Style – Page 15

Design Darling & Top Picks

Posted on June 8, 2015June 8, 2015 by KSSBelle

Have you heard of the boutique Design Darling? I discovered it a little over 3 years ago. It’s a really cute and chic online boutique. This boutique features everything from candles to tassel earrings and even home decor. All of her stuff is happy and bright (two of my favorite things to be), definitely a perfect place for the typically “girly girl,” which I just so happen to be. Mackenzie has exceptional style and that’s exactly what she passes onto you in her online boutique. She also has a great blog, too. Another great one to add to your daily reading list. Her dog is precious too.

Here are my top picks from the Design Darling boutique! Some of these things may or may not be on my birthday list.

Happy Shopping!

Scalloped Desk Organizer – Pink Waves

How cute is this for your desk? It would be a great addition to my desk upstairs!

Ginger Jar Guest Towel

This guest towel would be perfect in our half bathroom downstairs!

Le Pen – Periwinkle Set of 12

These would be a colorful addition to my desk for writing notes in my planner, thank you notes, etc…

Camera Print

I took photography in high school, and to this day I still love it. This print would be a nice addition to my office gallery wall I am building.

Pearl Tassel Earrings

These would definitely be a “splurge” item for me, but I know I would love these for many years to come. Classic tassel earrings in my opinion.

Jonathan Adler Zebra Dish – Navy Blue

This would be a welcomed addition to my nightstand. I constantly have loose odds and ends like earrings and my watch on my nightstand. This would at least keep them organized.

Note Taking Queen Notebook

My love for elephants continues…I am constantly writing “to-do” lists, adding things to my “dream list” and so this notebook would be a happy one to open anytime I need to jot a thought down on paper.

Loving Lately

Posted on June 4, 2015 by KSSBelle

It’s always fun to discover things that other people are loving right now, so I thought I would share with you some things that I’m loving lately. These are random, so bare with me. What are some things that you’re loving lately?

Smoothies

I feel like they start my day off on the right foot. I will make them for my husband and I most mornings now, but we’ve found that our little one likes them just as much as we do. I typically mix up one granny smith apple, 2 or 3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt, one banana, 4-5 strawberries, 1/2 cup of milk, a handful of ice and sometimes I add flax. It’s a great way to get your fruit in for the day.

Roku

This has been an awesome investment for us. Between my husband working late in the evenings and the little one’s bedtime, we just can’t seem to catch our shows during the actual time they’re on air. So, we use our Roku. It’s awesome. You decide when you want to watch it. We also have Netflix streaming on our Roku as well (thanks to my brother adding us to his share plan! Thanks big bro!) It’s really convenient for us, and we love it.

Patio Dinners

When the weather is nice, my husband and I will take our dinner and a glass of wine outside. We plug the baby monitor in, and talk about our days. (We also do this on the weekend mornings too, just with our coffee). It makes for a great date night for us at home, just outdoors! We definitely are lighting our citronella candle these days, but it is so worth it to see the sun go down in the evenings together. We do go on date nights occasionally, but we’re such homebodies, so the ones at home are perfect, too!

Gardening

This year I’ve finally had time to do a little bit of gardening. My Mom is the only reason why I know what I’m doing though. She is my go-to when it comes to plants, where they should go in the yard, and how to take care of them. I even enjoy watering all of the flowers/shrubs in the evenings, too. I hope I can be half as good as my Mom is one day in the garden. I remember as a kid, dreading going to the nurseries with her because I would have rather been playing with my friends at home, and I thought to myself “I’m not going to do this to my kids.” Well, I have to say, I’ve now taken my little one to the nursery several times, and I am so turning into my Mom in so many ways! I laugh about it a lot, but turning into my Mom is the best thing in the world. I now understand her love of gardening. The pretty blooms make me so happy.

Blogging

I knew in my heart that I always wanted to start a fashion blog, and after I quit my job as a Senior Copywriter in the fashion world to be at home with my little one, I decided it was time. It was well overdue in fact. I love that I get to continue writing, and combine my creative side in photography/fashion. It’s the perfect outlet for me, and hopefully I am inspiring others along the way. I am excited that I’ll be adding more “Outfit Posts” soon, too! I love styling outfits. So stay tuned my friends.

