Summer Shoes

This Spring & Summer I seem to be finding more & more shoes that I can’t stop thinking about. Normally, I like adding more tops and handbags to my closet (still do!), but the shoes are really good this year. Below are just a few that have caught my attention!

Happy Shopping!

Jeffrey Campbell Slides
Pearl Slides
These are so pretty, don’t you think? They also come in a blush color. They’d be great paired with dresses, cropped pants and more! Since I’m a “pearl girl” I can’t.stop.thinking.about.them.

Tory Burch Sandals
TB Miller Sandals
I love this “Makeup” color, so neutral for Summer.

Fringe Sandals
Fringe SandalsThese are so happy, and they’re flat. I love the price, too!

Dolce Vita Mules
Mules
When I first saw these, the word “fun” came to my mind. I’d wear them with pretty much everything, especially white jeans & dresses right now.

Jack Rogers
Jack Rogers
 As a busy Mom of two,  I find that I don’t have a lot of time to think about my shoes, and these are one of my “go-to” sandals for Summer.

Canvas Espadrille Wedges
Canvas
I like to wear these with white jeans, dresses and skirts. They’re a classic pair.

What shoes are you in love with right now?

Happy Thursday!
~KSSBelle

The June Edit

Happy Wednesday, Everyone! I hope y’all are having a great week so far!

I love shopping online, and with all of our choices we have, (there.are.so.many.good.ones.) I decided to make a “June Edit” for you. Below’s what I love & will wear for the longer term. For anyone new to my blog, I tend to buy more classics that can be mixed with a few trendier accessories. I like to get the best of both worlds, and the most out of the money I’m spending! Who’s with me?

Happy Shopping!

Crisscross Drop Ruffle Top
blue and white pleione top
How pretty is this top? It would be great with jeans and shorts. I love the sleeve and drop waist detail.

Bell Sleeve Top
bell sleeve top
Love, love, love this top. It also comes in 3 other colors. I prefer the ivory. Added bonus?This could easily be worn this Fall, too.

Toothpick Jeans
toothpick jean
I love a great white jean year round, but this ecru color would be a nice change of pace with all of my Summer tops! (p.s. – these are on sale!)

Daydream Cami
Daydream camiThis is such a sweet summer top. I’d wear it with white jeans and shorts!

Fiesta Cold Shoulder Top
fiesta cold shoulder top
I fell in love with this top, and ordered it right away! It’s so happy to me, and I can’t wait for it to arrive.

Smocked Dress
smocked dress
This would be such an easy dress to throw on and go run errands. The smocked detail is the perfect finishing touch to a somewhat ordinary dress otherwise.

Gigi Print Leather Clutch
Gigi Print Leather Clutch
Lately, I’ve been drawn to clutches, and I love the print on this one. It’s classic, and it’s nice to carry a small purse, since most days I feel like I’m toting the world around with me!

Sailors Knot Bangle
sailors knot bangle
Less is more, and it will go with everything.

What are you loving so far this Summer?

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Have a great one!
~KSSBelle

Pop of Pink

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This gingham top is so fun to dress up for Summer, especially with the pop of neon pink! And, the ruffle sleeves are pretty much my favorite finishing touch. I actually bought this top last Fall from J.Crew, and I couldn’t wait to wear it once we had our second little one. These would be just as pretty in my closet: thisthis, and this top would just be a dream! If it’s the color pink, it’s sure to catch my attention. I can’t turn down a feminine top. (I don’t know who can?) I paired this top with these pants because they’re classic, and literally go with almost every top in my closet. It also looks great with these white jeans, or scallop shorts, too.

SHOP THE POST:
J.Crew Gingham Top (old, similar and similar) / Banana Republic Linen pants / Chinese Laundry Sandals / Louis Vuitton (gifted, similar) / Kate Spade Bracelet / Kate Spade Watch (old, similar) / Handpicked earrings (old, similar)

Hope you have a great Monday!
~KSSBelle

Bell Sleeve Blouse + J. Crew Collection Leopard Pants

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I bought this blouse last year; however, it’s so good that ShopBop still has it this year! I also own it in white. It’s incredibly flattering, and the bell sleeves are the real reason to buy it. The best part is that you can dress it up or down. The sleeves are what caught my eye. And, now this pretty dress is calling my name for Summer, for the same reason. Now, let’s talk about these J.Crew Collection leopard pants, shall we? They were so fun to add to my closet! I have a few J.Crew Collection pieces, and the quality & style is timeless. I know I’ll be wearing these cropped pants for years, (leopard is a neutral) and that’s the best part about making a fashion investment. In my opinion, these investments really pay off, because you wear those pieces well past one season. You can shop the J.Crew collection pieces when they’re on sale (that’s when I snagged these pants I’m wearing!), and you can really scoop up some classics during those sales, so keep your eyes out, it’ll be worth it, trust me. Right now, I’ve got my eyes on these, these and this.

