Fall’s Hottest Coat Trend- Splurge vs Steal Plaid Coats
The streets of New York are paved with some sort of magic dust, I swear. I traveled to the city for a quick weekend trip for Fohr conference. Leaving, I felt refreshed and ready to tackle every dream and goal list I’ve ever created.
I’ve been told if you are the smartest, most creative, “best” person in the room then you are in the wrong room. I was absolutely in the RIGHT room during the Fohr conference. It’s amazing to surround yourself with creative, positive, and innovative people making their mark in business.
Flying in was quite the struggle. I was delayed for 6 hours, and then we had to circle around the city in a holding pattern for an additional 2.5 hours for weather concerns. This allowed me the time to re-read “Girl, Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis. If you haven’t read this yet, stop what you are doing and order this book. It left me feeling so positive that I didn’t let the travel delays bother me and still had the BEST day and dinner with friends that night.
Your own mind is so much more powerful then you could ever imagine. If you want to have a good day, you absolutely can! Do you want to make “X” amount of dollars? You absolutely can!
In the book it talks about the only thing holding us back from reaching our goals, and that’s the lies that we tell ourselves.
“You can’t be a good mom AND a business owner.” “You aren’t smart enough to run a successful business.” “You should be so much bigger by now.”
These are some examples of the self talk that was holding me back. I wrote a long list of my lies in my hotel room that night and ripped it up and threw it out the 11th floor window. It felt great!
The takeover from that conference and the trip was that the “secret sauce” to being successful is to believe with everything you have that you can be, and then put in the work to get there. Work, work and more work. That’s it. It’s that simple.
Ok, jumping off my soap box to tell ya’ll about a trend that’s hot for fall. Plaid coats!
Loving the texture that the plaid coats trend provides. I’ve rounded up my 5 favorite splurge vs steal plaid coats below.
The one pictured runs a tad big. (Wearing an XS for reference.)
SPLURGE ($200 and up)
SAVE ($200 and less)
Looking for more fall fashion inspiration? You can find a post with 5 tops under $50 for fall HERE.
Fall fashion is just the best! I love the layered look, and mixing prints and textures. While it’s still a little warm you can wear these tops on their own, and as the temps drop layer them with cardigans, moto jackets, coats, scarves, etc.
Print mixing is a favorite styling trick of mine. It adds so much interest to any outfit! This polka dot blouse is the perfect coloring to mix with a animal print (that’s hot for fall!). I paired it with these snakeskin booties. (They are on mega sale!) It would also look great paired with leopard print.
These busted knee high-rise jeans are an absolute staple closet item. They are $78, come in multiple colors, run true to size, and are the perfect high-waist to pair with crop tops and not bare any belly.
In the fall it’s great to invest in jackets and coats that can take you from season to season. Good booties, bags and sunglasses are other things that when you factor the cost per wear, good quality is worth it. When it comes to tops I like to stick with trendier/more affordable options. Partner that with a few higher quality pieces and the whole look is elevated.
Thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I may receive a small commission from items purchased from affiliate links.
It’s no secret one of my absolute go-to retailers is Nordstrom. The customer service is always great, and they have the easiest shipping and return policies. I was SO excited to partner with them to share some easy ways to pull off that “casual cool” look for fall.
My number one styling tip would be to invest in a few high quality pieces that are versatile and can carry you from season to season. When deciding which pieces to invest in, look at the CPW. (Cost per wear.) When an item can be styled for casual or formal wear than the CPW is typically pretty high and it’s worth the investment. These are the items that build a capsule wardrobe and will eventually eliminate the “I have nothing to wear” mentality.
These silk leopard joggers were one of those capsule wardrobe pieces for me. Anytime I “have nothing to wear” they can be a go to item. They feel like you are wearing pajamas. When working with leopard (or most any animal print) you can treat it like a neutral. Leopard is EVERYWHERE this fall!
I styled it with this super affordable ribbed knit bodysuit. It’s comfortable and keeps the look nice and casual. Top that with an easy over the shoulder moto jacket, and some nude pumps and you’ve got an effortless and super comfortable look that works for any occasion.
