The Perfect Leopard Cape (and What She Wears Favorite)

Have you ever stumbled on something and you just knew it was meant for you? That is what happened when I saw this faux fur leopard cape. I have been on the hunt for a faux fur leopard jacket for some time (several times I have missed the boat on the perfect one because I spent too much time thinking about buying it instead of buying it!)

I was out and about in Lancaster and was browsing in Building Character- the coolest place where you can find vintage, recycled and handmade items. I of course gravitated right to the vintage clothes and immediately found this calling my name!

Styling it was simple for me- basic black tee, skinny jeans and my cute (but oh so uncomfortable) flats! Were they the most practical shoes to wear on a snowy day? Definitely not! But did they help bring together the whole look? Of course!

Outfit Details:

Cape: vintage via Building Character /// Jeans: Gap /// Shoes: Old Navy /// Bag: vintage Marc Jacobs via Arthur and Daughters /// Black Tee: Target

Besides the fact that this cape is leopard, one of my most favorite neutrals, I love the fact that it is vintage. I wish I knew the story that went along with it- who owned it before me? What did they wear it for? Where did they live? Why did they get rid of it? Hopefully I am not the only weird one that thinks of these things?!?!

Now onto our What She Wears linkup from last week! We are thrilled to see how much it grows and grows each week! I really love seeing all of the looks that everyone puts together! February 4th's theme is going to be FAVORITE WINTER TREND! Totally basic, and leaves it super open for you to share with us whatever your fave winter trend is, whether it be boots, scarves, a beanie- whatever! 

Like every month, it was hard to choose! I loved Nikki from The Fashionable Wife- can't get enough of her boots! Love how she styled them, and the red is the perfect pop of color! 

Don't forget to enter my giveaway to win a Nordstrom gift card and some other amazing prizes! 

Mommy Wardrobe Essentials (And My Husband's Two Cents)

If there is one that I have picked up on over my last (almost) 6 years as a Mommy, it is what I consider wardrobe essentials. Yes, I have a big closet. Yes I have a ton of clothes, shoes, accessories, etc. But, there are staples in my closet that I always seem to return to. A day I don't feel like putting any thought into my look? Wardrobe staples to the rescue! Don't know what to wear? Break out the staples! Mixing and matching with accessories can help change the whole vibe.

I have found that these essentials are truly versatile pieces that can be worn for running errands, a casual, spur of the moment date night (change the accessories or shoes!) or a play date!

1. The classic blazer. I can't tell you how many blazers I have in my closet. Despite all of the colors and prints, I find that I get the most use out of my basic black blazer. Besides wearing with jeans and a tee, blazers are great to toss over dresses as well!

2. Basic tee's are another Mommy wardrobe essential. I would be lying if I said I didn't wear my tee's to work out in, lounge in, sleep in, and to go out and about. To me, one of the most classic and timeless looks is a plain tee and a blazer. It's something that will never go out of style.

3. Skinny jeans/boyfriend jeans are next on my essentials list. You really can't go wrong with jeans. Stick with a pair of skinny jeans or legging jeans, and a pair of boyfriend jeans and you've got it made. Both styles can be dressed up and dressed down. They can be worn with heels for more of a fierce look, flats for a casual but dressy look, or even sneakers.

4. Basic (but cute) flats. I remember years and years ago I wouldn't be caught dead in a pair of flats. Me? Not wearing some form of heel, whether it be pumps or wedges? Never! Now, my feet crave flats most days! I am not saying don't own a pair of heels...are you kidding me?!?! But really, have cute flats in basic colors is great for any on-the-go Mommy.

5. The last few items you can sort of lump together into one: scarves to get more mileage out of your tee's and blazers, a few statement necklaces, to also change up the look of your wardrobe, and a good pair of leggings!

I am sure most of you Mommy's out there have most of this in your closet already. If not, you don't have to spend a ton of money to build these essentials in your closet!

