Six Things I Bought + Loved Vol.20

For the last 24+ hours, I have been glued to the news coverage of Hurricane Ian as it hits my beloved Florida.  I am heartbroken by the images that are surfacing and praying so very hard for those who have been affected.  We were just in Manasota Key in July and North Captiva last year, and the direct hit to the area honestly tears me apart.  I love my home state, its magic, and many untouched areas.  I am heartsick over their current state. I have found several ways to help, and this article seems to have listed many of them for us feeling helpless.  If you are looking for ways to help, I will start here. 

My Fall Wardrobe

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I am going to give you a heads-up. I am feeling super preppy right now.  So much so that I wore penny loafers to lunch on Monday.  I don't know what it is, but the prep in me is having a moment, and I love it.  I think I crave a classic look most times, but for some reason, so much more so right now. So, let's fully embrace it; why not, right?

Leather Pants I Love!

I honestly did not see myself as a leather pants girl.  I see them on other people and love the look, but I wasn't sure it was for me until I tried on a pair and fell in love. I didn't mean to try them on and love them, but it happened, and I honestly can't look back. These leather pants are so good, fit so well, and have become a piece in my closet that I dream of styling. They are really that good. 

Meal Planning

Last week I watched my friend Ashley Brooke speak about her frustration with meal planning.  Even though we are in very different stages of life, my frustration with having meals prepped and ready to go at the end of the day is the same.  I watched her talk about how her mother told her she could manage it, and she did and realized I needed to do the same.  With one very active senior and all the volleyball games and school back in full swing, I have struggled at the end of the day to make it all work.  It occurred to me we are in a new season, and I just needed to tackle it full-on to feel successful.  If you feel the same way, I hope you will join me in tackling the elephant in the room and the text I dread most, what's for dinner. 

Palm Beach Sandals + Susan Albright

I was very honored to meet Susan Albright during my trip to Pawley Island.  Susan is a fantastic artist that creates fashion, home décor, and accessories from her stunning one of kind designs. When I met Susan at her store in Pawleys, I was introduced to her lovely patterns and beautiful clothing item.  I tried on several of her pieces and found them all unbelievable.  They fit like a dream, can be customized according to your needs, and are indeed works of art.  I know that seems extreme, but it is absolutely true. I noticed her impeccable work the second I took the first dress off the hanger and was completely smitten when I tried it on.  Her handmade items stand out in the fashion industry.  They are made to enjoy while living your days from casual to more formal.  

It's The First Day of Autumn!

We have had a BIG week.  Our daughter turned 18 on Wednesday, we have Senior night for fall sports tonight, and tomorrow we head to HHI for an overnight tournament.  I am genuinely just trying to keep my head above water this week; it has been a lot of emotion and excitement all at the same time. Why do our babies have to grow up?  She is having the best senior year, and every time I think I will break down in tears over it, I see her joy, and I am once again filled up. 💗

Fall Classics From Talbots

I think I re-discovered Talbots about 4 years ago when a fellow blogger friend posted a fall round-up from the local shop.  I have to say I was shocked as I had not visited Talbots as an adult and really felt like it was more for my mother's age group.  But, I was very wrong and have since taken a page from my mom's handbook and shopped Talbots consistently from that day. I remember the first thing I bought was a denim jacket and a pair of their Ponte leggings, both of which I still have and wear all the time.  Talbots is known for its classic and timeless clothing, allowing us to build a wardrobe we can be proud of and go back to time and time again. 

NYC With BHG

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I am super excited to be traveling to New York City in two weeks to help Better Homes & Gardens celebrate 100 years of publication.  I remember my mother and grandmother reading BHG, and now it is one of the magazines I look forward to receiving in the mail each month. It has been a few years since I was in NYC, and I am looking forward to starting the fall season in a great location.  As you can see, I have already planned my outfits and have purchased a few new things to make the trip feel even more special.  Spoiler alert, I hit up the new Emily McCarthy collection + Talbots, and it was easy to pull it together from there.