Casual Saturday

Top: Rag & Bone // Shorts: SOLD denim, similar here // Shoes: Chanel, similar here // Bag: Rebecca Minkoff // Sunnies: Ray-Ban // Watch: Michele // Bracelets: David Yurman, Vintage, DIY // Hat: J. Crew

Photo Cred: The one and only, Ryland Devero.

2 weeks ago I traveled to a city that will forever have a piece of my heart; My beloved Chicago. This trip was different then the last 15 I've taken over the past 4 years. When Alcohol and partying isn't allowed on the agenda I was forced to, once again, keep it simple.

Thankfully for me, I stayed with one of the strongest friends I know, a girl I'm lucky enough to call "one of my people". Ryland is the type of genuine friend that when she says she wants you to succeed, she means it. Even if it isn't want I want to hear, she will give me advice and I am forced to step back and realize that what she is saying is right (most of the time...). She reminded me this weekend that girlfriends are what will always stay constant in your life. Sure, some might come and go. But without them, it is a lonely, dark road, that I never want to be on alone.

And by the way, for those of you that go to Chicago strictly to booze it up and shop...there's a lot more out there then just that! The lake is beautiful at any time of the day, my personal favorite is at sunset (obviously). Second City comedy club is the birthplace of Tina Fey and the talent there is just incredible. Finally, don't even get me started on the Oreo & Praline Flapjacks from The Bongo Room. Holy. Shit.

{Amy}

The most wonderful time of the Year

Blanket //  Riding Boots // Perfume // Crossbody // Coin Purse // Thong // Sweater // Leather Dress // Jacket // Necklace // Top // Boyfriend Jeans // Black boots

Forgive me as I go on my annual rant about my most favorite time of the year. Some people think Christmas is the best time of the year and that's their own personal opinion. I, on the other hand, find it way too cold, the pressure to impress people with gifts and holiday parties is overwhelming at times and don't even get me started on the time it takes to decorate your house.

My favorite time of the year is right now. Why? For one reason, and one reason only...THE Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Sure, I am a little biased to this sale as I successfully worked 6 of these sales in the past.  At the time I hated every waking minute of it. Not even kidding, in the slightest. Until you can call yourself a "Nordy Girl" and have worked at least 1 of these, you will never understand the work, preparation and sheer exhaustion one goes through to make sure you, as a consumer, gets the deals you are coveting. The most important thing to remember about this sale is when it's over on August 4th...prices go back up to original price. That's even if these items make in through the entire sale without being sold out.

Above are a few of the items that are 1. things I must have, or, 2. ACTUAL deals. meaning, these items NEVER go on sale (like, ever) except for these 17 days of the anniversary sale.

{Amy}

1. Barefoot dreams Blanket. $64.90 // after sale $98

2. Tory Burch Riding boots. $299.90 // after sale $495

3.Balenciaga perfume. $121 // after sale $130

4. Rebecca Minkoff crossbody. $196.90 // after sale $295

5. Rebecca Minkoff Coin Purse. $49.90 // after sale $75

6. Hanky Panky Thong. $14.90 // after sale $23

7. Woven Heart Sweater. $37.90 // after sale $58

8. Halogen Leather Dress. $198.90 // after sale $298

9. Thread & Supply Jacket. $41.90 // after sale $64

10. Kendra Scott necklace. $51.90 // after sale $78

11. Rag & Bone Top. $99.90 // after sale $150

12. KUT of Kloth Boyfriend Jean. $52.90 // after sale $79.50

13. Frye 'Molly' Boot. $279.90 // after sale $417.95

Jump around

 

Necklaces: Handmade Rosary from ATX // Eagle Pendant: similar here // Evil eye, similar here // Bag: Rebecca Minkoff // Scarf : Handmade // Jumpsuit: target // shoes: Forever 21, similar here

Photography: Lauren Frisch

Yes, jumpers (or rompers, jumpsuits, one pieces...whatever floats your boat) are back in style for this spring and summer. Yes, YOU CAN WEAR THEM! My tips for shopping for the perfect jumper are simple:

1. Let it be roomy. I know, I know, I live by this rule a little too much when it comes to my clothes but in all seriousness, it's more flattering in jumpers when it has some room to move.

2. If you decide to venture out to a shorts style jumper, more power to you! But remember, it's a one piece so if it is tight and snug up top...it's probably going to be tight, snug, and ride up on the bottom.

3. Don't believe that in order to get a quality jumper that looks great, it has to come from a big named designer. Jumpers are everywhere right now, and if you dedicate just a little bit of time in doing some research you will most likely find exactly want you want for a lot less. (I.E. Asos, topshop, TARGET)

4. Dress it up! Throw some heels and jewels on with a simple jumper and you are set for the night, talk about an effortless outfit! 

{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}