I am heading to NYC the beginning of next week to work with a salon brand on a curly hair product launch, whhhhhhat? I bought this hat in preparation, because I plan to spend every extra second shopping and eating - NOT washing my hair.
Hats make the most wonderful travel companions.
Hats also hide bad hair days, offer sun protection and elevate style instantly. I love hats.
There are so many fun versions right now so I thought I’d share my 4 favorites in hopes to inspire you all to try more hats. Or keep up the good work.
My spring hat picks...
The fisherman’s cap. Other variations are newsboy cap, engineer cap, bakers cap.
I am super excited about this style. This is the one I am wearing in the photo above. This particular hat is white wool, the perfect mix to wear year round and I plan on it. I wore it with wide leg jeans and an off the shoulder top the day I got it - pulled it right out of the box and wore it, sign of a winning purchase right?
Wide rimmed and woven. Fedoras. Straw hats.
If you're local to Seattle- all 3 of these hats are in my shop right now. Come visit us on Queen Anne, maybe you will find a few things you can't leave without.
If you're not nearby, I found a few similar online. Here are my picks...
This is a trend that I am sooooo excited about. I have always loved socks with heels, yet I have rarely done it. Until now. I partly credit my age and season of life, but also this journey of blogging for all who want to see - I have come to realize if it brings you joy - do it.
Frankly, it doesn't matter if it's a major fashion faux pau if it's major to you.
Are fashion faux paus even still a thing?
Just to make it clear, this trend is not. To be clear.
But a few guidelines, according to me, might be helpful. If you are thinking socks could be cool, but nah....let me attempt to change your mind and hold your hand into this one.
1. First, the sock shouldn't be too tight, squeezing the ankle/lower calf is not flattering. The challenge of course is you want your sock to stay up - no hungry shoes. This is why I like socks that have even just the smallest ruffle detail on the top edge.
2. Start with a heel that you would wear tights with, this is the easiest to add socks too. I'm not saying this is the only type of shoe that warrants a sock but it's the place to start. The easiest look is to match your socks to your shoes giving you that "sock booty" shoe style. I love this look but have yet to find an actual sock booty that fits the way I'd like it to.
3. Let the style of the shoe dictate the type of sock. For instance dress shoes - dress socks. Chunkier booties - chunkier socks. Hip clogs - a patterned hip sock (a patterned sock works so well with this type of neutral shoes.)
(click on images above to shop)
4. You may need to put a padded grip under the ball of your foot, socks can your feet slip right out, you can also use these. Or just stick to shoes with ankle straps.
5. Finally, my favorite place for socks is Free People. Many of the socks above are from their 3 for $30 sale. What I like is the price, having seen other similar socks for much more, the styles - sweet details like metallic stitching, simple ruffles, stripes, they have gotten their sock selection right and the fit - not too thin not too thick and a nice bit of stretch to stay in place but not squeeze.
Not ready for heels? How about switching out your typically sneakers socks or adding lace detail to your oxfords, and of course birks with socks...a few more pairings to inspire on this monday...
Holiday errands are inevitably overwhelming. My hope every year is that I can enjoy them. The journey is just as important as the end result. And life is too short, and too fast, to not stop and smell the roses. Or in this case produce. Really though anyone else get super excited about great produce?
The point of this post is to inspire you all, and myself, in two other ways this season. Create ways for errands to be enjoyable - shop your favorite markets, or take the scenic route, make it an adventure when the kids are in tow. And to not rush through the moments, maybe that means scratching a couple things off the list so that life can be less hectic. Saying No. Then maybe you can take a moment for yourself, even if it's just a great cup of coffee, or even better - plan your errands with a friend, and then have a lunch date.
When do we ever do that?
Why don't we ever do that??
But this only works if we let go of some of our agenda.
Honestly. And this is a great lesson for myself. As I type this, I am still struggling to let go of baking Thanksgiving rolls from scratch. Eye roll please. Sure they would probably be amazing. And I sure do NOT have the capacity right now. But it's also amazing too not flip my lid and not miss out on couch snuggles. Really these snuggle days are numbered, and already few and far between. So I am putting it in writing that I will not bake bread from scratch this week.
