The Best Distressed Denim

Hi, friends!

Hope you had a great Labor Day Weekend!

Our weekend was busy but in a good way. Reese still had a soccer game Saturday morning and as soon as it was done, we headed up to the mountains for the day. Sunday morning we had a slow morning eating pancakes in our jammies before heading to the later service at church. We met family for lunch after church and then while everyone took afternoon naps, momma went shoppin! And Y'all. It was crazy town out there. If it weren't for the heat and lack of Christmas tunes, I could have promised it was Black Friday. What in the world?

After the hectic shopping experience, Matt and I got to go on a super fun date that included a few of my favorite things:
1. Being with Matt
2. Eating at OK Cafe
3. Browsing every aisle in IKEA
4. Jeni's Ice Cream

It was so fun!

Monday I got up and went for a run even though I had almost zero desire to do so. The trail was particularly crowded with fallen limbs and rocks so I wiped out GOOD. Thankfully no one was around to see me. Not one of my more graceful moments.

We had a mid-day birthday party for the sweetest little one year old. Reese and Rowen were so very excited to go and were just the sweetest little attendees. It's tough stuff having to watch someone else open presents. Especially when you're TWO!

Post party sugar crash made for epic nap times, which was the perfect way to spend the afternoon if you ask me.

I hope you got to spend time resting from your normal laboring this weekend!

Ok, now let's chat about JEANS.



I've rounded up a few of my favorite pairs of distressed denim and tried to keep the price points under $100. Most of these options have plenty of sizes available but when you're in this price range, options sell out pretty quickly. So keep that in mind!












A few things to keep in mind when you're shopping for jeans online... Most of the models wearing the jeans are fairly tall so if you're not wanting to cuff your jeans, then look for the "ankle" option. The "girlfriend" style will typically already be designed to roll at the cuff a few times and will be a loose fit around the upper leg.

If you're looking for a more of a super distressed look, you're leaning toward "destroyed" denim. If you're wanting an option with a LOT of stretch, try going for a jegging. Don't let that title scare you. What's out now is not the same as what was being sold on informercials a few years ago. Most often these will have an elastic waste band and will be sooooooo comfy and flattering!

Also, if you like the idea of distressed denim but can't quite find the right pair, it's super easy to add some distressing yourself. I'll do a little tutorial on the blog in the next few weeks on how to add distressing to otherwise non-distressed jeans.

Last, but certainly not least, just remember that absolutely anyone can wear distressed denim. It just adds a relaxed fit and visual interest to an outfit. I think they're a wardrobe essential. So get ya some.

Hope that helps with your search!

Love,

Laura


Styling Summer Sweaters

I'm wishing for Fall as much as the next girl but it is still WARM. For crying out loud, could we not just get like into the low 70's? I just wanna drink a hot drink without wanting to die, you know?

I wore this cute sleeveless textured pullover sweater the other night and loved the way it fell. I also tried it on with a black n white stripe turtleneck before I left just for funsies and I LOVED it. I added a sparkly statement necklace and loved it even more. These sleeveless sweaters are great for layering but can be worn now too! Win Win!



I wore my FAV jeans and theeeeeee most comfortable black heels. I also added this cute tassel choker from Dress Up. Their prices on jewelry are amazing!























My favorite thing about these jeans is that the holes in the knees make them so easy to move in! As a mom of two littles, I do a lot of up and down throughout the day so I need something that can move with me. Call me crazy, but I like to feel like I can take a breath in my pants. These are the best!

I'm so excited to be going out with some friends tonight to plan for an upcoming trip! You know after dinner will include a PSL. I gotta get a start on those September goals!

Hope you have a great Thursday! All outfit details listed below!

Love,

Laura










September Goals



I cannot believe we are already talking about September!

Fall is hands down my absolute favorite time of the year so I'm giddy with excitement to be sharing my goals with you.

1. Drink a pumpkin spice latte - Starbucks introduces all the Fall flavored drinks September 1st! Even if you're not a fan of the PSL, you could still try the salted caramel mocha. It's life changing. Trust me. I might have already planned my outfit for my inaugural trip to get Fall beverage and it might include this shirt, these boots, and these jeans. Don't judge.


