Wednesday Wants - A Kelly Moore Bag

When I received my camera from my parents a couple of Christmas' ago, I was elated! I had wanted a professional camera for sometime, but it wasn't something I was going to purchase for myself. That was just too pricey for a simple want, not need. And it came with a standard camera bag that was perfect for my Nikon and an extra lens. It ran it's course for a couple of years. Then I took it to my sons swimming lesson, and before I knew it, he threw up all over it! I haven't carried a camera bag since.

When I take it my camera out for blog pics, photos that friends are taking, I usually just throw it in the handbag I'm carrying and head out the door. If we're traveling, I place it neatly in a carry-on bag and hope all is well when we arrive. Not the best way to treat it, huh? I know I need a bag, but I don't really want a canvas bag that looks like a simple camera bag. That's just not my style. So now I'm on the hunt for the perfect bag and I think I've found them in Kelly Moore! 

What I love about the Kelly Moore bags is that they are more than just a camera bag. They are replacement for a handbag and allows you to carry everything you can possibly imagine. It even has a compartment for a laptop. The perfect travel bag in my opinion. Just check out my top picks!

Libby/A Beautiful Mess/Mimi

Aren't they awesome? And again, I love that they look like a cute handbag, but really they are holding all your travel essentials and then some! 

My personal favorite is "A Beautiful Mess". A great tote that also makes a cross-body bag for when you need your hands free. They also come in various colors, but I always seem to gravitate toward black. It goes with everything and hides scratches and smudges. 

Are you in the market for a new camera bag? If so, what do you think of the Kelly Moore Collection? Which one is your favorite?

P.S. The Pioneer Woman was just talking about the "Libby" bag on her blog and was giving two away! It's her favorite camera bag, but she too loves it for all it's roomy compartments! Great minds....

This is Style My Way....

Top: LOFT; Jeans: LOFT (on major sale); Sandals: Sam & Libby via Target (similar);

Backpack: Coach (similar); Shades: Prada; Earrings/Rings: Gorjana (1/similar); 

Bracelets: Stella & Dot/BaubleBar (similar/similar)/Forever 21 (similar)

Yesterday was the hottest day so far this summer, reaching nearly 100 degrees, so I decided it would be an indoor activity day. I took McKinley to see Plans: Fire and Rescue, which I think I liked more than him. I don't know about you, but when I go to the movies during the summer, I absolutely freeze! I feel like the air condition is cranked to lowest point so I always have to layer! Hence jeans in 100 degree weather!

But, they're white jeans so I'm going to cut myself some fashion slack! And speaking of cutting myself fashion slack, I'm breaking out my darling floral top. It's a peplum top from last season, and they say that peplum's are on their way out, but that's okay with me. I'm getting weary of dressing based simply on what's in and what's out. If this blog is going to be titled Style My Way, then I should dress my way, right? So in and out lists be damned! I'm going to wear my peplum! 

 

 

The Top: Before and After

 

What do you think of fashion in and out lists? Do you follow them to the letter or wear what you feel? 









Have a good one all!
XOXO

Let's Go Swimming - My Pool Must-Haves

I've been spending a lot of time at the pool this summer with parent/tot swimming lessons and family time on the weekends. I love that McKinley loves to swim as much as I do. I was a total fish when I was little, a lifeguard in my teens and all through college, and now I just love splashing around in the water. 

And because we've been spending so much time at the pool, I pulled together a style board of all my must-haves! It all starts with the suit! The two featured are from J.Crew. There's a great story behind the return of this suit, read it here, and I'm so happy they reproduced it. I owned a version back in 1989. Mine was a gorgeous melon color and I loved it! I have both colors and they are so vibrant! Perfect for summer. 