SHOP THE POST:
Endless Rose Belle Blouse / J.Crew Collection Leopard pants (old, similar) / J.Crew Resin bracelets / Chinese Laundry sandals /Deux Lux Clutch (old, similar)

obsessively grateful
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I’m definitely printing this quote, and framing it for my office.

Happy Monday!
~KSSBelle

Friday Favorites!

Happy Friday!! We have a fun, little birthday party to head to tomorrow afternoon, and we’re planning on doing a few fun things around the house this weekend. What are your plans for the weekend?

One
My Mom is a “Master Gardner,” no really, she took a test to become one, and her knowledge is amazing! She can even recite the latin names of every plant. I want her to write a blog! She loves gardening, and helps us with all of our plant choices.  And, I think I’m starting to become a gardener like her, but I’ve got a long way to go. She gave us these “Wedding Gown Hydrangeas” a few years ago, and I have kept them alive, and finally planted them a month ago. They make me so happy. I love going in the backyard and looking at them daily, and the best part is, she told me yesterday that they’ll bloom until September!

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Two
It’s time to dust off the old tennis shoes, and get back to walking. I’ve changed what I eat drastically; however, I still want to tone up. I’ve been eyeing these new tennis shoes at J.Crew as a potential motivator!;)
New Balance for J.Crew
jcrew tennis shoes

Three
These shorts are perfect for the Summer time. I used to never wear shorts, but with two kiddos in the heat, jeans get pretty hot while playing. I really like the fact that they’re 4-inches in length, as I’m 5’10, and almost 35 years old, so no short shorts allowed here. Who’s with me?
J.Crew Factory Shorts (on sale!)
scalloped shorts

Four
I fell in love with these topiaries at Kirkland’s this past weekend! If you add a coupon (and you earn rewards every time you shop there) it’s not that bad of a price. I have one on my kitchen counter, and one in our dining room. It adds just enough “green” to our rooms, and it makes me happy when I’m doing the dreaded dishes! Ha!  Kirkland’s is one of my favorite go-to places for decorating. I also love shopping consignments, and of course HomeGoods!
topiary

Five
This is our favorite Summer wine! It’s the best Chardonnay in our opinion, and it’s an incredibly reasonable price. It’s a very light and buttery Chardonnay. You should definitely try it! Cheers!
WINE REC

 Have a happy weekend!
~KSSBelle

Navy Blue + White

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I know that I’m not alone when I say I love blue & white paired together, especially navy blue. It’s such a crisp, yet classic summer outfit.  This blouse is so pretty, and even better in person. The peplum is a go-to favorite of mine, and the neckline is really flattering for any body type. I was a year round swimmer for many years growing up (fun fact, I know), so my shoulders are broader than most; therefore, I’m always on the lookout for tops that accentuate my “swimmer” shoulders. This one is another cute option as well.
And, these mules are so mom-friendly, yet still really, really fun! I’m pretty sure I bought these just because of the poms poms! They look great with white jeans and shorts, too. Sadly, mine are sold out, but these are just as chic. I actually had a hard time deciding between the two!

SHOP THE POST:
Loft Cropped Pants (sadly sold out, similar style) /  English Factory Emma Blouse / Kate Spade handbag (old, but similar style)/ J. Crew mules (sadly sold out! I hope they restock them soon. These are a really fun print, too!) / Kate Spade Watch / Kate Spade Heart of Gold bracelet / Loft Pearl Earrings / Loft Sunglasses (old, but similar style)

Have a happy day!
~KSSBelle

Hello 2017!

Hello 2017! Wow, it’s been awhile, hasn’t it? I’m happy to report that I’m B.A.C.K. my friends! I sure have missed this little space. I hope you’re new year is off to a fabulous start! Ours is definitely is going well. Being a Mama of two little ones is the absolute best, even if I’m living on lots, & I mean lots of caffeine these days.

I have tons of ideas for blog posts, but since this is the first one for this year, I thought I would keep it simple.

Below are a few things I’m loving lately, some of which can easily take you into Spring.
Happy Shopping!

Loft Blouse
Blue Blouse_LoftThis blouse is even prettier in person. I wore it with my favorite distressed jeans the other day, and plan to wear it with white jeans, skirts and more. Bonus? It’s machine washable, so those little spit up stains come right out, Mamas!

Ruffle Blouse
Ruffle Blouse_Loft
This ruffle blouse is now 40% off! Grab it while you can, because is so flattering on, and who doesn’t love another great white blouse? They go with so many items in your wardrobe.

