Monday, September 30, 2019

Five Favorites .01

five favorites, currently loving, north carolina blogger, style blogger, fall fashion, style on a budget, my favorite things
Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend! We had a pretty laid back weekend that included two trips to Target. Our adventures in adulting led us to needing a new toilet seat. I've never in my 33 years of life needed to purchase a toilet seat so this was total uncharted territory for my husband and for myself. On Saturday, we had to have a Target employee direct us to the aisle of toilet seats and then another Target employee counseled us on which shape to purchase. Standing in the toilet seat aisle at Target, I could not for the life of me remember if our toilets were elongated or round. For future reference, this is an important detail to note prior to toilet seat shopping. We picked the elongated one because the Target employee insisted that most toilets are that shape. Of course, it was the wrong one. We, in fact, have round toilets at the Soto house. So Sunday, we had to make another trip to Target to return a toilet seat... which led into another interesting conversation with a Target employee. But, my most favorite part of this experience was making my nine year old daughter carry the toilet seat around Target. Such good times and we thankfully have a brand new round toilet seat in the girls' bathroom! Mission complete.

Now, that I've shared that random story, I want to introduce a new series here on the blog. The past six weeks or so, I have gotten really into listening to podcasts. I love them! One of my favorite ones (The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey), always asks their guests what they are loving and it's always so fun to hear their responses. The things they mention are anything from skincare products to activities to food. Really anything. I thought it would be fun to start sharing five of my current favorites, weekly or at least bi-weekly here on the blog. This series will be different from my Currently Loving series because it will be more than just clothes, shoes, and accessories. I'm excited to share more of my favorite things with y'all!

This is such a great podcast and one of my very favorite ones to listen too. It's by Annie F. Downs and she interviews new (and old) friends. It's positive, uplifting, encouraging, and funny! She releases new episodes every Monday and Thursday. You can find it here!



Maybe about five years, I started drinking flavored sparkling water. I thought it was absolutely gross the first ten or twelve times that I tried it. But, I've always been an avid soda drinker, well was and I wanted to cut back on my soda consumption without sacrificing carbonation. I rarely drink soda now which is pretty incredible because I grew up on Mountain Dew. Recently, my husband and I have really been loving Topo Chico sparkling mineral water. It was such a pure, bubbly taste and it's even better cold out of a glass bottle. I love to add fresh lemon to mine!



Over the past couple of years, I have really been trying to stay clear of fast fashion and move towards stocking my closest with basic pieces that will last. Sometimes pieces that will last can be expensive so I love finding budget friendly items that can stand the test of time. Fabric is super important to me when choosing clothing items, especially if they are affordable. When I go to Target to shop, I try to only purchase clothing items there that are made of natural fibers. This cardigan is one of my very favorite recent finds! It's made out of 100% cotton. It's so soft and great quality, especially for the under $25 price tag! I sized up one size to a medium for an oversized, cozy fit but I would say that it does run true to size. This will be a closet staple for me this season and next!



Once you try erasable pens, you don't want to use anything else! I got these as a gift at work awhile back and they are pretty much the greatest thing that has every happened to office supplies. They are fully erasable (it really works and the eraser never wears down), retractable, and they are even refillable! I love this style and another felt tip type that I also really love. A must have!



I discovered this lip gloss about a year ago and it's still my favorite! My lips get super dry, especially when I wear lip stick. But, I really love a hint of color for everyday and I also really don't want my lips to be dry. This lip gloss is my favorite one that I've ever used! Yes, that sounds dramatic but it's true. My favorite shade is Berry Brown and I think it's the perfect neutral!



Have a great day! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Friday, September 27, 2019

Currently Loving .150

style on a budget, fall fashion, north carolina blogger, fall outfit inspiration, mom style, style blogger
Happy Friday! I hope you've had a great week! For the first time in weeks, we don't have any definite plans this weekend. As much as I love a full calendar, having nothing that you have to do is equally as wonderful sometimes. The local Greek festival is happening this weekend so I think we may stop by there because Greek food is one of my favorites. So delicious!

