If I'm Being Honest...

Jacket: Wrangler (my mom's/similar); Romper: Target (cute option);

 Sandals: Lovely People (similar);Shades: ULTA (similar); Necklace: Pottery Barn Kids (gift)

A day of what was supposed to be running errands turned into a day where my son got up before 6:00, attended the morning session of preschool, came home for lunch, had a cup of milk, and took a two and a half hour nap. And if I'm being honest, I did too! Eventually, we both woke up, headed to the grocery store, and had some playtime in the early evening with Dada. I can't think of a better piece than this romper to get me through such a stressful day! HA! Oh, and the little jacket was to ward off the chill in the grocery store. 

The Romper: Before and After

Can you believe that we are going from shorts to possibly jeans and layers this weekend? I'm kind of excited and kind of bummed! Could make for some cute transition looks...

A Date Night at Park Place

I will be the first to admit that my husband and I are in much/overdue need of a date night! However, we are always at a loss of what to do. It seems we always rely on the same thing which is dinner and a movie. I would consider that a rut in the date night department. So, what do we do to jazz things up in the dating world? I'm thinking we need to head on over to Park Place!

I have fallen in love with this center that's lined with brick sidewalks and open lawn seating, and it offers oddles of things to do. I can't wait to walk hand in hand with my guy sharing an evening of fun and food. So, what am I planning to do for date night? Well....

For dinner, we can check out Mestizo by Aaron Sanchez. Aaron Sanchez is best known for being a judge on Food Network's Chopped, but also has this amazing restaurant that offers rooftop seating where you can enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday nights. There is also a "ring of fire" along the patio seating when taking in those cool fall evenings. On the other hand, we are a pretty casual couple, so there are nights when we just want to just to chill. At Pig & Finch, you can just sit along the brick patio, share some wine and flatbread, and just take in the evening air and each other! Sounds pretty awesome!

Now, we aren't big into seafood, but my parents are. And let me tell you, they are way overdue for a date night! I'm thinking 801 Fish is right up their alley! They offer bivalves, which are clams, oysters, mussels, scallops, for only $1 during Happy Hour every Sunday-Friday. My mom would be in heaven!

After dinner I'm thinking we would head over to Paciugo Gelato & Cafe for what else, gelato. And to work off dinner and dessert, I'm thinking a little stroll around Park Place sounds perfect. I'm thinking I'll do a little window shopping while we're at it! Also, I would love to stop and checkout the colorful fish with a tour at Picasso Exotic Aquatics.

We had McKinley three years ago, and in those three years, I've spent two nights without him. I'm always saying that we need to get away, take a vacation just the two of us, but then I just feel like I can't possibly do it! I love to travel, but the thought of going out of town without him sounds impossible. But.... we could do a staycation. We get time alone, never leave the city, and I can be at my baby boy's side in minutes if he were to need me. Sounds perfect. I'm thinking I need to book a reservation STAT for ALOFT! They offer the "Romance Getaway" and "Sip and Stay" packages. Sounds enticing!

There are some other fun things that we could do. We're not artists by any stretch of the means, but creating our own masterpiece at Pinot's Palette sounds kind of fun! And, you can bring your own wine! I am all about pampering and primping, but he's not much for it. I'm thinking I could break him in by getting a couples' facial and pedicure at Michael Shae! Talk about relaxation! And though I like to relax and be pampered, he is all about hitting the gym. I need to get back in the swing of things, and I think taking a his and hers class at Orange Theory Fitness would be a great way to jump start my gym career!

No matter what we actually do, I can't wait to plan our next date night! I'm rooting for dinner at Mestizo with dessert at Paciugo Gelato & Cafe. However, our anniversary is coming up in November so a staycation might be in order. I can't wait to share our date night deets, and looks, soon! 

(This post was sponsored, but all thoughts were my own.)

"On the Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe"

Sweater: Anthropologie (similar/fun option); Tee: Target; Jeans: Ann Taylor (similar);

Sneakers: Jack Parcell (similar); Hat: Standard Style (similar); 

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

We spent some time down on the Union Station tracks while in St. Louis. My son loves trains and loved that he could see these in real life. I have always wondered what it would be like to ride a train. You know, back in the day when everyone dressed up to ride the train, eat off of china and use real silver, and have cocktails at the bar. It just sounds fabulous. Not like it was depicted on the Sex and the City episode when Carrie and Samantha took the train to San Francisco.

