Chasing Davies

Savvy Summer Style in Kansas City

2013-06-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Staying stylish during the summertime in Kansas City can be hard work. You'll definitely want your favorite anti-humectant hair product and light layers to keep you looking fab and staying cool. Don't let the 90 degree, humid weather scare you from my hometown. If you happen to find yourself this way, there are a few things and places to help make your summer savvy!
{but first my beauty favs to keep you looking fab in midwest weather}

Fab dresses perfect for day to night summers in Kansas City all by London Times, top off any look with a lightweight Panama Hat (my fav) for extra shade, my favorite hair frizz tamer, lip color and conditioning with SPF and a swim suit you could also wear as a top! {now what to do while looking all pretty?}
Find Shade. One of my favorite parks located right in the city and full of gardens, ducks and space to spread out for a picnic or to throw the ball: Loose Park. You can take your kids for a great playground and lots of exploring, get a work out in the 1 mile route around the edge of the park or bring your significant other or friends for a picnic.

{Liam loves the flowers} Local Eats. What are you in the mood for? Brunch is my favorite meal of the day and I recently tried {and loved} Rye. Some of my other favorite places to brunch: Classic Cup, Succotash or Genessee Royale (as blogged about here). Get yourself some friends and hit up any of these spots or others that I've yet to try.

Hit Up a Pool {of course}. There are tons of great pools. I belong to Woodside near the Plaza area - which just renovated their pool area to be even more awesome that it already was. This club also has group fitness classes (I love the yoga classes), a gym, tennis courts and more. Some other great pool options: Fairway Pool, Prairie Village Public Pool {especially great for kids}, Intercontinental Hotel Pool.

Night Out. After you've successfully spent the day outside, strut your new tan out on the town. I'm not totally down with the nightlife scene these days (toddler mom), but a few things will always be my favorite (whether they're in or not). Happy hour outside for starters - either Brio on the Plaza for a more dressed up option and closer to lots of other entertainment areas or Blue Moose for a casual, kid-friendly local.
Of course, dinner at either of those places, or other great patio options: Rye (where I went to brunch earlier also has the most amazing patio and great food for dinner, too) or Gram & Dun, also known for their patio, fire pit and really interesting (in a good way) drinks!
And when I do get out for the night (like a few times a year), my pick is always O'Dowds! I love the live music they have on the weekends and the rooftop bar and seating area.
Make sure to check out the other savvy style and tips for other cities as part of London Times Savviest Summer Ever Giveaway! For more info, go here!

Follow along here, too:

Summer Won't You Bring Me These...

2013-06-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm craving a few things to help get this summer going... pieces for the home that will just help pull a few rooms together, sweet lil summery accents to my own wardrobe and of course wee little for my own little dude. What's on your summer wish list?
1. Pretty summer wedges (you can never have too much leopard, right?) 2. Picnic basket + blanket + bright outdoor plates (I plan to spend some time outside this summer and with a toddler, you never leave home without snacks or miss a meal) 3. Buildings of Paris Print (sign up for Fab here) 4. Mint nail polish (always a fav polish of mine and you can see my first mint pedi here) 5. A little red ukulele for Liam whose taken up a love for singing. And I love his little songs. I want to foster this little love of his as much as possible. 6. A simple arrow gold ring 7. Perfect lightly scented fragrance for summer (but let's be honest, all year around - I'm obsessed) 8. Grow my own herbs, stylishly of course. I would love this glass set full of them hanging in my kitchen. 9. My husband would even approve of this graphic tee for the wee-one (The Dude Tee) 10. Little Saltwater Sandals (to go with mama's yellow ones) for Liam 11. A new clutch for summer (leave the big bags at home... or to the baby bag).

Follow along here, too:

Summer Meets Fall Styling

2013-06-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

I've posted about this roller girl print on my Facebook Page... I just love it, so I had to get this lightweight, linen popover. Perfect material for summer, yet paired with this rust maxi will flow right into Fall. With the addition of my majorly bright-Barbi-pink purse for a wild summery splash I think the mixture makes all these pieces just better together! Also better together and keeps you clothes in tip top shape? The P&G trio of Tide, Downy & Bounce (getting them at Target - even better!).
A little confession... I'd never used Downy before this experiment. I've used Tide and Bounce (obsessed) for years... but Downy just seemed like an extra step and I'm a really lazy launder. But this extra step I shunned for years was really very minor and left my clothes noticeably soft. Totally unexpected.
And I love when things are unexpected. My goal when styling an outfit (not all the time, but at least some of the time) is to just have at least a little piece of it be unexpected. What makes your summer styles better or unexpected?

