April 2015

Sale Alert – Ann Taylor LOFT

Posted on April 30, 2015 by KSSBelle

Many of you may already know about the Ann Taylor LOFT sale going on now. At first, it was only offered in stores, and now they’ve expanded the sale to online as well! As a busy Mom, trying to get out of the house in between naptime, playtime and feeding times can be difficult, so I’m really glad that they’re offering this deal online now.

Just use the Promo code: HALFSIES to get 50% off everything!

They have some really cute, cute pieces this season. Here’s what I’m loving!

Fringe Trim Shift Dress

This dress is gorgeous. The shift style is really flattering, and the fringe trim reminds me of a Tory Burch dress that The Duchess of Cambridge (so wish I had her closet!) wore last year. I can see wearing this for many seasons. Classic.

Fluid Strapless Jumpsuit

I wasn’t a fan of the jumpsuits until now. This is very sleek and modern. I prefer a solid jumpsuit to a print/patterned one. This one is perfect for the Spring/Summer.

Tall Linen Wide Leg Trousers

I have never been disappointed with their tall pants. White linen pants in the Summer is a must for me. So timeless, and the wide leg is very chic paired with a more fitted top.

Striped Sailor Riviera Shorts

You can’t go wrong with the sailor style. I still have a few sailor J.Crew shorts from when I was wait for it…17 years old. The yellow color is different and so happy. I love how the “Riviera” style fits, as the length is also very Mom-friendly!

Elephant Riviera Shorts

I own these and love them. I would wear them everyday if I could. Ok, maybe not everyday, but a lot. The elephant print is adorable. The navy color is perfect to pair with pink, lighter blues, neutrals, and even green tops. Lots of outfit options.

Abstract Riviera Shorts

The orange/pink color screams Summer time. You could pair these with classic button ups, tees or even a dressy blouse!

Banded Sandals

These are a great neutral, everyday sandal. I like the coral version, too. Flats are a must when chasing a little one around.

Tiered Green Stone Necklace

This is so so pretty. I love the color of the green stones. Another classic to wear with pretty much any outfit you want. You’ll wear this necklace for years. Trust me.

Have you shopped the sale yet? If so, what are your favorites? I would love to hear them!

Favorite Breakfast Lately

Posted on April 29, 2015April 29, 2015 by KSSBelle

via

I have been trying to lose the last of the baby weight (I have about 8 pounds to go to get to my wedding weight), and so since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I have been trying to find my new favorite breakfast. Well, I found it.

I will go through phases with my breakfasts, and then I get bored. Some days, all I want is a piece of toast with butter and jam, and other days, I want eggs or an English muffin. Since I am trying to lose weight, I am trying to eat less bread. I cannot completely cut it out, because I know once I do start eating it again, I will just gain everything back. Crash diets don’t work for me, “everything in moderation” does. I love bread, but if I ever want to get to my size 6 again, I’ve got to cut back. And, I have, thankfully.

This is going to sound wasteful, but my whole life, I have always tried to eat just half of what was on my plate. I have always eaten like a bird, I just pick at my food. Except when it comes to filets or dessert – I finish those every time. You’ve got to balance your calories out, or as I like to call it, prioritizing properly!

Lately, I’ve been loving Greek yogurt with granola mixed in it. Some days, I add fruit to it, like a sliced banana, raspberries or strawberries. It just depends how much time I have between feeding the hubs and the baby before I eat my breakfast, and how lazy I am feeling about washing/cutting fruit! Coffee is the first thing I make for us, after making a bottle. I usually only drink two cups (bad, I know), but now that I can drink caffeine again, I am living it up. It also just helps when you’re up at 6:00 am everyday with little ones, too.

via

Dannon Oikos Greek Vanilla Yogurt

Nature’s Path Organix Flax Plus Vanilla Almond Granola

So, that’s what I start my day off with lately. It is helping me lose the weight, I can already tell. I feel full until lunch time, which is all that matters.

What are you loving for breakfast right now? And no, I’m not talking about McDonald’s when I say that, either!

What helps you lose weight? Any tips you would like to share? If so, please do!

via

Office Artwork

Posted on April 28, 2015 by KSSBelle

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am redesigning my office space at home. Part of the redesign is adding pretty artwork. I am planning on dedicating one wall to be a “gallery wall.”

via

At my old job, I had a gallery wall of pinterest photos printed out all over my office. Literally, every space was covered. I loved coming into work and working in such a happy space. We had great color printers (one of the perks of working in Marketing), and I would change a few prints out to new ones every few Fridays. Every single image I had hanging in my office inspired me. It was so much better than having plain, grey cube walls. For a creative trying to work, grey cube walls is sheer torture. Trust me.

So, I plan to recreate that kind of space at my home office.

I love the idea of mixing & matching picture frames as well. I plan for some to be clean, crisp white frames, and some prints will be in gold frames.

Now’s the fun part, picking out the prints to go in the frames for my gallery wall. I imagine I will probably change them out with something new every so often, which I look forward to…

I am turning to Etsy to help me build my gallery wall because I know I can get some really great prints at reasonable prices, and I can do the framing myself. Here are a few prints that I am currently loving:

English Springer Spaniel Print

English Springer Spaniel Silhouette Print

Blue and White Vase with Peonies Print

Make It Happen Gold Foil Print

More Issues Than Vogue Print

Pineapple Print

Love You Forever Print

Do you love gallery walls? It’s a bit intimidating at first to build, but now that I have these great prints to inspire me, I think I can do it! Do you have a gallery wall at home?

Classic Combination

Posted on April 27, 2015April 27, 2015 by KSSBelle

If there are two things that I love to wear together, it’s a pair of great skinny pants and a pretty blouse. This combination is a win win for work, date night or even every day as a Mom. I never tire of this look, because it is always in style and it’s very flattering. I snagged the blouse that I’m wearing for $17.50 during one of J.Crew’s major sales. I love it so much that I bought it in black, too. Here’s a similar blouse that’s perfect for Spring. Blouses like these can be dressed up with skinny pants, but they’re also great paired with jeans or skirts. Remember to always wear skinny pants with a looser fitting top to balance your look. For any expectant Moms out there, it’s a great style to wear, too. I wore this combination a lot while I was expecting.

These J.Crew skinny pants are worth every penny. I honestly don’t know how I ever lived without them. I actually own them in black, burgundy and navy. They are that good my friends. So, if you see them buy them in every color (especially if they’re on sale -and they are right now!). The best part is that you can wear them year round. Just switch out your Fall/Winter boots for cute sandals, and you’re set for Spring/Summer. I paired my favorite green sandals (old, but similar here) to add a pop of color. You can always add color to a classic combo like this through accessories like these, this, and these. That’s the best part of putting on a black/cream outfit like this – the endless options to wear great accessories to help change up your look.

SHOP THE POST

J.Crew Minnie Pants // J.Crew Blouse {old, but similar here} // Kate Spade Initial Necklace // Kate Spade Cobble Hill handbag {old, but similar here} // Nine West Sandals {old, but similar here} // Ann Taylor Pearl Bracelet {old, but similar here} // Target sunglasses {old, but similar here}

Happy Weekend!

Posted on April 24, 2015April 24, 2015 by KSSBelle

via

Happy Weekend! It’s absolutely gorgeous outside today.

On a side note, I am currently trying to find the best running stroller for tall Mommas. Any Moms out there have any recommendations? When I finally pick one, I will report back to you.

I hope everyone has a great time this weekend!

Plan Your Look

Posted on April 23, 2015April 23, 2015 by KSSBelle

How many times have you woken up in the morning, walked into your closet and said “I have nothing to wear,” even though your closet is full of wonderful clothes to wear? This happens to me so many times that I would be embarrassed to put a real number on it. Just ask my husband, he’s a numbers guy, so he may actually have the real number (And, Honey, I don’t want to know). Of course, that statement is soon followed by “I need to go shopping asap!” He just patiently listens until my little “fashion fit” is over. We always laugh about it after the fact, but it’s “real” to me in the moment. To a girl who LOVES fashion, it’s a crisis, even though deep down I know it’s not.

I love my clothes, I truly do, but let’s face it, we all get bored with them sometimes. And, sometimes, all we need is to do is to plan a little bit better. And, especially on those mornings where you don’t want to/have time to think about putting your look together.

So, if you follow me on instagram, you will know that I have been putting together outfits. It’s called “Plan Your Look” with Fancy Says Have A Ball. It’s a simple way to get inspired with clothes you already have in your closet. Just call me your “online stylist!” I love putting “looks” together, and even more so, if I am helping you, too. You’ll get a preview of each week’s outfits, if you follow me on instagram.

Some of the pieces I have owned for many years, and some I have just added to my closet. It’s fun to mix the old with the new, and it’s even better when it something all new! Every week, I plan to post several of my “plan your looks” on the blog. It might help you on those days where you want to look your best, but can’t see past getting your first cup of coffee in hand, and your long to-do list.

I plan to include outfits for any occasion you may have to attend. Whether it’s for work, church, a play date, a girls night out, or a date night. My hope is that you can find inspiration to go back and “shop” in your closet, and get ready with confidence!

This look would be great for a date night, church, or a night out with your girls! You could add a blazer to it, and a pair of flats to make it a work look.

This would be great for work, church, or a date night. Change out the tote for a clutch at night. An all black outfit is so chic, no matter what the occasion.

If your office has “casual” Fridays, this would be cute for work. It’s also a great look for the weekend, running errands, brunch, play dates or a movie date night.

This look is perfect for work, a date night or girls night out.

Another great look for work (you could add a cardigan or blazer), a cookout, a date night, brunch or even a play date.

Perfect for running errands, a play date or brunch.

A dress is so simple to dress up or down. The flats make it perfect for work or a play date. Add heels, and it’s a casual date night look.

I hope y’all found this helpful. I now have no excuse for the next week to say “I have nothing to wear!”

Boyfriend Jeans

Posted on April 22, 2015April 23, 2015 by KSSBelle

The boyfriend jean trend has been around for awhile now. And, I will be the first to say, at first, I loved it, but only on other people. Since my style has always been pretty “tailored” looking, I didn’t really jump on the bandwagon, until now.

In the past, when I tried the “boyfriend style” jeans on, it was either my tops felt too dressy or my pointy toe shoes “didn’t look quite right” with them. However, the longer the trend has stayed around, it has grown on me, a lot. I love the fact that you can wear it either super dressy or super casual. A very versatile jean. Versatile may as well be my middle name, because that’s what I want in my closet – versatility. And, lots of it. Just ask my husband, if it’s not versatile, then I don’t buy it.

I bought my first pair from j.crew factory after I had my baby, and let me tell you, they are so comfortable. I love jeans, and to have a little more “wiggle room” is welcomed, especially when I was trying to lose the last of the baby weight. They are the perfect style for that post baby look you want, and even well after you’ve lost the weight, like I have.

Below are some of my favorite boyfriend style jean looks.

All images via

Do you like “boyfriend style” jeans? If so, do you wear them dressed up? Dressed down? Or do you wear them somewhere in between these two ways? What brands of these jeans do you love best? I’m looking to add my second pair now.

Desk Style

Posted on April 21, 2015April 21, 2015 by KSSBelle

I am in the middle of redesigning my home office/desk style. I love having a little sliver of space in our house to let my creative juices run wild. In my opinion, a desk should reflect the person sitting there, and also inspire and stretch that person creatively. As my blog grows, and I grow as a person, I think I will be constantly redesigning this space over and over again, which is really quite exciting to me.

I’ve always said, “good things take time,” and this stands true for a desk space/office style, too. Add one piece of inspiration at a time. You’ll know what you like when you see it. It’s the little details that truly make it a reflection of you, and you should love each one. My desk is my happy place to write this blog; therefore, everything in it should be “my kind of happy” to me. What things make you happy at your desk? How would you define your “desk style?”

Of course I turned to the one and only Pinterest to get inspired. Below are a few images that are helping me during this redesign phase. Maybe little pieces of each space will inspire you, too.

All images via

I see a lot of mint, pink, navy and gold accents coming into my office soon. The most important aspect of any space you’re designing is that you must be true to yourself, otherwise you won’t love it. I believe you should love the space where you work. You spend a lot of time there, and you should invest all of yourself into making it a space absolutely perfect for you.

Happy Tuesday!

J.Crew Factory Sale

Posted on April 20, 2015 by KSSBelle

Happy Monday, Everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend, I know we sure did! And, as hard as Mondays can be, J.Crew Factory just made it a little bit brighter!

If you subscribe to the J.Crew Factory emails, then you know that they are having a major sale right now, so now’s definitely the time to stock up for Spring/Summer.

Here are my favorite picks out of the sale! Happy Shopping!

Factory Printed Racerback Tank

I love the navy/red stripe combo. You can dress this up or down for day or night.

Factory Crossback Linen Tee

This tee is really pretty in the back. I love the surprise crossback. The scalloped and eyelet detail are nice finishing touches. This top would look great with white jeans and tons of shorts.

Factory Linen Lace Tee

This top is pretty and feminine. The mint color is perfect for this time of the year. I love the lace.

Factory Striped Infinity Shirt

You can always use a classic button up in your closet. The navy and white stripe is great for mixing with tons of different prints. Stripes like these are considered a neutral.

Factory Pleated Stripe Short

Love, love, love these shorts. The nautical stripe says “Summer is here.”

Factory 5″ Printed Stretch Chino Short

These shorts are a happy, floral print. These would look great with the navy top above or the navy and white stripe button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up. These shorts are a nice length for all of us tall girls out there.

Factory Printed Tank Dress

I really like the simplicity of this dress. The neckline is flattering, too. Add a blazer for work, or a pashmina for date night, and you’re done.

Factory Pleated Dress

The pleated skirt was what caught my eye on this dress. I love the clean, crisp look of a white dress in the Summer. You can add bright heels and accessories to really make your outfit stand out. Endless outfit options with this one.

Factory Trench Coat

I LIVED in my trench coat in college. You can add this to any outfit, and you will immediately look pulled together. An investment piece, yes, but one that is well-worth it.

Factory Floral Gemstone Cuff Bracelet

Navy, pink and teal – what a beautiful combination.

Factory Golden Cuff Bracelet

This bracelet is perfect for every day. I would wear it with my watch. A style staple that you can layer or wear alone.

Factory Suede Demi-Wedge Sandals

These sandals are chic. Enough said. You will be glad you bought them. The low heel is nice for anyone with little ones.

So, that’s my round up of this great sale going on. I hope y’all have a happy day and even happier snail mail day later this week after ordering from this sale!

Happy Weekend!

Posted on April 17, 2015 by KSSBelle

Happy Weekend Everyone!

via

I apologize for the few posts this week, but it’s been a little hectic around here (a good hectic though). Next week we’ll be back on a regular posting schedule.

You should try this recipe out if you’re having company over. It’s a family favorite of ours, it’s so easy, and so good!

Until then, we have a low key weekend planned ahead, which we are looking forward to for sure. Whatever you have planned for this weekend, have fun!