43/52

"A portrait of Zaden, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Always wanting to climb the stairs.

Paisley Print Kimono and Baby Poncho

This is how I usually dress whenever Zaden and I go out and run errands in the afternoon, a little more casual and laid back. As much as I love dressing up in skirts and dresses it's nice to change things up every now and again. This kimono from Lulu*s is seriously so comfortable and so me. The kimono really made this rather plain and simple outfit stand out. There's only 3 left in stock online so if you are debating purchasing it I would run over and snatch one before they are all gone (;

On another note, I can't believe Halloween is tomorrow. This time last year I was 36 weeks pregnant and preparing to dress as a hobbit. I feel like Halloween kind of snuck up on us this year and I didn't prepare any costumes for Daryl and I. We might do something last minute but who knows, this Halloween is more about Zaden and dressing him up. My friend Dani bought him this adorable monster costume at Carter's last year and it will keep him nice and warm while we go trick-or-treating.

What are your plans for tomorrow?

Outfit details: Kimono, c/o Lulu*s// Top, c/o Kingdom and State// Leggings, Nordstrom// Boots, c/o Lulu*s (similar here, loving these)// Various Rings, Nordstrom// Necklace, Urban Outfitters

Z's outfit details: Poncho, (preloved by our stylish friend Arlo)// Jeans, OshKosh// Shoes, Baby Gap (similar here in red)

PS: If you haven't already, you should enter the Fall Essentials Giveaway ($25 gift card to Starbucks + $50 gift card to Urban Outfitters) H E R E!

Snap Dragon Dress by Shabby Apple

Have you heard of Shabby Apple? If not, you are in for a real treat. Shabby Apple is an online store with an amazing selection of gorgeous vintage inspired clothing. It's so hard for me to look throughout their site without pulling out my debit card and spending all of my money.

I was recently contacted by the lovely people over at Shabby Apple to do a dress review. When looking through their gorgeous collection, I was immediately drawn to the Snap Dragon dress. Not only is the dress absolutely stunning but it also has buttons near the chest area. It's so hard to find vintage dresses that button up (for easy nursing access).

I looked on their sizing chart and realized that my measurements were right in between 2 different sizes. I also read on the dress' review that some ladies who previously purchased the dress claimed that the sleeves were too small. Shabby Apple promptly emailed me back and had 2 girls from their store try on the dress and told me that they both didn't think the sleeves ran small. They also sent me both sizes of the dress and a pre-paid shipping label so I could return the size that didn't fit. Their customer service is above and beyond and they are more than willing to answer any questions you may have before purchasing (;

When I received the dresses I tried the smaller of the two on first and it fit perfectly. I then went to the post office and shipped off the other dress and planned a few different ways to style this dress. I didn't want to over-do it with accessories or layers because I wanted you guys to see the dress. Luckily, the weather has been unusually warm the last couple of weeks so I didn't need to layer up or anything (;

 This dress is extremely comfortable and fitted in all of the right places. I personally like that it isn't fitted around the hips since it's usually hard for me to find dresses that fit my hips and upper body. I personally think I have large upper arms for my body and was a bit worried that the dress would be too tight around my arms. Fortunately, the sleeves fit perfectly along with the rest of the dress. This is easily my new favorite dress, I love everything about it.. the bright colors, the fit, and that it looks like something that would have been worn in the 50's.

Head on over to Shabby Apple and take a look around. They have clothing for all different shapes and sizes. You can also follow them along on Facebook and Instagram for sneak peaks of new arrivals and specials.

What I wore: Dress, c/o Shabby Apple (on sale for $43)// Shoes, Nordstrom// Lipstick, MAC

**I received a free dress to write my review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.**

Fall Family Photos 2013

I mentioned earlier last week that I wanted to get some family photos taken before all of the leaves fell off the trees. I asked Tiana if she could snap a few and gave her an idea of what I wanted. We drove up to Little Cottonwood Canyon on Daryl's day off and didn't really have a clue of where we were going. 

We ended up having to hike a little bit in order to capture some of these shots and I wore the WRONG shoes. You can't really tell in the pictures below but I'm wearing high heels, heels and hiking don't go together. Although it was difficult hiking in these shoes it was well worth it in order to get these photos. Next year I will have to bring a second pair of shoes (; 

Overall, I LOVE how these pictures turned out and am so thankful for my amazing little sister.

42/52

"A portrait of Zaden, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Brown Fedora and Denim Dress

I've wanted a denim dress for a few months now but didn't want to spend over $40 for an item I wouldn't wear weekly. Zaden and I finally ventured off a couple of weeks ago and went thrifting for the first time in months. It was a successful shopping trip and I spent a little under $30 for several items. I had a 20% off coupon the day I went and I only spent a grand total of $2.40 for this dress.