What will you give up to gain more of the good stuff?
Besides there are great rolls at the grocery store that someone else took the time to bake.
These made fresh in house every morning potstickers and the Fragrant Duck, oh my - paired with a spicy cocktail. Are you catching my lunch date idea yet??
Proof of today's Costco adventure, not at all remembering that it's gonna be a pre -Thanksgiving mad house. Maneuvering weighed down carts amidst the crowds without injuring anyone is absolutely a victory. And we made it a scavenger hunt, complete with crawling inside coolers - sorry Costco - then it becomes fun instead of maddening.
Cheers to deep breathes and fond memories with those we love as we prepare for Thanksgiving. When's the last time you met a friend for lunch mid-errand? Or crawled into a cooler? Just saying.
Hard to believe there was a time when coffee dates with my boys were the norm, and often the necessity, after long nights with them as waking babies or sick toddlers. Now we spend most mornings hustling out the door and me literally chasing them down for a hug goodbye. I think they secretly love this game we now play. Or at least this is what I tell myself. Those slow paced velvety foam moments of the past wer welcomed treat and much needed dose of caffeine. How I think back on those times fondly. Yet during I wasn't sure I would make it till the next day, or wash my hair that week. Funny how nostalgia paints everything golden. And some things never change.
These two boys spent a night at their grandparents house over the weekend and, man, Nick and I couldn't wait for them to return. Yet we often count down until bedtime.
This is the paradigm of motherhood I suppose.
So fun to have this moment with them, and drink from real cups, instead of ordering on the run. "Mommy do we hold the plate too or just the cup?" Clearly we need more real coffee dates.
A note on my watch. I discovered JORD wooden watches last year when I gave one to Nick. I had been wanting a natural toned wood watch every since we shot Nick's. So when JORD offered to partner with me for a giveaway, of course I said yes.
What is so cool about these watches is their classic timeless style uniquely updated in wood. The wood also keeps the watch very light weight and comfortable, you hardly notice it's there. The subtle grains of the wood add just the right amount of interest.
Particularly, I love the warm natural tone of this watch mixed with the cool silver accents in the face. The neutral color works with everything, and somehow it's both dressy and casual. I love the way it looks with my black sweater. I also picture wearing it with all my fall flannels, and love how it will look in the summer against tan skin and bright clothes.
Now go enter to win a $100 gift card good toward any JORD wooden watch, and just for entering receive a coupon for $25 off your purchase, click here to enter. Contest will end Oct 22nd at 11:59pm. Good Luck!
I've been a fan of Gorjana jewelry every since I received my first bracelet a few years ago. Her elegant yet beachy styles are perfect for layering, layering and more layering. Long gold necklaces and stackable rings - totally up my alley.
She is also woman and a mom you just want to hang out with in hopes of catching some of her beautiful yet totally laid back style. Really, how do you do that?
Recently Gorjana opened her fabulous flagship store in Laguna Beach. The style is spot on cool coastal and fabulously chic, exactly how I dream my house to look. In the midst of the relaxed vibe, she accomplishes making accessorizing a breeze. The layout is completely geared toward layering and playing to find your perfect jewelry pieces. You absolutely can't go away empty handed.
What I love about Gorjana pieces are the easy way they elevate any outfit, and most pieces come in gold, rose gold or sterling silver. So then it's all about deciding. Or go for all 3. Her stackable G ring set has been a staple in my wardrobe, I'm still obsessed with my body chain, and recently I have fallen hard for her Laguna Necklace.
The Gorjana Flagship store is also available for events, they sort of thought of everything in this little space - the back room with it's hanging rattan chair, wall of plants and shelf of rose will keep you taking your time and coming back for more. How fun does a shop and sip evening 3 blocks up from the beach sound?
It's a must.
Here are some of my favorite pieces currently.
earrings
bracelets
necklaces
rings
You can also find a large selection of Gorjana Jewelry at Nordstrom and on occasion Nordstrom Rack.