Dear Charlotte (on your 6th birthday)

Dear Charlotte,

Last night when I came home from school my sweet little 5 year old was already asleep. I climbed into your bed to cuddle with you and kissed your chubby cheeks just as I always do...but somehow it felt a little different. I realized that even though you are still my baby, you are growing up. I can hardly believe my Char-bear is 6 years old.

Early this morning, Daddy, Christopher and I gathered onto your bed to sing you "Happy Birthday" and showered you with kisses and you were so happy. When they left the room, I held you in my arms and rocked you just like I've always done for the past 5 years. And as I did so, you told me that you would always be my baby. I'm so grateful for the special bond and love we share and am blessed to have you as my precious, beautiful daughter.

So on your 6th birthday, I wish for you to always be as sweet and as happy as you are today. Remember to dream big my dear and always keep love in your heart and a smile on your face.

Happy Birthday, my sweet Charlotte. I love you with all my heart.

Love,

Mommy 



Charlotte through the years:

Always smiling for the camera.  

Posing at 15 months.

I think she had more clothes than me at one point in time.

Runway walk.

Thank you for letting me share this special day with you!



Who Gives a Hoot?

This past Sunday we took the kids out for a stroll to a nearby Farmer's Market. I pulled out my favorite burgundy top and transitioned it to Fall by adding a knit-tie cardigan. The best part about this cardigan is that it has a shawl-like design and comes with a leather belt so I can wear it many different ways. For this particular outfit I decided to belt the top on the inside to give some shape to the outfit.

We were excited to see that the pumpkins were still on display even though Halloween was over. The kids each wanted to bring one home!

The pumpkin was almost bigger than him!

Today I wanted to talk about the owl jewelry trend. This year has been the year for animal patterns, and among all of them, owl jewelry is my favorite. What I love most about this trend is that you can adopt it in all sorts of ways - from a cute pair of earrings to a large chunky statement necklaces.

Hubby was surprised when I purchased this necklace because I was never a jewelry person. But nowadays I like to wear pieces that is not only pretty but meaningful. The owl is said to be a creature with profound wisdom, intelligence, and a sense of awareness of self. Also, it is known to be a brave and courageous creature that follows its sense of intuition and instinct diligently. Therefore, this trend is not only a simple fashion statement, but it has a symbolic meaning associated with it as well. 

Jewelry, especially, a statement piece is always a wise buy because it can be coordinated with a variety of outfits and can be used to make any outfit look different each time. This mystical bird is an interesting complement to a formal summer dress, but it looks just as good when combined with a loose top and jeans. The possibilities are endless but above all it is important to find a style and design which appeals to you the most. What do you ladies think about this trend?

[Outfit]

Cardigan :: Guess via Macy's

Top :: H&M

Bottom :: XOXO via Macy's

Shoes :: Banana Republic

Earrings :: Gift

Necklace :: Ebay

Thanks for reading!

Mini-me Monday part II and Gap $40 off $100

Due to popular demand and because Lil'C loved seeing her pictures online, I decided to do another mini-me Monday series. Let me know if this gets to be boring and I will revert back to my leopard scarve series, LOL.

The faux fur vest is perfect for the fall/winter and adds the right amount of edge and glam to your ensemble. It also looks really cute on the little ones and keeps them warm on days that they refuse to wear a sweater. They are affordable too - this one on Lil'C was only $10 at H&M and I also got her a shorter one at Target for around the same price. Fur vest complements the most causal outfits as can be seen here: Lil'C and I are just wearing our white T-shirts and black leggings.

Someone asked me last time whether or not Lil'C chooses her own clothes when we do matching outfit days. It depends. The mustard skirt that we wore last week was chosen by her. The fur vest in these pictures I chose. She was hesitate at first because this was the first vest she has worn but I told her to just try it on and if she still doesn't  like it then she doesn't have to wear it. She tried it on and loved!

