Fashion + Style

Cozy Wear for Lounging & More

January 5, 2018

I am not made for the cold weather. My No. 1 hobby lately = hibernation. Seriously though, I am a homebody and now that I work from home, I find myself wearing cozy clothes most days. Add sickness on top of that, and well, welcome to the land of elastic waistbands, fleece and long-sleeve shirts with thumbholes. Even when I go out, I’m wearing leggings, a pullover and vest because it’s just easier and more comfortable to be in these types of pieces than skinny jeans and a sweater. I think many of us have been hibernating the past couple of weeks no matter where we live because we have all experienced our version of chilly weather. So, I thought it would only be fitting to share some of my true OOTD staples.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

I should have added this blanket to the mix. My friend gave this super soft throw to me as a Christmas gift, and I’ve been wrapped up in it ever since I unwrapped it! My kid and I fight over it, so I should probably just buy another since it’s under $30. Braden is so funny lately, and wanted to sit with it and not share, and he told me there are “plenty of other soft blankets in this room, Momma!” Sassy threenager stage for sure.

My most worn cozy pieces are definitely these high-waisted leggings I picked up last year during the Nordstrom anniversary sale and my Uggs. I know a lot of people who love these leggings and wear them all the time. I don’t wear my Uggs out in public because it gives me flashbacks to 2003 when they were all the rage, but they are great to lounge in at home. I have had a tan pair and pink pair since college so definitely have gotten my money out of my Uggs.

Stay warm, friends! I’m just getting out of my sick fog, so I’m busting out the laptop more both for work and for tackling blog stuff more consistently. I did binge watch two seasons of The Crown, and I don’t feel bad about it! It was SO good and I find myself googling the history of the royal family because I think it’s so interesting. Are there any new shows I should consider? I’m thinking Big Little Lies.

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Fashion + Style

Casual Holiday Party Wear

December 15, 2017

black lace top, WAYF, casual holiday party look

Most of the holiday parties I go to these days are house parties, so I thought I’d share a casual holiday party look perfect for drinking wine and eating tons of yummy things off a charcuterie board, all while catching up with friends with a little Christmas music playing in the background. 🙂

Casual for me means jeans, and I’ve been wearing these burgundy jeans a ton since I bought them in the Nordstrom anniversary sale this summer. I’ve mentioned that I’m a fan of all things wine/burgundy, as you can see here and here. When these jeans are paired with this lace top, which could definitely be dressed up more with a skirt to be more cocktail appropriate, it all screams low-key fancy, which I basically just made up, but accurately describes how I like to dress. This low-key fancy outfit makes me feel sort of festive yet comfortable so it totally works.

Velvet is something else that totally could be low-key fancy. I’ll probably wear this cami with a black tuxedo blazer to another holiday party I have coming up. And, statement earrings, of course, finish off a casual yet dressed-up holiday party outfit.

P.S. I’ve had these Nine West booties for six years, but I love them and find myself wearing them a lot lately. I linked a similar pair below. I love when I can rediscover something I already have and love it again!

Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season!

Lace top | Burgundy Denim | Shoes | Earrings | Marc Jacobs purse (old)

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Fashion + Style Gifts Holiday Shopping

Gift for the Guy in Your Life with JORD Watches

December 4, 2017

jord, wood watch, holiday gifts, mens watch

A nice watch has always been a go-to gift for the special guy in my life. I’ve given Ben one or two watches over the years, and three years ago, I gave him a really nice watch that he loved. But, when we moved into the new house in April, he misplaced it. After months of looking, he still can’t find it to this day, so I knew I wanted to get him a new one this holiday season.

Christmas came early for Ben this year when JORD reached out to see if I’d like to partner together for a holiday post. JORD makes sophisticated timepieces for everyone, specializing in handcrafted wood watches. If you know my husband, he is a Jack, or rather a Ben, of all trades. 🙂 He’s probably the most handy of all husbands and has visions of creating a woodshop in our garage. (He’s even made a few kids’ picnic tables that rival Pottery Barn Kids). So, to be able to gift him a watch that’s rustic yet refined and made from wood is totally in line with his taste and his personality.

