Rainy Day Favorites

So today I had a completely different post planned out that was the cutest outfit that I was going to have photographed yesterday. But life got in the way and I woke up with an awful allergic reaction to the new face product I was trying out. The rain that was non stop of yesterday also contributed to the photographs not happening but also inspired this post. As much as the rain can suck and ruin plans I also think it is very calming and makes for the perfect relaxation days. Here are a few of my favorite rainy day favorites:

Halloween Decor Inspo

It's that time of year when the pumpkins start to appear on the front steps of houses and apple and pumpkin pie candles fill the stores. I love this time of year when the house feels extra cozy because of all the decor that is brought out. Today I'm showing off some of my favorite fall decor that will make any house ready for Halloween!!

Weekly Review | Weekend Update

Weekly Review: This is the first week that I felt that school had officially started. I had my first big assignment due and I have a few upcoming due dates for things. The honeymoon of school is officially over and we are in the full swing of things.

Weekend Update: Tonight my sister has a big football game against a rival school which is going to be packed and exciting. But I'm most excited for the burger 21 that we are planning to have before the game. There is also a local festival that is happening this weekend that Kyle and I are going to meet up with some friends. I'm hoping Sunday is a relaxing day around the house!

Favorite Things at the Moment: 

• The morning toast: This is a new podcast that I have been really into lately. I think Jackie and Claudia are hilarious and I want to be just like them!! They post all of their podcasts on YouTube which I love because you can see how they interact and it puts such a face to the podcast! 
• Casual work attire: My favorite fall item is a great pair of army green pants and I am showing off the most amazing pair in this blog post. 
• Southern Charm: I know I am so late to this one but I am so glad that I finally found this show and watched seasons 1-5! I just finished it and I can not wait for the next season I am so invested in this show and the lives of these people.

Casual Work Attire

Old Navy: Popover Shirt | Old Navy: Rockstar Pants | Michael Kors: Remi Pom Pom Flats | Longchamp: Le Pliage bag

I know that for me, trying to figure out outfits for work can be stressful and I always seem to hit a wall when trying to figure out what to wear. Army green pants are one of my favorite items to wear in the fall time, there are endless outfit possibilities. These pants are the rockstar pant from Old Navy and they are so comfortable. I bought this in store but I really need to start buying the petite versions which are sold online so they don't bunch at the bottom.

I'm also bringing back a classic in today's blog post, the Le Pliage Longchamp bag. I think that the small version of this bag is the perfect work bag because it can hold so much in it. I also have the medium one which I used to use for work and it would fit my lunchbox and then some perfectly. The Longchamp Le Pliage is a timeless bag which is a basic necessity in your closet. This is hands down my favorite bag I own. 

Do you guys call the color of these jeans army green or olive green?? I've always wondered about that!

 

What I Bought From the Lilly Sale | Weekly Review | Weekend Update

What I Bought From the Lilly Sale: I bought the Shay dress in the print multi so sophisticated from the sale. I wanted a more casual dress that could be worn on multiple occasions and I think this one is perfect for that. The sale is so exciting I can't wait for the next one. 

Weekly Review: This past week was one of my best friends 21st birthdays. Where we live there is a deal at three local bars that is called the trifecta where you can get three huge drinks at three different bars. One of the drinks is a giant teacup which is the one she wanted to do. It was pretty funny to drink out of a teacup the size of a salad bowl! 

🎉HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAIT 🎉

Weekend Update: This weekend seems like it is going to be pretty low key, I may meet up with some friends. Other than that not a whole lot going on but I'm looking forward to it being that way. 

❤️WARNING BACHELOR IN PARADISE SPOILERS AHEAD❤️

Bachelor in Paradise: I thought that this season was super interesting, I really loved the couples that were formed and was super sad to see most of them not make it. First, with Tia and Colton breaking up, at first I was really mad and upset at Colton but the more I thought about the way Tia reacted by saying he gave it a try and it didn't work and pretty much it's okay. After hearing how she reacted I was more accepting of what he did and now I'm really excited for his season of the bachelor. 

My favorite couple of paradise was Jenna and Jordan, first, can we talk about how stunning Jenna is?!?! And I think Jordan loved her from the beginning, their relationship was put through a lot but he always stuck by her side which I think shows the type of man that he is. Their engagement was so beautiful it made me tear up a little. I don't think anyone predicted that this couple would be the one to get engaged but I'm so happy for them.

Annalise... Annalise... she was very eager to fall in love the moment that she laid eyes on any guy. I felt as though minutes after her first date with Camile she was like I wanna have his babies, I would marry him right now, I can see us together forever. I know that's what paradise is about but slow down just a little bit. I do think that Camile said the perfect thing instead of getting engaged because they didn't have the same amount of time as everyone else. Although she was a little eager, what he did to her at the tell-all was disgusting. He should not have done that on national television, I feel sorry for her. 

Kevin and Astrid really made me sad. If he wasn't ready for a new relationship then he should not have come to paradise. I think what he did to Astrid is mean and disgusting, there was no way she could have made it more clear to him that she was all in. The bachelor tell-all pretty much validated that him leaving was due to his baggage which I still don't think it is fair to Astrid but I do hope that they work it all out. 

Chris and Krystal were a couple that I was always so unsure about and I think that's because they always seemed so unsure about each other. I thought that the dress she wore for the engagement was very casual compared to what the other girls wear at this moment. I do think that their engagement was beautiful 

Grocery store Joe and Kendall had a rocky time at bachelor in paradise and I think it is mostly due to Kendall's actions. Her thing with Leo did not help their relationship and I don't think she treated him very fairly in not seeing how much he loved her. I think that they almost had to break apart for her to realize that he was what she wanted. But they looked like they were in a good place at the tell-all and I'm happy for them cause I do love them as a couple. 

Silk Hem Top

J.Crew: Long Sleeve Top with Silky Hem | Gap: Rockaway wash Jeans | J.Crew: Sawyer Suede Boots | Sugarfix: Druzy Necklace | Ray-Bans: Clubmasters | Amazon: Faux leather watch band

As you may have seen from Monday's post, J.Crew is the only store I've really been shopping at lately (I need to branch out more). J.Crew just has the best clothing pieces for any occasion, they have dresses, tops, and bottoms for work or casual. Right now I am more casual in my style and J.Crew is where I go for all my basic needs! I talked about these boots in Mondays post, (LINK) about how they continue to be my favorite fall shoe year after year. I love that it is that time of year when you can wear long sleeves and booties but not have to wear a jacket. I am so ready for fall.

J.Crew Factory Fall Wishlist

I have always been a fan of J.Crew, especially the factory stores because it is good quality clothing without breaking the bank. Lately, I have become more and more obsessed with this store then I have ever been. Maybe it's due to the mercantile store that opened within the past couple of years in our mall or because the clothes are super cute this season. Regardless I am loving everything J.Crew and I have compiled some of the items that will most likely be purchased in the future.

1. Tiered Chambray Dress - I fell in love with the ruffle chambray dress that I purchased from J.Crew over the summer so I was super excited to see this one that was more appropriate for the fall. I love dresses that transition perfectly into different seasons and this one is perfect for that. 

2. Open-Front Sweater Blazer - I already have this sweater blazer in tan from last fall, I love it so much that I'm seriously considering getting it in grey. It is heavier than a cardigan but lighter than a jacket. I believe that it's a perfect balance to make it work as either a jacket or a cardigan. 

3. Teddie Sweater - The teddie sweater is a reoccurring favorite of mine, it is a must-have staple in your closet which looks good alone but also pairs perfectly with vests and light jackets. The teddie sweater comes in a bunch of different colors (I may end up with one in every color that's how much I love them). 

4. Mini Skirt in Corduroy - To be honest skirts are not something that I gravitate towards but I do love that corduroy is making a comeback. This skirt is definitely high on my wishlist and I can see so many future outfits that include this piece. 

5. Ruffle Neck Pullover - I love simple tops that have a little extra something to make them look like you put together an outfit without actually trying. This is the perfect top for that due to the cute ruffle that peeks through the neckline and the bottom of the sleeves. 

6. Off the shoulder bow top - This top is perfect for going out to drinks with the girls or to a date night. I find it to be really hard to find outfits that are cute and practical for going out at night in the colder months. This off the shoulder top is the perfect going out top of fall and winter. 

7. No-show socks - I have talked about my no-show sock obsession but only the ones from J.Crew. Honestly, the last thing I need is another pair of J.Crew no-show socks, but these have pumpkins on them so really how can I pass them up?? Right now they are also on sale 3 for 12$ which is a good deal!

8. Ruffle Front Top - I find it's always good to have a few professional pieces in your closet in case a time comes up when one is needed. Or maybe you need to be professional in your everyday life, this top I feel is a perfect workday shirt.

9. Resin-coated Twill Jacket - Someone needs to stop me from buying outerwear but I have a very good feeling that this jacket will become mine this fall season. I've had my eye on a jacket like this for a while and it might be time to be added to my closet. 

10. Side-tie T-shirt - I love basics from J.Crew, with my job I have to wear casual clothing because getting stuff (children mess) on me is something that is most likely going to happen so I love to wear basics that can easily be cleaned. 

11. Sawyer Suede boots - I have talked about the camel colored Sawyer boots that J.Crew has multiple times on my blog before. Now I am considering getting another pair in black due to how much I wear that camel ones. They are such a comfortable boot and pair so well with so many different outfits that I feel it is worth it to get another pair. 

Back to School | Weekly Review | Weekend Happenings

Weekly Review: This past week was the start of school which for me means back to work again. Right now I'm subbing a lot because I don't want to get too overwhelmed with work and my own school. Yesterday was the official first day of school for the elementary and high school kids even though it did not feel like it should have been because it was so so so hot.

This past week I also got a new MacBook Air which was completely unexpected and much needed. My old MacBook Air was about five years old and on its last leg, it would only turn on if it was plugged in and that was not going to work for me so it was really time to get a new one. Making such a big purchase made me so nervous. I'm 23 and felt like I should call my mom to get her permission to buy something with my own money (I know i'm ridiculous)!!

Weekend Happenings: One positive part about school starting back up is the Friday night football games! My little sister is on the varsity cheerleading team, it's something she is super passionate about so it's so fun to go watch her. 

I am also going to my favorite Mexican restaurant in Saratoga Springs on Saturday night which I am super excited about. They just opened at a new location which is now two stories and I haven't been to the new one yet! 

Recent Purchases:

• New Sneakers: New school year means new sneakers for gym class right?! Okay so maybe my "gym class" now consists of work out videos played on my TV and the stationary bike I have at my house but I'll still use this excuse for new sneakers. These new ones I actually got from Target and I am obsessed with them. I feel like they look so different than any other sneaker that I've owned. 
• Printed Puffer Vest: This is one of my favorite items I bought from all of the Labor day sales that were happening. Jcrew Factory has some amazing deals on these vests, my mom and I actually bought four of them (they will be featured here in the future). This flower printed one is hands down my favorite. 
• MacBook Air: I already mentioned this big purchase but it's just so exciting when you get to open that crisp and clean apple box, I was even excited about the new charger! There aren't many differences but it just feels new. 

Obsessed with at the moment: 

• Bachelor in Paradise: I am in love with this season which I'm surprised with because I was not into Becca's season. I love Jenna and Jordan and of course Kevin and Astrid but I'm super sad about Tia and Jordan. So I am sad that they didn't work out but after thinking about how Tia reacted and her saying he tried and it didn't work I am okay with them going their separate ways. I am actually super excited about him being the new bachelor.
• Scotty McCreery's Wedding Video: I love watching wedding themed videos on YouTube. I love getting into that deep weird part of YouTube and you start watching maid of honor speeches where they sing the speech (This one is my favorite). If you know me then you know I only really listen to country music so two when two of my favorite things combined you know I was excited. Scotty's wedding music video is almost as beautiful as his new wife Gabi who just looks like the sweetest person ever. I definitely recommend giving this a watch. 

Lilly Pulitzer + Where Else to Buy Lilly

The Lilly sale is officially less than a week away. I love the Lilly sale and I think it is so exciting when it comes around. I have bought from this sale which is usually in August (This year it's later) and again in January for about four years or more now. I usually find a few items that I can't live without, I'll show those on the blog later. But if you don't feel like waiting for the only two times a year that the sale comes around there are a few other places you may be able to get a deal.

Poshmark: 

It is a little frustrating that the Lilly sale is only two times a year. If you're like me then you love a bargain. There are a few other places to get Lilly on sale. One place is Poshmark, most of the stuff on Poshmark is pre-used but sometimes you can find an item that is new with the tags. I found this Lilly for Target shift pictured above on major sale from Poshmark. There are constantly new and used Lilly items being put up on Poshmark. I had a great experience receiving my Lilly item but I do know that you have to take precautions when shopping on Poshmark. For example:

• Make sure that the pictures are taken of the actual item and not just photos taken from the internet. This way you can see if the item has any stains or rips. 
• Ask for more pictures. If you are really interested in an item don't be afraid to ask for more pictures of the item. One time I asked for pictures with a tape measure to see how big the item was. You can ask for closer pictures of the stains or anything else you may wanna see closer. 
• Never email someone or do a transaction outside of Poshmark through an email. If someone comments on one of the items you are selling and wants to email you about purchasing it, they are most likely a scammer. Another way that you can see if someone is a scammer is on their profile other poshers will comment scam on their photos sometimes. 

6pm.com:

This actual site I have never purchased from but I do know of people who have. Right now they have a few Lilly items that are on sale. This is one of those websites that I would watch to see if the prices go down even further every now and then. This site has a lot of stuff on sale that is usually included on the Lilly sale. So if you missed an item that you wanted I would check this website to see if they have it. 

In Store:

The Lilly store has a pre-sale before the items go on sale online on Sept. 8th - Sept. 9th but if you don't live by an actual retail Lilly store like me than your out of luck on the pre-sale. But you should do some research because I do live by a store named the pink paddock which is actually a Lilly Pulitzer store that is privately owned. Because they are privately owned they don't do a sale at the same time corporate Lilly does it. So if you have a privately owned Lilly store by you watch out for their sales.