It's that in between season when we start getting excited for updated color schemes and looks for fall, but it's still downright HOT. Well at least it is here in Missouri! The best way to transition into fall is to start incorporating elements of the season's style while still staying comfortable in higher temperatures. Here are some tips to help you create stylish outfits for those transitional fall days when it's still warm outside:
Choose lightweight fabrics: Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, chambray, and lightweight knits. These materials will keep you cool while adding a touch of autumn to your look.
Earthy tones and prints: Embrace fall colors and prints, such as warm earthy tones like mustard yellow, olive green, rust, and burgundy. Consider incorporating these colors into your outfits through accessories, tops, or skirts.
Layer with versatility: Instead of heavy layers, choose versatile lightweight layers. A cardigan, kimono, or a light denim jacket can add a touch of fall without making you too hot.
Half-tuck your shirts: The half-tuck creates a casual, yet put-together look. Tuck just the front of your shirt into your pants or skirt for an effortlessly stylish appearance.
Midi skirts and dresses: Midi-length skirts and dresses can be a great option for warmer fall days. They offer a little more coverage but still allow airflow and movement.
Ankle boots or booties: Swap out sandals for ankle boots or booties to add a fall touch to your outfit while keeping your feet comfortable.
Remember, the key is to strike a balance between incorporating fall elements and dressing for the warm weather. Mix and match these tips to create stylish and comfortable outfits that embrace the spirit of fall while keeping you cool during the transitional season.
]]>As the flowers begin to bloom and the temperature starts to rise, it's time to shake off the winter blues and update your wardrobe for the new season. Spring is the perfect time to refresh your style, but with so many options out there it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That's where we come in!
Below we'll be sharing some of the hottest spring trends that you can incorporate into your everyday wardrobe. Whether you're looking for a bold statement piece or you just want to update your basics, we've got you covered.
]]>Below we'll be sharing some of the hottest spring trends that you can incorporate into your everyday wardrobe. Whether you're looking for a bold statement piece or you just want to update your basics, we've got you covered.
Get ready to embrace the new season with these must-try spring trends!
Move over straight jeans, there's a new denim trend in town. Wide leg jeans are a refreshing change from the form-fitting styles we've been used to in recent years, and their loose silhouette is perfect for warmer spring days. Not only are they comfortable and flattering, but they're also incredibly versatile. You can dress them up with a pair of heels and a blazer, or pair them with sneakers and a t-shirt for a laid-back vibe. They come in a variety of washes and styles, from high-waisted to cropped and everything in between. So, whether you prefer a 70s inspired flared look or a more streamlined style, the wide leg jean trend works for everyone.
Sorry neutral lovers, this season is all about being as vibrant as possible! From electric pinks to vibrant yellows, neon hues have taken over the fashion world. These bright colors add a pop of fun, energy, and confidence to any outfit. You can be extra bold by rocking a head-to-toe neon look, or stay subtle with simple pops of color via accessories or single garments. Whether you're a fashion risk-taker or just looking to inject some fun into your style, watch your wardrobe come to life with the neon color trend.
Orange Pink Puff Sleeve Stripe Knit Top & Get On Cloud Patent Heel
We all know the Devil Wears Prada joke about florals for spring, but it’s a trend that keeps on coming back for good reason! Romantic and cheerful, florals are the perfect print to wear during the season when nature comes back to life. There’s a print out there for everyone, since florals can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Pair a flowy floral dress with sandals for a casual weekend brunch, dress it up with heels for a special event, or try a floral blouse with jeans or shorts for a cute everyday look.
Trieste Shine On Side Slit Midi Skirt
On the other end of the spectrum is the tomboyish utility look. Think cargo accents in a camo-inspired color palette of olive, brown, and beige. This ultra practical trend is perfect for everyday wear and is a playful nod to the early 2000s look that is currently having a moment in the fashion world. You can go all out utility chic with chunky boots, cargo pants, and a graphic tee, or adopt slight accents with a military-inspired shacket with a casual jeans and tee look.
We hope you found this trend round up inspiring! Let us know which looks you’ll be trying out this season.
]]>Okay ladies... let's see a show of hands... how many of you still haven't gone to grab your best friend a gift that will remind her of how thankful you are for her? It's okay, I am totally not shaming you, I just want to help! Listen, we have some awesome deals on our jewelry, and some really great ways to bless your girlfriends! Let's take a look at your next couple of great giftables!
We have something for every style. We have golds and silvers! These lovely chain necklaces are super trendy right now! They are simple and match just about any article of clothing. The pendant necklaces we have are also perfect for a simplistic look that cannot be taken for granted! I love the new look these gorgeous pieces give the opportunity for! It is super easy to find the perfect gift for your bestie here among all of these fun pieces!
I love these fancy earrings. They go perfectly with the chain necklaces above, or a cute chain ring! The best thing about these earrings is that they really speak for themselves and you don't need to add much more jewelry if you like to make a bold statement with an accent piece! These are definitely that perfect accent piece! The ring could truly go with any style, and you couldn't go wrong in choosing something sparkly like either one of these pieces!
There are never enough bracelets on your wrist! We have so many options too! I have a couple of sets of bracelets myself that I like to pull out per season. If it is really cold I love to pull out my collection that has a brown base. So I like to wear bracelets with some beading that is either wooden or a nice neutral brown. Sometimes I'll add a nice pop of color, like a teal or coral pink. We have a whole lot of bracelets that are also the perfect last minute gift for your best friend. And remember, there are never enough bracelets! I also love our bracelets because they fit my tiny wrists! They have a perfect amount of stretch to them that allows you to slide them on and off really easily!
Run in to grab your last minute giftables! There is no shame in grabbing them now! But don't wait, because you don't want to come up empty handed for your best friend on Christmas day!
Calling all bread lovers! Oh wait, that's me! If you love bread as much as I do, then you'll love this festive dish! The simplicity of rosemary rolls, drenched in butter. What could be better? Oooh I know! If they are stuffed full of mozzarella cheese! And of course these totally are! Add some lovely marinara sauce and you've got a cute green tree ready to be pulled apart and dunked into the heavenly marinara sauce. This is great for an afternoon snack, or a fun add on to your large family dinner. Kids love this dish too. Let me tell you, I have watched my niece and nephew lick the butter off of rolls like there was no tomorrow. But the best thing about these is that they will actually be eaten. As opposed to the rolls that are simply vehicles for butter for your kids. This is definitely an easy recipe you must try!
I have to share a sweet recipe now that I have given you a salty one! I have here what my mom and I call the famous "Cherry Christmas Cookies!" My mom and I have been making these for quite some time now! They are actually my all time favorite cookies. Oh my, but they are dangerous! I wish I could have self-control when it came to these delightful little cookies, but I simply cannot. They are bite-size, but you don't realize how many you eat until you stand up and realize you're not hungry for dinner anymore... Yikes! But I am going to bless/curse you with the recipe. I will say these are also so fun to make with your kids. It just makes you realize the little personalities you have running around with you in the house. I definitely recommend making these with your kids! It is too funny to watch them delegate tasks to you and their siblings. Perfect for when the weather starts to get colder and you get stuck inside. We are ready for the snow storm to come, even though it hasn't quite gotten all the way to the depth of winter just yet.
We love to encourage festivities and festive attire as soon as November hits… but we are already one week into December! So you can imagine the joy spreading around our team at the boutique! We cannot wait to see you and help you style your perfect look for the holidays! Below I wanted to talk about a couple of cute styles you can look forward to next time you come in!