Today, I'm sharing my weekly roundup of what I'm currently loving. I found so many things this week that I'm adding to my personal wish list! I always love shopping for fall.



Which of this week's picks is your favorite?!

1. M U L E S | These mules are such a great budget friendly option that are also super similar to the Madewell version. I love this color because it goes with everything!



2. T O P | How cute is this top?! I am a big fan of polka dots! I love the color and this style of top is always so super flattering.



3. C H A M B R A Y | A chambray shirt is a definite closet staple! Every woman needs one in her wardrobe for sure. This one is affordable and made out super soft Tencel fabric. I like to size up in my chambray shirts for a more relaxed fit.



4. H E A D B A N D | More polka dots! I am loving this head band. It's also under $10!



5. H A I R  C L I  P | Hair accessories are one of my favorite ways to dress up a basic, neutral outfit. This hair clip is so pretty. I love this color combination!



6. S W E A T E R | I have this sweater in last year's version (almost identical) and it's such a great piece to wear all fall and winter long. It works perfectly with skinny jeans and leggings!



7. E A R R I N G S | I am loving this dainty earrings! I love my oversized hoops but these would be such a great option for a more simple style. 



8. B A G | This might be my favorite find of the week! My beloved animal print tote from Madewell is currently sold out but this is such a great budget friendly alternative. I really love the details on this one and the price is great, too! Such a great fall tote bag!



Thank you so much for visiting! I hope you have a great weekend!

S H O P  T H E  P O S T:


Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Instagram Roundup .181

instagram roundup, style on a budget, style inspiration, fall outfit ideas, north carolina blogger
Happy Wednesday! I hope you are having a great week! In case you missed it, I shared some transitional outfit inspiration in this post on Monday. I really love transitional outfits; I even have a Pinterest board exclusively dedicated to in-between season, transitional style!

Today, I'm sharing my weekly Instagram Roundup, including all of the outfits that I wore last week. Lots of neutrals, so much leopard print, and incorporating my new fall pieces... even in this super hot, 90 degree weather!

instagram roundup, style on a budget, style inspiration, fall outfit ideas, north carolina blogger

The most comfortable top of all time! I've owned this top for quite awhile and it's still one of my very favorite. I wear it all year long! Such a great layering piece.


instagram roundup, style on a budget, style inspiration, fall outfit ideas, north carolina blogger

My outfit from this past Saturday's event at J. Crew. These jeans are so comfortable!


instagram roundup, style on a budget, style inspiration, fall outfit ideas, north carolina blogger

Isn't this tee super cute?! I really love the relaxed fit and the vintage inspired feel.


instagram roundup, style on a budget, style inspiration, fall outfit ideas, north carolina blogger

Hello, new favorite cardigan! This cardigan is so cozy and such great quality for under $25! I sized up one size for an oversized fit but it does fit true to size.


instagram roundup, style on a budget, style inspiration, fall outfit ideas, north carolina blogger

Pretty blooms make everyday better!


instagram roundup, style on a budget, style inspiration, fall outfit ideas, north carolina blogger

I am loving this piece of art by my friend at The Preppy Possum! She's so incredibly talented.


instagram roundup, style on a budget, style inspiration, fall outfit ideas, north carolina blogger

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you have a great day!

Monday, September 23, 2019

Transitional Outfit Inspiration

style on a budget, transitional outfits, fall style, mom style, north carolina blogger, fall outfit ideas
Happy First Day of Fall! It definitely not feeling much like fall here in North Carolina. The last time I checked the temperature, it was a sticky eighty-eight degrees! I feel like this time of year can get super tricky to dress for because you really want to wear your favorite fall pieces but it's too hot. Or it's cool in the morning and summertime by noon. That's where transitional outfits come in. I'm sure there's a legit definition out there on the Internet somewhere to describe it but in simple terms:

Transitional outfits take you from one season to the next (such as summer to fall) by mixing pieces from each season together. 

