Monthly Archives

June 2017

36 Week Pregnancy Fashion – Pregnancy Update

Posted on June 27, 2017

36 week pregnancy fashion options have gotten a little more limited, but I’ve got a couple tried and true pieces that are easy to style and can be worn post pregnancy as well!

36 week pregnancy fashion options have gotten a little more limited, but I’ve got a couple tried and true pieces that are easy to style and can be worn post pregnancy as well!

When it is this hot, it’s easiest to just wear a dress in my opinion! I loved this graphic tank dress that I can wear post pregnancy as well. This exact dress is Spell & The Gypsy Collective and has sold out. Check out their site for some other amazing pieces! (Including some super cute graphic tees!) This tank dress has the exact same fit, and is under $100. (I have this dress as well, and wear it often these days!) One of my style tricks in the third trimester is to wear a button up around the waist with loose fitting items. It helps to define the bump, and still give a little shape instead of just getting that “tent affect” as I lovingly call it.

P.S. I’m obsessed with white accessories for summer! (They will still carry over into the fall/winter trends as well.) This white leather bag is one of my favorite finds lately. The grommet detailing gives it just a little bit of edge, but the shape keeps it classic. It can be worn on the shoulder or be handheld.

I wore this to eat tacos with a friend the other day, trying to soak in these last couple weeks being able to get out and about at times. Once baby 2 arrives I know I will be house locked for a bit.

So on to the not so glamorous part. The final weeks of pregnancy. It’s hard, ya’ll. There is just no way around it. I went for my (now weekly) visit yesterday and found out the culprit of my constant pain… separated (and possibly broken) ribs. Baby #2 is sitting high and he’s been putting so much pressure on my ribcage. If he doesn’t come before, I will be induced at 39 weeks. On a good note, they thought he might have IUGR like Georgie did, and has been measuring extremely small this entire pregnancy. He’s kicked his weight gain into gear and is up to the 15th percentile! They no longer think that is the case, instead thinking he is just naturally a little on the smaller side. With G I was induced at 37 weeks for this, and they will not need to do that with baby #2.

I had planned to write a 36 week update for awhile now as a follow up to the 32 week one. Sharing the real struggles (past the perfectly posed smiling pictures). However, right as I was sitting down to write this, I ran across a caption that said to embrace where you are in life, because you won’t be in that same position again. It took me a minute to really soak that in. As I did I realized this will most likely be my last pregnancy. (2 in 2 years has done me in..) Adjusting my mindset to cherish these moments instead of dread them is pretty powerful. Instead of focusing on the pain, I’m determined to focus on the last kicks I will feel from him that no one else can experience. I’m determined to focus on the amazing miracle creating a human life really is. I’m determined to remember that the longer he is in there, the healthier he will be.

Yesterday, I was in “nesting mode” and organizing a couple things in our bedroom. I stumbled upon a devotional that I (not proudly) haven’t picked up in a very long time. When I went to open it, the bookmark was on the date it was. It stopped me in my tracks. It was God’s way of letting me know I was right where I was supposed to be. The message was about how faith is about persistence and not perfection. It was exactly what I needed to read in that moment.

Stumbling across these two things have really shifted my mindset and reminded me to embrace the exact moment you are in and stay positive!

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Hair Tutorial – Loose Beach Waves

Posted on June 27, 2017

My most asked question is always about my hair, so I thought I’d share a hair tutorial with my everyday hair look.

My most asked question is always about my hair, so I thought I’d share a hair tutorial with my everyday hair look.

I’ve been meaning to get this one up for awhile, and the time has finally come! So let me preface this with the fact that I do naturally have really thick and long hair. Prenatal vitamins for almost two years straight has helped as well. I also get regular hair cuts, and brush my hair often with a wet brush. I also do NOT wash my hair everyday. Twice a week usually does the trick for me.

You can really accomplish a lot with a good blow dry. I use the T3 Micro Featherweight Luxe Blowdryer to get a smooth base. You can check out all the details on that with this previous post I did explaining that in further detail.