JORD has a ton of styles available, and this particular style is called the Dover Black and Koa. I like how unique the face of the watch is and that it’s made of natural koa wood versus the standard stainless steel watches you see on most guys. Also, I love that you can personalize the watch, too, with custom engraving. For Ben, I made sure his little family is always with him and had our first initials placed on the inside of the watch. What a special way to commemorate an anniversary or a memorable date for your favorite guy!

Currently, JORD has free shipping going on for holiday orders. PLUS, I have a 25% instant coupon you can use when you place an order! All you have to do is enter a here, and you’ll be emailed a special discount code. Definitely take advantage of that before Dec. 19 when it expires (and before Christmas sneaks up on us!)

Watch c/o JORD

This was brought to you in collaboration with JORD. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Photos by Jason Fitzgerald Photography

A sneak peek of our fall family photos. You can see Ben’s already getting a ton of use out of his new watch! PC: Katie Hill Photography

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Fashion + Style Shopping

Cozy cardigan + velvet cami

November 21, 2017

velvet cami, cardigan, fall style laureenlovesDOTcom

Cardigan, jeans and booties = my go-to casual outfit these days since we’re just seeing a glimpse of fall weather. Since it still gets a tad toasty in the afternoons, pairing a cardigan with a cami or other lightweight top is just plain easy. I’m quite the collector of cardigans, and this one is a neutral basic in an oatmeal color I knew I’d wear quite a bit, so it was perfect for my wardrobe. I picked it up from the Nordstrom sale this summer and I’m wearing it weekly, along with so many other of the pieces I picked up during the #Nsale back in July like these booties. Good news is that both the booties and cardigan are still available! This cardigan is sort of like wearing a blanket, so I REALLY like it since I’m a cold-natured person.

I mentioned my new affinity for velvet and I even included this cami in this round-up of velvet pieces I did a couple of weeks ago. I snagged it when this store was having another one of their amazing 50% sales, which they are having again today (and probably again later in the week), so definitely take advantage! I’m wearing a small, and I love that it’s a little loose. Perfect for the holiday binge fest this week, too – ha! I would pair this cami with a black blazer, jeans and heels for a more dressed up look. It comes in a ton of colors, but I personally just really love this wine color, which is no surprise if you’ve been following along lately. Wine/burgundy — I can’t quit you right now!

Also, the bow stud earrings I’m wearing are simple yet sophisticated. I can’t enough of J.crew accessories right now and they are also on sale making them less than $12 right now. I also picked up this festive pair recently, which are so fun for the holidays.

With Thanksgiving upon us, that means all the Black Friday sales are right around the corner. Most retailers are starting early, so I’ve rounded up some really great sales that I’ll be perusing over the next day or two. I’m all about doing my Christmas shopping online, and I haven’t done too much of it yet, so I’ll definitely be taking advantage of these sales.

ShopBop – Buy More, Save More event with code MORE17. 20% off $200+, 25% off 500+ or 30% off $800+. Ends 11/26

Ann Taylor – 50% everything in store 11/21. I’m sure they’ll come up with another good sale this week per usual!

J.Crew – 40% nearly everything with code THANK U online and in stores. Ends 11/26

LOFT – 40% off everything with code GIFTITUP

GAP – 50% off everything with the code BLKFRIDAY. Ends 11/25

Banana Republic – 40% off everything (and an extra 10% off with code BRCARD if you’re a cardholder.)

Nordstrom – Designer clearance sale with 40% select styles

Serena and Lily – 20% off everything online with the code CHEERS. Ends 11/26

Pottery Barn – 30% decorating event, which includes ornaments, stockings and more

Pottery Barn Kids – the great gift event with 20- 70% off nearly everything free shipping with code UNWRAP

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Fashion + Style

Burgundy Shirtdress with High Low Hem

November 8, 2017

I mentioned that this was my favorite color of the season, and when it’s paired with a classic shirt dress silhouette, I call that a win. Add to cart with no hesitation.