This dress is so dang comfortable.. probably because it's at least 6 sizes too big. If I'm not wearing it with a  belt it looks like an over-sized muumuu dress. I would eventually like to take in the sleeves and take it in a few inches around the waist. However, Zaden is at a stage where he constantly needs attention and wants someone to play with him. So my dream of re-fashioning this into a perfect denim dress won't be happening any time in the next few weeks (;

I improvised by safety pinning it in the back and belting it with my new favorite belt. After taking these pictures I rolled up the sleeves so that it didn't look as silly. Do you ever buy an item that is too big in hopes of re-fashioning it one day?

What I wore: Dress, thrifted// Belt, Forever 21// Tights, Urban Outfitters// Boots, Forever 21// Fedora, Forever 21// Lipstick, Lancome Amande Sucree

Fall Essentials Giveaway

I've teamed up with a group of  lovely ladies to giveaway one lucky reader a $50 gift card to Urban Outfitters and a $25 gift card to Starbucks. This giveaway is perfect for those of you who are on a tight budget and still have a few items on your fall wishlist. 

Dearest Lou || Life of a Coy Fish

Auteur Ariel || The Red Closet Diary || Fashions on the Fly

Contest is open worldwide thru November 1st. Winner will be announced on or after November 2nd. Thanks friends and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Firmoo Glasses Review

I was recently contacted by Firmoo to do a glasses review. For the past several months I have really wanted a pair of round seventies inspired sunglasses like these.  I went with this style since it was most similar to what I was looking for. You can take any glasses frame and add tinted lenses free of charge. I asked a representative how much I should tint it, went with their advice, and sent in my order.

The glasses came relatively quick and the packaging was so nice. All of their glasses come with a durable soft and hard glasses case in order to protect your new eye wear. They also come with a cleaning cloth and a little kit with extra pieces just in case something breaks.

I was excited to try them on and wear them out. Unfortunately, they were so unflattering on me! So unflattering that no one except my husband, Zaden, and sister will be the only living souls to see me in them (; I immediately emailed them back and they apologized and said that I couldn't return them since they were custom made and the odds of someone ordering the same glasses is rare. I completely understood and thanked them for their time. However, if I would have purchased these sunglasses as my free pair of sunglasses for new customers they would have reimbursed me.

These particular glasses have a very thin frame, I honestly don't think they are very durable. If you order from Firmoo, I would recommend ordering glasses with a thicker frame. I wouldn't dare recommend glasses with a thin frame to anyone who has a baby or toddler. They tend to be so grabby with their tiny hands.

The biggest problem with this particular style of  eye wear is that the circles are way too close together, small, and look goofy on me. I think they are meant for someone with a slender facial structure or child. I don't want them to go to waste, once Zaden is about 3 years old I will hand them down to him and he will rock these sunglasses. 

Overall, Firmoo's customer service and packaging are great. I'm sure that if I would have ordered glasses with a thicker frame and bigger lenses I would have had a better experience. If you haven't ordered from them before everyone gets their first pair of glasses free. All you need to do is pay shipping and handling so it's definitely worth a try.

Have any of you ordered from Firmoo? What was your experience?

Sunday Style on a Thursday

As soon as Zaden became mobile, my Sunday style changed drastically. I use to wear lots of accessories, pencil skirts or a fitted dress, and high heels that I could barely speed walk in. However, I learned my lesson the hard way by having a little 10 month old get into all sorts of mischief while I could barely keep up with him without spraining my ankle, getting tangled up in my own accessories, or ripping my almost-too-tight pencil skirt when bending over to grab him. This was the perfect outfit to chase this little guy around the halls. Over-sized shirt, super comfortable maxi with lots of stretch, and heels I can actually run in if I need to (;

You also may or may have not noticed that I'm not wearing eye makeup. Zaden likes to sit down on the floor next to me and "help" me do my makeup by handing me different mascaras, lipsticks, etc. He usually takes off with something and I have to play scavenger hunt with him in order to retrieve said item. Well this particular Sunday he took off with my liquid eyeliner and we were running out of time so I decided to go naked-eyed.

I can't help but be matchy-matchy when it comes to dressing Zaden and I. I try so hard to not do it too often but always end up changing what I'm wearing in order to match him. Are any of you other mamas the same way or am I the only crazy one here?

What I wore: Shirt, Nordstrom (similar here)// Skirt, Nordstrom// Scarf, thrifted (similar here)// Booties, c/o Lulu*s

What Z wore: Sweater, H&M (similar here)// Shirt, Baby Gap (similar here)// Jeans, Baby Gap// Shoes, Oshkosh