This casual cozy outfit that Navy’s got on is so perfect for the holidays. I love a good graphic tee, and who doesn’t love that song? Ripped jeans will probably always be in! But the best thing about this specific pair is that they don’t show so much skin! So they are, number one, bound to keep you slightly warmer, and number two, a little more modest for those of us who don’t feel like looking like 16 year-old wanna-be’s! We want to be stylish, but not 16! A famous movie you may know would say we want to be “Thirty, flirty, and thriving!” Back to our outfit, a nice skinny jean with a graphic tee underneath this cozy flannel is perfect for this winter season! These boots are also some of my favorites, and it isn’t just because they match this outfit ever so perfectly, but it is because they can go with just about anything! I love a good nude shoe! Here we have it bundled into this cozy ensemble!
I am in love with this top! It is so stinkin’ cute! The puffy sleeves with a stretchy wrist make it so comfortable and breathable too! The ruffles just make me think of the holiday dresses I used to wear as a kid! No joke, ruffles were such a thing in my family. Lastly, I have to rave about the adorable variety of polka dots on this blouse! It sings White Christmas to me! Those cute dots make me hope and yearn for the snow this Christmas! So tell me your hoping for snow too this year! A good pair of black jeans is a necessity when it comes to fashion! Don’t tell me you don’t have black jeans… because I would tell you to drop what you’re doing right now and go to the store. Let me tell you, our jeans are so very comfortable and they are amazing quality. You won’t have to feel like you’ve gotta bring your sewing kit everywhere just in case. (In all honesty I have been guilty of doing so in the past because you never know, right?) But with these jeans you seriously do not have to worry about that. They are comfy and stretchy too! I love this whole outfit!
Get your thermal on! I have a new found love for thermals. Around the holidays I really want to dress super fashionable, but I literally always run into the same problem… That is… until I found out about thermals. Thermals are the envy of tank tops in the winter. They keep you warm without making you sweat. It can be such a pain to do all of the layering of clothing just to walk into the mall or the grocery store. I say “no!” I refuse to wear four layers of sweaters, jackets and coats just to go to get a gallon of milk. Then you have to carry your three jackets everywhere you go. Maybe you’re like superwoman and can carry five things at a time, but that is not my style. I am all about living the simple life. Thermals are also lovely because they fit underneath one warm coat. I can do that—one layer. They look so wintery too! They sort of remind me of Colorado! They just give off the vibe that you’ve hiked a mountain and know what to wear when it gets below freezing. You can pair these cute thermals with a pair of light blue jeans or a nice pair of black jeans! (See how important black jeans are? They go with everything!) We also have a huge selection of cute belts that you must see. Belts are not just for holding up pants… They are totally all about fashion too. A tiny tuck of the shirt in front and then boom, you’re showing off your stylish belt.
So today I thought I would focus on a more specific part of our Christmas decor! A couple of weeks ago I touched base on a couple of different decor options for around the house during the fall time. But, since we have officially entered the most jolly season of them all, it is time to break out all of the holiday cheer and Christmas gear!
Today were looking at a fireplace with a white-paint brick! You truly can use these decorations on any type of fireplace! This specific picture has a theme that we will be seeing in the other pictures as well. I love a cute wooden sign! This one with the deer silhouette is just so much fun! I have heard of pop-up shops that actually teach you to make these hardy signs! I love burlap and how it looks wrapped around these three miniature trees! A couple of hanging letters never hurt either! Just to top it off with some cute stockings and then a couple extra little things. I love the little presents next to the opening and the metal ball on the top of the mantel. This whole vibe is totally modern and simplistic! I love it!
This lovely red-themed decor presents a little bit more of a warmer atmosphere. The flannel reindeer appears to be on a canvas background in this picture. We also have some red fuzzy stockings to top it off! I am also a big advocate for the little gingerbread house near the fire pit! Too darling! Pine cones galore on the mantel! And lastly we’ve got the cutest little Santa calling all kiddos to be nice over naughty this Christmas season!
This last picture has a cooler ambience than the rest of the designs! I love the letters because they almost remind me of snowballs or snowflakes. Some silver stockings with a little bit of tutu power on the edging! There are some more really cute little houses surrounding the fire area. I also love the small paper machete balls! A few different shades of neutral greys and a couple of white balls are perfect for the mantel! If you have any sparkly big spherical ornaments, these are perfect to throw in amongst the paper machete! Some snowflakes and white artichokes can hold up your cute little banner as well!
The great thing about fireplaces is that they are already so cozy and warm! My recommendation is to decorate with your favorite theme and then go crazy! We love to see your decor! Especially if you’re wearing your favorite cozy or cute outfit from the store! Shout out to us so we can see your decor!
I used to think I knew what DIY was. And then my mom whipped out the Pinterest board and showed me all kinds of crafts for Christmas. I was overwhelmed with inspiration! These ideas not only resulted in the cutest little knick-knacks, but also gave us the most fun time with our family. So to kick off the most lovely time of the year (aka December 1st) we are going to talk about a couple of crafts you can do with your family or kids! Don’t tune out just yet if you don’t have kids! We didn’t even have anyone under the age of 20 with us when we were all doing crafts… so don’t count yourself out just yet!
Don’t be immediately discouraged when you lay your eyes on the picture above! These adorable candle holders started out as plain old mason jars! So it’s actually super simple to put these together! The only fall back with these is waiting for the glued on fake snow to dry before actually setting them out on your wooden or granite counter top. All you need for this project is twine, fake snow, liquid glue, a couple of fake mistletoe branches, and then some old mason jars that you don’t use anymore! You can start by dipping the jars in glue, or you can paint the liquid glue on. The fake snow can either be sprinkled on, or for a thicker application, you can dip it into a bowl of the snow. I also like to add in a little bit of glitter while I can. Because if it doesn’t sparkle then how will it stand out? Then typically you want to let it set for a whole day just so you can be sure that all the snow and glitter has permanently latched on. Then you get to wrap it up with some twine, tying a knot around the mistletoe. For a less festive option, you can always tie up some dried eucalyptus or rosemary in place of the mistletoe. Lastly, you can place your baby candles right inside the refurnished mason jars!
So I have seen the reindeer done a couple of different ways! You could even use the pinecone for the body if need be! I really liked this picture of the head, so I went ahead and took this one off of Pinterest. All you need to do is grab some twigs, a pinecone, some fuzzy little balls, googly eyes, and some festive string and ribbon. The ears are optional, but if you like those you can grab some old fabric or buy some brown fabric that appear to be fuzzy. Oh! Don’t forget the hot-glue-gun! I love those things! They really just make my day when I have a craft or something I just cannot get to stick with tape or tac. Putting together your reindeer is sort of all the user’s choice. If you prefer, you can also turn the pinecone around so he has a longer nose. (That is what I did.) And voilà! You’ve got a new Christmas ornament!
I saw this scrolling through Pinterest this morning! How cute is this? Perfect for some affordable decor, that looks oh so bougie! So grab an old book, or perhaps newspaper! Cut out a small (or big) shape that looks like a leaf! Then use that cut out to do the same to another sheet. Grab some wire, and glue them together, with the wire in the middle, appearing to be the stem. Once the leaf has dried, cut it the sides of the leaf however you want! Then take some gold or silver glitter and place it in a small bowl. Dip the leaf in some liquid glue, and right after dip directly into the bowl of glitter! Some people do the whole leaf in glitter—like me—and others just do the very end of the leaf to give the leaves a gentle sparkle!
What will you choose? Give us a shout out on social media when you post your results! We love to hear from you!
So. I think that we need to talk about decor. What does your living room currently look like? Do you have leaves hanging from behind the TV? Or maybe you're more old school and have some Fall pillows that you take out after Halloween? Okay, I know that some people think it's silly to decorate for Fall, because Christmas is literally right around the corner! So why get everything all decorated for fall when we are right about to plow into the Christmas season? Well, here is my only good reason for you and it's two words -- Thanksgiving dinner.
