Neon Trellis

I found this cute sweater while thrifting the other day and it jumped out at me right away!  Not only is it neon green, but it's that awesome Moroccan trellis design that I LOVE... I gravitate towards this print for home decor so it was cool to find it in fashion.  By the way I hit the jackpot at the thrift store on Wednesday... the littles and I went for the 50% off sale and it was like black Friday at the thrift store.  People were hoarding items in piles on the floor, and there were no carts to be found!  It was cray cray!  But I still left with 3 huge bags of stuff for around $65.00!  I got the littles a bunch of new clothes, and then a bunch of stuff for myself.  Can't beat it!

Tip of the day: When you wear a crewneck sweater pair it with a large statement necklace!  It's easy, and it adds that WOW factor.

Sweater: Old Navy-Thrifted, Statement necklace: eBay, Vigoss Skinny Jeans, Leopard Flats: Mossimo- Target

What are some of your favorite prints to wear and decorate with?

Luves,

Laura

Plaid Leopard and Messy Moments

Sometimes being a stay-at-home mommy keeps me so busy that I don't even have time to blog!  We've had a crazy past few days.  My littles keep me on my toes constantly.  Yesterday B said his head was hot and poured a whole cup of water all over himself while sitting on the couch... he wanted to be like Shaun T from Insanity who pours water on his head during his workouts.  If it hadn't been so funny I think I would've been mad.  B also colored all over our sliding glass porch doors with marker... but thankfully it was washable and came off pretty easily.  My OCD self struggles in these little moments.  Inside I so want to be mad but I know that kids need to be kids... and a little mess is OK.  I'm learning to be okay with the mess and the craziness, the toys everywhere, the sticky fingers, the poop in the bathtub... YUP... that happened last night too :)  Thanking God for each and every one of these moments shared with my littles.

Rocking a scarf my mommy knitted me for my upcoming birthday!

This is a fun outfit I put together with 3 different prints... I know it sounds crazy, but it really does work!  This scarf is super warm and lovely colors- and get this... it's only $5.49 with free shipping from Amazon... Plaid Scarf.  The quality is great too!

Earrings are a vacation find from a few years back

Plaid Scarf- Find it here

Alloy Skinny Jeans, Blue Cami: Forever 21, White and Grey Striped Dolman Sweater: Thrifted, Leopard Boots: Victoria's Secret

I love the over-sized sweater look.  And on my body type it works well... so I tend to stick with it.  If you have a certain silhouette that works for you... stick with it!  If it ain't broke don't fix it ;)

All for now,

Laura

Purple Neon

I got some new statement jewelry the other day!  And I'm pretty excited about both pieces.  J.Crew has the most gorgeous jewelry.  I actually built the outfit in this post all around these new earrings!  I snagged the earrings on eBay for half of what they are going for, and the necklace from J.Crew Factory online- It's only $14.99!  You can find it here- I used a promo code and got it for $9.00 with free shipping!  If you love these earrings you can find them here, here, or here.  For this outfit I paired dark wash skinny jeans with a purple sleeveless chiffon button-down tunic blouse, a dark blue long sleeve open cardigan, and Steve Madden platform slingback heels.  I picked everything out keeping the colors in the earrings in mind.

Not sure why my lips look white here... LOL but don't worry they aren't white!

Alloy Skinny Jeans, Madden Girl Pumps: Old, Blue Waterfall Burnout Cardigan: Victoria's Secret: Old, Dark Purple Chiffon Blouse: Cold Water Creek- thrifted, Earrings: J.Crew

Try it sometime- build an outfit around a favorite piece of jewelry!  

Luves,

Laura

Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry

This has been a favorite recipe in our house lately.  Baby W can put away bowls of this stuff.  It's clean and its DELICIOUS!

Start out by making a batch of brown rice to serve this over.  I usually start my rice before I start this dish so the rice has plenty of time to cook.

Recipe: Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry 

Ingredients:

1 small yellow onion (diced)

1 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic

1/2 tsp each- cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, ground coriander, ground cloves

Salt to taste

1 tsp fresh grated ginger

1 red chili (or jalapeno)

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

1 large sweet potato- peeled and diced

1 can (15oz) chickpeas- drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) coconut milk

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Brown rice for serving

1.  Start Brown rice- cook according to directions.

2. In a large skillet, heat the oil.  Add onion and cook 3-4 minutes.  Put the dry spices in a small bowl and add a tiny bit of water to moisten them before adding to the hot skillet.  This ensures that the spices don't burn.  Add the garlic, chili, ginger, and spices.  Cook for several minutes- stirring often.

