Friday, February 5, 2021

Currently Loving .216

 

style on a budget, mom style, winter style, nc blogger, north carolina blogger
Happy Friday! I hope you've had a wonderful week! This is actually my second blog post of the week! I don't think I have written more than one blog post in a week since sometime early fall. This season (...or really the last eleven months) has flipped my schedule upside down. But, I was feeling inspired this week and sharing my current Madewell bag collection on Wednesday!

Today, I'm sharing my weekly round of what I'm Currently Loving! This time of year, many retailers start to release spring items and it gets me so excited for warmer weather. However, it's still very cold and I'm definitely still bundled up. This week's picks have some great accessories to make your outfit feel more feel while staying warm in your cozy winter clothing!


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

1. H A I R  C L I P S | How darling are these hair clips?! Getting some new hair accessories can make your current winter wardrobe more fun. I love trying out new hairstyles that I find over on Pinterest! I have a whole board dedicated to hair over there.


2. B A G | I have two Madewell bags in this style and I absolutely love them! This new leopard print is so cute and a great neutral so it will match any outfit. A new leopard print bag is such a great way to make an old outfit feel brand new!


3. C A R D I G A N | I'm still really loving cardigans like this, that you can wear buttoned or unbuttoned. It really makes a piece so much more versatile in your wardrobe when it can be worn different ways. I'm loving this pink color but it also comes in cream and olive, too!


4. H O O D I E | My favorite gray sweatshirt (that I wear several times a week) has seen better days so I am currently on the hunt for a new one to release it. I always love sweatshirts from Aerie so this one is definitely in the running. It looks so cozy for these cold winter days! Bonus: it's leggings friendly!


5. J E A N S | Whenever anyone asks me what Madewell jeans I would recommend, I always suggest perfect vintage. They are incredibly flattering and so comfortable! I love the high rise and straight leg (that isn't too straight). They are such a great alternative to a skinny jean! I personally size down one size from my non-Madewell denim size to get the perfect fit. Also, pro-tip: only wash them when it's absolutely necessary. I just spot clean as needed and try to get at least 10 or more jeans out of my Madewell denim before machine washing. They break in beautifully and get better with time!


6. S C A R F | Another great way to make your outfit feel a little more exciting: add a scarf. This budget friendly ($10) scarf can be tied in your hair or added to your favorite tote bag. This one will also transition into springtime perfectly!


7. R I N G | I got this ring back in November and I have worn it every single day since! I'm not typically a signet ring kind of girl but I absolutely love this one. I forget I even have it on because it's so comfortable to wear! Such a cute statement ring!


8. B E A N I E | Who else is always freezing this time of year?! I have been living in beanies lately to keep myself warm and this one is my favorite. I got it for Christmas and I love how this brown color goes with pretty much everything in my wardrobe. Yes to staying warm and cozy!


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

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

My Madewell Bag Collection

madewell, madewell bag, transport tote, mom style, nc blogger, north carolina blogger, totewell, style blogger
Hey y'all! One of my most commonly asked questions is about my Madewell bag collection. Last year, I did a roundup of my collection but I've had a couple of new bags so I wanted to do an update. First of all I love... I mean REALLY love Madewell bags! Over the last few years, I have developed quite the Madewell bag collection because they are such great bags. In today's post, I'm going to be sharing my collection, details on each bag, and how I've styled them!

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The medium transport tote was my very first Madewell bag purchase. I had been wanting to invest in a nice, leather bag. I wanted an everyday bag and one that would last for many years to come. I chose the medium tote because of the size and versatility. I really love how you can wear it on your shoulder, on your arm, or as a crossbody (it comes with a thin crossbody strap but you can change them out). I have this bag strap but they have other great options a well! When I first got this bag in the mail, I definitely thought that the shoulder straps seemed short and they definitely are on the shorter side. But, I actually really like that about the bag now because it makes the bag feel secure when you are carrying it. I picked the English saddle color because it goes with literally everything. Four years later, this is still one of my most carried bags! I always recommend this to anyone who asks which Madewell bag to get. I'd say this one is my favorite! I have found that the leather just gets better and better with time. Also, the medium bag now also comes in a zippered version if you prefer that option.