With Thanksgiving arriving this week decor must be up! Is it really Thanksgiving without all of the cute pumpkins and cinnamon pinecones? I don't believe it is. Looking back to my childhood I realize that most of my memories were centered around two major things: The people and my surroundings. I can't tell if you can relate spot on to those two things; however, I can tell you that there is something so special about driving back home to see the thoughtful little decorations put up! It simply puts me in the mood for the Holidays! So in light of Thanksgiving this week, I wanted to share a couple of "pro tips" for decorating that I have picked up along the way!
I absolutely love letter signs. They are now (and most likely forever) going to be a huge trend. I have seen that wooden signs are the big go-to this year. Especially for weddings! The great thing about these is that you can you them year round! It doesn't matter if it's spring or the dead of winter. "Hello" is always acceptable, of course! On the other hand, Are these not the cutest little pumpkins? This is not something I have seen yet! These are rectangular! Okay, so tip time! You can actually make these really easily! Just grab a couple of old planks from your garage and cut them in various heights, then BOOM. You've got yourself a couple of canvases! Whip out some orange paint, and maybe even some red and white to add some variety of color within each plank. Then give them some time over night to dry. The next morning just add some twine with hot glue (usually you can get this wider twine in the gift wrapping section -- double whammy -- you can use the extra for wrapping gifts later!) The next part couldn't get easier! Just grab a couple of thicker twigs from outside and hot glue them on top! For a little more pizazz you can twirl on some straw to give it that vintage--unkept look! Pictured above with the "diy" pumpkins is a leaf tree! This is almost like a foreshadowing of Christmas. A lot of these are sold at Michael's or Hobby Lobby!
When I saw these three stacked pumpkins, I couldn't help but snap a picture. Look at the topper! He is a crazy little guy! It sort of captures my inner Holiday spirit! Especially with the crazy "hair" on top! I am also so in love with the little table overlay in the background. It is so simplistic. Little leaves and a single word. A little goes a long way! I think one of my favorite things to do is to add a little bit of "me" into the decorations. Then it really feels like everything has that personal touch! When people walk in they will tell you too! I have had people say "Oh my gosh, that is so 'you...'" I know, isn't it crazy? But it's the truth and it makes decorating, oh so very fun!
Here's the last one I have for you ladies today! The actual thing I want to focus on the most in this picture is actual that pretty white base board! Did you know that this was "diy"? It boggles my mind! It looks like it was store bought! And expensive! But these are actually quite easy to make! You just need some old scrap wood, a sander, and a pair of two nice handles (with nails of course)! I believe they used an off-white paint on this one. On another one I saw they had simply stained it white! I love this one though! And when I saw this hollow metal pumpkin, I took note really fast! It's sort of a neat way to throw a bunch of stuff together without feeling like it all has to be perfect and have a specific spot. It just all goes together really well! A little bit of layering and and color scheming is all you truly need for seasonal decoration!
So after all these tips, which one do you feel is most like you? Or did these create some creativity in your mind to try something else? Something new? Tag #SophieShoes and post some pictures! We love to see all your fun creations and be a part of your holiday fun! See you soon!
Ladies! Our Pink Friday sale is here! This Friday we are offering a multitude of discounts that you have to come check out! Your eyes won't believe what they are seeing!
So a little more on Pink Friday... We decided to join together with other small shops to boost awareness for boutique shopping! We want you to shop local at small businesses before you go to the big guys for Black Friday! The bottom line is: This is community over competition at its finest! We would love for you to take part in the pledge to #ShopSmallFirst!
This is a new event you must add to your priority list! With the distancing and crowding problems on the typical Black Friday of the year, you'll want to make sure you can get as much shopping done before you're forced to be right in the middle of exactly where you ought not to be.
Walking into the store you will see our big beautiful Christmas tree! Do you know what time it is? Christmas time! As soon as Halloween is over the whole store explodes with Christmas decor! But this decor in particular has a little something in it for our special ladies (THAT'S YOU)! We will have discounts on so much! Savings, savings, and more SAVINGS! Oh the beauty of Pink Friday!
We cannot wait to see you tomorrow! Yay! We will consider it an early Christmas for you!
What are your thanksgiving traditions? i had not heard of "friendsgiving" until last year! I have always had a huge thanksgiving with my family where all of the kids get together and some close family-friends. Usually my mom cooks and bakes way too much food and we indulge for days after the holiday! i am definitely looking forward to this year's grand amount of food!
so a little more about friendsgiving...
i have yet to try this because of my big family, but if you don't have close relatives in town, you could totally try this out! just get some decorative pumpkins at the dollar store and some glitter... they also have cute disposable table cloths as well! grab one of those, and whip out your best dishware. Next get all your friends to sign up to bring a dish they absolutely cannot live without on Thanksgiving and then pick a date! the first idea that came to my mind was to have your friendsgiving the night before thanksgiving or the night after, that way all of your buddies have a chance to spend time with family as well as with you! Or another fun idea could be to find a bunch of other people from work, (or if you're a student) college, or church and invite them over on thanksgiving day! it could be fun and you could make some really cool friends from just one meal! Plus not everyone has family in town to have thanksgiving with! bless someone's day and invite them over!
The whole concept of Thanksgiving is to have community and be grateful for those people you do have in your life! Sometimes the best people in life are those we don't notice right away.
Who is someone you're super thankful for this year? Perhaps someone you haven't noticed until recently... Or maybe someone you need to be more grateful for. I think sometimes we take a lot of things and people in our lives for granted--Especially those close to us because They are always around! it can be super easy to overlook how much they do for us or how much light they bring to our lives.
I am extremely thankful for my parents because of the love and support they choose to give me every day. Sometimes I do not quite see their love as support, but every now and then I stop and realize that they really strive to love me with everything in their power. I am very grateful that I have a family to go home to this thanksgiving who will make me way too many rolls and desserts that i definitely shouldn't eat. I am also extremely grateful for my best friend, Katy! She is like a sister and she is always willing to listen when I feel like my world is in the midst of clutter. We share laughs together, and tears! And this year before thanksgiving we will be going to the beach, as we did last year! So i suppose i will have a sort of "Friendsgiving" with her the five days leading up until thanksgiving day! (We will be eating all of that good florida food!)
I think that as each year passes i realize that those who are still around are the people i need to thank the most! because they have chosen to stick around through the thick and thin! Those people, especially your best friends definitely deserve a thank you, because they have chosen to love you! What a beautiful thing!
So as thanksgiving gets closer, maybe start thinking about someone you are tremendously grateful for, and let them know! IT is always so great to hear someone close to you say how grateful they are for you in their life! Who knows? Maybe this will be a great icebreaker during your friendsgiving or your family's thanksgiving dinner! Spread the love this year! let us know how it goes for you!
I speak for the whole sophie crew when i say we are very grateful for you!
So I know that if you clicked on this blog, it probably means that you still haven't bought your bestie her Christmas gift! Ladies, let's not run into the same problem as last year! I know that you think you are going to get it done as soon as Thanksgiving is over, but in all honesty ask yourself--should we be waiting that long? I think the best idea is to purchase something meaningful now, while you can still think, instead of being in the midst of crowds on Black Friday.
But to start off, I want to talk about the beautiful bundle we have this week until Saturday!
Look at this super stylish vinnie v-neck tunic sweater! it is perfectly paired with some sassy leather bottoms! You can also pair this cute top with your favorite Sophie leggings! A great way to cozy up to your kids or special guy on Christmas morning!