All images in this post via

J.Crew Factory – The June Edit

Posted on June 3, 2015 by KSSBelle

As I mentioned in this post, I want to bring you my “top picks” from what I consider my more budget-friendly shops, especially when they’re having great sales.

As I have said many times before, when I shop, I like to buy things that will last for more than one season (more like for many years my friends), and that I’ll truly love for a long time.

Since J.Crew Factory is offering an Extra 30% off Everything online only (Use Code: SPLASHYSALE), plus free shipping today only, I thought I would give you my “June Edit” for J.Crew Factory.

Happy Shopping!

Factory Laser Cut Swing Tee

The laser cut sleeves is what really drew me to this top. It’s unexpected, but welcomed to what would be just an ordinary top. This top would look great with any pair of jeans and shorts right now.

Factory Long Sleeve Eyelet Shirt

I really love the eyelet detail on this shirt. I also love the long sleeves. I am not opposed to wearing a long sleeve top in the Summer months since it does have such a lightweight look about it. It would look perfect with a great pair of white jeans (I am a big fan of an all white outfit in the Summer) or shorts.

Factory Flared Skirt

These flared skirts caught my eye at J.Crew during the Fall when I was expecting. I fell in love with the look, but needed to wait until post baby to wear it. Now that I can wear this skirt, my color choice is ivory. It will look great in the Summer with a classic button up and sandals, and even better in the Fall/Winter with black tights, boots and a sweater. V.E.R.S.A.T.I.LE.

Factory Boyfriend Boatneck Sweater

There’s nothing better than throwing on a Summer weight sweater to keep you cozy on those cooler evenings. It’s the perfect baby blue hue, too.

Factory Maxi Dress with Pom Pom Trim

This maxi is gorgeous. I was sold with the pom poms, but the embroidery detail is pretty too.

Factory Printed Pleated Short

This print is both bright and abstract, which just screams Summer to me. Put on a crisp, white button up and cute sandals and “hello Summer chic!”

Factory Rattan Clutch

Kate Spade had a similar design, but this one is a fraction of the price, which makes it even better. I would love to have this clutch for a date night or girls night out.

Be Squared – Gingham

Posted on June 2, 2015June 2, 2015 by KSSBelle

Gingham is quite possibly the most popular pattern in fashion, well, that and stripes. It’s timeless which is probably one of the reasons why I love it so much. You can wear it year round, you can decorate your home with this pattern, and you can even eat off of adorable gingham plates, monogrammed if you so desire. I simply love gingham. I love the fact that it’s also so simple, too. It’s an incredibly wearable pattern for women and men of all ages. You can literally wear it from the time you’re a baby to the time your 92. You’ll find this pattern in so many rich colors, which is what makes it fun. Besides the gingham clothing my family and I wear, we recovered some bamboo chairs in a cranberry, yellow, green and gold gingham pattern 4 years ago. These chairs are just happy, preppy chairs in our living room. To this day, I never tire of them. So, whether or not you want to wear gingham, decorate with it or even tote the pattern around town, know it will never go out of style.

All above images via

Here are just a few things in gingham that I’m loving right now. Do you love this pattern? What are your favorite gingham pieces these days?

Giselle Gingham Top

This top is amazing. It’s a little bit dressier than a classic button up, which is a nice change. I love the 3/4 sleeve length. This top would look great with white jeans in the summer or a cute pair of shorts, too.

The St. Anne Tote

Barrington Gift totes are my favorite. This gingham print is new for Summer. I have the St. Anne Axis diaper bag tote, and it holds everything we need very well. This new navy, gingham tote just might have to be added to my collection.

Melamine Monogram Salad Plates

Have you seen the “Preppy Paper Girl” shop on Etsy? Everything in her shop is incredibly chic. If you need a gift for someone preppy, this is the only place you need to shop. These salad plates come in so many beautiful colors, and would look great for everyday or if you’re hosting a party. These plates would make a great hostess gift too.

Staffordshire Folded Notecards

Another great pick from the Preppy Paper Girl shop. Call me old fashioned, but I am a big fan of snail mail. I was raised to write handwritten thank you notes. I will be instilling this same tradition in my children, too. These gingham notecards make writing your thank you notes so much more fun in my opinion.

Happy Weekend!

