Chasing Davies

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:

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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!

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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:

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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

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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?

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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

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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.

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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)

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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!

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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

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A tried and true combination

2013-05-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Am I right? Floral + Denim is an old favorite of mine and totally gets me in that spring-time feeling. This season, the florals are a bit bolder and bigger and I love it! This floral dress also has sleeves... I love a summer dress with short sleeves. You just don't have that many options in that sort of cut.

What is your favorite, tried and true combination?

Outfit Details: Dress, Vest - Old Navy last year (similar), Sandals, Purse - Steven by Steve Madden (similar), Sunnies - old Target (similar)

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Shop my closet!

2013-05-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Are you on Poshmark? It's a mobile app that makes snapping a pic of your item to inputting all the necessary info and organizing in your very own "closet" a breeze. You can also access on your desktop. You can shop my closet of never worn to good condition pieces right here! I'll be periodically updating so check back!

And let me know if you have a shop on there, too!

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Bright & Patterned Jacket Craze Be Had!

2013-04-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Bright pattern be had! I took the wild and crazy, not to mention BRIGHT jacket craze for a ride and my husband's only comment... "I like your t-shirt." I mean, I do, too... I bought it. But it is hardly the focus of the outfit. Which basically means, said husband is not a fan of said wild and crazy jacket. Don't worry, I'll still be wearing it plenty as I love it!

Outfit Details: Jacket (similar, similar and less bright here), Tshirt, Jeans - Limited (similar), Heels, Watch

What do you think about the bright patterned jacket for spring?
Here are few more that do the trick...

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Get Jessica Alba's Perfected Summer Look

2013-04-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

I always love Jessica Alba's easy breezy warm weather looks. She has perfected the casual, yet feminine and always cool California girl. A few staples you'll see repeatedly by Jessica are definitely worth taking note...

Light Panama Hat; Always a great pair of sunnies - her latest by Stella McCartney and are made from recycled materials; Get her easy, breezy dress look here; and that adorable orange block with floral print beach bag... exact one here.

Thanks to Jessica for keeping us all inspired. Go Summer.

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Never enough stripes

2013-04-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last week I went to a Madewell shopping event with some local bloggers and one of my best friends. It's always fun to check out the latest displays, styles and see what's new. I was a good girl and actually didn't buy anything... there. I did happen to shimmy down a few stores to Anthropologie to pick up some perfect tees and this dress. Anyways, the most important part of this evening... the quality girl time! It's never enough, but I'll take it when I can. :)

Outfit Details: Jacket (its sweatshirt material... I know. hello comfy) - ASOS, Shirt - The Limited (similar), Skirt - Old J.Crew Factory, Wedges - Old Payless (similar), Lipstick, Bar Necklace - Kate Spade (similar), Round Stone Necklace - Old Talbots (similar in green)

Happy Friday! Hope you get some good girl time in if possible! xo

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Shoe(s) of the Day: Printed Kicks

2013-04-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Pattern isn't just for our clothing, but playing with prints on on our feet are equally as fun. I'm totally digging these patterned kicks. Which are your favorites?

Pointy Toe Flats, Striped Wedges, Ankle Strap Flats, Floral Wedges (criss-cross version)

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Summer Print Mixing

2013-04-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

This tribal print in pink and orange is really doing it for me. The warm hues mixed together paired with the cool mint and cold stripes balance out the mixture of hues. Tribal print is big right now. it's everywhere and a great way to spice up a simple outfit or new pattern to mix with my tried, true and beloved stripes. Here are some more great patterned pieces to add to your closet:

Outfit Details: Jacket - H&M a year or so ago (similar), Stripe Top - Old Navy, Mint Pants - Limited last year (similar), Orange Wedges - UO few years ago (similar)

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Pops of Pink

2013-04-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I went to a engagement party/couple's shower for friends that live in Denver. I'm excited for their wedding that will be held in Denver this summer. Anyways, this is what I wore... a new dress with major pops of pink. But the cool part was the event, (not actually what I was wearing) was the beginning. There was an elaborate scavenger hunt through different areas of a shopping/restaurant/bar area that had meaning to the couple. What I loved about this the most... the weather was nice, the sun was out and we spent a good chunk of time basking in it all. It was pretty great to see my friend, too. Next time I see her, she'll be all dressed in white... crazy!

