Kentucky Derby 143

Another Kentucky Derby is officially under our belts and this year was MUCH better than last year (ha!)!  I was in super recovery mode last year from a series of pretty nasty surgeries, so to be right up in the action with finish line seats was a far better time this year!

I've been going to the Derby since I was a youngin' - my parents were always awesome and included us in such a Kentucky staple. And even though I've been more times than I can count, every year it's always just as magical. And it's the absolute BEST time to live in Kentucky.

This year the weather was a super bummer (rainy + cold), but the Bluegrass has some Derby magic and come time for the 143rd run for the roses the sun was indeed shining bright on our old Kentucky Home! <3 I rocked black jumpsuits, wellies, and fascinators both days and couldn't have been more pleased with my choices.

First up was a gals day at the track for the Kentucky Oaks. I went with one of my lifelong besties, Jessica, we've been friends since kindergarten and it was such a fun gals day (minus the frigid temps). Before we left for a super fun breakfast little Lainey gal joined the fun and wore one of my fascinators from years past.

If you know anything about Derby week, you know it's ALLLLL about the fashion ... well that and the ponies ... and the celebrities, and the parties, and mint juleps (HA!)! But .... back to the fashion. There are A LOT of options of places to sit (or not for that matter) and with better places to sit comes a heft price tag right along side of it. So, for a fun a last minute girls day ... we opted for the cheap seats (because we had no idea the weather would be so cray) ... and therefore when you're not under cover and gonna be walking for miles ... you ditch the beautifully fancy shoes and embrace the rain boots! BEST decision EVER!

All of these girls ended up ditching their heels and wearing rain boots too ... but for the sake of the photos they adorned heels (look who didn't have hers, heheheee).

 We finished the night with a yummy yummy gals night dinner and wrapped the Oaks, just to wake up and do it all over again for Derby!

And whew, my Derby date was lookin FLLYYYYYY. Oh heyyy rain boots (again!) ... I actually switched out of the rain boots by race three and rocked heels for the rest of the day because the weather gods were on our side with that Kentucky Derby magic. But, alas - the only photo we have I'm rocking those pink wellies again.

 Hey pretty mama!

And all the fascinator love! I made both of my hats you see in these pics (I've done it every year since I've been a kiddo - a lot of us Louisville gals do) and it's absolutely one of my favorite parts of Derby. I think my Oaks day fascinator was actually my favorite of the two, but it didn't photograph that well. The top of it was much more to write home about than the straight on view. But, either way, my late night glue gun creations are my favorites and seeing all of the hats and fashion at the track is just something unlike anything else.

 Fam Bam!

And finish line fun with the baby bro in from NYC and daddy-o! We didn't have the winner, but man did we have fun!

Hope to be back next year for 144 ... come with me, I promise you'll have a good time!

Stitch Fix ~ #3

Howdy ya'll. You read that title right, Stitch Fix came again this month and I was pretty happy with this month's selection. We've still got a ways to go, but I LOVED two of the shirts this go round. Furthermore, it's probably good that they send a few items I like and don't love, otherwise we'd be racking up a hefty bill :)

Thanks to be being laid up, I had a personal assistant with this month's shipment, Penny (my momma) was behind the iPhone with this month's fix. Thanks momma bear!

Item #1 ~ Dolce Vita, Ross Suede Wedges (returned)

• These were cute, but just too chunky for my style. Plus the yellow color was a little off for me.

Item #2 ~ Fate, Ruby Maxi Dress (returned)

• This was super cute too, and with wedding season quickly approaching I'm in need of some good Maxi dresses to keep this awesome looking scar covered up. But, unfortunately it didn't make the cut. The outer layer was sheer, and the under layer was one of those shorter dresses and to be honest it was just too short. My little booty would have been making an appearance at the wedding and we just can't have all that. 

Item #3 ~ Paper Crown, Elphias Split Neck Blouse (kept)

• This was a keeper for sure! It was a great hi-low cut, super flowy, cool and will be an excellent addition to the summer wardrobe. 

