A Fall Wish List

At this moment in time a change in wardrobe is often on my mind and I find myself doing much of my online window shopping at J Crew. They're just so stinking amazing. 

Here are my favorite J Crew picks, those I'm just itching to own (though I hope to find options at a more affordable price). Plus another couple of lovelies that I've clicked on a million times now. 

comfy but chic "vintage" cords -  J. Crew - $79.50

art deco resin bangle - J. Crew - $55

 silk shirts - J. Crew - $98

glitter suspenders! (worn with jeans and a peeking out from under a blazer) - Crewcuts- $24.50

gorgeous leopard heels - Sam Edelman - $168

polka dotted and perfect - Madewell - $78

Bliss {ish}

{closet visit}

My little Monty Rowan went off to pre-school this morning. So that's 2 of my tiny guys out the door now, leaving little E and mamma all on our own. Lovely. 

This is what I wish I would have done this morning. Sat around in one of my finest gowns dripping in my most gorgeous accessories under my most spectacular chandelier.

Instead .... I scrubbed the walls. Eh. 

That's okay. I hope to wear something totally fabulous next Wednesday night. Hope you're there too! 

Autumn Spices

The boys and I really spiced things up yesterday, adding dashes (no - punches!) of warm color to our outfits. It may not be cold enough for true Fall layers but we look forward to the eventual beauty just around the corner by wearing some of those colors reminiscent of Autumn. 

Is it possible to have so many "favorite time(s) of the year"? I really should pick just one, be fair to the others. 

 {Boys: tops - Old Navy & Gap, jeans - SA}

{necklace - Besselli (GB), blazer - Gap, silk tank - Tucker for Target, denim skirt - SA, purse - Nicole Miller from T J Maxx, shoes - Kohls}

I have this question from time to time, so I want to mention that all outfit pics are taken by the most-adored-and-appreciated huz (except for that one month of remixing I did back in February. that was a tripod). You're the bees knees babe! <3 <3 <3 

An Ode to Days of Old {and by that I mean young}

Sweet days of youth, of carefree abandon

We are quite weepy from your departure

A vice-like grip is struggling to weaken

You are just so ... well, FUN

And smothered in love

We miss you, miss you, miss you

(tear, tear, tear)

Day 1

 Day 2

 Day 3

This has been h.a.r.d! Many of you lovely mammas have been here, done it. Was it hard for you and yours too? We're on day 3 of P's first week in 1st grade. Day 1 was decent (how could it not be) but day 2 brought home tears .... lots of gut wrenching tears.

"It's so boring ... they always say "no" ... I can't play with any toys ... I wasn't allowed to draw a picture in my book ... I couldn't get my dessert ... they make me write for a long time ... I already know how to read and do math" (followed by an attempt to prove it with math and spelling games for the next 30 minutes)

And he was so stinking serious about it, trying really hard to convince me that he didn't actually need to go to school (and I understand how things can be exaggerated in the heat of a melt down). Funny thing is, it all started with that dessert. He eats slowly and for 2 days in a row, had missed his opportunity to get dessert before the bell rang, I suspect. We have a real good mix of smothered giggles and worried faces in response to his bellowing, but when you get right down to it, I can't stand seeing him so overwhelmed by it all.

He doesn't want to grow up anymore (no thank you); he wants things to stay as they were (and I don't blame him). What a difficult change this must be for our first graders, such a jump from child to big boy. And for the first time he has to really figure things out for himself, without any help from his mom. It's hard for me to let go of that, to send him off to that responsibility of figuring it out without my help. Independence and responsibility is hard earned (but eventually, well worth these growing pains).

I know it will get easier for him and that he'll become comfortable and confident with his schooling and education. But just don't tell him this is the first year of at least 12 more! Poor little man.

{Thank you to all who send me wonderful comments and emails after some of these more "distressed" posts. They are so appreciated :)}

{Outfit} Disassembled

This is what I wore today, broken down for you. Sometimes the pieces are prettier photographed alone rather than together. At least in this instance. 

 {longer necklace - gift from BFF in SA}

 {lucky find years ago from a great vintage store, now closed :( - Deco 2 Disco in Tulsa}

 mom's hat (not stolen) - found in her basement

 the mash-up 

(Full disclosure: I threw on those shoes just for these pics. Not sure if I can be that glamorous at school pick up!? Though I sure would love to.)

{t - Old Navy, jeans - Gap}

Pretty Picks - Bohemian Inspired

 I've been filling my inspiration files with loads of beyond-beautiful images and as always, they're leaning in a very bohemian glam direction. You can see more of the things that make me slightly swoony at Pinterest or by clicking on "My Inspiration Boards" in the left sidebar. Today's imagery is chock full of things I adore, both in fashion and decor - black chandeliers, zebra skin rugs, claw foot tubs, embroidery and crochet (over anything), turbans, turquoise jewelry, and gorgeous fashion (glamorous, romantic, vintage & sometimes edgy). 

{image sources available at Pinterest}

Mommy Moments

Today is our last day of summer break and I'm all mushy about it. Last year I all but shoved the kids out the door (here!) but it's a little different this time. Parker is off to first grade and we really can't believe it. I suppose it's just that first time round that it's a nerve wrecking job sending your child off to school with  loads of other kids and adults you really don't know and for the majority of his day (not saying I want to home school, just to set that straight). My 6 year old will be sitting in his very own desk (right in front of the teacher's desk too!) and day in and day out he'll be practicing all of the things we have worked so hard to teach him here at home, the character stuff ... now putting it into action. How will he do?

And I'm still boggled by the fact that he'll be there from 7:55am to 3:15pm, a longer day for my first grader than I even had as a senior in high school. That kills me! Wake up time will not be the same again, that's for sure. I'm nervous (can you tell?) and I hope that this goes better for him than it is currently going for me. :) I'm just awed by the fact that this is where we are now, that next stage of family life is knocking at our door. My relief is in the fact that I know he will be safe there, cared for and loved, respected and challenged.

God, be with him and help him in his new adventure. Every minute of every day. Oh yes, and be with me too!

Here's to a new beginning ...

Black and White Weekend

It seems that I had a very color (or lack thereof) focused couple of days, wearing outfits consisting almost entirely of black and white, not the uszh for me. Sometimes I find myself in that sort of mood (colors really can depict my mood and often even brighten it, especially in mid-winter when I'm fairly close to death), the kind where a crisp white with a classic black is perfect all on it's own, no additional pigments necessary. 

This is the dressy version of that color palette.

{our new lens is kinda awesome, isn't it?}

 {Outfit 1: t & necklace - J. Crew, skirt - Gap, sandals - Aldo}

And the more casual ensemble ... movie date with my man (hence the jacket)

{Outfit 2: jacket - Hollister (ooold), t - Old Navy, scarf & skirt - Target, boots - Forever 21}

PS: This used to be my perfect "boyfriend" t, fits just right in all the right places. But it now boasts a savage hole (Old Navy will do that to you). My sister recently discovered that the size small men's t-shirt from Gap is her perfect boyfriend t. Yay for that! Have you found another elsewhere that is your perfect "boyfriend" fit (oversized, slouchy and fab)? Do share!

A Photo Shoot

Yesterday I had the pleasure of shooting a gorgeous family at my home, the Hoiskas. This little lady, OnnaLiese, is unbelievable in front of the camera and left me with oodles of beautiful pictures to edit. 

Here are my favorites (and there are many!)...

 Thank you precious family for allowing me the pleasure of shooting you! 

If you're interested in a photo shoot of your own and live in the GB area, send me an email at kirstyloug@gmail.com and we'll set something up. :)