The main trick to getting this loose and easy curl look is using a styling wand. I’ve been using a wand instead of the traditional curling iron for a few years now, and it’s made all the difference! I’m obsessed (and I know that word is overused, but it’s so true in this case) with my T3 wand. The interchangeable option has 3 different sizes. For this look I used the biggest barrel. Sometimes, I will use the medium sized barrel if I know I won’t have anytime to style the next day and want it to truly last. I save the smallest barrel for times when I’m doing a braided look or updo or something similar and just need small curls around my face.

Using large sections (1 inch to an inch and a half) I wrap the hair around the barrel. For the pieces closest to my face, I go AWAY from the face. Every other section I switch up the direction of the wand. (Easiest to see in the pictures.) So for one the smallest top part of the barrel is facing up and then for the next piece I point the wand down.

It’s best to not touch the curls until they have had time to cool and set. Once they are all cool, I spray dry shampoo throughout my roots, and use also like a texture spray. Then run your fingers loosely throughout your hair.

Finish the look by smoothing the stray hairs with some hair oil. The Fave4 one has been my favorite so far, because it isn’t too “greasy” and is also light. You can also do a light hairspray coat, if you choose.

You can also head over to my Instagram to watch my Instastories where I do video of this look and others!

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Embroidered Trend – Summer Outfit Inspo

Posted on June 20, 2017

I’ve been seeing the embroidered trend everywhere this season, and I’m really loving it.

Head Dress Embroidered T-Shirt | Embellished Clutch | Hat | Aviators | Jeans

I’ve been seeing the embroidered trend everywhere this season, and I’m really loving it. Of course, I had to do my own take on it. Which at 81/2 months pregnant means in t-shirt form. I found this designer, Banner Day, that makes these handcrafted, high-quality linen embroidered t-shirts and couldn’t pass them up. Yes, it was a little bit of a splurge. They source original artwork as the illustrations for the shirts. How cool is that?! You can shop the one I’m wearing HERE. I sized up for the bump, but I think it’ll be cute tied up later this summer, post baby. I also love this cactus version and this coyote version . Most days, I wear this with some leggings and flats. However, for a little friend date I wore it with the only jeans that fit me these days. These are NOT maternity, but are super low rise so I’ve worn them my entire pregnancy. If you are expecting, save your $$ on maternity jeans, and get a pair of these. That way you can wear them after too!

I’ve been loving the embroidered trend so much much I wanted to get a purse with that vibe. I searched long and hard to find this one that is completely embellished and it’s under $100! It comes in two other colors as well. I’m also tempted to buy the tote version as well. These days I typically need a big bag to carry all G’s (and soon to be baby #2’s) things as well as my own.

Let me just tell ya, it’s hard out there for an 8 month preggo in this summer heat. I’m anxiously waiting to meet baby #2 and see his cute little face. Most days I’m at home in the air conditioning with G in comfy clothes, but I am soaking up day time friend dates to grab lunch or a coffee as much as I can before his arrival. I know it will be hard to get out for awhile once he’s here!

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Santa Barbara Trip

Posted on June 19, 2017

We had a wonderful trip to Santa Barbara to celebrate Trey’s brother’s wedding.

Comfy Shirt | Capri Legging | Straw Hat | Handbag

We flew into LA and took the scenic route up Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Barbara. (SB isn’t easy to fly directly into. I’m glad we did this because I had really been wanting to check out Malibu Farms and it did NOT disappoint!) Try the watermelon juice… it’s amazing and so refreshing! Of course I had to grab some coffee too. It really is such a small world, we ran into Trey’s cousin while we were there!

Ok, I do have to back up to the flight out there. Horrible. Miserable. Worst ever. I am always advocating traveling with your kids, but it’s not always easy. G is typically great on flights, but with a 4:30 wake up call and a 4 hour flight…. he just couldn’t cope. He screamed uncontrollably for a very very long time. We had just gone to the CMT awards the night before, and Trey had just done work with the band Earth, Wind, and Fire for CMT Crossroads that week too. Well, they were all on our flight. Let’s just say they weren’t impressed with G’s vocal abilities. (Eeek.) Trey and I discussed if we should get on the intercom at the end of the flight and publicly apologize.. it was that kind of bad. We flew Delta, but if it had been Southwest, I would have passed out some drink cards as apology tokens.

