KSSBelle – Page 15

Southern Summers & Dreaming of Fall

Posted on July 7, 2015July 7, 2015 by KSSBelle

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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?

All images in post via

Seeing Spots

Posted on July 1, 2015July 1, 2015 by KSSBelle

This print had me at hello. I am dying to add something “Dalmation” to my house and wardrobe. Do you like this print as much as I do? I think it’s going to be considered a “neutral” just like leopard has become these days. I mean The Duchess of Cambridge wore this print while she was pregnant with both Prince George and Princess Charlotte. And, of course she looked gorgeous, as always.

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I plan to have some fun with a new pair of throw pillows (can you believe it? – I have a problem, I know), a cute top or even a happy print for my office. My style is both classic and preppy, but I’m definitely going to mix this spotty little print into my life!

Here are a few things I have my eyes on right now.

Spotted Black & White Decorative Pillow

Fashion Illustration

Have a happy day!

~KSSBelle

High-Rise Denim – J.Crew

Posted on June 30, 2015 by KSSBelle

J.Crew finally came out with a high-rise denim. And, they come in Tall. I’ve been a denim loyalist to 7 For All Mankind for over 10 years now, because they fit me so well. But, I’ve had my eye on this pair for quite some time (I’m talking almost a year). I know they’re back ordered, but I may have to just buy this pair. They would look great year round. I know if I buy them that they will be on repeat a lot. I love wearing crisp, white denim in the fall/winter, too. I think wearing white in the winter makes me feel like sort of a rebel. I know, I am dork, and I’m happy to admit it.

Have you tried their high-rise denim? These sold out really quickly, so they’ve gotta be good, right?

Tall Lookout High-Rise Crop Jeans

I’m off to celebrate my birthday now! I’m looking forward to a fun day filled with playing with my little one, and then topping off my birthday with Italian takeout & my Mom’s homemade chocolate cake & chocolate frosting with my husband and family tonight! I have been so incredibly blessed so far in life, and I’m excited to see what the next year ahead has in store for me!

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Enjoy your Tuesday friends!
~KSSBelle

Boden – The June/July Edit

Posted on June 29, 2015June 28, 2015 by KSSBelle

Can you believe it’s almost July? I can’t. Maybe that’s because I’m in denial that I’ll be a year older in just a few short days (Eek!). Either way, I have a lot to be grateful for, and that’s how I intend to look at this birthday!

Moving right along, I decided to do a “June/July Edit” for Boden, mainly because it’s Monday, and I thought I’d brighten the day up a bit for you. Their styles are always so colorful and fun. I have a few dresses from them, and still love them years later. Their stuff is so well made, too. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m tall, so a longer dress is necessary. The good news for all of you tall girls out there, the majority of their dresses are also available in long! You don’t have to order a size larger (like I do in most places that don’t offer tall/long styles) to get the right length. That to me is worth a few extra dollars for sure.

Here are my current favorites at Boden. Do you love Boden as much as I do?

Sarah Ponte Dress

This dress is gorgeous. It comes in several colors. I love this color and the navy.

Sandra Sundress

What a great Summer frock, right? I could wear this on a date night, girls night out and church! It’s so pretty and screams “have fun!”

Kiera Ottoman Dress

This stripe dress is just classic. I don’t need any convincing to add this to my shopping cart. Do you?

Pretty Embroidered Shorts

Pretty embroidered shorts. The name says it all. They would look great with a tee or dressed up with a pretty blouse! These are a Summer must.

Chic All in One

I am not a fan of the rompers (not yet anyway), but this jumpsuit looks chic. Even better, it comes in long. I would wear a blazer/cardigan for day with flats. And for night, I’d wear it with a pair of cute heels, and throw a pashmina in my handbag in case it gets cold.

Festival Scarf

This is a “wear with everything” kind of scarf. It would look great with a pretty much any outfit you own. Plus, how can you ignore these pom-poms?

Alice Flat

These flats are darling. I’d wear them year round…just one of the beautiful things about being Southern…we love color, and our weather allows us to wear them year round.

Happy Monday, Friends!

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~KSSBelle

My Skincare Favorites

Posted on June 25, 2015June 25, 2015 by KSSBelle

There are a few things in my skincare routine that I cannot live without. My routine is pretty simple these days, and I like it that way. I used to get the $92.00 jars of “magic” night creams, etc., but I really could not tell that much of a difference from the basic items that I use now. I am a big believer in “you get what you pay for;” however, in skincare, I cannot tell the difference. Taking care of your skin so important (Thanks to my Mom who instilled that in me many moons ago), but shelling out big bucks for something you don’t see that much of a difference in, is hard to justify. I haven’t jumped on the oil bandwagon yet, but it’s tempting me. Do oils work for you? Do you really notice a difference? If so, do you have any recommendations?

I also have a few beauty items that I have been thinking about trying for awhile now, but just can’t seem to take that leap, mostly because my skin is extremely sensitive, and trying new products is exciting, but scary for me at the same time. I would hate to spend a ton of money on something, and then have it make me breakout, etc.

So, here’s what I use everyday in my current skincare routine. It works. And as they say “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” right?

Aveeno Ultra Calming Makeup Removing Wipes

These wipes are so convenient. I use them at night, and right after I workout as well. They are really good at removing my eye makeup.

Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

I have to use a moisturizer with an SPF in it. My Mom introduced me to this one. I’ve been using this for several years now, and it doesn’t leave your face feeling greasy at all.

Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream

I sometimes alternate between this and the Aveeno daily moisturizer, especially if I know I am staying mostly indoors that day. It really soaks into your skin, and I think it’s a really great moisturizer.

