Confessional Friday: {The 'I Slept In' Edition}

Hey, internet friends! Getting off to a bit of a late start this morning, but I didn't think y'all would mind. Hope your Friday is off to a great beginning, err, middle. Unfortunately, it's supposed to rain buckets here for most of the holiday weekend, so I'm planning to curl up and watch some high-quality Lifetime TV movies and re-runs of Dateline ID.

And eat dip. Lots of dip.

Hopefully the forecast is looking a little better where you live, so please take a swim in a pool and watch some fireworks for me, pretty please. So, the girls went to visit their grandparents for a couple days in Oklahoma City meaning it's just me and the Mister and a lovely bottle of Prosecco (me) and some Blue Moon (him) for the next three days.

I am not sad about this one bit. Except this made me all mushy this morning...pic was taken on this very day last year : )

In other news...

1) I confess that I needed this Tulip-Back Top in my life. And so do you. How cute, cute, cute would this be paired with white skinnies and gold or brown sandals? I'll tell you how cute...NAUSEATINGLY cute. That shade of pink sort of makes my heart flutter, too. Oh!! Oh!! And it's only $14.99.

This is from Forever 21's Contemporary line and it runs half a size larger than usual. Size down for the perfect fit!

2) I confess that I bawled like a baby when we watched The Judge last night. Netflix it this weekend if you haven't seen it. To me, it's some of Robert Downey Jr.'s best work.

3) I confess that I accidentally called the little guy at the Tropical Smoothie drive-thru "honey" last week. I had Caroline in the back and am so used to calling her "hun", "honey" or "babe" eleventy thousand times a day, and I guess it just slipped. Bless his little 16-year-old heart. Poor kid was so confused.

4) I confess that we are loving our Nutri Ninja blender, but holy smokes that thing is LOUD. Beware if you plan to make yourself a delicious smoothie for breakfast while your kids are still sleeping. It will wake your whole house and possibly your neighbors, too.

Loud, but awesome. We love our Ninja! Stephen has even lost three pounds just by replacing his usual morning breakfast with it!

5) I confess that I am having the hardest time finding tops that will cover my IV port on my chest. I have a dual lumen Hickman port -- y'all impressed with my med-speak? -- that pumps heart meds into me 24/7 and let's just say, it's not subtle in appearance.

I'm certainly not embarrassed to explain what it is or why it's there, but sometimes a girl would just like to eat in a restaurant or shop without inquiring minds asking twenty questions. (And for the record, I completely get it. It looks crazy and I would wonder, too.) However, if any of you have ever had a port or PICC line and had luck finding higher cut shirts from a particular brand, please let me know!

6) I confess that it's time for me to meet one of my gal pals for some shopping and it's time for YOU to link up! 

Happy Fourth of July, you hotties of the interwebs, you. 



   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

MAJOR Sale Alert! (Like, $8 shirts)

If you love comfy activewear like I do, then TODAY is your lucky day. Old Navy is having the Mac Daddy of sales on all their activewear and, let's just say, I did some damage. I love this stuff to wear on a daily basis, especially for throwing on over a swimsuit for the pool.

*Remember to size down - Old Navy tends to run larger than other brands in activewear.

Here are my picks this morning!

Go-Dry Racerback Tank in Lavender Go Lightly - $8!!

Go-Dry Racerback Tank in Flamingo-A-Go-Go Neon - $8

(you have to click over and look at the back of this tank - ADORABLE!)

Women's Pique-Mesh Shorts in Multi-Floral - $11

Women's Perforated Running Shorts in Synergy Orange - $11

Same sale rings true for all the men's stuff, too. So, if you're like me and still haven't bought a Father's Day gift for your honey yet, fear not (!!) O.N. has you covered. 

*Old Navy didn't sponsor this post, nor do they know me from Adam. I just thought I'd pass along this sale.

Recent Beauty Product Finds: Hits and Misses

I make no bones about my love for makeup, skincare and hair products. I could never, ever work at a place like Sephora or Ulta because I'd probably end up spending my entire paycheck within the store. Although I'm pretty brand loyal on a few staples, (cough, cough...my Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation), I never shy away from trying something new. The way I see it, life is entirely too short to stick to clear nail polish and beige lip gloss.

Now. My experience with these could be completely different than yours, so don't let me deter you from buying (or liking) whatever your heart desires.

For what it's worth -- and I realize it's not worth much -- here are a few of the things I've tried this month and my honest thoughts.

The product: Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer - I like it!

What it does: This stuff is both a heat protectant and also a blow dry primer. This means that it is supposed to make your hair nice and smooth while also shaving minutes off your drying time.

