October 30, 2015

Totspot Concierge

As of mother-of-two, I can tell you first hand that my family goes through clothing way too fast. This process of the ever rotating kids closet began even before they were born. Stocking up on special occasion outfits and really anything I thought was "too cute" found it's way into my home. I would purchase tons of outfits, and honestly, never got around to using some of them. I am sure I am not alone in this. Anyone else stock up with way too many outfits early on? Especially with your first born! ;) 

As my children get older, sometimes I shop year end sales just assuming they will be one size up the following year. This is not always the case, leaving me with brand new items and even more clothes that just got worn once or twice. Sometimes, I buy shoes and within a few wears they grow and you need new ones the same season! One thing is for sure, I have lots of great hand-me-downs that I am ready to part with.

Enter Totspot. A website and app that allows you to buy and sell kids fashions, mom to mom. Now lets talk about Totspot Concierge. It is a full-service selling tool available on the Totspot App.


"The Concierge program is designed for busy parents who don’t have time to sell their family’s pre-loved clothes on their own.
Totspotters can order a cleanout bag from the app and within days, have a prequalified seller listing the items for sale on their behalf. The profits are shared between the bag owner and the Concierge." 

OK, this is amazing. I love the option to use the concierge tool as it is time consuming to list and ship out the items yourself. (Although I love doing that too...when I have the time that is!) This is a service I plan to use myself very soon. I mean, how easy is it to ship your items in a bag they supply and share the earrings with the person who lists (and ships) said items for you. Seems like a no brainer for all moms and dads alike. 
I wanted to figure out how to use this site and app before blogging about them, so I made an account. It was very easy to do so and with in minutes I was browsing around for clothing for both kids. You can set up "my tots" in your account where you put in your children's sizes. It then pulls items currently selling that will fit them now. I spy a few items that will be shopping very soon! I'm a bit upset I hadn't become a member sooner, this app (and website) is awesome.

Here is a bit more about how to use totspot concierge: 
"A Totspot member can order a cleanout bag from clicking on the Sell icon in the app. There, they may choose between selling clothes on their own, or select Concierge service.
In two short taps, consumers will order the free cleanout bag. Days later, the bag and instructions will arrive at their home. They fill the bag with hight quality, gently used or unused clothing, shoes and accessories and leave the bag at the door for USPS or drop at a local USPS office.
The bag is sent to a pre-qualified top-tier Totspot seller who will evaluate the contents for sellability, quality and condition. They’ll list the items for sale in their popular closets and promote the items through the app and social media. When an item sells, the profits are shared."

What do you think of Totspot Concierage?  Is this a service and site you would use for your ever growing-children and their clothing?


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

October 22, 2015

Fall Shoes by DSW


This post is sponsored by DSW Shoes.

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What better way to start off the fall season than with a new pair of shoes from DSW? When it comes to shoe styles for the entire family, DSW really does have you covered. Whether you are looking for everyday wear or something for a special occasion (hello, holiday season right around the corner!), you can find anything and everything you need all in one store.

I was in need of a great everyday flat bootie and was very excited to find these dark gray beauties. I love a great shoe that is not only comfortable but also stylish. I mean, how fun is this color?  They really do go with everything and are an unique twist on a classic shoe style we all know and love. I think they look perfect paired with cuffed boyfriend denim like I was wearing this day, and just as cute styled with a dress and faux-leather jacket or skinny jeans and long cardigan.

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My son decided he was in need of a dressier shoe. These boy's flats are so amazing. My son thought the style was just like cowboy boots (minus the boot), and we both loved how they are Velcro. Yes, just lift up those adorable buckles and slide your feet in. Such a perfect style for kids who hate tying their shoes! I also loved the ombre-type type coloring. These will be great for the holiday season ahead, and also for a fancy day at school. He actually wore them to school once so far, and as soon as he got home he told me that at least 40 people told him he had great shoes! Now if that's not a reason to love DSW footwear, I'm not sure what is.

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DSW has a large assortment of fall shoe trends for you and your family. My daughter and husband will both be getting some new kicks too soon. We found way too many pairs we all love!

Here are some of me and my family's favorite shoes currently selling:
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Top Row: 1 // 2 // 3 // Middle Row: 1 // 2 // 3 // Bottom Row: 1 // 2 // 3

Which of these nine beauties are your favorite? Do you go to DSW for your family's footwear needs too?

At DSW, we believe that shoes have the power to bring out something great in everyone. So no matter who you are or how you dress, we've got just what you need. Shoes say a lot about you. Spend a little. Say a lot.


*I accepted paid compensation for this post; however, all opinions are my own.
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October 21, 2015

Mad for Plaid, Glad for Plaid

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Over the weekend while up at our family's lake house, we decided to take photos for our Christmas card. I know, I know, it's still October. However, thanks to Tiny Prints (post coming soon!) I couldn't pass up an opportunity to work with them on my cards this year. The only catch was that I had to have the photo I wanted for my card ready this week. So I did what any blogger mom would do, brought up holiday clothing for the entire family and staged a photo shoot!

