Date Night Ready

Outfit: Top [not online] | White Jeans | Sandals 

I think white jeans are my favorite way to be causal and dressed up at the same time.  In Charlotte though it's just too hot some days to wear jeans at all so I will definitely be breaking rules so I can get some more wear out of these jeans after labor day when I can wear pants again!

This outfit to me just screams date night.  Or maybe it's me saying Mike I think we should have a date night and I'll wear this to feel cute and pretty! This top is off the shoulder and actually a little bit of a high low crop feel.  These jeans fit so perfectly but #shortlegproblems I have to cuff them so they are not dragging under my heels.

We are still trying to save for nice furniture items and decor in our apartment so date nights lately have been on a budget.  My favorite way to save money but still feel like we have the opportunity to go out is to just do drinks and appetizers! Apps are often overlooked but really they are my favorite foods on the menu sometimes.  We still save money, get to share and sample a few options, and have a wonderful date night in the process!

What are your favorite ways to have a date night on a budget?

Building a Business Wardrobe [on a budget]

One personal goal I have for this school year is actually with my wardrobe.  I want to really focus my spending on purchasing quality timeless items that can be worn many different ways.  I also want to wear nice clothes that tell people "I am a professional" and "I care" Working in a school is a little interesting because the work wear requirements are more business casual and some teachers really bend the rules and don't even consider that business part of the phrase!  It frustrates me to no end because I am constantly trying to advocate for my job, my role, and fighting against the system - we can't do that if we don't look at ourselves first and start to take our profession in the schools seriously.
I truly believe that what you wear can make incredible statements.  I also am a huge advocate for the saying when you look good you feel good. I like putting time and effort into my outfits in the morning - it sets me up to have a successful day.  A caveat to clothes and wearing quality items is the cost.  My budget is pretty tight [thanks to student loans & being a school employee] But when I started researching ideas for building a classic business wardrobe I couldn't find any information on how to do it with little to no money to spend on tons of new clothes! So I thought of some tips and tricks that I have been taking into practice as I get my wardrobe ready for another school year.

Take Inventory: Literally take all of your clothes out of your closet! You will be surprised at what you find in there.  Take note of the items that you have already.  This would also be a good time to clean out anything that doesn't fit correctly, you absolutely hate, or is just so worn out.

Get Ideas: My favorite place to get outfit ideas is on Pinterest.  I go on with the mindset of getting an idea then go back to my closet to try to make an outfit with what I have. Or I had a friend tell me once that if she wants to wear a certain item but is struggling with how she will search on Pinterest "purple pencil skirt outfit" and see what comes up! Comparison and getting suckered in to the "I want/ I need" this exact item serves no positive purpose, not for your wellness or your budget.

Buy the Basics: Now if after you have taken inventory, you have brainstormed with the clothes that you already have and you find you are lacking specific basic items that are crucial to building outfits, now is the time to go shopping.  Set a budget. Go shopping with those specific needs in mind.

Mix and Match: This one is a hard one for me.  I am such an outfit shopper.  Or even an event shopper.  You know you buy that dress for that one bridal shower and then can't wear it again because it was for that event.  Or I even create an outfit out of many items I have, then fall in love with it, and proceed to wear that set of items the exact same way each time.  I then feel like I wear the same thing over and over so I have nothing to wear!   But it is so important to mix and match. Switch it up.  Try something new.  Give yourself a challenge to not wear something the same way twice and see what happens.

Remember the Rule of Threes: I just learned this rule and it has made all the difference. Basically when you think you have an outfit made ie: shirt & pants for the most basic of examples; the rule states; an outfit is never truly complete until a third item is added. For that third item think; jacket, statement accessory, scarf, vest, etc.  Once I started putting this into practice [when I remember] I truly do feel more complete and satisfied with my outfit I made.  It just pulls everything together so nicely!

Have Fun: Fashion is fun! Let it be that way.  No one is perfect all the time.  Take some risks.  Remember how amazing it was to play dress up when you were little? Don't lose that joy in your current closet just because you are on a budget.

What are some ways you build a budget friendly wardrobe? 

The Summer of the Romper

Outfit: Sandals | Romper [this one is no longer available online but I linked the whole romper page so you can search for your own fun romper!]

I have officially declared this summer, the summer of the romper.  I don't know what it is about rompers but I seem to have only purchased them for all of my fun summer events this season.  They are so comfortable and truly versatile.  The only problem is that I won't be able to wear them to work. I guess thats why I have embraced rompers and the summer together.