These edgy faux leather leggings are just the start of your trendy new look this holiday season. Be the trend-starter and rock these fierce bottoms! add some shiny black boots to top off your new favorite look!
We wouldn't want you feeling like you couldn't accessorize even in these strange times! So don't forget to add a mask to you bundle! We have a great collection of brand new holiday masks! Come get yours while they last!
Don't forget to double-check the website for other possible additions to your bundle! Remember you can always switch your bundle up according to your wardrobe or style!
These antique 14k gold crystal pendants are a perfect gift for your best friend! All you have to know is whether she likes to wear gold or silver more. Typically this is a pretty easy thing to figure out! Next time you see her, look at the color of her chains on her jewelry, and you'll know which one is perfect for her! these necklaces are intricate but not complex, so you can pair them with just about any outfit! i love how the tiny crystals circle around the larger ones! it's like one big hug of crystals! i love it! these are also very easy to layer with your other necklaces! you could even purchase one for yourself, and say they are your bff necklaces! Being under $40 for such a high quality of necklace, i say, why not?
There's so many to choose from! I know that one of these gold-filled bracelets is sure to match the personality of your best friend. Each piece is just under $35. I also forgot to mention in an earlier blog that we can wrap any jewelry, making the presentation of the gift extra special as well! These bracelets also save us the anxiety of trying to guess our best friend's wrist size because they have little sliders to adjust sizing in the back side. These are sure not to rust or turn the skin green. So you can present your best friend with the style and quality she deserves!
These hypoallergenic sunny hoops will match any style! i am in love with the warmth that gold accessorizing adds to my outfit! I am happy to tell you that these are also just under $35. These are also a very delicate size that does not take away from the rest of the outfit but it simply adds a little bit of sparkle. With this uniquely shaped earing you will surely say "you too, are unique" to your best friend. Being hypoallergenic, you don't have to fear if she won't be able to wear them due to her sensitivity to nickel! this is a very thoughtful gift, and i would definitely say these will be sure to bless your bestie!
Don't forget to add this code when purchasing online, lovely ladies! And hurry fast! With all of these deals, we don't know how much will last!
Looking forward to saving some money this Christmas? Okay! Ready, Set, let's do this! Starting this week until this Saturday we've got some wonderful deals for you! Let the pretty prices begin!
Is this cardigan not the coziest thing you've ever saw? I really have to restrain myself when all of these super cute and comfy clothes come in... I may have to gift myself with just this one... The best pair is the one with a cardi and a simplistic graphic Tee. I love how the fuzzy material looks like little bits of popcorn! So stinkin' cute! seriously. You have to try it on. But i have to warn you... there is no going back once you do. also... This is the perfect outfit for ultimate consumption of food. Pair this with some Andia black leggings and you've got yourself the perfect amount of stretch to feel comfortable despite how many homemade rolls Grandma puts on your plate this Thanksgiving.
Look at this super cute mug! I love my collection of coffee mugs and I do take pride in them! From my llama mug to my avocado mug, i am a collector! This is the perfect little guy to add to your collection! i also am a visual person, so i'll paint a warm picture for you... imagine Sitting in the living room, peering outside of your window, waiting for the colder days to finally creep around the corner to give you a reason to stay inside cuddled up to your favorite throw blanket and favorite hallmark movie. This picture is only missing a couple of cold hands wrapped around a hot cup of coffee or cinnamon apple tea! this cup is a much needed accessory for you on Thanksgiving day, and it is also the perfect giftable item if you want to bless someone on this yummy turkey day!
guess what? you thought you had cute t-shirts? but look at these! i know what you're thinking: I already have a bunch of Tees. You don't have these lovely ones! Also did i mention how comfy they are? You need a super cute 100% cotton tee! Some tees just don't breathe, you feel me? I am ready to grab a generic tee to pair with a couple of cardi's. These are super universal and go with a million different outfits! Have you tried some fashion booties, graphic tee, ripped jeans and a cardi? That is the perfect combo! Switch the jeans for leggings to maximize that comfort on turkey day! I always like to size up in these cute tees! So if you wanna work those leggings, i definitely recommend sizing up! i typically where a small in tees, but like to size up to medium or a large for extra comfort!
I am loving our elle pave ring. it is 18k and absolutely darling! the best thing about rings is that you can usually guestimate a size for one of your girlfriends and then they can usually find a finger to wear it on! Seeing this ring up close just really shows off its brilliance! I am a sucker for gold jewelry! What's your favorite type of gold? White gold, rose gold or yellow gold? This bright yellow gold ring will surely be the perfect gift for your bff. It is just under $60 and will be sure to last! (Meaning it isn't about to turn your finger green like all the other cute but cheap accessories we find.) Sometimes quality jewelry is super worth it! If it stays nice, then what's a little extra money? You can wear it with any outfit and it will be sure to dress up your holiday vibe. Buy a matching set for you and your best friend or daughter!
ever wanted to open yourself up to a little bit more vintage style? these coin necklaces come in a cute little bundle! I love how you can't quite tell that they are little golden coins until you see them up close! This leaves room for the rest of your outfit to be the center of attention! If you're looking to gift your daughter, sister, or best friend, this is the perfect "grab n' Go" gift for them! They are great quality so, again, no green necks Here! They are coated with a gold that is sure to stay clean and brilliant! this group of necklaces can go perfectly with a graphic tee, or a casual v-neck with some jeans! my favorite thing to do is run out the door with these simplistic necklaces and a fuzzy sage green or maroon sweater! Just under $65, you can't find a better deal for three whole necklaces already layered for you!
This simplistic pocket book is perfect for a night out or a casual shopping date with your girls! It is 100% real leather, so you know it has that beautiful "new car smell." Easy to unzip and access! This is also the perfect gift for just about anyone! You won't have to guess your best friend's size or wonder what color goes best with her style! Black or steel will be the perfect choice to accessorize with any outfit! I definitely recommend grabbing one of these asap! they are easy to wrap and you will be sure to bring a smile on your recipient's face! for under $70 so you don't have to spend a fortune over the holiday!
get 15% off when shopping for any of the looks above! Enjoy! And be sure to get your 25% off when you purchase the three items from the weekly bundle! Sales, sales, and more sales! We are thankful for you pretty ladies!
What are your plans this November? Thanksgiving brings a huge gathering of people back home for our family! We end up eating turkey, rolls, and so. much. dessert. for up to two weeks after the actual holiday. We have always stuck to the traditional turkey and ham for Thanksgiving, but I have heard of some people doing crab or other kinds of seafood! I am planning to try seafood for this Thanksgiving. I am wondering if it will still feel like every year, or if it will feel more like a fancy lunch. Usually my family eats in the later part of the afternoon, and we usually try not to eat too much before this. The rest of the day is simply put as "eating." But enough about me! As a kick off to all the festivities that begin in November, I wanted to give you all a chance to get to know a few gals from our very own Sophie crew. All of the ladies here are such a blessing to me, and I am so grateful to be around them!
WHAT TRADITIONS DOES YOUR FAMILY PARTAKE IN EVERY YEAR?
WHICH THANKSGIVING DISH IS YOUR ABSOLUTE FAVORITE?
WHO IS SOMEONE YOU'RE THANKFUL FOR THIS YEAR?
Every year My mom makes this killer breakfast casserole. We all come over to my parents house when we wake up and eat breakfast, drink coffee, and watch the parade together. Any holiday traditions involving food and comfy clothes are a favorite for me.
stuffing, duh! My grandmother made this epic homemade stuffing and the recipe was passed down to my mom. Every year she makes a whole extra pan for me and i won't even share it with my husband...it's that good.
I'm thankful for my husband jordan. he sees the best and worst of me and has loved me through it all. I honestly don't know a better person than him.