Last week at the T+J Designs Fall lookbook party I purchased this amazing plaid number. Hello, it's the perfect plaid and you can mix and match it as well as dress it up and down all season long!  Plus, it is part of a three piece set (top, tank, & pencil skirt), so you get a lot of bang for you buck. When it came to styling, I used the black and white in the plaid and in my bag as inspiration to keep the color pallet for this look simple. Black tights, gold cuff and watch, and a pop of emerald in my shoes and the outfit was complete for my holiday chic look.

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Top // Midi Skirt // Tights // Shoes // Bag // Cuff: Coach (similar) // Watch // Zig Zag Ring // Pave X Ring // Lip Color

Thank you to Kaitlyn for taking both my family photos and these as well! When shooting together, we always go from smiles to laughing and it makes for some fun photos for sure. ;)

Have you starting thinking about holiday outfits yet? What do you think of my Christmas card outfit this year?

October 12, 2015

Beach Waved Hair is Not Just for the Summer...

My favorite way to wear my hair is curled or wavy, especially in the spring and summer time. I mean, what's not to love about hair that looks like you just came from the beach? But what about the fall & winter? I am here to tell you that "beachy waves" are perfect for year round styling. 

Sarah Potempa made our lives much easier when she created The Beachwaver curling iron. Goodbye days of twisting your hair around the iron (& all the burns that went along with that!), and hello an iron that curls your hair with the push of a button. Yes, you heard me right!

I recently took photos with Oak Street Social for The Beachwaver Co. All the photos below were taken in Chicago by the very talented Hallie Duisenberg.

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Arin (Heart of Chic), myself, Jess (The Golden Girl)
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Top: H&M (similar) // Plaid Scarf // Jeans // Faux Leather Jacket: Sheinside (similar) (similar) // Plaid Jacket // Booties // Feather Cuff: Coach  // Hat: Gap // Watch // Clutch // Saddle Bag // Lip Color: Loved Up

See, beach waves are perfect for year round styling! Do you own a Beachwaver iron yet? What do you think of beach waved hair year round?

October 9, 2015

Oakbrook Fall 2015 Coach Collection Event

I was beyond honored when asked to host the Oakbrook Fall 2015 Coach Collection Event. When I saw their new collection I was blown away and I thought you would be too. I felt Coach was a brand I was proud to wear & promote as I have quite the growing collection going myself!

Let me start by saying I've shopped at Coach since high school, but I've always thought of them as more of my mother's store. Or a store you shop at for special occasions. To clarify, this was not because I didn't love Coach, but because it felt a bit more grown up with some of their styles.
Well, Coach still has the classic elegance I associated it having 20 years ago, but man have they branched out on their styling! Whether you are 15 or 90 there really is something for everyone.

Here is what I wore:
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I had my makeup done by the very talented Evy. If you live in the Chicago land area I would high recommend using her services for anything from photo shoots and events to weddings! This was the first time she had ever done my makeup and I absolutely loved it. By hour six it was still flawless and I was actually sad to take it off at the end of the night. ;)

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Top // Skirt // Boots // Bag // Sweater // Cuff: Coach // Watch // Necklace: Rocksbox

I took a few photos before the event started and then just enjoyed myself. There was champagne, coffee, and sparkling water. On platters they served appetizers ranging from jalapanio cornbread & meatballs to key lime pie bites and peanut butter cup cupcakes. It really was set up for a night of food, fun, and shopping.

I had stopped by Coach a few times before the event so I could choose items to be put on display the day of the Fall Collection Event. Man, was it hard to narrow it down! What started as just one table quickly grew to "I'm going to need more room you guys!". ;)

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Like I said before, they have really changed the look of Coach. It's still classic and chic, but there are also items that are playful and edgy. The outerwear is gorgeous and has the quality you've come to expect and love from Coach. I am also obsessing over the ready-to-wear. Blouses, dresses, cozy knits, scarfs and more! Here are the table, bench, and rack of items I had chosen as my favorites (I told you I needed more then a table). Can we just talk about the plaid heels, backpack, and scarf (not pictured, but I own it & wear it often)...best plaid print I have ever seen. And I own a lot of plaid print scarfs!

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The night ended up being a total success! Thank you to all who came out and supported me. It was so wonderful to see such a great mix of readers, family, & friends. The night exceeded my expectations and Coach was blown away by how many of you shopped! I mean, how could you not. I walked out with a few goodies myself. Can't wait to share those with you in my coming outfit posts.

Have you shopped at Coach lately? What do you think of their new fall collection?

*Head over to the Sisters Marie blog today to see Kaitlyn's recap of the night (she took lots of gorgeous photos during the event). 

October 2, 2015

Recipe: Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake

We've started a new tradition in our house and that is to bake together as a family. 
We are planning to do it at least once a month and first up was my daughter's pick. She is very into the show Strawberry Shortcake so it was no surprise to any of us that her first baking choice was just that. 

We found a great gluten free recipe on the Better Crocker website and just went for it! 

Here is what you will need:

-4 cups strawberries, sliced
-1/2 cup sugar (we used raw sugar)
-2 1/3 cups Bisquick gluten free mix
-1/3 cup butter or margarine 
-3/4 cup milk (we used almond milk) 
-3 eggs, beaten
-1/2 teaspoon vanilla 
-3/4 cup whipping cream (we tried to make our own but also had cool whip)