Thoughts: The first time I used it, I couldn't tell a tremendous difference in the amount of time it took to dry my hair. The second and third times though, I made sure to start with a completely wet head and was super impressed. It cut about ten minutes off my drying time!

The product: Tarte Lights. Camera. Lashes. Mascara // Best in Faux - Not for me.

What it does: A two-step fiberlash mascara, Tarte's formula is supposed to give you the look of fake lashes.

Thoughts: I really liked the initial look that it gave my lashes, but the fibers were constantly falling into my eyes all day. For anyone that wears contact lenses, this is the nail in the coffin for a mascara. I wanted so darn badly to give this one a thumbs up, but I just couldn't. For everyday use, I'll take my Lancome Hypnose Mascara.

The product: Redken Pillow Proof Two Day Extender Dry Shampoo - Not a fan.

What it does: This stuff works as a dry shampoo to buy you a couple extra days between washes.

Thoughts: Really not a fan. Of all the products I tried, this was my least favorite. Maybe (probably) it was just my specific hair texture, but it gave my hair a weird texture and honestly made it feel more dirty. I ended up shampooing it out that night. What I DO like? My Bumble and Bumble Prêt–à–Powder Dry Shampoo/Volumizer. It's light, airy and smells terrific. And, best of all, it actually does make second or third-day-hair feel clean.

The product: Nars Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Hollywoodland (a pale gold) - Get it today!

What it does: This pencil is actually a stick eyeshadow, but I used it as an eye brightener and fell in love! A little more pricey than what I'd typically spend on shadow, (because I'm cheap...err, frugal), but well worth it.

Thoughts: Do not pass go, do not collect $100...get this little miracle stick now. I applied just a tad right into the inside corner of my eyes and it really did give me a more rested look. I noticed that my eyes looked brighter throughout the day and the formula seemed to be long-lasting.

...........................................

So, there you have it. My recent product purchases, both the good and the less than stellar.

I'm curious to know...what was your last beauty product purchase and what did you think? Give your two cents below!

Fade to Grey: {Outfit Pics}

I had the chance over the weekend to get out and snap a few pics of outfits that are in my current rotation - and it was glooooooorious (!!) Three cheers for non-maternity clothing!

Granted, I'm spending the majority of my days in yoga pants and long sleeved tees lately, but a few days a week, I love to get a little more dressed up. Just makes a girl feel good, ya know?

Casual Class Braided Sweater in beige c/o Riffraff // the BEST Faux Leather Leggings (ON SALE NOW!) // earrings c/o Rocksbox (use code LESLIEBFF11 to get a one month subscription free!) (similar here for purchase) // bracelet is old (nearly identical style here) // Seychelles Wedge Bootie c/o Maude Boutique (now on sale!)

This super cozy sweater/legging combo is the perfect marriage of polish and comfort. It's fun dressed up with some glam earrings and a big 'ol chunky bracelet, or just as stylish paired with a plush, warm infinity scarf.

Classic Crochet Knit Infinity Scarf in black c/o Riffraff

Also, I think Starbucks cups have taken the place of cute purses in outfit pics for me lately. Caffeine is my very favorite accessory nowadays ; )

Cheers to a quiet return to outfit blogging-- xoxo

Closet Staples: {The Perfect White Shirt}

I'm excited to introduce you all to a new series I'm doing for the next couple months called, you guessed it, Closet Staples! (Golf claps all around.)

I came to the stunning realization last night that I own five sequin blazers and only ONE pair of non-maternity jeans. Now I love sparkle as much as the next gal, but that ratio seems a bit skewed. So I decided that enough is enough. I'm going to rebuild my wardrobe starting with staple pieces.

I'm in the process of doing an inventory of my own closet and figuring out what I need now that I can get back to my non-maternity wear, (err, soon. As soon as I stop eating those darn enchiladas.) Over the next few weeks, I'll be compiling my own list of "must-haves" for building a grab 'n go wardrobe.

photo via Pinterest by way of Minna Somero

Today, we're talking about the perfect white oxford. Ideally, my perfect oxford shirt would be long enough to hide the top part of my bum, feature a cuffed sleeve and have a stiff collar that could easily be popped up slightly when the mood strikes.

Silk Cotton Shirt in New Off White

Pintucked Perfect Shirt in White (40% OFF with code SUITUP)

BR Non-Iron Sateen Button-Down Shirt in White (30% OFF until 1/25 with code BRLOVE)

Endless Shirt in White 

Express Original Long Sleeve Essential Shirt (One of my all-time favorite oxford-style shirts)

Tunic Softened Shirt in White

Mixed Media Button-Down Shirt in White

If you're a larger chested gal, you might check out the Fitted Boyfriend Oxford from Gap. It features a more relaxed fit around the chest and shoulder area, but is curved and tailored at the waist! (It also comes in Tall and Petite, too!)

