Fall Series: Part 3 - 2016 Trends

For the last part of our "ten take on Fall" series, I want to talk about two trends in particular that I'm loving. Although I've mentioned several times that I gravitate towards more classic silhouettes, fashion should be fun! And that definitely includes experimenting with what's "in" each season. Just a few pieces and little tweaks can make your wardrobe feel more current, and you don't have to spend a fortune. 

I have this bell sleeved mini dress in two colors, but this one is distinctly Fall due to the beautiful plum shade. I think my mom owned a similar version in the 60's and 70's which cracks me up! The overall shape is a risk because it's well...shapeless. It's not for everyone, and I understand some of you may not like it. A selling point for me is that the sleeves add movement and float around as you walk and talk. I'll say it - they make me feel flirty. I love little dresses and own several, but this trend is unique to my closet and one that doesn't take me out of my comfort zone. 

Wearing //

Lush Whitney bell sleeve dress

Banana Republic bag

Kendra Scott necklace

Stella & Dot covet initial necklace

Stella & Dot cuff, love this one

Another trend I've had on my radar has been in the shoe department. I love flats and pumps, but lace-up shoes combine the best of both worlds - the comfort of a flat, yet the height of a pump. Most of these styles come with a chunky heel, which provides plenty of stability. I'm like a baby giraffe when I walk, so I can appreciate the support. I like to wear mine with dresses for an elongated look, but I've seen ladies pair them with skinny jeans. I'll have to try that next! 

Hinge lace-up heels

Other trends I'm trying:

1) Chokers - I just placed my samples for Stella & Dot and I included this beauty. I'm a child of the 90's so this is a fun way to pay homage to that period.

2) Off the shoulder - This one is still going strong! I have two off the shoulder tops left over from Summer and I plan on wearing them on warmer Fall days. Love this option!

An InLinkz Link-up

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The baby elephant in the room

The million dollar question I get asked most often is, "So when are you guys having children?" This is usually followed by me staring up at the ceiling, feeling sheepish and uncomfortable. If Nate is present, I then stare awkwardly at him, praying he answers for the both of us. When you've been married for a couple years and when you reach a certain age (hello 32), it's to be expected that this is a genuine concern. And not only does it come from my mother and in-laws, but also from friends. Hell even strangers ask me, as if my uterus is public fodder. Most of my friends do have children, and I think they would like us to just get it over with already and join the married with children club. In that sense, I would love to be a member. My friends are wonderful parents and I want nothing more than for our kids to grow up alongside theirs.

But there's just one little problem, as is most problems I face in my life - I'm scared beyond belief. Like the kind of scared that gives me nightmares almost every single night. The kind of fear I used to get before giving a speech or presentation in my college classes. That kind of irrational fear that makes zero sense, but that feels SO real. Even now just typing this, I have a pit in my stomach (not a baby might I add).

Why am I so terrified? Who knows. Maybe it's because I'm an only child? Nah, that doesn't stop most only children. In fact, I think only children go on to have larger families. Don't quote me on that but I'm sure if I bothered to research I could look up some study. Maybe it's because I saw some horrible examples when I was working with foster youth? Nah, I wanted to adopt each and every one of those kiddos. They broke my heart.

I think I'm afraid of the actual pregnancy. I know some women say they loved being pregnant, but I'm almost 100 percent positive that will not be me. I'm also afraid of giving birth. Yes it is life's greatest miracle and I truly believe that. But considering I can't even deal with a migraine, my childbirth might actually look like one of those romantic comedies where the woman is sweating, swearing, and screaming like she's dying and the husband is running around like a chicken with his head cut off. I mean that doesn't really happen, does it? That's just the movies?

Then there's the whole losing your identity thing. I know it's possible to be a loving, present parent while still maintaining a semblance of who you were before children. I just know it's difficult at times. Priorities shift, as they naturally should! But I'm also afraid of being a crazy neurotic parent. I already struggle with worry, so it could get even worse after having a baby. Or it could get better! I guess I won't know until I'm a mother. These are all things I think about a lot, but keep my mouth shut for fear of judgment. I don't want to offend anyone. Many women can't have children, so I don't want to sound like motherhood is some sort of obligation.