I will leave you all with my husband's Mommy Wardrobe Essentials. When I asked him what he thinks every Mommy should have, he said (this is verbatim)

1. Low cut socks because you don't want your feet to stink, but you don't want your socks to be a apart of your outfit. Everybody loves low cut socks.
2. A set (just one apparently) of comfy clothes, because 'Lets face it gals, you don't always want to look glamorous all the time. You want to let everything breath every once in a while.'
3. Thongs (he doesn't mean flip flops)

Have a great weekend, everyone! I will going on a wonderful date with my husband to celebrate my birthday (I have no clue what he has planned!)! I remember when I was younger thinking how OLD thirty two seemed.....and here I am. 32! Yikes!

Chic and Fashionable Reads

Yep. Chic and fashionable. I feel like a lot of the books I read (at least the covers) are cute, and chic! :) And I know, this is totally out of the whole Mommy in Heels vibe, but I just felt like doing something a little different today, so hopefully you enjoy!

Anyway...I am a book worm. I love to read. Absolutely love it. It is how I unwind, relax, get rid of the stress. I have always been drawn to the kind of books that don't really require too much thought, simply because I enjoy reading the most when it is effortless to me!

My husband bought me a Nook for Christmas several years ago (I think it might be 3 yrs old now). It was awesome because I could start a new book instantly (it was not good on the wallet though!). I didn't have to drive to the store to buy a new book which was convenient. The only drawback to it was that I couldn't read it outside. Every summer I usually put my Nook to rest and just purchased actual books (I still like to do that from time to time...nothing beats the feel of a real book!) so I could read outside!

With an iphone, and an iPad, I quickly realized I didn't need all of the extra bells and whistles on the Nook. Mys husband must have been paying attention to me (and my post on stocking stuffers) because he bought me the Kindle Paperwhite for Christmas! I love it because it reads like a book, so I can read it outside. Also, it doesn't have any extra features- I just use it to read, which is all I need! I don't need apps, the internet, a camera. That is what all of my other gadgets are for!

I know this is a little out of the fashion and beauty world, but I wanted to share with you all some of my fave reads lately, and some cute covers and cases to any e-readers you may have! This may make me seem a little cheesy, but I get so excited when I get a new cover or case for my e-reader!

First up is one of my favorite authors. I used to joke in college that he was my future husband. You can laugh at me if you want to! Nicholas Sparks just has a way with words, my friends! His most recent book didn't disappoint. Word on the street is its going to be made into a movie!

Next up is another one of my favorite authors, Elin Hildebrand. It is because of her Nantucket is on my bucket list! All of her novels take place on the island of Nantucket. Besides having an amazing backdrop, the plot of her books don't disappoint either. Definitely easy reads! Beautiful Day is the most recent one I have read of hers!

Sophie Kinsella and the Shopaholic series have been a long time favorite of mine. I mean, the main character's name is Becky and she is a shopaholic. Could it be any more perfect?!?! (except I don't dig myself as deep as she does!) I just finished up Twenties Girl and it was so good! She also writes under the name Madeline Wickham!

Currently, I am reading Where'd You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple. I found out about this book from Jess at Here & Now.  I haven't finished it, but so far I can't put it down! I was even trying to read it while I was folding laundry! 

Mary Kay Andrews, Jackie Collins and Jane Green  (who is supposedly one of the founders of "chick lit") are other authors that I love to read! 

Lastly, here are a couple cute covers that I have been eyeing! I swear they can be another accessory to your outfit! 

Vera Bradley

Kate Spade 

So go grab a book, take some time for you and start reading, ladies! 

Far From Perfect (and What She Wears Link up: Pop of Color)

Happy Tuesday, ladies!

First things first, lets talk perfection, and comparing. I compare myself all.the.time. Whether it be other blogs I read, people I see at the grocery store, in the magazines. Ugh! It's exhausting and quite annoying to be honest with you! I mean really- I get annoyed with myself! Haha!

I have chatted on here a few times before about my body image and whatnot. Blah, blah, blah- I don't like the way I look, I could be healthier, skinnier, whatev.

You are probably thinking "where the heck is this coming from?!" I know- I usually post a few pics, add a little bit of commentary and call it a day (or a blog post, if you will).