I've always been a fan of a cover-up that doesn't really look like a cover-up. I've normally worn cute little dresses or shorts and cute top, but this summer I've fallen in love with a simple tunic. It's half dress/half top and the look is so simple yet so chic. Paired with a really cute pair of flip flops and you're done! But I also love a basic denim short with just the suit and flip flops. And as you know from last week's post, I'm in love with my Rachel Zoe pair!

So now you have the suit, the cover-up, and flip flops. Now, you just need something to put it all in. There is nothing better than a bright tote! I love this lime green one! And the pattern is one my favorites right now. I also stash sunscreen (Hawaiian Tropic has always been my go-to), cute shades like these aviators, and a great read. I've always been a fan of romance novels, but in the summer they are simply the best no brainer reads, right? I honestly have no time to read at the pool anymore, I'm too busy keeping an eye on my little one, but I did just read this Danielle Steele novel Happy Birthday and I loved it. 

Check out my style board below! And, as always, shop the links! You won't regret any of these amazing pieces that will get you through the rest of summer!

Bathing Suits: J.Crew; Tunics: J.Crew Factory (1/2); Shorts: Rachel Zoe; Flip Flops: Target;

Sunscreen: Hawaiian Tropic; Shades: Target; Tote: Target; Book: Danielle Steele Happy Birthday

Colorful Stripes

Top: J.Crew Factory; Shorts: Target; Tennies: Jack Parcell via DSW (similar); 

Backpack: Coach (old/similar); Shades: Prada; Hat: Arden B. (similar); 

Necklaces: The Zoe Collective/Stella & Dot (1/2); 

Lip Color: Laura Geller Beauty Raspberry Roast

Last week we experienced the Summer Vortex and temps literally hovered in the upper 70s/lower 80s. Sure it was a nice change of pace, but we're in July! And, we live in Kansas. I'm expecting high humidity and hot! And, I kind of missed it. But because the temps were so low, McKinley and I took total advantage and did a lot of outdoor activities. Last Thursday we toured the Kauffman Garden, took a Fountain Tour (a made up tour by me where we walk around the Plaza and look at all the lovely fountains), headed to Crown Center for lunch at his favorite restaurant, and continued the Fountain Tour outside of Crown Center. 

I was excited to wear my newest stripes from J.Crew Factory. I am in love with this colorful version as I'm heavy on black and navy. Paired with white shorts, the color just pops. I decided to go with tennies, something I rarely do, but with all the walking, they were a must. But I have to say, I love them with this look. Super cute, no? And finally, the return of the backpack. I'm not sure why I don't care this more often. I just brings the whole look together.

 What do you think of our crop of corn? It's looking pretty good, if I do say so myself! And yes, this is in my backyard along the fence row! Corn in the 'burbs!

What are your go-to pieces when out and about during the summer? Stay tuned for my list of must-haves later in the week! Can't wait to share!

Happy Monday!

XOXO

Firecracker....BOOM!

Top: Old Navy; Shorts: DIY (similar/similar); Sandals: Tory Burch (similar); 

Hat: Standard Style (similar);Necklace: BaublesbyAndrea (coming soon to Etsy);

 Shades: ULTA (similar); 

Lip Color: Ruby Opera L'Oreal Extraordinaire (c/o PeopleStyleWatch)

When I was a little girl, I owned an enormous pair of red pom-poms and would chant the following cheer "Firecracker, firecracker, boom, boom, boom!" So it's only appropriate that I chant that cheer while posting about my Fourth of July look. 

I couldn't believe how gorgeous the weather was for our Fourth of July. We had temps in the mid 80s and the three of us spent the afternoon at Deanna Rose. It was a perfect day. And so was this outfit! Can you believe how perfect this fabric is for getting into the red, white, and blue spirit? My mom and I bought the fabric so long ago and it was literally laying on the floor of her sewing room. I immediately knew it had to become shorts! I found the top at Old Navy while shopping for a cute patriotic shirt for McKinley and I made the necklace the night before the fourth. Nothing like whipping up a look in less than 24 hours!

 

Another BaublesbyAndrea creation that will be coming to my Etsy shop soon. I'm loving the mix of fabric beads with other textures. I can't wait to keep playing with this concept!

Even though these shorts were my go-to Fourth piece, I know they are going to be booming with possibilities all summer long!

A Floral Shift

Dress: J.Crew Factory; Heels: Stuart Weitzman; Clutch: Anya Hindmarch for Target (similar);

Bracelets: J.Crew (similar/similar); Earrings: Gorjana (similar); Lip Color: Laura Geller Beauty Raspberry Roast

Last night I attended a blogger/media event for Chuy's on the Plaza and had the most wonderful evening! My friends Caitlin of Gussied Up and Jana of Jana Style Blog were there as well and we ate, drank, laughed, ate and drank some more, and met some really great people! I had one of the best summer evenings to date! Follow me on Instagram to see all the amazing food and drink photos from the evening!

I was invited to the event by Caitlin, thanks sweet friend, and didn't have a clue what the evening had in store. And because of that, I wasn't really sure how to dress. You should have seen my bed before I left. I think every piece of clothing, that was appropriate for summer, covered every inch of the bed! Then I remembered this steal of a deal shift dress. I have coveted the top for so long, but never took the plunge, and I'm so glad I waited. This dress is everything! (Did I mention it was on sale and an additional 60% off?) To complete the look, I threw on gobs of gold jewels, darling nude shoes, and a simple clutch.

 

 

After the event, Caitlin, Jana, and I took advantage of the evening light to grab some blog photos. Thanks to Jana for taking these!

West Coast Girl

Sweatshirt: J.Crew Factory; T-Shirt (layered): Gap; Shorts: J.Crew Factory (various colors);

Sandals: Sam & Libby via Target (similar); Shades: ULTA (similar); Hat: Standard Style (similar);

Necklace: Jane Basch (similar)

Last week McKinley and I completed our third summer parent/tot swimming lesson and Joel took the day off to be a part of the final lesson. He took pictures during class and cheered McKinley on as he took to the big boy slide for a ride on Mama's lap. And, as a celebration for "passing" the class, we took a mid week family outing to the zoo. And, for the second day of July, it turned into a chilly afternoon! I was super excited to have a chance to wear this darling nautical top!

I picked this sweatshirt up a couple of weeks ago at J.Crew Factory when my mom and I took McKinley to lunch at The Legends. I love that it lists all the amazing beaches of the West Coast, some of which I've had the honor of visiting, and a couple I hope to reside near one day! I am big fan of nautical, remember this darling J.Crew Factory find, and I love pairing navy with green. Such a cool combo! And, you can't go wrong with an awesome Panama straw hat! A perfect accessory to any summer look!

 

 

I just can't tell you how happy this top makes me! I've always said that I'm an East Coast girl, and I am at heart, but the West Coast has been calling my name for the past year. And, if I can't be there in person, at least I can be there in spirit....or in fashion spirit!

What I Call Casual Chic

 Top: LOFT (similar); Jeans: LOFT (similar); Sandals: Sam & Libby via Target (similar); 

Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff via Gilt (various colors);

Necklace: BaublesbyAndrea (Coming Soon); Shades: Ann Taylor (similar); Earrings: Gorjana; 

Lip Color: Laura Geller Beauty Raspberry Roast

There are so many things I love about this look. I love how easy and laid back it is, yet chic enough for dinner with family and friends. I'm calling it casual chic.

 I have admired this top for a while now, and thought it was sold out, until I shopped the LOFT top sale. And there it was! I immediately added it to my basket and checked out as fast as I could. I am loving the distressed jeans with cute tops for evenings out. It's a great way to incorporate my laid back style with some of my cute tops that I would normally wear with skirts and pants.

 

 

Then there is the necklace. I am so excited about this one. It's a new piece from BaublesbyAndrea that I literally created right before wearing it! I just couldn't wait. And it will be available on Etsy soon! (FYI, it's a made to order piece.) 

Happy Monday, everyone!! Hope you had a fashionable long weekend!

Tres Chic: Styling a Kimono

I am so excited to announce the launch of a new series called Très Chic! Très Chic will be a once a month blog post that features two local style bloggers, Caitlin of Gussied Up and Lauren of Classy and Fab Girl, and myself! We will style current trends, take looks from day to night, and style one specific piece several different ways. The goal of this blog series is to show our readers how three different bloggers all styled one item in such amazingly chic ways and hopefully provide you with additional inspiration when it comes to styling your own wardrobe. 

 This months Très Chic post is all about the current trend, kimono's! Short or long, floral or fringed, kimonos are everywhere. And there are lots of options that are inexpensive, making it a perfect addition to your summer wardrobe. So let's get this series off and running! Check out how my super chic girlfriends styled theirs!

Caitlin of Gussied Up
Hey Everyone! Remember Caitlin from Gussied Up? You met her last month when we did a blog swap. She's back and she's teamed up with me and fellow KC Blogger Lauren of Classy and Fab Girl to show how we've all styled our Kimono's! Caitlin's is long floral kimono she found at Windsor at Oak Park! She was excited to get this outfit together! She adores these boyfriend jeans and rose gold wedges with the pale pink of the kimono. And who doesn't just love gobs of jewels to complete the look, right? It's a great look for a fun casual night out or around town for sure!

 kimono: windsor (in store) similar here and here | 

boyfriend jeans: madewell (old) similar here and here | top: ruby rouge (new) similar here and here | wedges: franchesca's | clutch: stella and dot (sold out) similar here and here | 

sunnies: ralph | necklaces: nashelle and j.crew (old) similar here and here | 

earrings: stella and dot | bracelets: j.crew, stella and dot and j.crew | ring: david yurman 

Lauren of Classy and Fab Girl

Lauren from Classy and Fab Girl is a fellow fashion blogger from Kansas City. We met at several blogger events in KC and shared a passion for style. Lauren is wearing a light and airy kimono and styled it with kelly green shorts and gold accessories. She found her kimono at the new Fortuity boutique at the Country Club Plaza. It quickly has become her summer staple!

 [Kimono (similar) - Fortuity]; [Kelly Green Shorts (similar)- Gap];  

[Strappy Sandal (similar) - Gap]; [Gold Bracelet- Stella & Dot]; 

[Delicate Gold Rings - Stella & Dot]

Then there's mine! Remember this look from yesterday? Well if you missed, check out all the deets here!

 

 What do you think of Très Chic? Excited to see what we have planned for next month? We are too! And, we can't wait to continue this styling journey with all of you.

 Have an idea for us or a question about styling a piece you love? Send it on over! We are up for anything, as long as it's Très Chic! 

I've Said it Before...

 Tee: J.Crew vie eBay (fun style here); Vest: Old Navy; 

Boyfriend Jeans: Banana Republic (similar);Sandals: Target (similar); 

Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs (similar); Handbag: Pour La Victoire (similar); 

Necklace: BaubleBar (similar); 

Lip Color: Ruby Opera L'Oreal Extraordinaire (c/o People Style Watch)

Monday was probably one of the worst days I've had in a very long time. We had our first swimming lesson of the year and I was so excited to get started! McKinley and I have been in parent/tot swimming for the past two years and we've been spending a lot of time at the pool this summer. I just knew it was going to be an awesome session this year. Boy was I wrong! He cried the entire time. I removed him from the class with 10 minutes left and made him sit and watch the other students while they continued to learn. Definitely not the perfect lesson I had built up in my mind!

The day didn't get all that better. I was incredibly emotional all day, on the brink of tears for most of it. After showering the horrible lesson off, I found this tee to be perfect appropriate. Like I've said before... Well, just see below.

The Top: Before and After