I am just so impressed with the quality of this material. It looks luxe like satin but it’s actually a polyester blend, making it a fabric that doesn’t wrinkle. Total score. I love satin and other materials that, unfortunately, are typically dry clean only but the downsides of these fabrics are that they wrinkle after just sitting for a few minutes. This dress, however, didn’t have that problem, and I just love the classic style of it, so even though it feels very on-trend right now, I do believe this is a piece I’ll keep for a while that I can wear for years. The way I’ve styled it is probably how I’d wear it for church, but would probably wear a closed-toed heel for a work meeting or throw on a pair of booties plus a chunky sweater cardigan when it gets cooler. What I love most about this dress is the high low hem. I think it makes the dress.

Sizing tip: I am wearing a small in this dress for reference. I’m always on the fence about sizing because I have broad shoulders but I would say this dress is true to size. I did buy a small in a top from this line, and it was a tad small, so I’m pretty sure I’m a medium in tops. I’m sure many of us follow Rachel Parcell, and I love that she has created these feminine pieces that aren’t totally breaking the bank.

I think this shirtdress might be sold out in some size, but I know that happened a week or so ago then it got restocked, so check back! Also, I’ve linked to a few other burgundy dresses that are just as versatile as this one.

Another classic style, this wrap dress would look great worn to a winter wedding or holiday party.
Everyone needs a least one cozy sweater dress!
Well, maybe you need two sweater dresses 🙂 Love these ruffle sleeves.
This simple knit dress is a a great basic and only $42.

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Fashion + Style Loving Lately... Shopping

Loving lately: Burgundy

November 3, 2017

Burgundy, bordeaux, wine, merlot, oxblood — whatever you want to call it, I’m all about it! This lovely hue might be my favorite of this season. I have an outfit or two coming to the blog soon so stay tuned next week for the first. 😉

I love the richness of this color and how it makes everything look a little luxe, especially in autumnal materials like velvet or suede. This color has been around for a while and I’ve dug this off-the-shoulder top out from last season to wear once again. I just can’t get enough. I know this hue is here to stay for many fall seasons moving forward!

Here are a few of my favorite finds:

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This simple v-neck tee such a great basic! I have several of these tees in different colors and I’m definitely adding this one to my shopping cart. A simple tee and cardigan plus jeans is a go-to outfit for me!
I snagged these lightweight tassel earrings a few weeks ago when they were 50 percent off. I got a ton of compliments on them when I wore for the first time last week.
I own a ton of red shoes, but none that are a deep red or burgundy. I’m a big fan of Tory Burch flats, and I have several that I’ve had for years. I find them to be really comfy. I believe I’ve had my classic black Torys for 12 years, and they’ve been resoled twice, so definitely worth it if you take good care of your shoes.
This cute tassel clutch is a great size, and I have the red version of it.
This simple long-sleeve dress is something I picked up recently and it fits really well and can be dressed up or down. I wear a medium for reference.

Any other burgundy picks I should add to this list? I’d love to hear!

Houston is pretty much shut down today to celebrate the Astros win. So pumped for the city, but did not want to deal with the downtown traffic and having a toddler there during naptime. Momma needs a break. 😉 Have a good weekend!

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Fashion + Style

Leopard Faux Fur Vest

November 2, 2017

jcrew faux fur vest, leopard, fall style

You’ve probably heard it before, but leopard is really considered a neutral nowadays. While this faux fur vest isn’t as versatile as a pair of leopard flats, it’s certainly still worth adding to your fall wardrobe! This vest is currently under $80 right now, and it’s so worth it. It’s super soft, and my kid proceeded to pet me repeatedly when he saw me wearing this two weeks ago.

I paired it with other basics — a chambray shirt and distressed black denim — all of which I’ve had in my closet for years to keep it casual. I would also pair it with a navy striped turtleneck (as pictured on the retailer’s website) or a simple black dress like this. I love that it has pockets, too (as any good vest should!)

P.S. J.Crew has so many good things this season, and they’re having an awesome sale right now so hop on that before it ends!

Not only is leopard a good idea when it comes to closet staples, but also it has become quite popular on the home decor front. I’ve been eyeing a few leopard pieces for several rooms in our house. Wouldn’t this rug be amazing in an office or in a master closet? Also, I’m loving these pillows!

