The Smoking Slipper

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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…

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

Until tomorrow, friends!
~KSSBelle

Ann Taylor – The August Edit

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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

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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
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Motivation for the last 5 pounds

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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”

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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
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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

Cobb Salad Dip

I read Natalie’s blog almost daily, and when I saw this recipe posted on her blog, I just knew I had to try it. I am a huge fan of cobb salads when we go out, so this dip sounded perfect on a hot Summer day. It’s always fun to try something new, and my family absolutely loved it. Every calorie is worth running the extra mile!

cobb salad dip

COBB SALAD DIP ~
Adapted from Designer Bags & Dirty Diapers

One 8 oz. package cream cheese
One 8 oz., container of sour cream
One package Hidden Valley Ranch Dip mix
2 ears of corn
A handful of cherry tomatoes, diced
One Cup sharp chedder cheese, shredded
One Cup shredded romaine lettuce
Cooked & crumbled bacon
Crumbled blue cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
Tortilla chips or ruffles for dipping

Let cream cheese sit out and soften for about an hour. Mix cream cheese, sour cream & ranch packet until smooth. Spread in the bottom of any dish. I bake the corn at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes just to slightly soften it, but you don’t have to do cook it at all. Layer shredded cheese and the rest of the ingredients. I top it off with a little bit of blue cheese and bacon. Serve with chips of your choice. Enjoy!

Have a happy day!
~KSSBelle

Neutral Territory

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Happy August, Everyone! I can’t believe this Summer is closing in on us. Although, I can’t say that I’m going to miss the heat wave we’ve been having, not one bit.

There’s nothing I love more than neutrals. In my opinion, you can never have too many in your closet. A lot of what I wore when I was working were neutrals. I still love them today. They’re polished, and go with everything, literally. What’s even better? Pairing neutrals together. To me, it’s incredibly chic, especially in the hot, Summer months. Linen pants are so much cooler in the Summer months, and these wide leg pants are always a flattering fit with a feminine top. This camisole’s cutout/embroidery detail is so pretty, and adds the perfect pop of contrast for this light and airy look. I also plan to make this camisole work overtime in the Fall/Winter months with cardigans and blazers, too. I typically accessorize with color; however, I thought this cashew tote was the right addition to my outfit. The best part about a neutral outfit, is that you can have a lot more fun with your jewelry. These black and white pom pom earrings didn’t have any competition when it comes to getting noticed, and that’s just want I wanted to happen.

Happy Monday, Friends!
~KSSBelle

SHOP THE POST
Banana Republic Cutout Embroidered Camisole {on sale!}~ Ann Taylor Loft Tall Linen Wide Leg Trousers in Marisa Fit {on sale!}~ Factory Metallic Wedges {on sale!}~ J.Crew Pom Pom Earrings {old, but similar here} ~ Kate Spade Claremont Drive Marcella Tote {Bought during one of her “surprise sales.” Is no longer available on her site, but you can find it on amazon here.} Kate Spade Bow Bracelet {old, but similar here} Ann Taylor Loft Tortoiseshell Oversized Sunglasses {on sale!}

The Peplum Top

If there is one style of top that I will never tire of in my closet, it’s the peplum top. It’s timeless, year round. It’s flattering. It’s unbelievably chic. It’s feminine. The list goes on and on. It’s quite possibly the most versatile top you can wear. It runs a close race with the classic button up for me. It looks great with skinny pants, wide leg pants, shorts and even skirts. You can wear it alone or under a blazer/cardigan, too. Peplum jackets are even better. It’s that good my friends. I literally get giddy when I find one I love – I guess it’s the girly girl in me. Either way, this style will always be in my closet.

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Below are some peplum styles I love right now.

Short Sleeve Asymmetrical Peplum Top
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This is a great wear now and wear later piece. It looks great alone now, and all you have to do is add a cute blazer or cardigan in the Fall.

Peplum Tank
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I would not style this with the skirt they have on the model, but I would wear this top with white jeans, denim and dressy skinny pants.

Checked Poplin Peplum Top
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Peplum? Check. Gingham? Check, check. This gorgeous top might just have to come home with me. So many options.

Chambray Peplum Top
4110284100115_092_bThis top is really pretty. You can dress it up and dress it down. It will be in your closet for years.

Do you love peplum as much as I do?
Happy Thursday!
~KSSBelle