We stayed at the Fess Parker, which I recommend if you are traveling with a family. My mom came with us this trip to help with Georgie, so we got a suite. We had plenty of room and two balconies. One of the balconies was ocean view and HUGE. Once we checked in and let G run some of his energy out we hit up the pool. This boy Loves to swim!! Note to moms, load those babies up with the sunscreen. I used a stick for G’s face and missed a swipe and he got a little sunburn. I felt like a horrible mom, and of course it happened right before the wedding/ wedding pictures. #MOMFAIL

G’s star button down | Trey’s Linen Suit |
Similar Fit Floral Dress | Similar Fit Floral Dress

The rehearsal dinner was at the Fess Parker in this beautiful open, ocean view area. It really was an awesome night. It was great to see the families coming together, and hear all the sweet toasts. And then there was Trey’s toast…. Brad decided to “roast” Trey at our wedding instead of a traditional toast. Let’s just say Trey returned the sentiment. I must say, my guy is pretty hilarious.

Straw Hat | Exact Dress | Similar Graphic T-Shirt Dress

Whenever, I’m by the coast I always want some seafood. We were able to grab a lobster roll on the pier at a little place called Santa Barbara shellfish company. It did not disappoint. It’s super casual, and that lobstah did not disappoint! We sat outside to soak up the view.

The wedding was at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. It was such a cool venue. Jacqueline did an amazing job decorating for the space. There were lots of muted natural tones, succulents, vintage goblets, lace detailing. Pretty dreamy! G made it down the aisle, which I considered a success. They even had a vintage ice cream truck come at the end. Most importantly we left Santa Barbara with a new sister in law, who happens to be pretty damn awesome!

Santa Barbara truly was beautiful. The mountains in the background with an ocean view in front of you is hard to beat. So much charm in the city too. I can’t wait to go back (not pregnant) and spend more time checking it all out and hitting up the local wineries!

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Beauty Bag Round Up- Makeup, Skincare & Brushes

Posted on June 15, 2017

I’ve been finding lots of great products lately and wanted to do a beauty bag round up to share some of the goodness!

I’ve been finding lots of great products lately and wanted to do a beauty bag round up to share some of the goodness!

First up, are these AHH-MAZING brushes. Now I know that these are an investment item. After, using them and seeing the difference I see why they are totally worth it. These are NOT made from animal hair like a lot of other brushes on the market. They are comprised of an engineered fibre that applies much more easily than a conventional brush. The surface area of these brushes are made to pickup and lay down the product, without holding on to it. This helps to not waste nearly as much product. (So in my mind..that makes them worth it right there. I HATE wasting expensive makeup.) Every fiber also has a tapered tip ending in a microscopic fine structure. This makes blending nearly flawless, and easy to achieve. I can’t hype these things up enough!! They were on my wish list a long time prior to pulling the trigger, but I wish I would have earlier!

I know I’ve talked about my love for Tarte Cosmetics a lot lately, but my obsession is real. If you are new to the blog, Tarte is an organic cosmetic company with impeccable packaging that is formulated without the use of parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan, synthetic fragrances, gluten, etc. They’ve recently come out with a few new products that I’ve been crushing on and are a must have for any beauty bag. Their new perfume smells amazing. It’s in a roller ball style, so super easy for travel. It’s a vanilla-ish smell without being too sweet. Huge fan over here.

I don’t know how I’m so late to the highlighter game, but it’s a complete game changer. Especially in the summer to achieve that dewy glow. I have all three colors of this liquid highlighter but my favorite is the “exposed nude”. It gives that highlight effect without being overkill/ looks like you dumped glitter on your face like some highlighters seem to do…

My obsession with this skin mist is slightly out of control… It smells so fresh and is really hydrating in this summer heat.

I really don’t have time to touch up my makeup in the day with G, so I’ve been swearing by this liquid lipstick. I do add a little chapstick to top to keep my lips from feeling or looking dry. The color “bestie” is my everyday go to. It’s a bit darker than a nude, but in that nude family. I’ve also been loving the peachy look for summer, and “salty” a lot too.

My skin is always changing especially being pregnant, and I change up the skincare that’s in my beauty bag ALL the time. Lately, I’ve been a bit worried about turning the big 3-0 next month so I’ve been using Goop eye cream. I got this from a friend of mine, Mallory Ervin. She’s a beauty blogger and really knows her stuff and she was right. It works!

