A babe and her bag...

My good friend Jessie, of Style & Pepper came into town this week, and we got together for a brief (hot, like 100 degrees hot) second. We cooled off with some Fro-Yo with the kids. It was so good to see her! I miss her smile and laugh; she literally brightens up a room.

Jessie and the kiddos

I about died when she told me the bag she was carrying was from Ann Taylor! I would have thought it was Tods or something...

give me perforated leather any day of the week! And, it's on sale for $119!

it also comes in this amazing tote version...

I also spotted this carry-all on their website. It's the perfect year-round bag

kudos to Ann Taylor for stepping up their style, I need to check them out more often!

Pretty Peplums

I love that the Peplum style has returned. It's such a pretty, and feminine silhouette. I would love a peplum top to wear back to all my skinny jeans this summer...

 love this top in both colors, By Parker

A pretty eyelet By Pim & Larkin

A simple print, By Hive & Honey and only $39!

Adorable stripe by Marc Jacobs

or how about this gorgeous Alice + Olivia peplum dress!





Cheap and Chic: Fave drugstore makeup

I am typically not a drugstore makeup kind of gal. Not that I have anything against them, I just hate not being able to try on the colors! As you know, how it looks in the packaging isn't always how it looks on.

Then, the other day I decided to give a Revlon lipstick color a try. The packaging caught my eye (kind of similar to Chanel, no?) and the colors looked decent. I bought the Colorburst Lip Butter in Cotton Candy. It's a soft pink that definitely is more sheer. But it's the perfect everyday color. $6.50 at Target.

I liked the lipstick so much, I decided to get some glosses. These are the colorburst glosses in Strawberry(left) which is a really pretty watermelon pink. And then Hot Pink on the right, which is definitely a HOT pink. It's more of a color I would wear out in the evenings. Also around $7 at Target

I am also loving their nail polish! I don't think I have bought Revlon nailpolish since high school. This color is called Minted. $4.99

and if you follow me on Instagram, you would have seen this color I posted. It's called Cherry Bon Bon and it's scented! For real...it's kind of wild. I found this at CVS in Chicago, haven't spotted it here in KC though...

What do you think of Revlon? Yay or nay?

Close to your heart...

Are you looking for the perfect "Mom Necklace". Checkout my post for Project Nursery, featuring some great styles ranging from $100 on up to a stunner at $1800!

And we're off...

Chicago here we come! I am excited to see all my Chi-town friends, and for them to meet Vivienne for the first time this weekend.

Even though most of the time will be spent in the burbs, we are going to venture into the city one day. Truly, there is nothing better than Chicago in the summer.  

Let's hope the peanut is as sweet and smiley as this our whole trip. Wishful thinking, I know!!!

I'll be back next week...with some pics and stories to share! 

Cheap and Chic buy of the week...

I come to you with yet another great find at Target. Meet the Bandini Bra. It's a 3 in one bra that is the most comfortable thing EVER, and for all you nursing Mom's it's the perfect strapless bra (no wires!). I wore it to the Bar Method last night under my sports bra and it was perfect. It doesn't offer much support (for those of you who are bustier) but it's SO comfortable, you barely know you are wearing anything.

You can wear it Racerback, One Shoulder or with both straps down to make it strapless. They come in a 2 pack at Target for $15.99!!!

Our Weekend...

 Our family had a great weekend at home. It was blazing hot here, and we spent a lot of time at the pool...

Our little guy was even brave enough to try the diving board for the first time! Once he "took the plunge" that was all he wanted to do...over and over and over again. Needless to say, he was exhausted everynight and was in bed by 7:30!

Oh and for little swimmers, the Puddle Jumper Swim Trainers are the best! They have been great this summer, as our son is learning to swim.

Yesterday my husband got to choose whatever he wanted to do. This included brunch at one of our favorite spots, Grand Street Cafe. I wore this...it ended up being a little warm for long sleeves. But I am in love with this blouse and was excited to wear it (since I got pregnant right after it was purchased). I love the color...

J.Crew Blythe Blouse in Poppy

Forever 21 silk drawstring shorts (similar HERE)

Nine West Sandals (old)

Jewelry (vintage/thrifted)

Nails: Minted by Revlon

I took some great photos of my boys...

The peanut was napping during our little photo session, but I got to snap one of her later at the pool.

She prefers "lounging" on a chair rather than sitting in her car seat...wouldn't you too?

Vivi's World...

It's crazy how you go from this...

to this, in just a few short weeks!

