Poncho Love

Happy Thursday! Taking the weekend to catch up on sleep, unpack and take down Christmas decorations was the best decision. I needed that time to recharge and refocus myself. After such an action packed trip it was necessary to have some me time. When my home is chaotic my mind feels the same and puts me in a bit of a panic. That is when I have to write out a to-do list and start checking boxes, it centers me and makes me feel better. Getting back into my clean eating habits has helped tremendously as well. Not having the control of deciding what my food options were forced me to be flexible in my eating habits. I was eating food that I would not normally eat which made my body feel tired and worn out. Food preparation for the week is key for me to stay in control and on top of what is going in my body. 

We went to the outlets when I was in Chicago and found this cozy poncho for an amazing price. It is one of those pieces that you can dress up or dress down and be super comfortable either way. Since it is a neutral you could even add a pop of color underneath! I love how it cinches at the waist and drapes so beautifully. It is long enough to wear with pants or leggings and it is a great piece to transition into spring! I could not find this exact one sadly but I linked a few others that are only $18 (whaaat!) and are very similar as well as the rest of the look! Check them out below!

Grey T-Shirt/Rocket High Rise Skinny Jeans/Cambria Lace Up Bootie

Similar Ponchos: here (only $18!), here (only $18!) and here (only $18!)

XO

Birthday Suit

I don't worry too much about age because it is just a number but it does make me reflect on the past and makes me think about what I want to accomplish before the next one. Having my birthday five days after Christmas and two days before the New Year has always been hard because it gets lost in the craziness of the holidays. But it is also nice to become a new age and move into a new year at almost the same time, it is a fresh start every year I get older to do better, to be better and to follow my dreams. My 27th year of life was very challenging in many ways but so amazing in others and it has taught me to go with the flow because "this too shall pass". In a way I was excited to turn 28 because I could put it all behind me, I am more focused in on what I want in every aspect of my life more then ever and I am ready for it. Personally, this year is going to be the biggest one yet, which I could not be more excited about. My sister is having a baby and it is all I have ever wished for her, she is going to be the most amazing mom and I cannot wait to watch it all happen. I am so excited, I watched my best friend become an aunt and it has been so amazing, she loves her nephew more than anything and I can't wait to be a part of the club! A few months after I become a first time aunt I will become a wife, planning for that day has had its ups and downs but I couldn't be more excited. Bring it on 2017...I am ready for you!

My outfit for my birthday was a last minute decision because of the craziness of the holidays and traveling but it ended up being super comfortable and cute! Luckily, I was shopping online at Zara before I left and found this tank and velvet blazer, they went together so well and they both fit true to size! The tank has a knit back and the front is asymmetrical and leather with lace trim at the top, I love how there is a little shine to it! The blazer was also a great purchase, it is comfortable and will go with anything, unfortunatley it looks like it is sold out but I linked a similar one below. I found my choker necklace when we went to the outlets at The Limited, they all came in one package but can be worn separately which I love! I decided to pair my floral velvet booties with my velvet blazer and I am so glad I did, they are so comfortable and fit true to size! Links to purchase this look are below!

Strappy Lace Top/Velvet Blazer/Rocket High Rise Skinny Jean/Diba Danica Velvet Bootie

XO

Double Lace Up OOTD

This lace up sweater is light weight and so cozy! I love that it is longer and could be worn with leggings. I am thinking it will be cute with a shirt underneath when it starts to get colder (more on that later). I have had these pants for a few years and they are still my go to, they are well worth the investment and true to size. These flats are so comfortable and only $20. Links to purchase are below!

    Lace Up Sweater / Skinnies / Gavin Lace Up Flats

XO

O O T D

O O T D: Casual Monday because it is Monday

Stolen Bases Thumbhole Baseball Tee/Knit Hooded Denim Jacket/Rocket Skinny in Axel/Chylsea Bootie

Fedoras and Florals

By now, I think we all know that I am obsessed with a good floral print any time of the year, and this one is high on the list. I am loving the jewel tones along with the lace detail. I tied the top to make it more of a keyhole opening and added a lace bralette underneath. This wool fedora is the perfect fall accessory and perfect for rainy days like today! These black pants are one of my favorites, they are on the more expensive side but they will last at least 2-3 years if not more so they are a great investment! The navy booties are super comfortable and versatile, I went a half size up and they fit great. The links are below to purchase this whole look. 

Laurel Blouse/Rocket High Rise Skinny/Navy Tassel Heeled Bootie/Classic Wool Fedora/Essential Lace Racerback (similar)/Ear Jacket (similar)/Cedar Street Large Monday Clutch

Photos by: Kristen L. Madairy. Check out her work or schedule a shoot by clicking HERE.

XOXO