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My second Madewell bag purchase was the large transport tote in black. I was looking for a tote bag to use for work that could hold all of the things and this one certainly does! I can carry my laptop, planner, and regular purse essentials comfortably in this bag. It's super roomy without being a big, overwhelming kind of tote. It really is the perfect large tote bag! My black bag doesn't have a zipper but my English saddle one does. I've had some people ask which one I prefer as far as the zipper goes and honestly, I never really zip my zippered bag. But, I do like having the option to zip it up if I needed to, especially if I was traveling (this bag makes a great carry on bag). The inside has one small, zippered pocket but the rest of it is open. I don't know about you but when a bag doesn't have a lot of organization inside, my bag gets super messy! Check out this blog post to learn about how I keep my bag organized. The tips I share in that post have been purse game changers for me! Also, for reference, the shoulder straps on the medium and large transport totes are pretty much the exact same size.

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When I purchased this bag, I wasn't filling a need, I just really loved the leopard print, lol. But I really do love having a printed bag in my collection. My exact bag in the print that I have is no longer available but they do have a new leopard print available (as seen above). Leopard print just makes the most boring outfit so much more fun! This bag is the canvas transport tote so the price point is much less than the leather transport tote bags that I have. If you are wanting a Madewell bag but not wanting to spend the money on a leather bag, I would definitely recommend a canvas tote. The quality is amazing and the straps are leather so they will hold up over time.

madewell, madewell bag, transport tote, mom style, nc blogger, north carolina blogger, totewell, style blogger



 This bag is my latest addition to my Madewell bag collection and I absolutely love it. I have been carrying it almost daily since I got for Christmas. This bag surprisingly holds quite a bit! I can fit my phone, small wallet, lotion, lip gloss, face mask, car key, essential oil roller, and even a snack inside comfortably. One of the questions I have been frequently asked about this bag is if the calf hair rubs off. I personally haven't had any issue with the calf half rubbing off on this bag. I have quite a few calf hair items from Madewell and I've never had a problem with the hair rubbing off except for my small wallet, that I use multiple times a day. The wallet probably has some rub off because of it being inside of my bag. Overall, I love this bag and I'm so happy that I was able to add it to my bag collection! I am also really love this new animal print pattern in this bag!

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My crossbody bag is my go-to when I need a small bag! I really love the circle style of my crossbody bag but unfortunately it's no longer available. However, the small simple crossbody bag also comes in the English saddle color like mine as well as other colors. I also love that the strap is adjustable too! It's such a great bag for running errands, traveling, or well, really anything! I love it! I often throw my crossbody bag inside of my larger totes for a smaller option on the go.

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Last up, the belt bag. I bought this a couple of summers ago and I have used it so much. It's perfect for wearing with skirts and dresses because you can carry your phone or other essentials while remaining hands free. It's also unfortunately unavailable right now but I am really hoping that Madewell brings back an updated version of it this spring or summer. If you are looking for a similar belt bag or any of my Madewell bag favorites, be sure to check on Poshmark to see if you can find one second hand. Madewell bags are such great quality and hold up for many, many years so they are a great item to hunt down second hand. I love using this belt bag for our travels. It took me from Puerto Rico to Disney World, hands free!

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And, lastly isn't a bag that own... yet. It's a bag that is currently on my wish list! As you can see in this post, I certainly don't need a new Madewell bag but I feel like at this point I have kind of become a collector! I love adding to my collection and sharing my bags with y'all. I honestly carry a Madewell bag every single day and I don't see that changing anytime soon!

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you have a wonderful day!

Friday, January 29, 2021

Currently Loving .215

Happy Friday! I hope you've had a great week! I took a break from this post last week because life has been so busy. I'm sure so many of you can relate but this is such a crazy season. Every week our schedule for school and my work has been different! It's so hard to keep up some days. I look forward to the weekends even more right now. Saturdays and Sundays are the best!