.................................................

I also wanted to share something very important with all of you that reside in Northwest Arkansas like me. My good friends at Crown Beauty Bar in Fayetteville are lending a hand to Peace at Home Family Shelter - a fantastic organization that offers a secure environment to women and children who have been victims of domestic abuse.

Starting now, Crown will be collecting needed items to the women at the shelter and making their delivery on February 13th. Every donation will get your name entered into a drawing for a Queen of Hearts package, a $125 value!

Items needed: underwear (never worn, of course!), bras, pajamas, socks, toiletries, makeup and fun jewelry that you no longer wear. Come on, girls - let's lend a hand and give from the heart!

Caped Crusader

Call it a poncho, call it a cape, call it whatever you want - it's the must-have outerwear piece of the season. Frankly, I'm all about it.

Here's why:

1. Capes and ponchos hide post-baby weight. (Golf claps all around.)
2. Superheroes wear capes; ergo, they are awesome.
3. They're comfy. Like, really comfy. A bit like wearing a blanket, only with arm holes.

Here are a few capes that I have my eye on lately. And may have purchased a couple. Oops.

Vintage-Inspired Plaid Cape  - Bought this one and L.O.V.E. it!

Turtleneck Poncho Sweater in Cream

Necessary Clothing Plaid Poncho Sweater in Red/Black (30% off sitewide by entering code 2K15)

Nasty Gal Cool It Cape Sweater in Ivory

Super-Soft Cape in Grey Marl - One of my very favorite pieces I've bought all winter, hands down.

Colour-Block Geometric Print Cape

So next time you find yourself shopping online for another boring old sweater, (okay, sweaters are pretty great), think "cape" or "poncho" instead. 

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go help a very excited toddler assemble her Minnie Mouse Playhouse Indoor Tent. (Lord, help me...)

Buy This - Not That: January Edition

It's time to play...say it with me now...Buy This, Not That! (applause in background)

Here are a few items that caught my eye recently and their waaaaaay more affordable dopplegangers. So gather round, ye vixens of the interwebs, and enjoy some morning window shopping.

Gianvito Rossi "Osaka" Knee Boot ($927)  vs.  Ivanka Trump "Sarena" Over-the-Knee Dress Boot (ON SALE NOW for $111.30!)

Sonia Kashuk Eye Shadow Quad in "Fair and Square" ($13.69)  vs.  Tom Ford Eye Color Quad ($96.92)

Dannijo Tessie Ear Jacket ($245)  vs.  Mariposa Ear Jackets ($32)

Lookbook Black Sequined Leggings ($29)  vs.  Juicy Couture Sequined Leggings ($138)

Mason Martin Margiela Wool Pullover ($815)  vs.  Metallic Pleat-Back Pullover in Gold/Bronze ($59)

Gum Drop Strand ($48)  vs. J.Crew Crystal Venus Flytrap Necklace ($98)

Rise and Shine Turtleneck Sweater Dress in Light Gray ($78)  vs.  Joie Sweater Dress in Gray ($226)

Dressing a Maternity Body (feat. Riffraff)

Remember years ago when pregnant women were forced to spend the duration of their pregnancies wearing glorified potato sack dresses and horrendous maternity stirrup pants?

I was only nine when I remember my mom having to sport those oh-so-flattering clothes when she was pregnant with my brother. And even then, despite it being the early 90s, I remember thinking, "There has GOT to be someone out there who can make better clothes for pregnant ladies."

Thankfully, designers finally got their heads on straight and heard the cries of mamas everywhere. And do you know what? They found it to be an incredibly lucrative market (!!) (Well, gee golly! Who would've thought that women wanted to wear attractive clothing while they were pregnant?)

Vest c/o Riffraff (mine is out of stock, but similar here) // Charleston Glitz necklace c/o Riffraff // top is old from Loft (non-maternity), very similar here and here //  Fade to Blue Secret Fit Belly Skinny Leg Maternity Jean in dark wash (only $39.99!) // Toms Desert Wedge Bootie in Cheetah

Today, it's easier than ever...EVER...to look chic, put together and on-trend during those precious months of carrying a bambina. You just have to know what to wear, what to avoid and which brands/boutiques to shop.

You'll be delighted to know that you won't have to wear even one mumu.

Tips for dressing a maternity body:

1. You don't have to go up five sizes just because you're sporting a bump. I got a question from a darling pregnant girl on instagram the other night asking if she had to go up a size, just because she was pregnant. My personal philosophy? Nope. Here's the deal: most styles of tops today are very accomodating to a baby bump, (i.e. oversize sweaters, tunics, peplum tops, etc.)

