Typically, the minute I get home I like to be in comfortable clothes. Every once in a while I get on a kick where I like to have somewhat stylish and comfy lounge wear to well, lounge in at home!
If I am being honest though, most of the time my lounge wear evolves into, or has already been established as my pajamas, as well. And not that I feel the need to look amazing or to be dressed to the nines all the time for my husband (or for myself), but I do tend to feel a little more pulled together, which leads to getting more accomplished around the house, if I am wearing something that I deem suitable or stylish. This doesn't include the tee shirt that is so worn in it's dingy, or the yoga pants that have been worn and washed so many times they are literally worn thin! (which is what I tend to reach for most of the time!)
So, I went on a little search for cute, but could maybe double as pajamas someday lounge wear. I found a couple of adorable options that came home with me. I thought both pants would pair well with a tee and cardigan. To me, sporting a cardigan with comfy pants just feels more put together-maybe more of an outfit than just something to lay around in. I realize these outfits aren't groundbreaking, BUT-they do make a great alternative to sporting your pajamas all of the time!
Oh and excuse the lighting...this whole getting dark earlier thing is tough to navigate when you have blog pictures to take! And also-I thought about cleaning up the house a bit before these pictures, but then that wouldn't be real. My house is never spotless, and there are always shoes laying around, toys on the floor, an empty glass that needs to be put in the sink. That's my life-why pretend it's not?!
I enjoy a good button up plaid for the fall, don't you? I especially love ones that are a little lightweight. They are great for layering-I particularly love layering them under boyfriend cardigans, sweaters and even vests. They also look great worn alone, or even open with a simple tee underneath.
I wore this outfit this past Sunday. I had a nice, lazy morning at my parents house before the two hour ride back home. I typically like to wear things a little more comfortable for long car rides-I'm talking leggings and super comfy tops-but this fit the bill. The top was loose enough to be comfortable. The sweater kept me cozy but not too hot.
I also think this plaid top would look great with my new high waisted jeans (you can see how I styled them here). I plan on knotting it and sporting my worn in Chuck Taylors for an easy, casual look! (which seems to be my only two requirements for my outfits as of late! HA!)
I will say as the day progressed I did start to get a little hot-anyone else just ready for the morning to night cold? It's so tough to dress on these oddly warm fall days-cold in the morning, warm, warmer, warmer (as the day progresses), then cold again at night! Aaahhh!
I had the best weekend with my family! We headed home to celebrate my aunt/Godmother's 70th birthday with a surprise party! It was so great to spend time with family that I don't get to see that often. We always have such a great time together-my family is such a riot and there's nothing but laughs when we are all together!
My family is pretty casual, so I didn't have to get too dressed up. This sweater from my boutique was an easy item to toss into my suitcase for the weekend. This sweater is one size fits all-it lays nicely without being too baggy or snug! Plus it'll keep you nice and toasty!
It would be super simple to dress up with a pair of heels or even dressier pants, but I opted to keep it casual with my favorite jeans and super comfortable booties. I bought these black booties on a whim when I was in Old Navy a few weeks ago-so glad I did! I had been looking for a black bootie with a small heel that could be a little bit dressy/a little bit casual. These fit the bill and are so comfortable!
As a Mom, a business owner, and blogger I am always on the go. Always. While there are things I have had to sacrifice as a Mommy, my style is not one of them and never will be. When I take care of myself, dress in a stylish outfit and slap on a little lipstick, I feel like I have it together (or at least look like I have it together! Ha!)
Like I said earlier this week, I love a good quality handbag. While some of my favorites can be investments, I know they will last and will hold up from day to day, whether I am at the playground with my girls, or on a date night with my husband.
When it comes to handbags, one thing that I find I don't have time for (or I am just too lazy to do) is change my purse to match every outfit. I prefer handbags that I can take with me from day to night, play date to date night. In the past, I have been known to lose this or that, only to find it in a purse that I used a few days ago-in the midst of switching bags I always accidentally leave something behind! So annoying! Another reason I love a versatile bag!
Mom's-you can have a stylish purse AND still parent. I know there are Mom's out there that blinked, and all of a sudden you are using a re-usable grocery bag as your purse, diaper bag, work bag, and grocery bag all in one. It doesn't have to be that way ladies! You don't have to sacrifice one for the other!