A simple example of this kind of style would be pairing your favorite denim shorts from the summer with your new fall sweater. Today, I'm going to share some transitional outfit inspiration to help you dress your best during this in-between season!

D E N I M  J A C K E T  A N D  S U M M E R  D R E S S
Extend the wear of your summer dresses by throwing on a denim jacket or a cardigan on top. 

style on a budget, transitional outfits, fall style, mom style, north carolina blogger, fall outfit ideas





L E O P A R D  P R I N T
Leopard print just screams fall to me, even though I certainly wear it year round. A leopard skirt, top, bag, hair accessory, or shoes.

style on a budget, transitional outfits, fall style, mom style, north carolina blogger, fall outfit ideas




J U S T  A D D  M U L E S
Take your summer uniform (a white tee and denim skirt, for me) and just add mules. Instantly takes the outfit from being summer to transitional by adding a closed toe shoe. I really like this type of transitional outfit for hot, fall days.

T O P | J E A N S | S A N D A L S | B A G | E A R R I N G S | N E C K L A C E




S A N D A L S  A N D  J E A N S
Throw on your new favorite jeans with sandals. Add a short sleeve top to stay cool. Again, a little pop of leopard doesn't hurt, either.





S W E A T E R  W I T H  A  S K I R T (O R  S H O R T S)
I love wearing lightweight sweaters with skirts and shorts. I also love wearing my cardigans with skirts and shorts, too!

style on a budget, transitional outfits, fall style, mom style, north carolina blogger, fall outfit ideas




K E E P  I T  N E U T R A L
Neutral colors are perfect for transitioning into fall. I like buying classic, neutral pieces that I can wear in the summer but will also work in the fall by adding layers. Just add a cardigan to this look when it gets cool outside.





Thanks so much for visiting! Have a great day!

Friday, September 20, 2019

Currently Loving .149

Happy Friday, y'all! I am so excited it's the weekend! I have several fun things planned and I am looking forward to Saturday's event at J. Crew in the Friendly Center! Join me on September 21 at the Friendly Center J. Crew store between 2pm-5pm to shop! I can be your personal stylist! I hope to see my local girls there!

Today, I'm sharing my weekly roundup of what I'm currently loving. We have been having some fall-like weather here in North Carolina so it's got me excited for sweater and layers!



Which of this week's picks is your favorite?!

1. S W E A T S H I R T | This cozy, budget friendly sweatshirt is on my wish list! I love sweatshirts for fall because they are such a good lightweight layer. I love this pink color! I'm planning to size up one size for a more relaxed fit.



2. P U R S E | How gorgeous is this bag?! I shared the larger version of it last week but this crossbody style is fabulous too. I need one of them for my birthday in November!



3. J E A N S | I got these jeans for Saturday's J. Crew event and they are such a flattering pair of denim. They are also super soft because they have tencel in the fabric! The fit is true to size.



4. N E C K L A C E | I am a big fan of delicate jewelry, especially pieces like this. I love the simple style that's perfect for everyday wear!



5. S W E A T E R | Leggings friendly sweater?! Sign me up! I absolutely love longer length sweaters that work with skinny jeans and leggings. I also really love white/cream/ivory colored sweaters!



6. T E E | If it's leopard print, I probably love it! This cute animal print tee is such a great layering piece for fall. Throw it on with a cozy cardigan and jeans for an easy, comfortable outfit.



7. T O P | Stripes are always a wardrobe staple for me! I really love the fabric, the mock neck, and of course, the stripes on this top. Such a great classic piece!



8. M U L E S | These mules are a great budget friendly alternative to the much more expensive Madewell version that have been on wish list for awhile now. I got last year's version and they are so comfortable! I sized up a to 9 (I'm typically a true 8.5).



Thanks so much for visiting! I hope you have a great weekend! Also, please join me on Saturday, September 21 (tomorrow) at the Friendly Center J. Crew store between 2pm-5pm to shop! I can be your personal stylist! I hope to see my local girls there! 

S H O P  T H E  P O S T: