Today is the last day of October and exactly two weeks until my birthday... the big 3-0! I seriously can't believe I'll be thirty until I look in the mirror and see those wrinkles. Ha. At least my outfits are put together and my head is cut off in these pictures.
In all seriousness, I am so thankful for November and all of the joy it brings me each year. I love fall, my birthday, Thanksgiving, and decorating for Christmas {on Black Friday and not before}.
Happy Halloween, y'all!
Shop pieces from my October Favorites below {click the arrows to see more}:
I was never much of online shopper until I discovered Groopdealz a couple of years ago. Groopdealz offers so many adorable and affordable items from a variety of different boutiques. I was an avid shopper before they switched to being Eleventh Avenue and then they were Eleventh Avenue and Groopdealz all at the same time. So confusing. So I was excited to hear today that they are back to just being Groopdealz with the amazing daily deals that I have always loved. In honor of this I'm sharing a few of my favorite deals for today:
I got my first pair of Hunter Boots from Costco a couple of years ago. I love them but they weren't the ones that I had always wanted. But they were way less than the regular retail price so I got them. I've always wanted a pair of glossy gray Hunters. I think they are worth the splurge because they keep my feet so warm and dry through the rainy, icy, and snowy North Carolina days. They really came in handy the past two days during non-stop rain and cloudy skies.
Most people would be surprised that my favorite color to purchase is actually gray. The gray section of my closet is the largest {yes, I color coordinate my closet and I love it}. I love pink and red... and all the bright colors but gray is my go-to. It's just easy. But don't worry, I'll always find a way to add a pop of color to my gray outfit.
When I decided to resign from my full-time job a few years ago, I thought I would have so much down time. Um, I was wrong! Two children, a husband, and a home to take care of kept me more than busy. I started working part-time for multiple reasons and I love it because it fulfills my love for teaching. I also do some work for my family's business on the side as well. And I lead a community group for moms. As if I wasn't busy enough, I added in secretary of the PTO and serving on the strategic planning committee for Julianna's school system {my former employer}. Oh and this blog/Instagram takes up a little of my time, too.
I say all of this to tell you about my outfit. I wore this to a meeting on Friday and I am most certain I was the only one wearing a mini pencil skirt and yellow lace up flats.
I love how my life has blended together all of the things I love right now. God, my husband, my children, teaching, and fashion. So thankful for all of these awesome opportunities that keep me a little busy.
This photo isn't actually from this week but I did stumble upon it this week on Olivia's preschool's Facebook page. It's from her first week of preschool. How beautiful is she?!
A got this gorgeous necklace in the mail this week in my latest Rocksbox. You can try Rocksbox for FREE for three months by using my code emilybff96 when you sign up! This service lets you borrow three pieces of designer jewelry at a time. Wear them as long as you want and then ship then back when you are ready. When they receive your box, they will put together you next one based on your style and wish list. The shipping to you and back is included. You can try Rocksbox with my code for three months for free with no obligation to continue... but I promise you'll love it.
I found this awesome note in Julianna's folder this week from her teacher. So proud of my kindergartner!
Wednesday morning, I got to go with Olivia on her preschool field trip to the pumpkin patch. We had so much fun picking a perfect pumpkin, planting lettuce, going on a hayride, petting farm animals, and so much more. It was a perfect morning!
Wednesday night I was able to go paint at The Preppy Possum for the second week in row with my good friend, Pam. The amazing artist gifted this painting class to us and we couldn't be more grateful for the girls night out!
I've always put Julianna to work as my fashion photographer but since she's been super busy being a fabulous kindergartner, I recruited Olivia for her first job this week. She wasn't very cooperative and would only take a few shots but I think she did a good job for a three year old. I love this beautiful dress from Karina Dresses!
When you are a parent, Friday nights are always super wild and crazy. Just kidding. We go eat pizza and end up finding fun at Target. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
Yesterday, we had the best family day at Tweestie Railroad in the North Carolina mountains. It was chilly but we made the best of it with a Wild West themed train ride, yummy food, a magic show, gem mining, baby animal feeding, and fun rides! We made so many memories and the girls had a blast. Thankful for our special days together!
This past weekend, I went to see my hair stylist to for a color + cut. While I was there, she asked me what I thought the biggest trends for this fall and winter would be. Plaid flannel shirts and leopard were at the top of my list right along with ponchos. Ponchos are basically the most comfortable and coziest invention ever. They literally feel like you have a soft blanket draped across you and they're stylish too. That's a win-win.
Back in August, I found this gorgeous poncho online from Forever 21 and just knew I had to have it {even though it was about at least 85 degrees at the time}. I paired my fringe poncho with one of my favorites dresses of all time from Old Navy this past Sunday. Riding boots, fun earrings, and my leopard clutch completed this look. I can't wait to recreate this look again. It's a new fall favorite!
Since I was a little girl, I have always loved dresses and polka dots. I've been a girly girl from the start. One of my favorite time periods in fashion is the 1940s and 1950s. I grew up watching "I Love Lucy" with my mom on Nick at Nite. It was our late night routine to stay up watching Lucy's crazy shenanigans while we worked on crafts. I always adored the fashion in this show. I love the feminine dresses with flattering waistlines, the hats, the shoes, and of course, the polka dots. Lucille Ball has always been one of my style icons and I love retro inspired pieces.
Karina Dresses sent me this gorgeous Megan dress to style and I couldn't love it more. The dresses from this company are extremely flattering and they cater to every body, literally. Each dress tells you the best body shapes for the dress design. I chose the Megan because of the flattering waistline and a skirt that I can twirl in.
I gave the Megan dress a more modern look by pairing it with an oversized plaid scarf, a gold cuff, and my favorite ankle boots. This dress could easily be worn year round and that is my favorite kind of piece.
I feel like a true retro housewife in this beautiful dress. I think Lucy would approve!