2. Wear a blanket scarf - Just ordered this one from Nordstrom but I'm going to need the weather's cooperation before I can realistically wear it outside. In the meantime, I'll crank down the air and wear it around the house.

3. Read a book - I really want to continue my August goal of reading a book a month (or was it two?) by actually reading a book this month. Thinking about "Uninvited"  by Lysa TerKeurst or "Present Over Perfect". Would love to hear your recs if you have any! Here's hoping I'll actually get one (Both?!) of these read this month!


















4. Buy Christmas gifts for family - I know. I'm a nut. But I really like getting all my Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving. I'm a huge fan of thoughtful gifts so it takes time to think and plan for my family. I have to get a head start! Plus, it gives me an excuse to bust out the Christmas tune. To be honest, I don't ever need an excuse to listen to Christmas music!

I'm trying really hard to remember my 5th goal but it's just not coming to me so four it is! I still plan to continue my monthly goals of eating clean 80% of the time and eating whatevs 20% and also exercising 5 times a week. The cooler weather should definitely help with the outdoors workout routine. Gracious this heat just kills me.

Hope your August was incredible and that your September is even better!! Here's to cozy sweaters, fires in the fireplace, hot soup, cider, and FOOTBALL. Go Dawgs!

Love y'all!

Laura

A Blog Post Dedicated To The Best Shirt EVER

Y'all!!!!!!!

My favorite shirt of all time is FINALLY back in stock! Run, don't walk to get this top! It's the only shirt I've ever owned that causes literal strangers to stop me and swoon. It might be back to regular price but it's worth every. penny.

I wear it with white denim, dark denim, distressed denim, olive pants, black pants. EVERYTHING.

You're welcome!

I love you!

Now go buy it!

Laura

Click on the picture to go directly to the site!




Basics To Build Your Dream Fall Wardrobe

This year more than any other I've gotten ridiculous amounts of inspiration for building my dream fall wardrobe. There's still time before the temps really begin to Fall (see what I did there?) so let's hop to it!

I've been spending a loooooot of time on Pinterest lately. I'm working with some clients on prepping their closets for the coveted cool and I've begun to notice that so many dreamy Fall looks have a few things in common.

First off, white denim! I know it's tempting to pack away the white pants after labor day, especially for you rule followers. But they add the perfect amount of pop to any outfit. So keep them. And if you don't have any yet, buy these because they're $20 and still available in most sizes.



I talk to a lot of moms about their wardrobe needs every day and one thing I hear often is how hard it is to put on "real clothes" when the yoga pants just feel so goooooood. The problem is that you're not buying the right jeans! Great jeans give you an awesome look AND an awesome feel. Here are my current favorites in dark denim and in a distress.



I can't say enough about getting a great pair of tan booties. They're neutral enough to go with everything and they're just necessary as a Fall wardrobe staple. A few of my favorites are linked here...



Cardigans are so wonderful to dress up an otherwise completely basic look. I love layering over peplum tops like this perfect basic from Target for less than $15!. Add a layered neckalce and you're in business.




Once the temps drop even further, you can pull out the moto jacket. This look works overtime for your figure, flattering your wasteline while adding a little edge to your look. I've linked a few here in a couple of different price points. I do think this is one thing worth the splurge because of how many different ways you can wear it. Over skirts, dresses, with skinny jeans, wide leg jeans. I could go on and on.



I just recently got this olive green military jacket in the mail and I am obsessed with it. The fit is perfect and it's just light weight enough that I'm super tempted to pull it out and wear it in the 90 degree heat. I love it with stripes or chambray.



Finally, I think every girl needs a great pair of riding boots. I found the perfect pair in an awesome price point. Picture these tromping through the freshly fallen leaves on a brisk October morn. Dreamy, I tell you.



I hope this helps you get a jump on some Fall wardrobe ideas! If you need any further inspiration, hop over to my Pinterest to see alllllll I'm pinning. Get comfy. It's a lot.

Happy Friday!

Laura