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}

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}

THE jacket.

 Shorts: Levi // Clutch: Kate Spade // Bracelets: Trouve. By my beloved friend, Dee // Jacket: Kate Spade // Shoes: Converse // Hat: Target // Top: J. Crew

photography: Lauren Frisch

Normally, I wouldn't make two posts this close together but considering "THE JACKET" was just marked down 40%, I felt compelled to discuss it, yet again. I don’t think I have ever loved something so much in my closet like I do "The Dorothy Coat". Please, don't take what I say lightly when I say this jacket is everything. (And yes, that sounds like a typical sorority girl but hey, if the shoe fits…) Whenever I wear this jacket people will literally yell out their car windows asking me where I got it, and men stop me dead in my tracks to tell me how incredible this coat is.  I’ve actually had a little girl come up to me, starry-eyed, wanting to touch it.

We all know how incredibly talented Lauren Frisch is but trying to get the color right through the lens of a camera is damn near impossible. Think of the brightest Geranium flower you have ever seen (men, those are the really, REALLY, bright pink ones that you see in the summer time). I’ve always been certain that Pink, or any shade of pink, really, is a neutral color so make sure you tailor what I’m saying to your own style but, I really believe you can wear this coat with any color. I’ve worn it with a red silk blouse and blue jeans, a navy striped dress, even just white jeans with the jacket buttoned up, and obviously with cut-off shorts and converse.  

Yes, this is an expensive jacket. No, I never would have purchased it if I didn’t work for Kate Spade. However, with it being on-sale (and an extra 20% off this weekend online!) makes it more affordable, and I can safely say this is a piece of art that will be in your closet forever. It’s an investment piece.

{Amy}



Home Team

Boots: Steve madden. similar here // Dress: Zara. Similar here // Sunglasses: Ray-Ban // Necklace: Vintage. Similar here //Top: Milk & Honey Boutique. similar here.
Photography: Lauren Frisch

I often refer to some of my closest friends and family as 'My Team' and 'Home base'. Growing up, I always had this idea that the more friends you had, the more popular you were. More friends and popularity meant happiness, right? I would jump from one person to the next just hoping that this next 'group' would be 'My Team', not once ever realizing that I have to recruit My Team, I have to go out and find the best people for me. It wasn't until I faced adversity square in the eye that I realized something profound; I cannot be the only party to form my home base, they have to want me, just as much as I want them.

I've learned through hardships, that my home base might not be all family members, or even 'best' friends. Some of the people that I thought would be there for me in the hard times, weren't. But, you know what, that's what makes this life such a beautiful struggle. Every single soul out there has had to deal with something that has greatly hurt them. Some of us get healing through talking about it, while others find healing in solitude, and that's what makes this world so wonderful. We are all so very different, but perfect in our own ways.

Who is on your home team? Who is going to go to bat for you when you are too weak to swing?

{Amy}

Proud

 

Tee: Baldwin, similar here // Skirt: Forever 21 // Heels: Milk & Honey Boutique // Necklace: old, similar here // Bracelets: African grass // Belt: old, similar here

Photography by Lauren Frisch

Be proud of where you're from, where you are, and where you're going.

I've always been proud to say I live, and grew up, in Kansas City. Even if it's just on a simple tee, written right over my heart. 

{Amy}

Changing of the seasons

 

Dress: J. Crew, Similar here // Booties: Nordstrom // Necklace: old, similar here // Watch: Michele // Bracelet: David Yurman // Earrings: Kate Spade // Jacket: Kate Spade
Photography by Lauren Frisch

Whether we are talking about the weather seasons, or the seasons of life; one this is always constant, change.  This week, KC saw 20 degree temperatures and 75 degree temperatures. We are threatened with snow, and rain, all within 24 hours. We were reminded that a new season is on the horizon and with a new season comes a new chapter in all of our lives.

Spring is my most favorite season of them all. We can shed our ‘winter skin’ and look forward to crisp mornings and cool nights. (I’ve often contemplated having a bonfire to burn all of my winter tights and wool socks. I mean, enough is ENOUGH.) It’s the season of changes; kids are graduating, people are getting married, March madness starts (which I would know nothing about since I'm from the state of Kansas (insert sarcastic look here)), bunnies start terrorizing our flower beds…FLOWERS, we can plant FLOWERS again! Days become longer and colors become brighter, wool pants turn into maxi skirts, boots turn into sandals, and transparent skin becomes a little sun kissed. Be still my heart…

SPRING IS HERE {almost} !!!

{Amy}

Home

 

hat: Milk & Honey Boutique// Jeans: Seven for all Mankind// Chambray shirt: J. Crew // Tee: Home Tee.// Jacket: Kate Spade // Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff // City: Chicago

I have been beyond fortunate to be able to call some fabulous places 'Home'. I lived in London for 3 months while studying abroad (and left a little bit of my heart there), lived in Dallas on 2 different occasions to total 4 great year (although I could not get out of there fast enough). Houston was probably the low point in my family's living situation but I was able to experience a pool in my backyard which, at 6 years old, is on a totally different level.

I went to college at the University of Missouri and lived in Columbia for 4 amazing years. Columbia is where I found my people. The people that pushed me to be a better person, the people that loved me just the way I (and my family) was, and the people that would never leave my side.

After college I needed to "find myself" (news flash: you never really 'find' yourself and a tip of advice, you definitely won't find her 10 bud lights deep in a bar.) so I moved to Chicago. Chicago lasted all of 12 months but it changed me. It made me grow up and force me out of my comfort zone. I learned about heartbreak, admitting fault, and knowing when it's time to let things go.

I live in Kansas City now and it is my childhood. I grew up here, found my husband here, bought a house here, and where I hope to raise my family. I get gitty when I hear 'start me up' by the Rolling Stones (only chiefs fans will understand), and crave having barbecue sauce roll down my arms. I've lived here for close to 20 years and as many bad memories as some of these streets hold for me, I always look forward to coming home.

However, if you were to ask me "where are you from?" With a defiant answer, it is always 'Fairhope'. Fairhope, Alabama is where I was born and where my dad's side of the family still resides. It is a perfectly quaint small utopia on the Mobile bay. Everyone knows everyone else's business and at any given moment you're bound to run into someone you grew up with. There is something about the crisp southern air that makes everything okay. When I'm there, I move slower, talk slower, and just breathe. I long for walks on the pier at dusk and yearn for dinners that last too long on my grandma's porch.

Last weekend I traveled to Chicago for a dear friends wedding weekend and I combined 3 of my most favorite things. I wore my Alabama tee that was given to me by my best friend, whom I met in Columbia, on my way to a friends wedding in Chicago. Roll this outfit up, put a bow on it and call me happy.

{Amy}