Outfit Details: Shirt, Skirt - old from Target (similar), Shoes - last year from Old Navy (similar), Purse - Target, sold out (similar), Necklace - J.Crew inspired from Ebay, all to be washed with the triple threat of P&G products.

This post is sponsored by P&G. With Tide®, Downy® and Bounce®, you can keep your summer fashions looking new up to 50% longer.* Text CLEAN to TARGET (827438) for mobile coupons.
*vs. leading value detergent alone. Though all my thoughts are based on my own experiences.
Thank you for reading my blog and supporting my sponsors!

Follow along here, too:

Navy & Yellow Wedding Bliss

2013-06-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last weekend was one of my good friend's wedding in Omaha! It was a fun filled weekend, culminating in a beautiful event that totally reflected the personalities of this two love birds. I was honored to be a bridesmaid, where we all wore navy dresses and yellow shoes! I loved the color combo and the bride carried it beautifully throughout the ceremony & reception decor. Here are a few shots from the big event...

Bridesmaids all picked our own navy dress (I wore this one, some of the other girls' dresses: strapless ruche dress, strapless chiffon dress) and the bride provided the mustard yellow pumps from Urban Outfitters (same style, same yellow w/ lower heel, exact pair discontinued, similar). We got to pick how we had our hair done, it just had to be up.

I loved how she carried the yellow and navy into the reception, and of course the candy bar was a huge hit!

There first dance was like nothing I've seen before. Major creativity and totally surprising! Let's just say... it was a little reenactment from a little fairy tale involving a very sleepy girl and a Prince. I'm sure a video will pop up at some point! :)

So that was my little weekend! :) How was your weekend?

Follow along here, too:

This dress, on repeat.

2013-06-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm not a huge fan of mixing brown and black together in an outfit... but I wanted to wear my new favorite dress (again - don't worry, I"ll spare you all the times I'm slipping into this and save only different looks I get from it for here) and my favorite summer wedges for comfort's sake, so I went with it. I have a hard time mixing just neutrals with no pops of color - so I toted around my bright patterned jacket for the evening to break it all up - but this dress stands alone. It's comfortable and perfectly unique - thus why it is and will continue to be on repeat this summer.
How do you wear brown and black - or do you avoid?

Outfit details: Dress; Wedges - Last Year (similar); Earrings - gift, Bag - Oldie (similar); Jacket (similar, last worn here); Lips

Follow along here, too:

Casual Summer Outfit with a Little White Dress

2013-06-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

A casual, beachy outfit for our little day trip to Santa Cruz a couple weeks ago when we were in California. An easy dress to style down or up depending on what you are up too. I love a little white dress for summer - so much you can do with it and looks fantastic with sun kissed skin!
How would you wear a little white dress?

Outfit details: Dress, Denim Shirt - old (similar), Belt - borrowed, Necklace - Washington D.C. flea market, Sandals - last year Old Navy (similar), Lips, Sunnies (similar)

Follow along here, too:

Fun in California

2013-06-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

A week and a half ago, we spent a long weekend in northern California. We've been there many times before to visit family, but this time with a toddler in toe was different than past trips. We certainly had fun and it was great to see our loved ones, but boy I was exhausted once I got home! Here are a few photos from our time in San Francisco, including a day trip to Santa Cruz and a FIVE generation photo with some of my fam (rare these days!).

a family the swings together.... Having a park near where we were staying was key to Liam's (and therefore, our) sanity!

Ok, this is not San Francisco - we took a day trip to Santa Cruz for some overwhelming boardwalk action, ice cream & Liam's first carousel ride! It was a beautiful day to be outside and while the ocean was way to cold to dip more than a toe, it was fun to walk on the beach and hear the waves.

