Back to School on a Budget

So I am experiencing Back to School as sort of a real thing for the first time with a soon to be Kindergartener. The kids' preschool has uniforms, so I have never felt the pressure quite so much to get things together. No whining from me though, I am so excited for the kids and happy to shop. ha Kids clothes are fleeting and inevitably stained within hours of wear, so investments should be kept to a minimum in my book. But, you also want things that will last an entire year and not fall apart in the wash. So I put together a few looks for both girls and boys from Nordstrom, with of course a few things for Mom to treat her self as well. Everything is under $50, with most being under $30. 

Girls up first...

1. Love a mixed print dress. 

2. A sweet floral top and retro jean skirt lasts into fall with a tee and leggings added. 

3. Love the mix of a more tomboyish hoodie with a sweet floral printed legging. 

4. How fun to channel Cher Horowitz in this baby tee and plaid skirt. 

5. Black knee high boots are so cute on little legs. 

6. Slip on prep sneaks with a little rose gold for luck. 

7. These are like little Rag & Bones. And who doesn't want a heel? 

8. These little ballet flats are so sweet. They also come in other colors. 

9. There is a lot of sparkle to this one, but the old school shape is so cute. 

10. Stripes and a cute shape. 

11. Love this classic, but oh so pink back pack. 

12. A little Lisa Frank and I like it. And it is reversible. 

As much as I would love to send my son to school in button downs and khakis, I know he is way more comfortable (and happy) in options like these...

1. Love this waffle ringer and just got these jeans for Tommy. No fly to deal with! 

2. A classic henley updated in color block paired with pull on chinos shorts, no fly again for the win! 

3. A classic stripe tee and joggers look cute and keep them comfy all day. 

4. If they want to go character, I like these vintage tees. And all boys want to live in these, right? 

5. Leather sneaks with nothing to lace makes Moms really happy. Comes in other colors. 

6. Leather high top Converse class up the original a bit. Comes in other colors. 

7. These Nikes are a long time favorite in our house. 

8. Love these classic Adidas. 

9. A little surfer mixed with business from Vans. 

10. A stripe monster is cute always.  

11. Love the manly color block of this backpack. 

12. A character backpack done right. 

And a little something for Mom for killing it every day...

1.  An easy t-shirt dress that screams for leggings and sneaks. 

2. These are the cutest espadrilles. 

3. Sweatpants that can pass for real pants. (insert high five)

4. Remind yourself of this mantra when you drop your kids with two different shoes on. Because it is still true. 

5. Fake a rosy glow perfectly with this Nars multiple stick. Orgasm looks good on everyone, I am into Maui right now. 

6. This pj set is so lux for a fraction of the usual cost. Comes in other colors too. 

7. A cute shirt for back to school drinks with your friends. 

8. This legging always has rave reviews. Every outfit could start with them really. 

9. A sweatshirt long enough to wear over leggings. Also comes in other colors. 

10. I buy a pair of these every year. Love this color, but they come in a bunch. SO comfy. 

11. These masks are magic and perfect for a quick night time pampering. 

12. Are they slippers or fancy sandals? Let's say both. 

xo

Erin 

Gift Guide 2014: Girl on the Go

Being away is bliss. Not only for the change in temperatures, but also the change of pace. While we stay very busy with the kids, we also unplug and the worries of the every day chores and obligations are far, far away. While I might not be posting every day that I am here, I actually have a little more time to write. So the blog lives on. 

In the interest of staying in the travel theme, my first holiday gift guide of the season is for the girl on the go. Maybe she travels a lot to far off places, has kids that have her all over town, or has a job that has her running around all day every day, these would all be perfect for her. 

1. An eco friendly glass water bottle with the sweetest heart on it. bkr $35

2. The entire beauty set from Glossier is fantastic and travel friendly. $80 The rose water mist and balm dot com is my have. Perfect stocking stuffers. 

3. I love the mix of refinement and coziness of these gloves. So great. Carolina Amato $160

4. A pair of throw back kicks go great with skinnies or leggings for running errands or after kids. Nike $59

5. As a tote or a shoulder bag, this fits everything, including a laptop. Madewell $168 (other colors)

6. Because aviators are always reliable in any situation. And these have a great mirrored finish. Saint Laurent $375

7. The sweetest to go cup for her tea or coffee. Asos $15

8. These chubby sticks are moisturizing balm with a touch of color. Can't go wrong the any color, especially the light pinks. Clinque $18

9. A cozy blanket that packs up well and an eye mask is great for the constant traveler. Target $16

My biggest problem with the gift guides is I want everything! If you are looking for anything specific this season, let me know and I can put a post together. 

xo

Erin 

Previous gift idea posts: 

Classic Shoes 

Cozy Sweaters

Family Photo: What To Wear

Family photo taking season is upon us. While fun to set up and get the proofs from, it can be a little tough to put together a look for the entire family. I think these groups just nailed it. 