Back to the question, when are we having kids? Not sure exactly. But probably next year, God willing. Just don't quote me on that either ;)

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Fall Series: Part 2 - Must Haves

For the second part of the Fall style series (see part one here), I am sharing what I consider "must-haves". You know, the pieces you'll be seeing frequently around here. Every Fall, my outfits tend to revolve around a simple formula: camisole + blazer + denim + pumps. Sometimes I'll vary by switching my shoes and bag but otherwise, I adhere to this style because it's classic, polished, and easy. It works for almost any occasion, casual or dressy. Of course if you're in an office, a pair of tailored pants or a pencil skirt can replace the denim. I swear this is what I go for every year! I don't care what is considered trendy at the moment, when I think of Fall, I immediately grab the classics.

Let's dissect this a little bit:

1. Cami - Every one has a camisole or tank in their wardrobe right? I love layering one underneath a little blazer, cardigan, or jacket. It's a great canvas for pretty necklaces, and you aren't sacrificing style for comfort. It's been chilly in the mornings, but then gets really warm during the afternoon so it's a nice in-between piece for this fickle time of year that a lot of us face.

2. Blazer - I recently bought this ruched sleeve blazer at H&M and I'm really happy with the fit and light color. A blazer always looks good, no matter your shape or size and no matter the occasion. It adds a lot of polish to an outfit.

3. Denim - This is a no-brainer. Dark skinny jeans are flattering and can be dressed up or down. I wear mine constantly year-round, but especially in Fall. 

4. Pumps - Nothing looks as polished as a great pair of pointy pumps. They elongate your legs and depending on the color or print, they can really take a simple outfit from boring to fun. I have a few pairs of these in different colors, and I love the way they make my legs look when I'm wearing jeans. Perfect for a night out! 

Wearing //

H&M blazer, check stores

Bella Luxx cami

Loft jeans

J.Crew pumps, similar for less!

BR bag

Kendra Scott necklace and bracelet

Stella & Dot nomad bracelets

Other must-haves for me this year:

Mixed metals - I used to be OCD about my jewelry choices, and I never imagined I would be into mixing my metals. But ever since becoming a Stella & Dot stylist, I actually have really been enjoying wearing both silver AND gold! It's chic and a little less expected than wearing all one metal. Plus with so many options, it's hard to choose so why not wear it all?

Suede shoulder bag - This bag is a total must-have for me. I bought it while on vacation over the Summer, but the pretty lilac color seems appropriate now as well. 

An InLinkz Link-up

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Managing Eczema

I have a (not so secret) confession to make: I have been dealing with dry, itchy, bumpy skin otherwise known as eczema. I've struggled with problematic skin for years, but it has gotten to the point where I'm actually embarrassed to show my arms sometimes due to the red scaly patches underneath my elbows. I even went to my doctor because the irritation was getting to the point where I was scratching so severely. I was breaking the skin, not exactly an attractive look. He prescribed me a cream that definitely has helped, and told me to stop clawing at myself because it just makes the problem worse. Okay doc, easy for you to say! I know it's a vicious cycle. The itch causes the scratching, but the scratching just makes the itching more intense.

Anyway, aside from the topical medicated cream, I have been using two products in conjunction that have soothed a great deal, and the eczema isn't nearly as bothersome as it was just a few weeks ago. If any of you suffer from eczema (which apparently is pretty common) or if you just have sensitive dry skin, read on!

 Loccitane almond shower oil...I have used different body washes in hopes of treating my eczema, but the one I find to be the most effective is this. The lather is minimal, and I don't feel it strips my skin of moisture. It's gentle enough to use every day.

 Skinfix soothing lotion...This is tremendous and if you have any form of dryness then you need to try it! I got mine at Target, but you can also find Skinfix products at Ulta and CVS. In doing some research on eczema, I found out that colloidal oatmeal is the main ingredient that helps alleviate the irritation, and I can feel the difference as soon as I put this on my body.


Here are some more tips for eczema-prone skin:

1. Don't take long hot showers. It promotes dryness. Instead try taking short, luke-warm showers.

2. As soon as bathing is done, pat your skin dry (don't rub) and immediately slather on lotion while skin is still damp. It provides a moisture barrier.

3. Apply lotion a couple times per day.

4. An epsom salt bath can also provide some relief if the itching is especially bad.

5. See your doctor or dermatologist if symptoms persist.

And now I sound like a brochure, so I am done here. I hope this helps! I'm worried my skin will freak out again once the weather really changes, because my skin always gets insanely dry in Winter. I'll update you if anything changes in my routine.

Do you suffer from dry skin or eczema? I'd love to hear your experience! Any other tips are greatly appreciated.

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