The wharf is one of my favorite parts of San Fran! My CA family indulges my request for Scoma's (on pier 47) every time I visit. This time even greater, because we had 15 people so got a separate room that overlooked the ocean. Last time I was visiting family in California, we got our first five generation photo. So we got an updated one!

And no trip is complete without a stop at In-N-Out Burger for a hamburger and shake. Liam even got his first one!

Follow along here, too:

Summer Perfect Giveaway: Win a Dress & Handbag!

2013-06-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

I warned you yesterday and today is the day! Tuesday is good for very little except that it's one day closer to Friday and a giveaway! Thanks to two of my favorite retailers, London Times and Handbag Heaven, we've paired together a bright outfit for one lucky winner to rock this summer! You have until June 11th to enter through Rafflecopter below, US residents only. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

P.S. The fun doesn't end there - make sure to follow London Times on Instagram for dress giveaways every Friday!

Follow along here, too:

Impromptu Family Walk in a Pretty Pink Dress

2013-06-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

After a fun and busy weekend full of outdoor events, birthday parties and shopping, Liam decided he wanted to take a family walk around our neighborhood while still wearing my party dress. Liam loves the outdoors, from running down the sidewalks to looking at the trees, watching trucks drive by and planes fly above and saying HI & BYE BYE to everyone we pass. He really is in his element.
And I'm in mine when I'm with him... and in a fun dress! I love a good, fun dress WITH short sleeves! You can find a strapless or sleeveless dress anywhere you look come summer, but it's hard to find a cute short sleeve one. I love this one from London Times and even more exciting... there is a giveaway here tomorrow where one of you luckies will not only win THIS dress (well, not this one that I'm wearing, but a new one) and a fabulous hand bag to help make this outfit go. So check back tomorrow!

Someone prefers me in the hat... I like him in the hat!

Outfit details: Dress c/o London Times, Necklace - J.Crew knock-off via Ebay, Flats - old from Old Navy, Hat, Rope Bracelet - Junghwa Etsy Shop, Red Bracelet - gift

Remember to check back tomorrow for a GIVEAWAY! You could win this dress PLUS a perfect summer bag to go with it! :)

Follow along here, too:

What to Wear: Outdoor Wedding

2013-05-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

Tis the season to ring all those wedding bells, break out those pretty dresses and travel around the country - at least it is for me! I have a summer packed full of fun weddings of close friends. It's sure going to be a fun summer.
Thinking about what to wear already, and when I saw this dress I knew it had to have it's moment. The color is lovely for any skin color, the length is long enough so that no winds will blow up your hem and the structure of the dress paired with the embellishment is perfection.
Pair this sweet dress with an on trend pop of neon. Wear wedges or flats to keep your heels from sinking into softer grounds. Subtle jewelry is all this dress needs. Maybe a flower or cute barrette for the hair? And done.
Dress // Clutch* // Earrings // Wedges*

*Selected pieces sponsored by ShoeDazzle (though chosen by me)

Follow along here, too:

Flying with a Toddler

2013-05-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, we celebrated the long weekend by extending it a day further and heading out west... all the way out west to visit family in California. Coming from the middle of the country and booking a bit last minute, we had a long flight (with one stop) ahead of us. We'd made this journey with Liam before, but he was only 5 months. Much easier and controllable a baby is, but a toddler forced to sit still and be confined to a small area for 3.5-4 hours... ufta!

So we did a few things right and a few things wrong...thought I'd share both in case you are near flying for the first time with your wild little toddler.

1. Flight Time

We flew out and and back midday, both ways had one stop (though we didn't get off the plane, at least). We were limited in our choices due to holiday weekend and booking only a few weeks out, but in the future, I'd do all I could to get the shortest trip possible, meaning non-stop/direct. This is worth more money, especially for further distances.

And for us, I thought I could count on Liam taking a tap on the plane - but that hardly happened. On the way there, he was tired and definitely needed a nap, but able to fight it off enough. Finally he did fall asleep, but quickly woke up about 35 minutes later (typical nap is 2 hours). Boo.