Every year we go to my mom's on christmas eve for dinner and to spend the night. We always get our yearly christmas pj's for christmas morning and enjoy christmas movies all night!
My favorite dish is probably my granny's mashed potatoes! No one makes them like her and I could seriously eat them every day! Oh and christmas cookies from a baker in lamar, they are my most favorite sweet for the holidays!
I don't think I can name a single someone i'm thankful for. i'm so lucky to have an amazing hubby and family, and my sophie crew of girls i literally couldn't do this life without! I'm blessed to be surrounded by amazing people!
"every year my family gets together at my grandparents and we mainly spend the whole day together. I have 14 cousins so we basically have a mini wiffle ball team. if it is nice outside we always go outside, fly kites, play wiffle ball, or kickball. Before we eat we pray and say what we are thankful for! One of my favorite holidays.
My favorite dish is mixng turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and homeade gravy. yes, I mix my food and i love it.
Its hard to pin point just one person i'm thankful for. so i'll just say my family and boyfriend! "
Do you love to go to bed in cute pajamas too? I will say one of my guilty pleasures includes staying up late with my girlfriends, smoothing on a facemask, and then flipping on a Netflix drama. However, this whole night is not complete without some soft and comforting loungewear. I have recently added a pajama set to my Christmas wish list. I have been staring at this set in the sage color for a couple of weeks now. It pairs so well with the Behave Leopard Fashion Sneakers. They are made from a cozy breathable material that does not permit you to sweat while you're sleeping. So many times I have woken up in the middle of the night sweating because of my thick pajamas.
I had been looking for a thinner material that still keeps me feeling all warm, cozy, and gives me the "Winter is Coming!" vibes. Nothing is better than cozying up to some Christmas songs on a couch with your apple cinnamon tea. I am warm just thinking about it! The other great thing about this cute set of lounge is that you can easily wear it out to the grocery store or while looking for decor for the house, with a heavy long winter coat on. That way you still have the protection from the cold wind and rain, but you can unzip upon walking inside the store to ensure that you won't sweat! It is honestly always a struggle dressing extremely warm for the harsh weather outdoors and then trying to adjust to the store's climate. But with this lounge, it is so much easier and you don't have to worry about choosing an outfit for a quick trip out! I definitely recommend just coming in to try out the different sets we have! They are all so darling!
These handmade earrings! Ladies, can we just sit and ponder for a second the beautiful creativity of the Branch's designs? I have a knack for simply unique things. My love for simplicity continues to grow. I think that these earrings are a cute representation of the "down to earth" style that is so in right now. The material used to bring you this look is totally light-weight and gives your ears a break from wearing your heavy golden hoops. Trust me when I say clay is the way to go!
In addition to all these small quirks, I have found these earrings to draw attention to the entire outfit. When you accessorize with these earrings there is no turning back. They create a sass like no others. Wear them when your hair is straightened or up in a messy bun for the busy weekend. But let me just say, you absolutely can't go wrong with adding these to your collection!
I am always trying to find my new style each season. I have to say that I am not surprised that white is crossing over into winter. These chunky white and cream earrings are so in right now! I see gals wearing white booties and even more, cream sweaters! What does this mean? It means you must start changing with the season! It's time to adapt, ladies! Trust me, this change was long overdue! I have been waiting to wear my whites and creams through the winter season for too long! So, join me in my love for summer colors in winter, and grab yourself and a friend some darling new accessories!
Article by Lauren Bangert
This season there is a whole lot of hustling going on! It seems like as soon as October hits, Halloween is only a countdown creeping around the corner. Thanksgiving is on the mind, and Christmas is waiting to appear on the shopping list. For a second I want to step away from the long to-do list that we all keep adding to, in order to have some girl talk.
First off, I want to talk about the parties. Every time the holiday season comes around I start thinking about hosting gatherings from the beginning of fall to the frigid ending of winter break. When hosting, I have found that it is really easy to throw together a couple of cute ideas from Pinterest, and pick up some decor from a local thrift store or the home-goods department. Definitely don't knock the quality that Pinterest can bring to your party. Typically decor makes for really good pictures and most of it is all reusable each year. (I like to add some new things to my stash of decorations for each season, every year.) Sometimes I go a little overboard, but I know you do too, so we are in the clear!
Speaking of pictures... if you're anything like me, then you probably like for your pictures to have the right lighting and angles. Am I right? When the lighting is bad but you have a good angle, it can really dictate whether you have a good photo or not. A little lighting also goes a lot further than you may think. Investing in some good lighting doesn't only effect your pictures though... Have you ever noticed that when you've got a lamp on when it's dark out it just feels cozier? Lighting changes the mood! So seriously, consider some different things when taking pictures this year!
A couple of years ago I was given a professional camera and immediately started experimenting. It is so much fun taking photos, even if all you have is the new iPhone! Smart phones definitely make it easier to take a quick selfie with your friends. But learning what angles you like and what side you prefer to stand on can actually give you a boost of confidence! Because let's be honest, when we get captured in an unflattering angle on camera, we are not usually running to the store to get it framed.
Last thing I want to mention... Don't be afraid to try some different poses! Too many times we look back and think to ourselves, What am I doing? So try a couple of poses you typically wouldn't do. Below I have some candid pics of Navy! You must try some of her poses. It may be awkward at first, but do yourself a favor and have some fun with it! Even if you feel silly, you may actually find yourself having a good time, especially if you include one of your girlfriends or your man. See what suits you!
Between quarantine and working from home we aren't getting out enough. Or at least I'm not. Every now and then I like to take all of my work with me to a coffee shop to get some fresh air. It just feels so nice to get out once in a while. When I do take myself out, I like to bring a cute bag to accompany me. A chic purse can really perk up an original look. If my outfit and my bag match, then I feel a little more organized and find it a lot easier to focus... what a mood!
I think it depends on the day too, because some days all that I need is a cute purse to carry the bare essentials to keep me feeling stylish.
But girls, can we talk for a second? Leather purses are always the in-style. You cannot go wrong with a simple crochet leather bag. This is perfect for the modern boho-chic look. One of my favorite things to do is wrap one of my silky scrunchies, that has longer ties attached to it, around the strap of my leather purse. It is such a darling touch that makes the bag feel personalized but also provides a nice accessory for the hair later in the day as well!
These sassy bags go with every outfit, from jumpsuits to everyday-casual! A neutral-toned bag is an absolute must for me so that I can run out the door with faith that my bag already matches my outfit without even looking.
Navy tried on three different looks for us to show off the fashionable sneakers we have in store currently. The first look is such a fall vibe that almost all of us are going for at one point or another. It is cozy and always seems to keep me warm throughout my day. Usually this look consists of a warm sweater or cardigan with some trendy high-waisted jeans. The second look ties in a cute graphic T-shirt with some distressed jeans. This look is perfect for going out to dinner with friends, or going shopping. A fun way to express yourself with a comfortable long-sleeve! Lastly, we have Navy in some pleated high-waist snake printed shorts. These shorts make a bold statement, allowing the rest of your outfit to be neutrally toned. She is wearing a black body suit shirt on top to keep the shirt from sneaking outside of the pants. (This is something we all struggle with when tucking shirts.) A sassy hat pairs really well with this entire ensemble!
All three looks have their own tone and attitude, I change mine daily! So don't feel too committed to only one of the looks. Try out each to see what you feel most comfortable in! You may just surprise yourself today!
Leopard Lovin'
Jaguar Jumpin'
Shiny Shufflin'
The leopard sneakers add a pop of fun to your outfit. They also give us a nice break from heals or high platformed booties. I love the warmth that the color of these shoes brings!