Olay Regenerist Luminous Dark Circle Correcting Hydraswirl

Raise your hand if you’re not getting quite as much beauty sleep as you used to before you had kids? Yup, me too. This is great for the now ever so obvious dark circles under my eyes. It works.

Olay Regenerist Regenerating Night Recovery Moisturizer Cream

I use this at night. It feels amazing. It honestly feels like silk on your skin. It is incredibly moisturizing and has my face feeling refreshed by morning.

So, in writing this post, I also realized I’ve been paying WAY too much for these products. Like a few dollars difference for each one, so instead of shopping at Target for these beauties, I’m buying them off of amazon.com!

I would love to hear of any beauty products you love, especially if you have sensitive skin like me.

Happy Thursday friends!

~KSSBelle

Chocolate Brownie Bread

Posted on June 23, 2015 by KSSBelle

While I was browsing on Pinterest a few days ago, I stumbled across this Chocolate Brownie bread recipe. I haven’t made it yet, but I did make the Kentucky Butter Cake this past weekend (mentioned in this post), and it did not disappoint. It was the perfect finish to our Father’s Day brunch.

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I have some buttermilk leftover from making the Kentucky butter cake, (who has buttermilk on hand all of the time, unless it’s in a recipe? No one I know.) and of course I don’t want the buttermilk to go to waste, so I’m going to try my hand at making this Chocolate Brownie Bread. I’ll let you know how it turns out, unless of course you make it before me!

It looks absolutely amazing!

~KSSBelle

Anthropologie – Top Picks

Posted on June 22, 2015June 22, 2015 by KSSBelle

Anthropologie is what I would call “boho chic.” I really love some of their styles. I prefer shopping in the store more than online, because no matter what direction you turn there’s always something incredibly pretty to see. It’s a peaceful and inspiring store. Sometimes the mainstream gets boring, so Anthropologie fills my closet with the creative/unique pieces that I sometimes crave to have instead of the traditional pieces (which I still love).

They’re currently running a summer tag sale (select items up to 50% off), so I thought I would give you my top picks from the sale.

Mitered Stripe Peplum Top

This top is simply gorgeous. Love the bow finish.

Eyelet Empire Blouse

You can never have too many eyelet tops in the Summer. The pleated empire drop waist is a pretty twist on what would be an otherwise ordinary top.

Pomfrey Pullover

This pullover would be welcome in my closet. Perfect paired with white denim, and would be great for traveling year round.

Lauren Moffatt Ruffled Maillot

I literally love this suit. The ruffle detail sold me. I haven’t had a new swimsuit since our honeymoon in Aruba (eek – that was 5 years ago). The one piece would be great now that I am a Mom.

Vasanti Peasant Top

I think this top is so pretty. I love the peasant style in the Summer months.

Anapest Peasant Top

Another pretty peasant top. It would look great with jeans, black skinny pants or white denim/pants.

Foil Dot iPhone 6 Case

Gold foil polka dots? Yes, please! So cute…

Cut Crystal Drops

These earrings are gorgeous and would go with everything.

Kerala Embroidered Shift

This navy, scalloped dress. Need I say more? Nope.

Happy Shopping!

And, now I will leave you with these wise words on this lovely Monday!

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Until tomorrow friends!
~KSSBelle

Happy Weekend!

Posted on June 19, 2015 by KSSBelle

Happy Friday/Weekend!

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This week was the exact opposite of last week for me. Did it fly by for you? I cannot believe it’s already Friday, but I’m not complaining. I do apologize for the lack of blog posts…the time just simply got away from me this week. I had great intentions of sitting down during my second cup of coffee (once my little one was asleep during naptime), and other things just kept taking my attention away from blogging. I’ll be back next week, and have tons of great posts for you.

If you’re searching for a great recipe to make this weekend, make this Mexican casserole. It is amazing, and everyone gobbled it up (even the little one!). I also may try and make this Kentucky Butter Cake recipe for our Father’s Day celebration/brunch on Sunday.

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Have a happy weekend!

Southern Frock

Posted on June 17, 2015 by KSSBelle

A few years ago, I discovered “Southern Frock.” I have several tops of hers, and I just love them. They fit my frame really well (I’m 5’10), and give me that bright, preppy patterned top that I crave to wear in the Summer. I think one of my favorite outfits to wear in the Summer is a pair of crisp, white jeans and a bright, happy top. Who’s with me? Southern Frock in my opinion is just a pretty as Lilly Pulitzer, but is more budget friendly, especially when you buy some of her pieces on sale.

Below are my current favorites from the Southern Frock line right now.

Milly Blouse

I love everything about this blouse. The ruffle collar, the navy & pink print, the gold buttons, an the list goes on. I would wear this pretty blouse year round.

Gardner Blouse

This is another pretty top. The pattern is really cute, and the detail is on point.

Carolina Seersucker Dress

This dress is gorgeous, and perfect for the Summer. Love the pink, but the blue and white seersucker would be cute, too.

Did I mention that these are machine washable? That’s right, no dry cleaning. A lot of my tops are dry clean only from my working days. And, if you have a little one, machine washable just makes the most sense, at least right now – this line is both chic and machine washable.

Happy Weekend!

Posted on June 12, 2015 by KSSBelle

T.G.I.F.

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Who’s glad to see Friday? I know I sure am. I was all mixed up on my days this week for some odd reason. Yesterday, I thought it was Friday almost all day – talk about a major let down when I realized it was only Thursday.

I am kicking off my weekend with a hair appointment this morning (yay!), then planning on having a low key weekend with my little family! I do have a few t0-do’s like planting a few pretty hydrangeas, finishing up some thank you notes, as well as taking care of some other odds and ends around the house. Either way, it will be a fun, fun weekend spent with the ones I love.

I hope y’all have a happy weekend!