August 31, 2015

Back-to-school & Loving Shoes!

 photo 232323232fp83232gtuqcshlukaxroqdfv365lt5gtnu375gt88-gt5lt5gt2lt6688-66245ot1lsi_zpszhcawynh.jpg  photo IMG_4758_zpswvhdrp8w.jpg

My kids are finally back-to-school this week, and they can't wait to wear all their new clothing and shoes. Lately, shoes have been what my kids want to shop for the most. My daughter changes hers twice a day and my son has just realized how shoes finish off your look. Some of his pairings have been so fun lately, and it's thanks to shoes with styles like the ones he is sporting here!

 photo 232323232fp83232gtuqcshlukaxroqdfv34458gtnu3363gt364gt343gtWSNRCG375899298336nu0mrj_zpsivafsfvq.jpg  photo 232323232fp83232gtuqcshlukaxroqdfv33lt2gtnu375gt886gt3lt5gt2lt6688646245ot1lsi_zpsurzqewob.jpg
Girls outfit details: Top: Target // Shorts & Headband: The Children's Place // Shoes 
Boys outfit details: Top: Carters // Shorts: Target // Shoes 


I love how the right pair of shoes can not only finish off a look, but also really make it unique and more, well...you!
What do you think of these two styles? I love both (but I may be partial to the models)! ;)

Here are a few more pairs my kids are loving for back-to-school style: 

August 25, 2015

Fall Shoe Shopping at DSW


This post is sponsored by DSW.

I love this time of year for so many different reasons. Summer is slowly coming to an end and fall is upon us once again. Aside from the stunning views of the changing leaves and cooler temperatures,  we start seeing the stunning views of all the sweaters, denim, and boots fall has to offer. 

This year's seasonal trends include: oversized jewelry and brooches, lady loafers, carwash pleats, chic black boots, flouncy hemlines, furry feet, fur cuffed sleeves, long gloves, shades of grey, high waist pants, menswear-inspired pieces, mini skirts, long sleeves (as in you can't see your hands), one shoulder numbers, lots of plaid, shiny scarves, over the knee bootsfun tights, the illusion of a turtleneck, and 19th century-inspired looks. I can't wait to try out so many of these looks in the coming months! Specifically, the shoe trends.



Now let's talk about my favorite fall trend tradition year after year: shopping for new shoes for my family and myself. When I shop, I'm looking for styles that are both perfect for back-to-school & also work or everyday wear.  

When it comes to stocking up on the best fall shoes, DSW has you covered. From flats to boots, casual to dressy, and from kids to adults, they really are your one stop shop for all things footwear!

I was asked to pick out shoes for my daughter and myself and we both picked out our favorites. I went the more sensible route while my daughter decided she wanted "cowgirl" boots. 

 photo shoes_zpss0k4q5tu.jpg  photo IMG_4608_zps4utlmsby.jpg  photo wedges_zpsqtblcmmr.jpg 

These Lazona wedge booties by Nine West are perfect for everything from everyday wear to nights out on the town. I love the laces detail and the extra inches you get from the wedge, but you still get the comfort you are used to in a bootie. I really enjoy stocking up on neutral shoes like this so you can get more bang for you buck. This is a great shoe to wear while we are transitioning into fall and then well into the winter months. It's chic, comfortable, and beautiful. What else can you ask for in a shoe? 

 photo IMG_4582_zpseotgtqt2.jpg  photo cowboyboots_zps7sdep8fe.jpg 

My daughter was over the moon to get these Western boots by Rampage Girl. They are perfect for fall and all her back-to-school outfits we have bought so far. Again, the neutral color allows for lots of use but the unique style lets her show off her fun fashion sense. I don't see these coming off her feet any time soon. She is already finding reasons to wear them daily! 

I don't know about you, but I feel like my money was well spent on shoes that you never want to take off. Thank you DSW for carrying so many styles to choose from we both couldn't be any happier with our fall shoes!  

 photo fallshoes_zpsyezpvtto.jpg  photo IMG_4600_zpswtw6zqpt.jpg



 Where do you shop for your fall trend shoes? What do you think of our selections?


At DSW, we believe in the power of shoes, and in the power of shoe lovers. With thousands of fresh styles for men, women, and children, we've got something for everyone, no matter who they are or how they dress. Shoes say a lot about you. Say something great.



*I accepted paid compensation for this post, however all opinions are my own.
 photo DSW_BLogger_Logo_zpsuuxwnptj.jpg

August 24, 2015

One of a Kind Style

  photo IMG_4709_zps2b62sna1.jpg  photo IMG_4710_zpsyszl1md1.jpg 

When it comes to back-to-school fashion, my kids like to dress in their own unique style. Let's be honest, as a kid you don't get too many options in daily life. That's why making sure they pick out their own clothes is very important in our family. And they really enjoy doing it! ;)

I love shopping at boutiques and other online shops with great styles that you won't find at the major chains. When we learned about the site Olive Mae, my daughter and myself fell in love instantly. All items are handmade and one of a kind! That's something worth checking out, no? 

 photo IMG_4720_zpshch8kvgs.jpg  photo IMG_4723_zpshdfzga70.jpg 

Both the ruffle sleeve top and the pants are so perfect for mixing with what we have in her current fall wardrobe. They are great for layering and again, so unique! She kept calling herself a "retro babe" while we were taking photos. She also said these are perfect dancing clothes! I think that means they are just as comfortable to move in as they look. ;) 

 photo IMG_4718_zpsnuvtu8bm.jpg  photo IMG_4717_zpsy0asjoz8.jpg
Top & Pants: Olive Mae Clothing // Jacket: Carters // Sunglasses & Bow: Gymboree // Shoes: Payless 

What do you look for when you are shopping for back-to-school outfits? Do you give your kids a say in what they wear? 

Make sure you head over to the Olive Mae Clothing website, there are quite a few dresses that I am currently drooling over! 

August 3, 2015

Dressing to Music: Smoking Popes "Need you Around"



Last week my hubby played drums with Swizzle Tree as they opened for the Smoking Popes at the Elbow Room in Chicago. It only seemed fitting that I rock out to "Need you Around" in my room as I got ready for the show. I've never worn a bodysuit before, but this one is amazing and I don't know how my closet is not stocked with these! 

 photo 20150730_172959_zpsgzm0xeb7.jpg  photo 20150730_172957_zpsip7iz3fr.jpg

When it came to the styling, I knew we would be in the downstairs of a very small, very hot club. I went with a sensible outfit for the night. It was about 110 degrees down there, so this outfit was perfect! Button up denim skirt, crop boots, minimal jewelry, and a few braids in my hair was all I needed. 

 photo 20150730_172954_zpszy2k13bv.jpg  photo 20150730_183035_zps8zywxwyi.jpg  photo 20150730_183032_zpsoag4a2da.jpg 
Bodysuit // Skirt // Bag // Sunglasses: Ditto (use code SADB for 1st month FREE!) // Necklace: Lili Claspe // Watch // Earrings 

My hubby looking all handsome as per usual: 
 photo 20150730_183008_zpsa5972nlu.jpg 
Shirt: Ryman Auditorium (Nashville, TN) // Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Here is a side-stage shot of him playing with Swizzle Tree: 
 photo 20150730_203715_zpsmdoqxs2f.jpg
And her are the one & only, Smoking Popes:
 photo 20150730_212628_zpsoifobxjh.jpg

This night was way too fun! We danced and sang and hung out with some old-school friends as well. 

Are you a fan of the Smoking Popes or the song "Need you Around"? What do you think of my outfit choice for the night?