As I was getting my things together to head out for the day and take my pictures of my outfit for this post, it was as though nothing was fitting right or coming together. My pants were too big (FYI- if you get these pants, size down! I am by no means tiny, but a large ended up falling off of me after a bit of wear), my hat looked ridiculous, on and on and on!

I start to take my pictures, and my hat won't stay the way I want it, I can't get the camera to focus correctly, I forgot to paint my nails, my pants keep falling down, and then I notice the lettering on my shirt is in fact navy blue, and not black like I thought it was. Hahaha. Fail.

At this point, all I am thinking is what a lame post this is going to be, because nothing looks right, and I look like a hot mess, especially compared to the other bloggers I follow who-to me- are always so darn put together and perfect and beautiful (inside and out).

Then it hit me (or was that just a massive gust of wind?)- one of the things about my blog that I love (and a lot of other blogs I follow) is that I am not perfect. I am a mother, I am an everyday woman, I am you. I have flaws, I show them, I (try) to embrace them and share them with you.

Hence- a jacket that may be wrinkled, nail polish that is chipped 99% of the time in my posts, lipstick might not always be applied, I am not the skinniest and most fit, my hair isn't always perfectly in place, and my pictures may not be the greatest all the time because that is life (and I am not lucky enough to have Tabitha glued to my hip, or have an amazing camera!). That is my life.

Moral of my story? I am not perfect, which makes me real, and hopefully relateable to my readers, to you! What you see on here, is most definitely real, honest, and my life! I know I value that so much in my fellow bloggers. It definitely gives the blogging world a sense of community :)

Now...onto What She Wears link up for January with my love co hosts Meagan at Because of Jackie, Dawnelle at Just Dawnelle, Brandi at Run Style Run and Jalyn atThe Red Closet Diary! In this dreary time of year, nothing is more fitting than adding a pop of color to your look. Kind of brighten things up against the bland backdrop that Mother Nature provides us!

For me, adding a pop of color during the winter months is something as simple as adding a bright jacket. I love how they can pull together a whole look- especially if what you are wearing underneath may not be so fashionable! I have had this jacket since last year and it always seems to brighten my day when I toss it on!

Outfit Details: 

Jacket: Old Navy (last year) /// Shirt: J Crew /// Pants: Old Navy (remember to size down) /// Shoes: Sam & LIbby via Target (on sale in stores!) /// Clutch: TJ Maxx /// Beanie: Target /// Hand Warmers: Target 

So now its your turn! Link up your pop of color! It can be an outfit, a collage, whatever fits! Just be kind and link back to myself or one of my other beautiful co hosts! Don't forget to check back with all of us next Tuesday to see who we all chose as our own favorites from the link up. We will also announce our February link up theme! 

Mad for Plaid

I know- so original in coming up with a post title, right? It's Sunday night. I didn't leave the house all weekend. Like literally all weekend, which means I stayed in sweats or pj's all weekend, which means my mind is pretty much mush right now. But you know what? I am totally ok with that. It felt so great to not do a thing except play with my girls, workout with my husband, watch movies, and just lounge. We couldn't really go anywhere too much Sunday because of the freezing rain. The roads were apparently pretty bad here! And its only supposed to get colder this week- a toasty 10 degrees on Tuesday!

During my relaxing time indoors this weekend I was able to do a lot of online "window" shopping. While doing this, I quickly discovered my love for plaid. No longer is it associated with uniforms, and has become quite the closet staple for a lot of people. Whether its something small like a scarf, or a little more bold like a dress, there are plenty of ways to incorporate tartan into your wardrobe!

I've rounded up a few pieces that I absolutely love for myself, the man in your life, and even some for the children! Take a look...

I love these plaid looks for men too...especially the bow tie! The messenger bag is such a casual way for a guy to pull together a whole look without it looking like they are trying too hard! I mean, we all know most guys don't want it to look like they spent a lot of time on their outfit, right?

Last, some to die for children's plaid! I can't resist them! I wish I would have seen the plaid dress before Christmas for Charlotte! And the backpack! Something about a little kid with a little backpack that just melts my heart! (even more if its stylish too!)

Also, don't forget to link up TOMORROW for January's What She Wears link up! Show us how you wear a POP OF COLOR!!!