / Hat SIMILAR

 

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At first, I wasn’t sure if I loved or hated mustard pants. I loved the color paired with classic suede but I’ll admit, as a stylist, it’s not an easy color to pull off. But something held my eye once I saw them, so I took them home to experiment. I discovered I liked them best with similar tones, like browns, but loved it layered with a feminine blouse, masculine plaid and versatile booties. It just felt so fall!  Give it a try! I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Plaid is another great fall favorite, dressed up or down, and I can’t wait to layer it with a moto jacket. At the moment I’m off to catch a plane to JFK for the Kendra Scott dinner in NYC. Looking forward to this quick trip, and thankful for the short 48 hour getaway to meet new faces. Naturally, I packed some plaid and mustard along with leather. Happy fall!

 

Booties M.GEMI / Fringe Jacket FOREVER 21 / Mustard pant ZARA (SIMILAR TOPSHOP) (ASOS) / Blouse ZARA SIMILAR ANTHROPOLOGIE / PLAID SIMILAR ACE

Photography credit: Mollie Moran

Shot on Location at Logan Square, Chicago, IL

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 After NYFW last week, I am more convinced than ever that there’s no hint of the fringe trend ending. It’s super hot with no sign of cooling down. Everything from boots to bags were donning these hot leather tassels. Since this jacket arrived, I’ve paired it with everything from cutoffs to a patchwork skirt. I’m hooked. Apparently, Fall 2015 is all about adding a large dose of rock ‘n roll swish and swoosh to your repertoire. I, for one, am not complaining.

 

Booties M.GEMI / Leather jacket ZARA SIMILAR / Suede Skirt SIMILAR / Turtleneck / Lips STILA

 

Fringe jacket F21 / Cutoffs ZARA SIMILAR / Peasant Blouse SIMILAR / OTK Boots FREE PEOPLE

Photography credit: Mollie Moran

Shot on Location at Logan Square, Chicago, IL

FullSizeRender (22) The weekend is all about getting things done right? Doing homework (shifting it from the living room rug to the desk) breakfast cinnamon rolls (from a can), packing for NYC next week (pile all favorite shoes in a corner), and sleeping in (not). While I hope to do some of those things, and do them well, I’m not going to beat myself up. I was just chatting with a mom about how much guilt we as moms experience. There’s career guilt, housekeeping guilt, and mom guilt. Pick your guilt, there’s a name for it. I easily feel like an inadequate mom, blogger, stylist and mother. The latter of which has been the biggest (but most rewarding) challenge. Do you feel the same? I know I’m not alone here. Just keeping it real. I like posting pretty pictures of smiling faces but behind it all is real life, silent prayers for help, real challenges and a kid missing a shoe. But I’m not beating myself up for it. I’m sharing one of my favorite quotes: “There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.”

 

Have a great weekend xx

from the web:

 ps. I’m planning on trying this with the kids

and learning how to do this!