These jaguar printed high-tops are a perfect addition to a chic-grunge look. There's never been anything wrong with a little sprinkle of sass! My favorite thing about these shoes is that I can wear my short fuzzy socks right inside them! No worries about showing the bright pink fuzzy socks we all are ready to bring out this season!
These slip-on's go perfectly with just about any outfit. They are sleek and can tie a fierce look together! These can be paired with some no-show socks to keep the toes cozy when there's a bit of a breeze as well!
Without indugling in all of the senses of life, how could we enjoy it to the fullest? can i tell you a secret? i have a slight obsession with scents. Have you heard that each scent has the ability to take us back to a specific moment in our past? i totally see this happen when i put on some new lotion. sometimes a specific scent can capture a feeling that i haven't experienced since my childhood.
The sense of smell is a lot stronger than we give it credit. Aroma therapy is becoming a lot more popular because of its realized effects and well-known ability to have healing properties.
the two bar soaps we have stop me every time. you can definitely catch me picking up a bar of soap to simply smell it. is that something you find yourself doing... or is it just me?
the rosewood vanilla takes me back to doing rosewater face masks way too late at night. it has a very sweet sense, but it reminds me of peace amongst the business of life. when you have time to relax and pamper yourself, let me encourage you to do it! if you don't give yourself free-time, who will? a little bit of rose and vanilla with a steamy bath leaves you with an after-shower bliss.
eucaluptus santal should be given some extra attention! refreshing with a touch of musk, paddy wax created such a lovely combination to make a gal like me feel rejuvenated and awakened in the morning.
a little bit of joy for your evening as well... whether it's to light up your night or to spruce up the remainder of your afternoon, there is a candle set aside for your personal desires.
paddy wax has a line of impression candles that will be perfect for stocking stuffers this year! whether it is a last minute throw in or a well-sniffed out gift,
SOME DAYS I JUST FEEL A LITTLE MORE SASSY. IS IT JUST ME OR YOU TOO? IF YOU'RE LIKE ME, YOU WANT YOUR OUTFIT TO MATCH YOUR MOOD FOR THE DAY. WHETHER IT'S A BIT OF BOHO OR A SPRINKLE OF CHIC...
I PREFER THAT ALL THE WAY FROM MY HAIR TO THE ENDS OF MY TOES ARE DRESSED JUST LIKE AS MY PERSONA.
ANIMAL PRINT I USE WHEN I WANT TO MAKE A STATEMENT. BLACK LEATHER COMES BEFORE FIRST IMPRESSIONS. TAUPE BOOTIES ARE FOR THE WEEKENDS OUT ON THE TOWN. GATHERED TAUPE LEATHER IS FOR TURNING HEADS.
WHETHER IT'S JUST RUNNING TO THE GROCERY STORE, OR LEADING A MEETING, I WANT TO BE ABLE TO NOT ONLY LOOK THE PART, BUT FEEL CONFIDENT IN MY LOOK TO BE THE PART.
WITH THE HOLIDAYS GETTING CLOSER WE CAN'T HELP BUT THINK ABOUT WHAT WE WILL BE FILLING OUR FRIENDS' AND FAMILIES' STOCKINGS WITH.
LUCKY FEATHER'S BEAUTIFULLY SIMPLISTIC JEWELRY IS THE PERFECT ITEM TO BLESS SOMEONE SPECIAL TO YOU! AND WE ALL KNOW THERE'S ALWAYS THE OPTION OF A LITTLE SWEET SOMETHING FOR YOURSELF TOO!
NOT ONLY AFFORDABLE...
...BUT ALSO ADORABLE! TYPICALLY I LIKE TO CLIP ON A NECKLACE AS I AM RUNNING OUT THE DOOR. MOST OF US DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO SIT AND PONDER WHAT NECKLACE BEST SUITS AN OUTFIT.
I ADMIRE SIMPLICITY, AND WANT TO BE ABLE TO EFFORTLESSLY THROW ON A NECKLACE THAT MATCHES MY WHOLE ENSEMBLE.
WHAT BETTER NECKLACE TO UPGRADE THE ORDINARY OUTFIT TO A NEW LEVEL OF FINESSE?
WHETHER YOU ARE TRAVELING NEAR OR FAR, WE HAVE NEW ACCESSORIES TO KEEP YOU IN STYLE!
INTRODUCING PRETTY IN PINK FOR YOU! THIS IS OUR NEW LINE FROM HOLLIS. WE ARE READY TO HELP YOU GEAR UP FOR THE SEASON OF TRAVEL! YOU CANNOT MISS OUT ON THIS NEW COLLECTION. NOT ONLY IS IT SUPER CLEAN CUT AND ORGANIZED ON THE INSIDE, BUT IT IS ALSO SUPER STYLISH AND PRETTY ON THE OUSTIDE!
WHETHER YOU'RE HEADED TO THE COAST, OR THE CITY FOR A BUSINESS MEETING, THERE IS A BEAUTIFUL PIECE DESIGNED JUST FOR YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS! EVERYTHING IN HOLLIS' COLLECTION IS SPILL RESISTANT, WHICH MEANS LESS TIME CLEANING AND MORE TIME TAKING CARE OF YOUR PRETTY FACE!
MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE PART ABOUT THIS COLLECTION IS THE BRUSH HOLDER! I AM ALWAYS CRAMMING MY BRUSHES INTO MY MAKEUP BAG ONLY TO FIND THEM DIRTY AND CRUNCHED. NO MORE OF THAT. YOU CAN GUESS WHY THEY ARE SELLING SO FAST... THEY ARE A MUST-HAVE WHEN TRAVELING!
As we transition our wardrobe from the warm, full sun into the crisp air of autumn we not only change our clothes, but also our schedules. Being on the go doesn't exactly give us enough time to choose our entire ensemble every morning. We want the ease of waking up to the perfect outfit and running along with our fast-paced schedules. Whether it is picking the kids up from practice or heading to the next ball game, we want confident and comfortable!
The new loungin apparel gives me the ease of choosing my attire without a second thought and a perfect first look. Being constantly in motion, we want a comfortable top that can make us look beautiful, yet effortless. The new Athena top, overlaid in leopard print, dips into a discreet V-neck in front. This sweater is perfect for layering on the jewelry. Our model, Audrey, pictured above, has chose a simple set of gold necklaces to draw a sweet and simple outfit together.
A must need for our wardrobe is a pair of dark, high-waisted jeans. With these snug denims, we have an easy access to our fast and furious style. High-waisted jeans immediately lengthen the legs and draw in the waist. These bottoms are nicely paired with a neutral, black belt.
A light-toned shirt and deep, rich denim creates a very slimming look that draws the attention up top, towards the face. Audrey's light ash-colored hair goes beautifully with our new animal-printed top! The attention is not drawn to her bottoms, but passed light-heartedly to her face.
Lastly, to tie in the look, Audrey wears a pair of chic, black booties. A comfortable boot with a simple heel gives the impression of a fashion with the comfortable sole of an everyday shoe.
This is crucial to finishing off this casual, comfy look!
As the leaves change, so do we! These are some sweet tips on how to keep up with our ever-changing schedules!
If you're like me, your beyond excited for the falling temps and a new fall wardrobe! Denim, sweaters, booties and oh let's not forget everyone's favorite, PSL!
So with so many awesome denim choices available we thought we would give you a little insight into some of our favorite fits and why you'll love them too.