This romper is absolutely adorable.  I love the detail on the back that really dresses it up.  The material is a nice chiffon that can be worn with sandals like I have done here, or really dressed up for evenings with some fun heels.

Mike and I have been having so much fun exploring our area.  We are literally walking distance to so many fun restaurants, breweries, and fun spots.  I can't wait to share some of my new south end favorites with all of you! Summer has brought about so many new opportunities and adventures.  I love looking cute but feeling super comfy all at the same time and that's what rompers provide for me!

What has been your go to summer outfit this season?

Making the Most of Summertime

Outfit: Romper | Shoes [Similar]

I have to admit, typically I am a fall obsessed girl. Not this year, though.  I have probably been craving summer since probably February.  Now, that I can see my school year start date on the calendar so soon I don't want it to end!

This summer has been so necessary for me personally, it has also been a lot of fun.  There has been a lot of transition for me with moving to a new apartment, and learning a lot of little life lessons that Jesus and I have been working on. This summer I have also decided to set the to do list aside for what is really important.  I want my actions to reflect my words.  If I am going to be true to that it means calling my loved ones, setting up friend dates, exploring my new neighborhood, being outside in the sunshine, and truly celebrating this life.

Summer has been my opportunity to reflect on what is important and incorporate that in my life.  With a few more weeks of summer I am determined to make the most of it.  I also want to bring a little bit of my summertime self with me to my school year.  The to - do list will always be there but the experiences, the daylight late at night, the outdoor yoga, the flowers, those things end up fading with winter.  Not this year.

Summer you are slowly becoming my new favorite because of all the life changing lessons you have taught me. You have brought me closer to friends.  You have given me sun kissed skin and lighter hair.  You have given me lots of much needed rest.  You have warmed my heart and soul.  You have taught me to explore, to cherish life, and to slow down.

Cheers to celebrating summer and making the most of it.

How are you celebrating summertime? 

P.S.  If you love my romper as much as I do; check out Ivy & Leo.  You can use the code AMANDA10 for 10% off your purchases, they are also having a crazy summer sale right now - 30% off all summer items to make room for their fall line!

Paisley Kimono

Location: Charlotte, NC

Outfit Details: Kimono [Ivy & Leo] | Jean Shorts [Abercrombie: old] | Sandals [Jack Rogers]

It is hot in Charlotte during the summer.  We get humidity that is unreal.  Most days in the summer I am in a swim suit, old habits die hard.  Fun fact: I swam competitively from the age of 5 through college! When I do have go somewhere that is not a pool I like to feel a little put together without feeling like all my clothes are sticking to me in this crazy heat.

A kimono is a perfect way to dress up an outfit of just a tank and jean shorts.  I love how this one flows, has a beautiful print, and some fun tassels! Putting on this kimono just makes me feel like I am ready to go to an outdoor concert or have a fun adventure.  It really pulls the whole outfit together.

We have officially moved to our new place. Feeling settled and organized will probably take me a while, especially since we are on the hunt for a new couch. Even without having a couch and boxes all over the place driving me crazy; I am having so much fun exploring this neighborhood in Charlotte. Be on the lookout soon for some of the places we explore around here!

What is your favorite summery outfit go-to? 

Off The Shoulder Top Obsession

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Outfit Details: Off The Shoulder Top | Jean Shorts [Old] | Wedges

One more day and it's the weekend y'all! I finally feel like I am adjusting to my summer routine with all the swim lessons I am teaching. I was definitely mistaken in thinking that this would be a summer of sleeping in and leisure.   But I am loving teaching swim lessons.  I get to hang out at the pool with some fun kiddos and teach them to swim. We are currently packing to begin our move to the new apartment soon so I do use the word "routine" loosely. Basically, I am running around Charlotte super busy all day long but it's summer so it's totally fine with me.

How fun is this black top?  It is so adorable and so comfortable.  The material is perfect for summer fun and outfits that can be dressed up or down.  I paired it with some jean shorts and the most comfortable black wedge sandals.

I am digging the off the shoulder trend.  I was always so hesitant to get tops like this because I can't wear it to work.  I love it though and decided that it's okay to get a few fun pieces for my life outside of school.  This top will be on repeat this summer for sure.

How do you branch out from your every day fashion trends? 

P.S. This top is currently online at Ivy & Leo and you can get it for 10% off with my code AMANDA10!

