Fall Shoe Shopping

I have conquered the September Issues of the mags, the New Addition sections of my favorite e-tailers, and have long been eyeing my warmer clothes in the closet. So yes, it is time to shop for Fall even though we are in a brutal heat wave, I am far from my ideal size (let's get going baby girl), and I am not even sure how much I will be getting out of the house the next few months. It is the best season to shop for. First stop is shoes, since the size of my feet has stayed the same. There are so many fun options, but these are what I am coveting.  

1. The shape of these Report ($129) booties are perfect, so is the height

2. Loving the chunky heel trend. These pink J. Crew ($375) are awesome

3. Frye ($345) boots in a glossy black

4. Really need some leopard flats. Madewell ($118) 

5. These Michael Kors ($200) booties would look great with a skirt of dress

6. I am a sucker for gray, these boots from Topshop ($160) are fun

7. In need of classic two-toned flats like these from Loeffler Randall ($195)

8. Love the asymmetrical top of these Vince Camuto ($170) boots 

9. Cannot go wrong with killer black stilettos. This shape from Nine West ($79) are hot

I am about to spill one of my most embarrassing style problems, I have large calves. Blame it on my years of ballet or genetics, it is what it is. Trying on knee high boots is so painful. Many brands are making extended calf versions of their best styles to make knee high boots a reality. The two styles above are available in those sizing. If you have this problem too, I feel for you lady. 

xo

Erin 

Baby Girl Nursery

I am so excited to share pictures of the finished nursery. Given that I had a boy the first go around, the girliness in me really came out. But, I did not want it to be too sweet and reflect a calming space that was also fun. I combined modern and classic touches so it combined different styles that I love. It came together how I envisioned and now I am excited to actually use it, hopefully soon!  

I love having a twin bed in Tommy's room for extra space for him to hang out, change his clothes, etc. So I kept one for her room as well. 

(Crate & Barrel Twin Bed, Land of Nod duvet, PB Teen rug)

I have always loved the Jenny Lind style crib and the combination of pink, navy and coral. 

(Jenny Lind Crib, Pottery Barn Kids Sheets, Crib Skirt)

I am completely obsessed with the dresser. The antique mirror was a thrift store find that was a steal. 

(Campaign Dresser,  Changing pad, Wallpaper)

My mom preserved many of my outfits as a baby and these rompers are too sweet to hang in the closet. She found some antique hooks to display them and they function well next to the changing table. 

These little prints are from my old room. They still have a note scrolled on the back to the original owner from Grandma. 

I really tried to edit down myself when planning the room. There are so many cute nursery prints and art, but a large gallery wall felt like too much and just one painting I loved felt right. I am trying to get a baby to sleep in this room and not go crazy in it. 

I love the modern prints, chair and soft rug paired with the floor lamp chandalier. 

(Ottoman, Room & Board Glider, Land of Nod throw, Restoration Hardware Lamp, Painting Artist)

It was so fun decorating this space and I hope it inspires you a bit. Now let's do this baby girl! 

xo

Erin 

Packed Up

Still waiting! That whole myth that if your first is early, so will your second has been proven wrong over here. All things considered, I am not miserable and happy to have my parents here helping me with the little guy. I have been packed for the hospital for a really long time. With my first being three weeks early and not having anything packed, I decided to get a bag together a couple weeks ago. Now it stares at me from the corner of my room reminding me that things have not happened. Here is what I packed. As you can see, Tommy helped me out...

For the Baby 

Swaddling Blanket: A cuter one that what the hospital has

Going Home outfit with hat

Baby Book: Have them put the footprints right in the book after delivery

To Pass the Time 

Bluetooth wireless speaker: I liked music during my last delivery

iPhone charger

Camera & Lens: Double checked it is fully charged

Kindle: To try and stay off my iPhone while nursing

Kind Bars: Your own snack is nice if you are starved after delivery

For Mama

Toiletries: I also bring a touch of makeup since there are so many pictures 

Lanolin & Nursing Pads: Because your nipples will hurt and leak 

Comfy PJs: With easy access for nursing and cute enough for company

Eye Mask: Because the lights never get turned off in your room

Nursing Bra: Something soft, Target has great options

Stretchy Tanks & Pants: Surprise, surprise the belly is still there

Belly Bandit: It can't hurt

Slippers: So you can leave your room for a walk if you want to

Monogrammed Hospital Gown: I got this as a gift, it is such a cute idea

Fuzzy Socks: A little extra comfort

What am I missing? Anything that you brought that you are so glad you did? 

xo

Erin 

Tick Tock Tick Tock

Still waiting.... No baby.... But it is feeling close. I have about four working brain cells that are not focused on preparing myself for another newborn and the little guy, so posting has just not been happening. I know you understand and in the meantime, here are a few random thoughts to start our Monday...