A great leather moto jacket is another one of those items you can wear over and over. It’s the easiest way to achieve that “casual cool” look. Another easy way to style it is editor style (over your shoulders.) This is great for fall transition when the weather is in between needing a jacket or not.
These nude mules are so comfortable and easy to wear with anything. I’ve worn this exact same look with sneakers as well. These mules are still casual, but elevate the look just a bit. Mules are trending going into fall as well. SO much more than a “summer sandal.”
Whenever an item is really trendy, I like to find it at an affordable price point. That way I can stay on trend and have some fun with accessories, but guilt free when it doesn’t become a closet staple. The belt bag trend is EVERYWHERE for fall. I prefer to wear it over my arm. It instantly gives that “cool factor.” I found this studded belt bag at an amazing price. They also have it in red or leopard which would be so fun as well!
5 Styling Tips & Tricks for effortless “Casual Cool” Fall Fashion:
1. Find pieces that have both formal and casual elements. (Example, these pants are a silk material which is on the formal side, but in a jogger cut. Joggers make them more casual.)
2. Find a fun print. Leopard is all the rage so this is my go to. Herringbone and plaid are also in and give that instant edge to any look.
3. Throw a moto jacket over it. You can pretty much wear one with anything! A maxi dress, or graphic tee with maxi skirt. It is casual, but adds that edginess.
4. Find items that are comfortable to wear. (These pants truly feel like pajamas…)
5. Mix and match fitted and looser fitting items. A blousy top paired with a pair of leather leggings, a fitted silk skirt with a looser sweatshirt, a wide leg pant with a bodysuit, etc.
It’s here!!! There are NOT many things I would stay up until 2am for these days.. but Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2018 is underway and I could not miss out!
I know it can be overwhelming since there are SO.MANY.PAGES. to sift through. No worries, I got you! After hours and hours and hours of checking out each and every page I’ve gathered the best deals in each category.
If you are wondering what all the craziness is about, I’ve explained the full sale in a previous post HERE.
I’ll also be doing tons of try on sessions so that ya’ll can see how things fit and look in person over on my Instagram account on the stories. You can follow me on that HERE.
Items sell out quickly and sometimes restock. I’ll be sure to update accordingly!
If there’s any specific questions you have or something that you are looking to find… I’m happy to help!
NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE 2018
OVERALL BEST DEALS
**(Click on any image in the collage to be directed straight to that item.)**
If you aren’t familiar with the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale…. you are missing out!! Take it from a level 4 Nordstrom shopper (I know, I know, it’s a problem…) this is the best way to shop the upcoming fall fashions. I’ve got tips and tricks to help you save the most and navigate through the sale.
Why this Sale is Different
This sale is different from most sales in that these are the upcoming fall season’s hottest pieces put up at majorly discounted prices rather than sizes that didn’t sell from a current season. Once the sale is over, whatever is left is then marked back up to MSRP. Pretty dang awesome.
Important Dates/Cardholders
From July 12-19th Nordstrom cardholders can shop the sale before it opens to the public. This is important because tons of the items will sell out before the public gets access to them. I’m not a big fan of store credit cards, personally, because it makes self control a little hard. However, they have an option where you can get all the rewards and it connects directly to your debit card! I love this option. If you have better self discipline with your spending, they have credit card options too! You can sign up HERE. If you are approved for the card, you receive a $20 Nordstrom note to use during the sale.
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens to the public from July 20th-August 5th. Prices go back up to normal MSRP on August 6th.
Items Sell Out…Fast.
Everyone loves a good sale and quantities are limited. SO… things sell out fast. Anyone remember the Topshop striped cardigan last year? People were selling it on ebay for triple the price because it was so hot.
A couple things you can do to make sure you secure the best deals:
1. Apply for the card so you can shop the early access.
2. Shop online first, and then in store. There is always a better chance of the item being available online. You can also buy online and pick up in store.