Puffer Jacket

Ellen Tracy Puffer
If you’re looking for a more casual coat, snag this one on major sale right now! I needed something more casual for preschool drop off’s, and this fit the bill. It covers your backside, if wearing leggings, and keeps you warm. It’s one of the more tailored puffers in my opinion. And, it’s machine washable (minus the collar). It also comes in black.

Gemma Pom-Pom Flats

Gemma flats
Pointy toe flats? Check. Pom-Poms? Check. In Kelly green? Check, check. I just ordered these cuties on sale (Code: HEARTYOU). As a busy Mom, I live in flats most days, so these had my name written all over them! I’m thinking about ordering them in the yellow…

Bow Sweater

Bow sweater_jcrew

I also ordered this sweater, and it’s also on sale at J.Crew. I get weak in the knees for anything with a bow. It’s lightweight enough that you could wear it with crop jeans/shorts in the Spring as well. It comes in cherry red and navy as well.

If not now, then when?

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Have a great day!
~KSSBelle

 

Maternity Jeans

Yesterday I talked about why I’m not buying maternity clothing (minus my maternity jeans), and so today I thought I would talk to you about the 3 pairs of jeans that I’ve been living in/rotating these days, and why I love them all so much!

First things first, I’m pretty tall (5’10), so most maternity jeans I could find at stores like Target are always too short, even if they’re the skinny jeans. I found 2 pairs at J.Crew (on sale!), and had one major splurge from Shopbop.

One thing I’ve learned during my pregnancies is that you don’t have to give up on your personal style for 9 months, you just have to make some minor adjustments that still make you look & feel your best throughout your entire pregnancy. If you make these adjustments, then you’ll learn to embrace all of the wonderful changes that are taking place a whole lot better.

If you’re expecting, happy shopping!

Maternity Pull-on toothpick jeans
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These look and feel like your basic white jeans. The only thing you have to get used to is there are no front pockets! I’m a big believer in wearing white after Labor Day; therefore, I snagged these up knowing I’d wear them thru the entire pregnancy. Warning – if you have a small toddler at home, you’re bound to get handprints on them before going anywhere. That’s when my handy dandy Tide Stick comes into play!

Stretch Maternity matchstick jeans
maternity-denim_black_jcrew
These aren’t exactly the style I bought, but they look very similar to mine. I remember they were on sale for $35.00 this Summer. These are more of a straight fit, but are still cute, and they’re on sale! I wanted a pair of black skinny jeans for this Fall/Winter, so when I found the maternity toothpick skinny on sale, I snagged them up! Can’t wait to wear my pair with a crisp white button-up, loose blouses and chunky sweaters!

DL1961 Emma Maternity Jeans
emma-maternity-jeansThese were my splurge, but, the fit is impeccable, and I KNOW I’ll wear them home from the hospital and for a few months after I have our little one. I’m pretty sure I wear them at least 3 times a week (or more), so I feel like they’ve already paid for themselves. They’re cute dressed up or dressed down. While I did pay a little more than I’d like for these, they make me feel like a million bucks while pregnant, and that to me is worth every penny.

What pants/jeans do you love while pregnant?

Happy Tuesday, friends!
~KSSBelle

Pregnancy: What I’m buying & why it’s not maternity

This might not sound totally normal to most, but I still haven’t brought down my maternity clothing from our attic from my first pregnancy, and I have 3 months left. I’m really happy about it, too. And, I hope I don’t have to, either. Sounds weird, I know, but at 6 months pregnant, I’ve gained 11 pounds, and I hope to only gain 10-12 lbs more. Now, I will admit, I did buy 3 pairs of maternity jeans (I’ll do a post on those as well) when I first found out I was pregnant. Most of my maternity pants were work attire related with my first pregnancy.  So, as of a few weeks ago, I’ve been strictly wearing those, but, I’m still in my normal size tops. Thank goodness. I know that won’t last forever, but I plan to make it last as long as possible.

In case you’re new to my blog, I gained WAY more weight than I’d like to admit with my first pregnancy. I know exactly why, too. I was working then (slammed every day, but on a side note: I LOVED my job), and the hubs and I ate takeout pretty much every single night with little to no exercise, because by the time I got home from work, the last thing I wanted to do was cook a gourmet meal. This pregnancy has been totally different & just as busy albiet in a different way. I’m still just as busy chasing a toddler/running a household, but I’ve completely changed my eating habits for the better.

After having our first baby,  my goal was to get down to my wedding weight again, and when I found out we were expecting our second baby, I actually had reached my goal! Yay!  So, ever since then I’ve been petrified of gaining anything more than the medical recommended weight gain during pregnancy which is between 20-25 pounds.

