Family Fun at Medieval Times

Over the holiday weekend I did something with my family that I had never done before, we went to Medieval Times. My husband had been there once about 20 years ago, so it was really a first time thing for all of us. You guys, it was a blast! When we first pulled up the kids were whispering that we were at a castle and inquiring if we would see a princess. We played into the concept of stepping back in time and reminded the children there was not even silverware here. My daughter was in awe of the building, so much so that we did a loop around the front to see the castle in all it's glory (see above photo) before parking. 

Holiday Style, Wrapped in a Bow

When it comes to dressing for all the holiday parties ahead there are certain accessories you can wear and re-wear to stay looking super chic each and every time. These bow heels are a perfect example. I have worn them over a dozen times the past three years, and each time it give the outfit the right amount of holiday spirit. 

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year....

Happy almost Thanksgiving everyone! It really is the most wonderful time of the year. Tomorrow we will get together with family and no doubt eat way too much before the shopping frenzy begins on Black Friday. For me, the shopping has already began as I like to start early. Another thing I like to do early? Get my Christmas card ready so I can send them out the Monday after Thanksgiving! 

Every year I look forward to Christmas cards. Not just making our own, but receiving cards from all my fiends and family as well. In my home we display all of the cards we receive and I love looking at them everyday, they become part of our holiday decor. This year, unlike years past, I had professional photos taken of my family. We ended up with about 120 pictures and I am in love with them all. I actually got the digital copies of these two days before I designed this years Christmas card, so it made the process of choosing the right card that much more fun. 

When it comes to making my holiday cards, I choose Tiny Prints. The process is so fun and also very easy to navigate through and save your work as drafts as you go. You can customize every step from he shape of the card-stock, to the lining of the envelope, to how many (or few) photos you want to add. Heck, you can even pick more photos or a fun print like polka dots or stripes for the backside of the cards as well. The customizability options are truly endless. When I made last year's card, I knew I wanted to go with red tones. This year I wanted to try a color scheme. Here are the four cards I designed before I picked this years card:

Option one:

I thought this one was super cute. I absolutely love the print on the back of the card, but decided this was not going to be "the one".  

Option two:

I love the snowflakes! This one is short, sweet, to the point, and not to mention beautiful. I love the round edges and simplicity. OK, we have a new front runner folks. I quickly saved this one to my drafts and moved onto the next option.

 Option three:

Every year we receive cards like this one, but we have never sent out a card like this one. I wanted to at least try it out since we had so many wonderful photos from our photo shoot this year. This style card folds twice (kind-of accordion like) giving front and back views of family shots. I loved the idea of this card, but again not "the one". 

 Option four:

And we have our winner people! I love the gold and black. In all of my family Christmas cards that I have ever sent out we have never used these colors. Again, I went with the round edges and we even have a stripe insert inside the envelope (photo on Instagram today). I am so happy with my cards and can not wait to send them out next week! 

Head over to Tiny Prints and make your perfect holiday card. Today and tomorrow you can receive 40% off by using code GIVETHANKS & free shipping off orders $49+ with code FREESHIP49. After Friday you can check here for up to date coupon codes.

Where do you go for your holiday cards? Do you love this tradition as much as I do?

Family photos taken by Sheena Jane Photography 

*I was gifted my cards from Tiny Prints but that in no way altered my opinions stated above. 

The Perfect Pinstripe Pants

I recently took photos for my annual Christmas Card (full post on that coming this Wednesday), and this is what I wore for the photo shoot. The color scheme for the entire family was black, oxblood, and gray and honestly I threw together all four of our looks on about three days notice. Spoiler alert, I nailed it! The shoes I am wearing here are actually oxblood, which showed during my sitting photos. I was wearing a statement necklace, but decided to ditch it to keep the focus of the photos on my beautiful family and not my sparkly gems.

Walking in an Autumn Wonderland....

Just look at this gorgeous bed of leaves! I've said it before and I will say it again, this is the prettiest Fall I ever did see. I decided to do a bit of play-on-color as I styled this gorgeous turtleneck maxi dress. By adding the plum boots and colorful scarf the outfit began to take shape. The purple lip and green bag were the last two additions. In the end, I loved wearing this outfit. So much so that since these photos were taken, I have worn this exact outfit two other times! Sometimes there's no need to fix what is not broken. ;)

Shop the look: 

Dress: c/o J.Jill // Scarf: c/o Cabi // Boots: Michael Kors via Trunk Club // Bag: JustFab // Sunglasses: Kate Spade // Cuff: Coach (similar & under $30!) // Rings: c/o Park Lane Jewelry // Lip Color: Colour Pop

Photos by Cecilia Jean

Have you ever worn a turtleneck maxi dress before? This one is so cozy, you'll never look back once you put it on!

Dressed up Joggers

I am all about comfortable fashion, in fact, I think I talk about it almost every week! I just strongly believe that you do not need to compromise one for the other. OK, so technically these pants are not traditional joggers (they are called "easy pants"), but anything with an elastic waist band and is made of the softest possible material is a jogger in my book. And when I say these pants are soft, I'm not doing them justice. I wish you could feel these...like butter! I could easily live in this outfit. Fact.