Vest | Chambray Shirt | Jeans | Booties (Sole Society – old, but they have tons of great options) |Handbag (Marc Jacobs – old)

Leopard must-haves that I currently own or have nearly identical versions of these pieces

Leopard Wish list

Booties

Blazer

Rug – I want this rug for my office but need to convince my husband!

Pillows

Anymore I should add to my list? Let me know. 😉

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Family Fashion + Style

Plaid for Mom and the Mini-me

October 23, 2017

mom and mini matching, mommy and me, navy plaid button up jcrew,

I never thought I’d be one who would play matchy matchy with her kid. Honestly, I found it a little obnoxious when moms did this, but then I realized that I sort of love it when I see families do it…in small doses. Tell me I’m not the only one!? Honestly, there is so much I didn’t think I would do until I became a mom to a sassy little boy. Monster Jam – check. Learn all the names of construction equipment – check. I’m currently re-learning the different types of dinosaurs. #boymom

There’s only a short window when you can be twins with your mini, so I’m going to take advantage while I can! I think it would be 10x worse if I had a girl. This is the first time I’ve really done this with Braden, and it wasn’t even my intention at first. I received this plaid shirt in the mail and went into the store to make some other returns, and I spotted this little mini version of it and immediately scooped it up! I think little boys in button down shirts are just the cutest.

I’m also a big fan of this classic shirt style. I have quite the collection, and I wear them weekly for work and casual wear. While I’m no stranger to button downs, this one is on serious rotation partially because of the mom and mini aspect of it, but also because plaid just screams fall to me. For reference, I order a tall in most shirts from here, and they fit me so much better. (I am wearing a 6 T to avoid button-gaping.) I love this shirt because it instantly makes you look fall-ready and would look perfect with a black or navy skirt for church, too.

We’re all about the fist bumps.

Of all the things I’ve had a chance to do in this life, I’m most proud of just being this kid’s mom. (Sappy, I know, but so, so true!)

Mom: Plaid button down shirt | jeans | Booties – Sole Society (old) but similar here | Necklace

Mini: Plaid oxford shirt | Shorts – Baby Zara (old) | Shoes – Baby Gap but similar here

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Fashion + Style Shopping

Velvet pieces I’m loving lately…

October 20, 2017

velvet, velvet accessories, velvet trends

I had a burgundy velvet blazer from college (I’m talking 2004, people) that I recently gave away to Goodwill. Maybe I should have kept it! The cut was a little dated so I don’t feel bad about it. I was originally on the fence about velvet. But, I’ve found a few pieces that look luxe that have made me have a change of heart. I’ve rounded up a few pieces I have my eye on.

I think the key to wearing velvet is to let it be your standout piece. Don’t go overboard and wear multiple velvet pieces. I recently picked up a pair of wine-colored booties, and a pair of floral velvet booties which were at steal at 40 % off. I don’t think they’re available anymore, but here is another great pair for under $60!

I tend to gravitate toward velvet accessories. This is an easy way to jump on this trend without spending a ton. How cute are these earrings?! I probably wouldn’t wear a velvet dress but I love the idea of a velvet blazer. Most of the time blazers don’t go out style and this black one is timeless, so worth the price in my opinion.

Be careful when hopping on trends like velvet. The No. 1 thing I would recommend is to not buy something and then just never wear it. This could very well be the case if you buy something velvet. Be realistic about your lifestyle. If I bought a velvet dress, I would probably wear it once this winter and be done with it. I just don’t have anything planned right now where a velvet dress would make sense for me. Perhaps explore Rent the Runway to hop on this trend or just stick to something really budget-friendly like the earrings.

There are some great sales going on this weekend where you can find some great velvet finds like some of these that I’ve included here!

1 | 2| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7|8 | 9 | 10

Anthropologie: 25 % for ANTHRO perks members on 10/20

GAP: 40% with the code MORE (good through 10/20 at 11:59 ET)

LOFT: 40 % off everything with code FRIENDS ( good through 10/22 at 3am EST)

Ann Taylor: 50% off everything with code ALLTHEWAY (good through 10/23 at 3 am EST)

Banana Republic: 40% purchases $200+ with code BRTREAT (good through 10/23 at 11:59pm ET)

Happy shopping!