On the way home, our midday flight was delayed 2.5 hours back, so naturally Liam took a little nap in the airport. I thought all hope was lost for any sleeping on the plane. BUT I was in luck because our flight was later, he was less energetic and slept another hour and a half! So I think in the future, evening/night flights would be best for our bundle of energy!

2. Entertainment in Flight

Personally, I think we did well in this area. We brought a few of his most favorite toys, current it books and beloved blanket. We let him has his pacifier more than he typically gets it (only when sleeping) on the plane to help with his ears and keep him from being too loud.

But we also brought a few new, surprise items! A couple new books about his current favorite thing int he world, TRUCKS, and a small toy truck and a little bear he could cuddle. All these things were hits. When you're dealing with a toddler who has an attention span of 2-5 minutes, options options options!

And when all else fails... SNACKS! We had lots of snacks on hand. Some favorites, some special treats and more filling options. That always helped get him out of a funk.

3. Dealing with Time Changes

We went back in time 2 hours from our time zone, and I was worried how Liam would react. We arrived in California at 5:30pm Pacific/7:30 Central (our typical zone and around Liam's bedtime). But because we were getting off a long flight, it was still bright and light out and we were seeing family, Liam was JAZZED! Plus, he still needed a proper dinner. So we had no problem keeping him up later. Because he napped so poorly, he actually slept in the next morning, too and ta-da, was quickly adjusted to Cali time!

Coming home was a different story. He didn't go to bed until 11pm Central time. So by 9am the next morning, he was still sleeping... we decided to gently wake him up and hopefully do so a little bit earlier each morning. We also put him to bed as close to normal bedtime the next few nights, at least being up in his room, reading books and doing his night time routine.

4. Having Fun on your Travels... with a Toddle in Tow

I didn't even think about this before going. I just kept thinking about all the fun things we could do in San Francisco, CA! I mean, hello.. San Fran is a blast! I've been there so many times and have a few favorite restaurants and shopping areas and sights to see...

Well this time was different. Liam has very different ideas of entertainment and eating at nice restaurants isn't one of them! We did manage to sneak in one dinner out excursion for a little family reunion. We had a separate room and lots of people to entertain Mr. Liam - so that helped! But otherwise, forgo the dinner and just concentrate on the quick places, like In-N-Out (we did that, too).

Also, if you can believe it - no shopping on this trip! Not at all! We brought our midsize stroller, because it reclined so Liam could nap on the go and he also napped in the car to places (day trip to Santa Cruz, for instances), so we weren't confined home. But he needed time on his two legs and didn't have a ton of patience for long stroller rides (this boy has energy to burn, I'm telling you!).

We still had a great time because we were with family and friends and with each other, but if you're hoping for more adult activities, rethink bringing your toddler.

What are your toddler travel tips?

I will have some fun photos from our trip and the things that we DID do soon!

Follow along here, too:

Dazzling Jewels

2013-05-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

{neon drop earrings}

{bloom necklace}

{crystal compilation bracelet}

Warmer weather comes with fewer layers and less fabric. Besides jazzing up your outfit by mixing prints and patterns, you can pile on the dazzling jewels. These pieces, like all of J.Crew's jewelry this season, is blowing me away. I will be saving my pennies for a few things. What do you have your eye on?

Follow along here, too:

Buttoned Up

2013-05-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

A co-worker and I were discussing this shirt buttoned up all the way adorned with a necklace atop thing, and I'm curious your thoughts? I dabble with styling my necklace this way vs. leaving my shirt a little less buttoned and wearing a necklace under the collar.

Sometimes I feel like a cowgirl or a little too preppy this way.

How does J.Crew make it look so good?

Outfit Details: Denim Top - Forever 21 (similar), Skirt - Oldie from Loft (similar), Necklace - Knock off J.Crew from Ebay (similar), Bracelet - Forever21 (similar), Watch - MK, Wedge Sandals - Last summer from TopShop (similar)

Follow along here, too:

Seventeen.

2013-05-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

Liam is already 17 months. SEVENTEEN. I'm not sure how that happened so fast and at the same time, I can't believe how much he's changed and all he's learned since he was born. And with this new month brings even more independence, which he gains more of with each passing month. My little boy... already doesn't always need me <heartbreak>. Case in point....