3. Add the chickpeas, tomatoes, coconut milk, and sweet potato.  Stir to mix everything up nicely.

4.  Turn the heat down to a simmer.  Let the curry sit for 20 minutes, then add extra spices (I usually add an extra 1/2 tsp cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric as well as 1/2 tsp salt).  After adding the extra spices stir again and let sit for 30 minutes. 

5.  Just before serving add the chopped parsley.  Serve over rice.  This meal will keep for several days in your fridge!

Enjoy!

Luves,

Laura

A Little Bit of Gingham

Here is yet another one of my favorite prints.... gingham.  I got this top from eBay awhile back and pulled it out today.  I paired this top with dark wash jeans, light grey patent heels, and a fun agate pendant necklace.  Fun fact:  The Blue agate stone was given to me by my 8th grade science teacher (way back in 8th grade) for being one of the top students that year.  I saved it and a few years ago I had it made into a pendant while I was at the beach.  It truly is a piece that is not only lovely but has sentimental value.

Gingham tom: Forever 21- eBay, Rockstar Dark Blue Bootcut Jeans: Alloy Similar Here, Pendant- Homemade, Grey Pumps: Mossimo- Thrifted

If you want a cute gingham shirt here are two fun options:

Left: J. Crew Factory Gingham Button- Down shirt $59.50 here

Right: Forever 21 Collared Gingham Shirt $22.80 here

I also went makeup-less today!  I tried out a peel today on my face and my skin feels so AMAZING.  I love trying out new products and I was excited to get this peel in my Birchbox.  This Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive is amazing stuff.  My skin feels soft, dewey, tighter, and fresh.  It's an organic product which is also awesome.  Needless to say after I did the peel I didn't want to clog up my pores with makeup so I went sans makeup today.  If you want to try Birchbox it is one of the coolest monthly beauty box subscriptions.  You pay $10.00 a month and get 5 or more high end samples to try.  With each review you do after trying the products you earn points towards future purchases.  I've already gotten lots of free stuff!  Check it out here:  Birchbox.com

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Luves,

Laura

Dress up a Sweatshirt

I usually strive to be comfortable and chic most days because chasing 2 littles around isn't easy.

For this look I paired some distressed jeans with a long blue tunic sweatshirt, leopard wedge booties, and peacock feather earrings.  And since I was going out in the cold I also wore my gorgeous light pink coat.

Vigoss Distressed jeans: Alloy, Long Blue Tunic Sweatshirt and Leopard Booties: Victoria's Secret

These are one of the most comfortable ankle booties I own!

Peacock earrings: Target- Old

JOA One Button Car Coat in Baby Pink: Nordstrom

I bought my coat from Piperlime but they no longer have it but I found it over at Nordstrom and it's on SALE! If you are interested you can find it here at Nordstrom.com.

It's warm, comfortable, and unique.  I always get lots of compliments on it when I wear it out.

Luves,

Laura

Seeing Spots

It's no secret that I love leopard print.  In fact it's one of those timeless prints that I'm always drawn to.  Whether it be a pair of heels, or a dress, or jacket- if it's leopard I most likely love it.

I am pretty picky about the look of the leopard prints that I like.  I can't even explain it... but some designers just don't do leopard right!

When I found this leopard pencil skirt on eBay for only a few bucks I had to snag it.  It's from the Kardashian Kollection... and it's so cute!

Blazer: Lookbookstore.com, Neon Striped T-Shirt: Wal-Mart- Old, Leopard Pencil Skirt: Kardashian Kollection- eBay, Blue Suede pumps: Aldo- eBay

Anytime Watch from Jewelmint, Alex and Ani Bangles, Colored Bangles: Target

Aldo Pumps, Blue Vintage Stone Earrings: Thrifted

You can mix stripes and leopard print without it looking too crazy.  The key is to pick large prints, and then mix them with a smaller print.  In my case I have 2 large prints and they aren't so crazy that they end up complimenting each other, but if I had small leopard print and small stripes it would be a whole lot going on.  The solid blazer also tones down the whole look.  But you could also wear a solid cardigan instead of a blazer.  I also tied in my jewelry with the outfit.  By wearing blue earrings and blue shoes the blue doesn't look out of place, and the orange on my bracelets compliments the orange top.

What prints do you like to mix?

Luves,

Laura

All That Glitters is Gold

One thing I have always loved is SPARKLE! Sequins, Beads, Glitter, you name it- if it sparkles than I love it!

I rocked this outfit last week for my errands with the kiddos.

Alloy Skinny Jeans: Old, Navy Sweatshirt with Sequin Shoulders: Forever 21 Thrifted, Black and White Checked Button Down: Old Navy, Gold Statement Necklace: Gift- Target, Gold Sequined Loafers: Victoria's Secret

Rings: Blue stone- Vintage: Thrifted, Purple stone: Covet Ring from Jewelmint, Colorful Bangles: Target, Gold Bangles: Alex and Ani

 Sequins on my shoulders, Sequins on my feet, and a whole lot of shine from my necklace and jewelry.  

Don't be afraid to wear what you love!

Have a great Monday!

-Laura

Hunter Rain Ankle Boots.... My new best friend

I have been wanting a pair of Hunter rain boots for a LONG time.  While recently looking at their site I came across these adorable ankle boots... and I couldn't stop thinking about them.

Not only were the on clearance, but they were ankle boots, and they have a neon sole.  WIN... WIN... WIN!  

Find these here... Hunter Chelsea Boots

Unfortunately Hunter didn't have my size... so I searched high and low and found them on eBay.  BUT they weren't for sale for the same price that Hunter was offering so I figured I would ask the eBay seller if they would be willing to offer me that same price... and they said yes!  They even threw in FREE shipping.  So I ordered them and I haven't been disappointed at all.  They are cute, comfy, waterproof... AMAZING.

Here's just one of the outfits I put together with them.

Mossimo Skinnies: Thrifted, Hunter Chelsea Neon Sole Ankle boots, Striped Top: Express- Thrifted, Cardigan: Target, Necklace: J.Crew- eBay, Fitbit Flex, and Kate Spade Watch

Happy Wednesday!

Luves,

Laura

Winter Fashion

Winter is finally upon us... it's cold.  I hate being cold but I LOVE all the scarves, coats, sweaters, and boots that I get to rock.

I also have been trying to really use different items in my wardrobe rather than wear my favorites ALL the time.  It's a good challenge to take.  Whatever you don't use in a few months time- get rid of it!

Here's what I've been wearing lately...

Alloy Skinny Jeans, Nude Pumps- Liliana, Navy V-Neck T-Shirt PINK, Plaid Shirt Mossimo- Thrifted, Jewelry: Overstock

Jeans: Seven for all Mankind- Thrifted, Orange top: Old Navy, Scarf: Southern Belle Boutique, Nude Wedges: N by Nicole Miller

J Brand Skinnies: eBay, Black Ankle Boots: eBay, Yellow tank: Forever 21 thrifted, Aztec Sweater: eBay

Cozy and warm in my oversized sweater coat from Victoria's Secret... also loving my bar necklace

Christmas memories with my guys

Some of my favorite things lately: Tom Ford Indian Pink Nail Polish, Evolution Fresh Sweet Greens and Lemon, Kate Spade Watch, Floral Studs

New Years Eve Outfit: Red Metallic Skinny Jeans- Alloy, Brown Lace Up Ankle Boots- N by Nicole Miller, Side Splice Top Forever 21, Jewelry: Old

New Years Eve Date

Gap Jeans Thrifted, Mossimo Top Thrifted, Nike Sneakers: eBay

Sunday Outfit!  Dress: eBay, Black Leggings, Black Knee High Boots: Old, Blazer- Thrifted, Necklace: eBay

Skinny Jeans: Mossimo- Thrifted, Sperry Bean Boots: eBay, Chambray Button Down: GAP

Loving my bean boots! Bracelet and watch from Jewelmint, Necklace: Vintage- Thrifted

Black Skinny Jeans: Calvin Klein- Thrifted, Red Boots: Vince Camuto, Neon T-Shirt- PINK, Necklace: Jewelmint, Cardigan: Forever 21

Alloy Skinny Jeans, DV by Dolce Vita Ankle Booties, Blue Sweater: Old Navy, Scarf: Gift from Israel for Christmas

Bar Earrings from TJMaxx

Sweater: Forever 21 Thrifted, Alloy Skinny Jeans, Leopard Sneaker Flats: Target, Necklace: eBay

Seven for all Mankind Jeams: eBay, Taupe Ankle Boots: eBay, Sweater: Old, Cardigan: Old Navy

Sperry Bean Boots, Black Skinny Jeans: Calvin Klein, Grey Thumb hole sleeve top: Forever 21, Scarf: Gift

Alloy Skinny Jeans, Blue T-Shirt- PINK, Denim Chambray Top: Mossimo- Thrifted, Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings, Moccasins: Minnetonka- Thrifted

Hope this gives you some inspiration!  Sorry I've been so MIA lately.  Life kinda has me on a crazy ride lately!

Luves,

Laura