By nature, the fur vest is a chunky, statement-making piece. So whatever color fur you choose, make sure to keep the rest of your outfit simple. A long tunic or T-shirt over a pair of leggings or skinny jeans, as I've done here, is a great foundation for this bold outerwear piece. You don't want to add to your silhouette with bulky layers.

Story about pendant - this pendant was given to me by my mother-in-law. She purchased one for all of her 4 sons and 3 daughter-in-laws. The jade that was used to make this pendent was carved from the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace which was the largest Buddha carved from gemstone quality jade in the world. The Buddha was told to be 2.7 metres high and weighs 4 tons. This Buddha has been exhibited all around the world so that everyone, irrespective of their religion can take a moment to reflect upon peace for the world; peace in their relationships; peace for their families and friends; and peace in their mind. My mother-in-law purchased this for all of us so that it would not only bring us good luck, wisdom and happiness but also to think of not only ourselves but of others as well. I think this is a great mind-set to be in as we approach Thanksgiving.

On another note: Have you ladies heard about Gap's current sale? Now through this Wednesday, November 9th you can get $40 off any $100 regular priced merchandise at US and Canada Gap, GapBody, GapKids and babyGap stores. This is a great deal for those needing to buy winter clothes and accessories. This deal is unfortunately in-store only but that is fine with me since I always like to feel the quality of clothes before I buy them - especially coats and sweaters. No code or coupon required, discount automatically taken off at the register. Happy shopping ladies!

[My Outfit]

Vest :: H&M

Top :: H&M

Leggings :: XOXO via Macy's

Shoes :: Aldo

Bag :: Coach Kristen Tote

Earrings :: Guess

Bracelet :: Swapped

Pendent :: Gift

[Lil'C's Outfit]

Vest :: H&M

Top :: Old Navy

Pants :: Children's Place

Boots :: Old Navy

Thanks for reading!

Wide Leg Jeans

After several years of skinny jeans ruling the fashion world, wide leg jeans are making a comeback. Although I definitely don't want to see skinny jeans go, I love mines dearly, I do welcome alternative options. 

With so many different shapes, washes and styles; it is easy for every body type to find a perfect pair of wide leg jeans. They look great with a tucked in blouse and belt, or you can wear a casual T-shirt for a more effortless chic look.

I love how they do wonders for my height.

Definitely wear heels, platforms or wedges when you're sporting this look to give you that slim silhouette. Flats will simply not work unless you are already very tall. Add a slim-fitted top to balance out the volume on the bottom or a soft flowy blouse, like I've done here. Without the blazer I can add a belt to cinch the waist to create a hour-glass figure.

My adoration for these jeans comes from my love affair for all things '70s-inspired. I definitely don't think you have to wait until the weather is warmer to try this look out. All you need is a pair of roomy jeans, your favorite chunky heels and a button-down jacket or leather bomber and you are ready to go.   

Funny story about this pashmina - I don't know if you ladies watch "Friends" but there was one episode where Rachel's sister, Jill (played by Reese Witherspoon) bought a whole bunch of stuff with her dad's credit card and so when Rachel came to confront her Jill gave all her purchases to Ross. When Rachel asked Ross what he bought, he pulled out a pashmina. Rachel, knowing that it was not his, asked him what it was and he rubbed it on his face and said it was a rug - LOL. It was the funniest thing ever. After watching that episode and laughing over it with hubby, he went out and bought me this pashmina with a note saying "To my lovely wife - hope this "rug" keeps you warm." ;) Have a great weekend ladies!

[Outfit]

Blazer :: Rampage via Macy's

Blouse :: H&M

Jeans :: Angels via Macy's

Scarf :: Kenneth Cole via Lord and Taylor's

Shoes :: Aldo

Bag :: Mulberry Alexa

Earrings :: Gift

Thanks for reading!

