STYLE | TRANSITIONAL BASICS

I love Fall - the spice-forward drinks, the cozy layers, and the evenings cuddling G while we binge TV shows with a bottle of wine in front of the fire (okay, we do that all year, but the fire is def a fall thing ;-) ). But, living in So Cal, Fall usually waits until late October to make a true showing. Meaning I'm left longingly staring at that cute cable-knit as I slip into yet another pair of shorts with a tee.

To combat this longing for fall fashion when the weather is still a *bit* too warm, I've started shopping for transitional basics that will shift effortlessly from summer into fall, letting me wear parts of my fall wardrobe while the summer temps are still in effect.

One of the best transitional basics this year is the bodysuit! And, trust me, I NEVER thought I'd be writing those words. I hated them for years. Then I tried this one from reformation on. Now I can't stop buying them! That bodysuit, along with this one from Target, are my two current favs.

The best transitional basic you can invest in: a pair of designer denim that is either 1) Cropped or 2) Distressed so it isn't quite as warm to wear as regular jeans. My long-time favs in the boyfriend jean department are on sale for 40% in a few styles, and this high-waisted crop that I picked up at the Anniversary Sale has been on non-stop rotation for date nights.

Lastly, a good suede or suede/leather mix bag. It doesn't matter how hot or cold it is - you can always carry a bag! And suede always feels fall to me. It's just so cozy and luxe! My favorite is a splurge (the Coach Rogue 25 in grey suede). I've had it since the year before Evie was born, and it's held up beautifully. I'm an avid Coach lover (#cantstopwontstop), and would also suggest this more affordable mixed material bag, which I also own ;-)

As a quick reminder, I'm still giving you the chance to win $800 to Nordstrom so you can pick up some basics yourself! All the details to enter are right below :) Good luck!

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#Fashion #FallStyle #MomStyle #SCFashion

STYLE | CASUAL EVERYDAY LOOK

Hat: Nordstrom | Top: Madewell | Shoes: Sam Edelman | Bag: Clare V

Truth time: Most days I don't get dressed up. Most days I don't have anywhere to go, really, except errands, maybe a Disney trip, or a coffee with a girl friend. So, most days, I put on mascara, do my eyebrows, and throw on something effortless and casual. That's why my closet is full of basics.

One of my favorite places to shop for basics is Nordstrom. They have a wide variety of my favorite brands (AG Jeans, Madewell, Frame, Nike and Reformation, just to name a few) and some of the best customer service around. I love the perks I get as a Nordstrom Rewards member (alterations credit is probably my favorite one since I always get my jeans tweaked), and the free shipping and returns make shopping easy for this mom (who's nearest Nordstrom is currently a 30 min drive away!).

I actually picked up these favs during the Nordy Anniversary Sale, even though they were full price, because 1) I had just gotten several Nordstrom Notes and 2) I'd been eyeing them for a while!

The Madewell Whisper Cotton Tee has been a closet staple for me for years (see how I styled the grey one here) - in fact, I own it in grey, black, blue, green, blush and now white - and at less than $20, it's surprisingly affordable too. I love how relaxed the fit is without being baggy, and the pocket detailing adds just enough interest. Sizing note: the tee used to be a bit big for me, so I would size down (to xxs) and still get a relaxed fit. Madewell seems to have recently adjusted their sizing, though, so I now find the shirts run TTS and an XS is nice and relaxed without being baggy.

I also couldn't resist grabbing this LA baseball hat, since we now live in the LA area. I wear baseball hats most days now - a must for being outside in this strong summer sun - and love the charcoal grey color this hat has. And it's only $25!

Is Nordstrom one of your favorites, too? Well that's great, because I've teamed up with some blogger babes to gift one of you a $800 Nordy card! Just follow the steps below :)

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#MomStyle #Style

STYLE | DIY MOMMY & ME JACKETS

This post was not sponsored by Kohls, but I did use some Kohls Cash sent to me by the company via an affiliate network to assist in purchasing the denim jackets as part of an Instagram campaign. Just FYI :)

One thing you may not know about me is that I like to think about my purchases for a while before I make them. Case in point: I spent about 9 months going into Coach every week to look at/play with/think about my 25" grey suede Rogue purchase before I actually bought the bag. I find it's the best way to make sure I don't have purchase regret (it's like the opposite of FOMO) and feel settled about how/where I spend my $$. It usually works out great for me. Usually.

Unfortunately, I waited a leetle too long on these Mama & Babe jackets I'd been eyeing earlier this year, and the Mama one is sold out EVERYWHERE! Which started me thinking about how difficult it would be to make some myself. After some thinking, I decided it would be fairly simple to DIY, and when I opened my email that morning, I saw the chance I'd been waiting for in the form of some Kohl's Cash. Evie and I promptly made a Kohl's run (see more on my stories!) and picked up some matching denim jackets (Evie's is from Carter's and mine is Levis).

A trip to our local arts & crafts store saw me quickly equipped with the items I needed to finish the project - and, I have to say, I'm really pleased with how they turned out! Biggest bonus? The whole project came in at less than what just the Babe jacket would have cost, and the color (or lack thereof!) is much more my speed. Full tutorial below, along with a downloadable PDF of the template for both the MAMA and the BABE applique.

DIY MAMA & BABE DENIM JACKETS

MATERIALS:

• Denim Jackets for you and your babe

• 1/4 yard of white denim

• Fabric paint of your choice, or iron-on letter appliques

• Small paintbrush

• Pencil

• X-acto Knife

• Scissors

• Sewing Machine

• Denim needle

• White thread

• Pins

STEP 1: Download and print out the MAMA and BABE templates. Be sure when printing to uncheck the "Fit to Page" option.

STEP 2 Prepping the template: Use scissors to cut out the entire shape. If you're using fabric paint (like I did), you'll next use an X-acto knife to cut out each letter within the shape. If you've got a steady hand, go for it! If not, a metal ruler can be great for helping cut the straight edges. If you're using iron-on letters, no need to cut out the MAMA and BABE lettering.

STEP 3 Creating the Patch: Place the templates on the denim, and use a pencil to trace the outline of the shape and each letter (if using paint). Next, using a small paint brush, fill in each letter. Let dry, then cut out the patch.

STEP 4 Attaching the Patch: Place the patch at the desired location on the back of the jacket, then pin in place. Using a denim needle and sturdy white thread, sew around the edge of the patch. If you painted the letters on, you're done! If using iron-on letters, follow instructions to adhere letters now.\

That's it! Now you get to enjoy twinning with your mini in style.

#DIY #MommyandMe #MomStyle