3. Buy first, return later. Ok, so I’m not a huge fan of having to return items. I’ve worked in retail and know the hassle. However, this is an exception. Nordstrom has one of the easiest and best return policies in all of retail. Go ahead and purchase the item and if you decide it wasn’t a great fit, or was an impulse decision, it is extremely easy to return. If you wait to think on it (which in most normal situations I would suggest) there is a great chance it will sell out.
4. Restocks happen frequently. They do restock items throughout the sale, so continue to go back to Nordstrom.com if you happened to miss out on something that you really would love.
How I can Help You
I’m pretty much a complete crazy A$$ when it comes to this sale. Early Access starts during my birthday week. I take that as a sign that I’m supposed to use that opportunity to the fullest. Year after year, I do. When the sale first goes live, I spend hours and hours browsing nearly every page for the best finds. (The sale spreads from women, baby, men, home, etc.) I typically look for classics that you can get tons of use out of in each category. They always have a killer leather jacket, great designer denim deals, designer handbags at majorly discounted prices, a beauty kit, booties/boots for fall, great staple coat, etc. This year I was able to get my hands on the media PDF’s and I’ve been creating lots of collages with breakdowns of the best deals in each category. Let me just tell you, it does not disappoint.
I’ll also go to the store the first day and check out everything in person. Be sure to watch my Instastories to view the items. This way if you have questions about quality or something similar, I can do my best to help you out. I so look forward to this as I don’t take nearly as many styling jobs as I did before the boys were born. It’s truly so fun for me!
Triple Point Day/Card benefits
If you decide you do not want to become a cardholder, you can still join Nordstrom Rewards. With the rewards program you will get 1 point for every $1 spent. I HIGHLY recommend doing that.
Cardholders rack up points quicker gaining 2 points for every $1 spent. (This applies to Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, HauteLook and Trunk Club.) You get reimbursed in notes for alterations as well. Throughout the year, there are double points, and triple points days. These are great times to make larger purchases as the notes can really add up quickly!
You also get to choose a triple point day! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is absolutely the day to do that. Not only are you saving money from the discounted prices, but you also are making money from the notes to spend later. They don’t expire for a year. I typically majorly stock up during the sale, and get a ton of $20 notes. It’s hard to do, but I try to save those notes for Christmas time. I then use them for gifts. Around that time, it’s always great to have that option!
Hope this helps! If you have any questions or need help, feel free to contact me HERE. . Happy shopping. 🙂
The second I spotted this high-waisted skirt I knew I just had to have it. However, I don’t get too dressed up these days. Big buttons are trending this spring, and this cut was just too flattering to pass up, so I decided to work on styling it for more of an everyday look.
Pairing the skirt with this cropped band tee made it both comfortable and more approachable. Spring skirts can seem overwhelming to style in your everyday casual looks, but it’s easier (and more comfortable) than it may seem. I sized up on this crop top tee so that I could wear it with high rise jeans or shorts this summer without baring any belly.
If you haven’t heard of Marc Fisher espadrille wedge sandals yet, check them out. They are so comfy to walk around in, especially for the wedge size. These were a little funky and added texture and that pop to a simple outfit. They also have great neutral options that I’ve been eyeing as well.
This would also be great for a night out with some wrap up heels and a tighter crop top. (That either showed some skin or tucked in.) You could also wear it with a blouse and pair of booties to a more formal occasion or the workplace. (I’m 5’6″ and the skirt was not overly short on me, for reference.)
White on white isn’t always practical when I am around the babies, but anytime I have a chance to get out it’s my go to. So fresh for spring and easy to pull off.
Here are some other SPRING SKIRTS that are great for casual everyday wear that can also be dressed up.
I’ve been working on really finding staple piece items that build more of a wardrobe instead of tons of pieces that I wear once. Spring sweaters are great because you can layer them up in the fall or rock them with some jeans in the spring and with some cut offs and sandals on summer nights.
I loved that this one had the open knit look and is so cozy, but yet lightweight. I kept it simple and paired it with neutral booties, and my absolute go- to jeans.