I’d love to hear any tried and true products that ya’ll swear by! I’m really getting into makeup and skincare more and more lately. Really appreciate a well made product to fill my beauty bag up with!

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Graphic Tees with Overalls (Bump Style)

Posted on June 12, 2017

With less than 6 weeks to go in this pregnancy, outfits are getting a little harder. BUT I’m loving graphic tees with overalls!

With less than 6 weeks to go in this pregnancy, outfits are getting a little harder. BUT I’m loving graphic tees with overalls! Yes, you can totally rock overalls pregnant! These are not “maternity” so I had to leave the one strap down to be able to fit in them right. Ha! They do make maternity overalls that have extra space in the bump area, if you are more comfortable with that.

I loved that these overalls were black denim, distressed and under $60. Win-win-win! I paired them with a graphic tee, because let’s be real, when don’t I pair things with graphic tees? I also love these boots for summer. The cut outs make them more breathable for the hotter temperatures and they are flat. Flat and 8 months pregnant go together much better than heels these days.

We just got back from Santa Barbara for Trey’s brother’s wedding. It was such an amazing weekend celebrating! I will be sure to share lots of pictures from our trip. (Georgie was in the wedding, and his little outfit is just too cute!)

This pregnancy is nearing a close and I am feeling alllll the feels. I’m anxious to meet him, and see if he looks like Georgie, or favors Trey this time. I’m nervous to have two babies under a year and a half. We truly just aren’t as prepared as we were with G, but I’m really working on fixing that. The nesting has started to really take place here lately, and I’m hoping it will get my booty in gear. I’m also excited to share the name! It has been a secret thus far, and I’m ready to let everyone in on that secret!

How do ya’ll feel about keeping the name a secret? Curious to how other people have handled that!

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Purse Shopping at Opry Mills Bag Sale

Posted on June 6, 2017

I had so much fun purse shopping at Opry Mills annual bag sale. It’s no secret that I am a handbag junkie, so purse shopping is one of my favorite hobbies. Purse shopping when they are all on sale might just top the list! There were so many good deals out there, with different styles and designers it was hard for me to choose just one! There is absolutely something for everyone and every “purse-onality” (pardon the pun!) HAHA! You can head over to shop the sale between May 26- June 30th!

First up I headed to H&M. They are offering 20% off an item of your choice. This black tote was only $39.99 (before the discount) and I loved that it had structure, but also a long strap. Super modern-chic. It’s a great bag to dress up or bring to work!

Next up, we headed to Fossil. They had SO many bags to choose from there, and are offering 15% all handbags during the sale! With Father’s Day quickly approaching, I thought that this messenger satchel bag would make a good work bag for Trey. It was already marked down to $178 BEFORE the 15%.

After grabbing a little Starbucks treat we headed over to Aldo. I bought Trey a pair of blue suede shoes for the wedding rehearsal dinner we have this weekend. This backpack really caught my eye. I love the athleisure trend that is so hot right now, and you can totally carry a backpack as a purse. You can style it with leggings and graphic tees and be on your way. I hope this style stays in forever. With babies, it makes life easy!! Once, I have baby two I plan to hit up the gym/classes and love that it’s on trend to rock your gym clothes to run errands too! All of the Aldo bags were an extra 20% off, and this one was $48.

I could spend hours in Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth. They carry all the designer brands from Saks, but at majorly discounted prices. Hallelujah! During the sale they are offering $20 off your purchase of $125 or more! There were so many great designers on the sale there. Zac Posen, Red by Valentino, and one of my favorites Rebecca Minkoff. (There were tons more…but those were they ones that really caught my eye!) This is where I had the hardest time choosing! There was this leather white mini/crossbody bag. I loved the garment detailing and the leather was so soft!! This bag was on sale for $111! I thought this would be great to style with jeans, blouses and booties for this fall, but also with cut offs and cute graphic tops this summer. (I’m SO loving white handbags right now..)