Outfit Details: Dress - Anthro, Blazer - old (similar), Purse - Target, Bracelet - Pyramid from UO, Arrow from R Treasures, Watch - MK, Hair Clip - Ban.do, Boots - Sam Edelman

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It's Monday and you know it...

2013-04-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

I use to hate yellow and black mixed together - especially as the two dominate colors with pretty much nothing else but neutrals. It just screams bumblebee to me, but I found a loophole in my illogical fashion fears by pairing floral black and white with yellow. No bee I know sports floral print.

And, it must be noted and clear by the expressions on my face throughout the rest of this post that it is Monday. You can tell by my more than ecstatic expressions for the long work week ahead and the weekend that went way too fast.

Outfit Details: Necklace - Ebay (similar for only $20), Top - Gap (similar), Skirt - The Limited, Jacket - H&M (similar here and here, oh and here!), Shoes - Steve Madden (similar here and here with a metallic toe-cap)

Don't forget to enter this giveaway, going on now (10 winners)!

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Dot, dot, stripe.

2013-04-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Neutrals for... Spring? Ya, well it still feels like Winter here on most days with a sliver of Spring here and there. We are actually supposed to get snow, though it won't stick. Still, the thought of it snowing in April is sickening. My child wants to play outside already! Cabin fever.

Wish us luck for a quick warm up this weekend so we can muster up some fun!

Outfit Details: Cardigan - Forever21 (similar), Shirt - QVC (!!) (similar), Skirt - oldie from Gap (similar), Booties - Target (similar)

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BIG Ad Space Giveaway: 10 winners!

2013-04-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

You may have noticed a few changes around here blog... A couple specific things like... changed from a header atop my page to off to the side to let my content rise to the top, new header look all together thanks to BySWP, a new blog roll page dedicated more visually to some of my favorite reads, and an overall tweaking of things to clean up the space by using more consistent fonts and colors.
It's not quite done yet - still playing with a few things, but to properly kick off this newness, including all new advertising opportunities....
I'm giving ALL MY AD SPOTS AWAY for 30 days. There are 10 spots, so 10 winners! (see screenshot of my blog below for an idea of where all my new ad spots will be)

More about each ad spot:
One winner will get my solo Spotlight ad valued at $50. This ad sits atop the rest and is the largest!
Five winners will win my Highlighted ad, each one rotates evenly with the others at this level and are valued at $25 each.
Four winners will win an integrated spot on either the left or right side of the split column, valued at $20 each.
You have until Wednesday, 4/24 at midnight to enter. Winners will be notified via email with a code to upload their ad to my blog via Passionfruit Ads. I will pre-approve every ad before they go live and will notify you if our aesthetics/purpose are not a fit. This giveaway is being run through Rafflecopter (bottom of this post).
Make sure to comment with your email so I can notify you if you win, and while you are commenting - let me know what you like or could still use improving about my blog space! Good Luck!
A few {important} notes to consider before entering: If you enter this giveaway, please be prepared to ready an ad to the size you win along with the URL you wish to direct traffic to by 4/26. Your ad must be clean and meet the aesthetic of my blog. I hold final right to accept or deny your ad based on content, look, and ad purpose. Must be relevant to my readers and blog content and 100% good natured. Now, enter the giveaway already!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Spring Needs for Me & the Wee

2013-04-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

For Me: statement jacket, perfect white tee, bright earrings, new mascara (constant trail phase), metal belt, a completely renovated closet - but in the meantime, organized shoes that I can see with these and little black wedges.
For the Wee: hip baby glasses that he can't break, baby wellies, piano just his size, gray spacedye top, neon toddler shorts What's on your (and/or family's) Spring wish list?

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New way to wear camo

2013-04-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Bringing camo into Spring with this bright hi lo dress and ankle boots makes my ol' tried and true jacket feel a bit new again. I love finding new ways to wear something I've worn many times (like, a lot, a lot) before. So a pairing with a bright beachy dress (like the opposite of camo) ensues...

Outfit details: Dress, Jacket - Old Navy (similar and here), Belt - Old (similar), Boots, Bar Necklace - Kate Spade Saturday (similar) and Statement Necklace - Forever21

How do you switch up an overly worn piece?

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