J.Crew & Nordstrom – First Signs of Fall

This morning I received my very first J.Crew Fall email. Thank you, J.Crew. I cannot tell you how excited/relieved I am to see this today. The weather here has been insanely hot to the point that I’m starting to feel cabin fever. We step out to run an errand or two, and you feel like you need another shower – it’s that hot my friends. I am dreaming of the days that I can go outside with my little one, and feel like we can play for hours outdoors. It’s coming…soon!
I know everyone has been stocking up for Fall during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and so between browsing that sale, and getting the new Fall arrivals email from J.Crew, I told my husband I’m only shopping for Fall from now on. Or, if I see a sale rack, I am only buying items that can take me into Fall.
Call me ridiculous, but I get to a point in the Summer where I could care less about Summer clothing anymore. I know what you’re thinking…”A fashion blogger who doesn’t care about Summer clothing?” Let me correct you, I like it in the beginning of the season, it’s not that I don’t care about Summer clothing completely, it’s that I literally come alive in the Fall/Winter/Spring months. Fall/Spring fashion inspires me so much more. And, it’s not that I don’t appreciate the Summer months, because I do. I just don’t like the “dog days of Summer.” That’s when I am no longer “inspired” by Summer clothing. It becomes a matter of “surviving the last of the Summer days,” at least for me.

Let’s remember that I also have background in working in retail, and we were always way ahead of the season we were in, so talking about Fall in the Spring/Summer is totally “normal” for me. I was writing the “Fall Look Book” in the Spring.

So, here’s what I’m loving in the J.Crew New Arrivals and the Nordstrom Anniversary sale! And, here’s to dreaming about cooler temperatures and falling leaves…

 Peplum Tank Top

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This would look great now with a pair of white jeans, and then again in the Fall by adding a blazer/cardigan.

Merino Wool V-neck Tunic Sweater
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This is an everyday staple. It comes in so many colors that you won’t get bored, and the fit is incredibly flattering for most. Add a puffer vest or a tailored coat, and you’ve got two looks, one casual, one dressy.

Excursion Quilted Down Vest
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These are already backordered; however, if you can wait, it’s worth it. I wear my puffer vests  (like this one above) with dresses, jeans, skinny pants and workout clothes. This is a very versatile piece.

Dragonfly Earrings
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These are really pretty, and a fun addition to a Fall outfit, or even now. I love any combination of pink and green. I will be waiting for these to go on sale, but definitely a pair to add to my jewelry collection.

 Halogen Olson Pointy Toe Studded Flats
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Halogen Olson Pointy Toe Studded Flat
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Both of these pointy toe flats are staples for Fall. I love the pale pink color because it will go with so many outfits, and the animal print is a no brainer for me. I LOVE the price tag, too.

Chelsea Pleated Hem Sweater
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This sweater is adorable, and I love the pleated hemline. I may have to order this one in the navy/black combination. This would look perfect with skinny pants and denim.

What are you’re thoughts on the heat?
Do you have any favorites from J.Crew’s new arrivals?

I apologize for complaining about the heat, but it’s really getting to me this Summer. I am so looking forward to Fall outfit posts…coming soon!

Have a great day!
~KSSBelle

Southern Summers & Dreaming of Fall

The temperatures are hot here. I mean they’re so hot, they make you want to stay inside all day. I literally step outside to recycle something, and it makes me cringe. And, I LOVE being outside. Here’s a little known secret about me, I am not a fan of heat or hot temperatures, which ultimately means I’m not a fan of Summers in the South. I was born and raised in the South, and I love the South, but who wants to get all dressed up to then walk outside and sweat immediately? I know I don’t. It is only bearable if I can be beside a pool all day, everyday, but that’s about it. Since that’s not been my reality since I was a teenager lifeguarding, I have to deal. And, by July I am dreaming of Fall. Who’s with me? Don’t get me wrong, I am not a negative person at all, but I don’t know anyone who says “Oh, I love the heat and sweating all of the time.” Said no one, ever.

So, here are a few things getting me through this heat wave! What do you do to escape the heat?

Playroom
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Over the July 4th weekend my sweet husband actually painted our little one’s playroom. We’ve been wanting to create this space for quite awhile now, and now we have one. It’s the perfect place for us to play when it’s too hot outside. This space is going to be loved by our children for many years to come, I just know it.

 Workout Outfits
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When the temperatures get into the triple digits and you’re chasing a little one around, workout outfits are a go-to. I haven’t given up when it comes to fashion, I just don’t care to ruin my clothes by 10am with nothing but sweat. I know it sounds gross, but I love workout gear even more now that I’m a SAHM.

 La Croix Orange
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I’ve never been good at drinking a lot of water each day. I know it’s bad, but I have found I drink more water with these orange La Croix sparkling waters. Target always is running specials on them, so I stock up.

Early Mornings
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If you have a little one, you know the days of “sleeping in” are over. So, I try to take our walks in the mornings and run errands early in the mornings before the heat really moves in.

InStyle Magazine
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My first Fall issue of InStyle came in the mail this week, which also means the Fall catalogs from all of my favorite places to shop will soon be coming in the mail too. There’s hope afterall!

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So, while I can’t quite wear my pretty coats like the one above just yet, I’m quite excited about planning Fall outfit posts for the blog, and I am dreaming of the first “crisp” Fall day. Until then, I have plenty of fun posts ahead, but I’ll be the first to admit I’m most excited about the ones this Fall.

What’s your favorite season?

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