BUT then this neutral tote caught my eye. It’s also Rebecca Minkoff on sale for $148. I thought the color would go with everything and I loved that it had so much room. It could even double as a diaper bag, which ultimately sold me!! It’s got a little fringe tassel that brought out that boho look I love, but was still classic and not too frumpy. It’s great for everyday wear, and the versatility was the best for me! I’m so excited to add it to my collection. #theperfectbag

This post was sponsored by Opry Mills/Simon Malls, but all thoughts and opinions are ALWAYS my own.

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Function Meets Fashion with Dagne Dover

Posted on June 5, 2017

I’ve really been on an organization kick lately, maybe it’s the pregnant “nesting” so when I found a bucket bag where function meets fashion I couldn’t deny it!

Bucket Bag | Rose Studded Booties | Boyfriend Tee | Denim

I’ve really been on an organization kick lately, maybe it’s the pregnant “nesting.” When I found a bucket bag where function meets fashion I couldn’t deny it! While pregnant with George I truly had that strong “nesting” feeling. We spent hours and hours organizing his nursery. This time around I’m so busy chasing him around most of the time, I haven’t really prepped in the same way. That “nesting” feeling has still been prevalent though, so I’m trying to calm it in manageable ways. First, was the planner. Now, keeping my purse more organized.

The bucket bag has been on trend for awhile now, but I never found one that had everything I was looking for to pull the trigger. This leather bag was a great neutral color, but the functionality is what sold me. The inside has a removable key leash, ID slots, lipgloss/pen loops, phone pockets, and various other pockets to keep everything organized. As you may recall from previous post, I’m NOT organized by nature. I need all the help I can get. This makes finding things in my bag so easy.

These jeans are not maternity, but I’ve been wearing them this whole pregnancy thus far. They sit below the bump and have lots of strech. Gotta keep it comfy these days. I pretty much wear a graphic tee or one of these ($20) v-neck tees everyday. They are easy and comfortable.

P.S. I’ve never worn these rose applique studded booties and not gotten complimented on them. I love that they cut low so they are cooler for summer.

P.P.S. Makeup was done by Chels Rey Makeup She does such a great job if you are looking for someone in Nashville!

I hope everyone has a great week!

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Father’s Day Gift Guide

Posted on June 2, 2017

I’ve been on the search for the best father’s day gift ideas out there and have come up with some any dad would love!

Technically last year was Trey’s first time year celebrating Father’s Day, but G was only a month old and we didn’t really understood the significance of being a parent yet. Now that he is 13 months, it seems more real that we are responsible for this tiny human. Seeing Trey interact with G just melts my heart. They have such a sweet bond. Georgie babbles “da da” all day long. Whenever he leaves for work, there’s always a small meltdown that follows. He will even sit at the back door and hold his shoes. Then when he walks back in the door after work, G will get the biggest smile on his face and go to him as fast as his chunky little thighs will allow.

I bet there was once a day that people would bet against Trey as ever being a father (he had his wild moments…) but he sure is killing the dad game! He looks up articles on what we should be doing with him at each stage, gets up and makes middle of the night bottles, gets on the floor and plays with him, and shows him love and patience. You can’t ask for more than that!

So…. I wanted to make this Father’s Day really special and get him a bunch of things I know he needs/wants. I hope these Father’s Day Gift ideas give you some inspiration on what to get the special father (or father figure) in your life!

5 Father’s Day Gifts Ideas:

1. Tecovas Boots – I have had a pair of these for a little over a year now, and was so impressed with the quality for the price. Tecovas has removed the “middle man” from the process, bringing the price down and keeping the quality high. He has been asking for a pair of these for awhile… so what better time than now!

2. Framebridge Custom Framed Pieces I recently talked about Framebridge in detail, because I got him some concert tickets framed. You can read all about that process HERE. He’s been wanting to frame some of his client’s show posters and photography from meaningful shows. I couldn’t be happier with how these turned out! I used the designers help option… it sure makes life easier!

If you want to make sure you get your custom piece in time here are the deadlines to do so. My pieces were both “mail-in” items.