Not really a thought, more like a prayer for this baby for Fall

Emerald is so still such a fun color and I think this bag would be fantastic with a sweater, skinnies and boots. 

This link on Puzzling Pictures of Leo made me laugh. How creepy is this one?? 

Wanderlusting to my favorite tropical resort. 

So in love with Nate and Jeremiah. There house is so chic and Jeremiah has seriously stepped up in the world since working for RZ, right? 

I have been making recipes to freeze so we have some options once the baby is here. This Stuffed Chicken with proscuitto, cheese and spinach is a great one. 

Adding shearling to denim vest makes me want one even more. 

Hope your weekend was fab and I will keep you posted of any news! 

xo

Erin 

Denim Topper

The easiest jacket to add to your Fall closet is a denim one. Cropped, bleached, biker, dark wash. Any style can easily top off your favorite warm weather looks to get you through the chiller temps. I am in the market for a new one and love the styles that these ladies are sporting. 

It is hard to pick which style to go with. All four of the below are similarly cut, with a slim fit and sleeves ample enough to fold up. I  have always gone with dark because it seems so versatile, but these more vintage washes have me second guessing. 

1. Gap / 2. J. Crew / 3. Rag & Bone (on sale) / 4. Rag & Bone

A smart shirt, scalloped shorts, that midi style skirt you are dying to try, a comfy t shirt dress, or a printed maxi would be a nice addition, right? 

1. Club Monaco / 2. Asos /  3. Asos / 4. J. Crew / 5. Chinti & Parker / 6. Asos / 7. Velvet 

It weirdly feels like Fall already, although I am sure that it will be hot as hell again in a week or two. Getting excited for shopping for real clothes. I have taken yoga pants to a whole new level during these last weeks. Happy shopping! 

xo

Erin 

I know, I know. Totally lame that there is nothing new posted in almost a week. I am waiting out this baby and cannot get my act together to get some quality posts going. My lack of writing due to becoming a parent the second time around may be starting a little sooner than I thought. Going to attempt some intellect and creativity this week, but do not hold me to it. xo Erin 

Steal the Look: Karlie, Miranda & Sienna

These three ladies had my favorite looks this week. All of them are always so put together, even when it seems like they are barely trying. Though these are all very different looks, I noticed that there is very little accessories involved. No statement jewelry or stacks of bangles, just classic silhouettes and pieces perfectly matched. 

Karlie's buttery dress is gorg. That is a really hard dress cut to pull off if you are not as tall and pin thin as her. A fit and flare would be more flattering on us mortals and I love that pointy toe heels are making a come back. 

Parker dress, Manolo Blahnik shoes

Miranda is killing it. From the red carpet, to the airport, to lunching with her little man, she always looks amazing. I love this look because it shows you can probably throw this together with a few new pieces with what you already have. Simple, classic, with a splash of color. 

T by Alexander Wang shirt, Missoni scarf, AG jeans, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, Seychelles sandals

I love me a good floral. Girlie and femme with a bit of flirt. Sienna kept it simple with some drop earrings, soft waves in her hair, and some strappy sandals. I LOVE the Parker dress that is similar, thinking of going on a limb and ordering in my hope-to-be-again size. 

J. Crew earrings, Parker dress, Alexandre Birman sandals

Which one is your favorite inspiration? 

xo

Erin 

Roasted Cauliflower & Chickpea Salad

So my birth(day) seemed to turn into a week and then a nice long weekend getaway with my man, so the blog did not see a lot of love. I am back though with a delicious recipe that I highly recommend you incorporate into your dinner menu this week. It is super easy and has such great flavors going on. One of the ingredients is tahini, which your market should have. If you are looking for other recipes to use the jar with try these Sesame Noodles (to-die), homemade hummus, or an Asian Chicken Salad. 

Roasted Cauliflower & Chickpea Salad

serves 4-6 

1 head of cauliflower cut into florets, then slice florets 1/2 inch thick

1 red onion, large dice

14 oz chickpeas, drained and dried well

olive oil

salt and pepper

Several large handfuls of arugula 

1/4 cup tahini

juice of one lemon

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/4 cup water

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spread the cauliflower, onions and chickpeas in two large baking sheets. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat and spread in a single layer. Bake for about 15 minutes, until vegetables are browned and chickpeas are just crunchy. 

Meanwhile, mix the tahini, lemon juice, cumin, and water in a small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper and add more water to get the consistency of a dressing if needed. 

Place the arugula in a large bowl, add the roasted vegetables, and toss with enough dressing to coat and season well. 

Serve up and enjoy! 

xo

Erin