One of my current go-to bags is the Gigi New York Stella Foldover Clutch. What I love about it is it serves double duty for me. I can wear it during the day with the strap so it's hands free. When I'm with my girls I need to have my hands free to open this, zipper that, pick up this, button that. I don't have time to be fumbling with my purse while I am trying to parent!
(and let's just talk about the elephant in the room. yes, my initials spell RAW. Haha!)
As much as Ryan and I love our girls, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a treat to ditch them every once in a while and have a date night. Nothing like being able to eat your meal the whole way through and having adult conversation (which ultimately ends up about the girls anyway)!
Like I said before, being that I am busy and all over the place, the last thing I want to/like to do is change my purse. When it's time to head out the door, all I have to do with my Stella Foldover Clutch is remove the straps and I am all set. Although it's a clutch, it is quite roomy. I am able to store my rather large wallet, another small zipper wallet, my sunglasses, and my phone. That leaves just enough room for the infamous "honey can you put this in your purse for me?"
Our date nights tend to be on the more casual side. We don't go too over the top-just out to dinner, sometimes a movie, or even out with friends is perfect enough for us. We often joke that an ideal date for us would be to go and park our car somewhere and just nap! Anyone else feel me?! Ha!
Dress: Old Navy /// Fur Vest: Elizabeth & West (similar) /// Heels: Forever 21 (similar)
Photos:
Crisha Lynn Photography
While I love a good bargain, a well made, versatile bag is something I am willing to invest in as I am certain it will hold up in my day to day craziness all while keeping my stylish! I am particularly fond of the Moss Green color of my clutch-I think it's great for this time of year especially, but when paired with the right outfit can be used year round.
I adore my Stella Clutch, but Gigi has a lot of other great bags that I can see easily fitting into my life:
While I love a great deal there is something to be said for splurging on a really great handbag. Unlike the sweaters, pants, or tops that I may get at a really great bargain, I don't wear it or use it everyday.
Handbags on the other hand get a lot of action. I go through phases where I will carry the same purse for weeks at a time, then switch, then switch again. At any given time, I am using one of my bags literally every day. I like to know that I am carrying a good quality bag- one that will hold up while getting tossed in the car, tossed in my shopping cart, or tossed over a restaurant chair.
The rest of this week I am dedicating my blog posts to a couple of handbag brands that I absolutely adore. They are investments-bags that may cost a bit but are worth it-they will last, both in terms of quality and style.
If you have been following my blog for a while you know my love for Blair Ritchey Handbags. Not only is she such a great person (and a fab Mommy), she designs and crafts all of her bags here in USA. The quality is impeccable, the pieces are classic and most importantly (for me, at least) functional.
One of my favorite pieces of Blair's is the Curtin Tote I have used this for a small weekend bag, to a work bag (I am currently using her Penn Carry-All as my work bag), to an every day bag!
I swear this bag is like a Mary Poppins bag-just when you think you can't add anything else, you can. As a Mommy, I feel like I have "musts" that I need to have in my bag!
The PAK Mini is perfect to hold my necessities. I always carry a travel size dry shampoo. I am a fan on Not Your Mother's! I use their full size everyday and keep the travel size on me for whenever I feel like I need a little refresh during the day.
I also usually have several different lipsticks in my PAK Mini-you never know what kind of lipstick mood you're going to be in, so why not have choices?! (Right? Or is that just me?! Ha!)
I always carry my business cards with me as well! I keep little business size coupons with me too-I never know who I am going to meet or run into so I like to be prepared. Any time someone compliments something I am wearing from my store I give them a coupon to my store! Blair's emerald green wallet is the perfect size to hold my business cards. While there are no wallets available, her Origami Envelopes are a great alternative!
Another thing I always like to have in my bag is my Minimergency Kit. It is perfect. It has everything from double sided tape, mini hairspray bottle, bandaids, dental floss to pain reliever! I have had this one for several years (they have refills, so no need to buy a new pouch). They make really great gifts and have them for men, kids, teachers, brides, bridesmaids and even dogs!
I also tend to use my wallet that doubles as a belt bag. It has a removable strap so it can serve as double duty for me!
Not shown? All of the random "hold this for me Mommy!" items, and the smooshed granola bar I brought along for a snack for the girls weeks ago that was never eat. Maybe some crumpled receipts, bobby pins and hair ties! All of these didn't photograph well, so they didn't make the photo shoot cut! HA!