Item #4 ~ Market & Spruce, Colleen Cowl Neck Trapeze Knit Top (kept)

• Another love. This is why I love stitch fix. These are the items I always want to buy, but they're outside my norm and therefore, I usually don't take the time to try them on to see if I even like them. But, thanks to this little diddy, I get to try them on in the comfort of my own home! And I loved it!

Item #5 ~ Just Black, Adorra Skinny Jean (returned)

• I said it from the beginning, unless they blow my mind ... I'm not keeping jeans. So adios. 

As always, excited for my next fix! Let me know if you end up signing up, I'd love to see your fixes too.

Stitch Fix ~ Number 2

Hey gang! I'm back today with another Stitch Fix Reveal. My first fix came last month and I was excited to give it another go this time around. Here's the goodies that were neatly packaged for me this time.

• #1 ~ These cute Dolce Vita booties (returned)
• I really just couldn't decide if I loved or hated the slip on. And finally decided, while I thought they were super cute I couldn't love them, so they had to go back. 

•  #2 ~ These black leggings (returned)
• While cute and great quality, something this momma does not need another pair of, leggings. Byyyye.

•  #3 ~ This purple fringe top (kept!)
• This one I loved! It would be something in a store I would look at, pick up and then put back down because I couldn't decide. But when it's shipped to my door it's a keeper. Plus I love how simple it is while having a little bit of pizazz. 

•  #4 ~ This adorable speckled top (kept!)
• It's flow, flirty, all things spring and can be dressed up or down. Yep it's in the closet and already been worn twice. 

•  #5 ~ This speckled hi-low dress (returned)
• This one was super cute too. But I just don't need a dress right now, so it got returned. 

I think there is still room for improvement, but from what I'm hearing that's pretty normal. The more fixes you get, the more they familiarize themselves with your style. Excited to check in next month with more goodies!

Stitch Fix - Number 1

Happy Monday gang!! It's been a LONG weekend around here to say the least. I'll give you the full rundown on that once I finally have a few moments to myself. But for now, I'm simply gonna hit publish on this little diddy I wrote a few weeks ago.

Mama got me such a fun Valentine's Day gift this year! She signed us up for Stitch Fix and said it would be something fun we could do together every couple of months.  When I lived in Louisville we always found time to stop in a boutique or hit up a cute store every now and again. But, now that I'm in Nashville it's a little more challenging for us to pick up on a whim and get it done. So this is a fun way for us to "shop together" and giggle over fun, cute finds. Thanks mama for thinking of me even when I'm far away. 

For those of you that are unfamiliar, Stitch Fix works like this ... as written on their website:

Stitch Fix is the first fashion retailer to blend expert styling, proprietary technology and unique product to deliver a shopping experience that is truly personalized for you. Simply fill out the Stitch Fix Style Profile and our personal stylists will handpick a selection of five clothing items and accessories unique to your taste, budget and lifestyle. You can buy what you like and return the rest!

1. Fill out your Style Profile - Begin by filling out the Style Profile. This helps us understand your size, style, shape, budget and lifestyle. Completing your profile should only take about 10 minutes.

2. Pick the date you’d like to receive your shipment - We’ll send you a selection of five clothing items and accessories handpicked by personal stylists on the date you choose. At the time your stylist selects your items, you will be charged a $20 styling fee. That $20 will be applied as a credit toward anything you keep from your shipment.

3. Try everything on in the comfort of your home - We encourage you to try on everything our personal stylists have picked for you because you just never know what will look great on! Create new outfits by pairing what’s in your shipment with the items that are already in your closet.

4. Buy what you like and return the rest

• Take three days to decide what you’ll purchase and what you’d like to send back. You’re only charged for these items when you tell us what you’re keeping and returning.
• Check out by logging in to your account to pay for those items you want to keep. The $20 styling fee will be applied as credit towards any items you purchase. If you buy all five items, we’ll give you 25% off the entire purchase!
• Simply return the items you don't want in our pre-paid mailing bag and drop it at any USPS mailbox. Stitch Fix clients enjoy free shipping both ways as a benefit of using our service!

