If you invest in one piece for fall/winter I highly suggest a leather jacket. I get the most use out of my leather jackets. They never go out of style and can carry with you year after year. I love the moto cut of this Rebecca Minkoff version. It’s been on major repeat! It’s got a clean look, but with just a teeny bit of edge.
As eager as I am for fall to arrive, Tennessee isn’t quite cooperating just yet. I paired the jacket with this blouse and a camo skirt. The other day I wore this camo skirt with a graphic sweatshirt and sneakers to run errands. It’s a really easy to throw on, versatile piece. Once the temperatures start moving on down, I will pair this jacket with a sweater, some jeans and some over the knee boots. My all time favorite look.
We had the best family day yesterday. Wilder and I grabbed a coffee with a friend and took a few pictures. Then we took Georgie to pick out a pumpkin. He was more interested in throwing the pumpkins, but he had a great time. Then we went to lunch at a little spot in 12th south. It mimics a ski lounge and has a really cool fire pit in the center. G loved it! It made me extra excited for Trey and I’s getaway to our “happy place” (AKA Colorado) next weekend.
October gives me all the feels, from the fashion to the weather, the smells in the air. I just love it all. Top that off with lots of family QT and I am one happy lady!
P.S. I’ve got something really BIG to share with ya’ll this coming week, so make sure to stay tuned. I mean… really BIG!
Well today was quite the manic Monday. We were out of baby essentials so I had to make a Target run with both boys in tow. All started out well and I was feeling proud of myself for getting both babes fed, diapered, dressed, bottles packed, and both in car seats. So proud in fact that when I first walked in I awarded myself a Starbucks.
Then the meltdowns began. It started with Wilder crying and he was inconsolable. (He is colic so nothing new there…) Then Georgie decided to have the meltdown of all meltdowns. Thrashing, screaming, throwing his shoes off,etc. Two sweet ladies even came up to me and offered to help. I practically ran to get two quick items and high tailed it out of there.
After I loaded G into the car and put his TV on to calm him down I realized someone had parked so close to me I physically couldn’t open the door wide enough to get Wilder’s car seat in. I tried from the passenger side front, but that wouldn’t fit either. G’s carseat blocked the way from the back passenger side. I had no choice but to load both babies back up and head back inside. They had to make an announcement of the license plate number over the intercom. Then I had to wait for them to re-park and re-load them back in.
With that being said I try my best to be a glass half full kind of person SO the good news is this duster jacket is back in stock! It’s one of my favorite staple pieces in my closet. It’s so cozy and feels like wearing a robe. Another luxe fall fashion trend I’m adoring are embellished booties. I’m loving THESE because they are neutral enough to still go with everything and the block heel makes them wearable for everyday.
Towards the end of my pregnancy the only thing that fit were leggings. Even in the hottest southern July heat, I wasn’t really able to wear any normal summer outfits. It feels so good to be able to throw on a pair of jean shorts, and have them button! As a now mom of two, I really don’t feel comfortable in super short shorts. I am such a fan of one teaspoon, but they tend to run really short. I was so happy to find a pair that were a bit longer. They are even longer in the back than the front which is extra flattering. You can find them HERE. I purchased this blouse while I was still pregnant as a pick me up. It really is so beautiful!! It’s very light weight so it can be worn this summer, and will transition to fall really well. I paired it with these neutral booties which I think are the most underrated item on the NORDSTROM SALE. Also, this handbag I’ve been carrying non stop is also on mega sale!!! It’s perfect with summer outfits, but can be carried all year long.
Today I got out of the house for an hour or so for the first time since Wilder was born. I get stir crazy very easily, and it felt good to grab a quick coffee with a friend and pick up some flowers to bring some “happy” to our house. I forgot what it’s like to live on the “feeding time clock.” There is a saying, “the months go by fast, but the days go by slow.” This is so true with a newborn. The sleepless nights make the days drag on, but before I know it Wilder will be G’s age!
I don’t like to miss a single minute of newborn snuggles while he is awake, so I tried to just get out for a minute while he was napping and home with Trey. Personally, I think it’s important to still take a few moments for yourself. It’s so easy to fall into the “post baby blues.” Postpartum depression is a very serious issue. If getting out for just a bit boosts your moral…than do it!!
It can be very challenging to not only live on the “feeding time clock” at night, but during the day as well. It’s almost maddening at times to feel like you have to squeeze everything you need to do in those precious few minutes in between feedings. (Wilder has been cluster feeding and eating every hour to hour and a half so far.) Here are a few ways that I was able to make it seem a little less daunting with Georgie that I will put into practice with Wilder as well.
