Cheap and Chic...cozy sweaters all under $30!

I find that I am obsessed with sweaters this season...cardigans mostly. I throw these on with my leggings or skinny jeans and boots and I am out the door. I found some really cute styles from Forever 21...all under $30!

Open ZigZag Cardigan $29.80

Ummm, not sure I would be wearing this with leather short shorts and a zip front studded bustier, but I do like the sweater...

Stripe Boyfriend Cardigan $24.80

Animal Print Open Cardigan $29.80

Cross Pattern Cardigan $24.80

Life Lately...

These past 2 weeks have been crazy! All good things...friends in town, blogger events, speaking engagements, and the best part Fall is finally here! 

I got to bust out my new J.Crew Peacoat. I love this coat, it's so classic and perfect for my lifestyle...running around, toting kids, or going to client appointments. It's also not too heavy, which is great for KC weather. 

I attended Mom's Night Out at J.Crew last night where they were doing fun hair style sessions with KC's newest Blow Dry /Beauty Bar; Parlor. I got a Power Pony which was a sleek pony with just a little bit of volume in the back. I wore my favorite Madewell denim shirt and coral skinny zip cords from H&M ( I LIVE in these pants...I think I need another color!)

I love now that it is cooler to be able to accessorize not only myself, but the kids with fun hats and gloves. This cashmere beanie with flower was a hand me down from a friend, isn't it precious?

Last week I also got to see my great friend Mollie and founder of my company Style Spies. She was in town from Chicago to help me co-host a presentation for the Delta Gamma Alumni Association of Kansas City. We shared the Do's and Don'ts of closet organization and also had some models show off some great fall trends from stores like Hot Mama, Standard Style and Frankly Basic (which are all now in the One Nineteen Shops). I wore my favorite spotted peplum top from H&M, accessorized with the fabulous Stella and Dot Pegasus necklace. 

This weekend is pretty quiet...looking forward to getting my hair cut and colored. Which I need BADLY! House Hunting and hosting a couple for dinner tonight. I am excited to just cozy in with this cooler weather. What are your plans for the weekend?

Winter Fragrance

 I recently ran out of my Stella McCartney Rose fragrance that has been a favorite of mine for years. So, I guess it's time to pick up a new fall fragrance. I am absolutely loving Laura Mercier's newest scent, Ambre Vanille. The vanilla notes are soft and not too overpowering. The amber is subtle and perfect for the winter months. Instead of an actual fragrance mist, I would probably just get their souffle body creme. This way I can moisturize AND smell good all at the same time!

 I think I would have to get the body scrub as well. It's always good to have an exfoliator on hand. 

What is your favorite fall fragrance? 

Half a year...

Our little girl is 6 months already...how is this possible? It's just going by too fast...

When you have a second child, you can't imagine loving them as much or more than your first. The love is truly overwhelming...we are head over heels for this little lady. My husband is already trying to figure out how he will ever say no to her! ha! I am just trying to relish every little moment with her...sleepless nights and all...

Do I need these?

ok, so I tried these on at the Gap. They fit amazing. I am just wondering if I will tire of them or if Camo is going to be even bigger for Spring? 

give me your thoughts ladies! Yay or Nay? 

Target + Neiman Marcus...let's do this!

If you haven't seen or heard, Target has finally released photos of the amazing Neiman Marcus/designer collaboration gifts that will be sold at Target starting on December 1st. If you thought Missoni for Target was madness, get ready folks because I am sure this one will be just as crazy.

The list of participating designers is quite incredible, and all the items that I saw were around $80 and under. You will find everything from Kids clothing, to home decor, accessories and more. Here is my round-up of favorites...

Tory Burch Lunch Box and Stainless Steel Thermos

Band Of Outsiders cool cookie cutters and Knit Hat set...too cute for brothers or best buds

Derek Lam slippers

Tracy Reese beaded top (GORG!) and adorable dessert plates

images via glamour.com

What do you think? Is it worth all of the hype? 

Styling Pastels for Fall

Coral for Fall by stylescout1 featuring michael kors booties

Styling Mint for Fall by stylescout1 featuring a curb chain necklace

Statement Sweaters

I am obsessed with all the gorgeous sweaters this season! This Fall it's all about pattern, texture and all around coziness. It seems this season the bigger the sweater the better!

What statement sweater will you be wearing this Fall? 