Each day gets better and better with this little peanut. We are now getting longer stretches of sleep (6-8 hours!). She smiles, and "talks" to us with little squeaks and coo's. She is starting to notice the world around her and it's delightful to watch.

Here are a few snapshots from the past month...

snoozing at dinner...

snoozing everywhere, really...

sporting her new favorite pearl bracelet

snuggling is our favorite past time

and so is smiling...

Looking forward to see how she changes and grows in the next month! Have a great Father's Day everyone!

Every girl needs one...

I think a great Denim jacket is a no-brainer. It's something you can wear every season and can throw on with just about anything...

My sister in law recently got one, and cute Sally from A Piece of Toast Blog was sporting one recently with her adorable floral seven jeans. After seeing Blair from Atlantic-Pacific sporting one with this maxi skirt, I knew I needed this jacket ASAP!

Source: atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com via Melanie on Pinterest

My current favorite is the Trucker Jacket by Levi's...at $78 you can't go wrong. The fit is slim and cropped and I like the darker wash. (Blair is wearing the lighter wash in the same jacket)

The Goldrush jacket by Madewell is also very cute $78

 Paige Denim has a fabulous, classic lighter-wash...

Do you own a cute denim jacket? Which is your fave?

Genius product for nursing moms: Lily Padz

I know that Lily Padz have been around for a while, but this is my first time trying them out. I have to say, they are amazing. For all of you mom's who are nursing, you know how expensive breast pads can be, not to mention they are bulky and don't look that great under fitted clothing. Lily Padz are a solution to both of these problems.

They are re-usable "skin like" silicone pads that conform to your breast for a secure fit, allowing you to wear whatever you like without leaking. You can take them off in between feedings and stick them right back on. I rinse them with soap and water at night and let them dry which is supposed to lengthen the life of the LilyPadz.

They have been a lifesaver so far this summer when wearing a swimsuit. No leaky boobs at the pool...HURRAY!

Some advice, don't use them when your milk first comes in because you will leak. Wait a few weeks until your milk is regulated, and you should be just fine.

Let the drinking commence...

It's summer. I am no longer pregnant. Let's celebrate with a cocktail, shall we? My husband discovered this amazing new drink recipe which uses Grey Goose's newest vodka, Cherry Noir. The "Cherry Collins" as they call it, is a light and refreshing summer cocktail you could enjoy poolside on a hot day. It would also be a great cocktail to serve at your next dinner party.

and here is the recipe:

Ingredients

GREY GOOSE® Cherry Noir

2Parts Fresh Lemon Juice

¾Parts Simple Syrup

¾ Parts

Club Soda Splash

Preparation

1. Fill glass slightly above rim with cubed ice.
2. Pour ingredients in order listed to 1/2 inch from top of glass and stir.
3. Add soda straw and garnish with a cherry.

Tips

The sour is a classic cocktail, and the key to making a great one is using fresh-squeezed lemon juice and simple syrup, rather than pre-prepared sour mix. Use this same basic recipe to create delicious Sour cocktails with all of the GREY GOOSE Flavored Vodkas.

Summer wedding style for any occasion

Wedding season is in full swing! Most likely you will be attending at least one wedding this summer. Nowadays, brides and grooms are getting more creative with their wedding themes...so whether you are attending an afternoon wedding or a black tie affair, I have some fun ensembles for any occasion...

BEACH WEDDING

Source: goo.gl via Melanie on Pinterest

How gorgeous is this peach Alice + Olivia number? The flowing chiffon and peach color would be just perfect for a beach wedding. I would pop this with some bright aqua or even bright coral or pink accessories.

and a more affordable option...this colorblock maxi from Asos. Love the beachy feel of this blue and tan combo. Reminiscent of Sand and water, don't you think? And super inexpensive at  $41



AFTERNOON GARDEN WEDDING

Source: stevenmichaelphoto.com via Melanie on Pinterest

An afternoon garden wedding calls for something less dressy, colorful and fun. Lily Pulitzer does this sort of dress perfectly. The Sarafina Dress is a gorgeous floral in a feminine silhouette.

and a more affordable option. This darling belted dress in a bird print for $74

THE BLACK TIE AFFAIR

Source: hostessblog.com via Melanie on Pinterest

If a fancy wedding is on your agenda this summer, you may be looking for something more glam than your average cocktail dress. This dress by ONE  screams sexy, sophisticated summer wedding. It comes in 4 stunning jewel tones...the emerald green being my absolute favorite.

and the BACK! LOVE!

and a more budget friendly option, is this Strapless dress by Asos...only $74!

What will you be wearing to weddings this summer?