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Fashion + Style Food

Fall Favorite Recipe: Pumpkin Bread

October 18, 2017

fall baking, kitchen

There are two things I believe you should go big or go home on: baked goods and cheese. I think lowfat or low-calorie homemade baked goods usually taste terrible or unsatisfying. Same on the cheese front. I would rather just indulge in something delicious and satisfying in a smaller portion so I don’t feel ripped off. Perhaps I just haven’t encountered a good recipe for a lowfat or healthy cake, pie or bread that I like, so I am certainly open to suggestions. I feel this way about ice cream, too, but I think there are some good alternatives with fro yo and coconut milk ice cream. But, I stand by the belief that you live only once and you might as well use some sugar or butter instead of unsweetened apple sauce to make something taste yummy. 😉

I eat pretty healthy most of the time, which basically forces my family to eat healthy, but as we enter my favorite season of the year, I want to start baking some of my go-to recipes that are more of a splurge from our regular eating habits. The world calls this season fall or autumn, but seasons can be so hit or miss in Texas.

So, I like to call this pumpkin season! ‘Tis the season for all things pumpkin, including this pumpkin bread my friend Jeanette shared with me years ago that I believe she got from her MIL. I’ve adapted it a little over the years since I’ve made it so much, and I’ve included those notes below. I try to eat organic most of the time, and I’ve made note of that below in the ingredient list, but use absolutely whatever is in your fridge.

I haven’t met a single person who didn’t LOVE this recipe. Braden is a big fan, and if he knows we have it, he’ll request it multiple times a day until it’s gone! It also makes such great gifts for friends, teachers, neighbors, coworkers, etc. I’ve passed the recipe along to a ton of people, so I thought it was only fitting to share it here as well.

Ingredient List

3 1/2 cups flour

3 cups organic sugar (I reduced from the suggested 3 1/2 cups)

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 teaspoons nutmeg

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon allspice

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

4 large organic eggs, beaten

1 cup water

1 cup vegetable oil ( I have also used Canola oil and it turns out the same.)

2 teaspoons vanilla ( I use Mexican vanilla – my fave which I have also used in this recipe.)

1 15 ounce can organic pumpkin ( I stock up on Trader Joe’s canned organic pumpkin every year!)

1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Sift dry ingredients together. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Pour into 2 well greased and floured loaf pans. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.* Test with toothpick. Can be frozen for later use. (I’ve never done this but I’m told you can.) Refrigerate after defrosting.

*Some ovens vary. My oven tends to be on the quicker side, and I just watch it and it usually ends up around 50 minutes bake time. It also depends on the loaf pans. When I make mini loafs, they definitely take less time.

I love this fall loaf pan my friend gifted me a few years ago. Williams Sonoma still has it and it makes such a pretty loaf perfect for the fall season. Another pan I love is this ruffled loaf pan. Also, I always stock up on decorative, disposable mini loaf pans every time I’m at HomeGoods. These are perfect for teacher gifts, which apparently must be given at all times throughout the year. Who knew? I’m kidding (sort of). I didn’t discover this until this past year, so I’m all about the homemade baked goods as gifts since it’s something I can easily whip up with very little notice since I seem to forget that I need to do this until the night before. Also, this kitchen towel, y’all. Kind of the most adorable pumpkin thing I’ve picked up as of late. How cute would this be as a gift with some homemade pumpkin bread?!

Breaking out the fall clothes

Pumpkin season also means cozier fall clothes. I love this tie bell sleeve sweater in an oatmeal color. It’s pretty lightweight, so it’s very wearable right now. I love the tie detail on the sleeves- very on trend right now, but the color of this sweater still makes it classic so I know I’ll wear it beyond this season. The creamy color makes it versatile for wearing with normal denim or colored denim. These jeans are so comfy and are less than $70! The hem makes them ideal for wearing with ankle booties. I’ve worn this top with wine-colored denim and some burnt orange jeans (two of my fave fall hues!), too.

Let me know if you have any pumpkin recipes or other fall recipes I should try. I love to cook this time of year, and I plan to share more recipes soon!

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