If you are local to Nashville or passing by, Cheekwood is just so beautiful in the spring. They have their tulips on display right now, and everything is colorful and lush. They have a beer garden, and food trucks on the weekends. It’s a great place to stroll the kids around too!
I’ve rounded up some of my favorite spring sweaters that I’ll be adding to my wardrobe or my wish list at all different price points.
Spring sweaters are so versatile when it comes to styling. Throw them on with a suede skirt and some heels to really dress them up, jeans and flats, jeans and booties, some cut offs and over the knee boots, or over a silk dress with heels.
I’ve been loving that the weather is slowly warming up. The boy’s have both caught a later winter cold and we are just so ready for the sickness season to be over.
Every chance we get to play outside or head to the park we take! Hope everyone gets a chance to get outside and breathe in some fresh (hopefully warm) air!
Does anyone else get in a rut with all the dreary weather? It’s been rainy and cold over here in Tennessee and I feel like the boys and I have been cooped up in the house for what feels like forever. I truly love staying at home and soaking in all the sweet moments with my babies, but when the weather is like this it puts me in a funk. The cure for that? A coffee date with friends and dreams of sunshine and spring outfits!
I’ve been seeing this adorable coffee shop, Coffee & Coconuts, pop up on my Instagram feed and it did NOT disappoint. It’s something straight out of a magazine and has such a California cool vibe. The most picture worthy coffee shop ever and the avocado toast and homemade organic coffee syrups were equally as incredible.
Katie, with Beauty By K2, was one of my first “Nashville friends.” It’s been so fun hearing her talk about her dream of starting a makeup business and going to esthetician school to watching her turn that into a thriving reality. We decided to team up to bring a neutral spring look and head out together for a little coffee date after. Much needed girl time!
These jeans might just be my favorites I’ve ever had. They are high waisted, but super comfortable. The waist is the perfect length to wear the crop top trend but not show any belly area. (Perfect for mamas that aren’t really wanting to show it all..) I loved the busted knee, and the crop is great for spring. They run true to size. I couldn’t resist this neutral striped crop top ! The straps are removable and it’s light weight, but not sheer at all. It’s still cold so I paired it with my absolute favorite thing I own… THIS DUSTER. It comes in three colors (I own them all…) It’s something you can wear year round, and it amplifies any outfit. It literally feels like you are wearing a robe. Totally worth the splurge. (Size down…)
Katie created such an easy neutral look that I will be re-creating a LOT this spring. We both are all about prepping our skin before we start. It’s ALLLL about the skincare (huge post on that coming next week.) Directly before we used Tarte’s H20 moisturizer. It’s got a cooling affect and soaks into the skin. Your skin feels so soft directly after use which I love. Then we did a few sprays of Urban Decay’s Quick Fix hydrating prep and prime spray. (I have dry skin.) It reduces pores and hydrates to help makeup look more flawless. My go to foundation has been Tarte’s Amazonian clay. It’s a full coverage, and has SPF. (SO important.) The Naked Palette has been a long standing favorite of ours for YEARS. She used shades “buck” in the crease, “half baked” on the lid and smog in the outer corners. These three together are a neutral (but still glam) dream. The perfect amount of shimmer.
With this neutral look, the perfect nude look keeps the whole face fresh and clean looking. We used the Urban Decay in “stark nude” .
She finished the look with some blush. Spring is all about a beautiful blushed cheek! Katie blended Mac’s powder blush in the shade “melba” on the cheekbones.
Spring is all about the braids! She whipped this look up in under 5 minutes! The key to creating braided looks is pulling the braids with your fingers and making them appear wider and slightly “undone” or “messy” looking. She left room and looped my braid through to give extra dimension. (Does anyone else remember the red topsy turvy braid from their childhood!? My mom used this on us ALLLLL the time. We hated it because she would do it sooo tight.)
I’m ready for all the spring outfit looks, braids, sunshine and flowers!
Check out another neutral pretty spring look HERE.
I grew up in the Midwest and we had our fair share of snow. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good snow day, but COME. ON. SPRING. It’s just cold to be cold over here in Nashville, and these baby boys just want to be outside all day.