So, since I’m right on track to only gain the recommended amount, I’ve decided that I’m not going to buy maternity clothing, I’m going to buy clothing I’ll love, post baby. Not only does it keep me in check when I want to go grab a handful of candy corns, it also gives me something to look forward to after our little bundle of joy is here.

Below are a few things I’ve added to my closet for later, and a few things I’ve got my eye on that I’d love to buy as well.

Happy Shopping!

Edie Stripe Top
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This top is darling. I love the classic blue & white stripe with the twist of a ruffle. I know I’ll wear this top on repeat after the baby is here for many years!

Ruffle Sleeve Top
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I clearly have a weakness for ruffles (and peplum). This sweater is going to look so chic with white jeans post baby! I can’t wait to wear it this winter!

Bell Sleeve Blouse
bell-sleeve-blouse
Hands down, this top is a real winner if you’re expecting. I’m actually wearing this exact top right now, and it’s still has plenty of growing room, too. I also bought it in the navy. The peplum & the bell sleeve mix feels fresh for Fall. I wore this with my j.crew white maternity jeans to our preschool parent’s night, and felt like I was wearing a normal outfit! Snag it on sale, and it’s an even better buy for now and later, trust me.

Now, here’s what I’ve got my eye on as well…

Sailor Pants
sailor-pants
You can’t go wrong with these pants. I think the gold buttons add a classic finish to an otherwise ordinary looking pant. I know I’d wear these for many years.

Danny Turtleneck Dress
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This dress is timeless. I adore the feminine ruffle finish, and you can never go wrong with a turtleneck when it’s freezing outside. I’m just dreaming of days when it’s freezing outside again, clearly.

Wildcat Clutch 
wildcat-clutch
Hello Gorgeous! I’d love to add this to my date night clutch collection!

What are you loving lately? Are you dreaming of cooler, crisp mornings like I am? I had my first nonfat pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks on September 1st. And anyone who really knows me, knows that I don’t stop talking about Fall and all its’ glory until it’s here…

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I also may or may not have already bought my winter coat for this year…oops! I blame it on the fact that if you don’t buy something when you see it, it’ll be gone before you know it. Trust me. And while I love blogging, and reading my favorite blogs, that’s the only downside to these blogs these days, things sell out so quickly. It’s great for the vendors though!

Have a happy Monday!
~KSSBelle

Hello Again!

Happy Weekend, Friends & “Hello!” again!

I know it seems as though I’ve taken a bit of a break from my blog, and you’d be correct, I have. Please know I’ve missed it terribly, but all for good reason, as we’re expecting our second twinkle toes in early January! We couldn’t be more excited and grateful for this little blessing! The first trimester was pretty tough, as in extreme exhaustion, so when my little one would nap, I would to…a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.

Good news for you guys, is that this time around I’m really not focusing on buying any maternity clothing, if I can’t help it. I have a lot leftover from my last pregnancy, as well as some hand me downs (thanks, Sis!). I’m still fitting in my non-maternity pants/shorts, tops and dresses at 4 months…thank goodness! We’ll see how long that lasts. ha!

So, I thought I would round up a few things that I’ve been loving lately for you!

Off the Shoulder Top – Tuckernuck
tnuck off the shoulder topI have this top in pink (you may have seen it on my Instagram), and LOVE IT. It’s so classic, and it’s a longer top. It might be too long to wear with shorts, but it’s perfect paired with white denim (what I wore on a date night recently!) and skinny pants of any kind! Such a fun & flirty top. It’s also got a lot of growing room for the belly!;)

Linen Drawstring Trousers
loft linen pantsThese pants are so comfortable and chic. I typically wouldn’t buy anything orange; however, they go great with a lot of my tops, and the relaxed look is really nice for Summer.

Factory Graphic floral one-piece swimsuit
J.crew Factory Floral Suit
This was my first swimsuit from j.crew factory, and it didn’t disappoint. In the years past, I’ve always bought my suits from J.Crew. I keep them forever because they’re that good. This suit is perfect for a growing belly. It’s my first one-piece in a LONG time, and I love it, especially while chasing a toddler!:) The bright colors/print just makes me happy as well!

Off-the-shoulder dress – J.Crew
j.crew floral dress
I’ve had my eye on this dress for awhile now, and may have to get it. I love the off-the-shoulder dress look, as well as the print, but I worry I won’t be able to wear it that much longer this Summer.

Voluspa ‘Maison Blanc – Gardenia Candle
Gardenia candle
This candle has made my kitchen smell amazing. The scent reminds me of my childhood. My parents have a screened in porch, and I can remember endless conversations with my parents while smelling the gardenias in bloom right outside off of the porch. It really is the little things in life that matter the most.

What are you loving this Summer?

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Have a great weekend!
~KSSBelle