While I do not have anything against matching outfits (I have actually seen it done well. Rarely though), it is better to stick to a cohesion as opposed to straight up uniformity. I put together some groupings so you could see what I mean. 

Other rules of thumb are be careful with your prints, stick with clothes that fit really well to your frame, and wear body smoothing undergarments (aka spanx and smoothing tanks). That way you are comfortable moving around and wrangling the kids while they take the pictures. 

I broke the options down by their theme/dress code with a little boy and girl option to go with the parents. 

If you are doing a more formal sitting, then a cocktail dress you can sport to parties/weddings one the season is perfect. I kept the rest of the family in the same color story of navy, gray/silver, and white. 

 1. Alice + Olivia $396 / 2. J. Crew $405  / 3. J. Crew $128 / 4. Gap $60 / 5. Gap $9 / 6. Gap $26 / 7. Gap $24

We have all seen the families with the white shirts and black pants photo. This is a different take. Again, staying with the theme but breaking it up so it is not too matchy. Pair the girls tunic with leggings and boys sweater with jeans. 

1. J. Crew $98 / 2. Koral $159 / 3. J. Crew $128 / 4. J. Crew $155 / 5. Gap $44 / 6. Gap $39

Choosing a color to work around is not a bad idea. Just pick several hues and mix in at least one pattern. 

1. BB Dakota $65 / 2. J. Crew $88 / 3. J. Crew $69 / 4. Old Navy $12 / 5. J. Crew $39

Another example, this time in green and gray. 

1. Bailey 44 $174 / 2. J. Crew $118 / 3. J. Crew $69 / 4. Zara $35 / 5. Boden $30 

This is what I call "Everyone is dressed for Fall." Chunky knits, warm colors, and denim. 

1. Etienne Marcel $209 (wear with tights) / 2. J. Crew $98 / 3. J. Crew $155 / 4. J. Crew $48 (wear with leggings) / 5. Gap $44

Most likely you will base everyone's pieces off of yours. Right? So this for example shows you that by just adding in a color from your dress to the group and adding one more with pop, everything sort of mixes perfectly. 

1. Maison Scotch $120 / 2. J. Crew $98 / 3. J. Crew $69 / 4. Gap $44 / 5. Zara $19

And if you are headed outside in the cold to take your photos, try and coordinate your outwear. Yours should have a belt of fit as close to the body as possible. It is more flattering. I love this black and gray set so much. 

1. BB Dakota $144 / 2. J. Crew $520 / 3. Patagonia $114  / 4. Gap $44

I hope this helps you with some inspiration for your family photos. Really just work around a color or set of colors and you should be set. The most important piece of advice I have is to wear things you would wear normally. Everyone wants their pictures to be as natural as they possibly can be, they always turn out better. 

xo

Erin 

Celebration: One Year

It is kind of unfair that in only one year's time your sweet baby can go from this

to this. 

The time warp is a little cruel, but the journey is also quite the ride. Nothing can prepare you for that first baby's arrival. And just when you think the second time around will be cake, it kicks you right in the ass. But keeping life interesting is what kids do every day. And what we love them for. 

My sweet Miss Mary is one today and we will be celebrating this little lady all weekend. The joy she has brought to us is immeasurable. I love her spunky, no fear attitude and the way she does not let her older brother run the show, at all. 

I am wishing my darling girl another year filled with belly giggles, tons of bananas, extra splashing in the bath tub, couch gymnastics, and endless smooches and snuggling. 

Stop growing up my love. 

Happy weekend. 

xo

Erin 

Puddle Jumpers

Since I have already gotten excited about coats for Fall, you know that boots are following close behind. I have a great pair of fur lined moto boots that I live in come winter, but I think some new rain boots for that in between time of it being cold and there actually being snow on the ground would be a nice addition. Hunters are the logical choice, but they have some new styles this year and there are some other brands that have my eye.  

1. This beige pair by Sloosh Italy are kind of amazing. The color and buckles are gorge. $220

2. This Gucci pair would be an investment, but the shape is perfection. $450

3. Coral is my jam. These would brighten up a cold day. Hunter $148

4. Snakeskin gives this pair by Dav a chic look $80

5. The shape of these Hunter's would be very flattering on anyone. $175

6. I am a sucker for a equestrian stripe and buckle. Dav $110

7. The classic Hunter, but in a great moody navy $148

8. These new glossy black Hunter's have an adjustable back for better sizing (i.e: perfect for people like me with larger calves) $152

And because I cannot resist, although she may not be able to sport them anytime soon, how cute are these for Miss Mary? 

The glossy black are to die and the sweet yellow pair would be adorable on rainy days. 

xo

Erin 

Not Just for Tweens

I have been having some busy days around here and soaking up this summer with the kids. Mary turns one at the end of the month and I am savoring every last second with her before she is no longer truly a baby. 

I did have time this morning to put together this fun bedroom after I was looking around for some accessories online. Who knew that PB Teen had such style? The site is of course chock full of preppy teenager options, but there is some seriously fantastic pieces that would work for grown ups, too. Bonus is that the prices reflect more for a kids room, so your budget goes a lot further. 