Mail-in deadline: June 5th 12am PST (i.e. Sunday night)

Upload deadline: June 12th 12am PST (i.e. Sunday night)

Designer’s choice reminder/deadline: June 14th 12am PST

3. Dagne Dover Travel Bags

Trey has had to travel a lot of 1 and 2 day trips lately, and has been in need of a good carry on bag. I found this carryall and must admit I’m pretty obsessed with it. I might just have to borrow this one. It’s made from 100% neoprene so it’s versatile and durable. It comes with several interior pockets, a shoe bag, a key leash, removable mesh pocket, a laptop pocket, and an exterior phone/ID pocket. I was so impressed with it’s functionality. This is the size large in the dark moss color.

I also got him the matching toiletry bag.

4. Craft + Foster Candle These come in several manly scents like “whiskey and cola and tonic and talc”. The packaging is also “manly”. I’ve lovingly nicknames these his “mandles.”

5. Comfy Tees/ Grahpic Shirts- Ya’ll probably know by now I have an infatuation with Chaser brand. Well… they have guys now too. You can find that reflected moto baseball shirt HERE. I’ve also linked some other of my favorite Chaser mens tees below. Did you know Revolve has men’s fashion too!? This has been one of my go to sites to shop for awhile now, and they also have great stuff for the guys.

I’ve also added father’s day gift guide ideas on the “Shop Nordstrom Sale”.

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Traveling with a Baby and Family Fashion

Posted on June 1, 2017

Traveling with a baby is no easy task, but with some organization and patience it’s well worth the trouble!

On Georgie: Graphic T-Shirt | Baby Jeans

On Trey: Baseball Graphic Tee | Sunglasses

Traveling with a baby is no easy task, but with some organization and patience it’s well worth the trouble! We are a family on the go, and often get asked “how do you do it!?” Not going to lie, it’s hard. I really love making the memories, and introducing G to so many new places and things. For our family, it’s worth the trouble.

This past weekend we took a quick Memorial Day weekend road trip to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area.

First, we went to a concert for one of Trey’s artist. It’s always fun to see G clap and dance along to the music. It’s SOOOO important to put noise cancelling headphones on your babies ears! You can shop the ones we use HERE. (These make a great shower gift for music loving couples….) One of the tricks (and we don’t have this mastered just yet, but we are trying) is to keep the baby on as much of the same schedule as possible. So I left the concert early to go back to our hotel and get G in bed close to his normal bedtime.

The next day we headed over to Dollywood. If you are a Tennessee native, I recommend this park for the little ones! It’s a nice and clean family park that’s nestled in the Smoky Mountains. There are lots of trees for shade, and it’s extremely stroller friendly. They had a little baby splash pad and playground with soft foam that G just loved! Trey and I ate our way through the park. I’m talking corn dogs, potato twirls, funnel cake, root beer floats….no calories were spared here. It was a pregnant girls dream. We also had fun going to the fair section and playing the games. (Trey even won Georgie a little stuffed animal!) There were also a couple baby friendly rides that G could do.

Tips for traveling with a baby on a road trip:

* If you can schedule to leave the house right when they typically nap it is easiest. This way they can sleep as much of the car ride as possible, and stay as close to their daily schedule as possible.

*As tempting as it is to stay out late and just have them sleep in the stroller, do your best to head back to the hotel and let them sleep in a pack in play or something similar to their home schedule. A crabby baby doesn’t make for a fun trip….

*If they sleep with a sound machine, special blanket or anything else…bring it along! Keeping that home like feeling is key!

* Have lots of snacks, books, and toys on hand! If one of you can sit in the back during the car ride itself and read or play…bonus points.

* Stay calm. HA!

We are a t-shirt and jeans kinda family. I truly swear by Chaser brand because of the quality and how soft the fabric is. I just realized G can fit in their smallest size…and I couldn’t be more excited! Now we can all wear it.

I know I’ve mentioned the jeans G is wearing before, but they are the best out there. Trust me, I’ve tried A LOT. They are designer, but at a great price. They are made of a knit material and not a typical denim, so they are super soft and strechy. You can shop them HERE.

I’m still stuck on the white on white trend this summer. Pretty daring with a baby…

Daniel Wellington just launched the classic petite leather watch in white!!! IT goes perfectly with my white on white summer uniform. The one pictured is with the rose gold detailing. You can get 15% off by using promo code “BEAUANDARROW” when you shop the watch!!

P.S. These comfy platform wedge sandals are part of the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale. Only a few days left to shop it so don’t miss out!