Posted on May 29, 2015May 29, 2015 by KSSBelle

Happy Friday, Everyone!

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What are your plans for this weekend? I hope whatever you’re doing, it’s relaxing and spent with the ones you love. We’re planning on taking our twinkle toes to our favorite breakfast spot Saturday morning for some pancakes (first time!). We also have a birthday party to attend for some dear friends of ours which we are looking forward to on Saturday afternoon. And, I may or may not have a small “honey to-do list” for the Mr. in my life! There will be plenty of relaxing involved as well, as I am not that mean. Wink. Wink.

Old Navy – Favorites Lately

Posted on May 28, 2015May 28, 2015 by KSSBelle

Old Navy has really outdone themselves this season. Lately, I have been shopping there for my entire family. If you sign up to receive their emails, you save an additional 20% off your first purchase, too.

On a side note: In the Wall Street Journal yesterday they were talking about how J.Crew has really started losing their loyal customer base. I will have to say I am one of them. I love J.Crew (especially the Tall pants and their coats), but I am loving J.Crew Factory more and more lately. J.Crew Factory and Old Navy are my two “go-to” stores now. Old Navy has really taken a turn towards the preppy styles, and that makes me one, happy girl. Plus, you cannot beat their prices when they’re having these great sales!

Below are my favorites from Old Navy right now.

Boxy Scalloped Edge Top

This top is adorable. Combining a scalloped edge and eyelet is perfection in my book. You can wear this with shorts and jeans! It’s a really pretty top. I love the length on the sleeves, too. It also comes in white.

Embroidered Gauze Camis

I wear camis all of the time in the Summer. Throw on a cardigan or wear alone. I love the embroidery detail. The cobalt blue is gorgeous.

Striped Boatneck Tops

This top is an everyday staple. Perfect with a pair of solid or patterned shorts or white jeans. It comes in some really great colors, too. A great shirt for Moms, yet still stylish!

Scalloped Edge Sleeveless Top

LOVE this top. Again, the scalloped edge and eyelet. It was love at first sight. It also comes in several colors. Wear it with shorts, jeans or a great pair of skinny pants.

Printed Pixie Chino Shorts

Stripes. You can never have too many. Perfect everyday shorts for the Summer. Pair them with a classic button up or a causal tee and sandals and you’re set.

Jersey Tank Maxi Dress

If you want to be comfortable, but still in style a maxi dress is the way to go. The neckline is different, and this dress comes in tall!

Pleated Crepe Skirt

This skirt is cute. I love the simple stripes at the bottom. A very nautical color combination.

Suede Wedge Sandals

Pink wedges! I am in love. You can wear these pretty shoes with anything this Summer. Pair these with shorts, pants, skirts…whatever your heart desires!

What are you loving at Old Navy lately? What did you think about the WSJ article about J.Crew? I still love J.Crew, too. I haven’t given up on them.

Home Sweet Home – Updates

Posted on May 22, 2015May 22, 2015 by KSSBelle

Ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to make my home inviting, cozy and classic all at the same time. It takes time and money to do both of these things. Afterall, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

However, the best way I have been able to do that is through a consignment stores, Homegoods & Target. Just another great tip my Mom taught me years ago. There are some really great finds at these stores, at superb prices. I think she and I really enjoy the “hunt” of finding that great piece, too. In fact, some of my favorite pieces have come from consignment.

Lately, I’ve been wanting to update a few things here and there in our house to make it more “ours.” Below are a few of the things on my “update list.” These updates are on the smaller side, as they aren’t major renovations, but they will have a big impact which will be nice.

Where do you shop for your home? What updates are you wanting to make to your house lately?

allen + roth 18-in W Antique Rustic Bronze Standard Pendant Light

I want to replace our foyer light. This light is very modern for me, but I really like the Orb light. We have a pretty large/open foyer, and I think this would look great in that space.

Sea Gull Lighting Lockheart 4 light lantern foyer pendant

I also really LOVE this one, but it’s a bit more expensive. Of course, the one I really love is the more expensive one. This happens to me all of the time. “Champagne taste on a beer budget” as my Dad always says. We’ll just have to wait and see which one we go with…

Pottery Barn Pearl Embroidered Duvet Cover & Shams

I really love the pearl embroidery on this duvet set. It’s a very crisp and clean look for a master bedroom. I still like our bedding we registered for when we were getting married, but I’m ready for a change. The navy color is classic, and I plan to add our monogram to the shams.

