Always down for a good find

 

 Jacket: Target // L/S Tee: GAP // Jeans: GAP // Necklace: Jennifer Zeuner // Shoes: Kate Spade

 

Let's face it; we've all bought clothing at Target at some point in our lives. NO one is "above" target, I don't care what you say. Some of us buy clothing there weekly and hell; even daily (guilty). However, once in a blue moon we stumble upon something that does not look like it should be hanging on the stainless steel, cold racks of Target. Case in point; this faux leather Xhilaration jacket. it has the Faux sweatshirt attached so you don't have to worry about the bulky look when you put it on. I went up a size just for length and it fits like a glove. The best $40 I've spent at target in a long time. (Well, I did just buy a killer pair of elastic waistband pants but, that's a totally different post.)

 

Also, to all my DIY friends out there, these shoes are Kate Spade and my daily obsession but something tells me this would be easy to replicate. I know Target has some similar cheetah print slip-on's right now and Lord knows (no pun intended) Hobby Lobby makes a mean faux leather bow. Would be curious if anyone out there has thought about replicating these on a budget.

 

{Amy} 



keep it simple

****

Dress: Kate Spade // Shoes: Kate Spade, similar here // earrings: Lily Dawson // Bracelets: Hermes, J. Crew, Coordinate Collection, David Yurman // Watch: Michele // Sunnies: Free People

Photo Cred: Ryland Devero

Sometimes, all you need to do is look no further than your idol and remember that today is just another day and to keep life simple. 

Sure, I could make this post a series of quotes by Audrey Hepburn but we've all been on pinterest and we know those by heart. Over the past 4 months I have really had to listen to myself and my body and have had to learn how to just stay still, stay quiet, and stay simple. It's not easy but I just know the outcome will be something that only dreams are made of. 

{Amy}

What is familiar

Jacket: Kate Spade // Tank: Patterson j. Kincaid // Jeans: Rag & Bone // Bracelets: Coordinate collection, J. Crew, David Yurman // Watch: Michele // Sunnies: Ray-Ban // Necklace: Jennifer Zeuner // Shoes: Christian Louboutin, similar here // Earrings: Lily Dawson // Moccasins: Minnetonka

Photo creds: Ryland Devero

Can we really act surprised? Scott and I come from a family of just girls. No, I am not kidding. I only have 1 older sister, my mom has 1 younger sister, my dad has 1 younger sister, my 1 grandmother only has 2 girls, and my other grandmother as 1 girl and 1 boy (my dad).  Scott is the youngest of 3 with 2 older sisters, with his oldest sister having1 baby girl,  his mother is a twin to a sister (and has a younger sister), and his father has 1 younger sister.

I mean, come on. As much as we would have loved to have a baby Scott first, I can't act like I didn't see this coming. 

The idea of carrying on the "firstborn girl tradition" was something I honestly feared. As much of a girlie girl as I am, I was terrified at the idea of bring a girl into this cruel, mean, caddy world. I wanted to change the tradition. Before you judge my parenting skills (before I even give birth) let me explain myself...

Having female relationships was never my strong suit. I have always felt most comfortable around men and hanging with the guys. I have just a select few girlfriends that I talk to on the regular and even though I was in a sorority, I wasn't the one that had all the friends. the backstabbing, bad-mouthing, cattiness was something I physically could not handle. My sister and I are deathly close but we weren't always that way. We actually hated each other until I was abut 18. My parents would have to get babysitters for us into our teens for the fear of us killing each other was too real from them to ignore. We fought like hell, and we were cruel to each other. It went past name calling and hair pulling, it was deeper than that. We truly, hated each other with all of our beings. Times have changed and my sister is my closest confidant. It wasn't until my sister confided in me the deep dark 'secret' she was keeping that made her who she was. It's amazing what happens when you set YOUR truth free. My Mother and I are extremely close. At times, I question if we are too close. However, we have our issues like any mother/daughter duo. We have both been through enormous amounts of changes over the past few years and it's hard changing your ways after being in the same routine for 21 years.

Yes, boy or girl, I am scared. But, isn't that what motherhood is all about? If I wasn't scared I don't think I would be able to say "I'm going to be a great mother". Scott and I are thrilled to be having a girl. I can only imagine how she will have Scott wrapped around her fingers and how I will now have a new forever best friend. But, the truth is, it's scary. It's scary to be a woman in this world, to have gone through all the challenges and triumphs that I've been through and not be scared to bring a baby girl into this world. But we are. And in my eyes, she will be perfect, every single inch of her. No matter what any pre-teen, caddy girl says. 

{Amy}

current {Summer} obsessions

White Eyelet Dress // Sunnies // Dry Shampoo // White Tee // Overalls // Necklace // Wine Tote // Birkenstocks 

It's the summer I've been waiting 14 years for: the return of Birks and overalls. I mean, my ultimate wish of it being Limited Too overalls and floral print Birkenstocks clearly isn't what's back but hey, I'll take what I can get! I wish I could remember why I thought the summer of '00 was the best summer of my life but I couldn't tell you. I don't remember a particular story, person, or reason that made it so great but in my mind, it was. 

I've got a good feeling about the Summer of '14 this time around and to get me ready for it, I've highlighted just a few of my favorite things {at the moment} to make this Summer just as memorable as the one 14 years ago.

What was your year? What year will forever be in your memory as a year you will never forget? A year that you can safely say you were happy 99% of the time? 

{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}

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}



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}

CREATE

 

Clutch: Kate Spade // Jeans: Citizen of Humanity// Shoes: Hinge // Jacket: W118 by Walter Baker // Shirt: J. Crew, similar here// Sweater: madewell, similar here// Necklace: Kate Spade

Lauren Frisch Photography

We were put on this earth to create. We were shaped and formed and essentially made by the grace of god to have specific skills and to go out into this world and create something beautiful. At the young age of 26, I've been lucky enough to call some of the most talented people, my friends. Some are talented in the way they listen, the way they give, the way they cook, the way they love, and some, in the case of Lauren Frisch, the way they create beautiful images.

I've never been one to buy expensive art or ever even care about that sort of art (sorry art majors). But photographs, sign me up. Not only do I enjoy taking photographs (I actually considered minoring in it) but I have albums upon albums of family photos and signed copies of Anne Leibovitz books. I guess you could say it runs in my family to cherish pictures, my dad was a photographer his whole life and still takes some of the most breathtaking landscape photos. I don't care who the photo is of, if the composition is right and the photo speaks to me, it's going up on my walls.

I met Lauren through my Husband's good friend, Kyle, as Lauren was Kyle's girlfriend. Now, I have the pleasure to say that I cannot WAIT to see them get married in July. Lauren reached out to me and after talking about what we dreamed we wanted to come from my blog and what she would love to start doing, we decided to get together and take a few photos. When I say Lauren is talented, it's an understatement. I truly believe she is one of the best wedding photographers out there and her eye for natural lighting and candid shots is untouchable.

Thank you, Lauren, for helping me see that 'Impatient Dixie' could become something I'd dreamed of.

And now I challenge you. What do YOU create? What's your skill set? If you're to scared to go out and find it, then you will never know who you might have touched, what you have seen, or how different you're life could have been. If I hadn't followed my path and created something for me then I would have never found my 'Never Ending Love Story' (see clutch). 

{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}