#OOTD – Simple Essentials

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect plaid scarf for quite some time now.  I recently came across this bad boy at Old Navy; it’s exactly what I have been looking for & it was only $20!!!  Just looking at it makes me want to sip (spiked) hot cocoa by a fireplace & listen to Christmas music!

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Simple essentials for a chilly November day – plaid oversized scarf, medium wash denim & high heel ankle boots.  Paired with a navy pima cotton sweater & I’m ready for a casual night out!

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#OOTD – Pattern Mixing

Pattern mixing is on-trend & I’m loving it!  However, there’s more to mixing textures & patterns than just raiding your closet and hoping for the best.  Follow these simple guidelines to coordinate the perfect mix.

  • Vary pattern size – Create balance by choosing designs that are slightly smaller/larger than one another (try large polka dots with small plaids)
  • Choose complementing patterns – Wear patterns that complement one another rather than compete with each other (try a striped knit with a floral skirt)
  • Add a contrasting solid color – Adding a solid color to your outfit gives the eye a break (try a solid blazer overtop a houndstooth blouse worn with leopard flats)
  • Accessorize – Adding an accessory can give flow to the outfit & break up the busyness (try adding a skinny belt around your tweed jacket & striped blouse)

Today I mixed a classic plaid woven with an edgy metallic dot sweater.  I stuck to a muted color scheme by wearing olive green skinny’s & brown heeled ankle boots.  Don’t be afraid to color outside the lines, have fun mixing prints & wear your outfit with confidence!

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Balancing Act of a Working Mom

After a year and a half hiatus, I decided to start working again.  As if my days as a SAHM weren’t already a cluster of responsibilities I thought I’d add something else to my plate.  But this, like my blog, is something to call my own.  This new venture back in the fashion world has given me purpose; not that my husband & son don’t – they’re my life, but this is different.

I love being able to do something I’m passionate about from the comfort of my home.  However, finding a balance between being a SAHM and a working mom wasn’t easy.  I hate to admit it, but during my first week I focused solely on myself & onboarding.  I was so caught up in my training & meeting goals that I let everything else fall to the wayside.  I cancelled play dates & let my son watch way too many cartoons, I forgot to finish laundry, dust bunnies invaded the bathrooms and dinner was frozen pizza…I’m not superwoman, but this was not what I had signed up for.

Now, after a few weeks I have finally found my balance.  It was hard, but with the help of my AMAZING husband our household is fully functional again!  I’ve learned to prioritize, make lists, communicate better & ask for help when needed.  My son still gets to go on playdates & field trips, my husband has clean underwear & I get to work from home, win – win!