5. Tell us what you think! - Don't forget to give us specific feedback on each of the items you receive. Our personal stylists are able to send you better selections when we know what did and didn’t work for you, and why. Our blog offers a number of tips on the best ways to communicate with your personal stylist. If you choose to receive regularly scheduled shipments, we will automatically schedule the delivery date for your next shipment. You can always choose an alternative date that better suits your needs or opt out of regularly scheduled shipments entirely. Stitch Fix does not require a membership fee or a monthly subscription.

So, I was so excited when I got home from the Bahamas and my first one was waiting on my door step! EEEK!

Item #1: Bancroft, Leighton Metal Bauble Necklace (returned)

Item #2: Market & Spruce, Baka Henley Top

Item #3: Market & Spruce, Elmira Jacket (returned)

The designer did a good job with this one. It is super cute and totally up my alley. But, I literally own something almost identical and have several hunter green tops already, so it just didn't quite make the cut. Sowwy. 

Item #4: 41Hawthorne, Renesme Geo Cube Print Faux Wrap Dress (returned)

Item #5: Henry & Belle, Jaylie Skinny Jean (returned)

While these jeans were really cute, I have a jean addiction and own way too many pair. Ask any of my high school friends and they can attest this and sweat pant hoarding is a real problem for me. So, I committed to myself before even starting this process ... unless the jeans fit me PERFECT or are completely different (style, look, color) than something I already own ... I will not be keeping jeans. 

So, while my first Stitch Fix wasn't the most successful in regards to "kept pieces", I'm not closing the book just yet. It was still super fun and there's no membership fee or monthly subscription so why not participate?! Such a great concept and fun way for momma and I to continue our bad habits, even if we're miles away! Love you momma ... and new Baka top! Hehe. 

All The Gold

I remember in high school when I would need jewelry for something and I would always ransack my mom's loot. But I would always come up empty handed because it seemed EVERYTHING she had was gold ... and all I wanted was chunky sterling silver (ohhh teenage Katie, your style was tacky).

But now my dears, times have certainly changed. What I wouldn't give to still live at home and sport all of mom's fun, fashionable, and way nicer than anything I own gold pieces. I'm certain I would wear almost all of it now.

I know, I'm way late to this party ... but I'm loving all things gold right now. As I'm scouring websites for Black Friday deals and ideas I may want to ask Mr. Claus himself for this year ... I can't help but stop on every single dainty gold jewelry item I can find.

1: Lola James Jewelry engraved jewelry
2: Dogeared jewelry
3: Nadri bracelet
4: Argento Vivo knot ring
5: Kate Spade mini 

All the love. All the gold. All five pieces. Happy gobble til' you wobble week!

November's Five on Friday

One: Cookies. Stars. And my toddler.

Cookies or "CoCo" is a hot hot hot item at my house right now. Bennett is OBSESSED with any and all things "cookie". Lucky for me, in toddler world a cookie to him is anything that comes from the magical place we all know and love aka the pantry. My child will stand and repeat over and over and over and overrr "CoCo" until the adult in charge opens the magical doors and gives the poor child a snack.

But in all seriousness, I wanted to share the real "cookie" he's asking for. I am able to skirt him with healthier options that reside in the pantry some of the time, but here's the sweet nectar he's really after: Trader Joe's Yogurt Stars Vanilla Crisp Cookies.  Holy woah, they're so good they make you starry-eyed :). But really though. They're sweet and fruity, and you can eat 8 cookies for only 150 calories, and the sugar content is relatively low compared to other cookies on the market (AMEN for toddler-hood). I wanted to pass along this fabulous treat to any mommas out there looking for a new fun snack for your kiddos (here's a cute post I found where they're used them in a TJ cake)!

Two: New York City Circus

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and its a NYC year!! Since I've been a little kid, my fam and I head to NYC every other year to celebrate Turkey Day. We don't have any family there, it's just a tradition my parents started ages ago and we've kept going ever since. The trip has evolved over the years and our experiences are always different, but this year will be my first year as a parent!!  Just a mere two years ago when we headed up north I told my brothers we were expecting on the plane ride, and this year Baby B will be tagging along!

I think I'm most excited because when I was a kiddo we used to see the Big Apple Circus every year. But, obviously we grew out of that and our interests took us on new adventures. But this year, with a little one in tow, hubs and I are skipping out on the Broadway performance (which 100% transparency really sucks because it's Cabaret and Emma Stone is making her Broadway debut, FAIL) ... but we'll get to see our little guys eyes light up at the Circus! Hehe!

Three: Layering. 

Natasha talked about it today, and I'm obsessed with how simple this look is. Not to mention who doesn't have almost every single one of these similar pieces in their closet. I plan to try it out. I'll report back and let you know how much I failed (because every time I try to replicate an online look it seems atrocious on me).

Four: Books.

I recently posted how Momma and I saw Gone Girl, after we both devoured the book. Now, I'm onto needing a new read. I've got a few trips coming up and that means travel time and lay low time (well it used to, circa pre-baby vacations), but I still plan to try to get a little downtime and I'm looking for a good book. I was indulging in this list and think I may choose one of these bad boys. Any other recommendations I should know about?

Five: Nashville. 

I guess it's time to spill the beans. Family knows, friends now know and today I'm telling you. The hubs has an opportunity to jump start an emerging market in Nashville, TN and we're taking the plunge and moving to good ole' rocky top.  Yeaaaa .... I'm still trying to let that sink in too. Maybe I'll finally wrap my head around that this weekend. Hopefully I'll share more details soon.

Signing off, as a soon to be Nashville Mommy - WOAH :)

Five on Friday

I have so much catching up to do in blogland. This fall has been crazy busy busy busy and any downtime I have I'm either heading straight to the DVR (seriously OBSESSED with Nashville, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder) after little man is asleep or packing in another fall activity because this weather has been divine. But things like our family chili cook-off, B-man's first pumpkin carving, etc NEED to be documented, so I better get my act together and get on the ball.

In the meantime, we'll play a little Five on Friday and link up with these fancy ladies on this fabulous fall Friday (how's that from some alliteration?!).

One: The Wedge Booties.

I posted about my love for them here. I really wanted the tan suede, but after a serious discussion with myself I realized I have an overdose of that tan color in my closet and needed to go the cognac route. They should arrive this weekend, Hopefully I love them as much in person as I do online.

Two: Baby Backpacks.

The familia and I are headed on a looooong journey to the other side of the world for our first ever trip to Australia and I am in crazy planning mode. Mister Bennett has decided he hates all things sitting (car seat, stroller, etc) and Little Mister INSISTS on doing everything himself .... but also is a toddler and his little legs can only last so long. Not to mention we're doing real Aussie things like the outback, so thinking I'm going to let him meander through uncharted territory with puppy-sized spiders just ain't gonna happen. So, I've been researching like crazy and it seems the baby back-pack carrier is the route to take. These are my front runners, but geeZZZe OH Pete they are expensive. Will we ever use this stupid thing again?  Will we look like complete dorks? Actually, don't answer that. I know the answer, and frankly I don't care. I just want to be able to let everyone ENJOY every ounce of this once in a lifetime vacation and if I can purchase something that helps, by all means I probably will.

Deuter - Kid Comfort 3

Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier

Kelty Pathfinder 3.0 Child Carrier

Three: Short Hair.

I have DYING to chop my hair off. It has been the same for what feels like forever and although I know I would hate it in less than three weeks after doing it, it still consumes my every hair thought.  There are mixed feelings about the inverted bob, I get it. But, I LOVE it. Side note: I'm not going to do any of these (at least until summer), buuuut here is some of my hairspiration if I were to do it.

Four: The North Face Psuedio Jacket .

My girly pals got me this beauty for my birthday and it was finally chilly enough last night (and I was outside long enough) to wear it. Holy Love. The side neck button, the fuzzy inside, the awesome blackish grey color, the tunic like style fit, all of it. LOVE it.  Thanks girls, it exceeded all of my expectations.

Five: Fall Pictures.

We've never had professional fall family photos - or Christmas card photos taken, but I'm starting to think maybe we should now that we have a little one in the picture?  We got some great shots on the beach this summer and of course had some of him when he was first born and on his first bday and we added in a little smash cake session.  But I'm thinking with all these cute scarves, booties, pretty leaves and plaid phenomena we should jump on the band wagon. And if so, I'd probably put Little Mister in something like this ...

TGIF!  Happy weekend ya'll!