Natural Linen Paige Round Back Dining Chairs, Set of 2

We currently have a dining room table with 4 chairs, and I would like to add 2 more for each end where my husband and I sit. We host a lot of dinners, but are always bringing our kitchen table chairs into our dining room during these dinners. These would be a welcomed addition to our dining room.

That’s all I am thinking about for right now. The wish list is long, but these items are a great start!

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Have a happy weekend!

Your Go-To Shirt

Posted on May 20, 2015 by KSSBelle

There are so many styles out in the fashion world that come and go, but one has remained a “go-to” for me, and for society for years and years – the button up shirt.

If you walk into your closet and don’t own any button up shirts, you need to get a few. This will save you during those mornings of “I don’t have anything to wear.” You can pair this shirt with a great pair of jeans, dress pants, a skirt of any length or even an pair of cut off shorts. It’s so versatile and flattering, every time. Are you noticing a theme on this blog yet? You may have noticed I am a big believer in “versatility.”

The button up shirt is seriously my go-t0 shirt year round when I want to look pulled together in an instant. I used to iron at least 7 button up shirts every Sunday evening when I was single and working. It’s a style staple every woman needs in her closet. It’ll be forever chic in my book, and yours.

If you don’t want to go to the dry cleaners every week, just invest in a really good iron & some heavy starch. Before you set out to iron, just turn on your favorite TV show or music, and ironing won’t seem like such torture.

I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite button up shirts, and some looks to get you inspired!

Factory Infinity Shirt

Gap Fitted Boyfriend Oxford Shirt

J.Crew Boy Shirt in Crinkle Gingham

All “Look” images via

Favorites Lately – BaubleBar

Posted on May 15, 2015 by KSSBelle

Happy Friday, Everyone! I hope you’re as excited about the weekend as I am!

An easy, affordable way to update your look each season is through accessories. BaubleBar is always on trend, but I do like the fact that they try to mix in the classics in their collection as well. There is something at BaubleBar for everyone, no matter what your style may be.

Below are my BaubleBar favorites lately. Happy Shopping!

Gilded Leo Cuff Bracelet

I really love the lions and the gold. This is a great everyday bracelet you can layer or wear alone.

Petite Pearl Cuff

Pearls. You can never have enough in my opinion. They are classic. I have extremely small wrists, so this petite pearl cuff is perfect. Simplicity in my opinion, can be so pretty.

Mini Pearl Beaded Tassel Lariat Necklace

You can pretty much wear this necklace with any top in your closet (except for already adorned tops). It really dresses up a basic tee and jeans for Summer time. Pearl tassels, yes please!

Cape Town Bracelet Set

I just love the colors in this bracelet set. I would wear this with everything in my closet. You can wear each one alone, a few at a time or all of them. The possibilities are endless my friends.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Summer Soles

Posted on May 12, 2015May 12, 2015 by KSSBelle

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Summer is in full swing now. The heat wave just hit us this week, and I can tell you, I’m not sure I was ready for it. I prefer Fall and Spring temperatures, but since Summer is here to stay, I will embrace it with some cute shoes. I mean, who doesn’t need another excuse to buy a bright pair of fun heels, right?

I like to keep my shoes classic in style, but with a punch of color during the Summer months. In my opinion, nothing looks more stunning than a neutral outfit like a white dress, or an all black top and pant combo paired with a bright pair of heels. I’m really loving the ankle strap sandals this year. While these are a little bit dressier for a Mom, I would love to add any of these pairs to my shoe collection for date nights or church.

Below are my favorites right now!

Banana Republic Laney Lace-Up Sandal

How gorgeous is this emerald green color? Absolutely love it, and it will go with anything in your closet.

Sole Society Anneke

These look like the Valentino studded pumps we all love; however, they’re a fraction of the price. They come in several colors, and you can wear these year round.

Boden Alice High Heel

What a pretty color combination! And the tassels…I adore these pumps. Another pair that I would wear year round!

Steve Madden Favorit Sandal

These are so fun, and Mom friendly! I love the cobalt blue and fringe. These would look great paired with an all white outfit or navy or black! So many options.