Writing's on the wall

ben's garden // Audrey Hepburn // You are my sunshine // You are my bucket list // KC love // Hey Y'all // Eat more cake Y'all // You are my Hallelujah

Even before I started working for the largest greeting card company in the world, I had a greeting card problem...I blame my mother. Ever since I can remember, my mother has had drawers of greetings cards for "just in case" moments. For every 1 she sent, she would go out and buy 10 more. It's almost as if it's a game she plays with herself, which I have now inherited, as to search high and low for the most perfect birthday, symphony, love, 'just because', thinking of you card. We buy birthday cards for people 250 days before their actual birthday...it's a sick, sick game we play with ourselves.

The first step is admitting you have a problem...so, I have a greeting card addiction. However, I am how starting to figure out that when I buy cards with no one in mind, and no purpose, maybe it's me that needs that moment of encouraging words or good hard laugh. Maybe, instead of telling myself that someday, somebody I know will need a pick me up or the perfect birthday card I should realize it's me that needs it.

My 'ink to paper' addiction has now been brought into my home and thankfully, Scott has allowed this. I have inspirational words or sayings in every room of our house. No, it does not look like a the religious aisle of Hobby Lobby but they're just sayings thrown around my house that at some point in time helped me out of darkness or reminds me a sweet memory. For instance, my Ben's Garden plate that has my most favorite saying from Winnie the Pooh that everyday reminds me of Scott. Or, the lyrics to "you are my sunshine" over my kitchen table. Every night before I would go to sleep my dad would sing this to me and, it's borderline embarrassing at what age he stopped...(TBD).

Fashion and style go beyond just the shirt on your back, or the brand on the soles of your shoes. It says something about you when you aren't able to talk, when you aren't there, style lives on long after you are gone. And, if the one memory someone has of me is "that one time I was really sad and I got the most perfect card" then, well, my addiction has been worth it.

{Amy}

Surprise sale!!

Kate Spade New York

For those of you who have been asking about my pearl Kate spade necklace...

It's on the Kate Spade New York Surprise sale!!! It only last 3 days so RUN!!

{Amy}

Facing our fears

Clockwise from top left: Target // Anthropologie // Asos, similar here// Asos // Clover Canyon // Betsy Johnson // J. Crew // O'Neill // Tory Burch

Shop the post: 

A few weeks ago, I had to come to terms with something all of us have had to deal with...I do not have the same 17-year-old volleyball body that I once had. Yes, I have always been fit and in shape but I don't look the same in a 2 piece like I once did. Not only that but my "pool days" are different then when I was 17. I am no longer lounging poolside, with my only obligations being to turn every 30 minutes, make sure my oil is applied evenly, and to make sure my shades are on point.  No, no. If I am not running around chasing my 2 year-old or 5 year-old niece, then I am most likely sitting in a pool drinking the day away. Neither one of these activities calls for a 2 piece.

The last one-piece I owned was the one I had to wear to swim class in High School (I later wore it for fraternity float trips as a joke, it was that bad). So the idea of looking at one-pieces made me want to jump off the nearest cliff. (thankfully, KCMO has no cliffs, whatsoever.)You can imagine then how I felt trying to find the perfect one-piece. Something that doesn't scream "look at me! I've let myself go!"

I am here to tell you, cute one-piece suits are out there! You CAN wear them and still feel good, and better yet, some of the cutest ones are the cheapest ones!

{Amy}

Go with the flow

Maxi Skirt: Nordstrom, similar here // Clutch: Kate Spade // Bracelets: Trouve, DIY, and Jade, David Yurman, Tiffanys // Ring: Tiffanys // Watch: Michele // Chambray: J. Crew // Cami: Tibi, similar color // Shoes: Birkenstock // Necklace: World market 

Photography: Lauren Frisch

I don't know about you but right when a new trend comes out I find myself saying "oh, never!", "not in a million years will you catch me wearing leggings", "only catholic school girls and soccer moms wear David Yurman", "This isn't little house on the prairie, over my dead body will I wear a 'maxi' skirt or dress!" "I'm far from a hippie so would would I EVER wear birkenstocks?" And as it always goes, I end up eating my words, and usually within a few weeks of me declaring my intent of never falling for these trends. I.E...THIS ENTIRE OUTFIT.

Isn't this also so true in life? For instance, I have always struggled with forgiveness, and am damn good at holding a grudge. I want so badly for people to not only look at me as a strong, independent woman that holds her own and never gives into trends, forgiveness, or peer pressure but in the end the only person I am hurting is myself. I can tell you from experience that nothing good comes from going to sleep with a grudge on your heart. I did this for a solid 4 years after my parents divorce and paid a pretty penny for medicine to help cure chronic back and neck pains. 