--The Stats: Front Rise: 9 1/4", Back Rise: 13 3/4", Leg Opening: 10"
--Why you'll love them: as a mom of two and someone getting all to close to the big 4-0, I'm not into a low rise jean anymore. The high rise is where it's at for me! Not only does it tuck in that extra 10 pounds I need to lose after my baby, but it makes my bottom half look that much longer! Plus with all the shorter tops these days it keeps me covered up while still being able to wear something with a little shorter length. And as an added bonus the higher back rise keeps from any accidents when you're picking up the kids or bending down to tie shoes. The skinny leg goes with everything from heels to flats to boots so you're open to all your shoe options. These come in a wide variety of fabrics and wash options so you're sure to find the perfect addition to your denim collection.
--The Stats: Front Rise: 8.5", Back Rise 13.5", Leg Opening: 13.5"
--Why you'll love them: if you're ready for switching up your denim game these slim straight jeans are just what you need. With the perfect mid-rise and higher back rise, these feature a wider leg opening that are sure to be your go-to when you are over wearing your typical skinny jean. These look great with heels for dressing up but will still dress down with a baseball tee and sneakers for the kids activities.
--The Stats: A classic skinny with a 10" high rise and 29" inseam
--Why you'll love them: If you've never tried on a pair of AOS jeans, well you're missing out! They are literally the softest and comfiest jeans I've ever owned, and this high rise version is one of my all time faves. One of the best parts about AOS jeans is for us shorter ladies (I'm 5'3 barely) the full length inseam is shorter than many brands out there and usually don't require any cuffing. So if you're shorter and you like a good high rise like me these will be your new fave fit!
--The Stats: Ultra distressed boyfriend fit in a classic 100% cotton.
--Why you'll love them: I have had a really hard time finding a boyfriend fit that I love and fit right, but these, these I love! They are more of that vintage denim full cotton fabric so they are stiffer than I'm used to, but unlike most without stretch they over my curvier hips while still fitting my waist. Plus I'm really into the heavy distressing! These will be perfect with sneakers and a tee, but for me I love this style with heels, a graphic tee and a blazer especially for fall. I love taking something that's typically more casual like an overly distressed jean and amping it up with dressier items.
These are just a few of my current favorites, but trust me they'll be so many new faves this season you'll have a hard time choosing!
XOXO, Ashley Wakefield
Mom of two and owner, Sophie
BUT, I do finally realize a few things that make believe I should start thinking about the holidays early. Firstly, I do hardly any of the work when it comes to making sure Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve are as enjoyable as possible. It’s my parents who scrub the house from top to bottom, cook for two weeks straight, put up the Christmas lights, and buy all of the gifts. My contribution is showing up. The holidays are hard for my mom because her kids have split off into all corners of the country. She’s in Minnesota, my sister is in North Carolina, and I’m in Missouri. Even her own family is in Alabama, Florida, and Connecticut. It’s been hard for all of us to get together, and this year will be the first time we’re not all together because my sister is staying in North Carolina with her husband and two kids (an understandable decision). I need to think about the holidays early to make sure my mom doesn’t feel let down. I’ve already started telling her my plans to come up and offered to make three of the recipes so she doesn’t have to worry about them. Well, she might have to worry a little bit, but they’ll at least be edible. Daughter of the year award? Maybe, I’ll let you know, but the holidays aren’t about me, they’re about my friends and family and I need to consider them.
Secondly, I realized that I now have a ton of presents I need to buy for Christmas. I’ve also realized that although I have a salaried job and try to save, I don’t have a lot of money. That doesn’t mean my Christmas gifts to others are going to be bad, but it means I need to start planning now. I made a list of all the people I need to buy presents for, and after I made that list I made a budget. Yes, a budget. This is something unfamiliar to my parents around the holidays but I don’t have that luxury. Friends, significant other, significant other’s family, family, extended family, coworkers… oh wow I get stressed just thinking about it. But the budget helps. For certain people I am able to allocate a certain amount to, and then I determine the price of gifts for the others based off of that. I now have the gifts of six people already figured out! Thinking about Christmas early has helped me to start saving early. I have an app on my phone that helps me do that. I have my fixed income and expenses in the app and it tells me how much I can spend each day for that month in order to have enough money for my expenses and regular savings. For Christmas, I set a future “big spending” and it subtracts that from each day’s “amount I can spend.” (The app is called Daily Budget and it’s amazing if you actually record every time you spend.) This makes my holiday shopping so much easier. I don’t get overwhelmed in December buying gifts because I’ve already saved up the amount I need.
Start thinking about the holidays early this year for yourself and for your friends and family. Reduce some of the stress associated with the holidays so they can be enjoyed to their fullest. And besides, if you love Christmas, then thinking about Christmas early will just make Christmas longer. And that’s a glorious thing.
]]>I am the type of person who, when negative thoughts and emotions come upon me, wallows in her misery. I “love” continuing the feeling of being hurt or sad. When I am upset, I tell myself, “I am angry about X and I want to remain angry at X.” Obviously I am a very emotionally mature person. That in and of itself is something I need to work on. So, after twenty-odd years, I finally realized that I should not wallow. I should actually try to get out of my emotional funks, because before I would just “try.” Huge emphasis on those quotation marks. My first step, practice gratitude. Practice gratitude overwhelmingly, any time I think I need to, any time my emotions go anywhere below (what I like to call) neutral.
I have read in so many other blog posts and books that thinking of things I am grateful for is one of the best ways to lift your mood, see life in a new perspective, and essentially give your heart and your head a nice big sigh *sigh* of release.
When I walk the dog alone my mind tends to wander, and believe it or not sometimes those wandering thoughts are negative. I’m frustrated about a coworker, I’m frustrated with friends, I’m frustrated with the way I acted in a certain situation...there’s so much to chose from! Two months ago, those thoughts would have consumed the rest of my day, popping up when I really didn’t want them to. Now, I hit a quick pause button and think: What are three things I am grateful for at this moment? Yesterday I was grateful for Christmas, that the temperature was below 80, and that there’s a magical thing called Domino’s Stuffed Cheesy Bread. My three things are really that small. But they work wonders. I just thought of positive, sometimes silly things that I am thankful for. Things I am glad are in my life. Like I said: mood booster, new perspective, and a nice *sigh* sigh.
Try it out.
]]>I consider myself a good shopper. Sometimes. I think through my purchases. Sometimes. I imagine all the different outfit options a piece will give me and I never have regrets. Sometimes.
Why the hesitation? Well, I could be buying better. I could be buying quality, versatile clothing. I am a default TJ Maxx, Target, Old Navy, and Forever 21 shopper. Why? Because I can find cute, sometimes versatile, items for a low price. These items aren’t always quality, though. Not to say these are bad stores. I have a jean jacket from Old Navy I throw on probably five days a week, a dress from Forever 21 that I’ve had for six years and it is by far the cutest dress I own, work pants from Target I wear constantly, and a sweater from TJ Maxx so comfortable it’s my go-to Saturday night loungewear. I have been really lucky to find amazing clothing items at ridiculously low prices at these stores, but I’ve also spent money on low-quality shirts (why is it always shirts?!) where the collars of button-ups wrinkle and relax and holes pop up on the seams. $12 feels like such a steal at the counter, but it’s a vicious cycle of too many $12 shirts that keep failing me. I’m wasting money, and wasted money on clothing = bad shopper.
My solution: actually become a good shopper.
First thing’s first, as you can probably guess, spend your money on quality items. Sure that sweater is $20, but is it a static-bomb? How easily does it pick up pet hair? Can you clean it? How quickly is it going to fall apart? Believe it or not, these questions apply to one devil-sweater I have in my closet right now. It’s a piece of shi#, but I’m sentimental. Quality is important. Quality clothing will have better cuts, sturdier and sometimes softer material, and stronger seams. I am still in the learning process of this, but tip number one: forgo the cheap clothing.