I added a classic wardrobe staple, this striped turtleneck, and kept the outfit styling super simple. By adding this giant scarf, gray pumps, and a bright lip, this look went from feeling like pajamas to ready for the runway. My life runway that is. ;) I did have a bit of a strut in my step this day. Why not look chic but feel like you are in your pjs? This combo will be on major repeat the next few months.

Shop the look:

Turtleneck: c/o Cabi // Pants: c/o J.Jill // Shoes: c/o JustFab // Scarf: Free People via Trunk Club // Bag: TJ Maxx (similar) // Hat: Gap (similar) // Sunglasses: c/o Sole Society // Lip Color: gloMinerals-Sorbet

Photos by Cecilia Jean

Are you a fan of dressing up joggers? What do you think of this pairing?

The Prettiest Fall I Ever did See

Is it just me, or is this the prettiest Fall in all of history? It's for sure the nicest Fall I have been a part of anyway. The temperatures have been holding steady in the upper 50's and lower 60's (some days even in the low 70's!) and having the sun out has been such a wonderful change. Not only has the weather been wonderful, but the colors of Fall just seem to be more vibrant this year. Fall is my favorite season, but this specific one will definitely stay with me for many years to come. I find myself finding gratitude in the daily beauty around me and that is a reason to smile. 

I recently teamed up with Cabi to share a few of their new Fall pieces. This plaid jacket and hooded tunic are two of the four items you will be seeing here on the blog during the next week. Not only are these two items gorgeous, and honestly wardrobe staples, but I am so obsessed with he quality. Comfort, style, and quality are consistent in all the items I received and that is something worth sharing with you guys! 

Coat & Tunic: c/o Cabi // Faux Leather Leggings: Express (similar) // Boots: Michael Kors via Trunk Club // Hat: Gap (similar) // Bag: JustFab

Photos by Cecilia Jean

Have you ever heard of Cabi before? I had not, but I now can't imagine not shopping their amazing basics!

Thank you for stopping by the blog today! xo
-Lisa 

The Evolution of my New Extensions

 (before)

If you have followed me here on Stilettos & Diaper Bags for years, then you know I love me some long hair! I have tried just about every kind of extensions since 2005, and this time around I went with Dream Catchers. For those of you that are not familiar with Dream Catchers, they are known as the "worlds best hair extensions". The hair is 100% human remi hair and the color never fades. With maintenance every 8-10 weeks your extensions can last up to two years. Yes, they are a bit pricey, but talk about a lot of bang for your buck! 

 I found this great salon, Joanna's Hair & Lash Extensions in Algonquin, and decided to mix it up from the beaded weft that I have had the last two times. After having a color matching consultation, we agreed that getting ombre extensions would not be the best match for my hair. Instead, they color matched all three colors I currently have in my hair and ordered a full set (which is 5 bundles). Here are photos of what my hair looked like the day they were put in. 

(after) 

I have to say, the environment of Joanna's hair & lash extensions is so amazing. There is music playing in the background and everyone is talking and really happy with the results they are seeing.  I know I was personally having Beyonce moments with my hair (doing hair flips and all)! While I was there, others were getting eyelash extensions put in and as each of us finished our services, our moods were elevated. People are naturally in a better mood when they feel good about themselves and everyone who was leaving was in the best mood ever! I would love to work in a place were I made people happy on a daily basis. You rock Joanna! 

(only dream catchers in)

After about a week and two washes, I decided I wanted more hair put in. Since my hair had a very blunt cut prior to putting my extensions in, I didn't love how my natural hair was showing in a few spots when it was not curled. Not to mention, my natural hair is the shortest length that I have ever had extensions put in at. To be clear, this was nothing the salon did wrong, it is all personal preference when it comes to how much hair you want to add as far as fullness and length. 

In the end, I decided not to add anymore Dream Catchers. I wanted to save some cash and I still had my hair leftover from the last time I had Suzie put in my beaded weft. Joanna not only squeezed me in on no notice, but she used her expertise to move around the different colors to make room for my new dark row in the back while still blending the colors to look natural. I AM OBSESSED! I seriously am so in love with this longer hair. 

(after adding one row of beaded weft in dark)

Have you ever tried extensions? If you live in IL, I highly recommend Joanna for your next appointment. I think I may need to have her try out lash extensions next. Has anyone tried those? I have so many questions. Let's chat in the comments sections! 

Thank you for stopping by today! xo

-Lisa 

Trend to Try: Bell Sleeve Turtleneck

It only makes sense that a girl like myself, who loves all things retro, would love the bell sleeve trend. I adore bell bottoms after all, so this is a very logical evolution for me. Not to mention, this is a style that works for literally everyone no matter your shape or size. Plus, it is much easier to pull off if you're a bit nervous or not ready to try out bell bottoms.

This has to be one of my favorite Fall pairings so far this year. I love wearing all black but by adding this long camel colored cardigan, red crop boots, and a crimson colored lip, I think this outfit really took on a personality of it's own! I guess it didn't hut that this is such a beautiful location for pictures either. ;)

Shop this trend:

Top: Threadsence (similar) (crop top style) // Skirt: Kristin Hassan (similar) (similar but longer) // Cardigan: Old Navy (similar) // Boots: JustFab // Bag: Nordstrom (similar) // Necklace: Clyde's Rebirth // Large Ring: c/o Park Lane Jewelry // Teal Ring: House of Harlow // Lip Color: gloMinerals- Crimson

Have you tried the bell sleeve trend? What do you think of this pairing?