I don't know if the fashion world is designing clothing like this on purpose, but it works. I honestly probably bought two or three maternity tops total that I've worn with both my babies.

Instead, look for styles like longer tunics and bottom-covering sweaters (you'll need the extra length) in your usual size or one size up (if your, um, assets have grown.) DO NOT run out and buy a bunch of clothing that's five sizes bigger than your usual; in ten months, you'll have that baby and be left with a bunch of clothes that don't fit and don't look good.

2. Invest in GOOD maternity pants/jeans. Cheap maternity pants are just...bad. They don't hold up and trust me, when that third trimester rolls around, you're going to want good britches. I'm not saying you have to invest oodles of money into pregnancy pants, but this is the area where you'll definitely WANT to buy maternity. Tops and dresses? Meh. Maternity pants= very necessary.

Also, here's a bit of friendly advice from a gal who has done it before: you'll be wearing those maternity pants home from the hospital and probably for a few weeks after the birth of your babe. Things don't just snap back immediately the day you check out of Labor & Delivery, especially if you've had a C-section and are retaining 20 extra pounds of fluid, (but they do snap back - promise!) You'll appreciate the extra fabric and tummy panel while things heal and return to their somewhat previous shape.

I really like these brands of maternity jeans:

All-time favorite: Fade to Blue Secret Fit Belly Skinny Leg Maternity Jean in dark wash (only $39.99!)
7 for All Mankind Secret Fit Belly Straight Leg Maternity Jean
Mavi Secret Fit Belly 5 Pocket Maternity Jean


3. Buy a BeBand. These have been my best friend during both pregnancies, especially during the second trimester. Essentially, it's a piece of tube top-looking, elasticized fabric that pulls up over your (unbuttoned) pants to allow you to still wear your favorite bottoms while you're pregnant. The Target brand BeBand is great for that transition time between non-maternity pants and the full blown "I'm about to pop" mama pants. It will also help save you money if you're on a limited budget or just don't want to invest in pricier maternity clothes.

I also really like Target's maternity tanks. Buy one in every color!

4. Do not throw in the towel. Trust me, at one million weeks pregnant myself right now, I-FRIGGIN-GET-IT. And yes, there are many days where I don't leave these maternity leggings and sweatshirts, which I may be wearing right at this very moment. But please don't give up for the next ten months. It's so easy, especially at the end, to just say "screw it" and throw on your fiftieth pair of jogging pants, but you'll feel soooooo much better about yourself if you get dressed. Even if it's just jeans and a cute top, I implore you to dress for yourself. It'll make those days when you feel like a manatee a whole lot more bearable. You are worth it. You are worth it.

You are worth it.

Gold, Pearls and Pink

Nothing makes me swoon more than a gorgeous piece of statement jewelry, especially if it falls into the vintage category. So, you can imagine my reaction when I saw this late 1970s Sarah Coventry lariat tassel necklace from Southern Vintage, a Northwest Arkansas jewelry and accessory boutique.

Be still my bauble-loving heart. 

Sarah Coventry tassel lariat necklace c/o Southern Vintage // felt floppy hat in brown, (also love this one and this one)  // Fuzzy Knit Pocket Sweater  // Fade to Blue 5 Pocket Skinny maternity skinny jeans // Vince Camuto 'Kain' heels // Prada Saffiano Tote in Caramel, very similar here and here // pearl ring (also love this one and this one) // bangle set 

The chain...the pearl accents...it's downright dreamy, I tell you.

You can stop in Southern Vintage every Saturday at 123 S Main St. in Bentonville from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. or by private appointment! You can also keep up with them on their Instagram account (username is southernvintagebentonville) and Facebook page, too. 

Right now, Karey is offering complimentary gift wrapping with every purchase, so it's a great way to knock everything out in one stop. You can also pop in and make your own holiday wish list so that you can be sure you get what YOU want this Christmas ; )

.......................................

Cyber Monday - The Rundown

Riffraff - 50% off site-wide (Use code BLONDE for an additional 10% your order!)
Savoir-Faire - 50% off site-wide
Maude - 30% off with code MONDAY30 (Plus, free shipping for orders over $75!)
Forever 21- 20% off when you spend $60, 30% off when you spend $100
Loft - 50% off everything with code MONDAY
Ann Taylor - 50% off everything with code CYBER50
Nordstrom - Up to 40% off on women's shoes, handbags and clothing
Old Navy - 40% off everything with code CYBER
Gap - 40% off everything use code CYBER
Banana Republic - 40% off everything with code CYBER