Whether we are talking about fashion or whether we are talking about life, sometimes the best thing to do is give in to the trends and go with the flow. Forgive your friends for not calling you back, forgive your significant other for forgetting to take the trash out, let go of the resentment you have towards someone who is farther than you in their career, and give in to the trends. We don't have to forget how it made us feel, and we don't have to stop questioning why it happened but, sometimes, going with the flow is the best thing for your soul.

{Amy}

my Favorite Go-to's

 

www.asos.com

www.evesapple.com

www.groopdealz.com

www.jane.com

www.milkandhoneyboutique.com

www.modcloth.com

www.nastygal.com

www.Topshop.com

Let's face it; Kansas City is far from the fashion capital of the world. Although we have some of the most fabulous restaurants the country has to offer (seriously, though, we do. Like, it's a known fact.), and have the first every outdoor 'shopping mall' in the country (The Country Club Plaza), we are always months behind current market trends. It seems as if all the boutiques in town carry the same lines and the same items that we see every where else. Then, you'll stumble upon a store that is totally different only to turn the price tag over and have to walk out with your head bowed.

While I wait for the current trends to make their way to the heartland, I always hit up these websites for current, of-the-moment trends, with a price tag any of us could get behind...

Asos- born in the UK, Asos just started shipping internationally a few years ago. they have the perfect mix of designer duds and inexpensive, yet fashionable clothing. The lower price points tend to sell out pretty quickly but they are real quick to reorder an item if it is a top seller.

Topshop- Topshop is gaining more recognition since they opened a few stores throughout the country in the last few years as well as struck an incredible agreement with Nordstrom to have little 'pop-up' shops in select stores. Prices aren't forever21 cheap, but the quality is incomparable and the styles are of the moment.

modcloth- although this site tends to take on more of a "vintage hipster" feel, I can sometimes find a really great pair of shoes for super cheap, or a few tops. A great place to keep in mind if you are really digging the periodical trends.

evesapple- based in Baton Rouge, LA, this site was actually an account I worked with when I was an Sales Executive. Their store is BREATHTAKING and they have just about every designer you could imagine. I'm not sure if people don't know about the website but you can't compete with their sales. I'm sorry, 70% off?? Yes, their sales are that good.

nastygal- GAWD, I hate this name! Who on earth would name an amazing website...nastygal? Don't try to pull this site up at work because it's going to be blocked! However, when you get the chance to check out their site, it's awesome. Such amazing trend-setting pieces for next to NOTHING. As long as you can get past the name, I know you'll be a believer.

jane.com & groopdealz.com- Ok, a work friend recommended these sites to me and I hate her for it. It's like groupon but for working women, or mom's. They have new things every day, but they actually sell out of items every day. A great site if you need baby gifts, or a $13.99 monogrammed swimsuit. Seriously, it's that great.

Milk and Honey boutique- It should come as no surprise that this site is always at the top of my list. This was the store I worked for before moving back in KC and it still feels like home to me every time I walk into that place. Brittany York started the online store a year ago and it just makes me want to jump in my car and drive to Dallas just to shop. You will never be disappointed with what you find on their site!

{Amy}

Break the rules

Tank: target // Shorts: J. Crew // Hat: Nordstrom // Sunglasses: Kate Spade // Belt: J. Crew, similar here // Shoes: Kate Spade // Bag: Louis Vuitton // Necklace: Kate Spade // Necklace: Etsy
Photography: Lauren Frisch

I remember one of the very first tidbits of fashion advice I got was "You can't wear white with white" & of course, "You can't wear black and brown together!" How many of us have had this drilled into our brains and every time we see a black and brown ensemble we cringe? As ashamed as I am to say it, it wasn't until a few years ago that I finally threw my hands up in the air and said "screw it, I'm doin' it". And I have yet to look back. 

Anyone that knows me knows that I talk a big game about breaking rules but when the time comes to really say "screw it" and break the rules, I crumble and just can't get myself to do it. Unless it's circa 2004 and I feel the need to get a fake ID in order for my girlfriends and I to enjoy some Mike's Hard Lemonade on a November night. (Word to wise; don't do that. Especially if you live in Overland Park were police have nothing better to do then look for "hoodlums" like moi.) And, let's not even get STARTED on living with my boyfriend before we were even engaged. Sheesh, I'm still hearing about that one! (word to the wise; DO THIS! It makes married life so much easier!)

Now, go out and break the rules, wear white with white, Pink with red, go break a curfew and stay out 20 minutes later than you should. Play hooky for a day and get a little too tipsy on a patio. We all deserve to break the rules, every once in a while.

{Amy}