Spring style is about to be here, and I can’t wait! Until then, here is a little transition outfit idea. Denim Jackes are the perfect transition piece. I styled mine over this $10 GRAPHIC TEE, and added a stripe scarf for interest and my go to white booties. (The pop of white is perfect for spring style!) They are also on sale for half off and are now under $100!!
We are trying to beat off the cabin fever by doing little workouts inside and getting out any chance the temperatures spike up! However, this Wilson clan is all MORE than ready for spring!!
Some SALES I’ve been shopping this week:
Too Faced– Up to 30% off site wide. I was out of my favorite mascara and ended up snagging a couple other items as well.
Shopbop– One of the best to find designer pieces, and they’ve added A TON to the sale. They also are offering 15% off regular priced items using the code: FORYOU15.
Revolve– They have a ton of staple winter/fall items on mega sale. So many great jackets! I grabbed this black velvet moto jacket on sale for under $100.
Anthropologie – They are offering an additional 25% off sale. Since we moved in to the new house I’ve been crushing on all of their home decor.
P.S. You can check out my favorite spring transition outfit from last year HERE.
I made it my New Year’s Resolution to live a more intentional and purposeful life. If I’m being honest, I was getting really bored writing about another outfit with no substance to blogging past that. Now, I still love sharing great fashion finds don’t get me wrong. So I’ll still be posting fashion shots, but I want to share meaningful things alongside them. So yes, these pictures are not a realistic day for me. It sure is fun to get dressed up though!
The other day on one of our many holiday road trips I was listening to Julie Solomon’s Influencer podcast and The Skinny Confidential was the guest. Everything she was saying truly resonated with me. She said she had the opportunity to meet the ultimate girl boss, Bethenny Frankel. She asked her for one single piece of advice and Bethenny told her to, “be like Michael Phelps and stay in your own lane.”
I sat there and thought about that for the rest of the trip. How are you supposed to get to the finish line if you are constantly checking the other swimmers and drifting off into their lane? I’m the first to admit that I struggle in comparing myself to others, and being far too hard on myself at that.
Let’s just be real. Social media is everyone’s “Christmas card pictures.” (Myself included.) It’s not the blooper real. Life happens in between each picture perfect Instagram square.
For me, social media is used as a marketing tool for my blog. It’s also used as inspiration and more as an artistic medium than anything else. I do use Instastories as more of my “reality.”
I’m a mom to two babies. No I am not walking around with a full face of makeup and heels everyday. At any given moment there is baby throw up on my clothes, and there’s a great chance I haven’t had a moment to take a shower in at least three days. That’s reality. And that’s OK!
Fashion has always been a passion of mine. It feels good to get dressed up and put on a cute outfit. It makes me feel like myself and it’s fun. But the pictures that are on social media are simply the ideal. Not the everyday.
Now let’s take a minute to think about what happens when we don’t create our own happiness, but base it off of others. The biggest problem is when it starts to affect your self-esteem or when it causes anxiety or depression. (Anxious to keep up or sad that you don’t feel your life is adequate.) This is when it’s most important to focus on your own lane. Be happy for others when they post something fantastic, but realize behind closed doors they suffer from issues of their own. You never know what someone is going through.
For much of my life I just wanted to fit in. Wanted to feel “cool.” Even with blogging, when I first started I would see several girls posting the same sweater, for instance. I would feel pressure to go get that same sweater with the mind set that it must be selling well and I needed to follow suit to keep up. (Now hey, if you REALLY love that sweater, get the dang sweater.) BUT I’ve learned this is the completely wrong mind set. Who wants to see 10,000 pictures of the same sweater? When the school of fish is all swimming one way, I think that I would rather be the rainbow fish swimming against the stream.
The theme of social media comparison is dangerous. Make an effort to support others without comparing yourself to them. Competition is human nature. It’s great to put your best foot forward (Or best picture…) There’s nothing wrong with that. As long as we keep a healthy mind set and honest approach to how we look at ourselves and others.
This goes hand in hand with my New Year’s Resolution. You can read more about that HERE.