Today, I'm back at it and sharing my weekly roundup of what I'm Currently Loving! I have purchased much less this season but I do have a few things on my wish list, especially now that Madewell released their "spring" new arrivals! Over half of my picks are new items that just arrived from there!

style on a budget, nc blogger, north carolina blogger, mom style, winter style, outfit ideas

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

1. T O P | How pretty is this top?! The details are just gorgeous and feel fancy but it's still super casual. This would be so cute now paired with jeans but I could also see it working with shorts once the weather warms up. Such a fun piece!


2. B A G | This is one of the Madewell new arrivals that I am absolutely loving! I most certainly do not need a new Madewell bag. Last year I shared my Madewell Bag Collection in this post and it definitely needs to be updated with my new additions. I just can't get enough! The style of this bag is just perfect and I'm loving the strap.


3. S H I R T | I used to wear a chambray/denim shirt on repeat in the past but I got paint on my favorite one and never replaced it. I have been looking for a relaxed/semi-oversized one to add to my closet and I'm loving the style of this one! I'm loving the denim on denim shown here but it would also be so cute with white or black denim. A classic piece!


4. E A R R I N G S | I have a thing for heart shaped jewelry! It's just so feminine and whimsical. I feel like these earrings have my name written all over them. Love love love!


5. S N E A K E R S | I'm all about the sneaker life right now. I have been living in sneakers! Comfort is key to keeping up with a crazy schedule. I ordered a similar pair that are a little more bold (hello, animal print) than these but I am loving this neutral pair. They would go with everything!


6. J A C K E T | Insert heart eye emojis for this jacket! How cute is this?! Cozy AND leopard print?! Sign me up for that. It would make cold days much more fun!


7. H E A D B A N D | Do I need another headband? Absolutely not. Will I probably buy another headband? Absolutely. My collection is getting out of control but I do share it with two little girls so I feel better about it. I'm loving this animal print!


8. T U N I C | Oversized tops that work with leggings are my current favorite right now, for obvious reasons. I want to be comfortable! This cute tunic is current half price and it has the same name as my oldest daughter... which I why it originally caught my eye. You can't go wrong with a top like this!


Thanks so much for visiting! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Friday, January 15, 2021

Currently Loving .214

Happy Friday! I hope you've had a great week! I finished up my work week yesterday and we are almost done with virtual learning for the week. Woo hoo! We don't have any big plans this weekend but I do know that I want tacos from my favorite local spot and a trip to the thrift store. Two of my favorite things: tacos and thrifting!

Today, I'm sharing my weekly roundup of what I'm Currently Loving! Like I mentioned last week, I have currently filling in some wardrobe gaps now that I have gotten rid of some clothes and reassessed what I need. I fulfilled two of those needs this week with a cream colored sweater and pajamas. Both of these purchases are also included in today's roundup!

style on a budget, madewell, bohoblu, nc blogger, mom style

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

1. S H I R T  J A C K E T | Who else is loving the shirt jacket trend?! I am all about a multifunctional piece of clothing and I love that this shirt jacket is also leggings friendly! I can't wait to style it! Use my code EMILY15 to save 15% off of your order at bohoblu.com!


2. B R A C E L E T S | I love dainty gold bracelets! Most of my jewelry is from Madewell and everything holds up so well. I think I need to add this set to my collection!


3. S N E A K E R S | I don't want to sound dramatic but these are by far the most comfortable pair of shoes I have ever worn! Really, they are! I originally just bought them to wear to Disney back in 2019 then they became my go-to pair of shoes, all year round. They are perfect with shorts, skirts, jeans, dresses, and leggings! The fit is true to size.



4. H E A D B A N D | I feel like I'm a headband connoisseur at this point and these turban style headbands from J. Crew are the very best. I can't wear one all day long and totally forget that it's even on my head. I own and love this leopard print one!