Pink and Gray Combo

You ladies must be tired of seeing my brown leopard scarf huh? Well today is something new - the gray leopard scarf :) I know, I know - I am just too innovative. I'm just kidding. What can I say I am addicted to leopards! [Peek-a-boo: do you see someone hiding behind me]

I purchased this scarf during a trip to NYC as can be seen HERE. To be honest - I didn't buy it because of its print, I bought it because the color matched my outfit that day. I'm the gal that tears of the tags of things that I buy and wear it on the same day :) Lo and behold the leopard pattern is now "IN" therefore making this $5 scarf from the street vendor on Canal Street so worth it!

I just love pink and gray together - it's so pretty and dainty. I really like that the combination of these colors are both soft but modern at the same time. 

Quick history about this gray wallet: I purchased it a while ago from Coach - initially I wanted it in black to match my bag but than I saw this gray one and thought it was so much prettier so I bought it instead. Turns out I ended up not liking the bag after-all and sold it to a fellow Coach addict and now I carry this wallet as a clutch instead. Like they always say - everything happens for a reason!

[Outfit]

Top :: H&M

Skirt :: XOXO

Scarf :: Bought on Canal Street NYC

Shoes :: Aldo

Clutch :: Coach Patent Turnlock Slim Wallet

Earrings :: Swapped

Belt :: Came from Rampage Dress

Thanks for reading!

European Loop & Envelope Clutch

The leopard scarf - so timeless, warm and oh-so wearable. What better way to wear it than in a European loop. Taking a cue from the French, the European loop is a classic and simple way to tie your scarf - this is one of my personal favorites. Below are some illustrations of how it is done for those not familiar with this method: 

First - fold your oblong scarf in the middle.

Second - Put it around the back of your neck.

Third - Pass the ends through the loop.

Fourth - Adjust the scarf accordingly, depending on how tight or loose you want the knot to be. That's it!

I love that this method is the easiest and warmest way to wear a scarf. It can be adorned by both men and woman and works well with both casual and business outfits. A tighter knot will give you that chic and polished look and a looser knot will give you that casual and comfy look.

Today I borrowed my friend's clutch to showcase to you my newfound love. The envelope clutch!

I absolutely adore this clutch. The structure and shape of it gives it such a masculine appeal, edgy, but yet chic. Most envelope clutch also comes with a versatile strap giving it a laid-back style that would be perfect for everyday activities like running errands or shopping till you drop! 

I love how they come in a rainbow of fun colors, from neon pink, orange and teal to more neutral tones like yellow and this tan one. Slim, sleek and so sophisticated, the envelope clutch is like a great pair of black stiletto pumps, a classic wardrobe staple that goes with everything. [Mines is currently being shipped home as I type this]

[Outfit]

Top :: H&M

Blazer :: Borrowed

Skirt :: H&M

Scarf :: Borrowed

Shoes :: Steve Madden Intyce

Tights :: DKNY

Clutch :: Borrowed

Earrings :: Gift

Thanks for reading!

Halloween Recap

Just wanted to do a quick recap to share with you ladies my kids' costumes this year. Ever since we took my son to see Captain America this past summer he was addicted to this Marvel Comic character. The shield that he was carrying was actually a gift from his favorite great-uncle in GA which he uses as a Frisbee.

Here is Lil' C in her Belle costume. She has been rotating through all the Disney princess since she was 2. I personally think she was drawn to this outfit because of the mustard color but of course she says otherwise ;)

Even though I am too old for trick or treating. I did treat myself to something special and this treat my ladies did NOT add to my waistline! I recently ordered these online from Aldo (one of my many purchases which I need not disclose as hubby reads my blog- hahaha). As you ladies already know animal print is coming in full-force this season and what better way to make a fashion statement than to strut in these purr-fect pumps. It's the perfect touch you will need to add some zest to your fall attire. I can't wait to start pairing outfits together with these beauties. Hope everyone had a great Halloween!

Thanks for reading!