Friday, May 8, 2015

Friday Beauty: Tortoise Shell and New Cuts

It is finally time to color my hair! And, if you've been looking closely at my photos lately, you can see why! The gray stripe is back, or Pepe Le Pew as my dad calls it, and I'm so ready for it to go back into hiding. And, just like always, I'm itching to do something new. I've experimented with highlights, a version of ombre that was entirely too light for me (live and learn, right), and then back to a darker shade of brown. With spring here, and summer on the horizon, I'm looking to mix things up. 

I've doing a little research on Pinterest and I'm a new fan of the Tortoise Shell hair! It's a mix of dark and caramel browns, and little highlights that comes in various lights and darks. I'm also thinking of taking a little more off the ends. Like my little cousin Madison once told my aunt after she cut her hair, at the ripe old age of nine, "It's only hair. I grows back." Very wise, Madison. Very wise! But because of the natural curl, I have to be very careful in how short I cut my locks. And, I have to factor in the humidity that's heading our way. So many things to consider before taking too much off. 

Here are some of the colors and cuts I'm considering. I have to say that my favorite color combo is the one on the top left. As for the cut style, it appears that they are all pretty much the same style. I guess when I find something I like, I stick with it! Check out what I'm thinking!


The actual hair appointment isn't until next Wednesday so you have plenty of time to weigh in! What do you think of the color? Do the cuts appeal to you? Have any other suggestions? 

Happy Friday, Beauties!

All images found on Pinterest!

Thursday, May 7, 2015

A Sunday Afternoon Concert

 Jumpsuit: Clover Canyon; Heels: Ivanka Trump (white/similar); 
Necklaces: Stella & Dot/The Zoe Collective;
Shades: MbyMJ; Bracelets: Kate Spade/Gift/My Grandmother's; Fitbit Bracelet: Bezels and Bytes
 Lip Color: NARS Heat Wave

Last Sunday McKinley performed with his class, and other Preschool and Pre-K classes, in a spring concert. It was the cutest and sweetest thing I've ever witnessed. I took pictures and video and cried tears of pride as he sang his little heart out for the audience. It made this "theater mama" proud. I'm not convinced I have a stage child on my hands, but I will take any performance from him I can get!

The concert took place at a little church around the corner from the school. I didn't want to be overly dressed so I really wasn't sure what to wear. Jeans were out of the question, a dress would have been too much, and then the floral print of this jumpsuit simply jumped out and grabbed my attention. I added color with my heels, kept my accessories to a minimum, but added some punch with my orange lip. A Sunday look I love! 



The Jumpsuit: Before and After

    
 
 

 Jumpsuit: Clover Canyon; Heels: Ivanka Trump (white/similar); 
Necklaces: Stella & Dot/The Zoe Collective;
Shades: MbyMJ; Bracelets: Kate Spade/Gift/My Grandmother's; Fitbit Bracelet: Bezels and Bytes
 Lip Color: NARS Heat Wave

What do you tend to wear to your child's school program? Do you get all fancy or just kind of go with the flow?

As always, see something you want? Need it now? Shop the links!!

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Wednesday Wants: Confessions of a Bedroom Update

I am obsessed with home remodeling and interior design. I have no formal background in either, but I love to pretend I know what I'm talking about! Confession: I really don't have a clue what I'm talking about! We have a relatively small home. A sweet home, but a small home. There's not a lot of room to move furniture around. Confession: There isn't any room to move anything around, so I spend my time updating with paint, accents pillows, throw rugs, bedding, lamps, and other room decor. 

As of late, I'm ready to change out some things in our bedroom. A couple of years ago I changed out bedding, adding new lamps, and curtains. I had aspirations of painting my walls gray, but never got around to it. However, my mom recently showed me a magazine pic of a gorgeous blue bedroom and I can't get the idea out of mind! The blue I found is New York State of Mind by Benjamin Moore and couldn't be more appropriate! Painting is super time consuming, but not difficult, and finding the time to do it is something I can't seem to do. But I'm dreaming of a blue bedroom and I've put together a little collage of all the things I would love to add to our room if I ever get around to a remodel.

This is our room currently. I love the bedding! But I just think it's time for a little upgrade to the rest of the room.



I love Mid Century Modern designs and the bedroom suit I found online is very similar to something I would love to own. I would definitely give it a facelift. New paint and knobs would do the trick. It doesn't have a mirror with the dresser so I would just add my own. A tufted headboard seems so chic and a little opulent, but I would feel like a queen getting in bed at night! Confession: I would love to DIY my own! I would add an area rug under the bed for more warmth and texture and a monogram throw would add another dimension to the bedding. A few little accent pieces here and there would complete the room. Check out my picks.



What do you think? Anything you love? Hate? Would pick for your own room? 