5. J E A N S | Perfect vintage jeans are by far my favorite style at Madewell and I'm always on the lookout for new washes. I am loving this distressed pair! If you've never purchased Madewell denim, I would recommend sizing down one size from your non-Madewell denim size for the best fit.


6. T U N I C | I shared this tunic in a different color last week and after I finished my post, I wanted to purchase it for myself. This led me to finding it on same at a different retailer! Yay! It runs oversized and so cozy. Mine came in the mail yesterday and the quality is amazing!


7.  P A J A M A S | I recently treated myself to a new pair of pajamas and y'all, they are wonderful! I have never really owned anything other than Target pajamas but I have been wanting a nicer pair that would hold up longer. I got these in this week and I want to live in them! They fit so nicely and the fabric incredibly soft. I would highly recommend them!


8. S W E A T E R | I am loving the color of this sweater! It's definitely a color that is missing from my closet. I also really love the fit of this sweater! It would be so cute paired with skinny jeans and anklke boots. Use my code EMILY15 to save 15% off of your order at bohoblu.com!


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

Friday, January 8, 2021

Currently Loving .213

 

Happy Friday! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season! We enjoyed a lot of relaxation and slower paced days, which was just what I needed to end the year. Our little family took a quick trip to South Carolina to visit Josh's dad. The day we arrived, a baby goat was born and then the next evening, five more baby goats were born! This was such a cool experience for all of us, especially the girls. If 2020 taught me anything, it was to treasure the simple moments with my family!

Today, I'm back to sharing my weekly picks of what I'm Currently Loving! I actually haven't really done any shopping at all the past month, mostly because I really didn't need anything. I've cleaned out my closet and there are a few items that I am currently looking for. I already have one of the items from this week's picks in my shopping cart!


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

1. D R E S S | I have always been a big fan of polka dots! I've shared this before but when Josh and I were dating, he got a plate for the front of my car made that said "Polka Dot Princess" and I proudly drove around town with that plate on my car for a long time! Lol... polka dots are still one of the prints that I gravitate towards the most. This polka dot dress is so fun and feminine! I can't wait to style it with tall boots. Use my code EMILY15 to save 15% off of your order at BohoBlu!


2. E A R R I N G S | I got these cute earrings in my stocking for Christmas and I have been wearing them daily every since. I have super sensitive ears and these earrings don't bother me at all! They are just a really great simple statement earring. Also, they are currently on super sale!


3. S W E A T E R | I have been looking for a sweater like this for awhile and this is what is currently in my shopping cart! I really wanted a great quality sweater that would work with leggings or jeans. But, which color do I choose?! I'm trying to decide between this camel color and white.


4. J O G G E R S | I have been living in all things comfortable lately, especially since we have been spending a lot of time at home. Even when I'm comfy at all, I still like to feel somewhat put together. These joggers give me those casual chic vibes that I love!


5. B A G | I also got this bag for myself for Christmas and I have carried it every single time I have left the house since. I had it on my wish list for a long time but I am so glad that I waited because I got it for a steal. It's also still on sale right now! I totally recommend it and it actually does hold quite a bit. I currently have my small wallet, car key, perfume roller, lip gloss, lotion, snack bar, Air Pods in it and I could also fit my phone inside as well. 


6. B E A N I E | I didn't really ask my husband for much for Christmas because I really didn't have to have anything but I did ask for a Carhartt beanie. He wasn't sure which color to get me so I ended up with not one, not two, not three, but four beanies for Christmas! I didn't get this black and white combo but I also really love this one too.



7. S N E A K E R S | I have already ordered these sneakers and I can't wait for them to arrive! They are way different than any other sneakers that I currently own. I love the mix of neutrals and leopard!


8. C A R D I G A N | I am still currently loving cardigans as tops and this one is no exception. It looks so cute with high waisted denim! I love that it's versatile and you can also wear it open as well. You can use my code EMILY15 to save 15% off of your order at BohoBlu!


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