Carolina Blue and City Views

Location: Charlotte, NC

Outfit Details: Top: Ivy & Leo [not online] | Pants: LC Lauren Conrad [old]  | Shoes: Target [old]

Happy Wednesday & summer solstice sweet friends. I am currently at the beach with my family.  This vacation has been so good for me thus far.  I have been waking up early and walking Finn then working out and spending the rest of my days on the beach in the sunshine.  I talked last week about staying healthy on vacation  and I am proud to say following my own advice has left me feeling so great.  I am proud of myself for making the time to be active, to pay attention to my nutrition, and ultimately practice self-care daily.

I can finally feel myself relax.  I have been talking about summer for so long it still doesn't seem real that it's now here.  I can say that I am loving the off the shoulder trend for summer.  I have been working on my arms and shoulders with tone it up and I can't wait to wear this beautiful shirt to show them off this summer.

I tend to gravitate toward blues because I feel like I look the best in them.  Every time I try to branch out and change it up a piece like this just jumps out at me and I have to get it.  This top is from my favorite local boutique in Charlotte called Ivy & Leo.  I am so excited to share with you guys that even though they are Carolina local boutiques they have an online shop and if you order anything from Ivy & Leo you can use the code AMANDA10 to get 10% off your purchase.  :)

What is your favorite summer trend right now?

The Importance of Friend Dates

Location: US National Whitewater Center

Details: Top [Target, not online] Similar | Shorts | Sandals

As I have gotten older, I am truly learning the importance of friendship.  I constantly crave community, a group of people to just simply do life with.  With moving as many times as I have in the past I feel like I am pretty good at meeting people and making friends, it's the keeping in touch that's the hard part.  I have moved a lot of times for career and personal life reasons and with all those moves it typically means leaving people physically behind.

Sometimes, I get so caught up in everyday life that reaching out to people makes it to the bottom of my to do list.  One of my goals for this year is to change that.  I love my friends and my people, it's so important to me that they know that too.  I realized that often times other people are like me, going through the tasks of daily life and waiting to be invited.

If I want the community that I crave I have to reach out and make it happen.  That's why it's crucial to schedule time with friends.  Go out for coffee, meet up for drinks, catch a workout class together, or just invite them to hang out at the pool with you.  I always feel so much better after calling a friend and planning a friend date.

Life has a funny way of making everyone busy.  Time passes by pretty fast.  If we don't reach out and connect with the people that matter than they will start thinking that they don't matter to us anymore.  Call a friend you have been meaning to catch up with today and let them know you are thinking of them.  True friends will always make time.  Support your friends in all they do, don't wait to be asked to do something, and never be afraid to reach out no matter how much time you have let pass.

What is your favorite way to spend time with friends? 

A Love Letter to Snow Days

coat [similar] | scarf [similar] | gloves | boots [similar]

The snow actually came to the Queen City this past weekend.  It wasn't as much as was predicted - but I am writing this with my coffee on a Monday morning [instead of nights when I usually blog] because NO SCHOOL!

We were driving home from church yesterday and I was just admiring how beautiful everything looked with a clean white blanket over it. I said to Mike "I just love snow"  to which he replied "you are like the only adult who thinks that". That got me thinking - I can't be the ONLY one who loves snow? Am I right?  If he is correct in saying that, let me try to sway your opinion by sharing some of my favorite things about snow:

It's beautiful.  I can't get over how fresh, wintery, and clean everything looks with a layer of snow over it. I just love that it truly signifies winter weather.

Snow gives us a chance to slow down.  Here in the south we have to basically wait until the snow melts to head back to reality.  Having snow gives an excuse to put everything on hold for a while and truly embrace the stillness that snow brings. My favorite way to celebrate this is pulling my cozy chair up to the window, filling my biggest mug up with coffee, journal and bible on my lap, watching the snow fall and spending good quality time with Jesus. Bonus points for a fire: If I had a fire place that would be lit too.

Everyone is so so happy.  I took Finn out early in the morning for a snow walk and we ran into another dog playing and his owner was sledding on her trash can lid.  I loved the fact that she was so excited, she was embracing the snow and not letting this day go to waste. The anticipation and squeals of my kiddos at school on Friday brought out a joy in me as well.  Working in a school truly reminds me to live by God's teaching of childlike faith.  Snow brings that out in everyone!

and again there is no school! Sometimes you just need a surprise day off.

What are some of your favorite ways to cherish a snow day?