1. I love a good pom pom drape and these are black out. $89-$119

2. Pretty chandelier $129

3. Obsessed with this petal abstract painting. Beautiful colors and scale. $149

4. This canopy bed has been pinned to death and there is a reason. It is gorge. $599-$899

5. Pretty scalloped bedding that can be monogrammed is always a good idea. $29-$159

6. This tray side table is a fun alternative to the usual shapes. $98

7. A soft Moroccan Diamond Rug is perfect for a bedroom. $143-$169

8. This navy velvet love seat is the perfect size for in front of a bed. $799

Happy Monday. I hope your week is off to a great start. And I hope to post more this week. Anything you need help with in beauty, design, food, travel, or fashion? I love getting ideas for posts from you. Upcoming wedding, living room refresh, cooking dilemma, happy to help ladies. 

xo

Erin 

Baby Girl

The wait is over and we are officially a family of four. This sweet little thing is quite the addition to our home and so far the transition has been a lot less bumpy than the first time around. (fingers crossed it stays that way!)

Mary Adele 7lbs 9oz 8/29/13 8:45pm

The little guy is getting a lot of attention from his grandparents and I am trying to spend as much quality time with him one on one as I can. As of now he has been gentle and is somewhat aware of the space he is now sharing with the baby. 

This is what kisses look like over here... 

Melts my heart. I hope you are all doing well and I will try and check back in when time allows. the next few months could be rocky, but I am going to enjoy them no matter what. 

xo

Erin 

Royal Baby Fever

In light of the craziness that is the new heir to the British throne, it was due time for a baby post. My little heiress is pretty much stocked up for her arrival and shopping for her has been so much fun. I tend to stick to basics for newborns and have more fun as they grow up a bit. But even for the essentials, there is some cute options. So far a few of the every day classics that I have got are...

1. A sweet little smocked dress from the Gap 

2. I am obsessed with this blanket I got form Land of Nod

3. I swear by the Halo Sleepsack Swaddles and these soft chenille ones are so cozy

4. & 5. The pink was getting insane, so this striped bodysuit with ruffled shorts was a good break

6. I love anything terrycloth from Baby Gap

7. Giggle has great essentials and this little striped dress is so cute. Tommy wore a ton of their stuff. 

I still have my eye on some splurges for her and the nursery. Some of these I found off the beaten path and across the pond. I mean if the royal baby is dressed to the nines, so should mine. Sort of. ha

1. This little cashmere jumper is to DIE for from Olivier Baby

2. Tommy loves his Little Giraffe blanket now, so having one for her would be nice

3. I am obsessed with all the shoes on Le Petit Tom, but the ballet shoes are precious

4. I have loved this painting for so long and it just happens to match the colors in the nursery

5. What baby doesn't need a monogrammed sweater dress? LOVE it

6. Strawberry Liberty print could not be more adorable on this romper from Baby Olivier

7. Blabla makes the best dolls for babies

8. How cute would this full bunting be for the winter? Baby Boden

9. We received sunglasses for Tommy and they get so much more use than I imagined 

10. Patent Mary Janes that even I would wear

Just five more weeks! 

xo

Erin 

Nursery Update

How come the weekend has to go by so freaking fast when you are on a trip with your friends? It was so hard to say good bye yesterday and now I am only left with my random giggles throughout the day remembering some of the hilarious moments. I guess it always gets you excited for the next time. 

I have made some actually progress on the nursery design and have ordered a few things. I feel like once the room is painted next month and the wallpaper goes up, I will be able to figure a little more out. For now, most of the big stuff is done. 

I ordered a custom campaign dresser from The Papaya Tree on Etsy. I decided a dresser/changer is something I am going to get use out of forever and splurged. The photo above is just an example and the coral color next to it is similar to what it will be painted. It will have a glossy, lacquered finish and will be such a great pop in the room. 

The wallpaper I got on an insane discount from this site. It is a York wall covering, but they no longer make it in this color. I am going to just paper one wall and paint the rest of the room white. 

The crib was also on sale at Wayfair. Just a classic Jenny Lind with its charming spindles. Hopefully the quality is good. 

I have been eyeing this chandelier lamp at Restoration Hardware Baby & Child for awhile. Today it went on sale and I went for it. The room does not have any overhead lighting, so floor lamps will be all the lighting for the entire room. It is so girlie and classic, so a good mix with the modern pieces. 

I already own this glider from Room & Board. It lives in Tommy's room, but I am going to steal it for baby girl and get him something else. Gliders can be so pricey and he could care less about rocking now. I worship this glider and it was worth every penny. It is large and comfortable, even for Dad, and the fabric cleans really well. 

Things are coming along! Bedding for the crib and the twin bed we have in the room is next, along with a rug. I found this soft one for such a great price, but need to see it in person. 

xo

Erin