Ways To Beat The Feeding Time Clock
* Wear Your Baby– This is a great way to not only bond with your baby, but also be hands free to do things that you may need to do. For me, I can have my hands free to play with G while also being close to Wilder.
* Have A Routine, But Don’t be Clock Driven – If you watch the clock, and attempt to feed at an exact time it can be extremely frustrating to get “off schedule.” I’ve found it better to look for Wilder’s sleep and feeding “cues.” I shape the routine around his needs. If you haven’t read The Baby Whisperer, it’s highly recommended.
* Get Some Fresh Air – Staying inside day after day can really get depressing. Something as simple as going outside to get a little fresh air can really brighten your day. We just got a little outdoor area, and I’ve been going out in their in the evenings when it cools off to blow bubbles with Georgie, and just let Wilder breathe in some fresh air and get a little sunlight. (For very short time periods since it’s so hot..)
* Save Some Time for your Spouse– It’s so easy to get agitated when you are sleep deprived, and the first person you tend to take it out on is your spouse. Now more than ever is the time to connect and work as a team. You can really use it to your benefit to strengthen your relationship if you stay on the same “team” and work together. We have been waiting to eat until both boys are asleep, and watching one little show together. Just that little bit of time can keep us on the same page.
* Have a Little “ME” Time – Even if it’s as simple as running to the grocery store or grabbing a coffee by yourself. It’s so easy to completely loose yourself during this time. While part of becoming a parent is putting your newborns life before your own, it’s still important to do small things for yourself. A happy mom is a better mom.
* Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself– It’s easy to want to hurry to get your post baby body back, want to keep the house up, work, etc. Give yourself time and don’t be too hard on yourself. All the laundry won’t get done. The house will most likely be a mess, and food is whatever is most convenient. BUT…. newborn snuggles are irreplaceable. This time goes by so fast! (Saying this one as a major reminder to myself.)
Well I wrote this whole post one handed while holding Wilder in the other. I consider that a new hidden talent. Got to get back to these sweet baby snuggles…
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.
How cute are these embroidered denim shorts? I went to college at the University of Memphis (besides my short one semester stint elsewhere) and one of my favorite boutiques to shop at during my time there was Mozelle’s Boutique. The owner, Karrie, is a huge sweetheart and they have some great, affordable pieces. She is starting to sell more online, so be sure to go follow them on Facebook/Instagram!
I paired the shorts with an oversized boyfriend button down. I love mixing prints and stripes & floral just screams spring to me. You could also wear this button down un-done as a swim cover up. It runs long enough to do so. (Always great to have options!)
After looking for a perfect neutral bag for quite some time I ran across this tan shoulder bag. I loved the gold detailing on the strap. After I had already worn it I found this version of the same bag that has studs all around it, and I’m really loving that stud detailing.
If you are in the Nashville area, be sure to come see me at Kendra Scott this Friday April 14th for an in store event at the Green Hills location from 5-7pm! We will be celebrating the stores 2 year anniversary and showcasing the new summer collection. I love this jewelry brand, because they put so much focus into giving back to the community and as great as fashion is, giving back is better.
I wanted to take a minute to thank everyone that has been following along on this journey with me and thought that hitting 10,000 followers on IG was the perfect time! If you aren’t following me yet, I’d love to have you! (@beauandarrownashville).
Beau & Arrow actually originated as an idea for a boutique with a friend of mine. Life happened (I got pregnant) and there was a change in that plan. Brit is still opening a boutique but she switched it to a men’s store. Ruckle + Rye will be opening this spring in the Gulch. Nashvillians and visitors you MUST check it out. I decided to do a spin off and start a blog. I thought it was the perfect way to travel with my husband, stay at home with my son, and still have a creative outlet for myself.
Little did I know that I would gain some amazing friends, really fine tune my style, reflect on my life and gain some amazing fashion and travel opportunities along the way!
My deepest gratitude goes out to everyone that has followed along, read a blog post, been inspired by an outfit, and shown me so much love and support.
Thank you all!!!
XO,
ASH
P.S. Most of the time mom life and comfy clothes are one in the same. This poncho sweatshirt is no joke the most comfortable thing I’ve put on my body. I LIVE in it. These suede sneakers are fur lined and feel like slippers. Bonus!