<mine> Outfit Details: Tee, Pants - couple seasons ago/Forever 21, Sandals - Last year/Old Navy, Necklaces - J.Crew & Kate Spade, Sunnies - BonLook, Lips Get the Looks:

Follow along here, too:

Shoe(s) of the Day: ShoeDazzle

2013-05-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

ShoeDazzle is the original online personal-styling innovator treating millions of women to a monthly showroom filled with on-trend, personalized shoe and accessory recommendations.

Fashion icon, designer, and world-renowned stylist Rachel Zoe serves as the company’s Chief Stylist. So I personally couldn't wait to take a peek around. Zoe offers something for everyone.

You want to see what their picks are for you? Take the ShoeDazzle quiz to see what great shoes make it to your own showroom with personalized picks just for you. You can also shop around to see what didn't make the cut or retake the quiz over and over to see how that changes your showroom... (I happen to be indecisive and like a lot of different things...so you could say I did both of these).

But the best part! Make a purchase within 2 days of taking the quiz and get 25% off your first item ordered.

Happy Shopping!

ShoeDazzle sponsored this post, thought all opinions are my own.

As always thank you for supporting our sponsors!

Follow along here, too:

White Out

2013-05-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Ah, breaking out the Summer whites and it's not even June yet. But this past weekend we spend a sunny morning at the zoo and this was the coolest thing I could think of. Plus, the vest felt pretty fitting for the zoo. I'm so happy it's Panama Hat weather. I love this thing. Makes doing my hair much easier...as in, through those bangs into a quick braid and be done.

And if you can believe in, after a morning spent outside, with my toddler, at a zoo no-less. I managed to stay stain free. I know, a true feet. My Outfit Details: Hat, Tee, Vest - Oldie from Old Navy, Skirt - Banana Republic Factory, Sandals, Sunnies - Oldies from Target, Bracelet, Lips (new summer - dry lip fav) Get this look:

Follow along here, too:

Sneak Peek into J.Crew Summer 2013

2013-05-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

A new season means a few things, one being you can count on refreshing new prints and patterns from J.Crew - and definitely an amazing, drool-worthing catalogue to inspire you. I always find Summer the hardest to dress for... you can make your outfit more interesting by layering. For me, a uniform starts to form of sundress after sundress and it can get pretty boring.

I love how J.Crew boldly takes to mixing patterns and accessorizing just right to spice things up!

How do you jazz up your summer outfits?

Get these looks now:

PLUS, going on now: $30 off when you spend $150; $50 off $200 spend; $75 off $250 spend with code SHOPNOW

Follow along here, too:

What to Wear: Traveling Layers

2013-05-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

I've kick started my few months of lots of traveling and on my first go felt pretty good about my airplane outfit - for comfort, varying temperatures and reusability for later in the trip. Here is what I wore and why I loved it!

Dress, Classic Oxford Shirt, Camo Jacket, Boots, Scarf

I loved that I was able to use the jacket and oxford shirt later on in the trip as pieces to make up other outfits - as I'm trying to teach myself to pack smart so I'm not hauling unneeded baggage around. Plus, wearing a bulkier piece (the jacket) made it easier to carry on and keep the bag smaller.

And I have to just promote the maxi for a minute. I am loving them (maxi skirts or dresses) this season, but especially for traveling. Sometimes it's cold on planes, or hot - either way, a maxi is adaptable and works in both extremes. Plus, they can be dressed down or up.

What is your traveling go-to outfit?

Follow along here, too:

A Perfect DIY Party

2013-05-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Such a fun little event I went to last week, that I just had to share. Finally, Kansas City area Anthropologie had a store party event (at least the first I've heard of) after seeing many of other bloggers scattered across the country share their local Anthro's event happenings. Finally, I get to do the same. The lovely (seriously, lovely in every since of the word - sweet, smart, gorgeous) mama's of Ampersand Design Studio co-hosted the event's DIY event success.

And because it was the Thursday before Mother's Day, we fittingly painted clay pots to plan succulents within. It sort of felt like a grown-up Kindergarden class, where for every holiday we had our DIY projects to turn into gifts for our family members. But this was definitely more grown up as we were provided tape of different widths, paint in pretty pastels and customizable tags.