Good Clean Fun

I adore nail polish and all things beauty, but it's rare that I actually treat myself to a manicure and pedicure. But, thanks to a very thoughtful friend who gave me a gift certificate to the new Hoopla Studio in Fairway Kansas, I was able to have a few hours of pure bliss. 

Hoopla is the first "luxury" nail bar here in Kansas City. They are nestled into a very charming area of Kansas called Fairway. The first thing I thought of when I walked in to the studio was "CLEAN". And when it comes to nail salons, this is major. The decor is modern, white, airy and cool. One wall  is entirely tubs and benches with pretty pillows to rest your back. Across from that is a wall of Manicure stations with flat screen t.v.'s for all to enjoy. They day I was there, they had it tuned in to Bravo's Real Housewives. They definitely know their clientele at Hoopla :) 

image via

When you first walk in, you are greeted at the front desk and are asked to choose your colors. The cool thing about Hoopla is that they have their very own collection of custom polishes. With a mani or pedi, you get to take home your very own mini polish! So after a few days if you have some chips, you can just touch it up...no problem. 

image via 

Their 40 shades are displayed like Candy in a Candy store. How is one to decide? So many pretty colors to choose from! I decided to go with a fun peacock blue on my nails called " Princess Moon Beam" and an awesome dark navy on my toes called "Legal Eagles". My technician Kim H. was awesome...very soft spoken and sweet, thorough and very professional. I would highly recommend her if you decide to go. 

At the end of the service, not only do you take home a polish, but you also get the file and cuticle stick that they used on you during your service. Love it.

A huge thanks to my thoughtful friend Michelle. And to the wonderful staff at Hoopla for making it such an enjoyable experience...I will be back! 

In addition to nails they also do waxing and chair massage. For more info, visit hooplastudio.com 

And the winner is...

Comment #37, Emily Gonzalez! Have fun spending your Shopbop.com $100 gift card! 

Pin it * Shop it

A lovely Scout reader asked if we could take submissions for this new segment! I of course obliged; I always love hearing from readers and to see what is inspiring them at the moment. So, here is today's Pin it * Shop it feature...

Source: fashionfreax.net via Melanie on Pinterest

This look is so effortless and yet so cute! Love the slouchy boots, her cozy scarf and the simple denim jacket. If you want to make this look yours, follow the links below!

If you want to submit your favorite pin to be featured on Scout, please email me at mel.knopke@gmail.com!

Last Day to enter the Shopbop Giveaway!

Hey guys! Sorry for the lack of posts...it's been a crazy week with my husband out of town and my parents here. We got a lot accomplished that I will share on Monday. Until then, I just wanted to remind everyone that today is the last day to enter the Shopbop.com $100 gift card giveaway. Make sure to comment on the original post HERE. 

Have a fabulous weekend! I am excited because it's cool here and I finally get to bust out my fall boots! yay!

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED AS OF 10/7/2012 

Mixed Emotions

As of today I have officially entered my "mid-thirties". 35, to be exact. This day is a tad bitter sweet, as I should be in Napa Valley with my husband and his family...a trip planned over a year and a half ago.  But, there was a small wrench in our plans...this little peanut decided she didn't want to take a bottle.

I tried EVERYTHING...5 different bottle nipples, multiple sippy cups, my husband tried and so did my mom. But this sweet girl CRIED AND CRIED AND CRIED. For hours. It was miserable. So, I made the decision to stay home with her. And you know what? As sad as I am that I am not with my husband and in-laws on this amazing trip I wouldn't trade this experience with my baby for anything. You get this small window of "baby time" and I am going to relish every minute of it. Some may judge and say I am crazy. Some would say just leave her and she will figure it out. But that's not what I wanted to do. 

So, today I am just going to snuggle her, kiss her and enjoy my 35th birthday with my little ones and my parents. And don't think I won't pop some bubbly and celebrate with something sweet! 

And a HUGE thanks to my incredibly sweet girlfriends for throwing me one of the best 35th birthday parties...a corks and canvas party! We painted, drank wine, and laughed as we channeled our inner Picasso. What a blast! I highly suggest it if you and your friends want to do something fun. My party was at Artichokes in Mission Farms (for those of you in KC). 

Alice (Susan's Mom), Susan, Tracey, Me, Amanda, Sarah, Maria, Soni (my mom)

 And here is our finished work! I can't wait to hang mine in our master bath.

Have a great Monday everyone!

xoxo