stitch fix reveal

Press Nathalia Cowlneck Belted Dress

Angie July Printed Beaded Detail Dress

MM Couture Abel Airy Knit 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan

Chris & Carol Kadey Asymmetrical Striped Tank

Miilia Kathryn Sheer Crossfront Woven Top

On Saturday I received my Stitch Fix box, and you guys! It's kind of like Christmas morning for grownups. The suspense! The surprise! I usually let the box sit on my dresser for a bit to amp up the anticipation before ripping into it and gingerly taking one item out of the box at a time. This is my third Stitch Fix delivery (my second yielded only a great bracelet set) and my first impression was that it was devoid of color. All browns, greys and black. My last box was very colorful, but I think that the less colorful ones tend to be the most versatile. I can mix and match a black top into my wardrobe easier than a wildly printed one, you know? I'll break the box down by item, shall I?

Cowlneck Grey dress ($48): This dress has zero hangar appeal, seriously. It looks sloppy and sad and oh so boring. But! Once I put it on I felt that it hung quite nicely and the neckline was drapey and flattering. I liked that I could wear heels and dress it up or flat sandals and a large tote for day. I don't have a grey dress (they always seem boring to buy, right?), but I think I underestimated the versatility of this color. 

Black and White print dress with beaded neckline ($58): This was not my favorite. It made me feel matronly and not cute. The pattern itself was fun and I would have liked it better on a maxi skirt or dress with a different neckline (or skinnier straps?) I just didn't feel good in this and knew from the moment I picked it up that it wouldn't suit my style or personality.

Navy Cardigan ($88): This cardigan was okay. I liked the sheerness of it, the length (it was longer in the back) and thought it would be a great summer weight cardigan. BUT, there is no way I can spend that amount of money on a sweater. Maybe if it was $20 or even $30? I just cannot buy something that expensive that can be found many others places for a much less price.

Striped asymmetrical tank ($48): This was another item that was just okay, not special enough or flattering enough to buy. I felt it didn't fit my style or match who I am, you know? The price was an issue as well. Just, no.

Sheer Crossfront Top ($58): Again, this was a nice shirt, but nothing super special. I felt it was basic enough to wear with jean shorts or faux leather skinnies on a date. I love basic tops that can be dressed up or down and I could accessorize it to fit my personality. I liked the length (longer in the back), though the cross over fit in the front seemed a little weird with the cut and fit of this top. 

That was it! I wasn't super impressed with this box, but did love the grey dress (I kept it!) and find I tend to keep about one item from every box I receive. I really like the fun of not knowing what you are going to get and seeing what other people think you should wear. I have another box being delivered June 10th, I can't wait to see what is in it and share it with you guys.

To try Stitch Fix, go here.

Tell me, which look did you like best?

The one that stayed home with me!

the great gatsby, marshall's on a rainy day (and a bathing suit dilemma, help!)

I must have lost my mind, because I promised myself I would never put a bathing suit picture of myself on this blog. It's not that I'm ashamed or anything, but that is a lot of exposure and a 640 pixel photo is a bit much for this mama of two (especially with a 50mm f 1.8 camera lense that captures a lot of detail.) Yikes. I guess there is a first (and probably last!) time for everything.

I mentioned in this post that we are going to a water park in a couple of weeks and I wanted a bathing suit that I didn't have to worry about. I haven't worn a one piece since 1994, but love the look of them now, especially the retro ones! I fell in love with this polka dot one from Modcloth and came thisclose to buying it. What stopped me? I just couldn't swing the price. I'm a $30 max kind of girl when it comes to bathing suits. I just don't spend a lot of money on them. I have also been firmly in the bikini territory forever. I love them and wear them 90% of the time, but there is a time when a girl may need to be covered up a bit, you know? Fast forward to a Sunday trip to Marshall's with my girlfriend after we went to the movies (more on that later!) I saw the two suits you see above and decided to try them on. You guys! Can we discuss how you don't need to worry about sucking in your stomach that much in a one piece? Or that they are still kind of sexy with a ruffle bottom or graphic polka dots? I kind of instantly fell in love and at about $20 each I brought both home as I was undecided which one I liked more. The aqua blue one was super flirty and made me feel like Grace Kelly sitting in a lounge chair by the pool, while the black and white polka dot one (which looked better in person) was edgier and made me feel like Ava Gardner. All I need is red lips and cate eye sunnies.

Which one do you like better?

On to the movies! I went to see The Great Gatsby (which was in 3D and takes a second to get used to, plus it was $11 which screams rip off to me?) I have to say, the movie is gorgeous. The filming is so interesting and kind of grabs you by the throat a little. Cinematically is takes your breath away, there were so many images that I wanted to freeze so I could take it all in, you know? The music is interesting, too, because is is modern (Jay Z, anyone?) and makes the film less cliche in a way. I adored the look of the movie and the clothes! Of course now I want to magically be transported to 1922 with a Louise Brooks bob and Clara Bow red lips, complete with beaded headbands and a flapper dress.

Has anyone else seen it? How did you like it?

Lastly, I organized my closet again this weekend and realized that I don't need any more clothes. For real. I have a lot of really nice items that make me happy. After my last purge I am left with only those pieces that I adore and wear often. So, if you hear me shopping for clothes in the future, feel free to call me out on Twitter, okay?

P.S. I got my third Stitch Fix this weekend, I'm revealing it tomorrow:)

P.P.S. Did you know Victoria's Secret had the best lounge around the house tanks? I bought mine last year and I live in them. They are soft and make me feel cute in sweatpants. Winning, right?

Tell me, did you have a good weekend?

what to wear on a family vacation and what you should be buying, right now. (+ a link up!)

Target dress; c/o Lulu*s necklace (similar); Kohl's cardi; Threads bracelets; Old Navy shoes, old (similar.)

First, can we discuss this dress? I loveeeeee it. I stalked in online a bit and kept moving it in and out of my online cart, but never pulled the trigger on buying it. I do this a lot, by the way. It's like a hobby? Anyway, I saw it in the store this past Monday and instantly loved it. It looked even better in person than it did online, which rarely happens, am I right? It is so soft and flow-y and I feel like a boho/hippy princess when I wear it. Since I had to drop my kids of at pre-school today I threw the cardigan on over  it (because dropping them off in a strapless dress is weird?) I am so excited to wear this all summer long, day and night, even as a swim cover up. 

On to the real purpose of this post! In a couple of weeks we will be going on our last Disney vacation before we move to Michigan. We live about three hours away right now and it makes it really easy to go. I'm going to miss that! We plan on doing two days at the park (Magic Kingdom + Epcot) and two days in the water parks (Blizzard Beach + Typhoon Lagoon.) This means lots of lists for me and deciding what to pack for myself and the kids for hot days and comfort. I wanted to put together a little shoppable list of what I have been looking at to buy/pack for myself (my husband fends for himself.) 

Swimsuits are a big deal at the water parks. I want to feel secure going down the water slides and not expose myself to the 15 year old lifeguards. I adore this polka dot one piece from Modcloth, retro and still a little sexy, no?

I already own this fringe one, here's hoping it stays in place.

I bought this fringed cover up from Roxy. I always forget how much I love their soft cotton dresses, they make great cover ups! I also love this white crochet one!

How cute would these sandals be by the pool?

For a day at the Magic Kingdom, I see myself in a loose tank, a tie dye maxi skirt and my Wayfarers. It is important to be wearing loose clothes in the heat and be comfortable.

I'm thinking at Epcot I may go with this lace skull tank and denim cutoffs? With a sock bun and cute studded sandals, too!

I love having a large tote to pack all of our things in. This Zara striped one is so cute! I bring our water bottles, little snacks for the kids, a sweatshirt for chilly nights and a little bag with travel essentials for park days. I always end up carrying everyone's things, so a big tote is essential. This sequin one is super cute, too!

For water park days I have a Boat and Tote from LL Bean that holds everything. I have had mine for three years and it still looks like new. It holds towels, sunblock essentials, books for me (if I get a chance to sit!) and a change of clothes for the kids. Mine is pink and white with our last name embroidered on it.

Loving this ombre boyfriend cardigan for "chilly" Florida nights.

Tell me, what do you like to wear on vacation? Are you a planner or a pack in a hurry kind of gal?

Also, I have a super fun link up to participate in today! My girls Kelly and Dawntelle and I want to know what you are obsessing over this week? Clearly I am obsessed over vacation packing and bathing suits that stay in place:) Link up, lady friends!

Welcome to Falling For Friday, THE place to come link up all the fabulous things you are totally obsessing over each week. Whether it be some brilliant new handmade goodness, a totally inspirational blog, or a little video that made you practically pee your pants... whatever it might be... we want to see it! We all love sharing those things that just make us drool, so consider this your formal invitation to join Dawnelle and Kelly each and every Friday!


Rules of the Road
1. Please be kind, follow blogging etiquette and follow along with all three hosts via
GFC, Blog Lovin', Facebook, Twitter, Instagram... your call!
We just don't want you to miss any of the goodness!!

Kelly at Westover Manor
Dawnelle at Just Dawnelle
Meagan at Because of Jackie

2. Please link to a specific post, not your main URL.

3. Lets make it a party! Click around and visit 2-3 other blogs!
Be sure to let them know you stopped by.
Let's make some new friends!
Because, really... who doesn't love a new blog friend, right?!

4. Grab a button and link back to the party so we can spread the love around!!
(Text links are great as well!)

5. Please keep linked posts related to your finds for the week.

6. Give us a shout out via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest...
The larger the party the more fun for everyone!!!

<a href=”http://www.kellywestover.com” target=”_blank”><img src="http://kellywestover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/FFF_BUTTON_v2_300px.jpg"></a>

Tutorial: Boho braided hair +and a Bellami Hair (non sponsored) review and discount!

Windsor tee; E Moore Store hair bow

The video explains itself, just a short little tutorial on a hair style I will probably wear most of the summer! 

On to the hair (extensions, that is!) I bought mine from Bellami Hair a couple of weeks ago after I sort of trashed my others ones in a failed ombre attempt gone very (very) wrong. I had been hearing a lot about this company and after reading a lot of reviews I decided to bite. I emailed Nikki a picture of my hair and she matched me with the Mochachino color. She was spot on. Customer service is friendly, prompt and helpful at Bellami Hair, something I really appreciate.  I ordered the 20 inch length and they arrived quickly. The box it comes in has a swatch of hair to test against your own so you can see before opening if it is a good match. Mine was perfect, the color is rich and has variation and matches my hair exactly. 

When it comes to hair extensions it is easy to get nice, soft ones right out of the box at any price point. Or so I thought. I was fooled by this notion, twice! What matters more than price is how they react after several weeks of constant wear. My cheaper version tangled quicker, lost their shine very fast, had tons of breakage that itched near the clips and ended up looking scraggly fast. I've been wearing these for about three weeks now and I see no difference from when they came out of the box. They are shiny, they hold a curl forever, and they are soft! I brought mine to a hairdresser and had mine cut to fit my own hair and you can't tell the difference between my hair and the extensions. 

I'm not going to lie, these are an investment. I bought these myself and wanted to see if they would be worth the price. They were. I think if you wear extensions a lot, like I do, it is important to have good ones. I am very happy with the results and the quality and definitely recommend them to others. 

On to the good part! Nikki has given my readers a $5 off coupon with the code BECAUSEOFJACKIE to those that would like to try extensions from Bellami Hair. I would love to hear from you if you have Bellami Hair extensions or if you have questions about them!

Wearing my extensions. And twirling. I like to twirl.

a sentimental (read: mushy) heart + a lisa leonard giveaway!

H&M jacket (similar); Target dress and hat; F21 sandals (similar); Threads bracelets; c/o Lisa Leonard Designs necklace.

I have a secret. I am really mushy. I am constantly kissing my children (Molly on the side of her sweet neck, Brady on the tip of his chin) and squeezing them extra hard. I'm a touchy feely person with my family and like them to know I care. I guess physical touch is one of my love languages? I think if I could sit on the same couch cushion with my husband, I would. I am obsessed with him and our children. Sometimes it feels like my love for them is a cup that is overfull, my heart gets to bursting and I realize how lucky I am to have them. See? I'm mushy.

I love sentimental jewelry and wearing the initials of those I love makes me feel close to them. When I travel alone I like to have these symbols with me as it makes them feel closer and me feel less lonely. Another secret: I get really homesick when I travel without my husband or children. If I have one or all of them with me I am okay, but catch me alone for more than a few days and I get really antsy and the walls feel like they are closing in on me. Weird? 

A couple of weeks ago Lisa Leonard Designs contacted me about a collaboration and I was secretly thrilled. I had been drooling over their site for a couple of weeks and knew I had to have a piece of jewelry. They sent me this necklace (after I debated for hours over which one to choose) and I couldn't be happier. I am having a love affair with black stone anything and thought the stone with the initial pendants for my two babies was perfection. I have rarely taken it off since it came in the mail. I adore it! 

On to the good part. Lisa Leonard Designs is giving one lucky reader a $50 gift card to buy anything your heart desires! Most of the pieces are around that price point and the options are endless. Some of my favorites are:

This gold chevron necklace is divine!

I love the turquoise pendant drop on this initial necklace.

A tiny golden twig necklace.

Love this silver cuff with the names of those you adore.

Beautiful, angular gold stud earrings.

There are only two mandatory entries, the others are bonuses. The giveaway lasts for a week and I cannot wait to see who the lucky duck is that wins. Good luck!

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting those that help support this blog!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

leather sleeve tee's that come off of the backorder list (and a what she wears winner!)

Windsor tee; Kohl's pants (similar); Old Navy Wedges (similar); Rayban sunnies; c/o Yes Walker bag; E Moore Store pendant; Target earrings (similar.)

I wish you guys could see behind the scenes of these photos. The kids are fresh from their bath and hanging upside down off of the swing set asking me if I'm done yet and can we please go read our stories now? I set the timer four times, posed as quickly as I could and noticed I was wearing two items with faux leather and is that weird? Don't tell me. 

P.S. I ordered this tee from Windsor and it is so soft and long (I loooove long tee's) and it was only $20. My favorite kind of price point. I also ordered this gem printed tank and this lace skull tank. Cute!

On to fun stuff. 

I want to thank those that linked up to the What she Wears link up. I had the best time looking through all the links and it was pretty hard for me to pick a favorite. In the end I HAD to choose Sandy from Sandy a la Mode. I loved her mixed material jacket, the prints in her cardigan and the accessories were to die for. I would wear this for a date in a hot minute and need a jacket like that for myself now. Must. Stop. Shopping.

Next month we are doing a whole new theme...maxis skirts/dresses! So get your favorite look together with this theme and link up with Dawntelle, Rebecca, Courtney, Kayleigh and I on June 11th for #What She Wears. We can't wait to see how you style your look!