Besides the fun DIY and delicious macaroons (in which I had many), the store was in tip-top shape. I always find Anthropologie so inspirational in just the decor and displays themselves that it's fun to just go in and take a look - and this time was no different. Even took home a few goodies...

oh, and hanging with other bloggers-turned-friends is pretty rad, too

{Lisa, Me - in case you didn't recognize me behind the glasses & Erin}
psst... wearing this Anthro dress over a polka dot chambray shirt (similar)

And now for the in-store inspiration...

Stone centerpiece? BRILLIANT. I love this table look completely.

Easy DIY candle sticks - painted centers in rope candle holders.

Um, how crazy-amazing are these chairs?

These Anthro monogrammed mugs are the best (can use as a vase or for drink) and make perfect gifts...

Love these towels, too - all the mixed colors layered.

I picked up this tumbler glass and turned it into a vase for my Mother's Day flowers....

These would be amazing drinking glasses, too, obviously.

Do you just love going into Anthro to look how they have the store decorated? I just love it! And of course finding treasures... like this dress, the above glass turned vase, a couple gifts and a giant paper mache elephant head for the wall!

#CB2NovogratzBrasilSweepstakes {in other words, read on}

2013-05-15T07:00:00.001-05:00

Now that's a hashtag. But when you pair CB2 and the Novogratz, you know your going to get something good... so good that it deserves an all encompassing hashtag that uses most your character limites on the Twitter.

This dynamic duo is bringing you the CB2 and Novogratz Brasil Sweepstakes where you and 3 friends could win one heck of a trip to (wait for it...), BRASIL - Trancoso, Brazil to be exact. And where will you stay? Well for one amazing, luxurious week, they'll put the 4 winners in the CB2/Novogratz collaborative home, and you will never want to leave.

How do I know this? Because... have you seen the CB2 and Novogratz Collection? And if that house is anything like that (which, duh, is the whole point), then you know I'm right....

See? I'm tellin' ya... this is the sweeps of all sweeps to enter and a collection to shop (I'm eying their rugs...).

Sweeps is running now through June 3rd, and if you win, please take me! And for added bonus, 10 other winners will receive a $100 CB2 giftcard and personally signed copy of the book, "Home by Novogratz."

Enter at cb2.com/sweeps and good luck!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of CB2. All opinions are 100% mine.

A Day Outside {for Mother's Day}

2013-05-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

Man, Sundays are the best, but they are even more amazing with the sun is out, the weather just right and when it's Mother's Day -- an extra special day to remember how lucky us mama's are or how lucky we are to have such great mamas! Whether you're a pet mom, boy mom, girl mom, first time mom, soon to be mom or a women who lends her momness to others, biological or not - hope your day was fantastic.
We started our day by sleeping in... little man slept till 8:10! Then met my parents for brunch and afterwards went to Loose Park to play, play, play! We went swinging, we looked at flowers, played in sand, went down lots of slides and just ran around in the grass. Perfect morning! Then my little family headed home for a midday nap, where we all partook! Afterwards, we went back to the Country Club Plaza to walk around, shop, eat fro-yo, play in another park, look at fountains and get yummy take out for dinner back at home. Pretty much the perfect day. What did you do?!
Here's a few shots of our day, spent outside in the great weather with my little man, and my mom, too!

He was looking pretty good, so he decided to work it - he's such a trendsetter with his outfit move.

Pink for Mother's Day in my London Times dress!

Liam dancing with Mimi

My little family on Mother's Day!

My outfit details: Dress - c/o London Times, Blazer - J.Crew (similar), Blouse - Gap (similar), Boots

Follow along here, too:

New York Travel Shots!

2013-05-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

A quick girls weekend to New York meant for lots of walking, eating, sightseeing and just a bunch of can't-do-this-at-home type happenings. My favorite thing about this city is that no matter how many times you go, you always see and do and learn something new. And I love the open walking from one adventure to the next every few blocks. Not to mention the great food... oh man. Just take a look at a few pics to see what kinda trip I had....