It turned super cool on Saturday, with rain to boot, so we headed for cover and Union Station. I packed this awesome blanket sweater because it is the ultimate layering piece! It's just so cool! And when paired with boyfriend jeans, Converse sneaks, and a fedora, you feel cool too!

 

 

The Sweater: Before and After

Would you like to take the train on your next vacay? I say, all aboard!

Holy Chic!

Tee: Old Navy; Shorts: Rachel Zoe (similar); Blazer: LOFT (similar/50% off); Belt: J.Crew Factory;

Sandals: Target (similar); Shades: MJM (similar/50% off); Necklaces: The Zoe Collective/Stella & Dot (1/2);

Rings: Gorjana/Stella & Dot; Backpack: Coach (similar)

We spent the weekend in St. Louis and had a wonderful time. I have been through St. Louis so many times I can't count, but I've never really spent any time in the city. This was our first evening in town and we spend time at the Arch, which my son is now obsessed with, before heading to dinner and bed. 

This is what I wore for the car ride. And if McKinley is as obsessed as he is with the Arch, I'm equally as obsessed with these shorts! I honestly live in them and wish I could get my hands on a second pair. And how cute is this tee? I love it! I'm so into these logo tees and having so much fun styling them. This time around, I went with the cut-offs, cute sandals, and black blazer. For travels, I always layer because my hubby freezes me out with the air conditioner! And, I wanted to look pulled together for whatever we decided to do once we arrived.

 The Blazer: Before and After

 

What are your go-to's for travel? Let's share! I love to learn new ideas.

Hope you're having a fab Monday!

Rainy Morning, Big Hair, and My Hunters

Sweatshirt: Old Navy (fun option); Tank: Target (similar/$10); 

Shorts: Rachel Zoe (similar); Boots: Hunter; Handbag: Pour La Victoire (similar); 

Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs (similar); Necklace: BaubleBar (similar);

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

Don't let this sunny photo fool you. It was a stormy, rainy mess yesterday morning so what better piece to pair with my favorite denim shorts? My favorite rain boot! Even McKinley wanted to wear his after seeing me in mine!

I've seen other bloggers and fashionista's wear Hunters with shorts and I've always wanted to recreate the look, but I've been hesitant. Like so many other fearful fashion moments, this look in particular, I've ended up loving it. This one is no exception. The sweatshirt, the statement necklace, the cutoffs...it just all came together and the Hunters are the best part! Definitely hoping for more rain in the forecast soon!

The Sweatshirt: Before and After

 

What one thing makes you fearful when wanting to try something new in fashion? What would it take to conquered that fear? I say just go for it!

XOXO

Believe....

 Tank: Tulip Boutique (in store); Tank: Target (similar/$10); Jeans: Target (similar); 

Sandals: Target (similar); Bangles: Tulip Boutique (c/o); 

Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs (similar/$15); 

Necklace: The Zoe Collective/Stella and Dot/Gorjana (similar); Rings: Gorjana (similar); 

Lip Color: MAC Ruby Woo; Nail Color: Essie Smokin' Hot

How awesome is the saying on this tank?! And how true it is! I am working so hard at doing because I truly do believe I can! And that's all it takes, no?

I decided to style this a little differently than what I typically wear. It's a little rock n roll and I kinda like it. Actually, the hubs told me that this is what I should have worn to Motley Crue. Looks like I achieved what I wanted! 

 The Jeans: Before and After

I was so honored to compete in the September Tulip Twist with Tulip Boutique. The Tulip Twist is a monthly blogger contest where five local bloggers style the same item and then viewers vote on their favorite styling. The bangles were gifted to me as part of the contest and I can't wait to keep styling them!

Hope you are enjoying the short week!

Aqua = Aquarium

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

Shades: Prada (similar); Necklaces: The Zoe Collective/Stella & Dot/Gorjana (gift/similar);

 Bracelets: J.Crew (gift)/Stella & Dot; Ring: Gorjana (similar);

 Nail Color: Essie Smokin' Hot

A couple of weeks ago we took McKinley to the Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium to meet the Octonauts. And what else would one wear to the aquarium but aqua? I have to admit that I was this close to wear this anchor top, but I stopped myself! I went with white crops because I freeze in air conditioned spaces and I haven't really given them that much love this summer. I just got them in under the wire!  

 

 

The Top: Before and After