What do you do to try and make subtle updates to your home? I would love to hear your confessions!



Tuesday, May 5, 2015

The Perfect Choice

 Dress: JCPenney (similar); Sneakers: Target (similar); Handbag: MbyMJ
Bracelets: A Personal Mix; Fitbit Bracelet: Bezels and Bytes; Earrings: Stella & Dot (similar); 
Necklaces: Stella & Dot/The Zoe Collective; 
Lip Color Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Striking

I have been waiting for dress weather and an occasion to wear this one! Last Wednesday was perfect. McKinley and I headed to Crown Center for a little fun. He had a rough week with two doctors appointments, a breathing treatment, and being asked to consume three different medications everyday. Sounds like a crappy week to me! So we ate at his favorite restaurant, shopped for a new truck, played in the fairytale exhibit, had a cookie out by the fountains, and watched a forklift transport a large tank around the square. I think he had a pretty great day!

This was truly the best outfit choice! A comfy yet chic denim dress, sneakers, a cross-body bag to hold all of McKinley's essentials (and mine), and a new lip color! More on that on Friday's beauty post.



  
 

Dress: JCPenney (similar); Sneakers: Target (similar); Handbag: MbyMJ
Bracelets: A Personal Mix; Fitbit Bracelet: Bezels and Bytes; Earrings: Stella & Dot (similar); 
Necklaces: Stella & Dot/The Zoe Collective; 
Lip Color Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Striking

What outfit works for you when it's a day on the run? 

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

As always, see something you want? Need it now? Shop the links!!

Monday, May 4, 2015

I Love Spring!!

 Top: H&M (similar here); Jeans: Loft (similar here); Sneakers: Target (similar here/on sale); 
Handbag: MbyMJ; Necklaces: Silpada/Rachel Marie Designs; Shades: MbyMJ;
Bracelets: J.Crew (gift)/David Yurman (gift)

We have had some cool spring days around here, but I am refusing to wear sweaters again! Maybe a light weight cardigan but that's it! That's what I love about this top. It's 3/4 sleeve so I have some coverage on my arms, the material is lightweight yet warm enough to ward off the chill, and so comfy! And the color is so perfect for spring with all the beautiful blooms popping up around us. I love spring!



 

The Top: Before and After

    http://akstylemyway.blogspot.com/2015/03/a-mama-and-mckinley-day.html

 Top: H&M (similar here); Jeans: Loft (similar here); Sneakers: Target (similar here/on sale); 
Handbag: MbyMJ; Necklaces: Silpada/Rachel Marie Designs; Shades: MbyMJ;
Bracelets: J.Crew (gift)/David Yurman (gift

What do you wear in early spring that keeps you warm during the chill, but makes you feel like you're utilizing your spring wardrobe at its best? Cute tops and jeans are my definite go-to!

Happy Monday, Fashionista's!!

As always, see something you want? Need it now? Shop the links!!

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Tulip Team Up - A Derby Hat


I am so excited to be teaming up with Tulip this month! And with the Kentucky Derby taking place this weekend, what better time to talk about Derby Hats! Check out this amazing hat that Tulip gifted me for the shoot. I love it! It makes such a chic statement! I can literally see myself sipping Mint Juleps while watching those horses take off around the track. I've never been, but I'm totally armed with the perfect look for a day at the track.

I originally thought of styling the hat with a simple LBD, but for the Kentucky Derby, I needed something a little more playful. This Milly floral dress totally fit the bill. Paired with gold jewels and fuchsia pumps, this hat still stands out as the featured piece that it is.

 

And because there's always a big winner at the derby, Tulip is offering up a $25 gift card to shop! That's right! All you have to do is enter the raffle below and cross your fingers! It's that easy. I will email the winner on Monday!! Can't wait to share!

Good Luck!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Grocery Store to Night

Top: JCPenney; Jeans: Ann Taylor (similar/on sale); Sandals: Lovely People (similar);
Shades: MbyMJ; Handbag: MbyMJ; Necklace: Rachel Marie Designs

This is what I wore the grocery store last weekend. That's right, the grocery store! A little Sunday run to Target warranted a cute look, no? Slip on a pair of silver heels like these and you can take this look straight into the evening. Okay, I'm not heading out on a Sunday night, but I would totally rock the heels, and this look, any other night of the week!




The Top: Before and After

    http://akstylemyway.blogspot.com/2015/02/zoe-inspired.html
 
Top: JCPenney; Jeans: Ann Taylor (similar/on sale); Sandals: Lovely People (similar);
Shades: MbyMJ; Handbag: MbyMJ; Necklace: Rachel Marie Designs 
 
What are you wearing to the store these days? Let's chat!
 
As always, see something want? Need it now? Shop the links!!