{I'm slightly embarrassed to even be admitting this, but last minute, on a whim, we decided, based on a New York resident's deco, to check out Hunk Mania. For real. Think Magic Mike.}

{Perfect hair do for a slightly windy day - a full braided hair crown by Katie}

{New York is nothing if not unique... from local, been-there-forever-shops to the art on every corner.}

{Italian treats... I could eat a chocolate covered cannoli everyday, man that was good}

{mmmm... We went to Eataly, a major collaboration between many including Mario Batali, Lidia Bastianich and Joe Bastianich, to walk around the open market and then ate at Birreria on the rooftop!}

P.S. Not photographed, because I refuse to be "that" kinda person... I had a brush with a celeb! Russell Simmons walked into the Starbucks we stopped at to rehydrate and use the bathroom facilities. He actually stopped to ask me and my friend if we were in line. I said, for the bathroom (wahh wahh). So there you have it. My brush with fame!

Worn throughout the weekend: multi-color jacket & bright pink purse.

Follow along here, too:

Pants that make you want to howl!

2013-05-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, I travelled to sunnier skies and cooler cities for a girl's weekend to celebrate a friend getting married in a few months. It was also a chance to catch a cool outfit on a traffic-free street in NYC, so meet my friend Katie and her awesome wolf-print pants. Her style is one of my favs. It's very cool-chic without a lot of fuss. She makes getting dressed look pretty easy.

Stayed tuned for more NYC trip pics tomorrow!

Katie's Outfit Details: Jeans - Urban Outfitters (sold out - but you can get them here), Shirt - H&M, Jacket - 5|48 (similar or here), Yellow Clutch - Thailand (similar or here), Necklace - gift, Wedges - Ash (similar), Sunnies - SEE Eyewear (similar)

Follow along here, too:

Springtime Coming

2013-05-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

This bright yellow and pink helps bring spring to this dark maxi. Also, Liam's sunscreen coated hair and rosy cheeks are a pretty good sign of spring. We are ready for the warmer weather. Mr. toddler man loves it outside and actually cries when we bring him in. His toys have nothing on the great outdoor dirt that he loves to find and sprinkle down his body, in his hair, and on a good day - in his mouth. yummy. Sometimes he even gives it to mommy. so sweet. We love the outdoors!

My outfit details: Sweater - J.Crew, Maxi Skirt - Old from H&M (similar), Purse - Steven by Steve Madden (similar), Necklace - Kate Spade (similar), Sandals

Liam's outfit details: Shirt - gift, Shorts, Sandals

Happy Spring!

Follow along here, too:

Mother's Day Giveaway: Ten $50 Gift Cards!

2013-05-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

Chasing Davies // The Mrs. & the Momma // Sandy a la Mode // TfDiaries // Jessica... Who?

Casey Leigh // Chioma's Evolution of Style // Pop of Style // GBO Fashion // Pretty Polished Perfect

Camp Patton // The Other Side of Gray // Chic on the Cheap // The Serena Saga // Lemons, Avocados, and the Bay

much love, illy // Kacie's Kloset // Smart n Snazzy // Citrus Refreshing Fashion // Oh to Be a Muse

A Beautiful Ruckus // the daily dani // Crowley Party // Wild & Precious // the Freckled Fox

Coupons.com is kind enough to bring you this giveaway today for not just one lucky winner, but TEN! Five winners will receive a $50 Target e-gift card and the other 5 will receive a $50 Macy's e-gift card (a $500 value)...just in time for Mother's Day! Make sure to check out Coupons.com for great Target and Macy's offers!

Growing up, my mom never passed up a moment to have fun and cut loose. She always had fun in store for her family from the everyday simple things to the special occasions. While she was in the kitchen making dinner, she'd turn the tunes on and up and dance and sing, making cooking dinner fun (for everyone!). She also knew when to take her two girls and hit the mall for a special little shopping spree after a good week. I learned from all those little moments that life, especially fashion and how you express yourself doesn't have to be so serious. You can have fun in many of life's moments and something I'm constantly trying to hold on to in this crazy world.

In the spirit of mother's day, make sure to leave your mom's best advice she ever gave you (about anything!) in the comments below!

You can enter this giveaway through Rafflecopter now through Sunday, May 12th on any of the participating blogs. Good luck and Happy Mother's Day to all your mamas.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow along here, too: