August 2015

Fall, Fall, Fall

Posted on August 31, 2015 by KSSBelle

It’s the last day in August, and that’s right, all I’m thinking about is Fall.
This is my season. And it’s so close.

I’m dreaming about playing outside with my little one, going to the mountains to see the leaves changing, outdoor patio date nights with my husband, dinners made in the crockpot, pumpkin spice lattes, Fall décor & candles, and of course, awesome fall outfits that include sweaters, cute coats, boots, snoods, and lots of layers.

I am so in L.O.V.E. with this coat, handbag and pair of boots right now!

Factory Wool Dress Coat
This wine color is simply gorgeous for Fall.

Sole Society Andie Tall Boot

These would look great with pretty much everything this Fall.

Ann Taylor Signature Tote

I love the zipper detail on this tote. This shape is my favorite style, and it looks like it will hold everything I need from diapers & toys to sunglasses & lip gloss, etc.! This is what I would call “tote perfection!”

Are you as excited as I am for Fall?
~KSSBelle

Mumsie’s Hot Chicken Salad

Posted on August 27, 2015August 27, 2015 by KSSBelle

My Mom’s (Mumsie’s) Hot Chicken Salad recipe has always been one of my favorites as a child, and even more so as an adult. It’s SO easy to make, and you probably have 3/4 of the ingredients already on hand. And, at Thanksgiving, you can make it with leftover turkey, instead of chicken – so good!

I have a picky toddler (who also happens to be teething a lot this Summer), so finding healthy dinners can be a real struggle around here, at least ones that will be eaten anyway. Let’s just say, minus my toddler spitting out the celery hidden inside, it was eaten right up the other night.

My hope for you is that you make it, and it becomes a family favorite for everyone like it is for ours!

HOT CHICKEN SALAD
2 Cups cooked chicken (I used the rotisserie chicken)
1 Cup chopped celery
2 T. minced red onion
2 T. lemon juice
1 Cup (scant) real mayo
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Topping:
3/4 Cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 Cup crumbled potato chips (I use ruffles)

Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl. Spread into a 9×9 baking dish. Top with grated sharp cheddar cheese & crushed potato chips. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

Have a wonderful Thursday!
~KSSBelle

Statement Necklaces

Posted on August 26, 2015August 26, 2015 by KSSBelle

Accessories are the best part of an outfit sometimes, and I think that’s why I love investing in jewelry, handbags and scarves so much. You can really dress up a basic tee or sweater with a fun, colorful necklace that really makes a major statement.

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Here are a few statement necklaces that I’ve got my eyes on for Fall.
Happy Shopping, friends!

Factory Stone Spacers Necklace

Layered Teardrop Necklace

Snake Knot Chain Necklace

Horn Suede Necklace

Rose Wreath Necklace

Old Navy – Top Picks

Posted on August 24, 2015August 24, 2015 by KSSBelle

In my opinion, Old Navy is still going strong when it comes to some of their styles these days, and their prices (especially if something is on sale!) are just too hard to ignore. I wanted to share with you a few things that I’ve been eyeing lately. These pieces will be welcomed in my closet for days at the park, play dates, running errands, etc.

What do you think of Old Navy’s Back to School/Pre-Fall styles?

Women’s Stripe Tunics

Tunic tops are quite possibly one of my favorite tops to wear. I love them paired with skinny jeans/pants. This tunic comes in 3 colors. It would look great alone now, and with a puffer vest this Fall.

Women’s Swing Dresses

These swing dresses seem to be a hit with everyone. I may have to try the long sleeve version. I really like the Fall hues they come in…

Reversible Faux Leather Tote

This tote is just like the one that Target carried for awhile. I like the saddle tan color for Fall. It looks like it will hold everything my toddler and I need.

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Happy Monday, Friends!
~KSSBelle

Happy Weekend!

Posted on August 21, 2015 by KSSBelle

Happy Friday!

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I just found out today that I’ve got some major dental work to be done on Monday (no fun at all), but I’m focusing on family and fun this weekend.

Whatever you do this weekend, enjoy it!
~KSSBelle

The Smoking Slipper

Posted on August 20, 2015 by KSSBelle

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When Summer comes to a close, and I have to trade in my sandals for closed toed shoes, I’ll have to admit, the smoking slipper is my go-to pair of flats to wear. I am also a big fan of pointy toe flats, but right now, I’m all about the smoking slippers, and have been for several years. To say I have a few pairs is an understatement. You can tell the designers have had a lot of fun with them, too. There are so many great, unique styles now to choose from, so you don’t look like everyone else. I have them in almost every color. They’re great paired with skinny pants/jeans, and even some dresses with tights during the winter months. Don’t get me wrong, I love a great pair of heels, but when I am in need of a comfortable shoe to run errands/work in (that’s not a tennis shoe), the smoking slipper is my first choice. They keep your look put together. They’re chic, and always will be in my book.

I’ve got my eye on this pair right now…

Sole Society Miia

Do you love smoking slippers? What’s your go-to flat these days?

Until tomorrow, friends!
~KSSBelle

Ann Taylor – The August Edit

Posted on August 19, 2015 by KSSBelle

Ann Taylor has always been my go-to for the more classic pieces in my closet for both work and the weekends. I can never have enough of their dress pants (they come in long), tops and dresses. Their fit is always just right, and the quality is impeccable. Plus, if you sign up for their emails, you can get 25% off your first purchase on full price styles, which I strongly recommend doing!

Below are a few things that I’d love to add to my closet this month!
Happy Shopping!

Embroidered Trim Dress

This dress is stunning. The embroidered trim is really pretty, too. I’d wear this now with a pashmina and heels, and later with tights, boots/pumps and a cardigan! I love it when I find a piece that can transition easily from one season to another.

Rose Bobble Necklace

This necklace is simply gorgeous. I could dress up a basic tee with it, or wear it with a dressier top/dress. Very versatile.

Cynthia Suede Pumps

These pumps go with everything. Classic, pointy toe pumps will always be in my closet. I would buy the black and the gray pair.

Colorblock Resin Bangle

This resin bangle is so cool. It’s totally modern for me, and very sleek, but it can be worn with so much my friends. I like it, a lot.

Paisley Top

What a pretty, paisley top! I was sold with the pale pink and the sleeve length. This would look great with jeans, black skinny pants and even white jeans this Fall.

Fringe Heels

These. Fringe. Heels…need I say more? I am convinced I need these in my closet. My feet will thank me, I think.

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Hope y’all have a wonderful Tuesday!
~KSSBelle

The Floppy Hat

Posted on August 12, 2015August 12, 2015 by KSSBelle

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I rarely wear hats, but the floppy hat is making me rethink things. If I do wear a hat, it’s a baseball hat, and it’s to hide the fact that I haven’t had time to do my hair. Sorry, but that’s the plain and simple truth. However, Old Navy has come out with a floppy hat that is more chic than a baseball hat, and I really love the price, too. It can either hide your bad hair day, or accessorize a good one! What do you think about the floppy hat style?

Women’s Felt Floppy Hat

Motivation for the last 5 pounds

Posted on August 10, 2015 by KSSBelle

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I remember this time last year I was not in a good place, weight-wise. I had just had our first baby, and I still had a lot of weight to lose. Today, I’m proud to say I’ve lost everything but the last 5 pounds.
I took a short break exercising, as the last four weeks have been hard to get out and exercise in this heat. But, today, I went for a walk again with my little one, and it felt so good. What feels even better? Knowing that this Fall, I’m actually going to be back to the size I was before I found out I was expecting. I’m giddy with excitement about fitting into my old clothes too. It was a hard road. I remember days when I didn’t want to go for a walk, but I forced myself to go. I eat better too. No crash diets here, just simply making better choices at every meal. And, it’s paid off. Next time around, I’m not gaining as much weight, but to look back where I was a year ago, it’s truly amazing what I’ve accomplished besides raising our little one. One day at a time, one step at a time. You can do it too.

Happy Monday, friends!
~KSSBelle

Just Call Me “The Coat Lady”

Posted on August 6, 2015August 10, 2015 by KSSBelle

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I love a lot of things when it comes to fashion; however, I think coats have to be one of my top 3 items that I always invest in (3rd in line to handbags and shoes). And, every year, I seem to always find a new one I just “have to have” to add to my collection. This annual coat collecting is getting so bad now, that there isn’t enough room for another one in our foyer coat closet – at least for anyone else’s coats. I’m sorry, but I’m not really sorry at all. Just ask my husband, he thinks that I’m crazy for coats, and maybe I am. The coat closet is telling this as well. Just call me the “Coat Lady.” Guess what, Honey?! I found another one that I can’t live without. Oops.

Factory Trench Coat

A trench coat is so timeless. I bought one my freshman year in college, and I wore it almost daily in the Fall time, before the temperatures really got cold. It was the perfect addition to my denim, button up and heels look. That “look” was my daily uniform in college, for me at least.
True story…I used to wake up before my 8am classes, and I’d iron my button ups. I have always believed in being put together. I get this mentality from my parents, and it’s a good thing. That’s just me.
Well, I had to retire that old trench coat many moons ago, and this one looks like the perfect replacement. What do you think? And, the best part is it’s on sale!

Do you share the same obsession of coats with me?

Happy Thursday!
~KSSBelle