As I scroll through the Women’s Style section of Pinterest, I save the outfits and pieces I want to see on myself. I am fully aware that the models featured on Pinterest are incredibly beautiful, have amazing bodies and makeup and hair, but a good sweater is a good sweater, right? Right. I can rock a turtleneck with the best of them. In my Style board, I realize I am curating my style, the style I find timeless and almost effortlessly chic. Yeah, I love to buy East Coast preppy every now and then (cardigans anyone?) but that doesn’t necessarily fit with my style and something I now consider a waste of my money. That’s my second tip to becoming a good shopper: stay in your style lane. It creates an image of who you are, whether that’s boho, preppy, rocker, athletic, or anything in between. When you have your style, your pieces will naturally complement one another.
And that brings me to my third tip: buy for versatility. Say it with me, “capsule wardrobes are a thing because they are a beautiful thing.” My hesitation with capsule wardrobes has always been with the seemingly uninteresting aspect of a wardrobe without dozens of statement pieces, but I am starting to realize that a stylish woman is a woman who is effortlessly stylish all the time. She’s at work? Workin’ it. Grocery store? Looking fabulous. At home relaxing or cleaning? Stunning. Feel free to disagree, but this is the woman I want to be. A good shopper has multiple purposes for each item she buys. She keeps her life simple by making her closet simple as well.
Do you have any other tips to being a good shopper? Tell us in the comments below!
]]>Not really, but a book that beautiful can’t not be read. Okay, so, it’s not really a book. Tiny Beautiful Things is a collection of responses to life’s funny, heart-aching, challenging, and nearly unanswerable questions. This column, “Dear Sugar” first appeared on the online magazine, The Rumpus, where it quickly attracted a large following of avid readers. This book is best explained by Sasha Frere-Jones, The New Yorker critic. She says, “Sugar doesn't coddle her readers—she believes them, and hears the stories inside the story they think they want to tell. She manages astonishing levels of empathy without dissolving into sentiment, and sees problems before the reader can. Sugar doesn't promise to make anyone feel good, only that she understands a question well enough to answer it.”
It’s true, Strayed doesn’t have a psychology degree and doesn’t pretend to. She takes every story someone writes to her and gives them her heart. For a column she does for free, and on the side of making an income and living for herself, Strayed somehow finds the time to take in, think, and respond to those questions in a way that shows so much care, thoughtfulness, and compassion. This book rocked my world. When I read Strayed’s words I feel better, but in an achy, I want to reflect on my life and the beautiful things in it, kind of way. It makes me breathe deep and exhale smiling.
Read below and find some of the most beautiful quotes I have found in this book. Like them? I suggest buying the book or grabbing it from the library.
]]>“I'll never know, and neither will you, of the life you don't choose. We'll only know that whatever that sister life was, it was important and beautiful and not ours. It was the ghost ship that didn't carry us. There's nothing to do but salute it from the shore.”
“Nobody will protect you from your suffering. You can't cry it away or eat it away or starve it away or walk it away or punch it away or even therapy it away. It's just there, and you have to survive it. You have to endure it. You have to live through it and love it and move on and be better for it and run as far as you can in the direction of your best and happiest dreams across the bridge that was built by your own desire to heal.”
“The useless days will add up to something. The shitty waitressing jobs. The hours writing in your journal. The long meandering walks. The hours reading poetry and story collections and novels and dead people’s diaries and wondering about sex and God and whether you should shave under your arms or not. These things are your becoming.”
“It is not so incomprehensible as you pretend, sweet pea. Love is the feeling we have for those we care deeply about and hold in high regard. It can be light as the hug we give a friend or heavy as the sacrifices we make for our children. It can be romantic, platonic, familial, fleeting, everlasting, conditional, unconditional, imbued with sorrow, stoked by sex, sullied by abuse, amplified by kindness, twisted by betrayal, deepened by time, darkened by difficulty, leavened by generosity, nourished by humor and “loaded with promises and commitments” that we may or may not want or keep.
The best thing you can possibly do with your life is to tackle the motherfucking shit out of love.”
“Whatever happens to you belongs to you. Make it yours. Feed it to yourself even if it feels impossible to swallow. Let it nurture you, because it will.”
“Forgiveness doesn't sit there like a pretty boy in a bar. Forgiveness is the old fat guy you have to haul up a hill.”
“You don’t have a right to the cards you believe you should have been dealt with. You have an obligation to play the hell out of the ones you’re holding.”
“We are all entitled to our opinions and religious beliefs, but we are not entitled to make shit up and then use the shit we made up to oppress other people.”
“So release yourself from that. Don't be strategic or coy. Strategic and coy are for jackasses. Be brave. Be authentic. Practice saying the word 'love' to the people you love so when it matters the most to say it, you will.”
“I can't say when you'll get love or how you'll find it or even promise you that you will. I can only say you are worthy of it and that it's never too much to ask for it and that it's not crazy to fear you'll never have it again, even though your fears are probably wrong. Love is our essential nutrient. Without it, life has little meaning. It's the best thing we have to give and the most valuable thing we receive. It's worthy of all the hullabaloo.”
“You have to pay your own electric bill. You have to be kind. You have to give it all you got. You have to find people who love you truly and love them back with the same truth. But that's all.”
“Accept that this experience taught you something you didn't want to know. Accept that sorrow and strife are part of even a joyful life. Accept that it's going to take a long time for you to get that monster out of your chest. Accept that someday what pains you now will surely pain you less.”
“What’s important is that you make the leap. Jump high and hard with intention and heart. Pay no mind to the vision that the commission made up. It’s up to you to make your life. Take what you have and stack it up like a tower of teetering blocks. Build your dream around that.”
“The most terrible and beautiful and interesting things happen in life. For some of you, those things have already happened. Whatever happens to you belongs to you. Make it yours. Feed it to yourself even if it feels impossible to swallow. Let it nurture you, because it will.”
“Be brave enough to break your own heart.”
I don’t like to constantly change outfits - it leaves a mess, often screws up my hair, and brings out the indecisiveness in me, so on weekends I strive for stylish outfits that will work wherever I go. All of these outfit combos are comfortable enough for a movie on the couch, stylish enough for an outing with friends or your significant other, and relaxed enough for some activity like hauling groceries indoors or walking the dog.
Bralettes and Wide-Neck Shirts
A peek of lacey straps underneath an off-the-shoulder top is effortless and relaxed.
Relaxed Jean Shorts and a Tucked Tee
There’s something about a tucked tee that gives me instant “style” feels.
Knee-Length Skirt and Graphic Tee
This combo is fancy but not too fancy. Plus you get the added bonus of swishy fabric on your legs.
Oversized Sweater and Relaxed Jeans
Literally effortless, a cute sweater can elevate an outfit in a snap.
Joggers and Pullover
As a more relaxed combo, you can dress this outfit up with a black leather jacket and killer shades.
Scarf and Top
Scarves are incredibly versatile. Many of mine turn into shawls when I get chilly, but a scarf is an easy, statement accessory. Blanket scarves are chic, but long scarves can be worn in most weather.
Romper or Jumper
This is an easy outfit because it’s comfortable but generally cute and fancy enough for a day (and night) out on the town.
Shift Dress
Same benefits as wearing either a romper or jumper, just easier to go to the bathroom.
Soft Button-Up Shirt
A button-up is an easy way to look nice without trying. Most of these shirts can be worn at work too, so you get extra bang for your buck.
Tailored Shorts and Sweater or Tee
I own multiple tailored shorts because I love the patterns and how they make me feel put-together and more mature. I’m practically living on Martha’s Vineyard.
Leggings and Basically Anything You Want
Leggings. Need I say more?
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