Back In The Saddle

I have always found strength in a great outfit, as silly as this may sound...motivation, confidence, joy...

So when it's time to get back on the saddle, it's best to do it in a really good outfit.  Like when I've posted twice in the last month and if I don't start now I may never again.  I have so much good stuff to share, it's just that life gets overwhelming...and then I tend to avoid.

But you just can't ignore this coat.  It's happy and furry, so soft and warm.  The love affair started last year with this coat *sigh*  (Jenn and I were having coffee and we politely cornered this stylish women needing to know where her fabulous rusty red coat was from) and always keeping an eye, I finally found this one.  I may have just purchased it before thinking, when I was actually supposed to be only making a list of gift ideas for Nick.  It was the last one in my size, and on sale, I couldn't risk it getting away.  Then it sat in customs for a month.  Karma?  Customs Karma?  perhaps.

Well it was worth the wait.

Also these jeans paired with my favorite look right now, cowboy boots.  Finally a way to go cropped when the temperatures drop and still have warm ankles. 

Two trends I am going to wear out this winter. 

coat - Asos

jeans - Mavi

boots - Frye oldies, you might still be able to find "Taylor Pull On"

shirt - Nation LTD c/o

necklaces can be found at my shop Queen Anne Frame.

I major shout out to the certain 10yr old I bribed with the new Dogman book to take these photos.  Not too bad eh?  Here's to the potential that 2019 holds for us all.  

Thank you for continuing to read my blog. 

best

Kirsty

I Put All My Winter Sweaters Away Except This One...

Because it's Tuesday and cold outside.  Sometimes your outfit looks like Friday's and the weather forecast ahead is glorious.  Then it simply drops 20 or 30 degrees, like no big deal.  And I simply switch out my kimono for my cardi.  Also no big deal.  Same sandals, tank and jeans. 

This sweater also comes in handy for those late evening activities, because you never know what's going to happen when the sun goes down.  Hey, keep it clean, I'm just talking temps.

This is the sweater that stays out all year long. 

This sweater is by Not Monday.  If you don't know this brand, you need to check them out.  They make my favorite tees.  And this cardigan.  The attention to detail and craftsmanship are on point.  This sweater has been worn and worn and you can't tell.  That is what I want in a sweater, and what I am willing to pay more for. 

Because I know it will last.  And I won't have to replace it next season.  Except that I want it in all colors. 

Oh a girl can dream.

Bonus the founder is a fabulous women, committed to the quality and vision of her brand.

cardigan - Not Monday c/o.  here

jeans - Joes c/o.  here

shoes - Cocobelle c/o.  here

bag - Hobo c/o.  here

necklace - Lucia K. Jewelry

So here's to endless warm summer nights, but just in case they aren't, warm that is, this cardigan has me covered, either way many moments under the stars please.

photos by Angie.

best,
Kirsty

February Faux. 6 Favorite Faux Fur Coats On Sale.

You should see the chair in my bedroom.  It's covered in a lot of faux fur...white, red, navy, brown, I've acquired quite a collection over the years, and since this winter weather is showing no signs of letting up - it's all making an appearance. 

I mean who needs a cat?  

I love that faux fur has been strong the last few seasons, and now it's bigger and brighter than ever.  The newest addition to my collection is this turquoise faux fur coat.  I wore it the last few days while in Whistler.  It works with casual jeans and a sweatshirt, just as well as it would with something more fancy.  I love the texture of the longer fur, although I did get it stuck in the car door handle, hazards of fashion, and the deep turquoise color is fantastic.  And I scored it on major major sale.   (It runs quite large, I am wearing an xxs/xs and it's roomy.)

One of the best parts about February is that we are still in the thick of winter coats but they are all starting to go on sale.  Hey when life gives us lemons...

So today I am sharing my favorite faux fur currently on sale.  (click on the image for details)

Now if I could just figure out how to store and organize all my fluff.  Any suggestions??

Happy Monday.

best,

Kirsty

When Is The Last Time You Stopped to Eat Duck, or Crawled Into A Cooler?

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?

I digress.

Friday I shared about taking time to workout during the holiday schedule upheaval - carving out space for yourself. 

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??

bag - Queen Anne Frame

shirt - Gypsy 05 c/o.  currently 30% off

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.

Photos and lunch date by Jenn.

You can see more daily adventures by following me on instagram @thekirstyfiles

best,
Kirsty

This post was done in partnership with Wild Ginger.

Anthro Head to Toe

Confession:  I'm a bit of Anthro Addict.

Sometimes the clothes speak for themselves.  As is often the case with Anthropologie.  Almost always a weakness for me.  Especially for shoes, denim, statement coats, dresses -especially the sale ones...

Today I have my eye on these socks because I love the sock with dress shoe trend.  Always have.  And all of the luxurious textures and embellishments, it makes everything more bright and happy. 

And of course their home decor.  My bedding is from there, as are many of my pillows.

What I love about Anthro is that you can pick a statement piece, like this fur collar coat, and it will give a your staple fall wardrobe new life.  These jeans and shoes, oldies from Anthro, have a whole new fresh look with my new coat.  The lace shirt, also from Anthro, is still available.  I was hesitant to spend 50$ for a lace white shirt, but I have worn it all the time.  It's a basic I keep reaching for to go with all my high-waisted denim.  I have also worn it backwards to change up the neckline.

I had been stalking this coat and waited until they had a sale to finally purchase. 

coat - Anthropologie

shirt - Anthropologie

shoes & jeans - Old Anthro purchases

cocktail ring - Queen Anne Frame

PSA:  make your wishlist now, as I'm sure Anthro will have great Black Friday deals.  Check back on my blog to find out.  

photos by Jessica.

Thanks for reading.

best,

Kirsty

Part Summer Part Fall, Can You Feel It?

I love this outfit for right now.  It's totally late summer, still feeling the warmth of the sun but also the slight chill of fall.  It makes my giddy, fall is my favorite.  Of course I am savoring every last bit of summer and we are finishing strong but the fall settles my soul.  And the summer warms my soul.

So there you go.  Torn.  But the outfits right now are the best.  Just a bit of layering over summer pieces.  I love the mix of my half mini skirt with an oversized cargo jacket, it's sort of feminine with an edge - and a great way to wear my skirt casually.

Adding a jacket - be it an oversized military jacket that is so on trend right now or a classic leather jacket or even a boyfriend blazer, will transform your summer dresses and skirts into an updated version of themselves.  Rather than grabbing for a safe (and you can never go wrong) jean jacket, step outside your routine.  When they say opposites attract, it's completely true in the case.  So give it a try.

Then the shoe, a great sneaker works with everything, especially a mini skirt.  The army green and red is a great late summer combo.

The other part of this post that I love is the home inspo.  Those plants right??  I am totally a plant lady and have been well before it was the cool thing to do.  As the weather changes I totally start to nest and on the eve of two years into moving back home I am truly starting to define our space and decorate.   I know.  It takes me a loooooong time.  But I'm inspired.  Creating a functional space that celebrates what we love and inspires us, and also allows us to gather with those we care about.  Well that needs to be happening whether I have pictures on the wall or not, but this fall I plan to share more of our home journey on the blog.

jacket - Free People, on sale here with additional 20% off thru 8.27

 also here in khaki.  I sized up because I wanted to fit oversized.

skirt - old.

shoes - Brooks c/o.  see below for the last of them, get them before they are gone!

Part summer part fall - the best of both worlds.

Happy Friday
best,
Kirsty