Thoughts for Thursday :: Life Lately

Top :: Chalk drawing of my Jack - Bath time with Colin - LV love and a new pen

Middle :: New Hair - Spring Welcome Mat from Target - Brother tummy time

Bottom :: Jack bringing birthday donuts to Mimi - New Tory Burch Loafers - Working on a Spring Beauty Post for Houston Moms Blog

Happy Thursday!  It's been so long since I've blogged on the regular so I wanted to catch you up with us.  Instagram seems to be the best way to catch our day-to-day until I can figure out the best blog/life balance.  Hope you are having a great week!

BLOGGING

It's been quite obvious if you've been checking my blog lately that I'm still trying to find that perfect balance in my life after having a second child.  Unfortunately, my blog seems to take the backseat these days.  I generally blog in the evenings, often staying up too late once the kids are in bed, but lately by the time I pickup the house from being gone all day at work, pump and wash all of my pump parts, I am just spent and getting on the computer just isn't in the cards.  When I do, it's for my deadlines for Houston Moms Blog.  As the saying goes there just isn't enough hours in the day.  I try to remind myself that this is just a hard period and not to compare myself to others, which is really hard for me to do.  Others seem to be able to add a child to their family and jump right back into blogging, work and life so seamlessly.  I have however written several posts for HMB recently including a Bachelor Post and a Rodeo Fashion Post.  I also have a fun Spring Beauty post coming soon!

READING

Blogs are about the only thing I'm reading these days.  There are just so many great posts to read and so little time on my part that I love catching up on my blog reading rather than picking up a novel.  This week I've really enjoyed this post about adding a third child into the mix - no we aren't even toying with this idea, but it's a great read if you have two of one gender.  

WATCHING

I'm a Bravo junkie and I'm not ashamed to tell you that!  Lately I've been loving Vanderpump Rules and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Atlana.  I'm also REALLY looking forward to Real Housewives of Dallas and Southern Charm to premiere this April!  I've been glued to the Bachelor this season and can't wait to find out who Ben picks!  I love both girls, but am Team JoJo. 

I've also been hitting YouTube hard binge watching my two favorite channels Pretty Shiny Sparkly and Everyday Estee.  I've also been loving watching Louis Vuitton review vlogs and I blame Kristina for this.  I'm a huge LV fan myself so these are fun to learn more about the brand and plan future purchases.

EATING

I am horrible about getting in eating ruts.  Once I find something I like I will eat it constantly until I'm so sick of it.  Anyone else do this?  Lately I've been eating Cobb Salads from Chickfila like it's my job.  I also can't get enough Cuties/Halos.  I will eat like 4 in one sitting.  I've also been eating too many Cadbury Eggs...gotta get these in while it's their season!  

WEARING

On the weekends I've been living in active-wear - mostly Lululemon.  And don't be fooled, I'm not working out like at all unless you count chasing around a toddler.  It's just the most comfortable for playing with the kiddos, nursing and getting spit up on throughout the day.  My, what a glamorous life I lead.

I'm really itching for some new Lulu, but have told myself I can't buy any until I actually start working out...a little mental motivation!  I also have my eye on these babies.  

PLANNING

I'm working on the boys' Easter baskets and outfits this week.  So far they have nothing to wear on Easter, but DO have the cutest jammies to wear Easter morning.  #priorities

I'd love to find a new dress to wear on Easter too, but so far I've been striking out on everything I try.  Starting to think it's my body, not the dresses I'm having a problem with.  Gotta stop those Cadbury Eggs! 

LOOKING FORWARD TO

Celebrating Colin's first Easter and taking the boys to a few local Egg Hunts including the Houston Moms Blog EGGstravaganza.  If you are local, tickets are still on sale HERE.


LEARNING

I finally joined Snapchat and although I'm loving watching everyone's stories, I have yet to post anything myself.  I had to get the younger girls at my office to show me how to use it! Hopefully I will figure it out and start posting soon.  I love that it's more "real life" than Instagram has become.  I love Insta, but have really been turned off lately and feeling the pressure to have more professional images and a theme on my account rather than just enjoying sharing parts of my life.  There is a great post here about how to Snapchat and what it is. 

If you are on Snapchat, comment below so I can follow you or add me: @theperfectcatch

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 I'm linking up with Annie and Natalie today for Thoughts for Thursday.
Thoughts and prayers are with Annie too as she has been dealing with a super sick kiddo this week.

Thoughts for Thursday :: Recent Beauty Favorites

Urban Decay Naked Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss in Beso
I can't stand lip gloss, but I LOVE this stuff!  I tried it on a whim after reading how much Veronika loved it.  It isn't sticky like a regular gloss, is moisturizing and although it has a plumper in it, does not sting.  I really like the Beso color for spring.  It has a hint of a berry/plum on my lips.  I would love to try another color too - I love it that much!

Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien
This lip pencil was the Sephora Beauty Insider birthday gift for 2015 and I love it so much I recently ordered the full size pencil.  It's soft and a great "your lips but better" pink shade.  Great for weekends and casual wear when you want something on your lips, but don't want to look made-up.

Tory Burch Jolie Fleur Bleue Perfume
Our beloved Tory Burch recently released three new floral frangrances - Jolie Fleur Bleue, Verte and Rose.  The scent expert at my local Sephora described them to me as follows: Bleue is warm, Rose is classic and Verte is fresh.  Just for fun you can take this quiz and find out which of the three scents is right for you!

Beautycounter Color Shade Eye Duo in Oyster/Amethyst
I was getting sick of wearing the same taupes/browns on my eyes so I have recently added this neutral purple into my eye game.  It's very fun for spring!  This is my first makeup piece from Beautycounter to try and I love it.  Although it's a traditional powder eye-shadow, it feels so velvety on and the color payoff is excellent.  P.S.  If you need a Beautycounter consultant, let me know!  I'm not one, but I know a great one who is very knowledgeable.  

Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
I still love my Moroccanoil shampoo and conditioner.  It's stupid expensive for shampoo, but I do not use it for every wash since it is so hydrating so a bottle lasts me for months.  Love the smell, but most importantly it makes my hair so soft and shiny.  On the days I use it, I get compliments on how healthy my hair looks. 

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 I'm linking up today with Annie and Natalie today for Thoughts for Thursday. 

Thoughts for Thursday :: New Work Wear from Loft

Right before I started back to work my mom and I had a shopping day to get a few new pieces for work.  Luckily I'm back into my old sizes so I didn't need that much post-baby, but it's always fun to grab a few new things...I felt like I was back to school shopping!  It makes going back to work a little more fun. 

Outfit #1

Flannel Blazer -  Floral Flounce Pocket Blouse - Essential Skinny Ankle Pant in Navy
Love everything about this outfit so much that I wore it on my first day back.  It's all comfortable and forgiving on a postpartum body.  If you can get your hands on the flannel blazer - which I think is now soldout online - buy it!  The longer length is great and it can be dressed up or down.

Outfit #2

 

Pinstripe Skinny Ankle Pant - Relaxed Swing Sweater 

OR Pinstripe Pant with White Crisp Tunic Softened Shirt & Cozy Open Cardigan
The vertical stripe pants are super flattering for us shorties!  If you like the J. Crew swing sweaters give this one a try since it has a better price point and comes in multiple colors.  It's super comfy too.

 Outfit #3

Utility Custom Stretch Pencil Skirt - Signature 3/4 Sleeve Sweater
This skirt is so flattering and comfortable.  It's a classic piece that can be paired with so much throughout any season.  I love mixing navy and black with silver jewelry and this sweater is really perfect.

Have you shopped Loft lately?  What were you most excited about?

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 I'm linking up today with Annie and Natalie today for Thoughts for Thursday. 

Thoughts for Thursday :: Getting Ready for Preschool

I truly can't believe that my little baby is starting Preschool on Monday!  He will only go two days a week, but it's for a good chunk of time {9am-2pm} on those days.  I know he is going to love the social interaction and learning new things, but I just can't wrap my head around it.

Will he eat his lunch?  Will he nap when he's supposed to?  Will he play nice with others?  Will he miss home or not want to leave in the afternoon?

I'm trying to prepare myself mentally for a rough few weeks during the transition period.  We are in a different situation since our nanny will drop him and pick him up most days {except the first...that's all me} - which leads me with a whole other ball of guilt and frustration since I'll want to be the one doing these things.  

Being the overanxious mother I am, I've done a good bit of "prep" to get him ready for school.  I mean really he doesn't need half this stuff, but it makes me feel good and prepared to do it all...

Clothes & Shoes

Jack's school does not require uniforms so for clothing I like him to look nice, but be comfortable of course.  We are still in the triple digits in Houston so it must be cool too.  I watched all of the back to school sales and purchased some $4 pocket tees at Old Navy that I had monogrammed by Two Magnolia Lane.

I was able to score shorts from Carter's and Gap both on sale along with a couple of other cute tees from both places.  I don't like spending too much on his clothes since he grows so quickly and could ruin something in a matter of seconds with his messy eating and playground trips!

For shoes, he lives in Natives most of the time, but for school needs to wear something with socks.  We love the "Made 2 Play" Stride Rite sneakers which you can find at Stride Rite or Nordstrom.   I bought two pairs of these during a BOGO sale + tax free weekend!  Again, I hate paying full price for toddler shoes since his feet grow so fast!

Backpack and Lunchbox

Two Magnolia Lane came through again with the cutest matching backpack and lunchbox combo with his name monogrammed on both.  We opted for the larger size backpack to ensure his papers, extra clothing and lunch + snacks would all fit.  He looks precious with it on!

Food Storage

As silly as it sounds to experienced moms, I've never had to pack a lunch for my kiddo before so this brings me a ton of anxiety!  I want to make sure he gets full and likes what I give him, but also that it's healthy enough {I've read horror stories of parents being reprimanded if the lunch isn't healthy enough}.  We also have to pack two snacks a day...so all in all, that's a whole lot of packing each day.

Some items I purchased include:

Spencer Bento Box - Sandwiches Cutters - Ice Packs - OXO Tot Straw Cups, 11 oz.

Teacher Gifts

Image via Jolie Delights

If you live in the Houston area then you need to check out Jolie Delights who created these adorable Mason Jars with Pencil Cookies!  This is what Jack will be treating his teachers to on the first day this year.

Megan from Honey We're Home posted a great list of other cute Teacher Gift ideas - perfect for the first day or throughout the year!

What have you done to get ready for school?  

And what are your thoughts about first day teacher gifts - thoughtful or unnecessary?

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 I'm linking up today with Annie and Natalie today for Thoughts for Thursday. 

Thoughts on Thursday :: 2 Year Old Favorites

Jack {25 months} is into a lot these days, but there are a few items that keep his attention better than the others that I wanted to share with you.  He is also still a huge fan of his "friends" - stuffed animals that he plays with, talks to and sleeps with.  Right now his favorites are a giant stuffed shark and whale.  They must be in his crib on either side of him and he loves to make them kiss! 

We received a lot of these items for his second birthday and I've given a handful of these too in case you need some gift-giving ideas for a two year old tot!

1.  Melissa & Doug Wooden Tool Kit
2.  Fisher Price Junior T-Ball Set
3.  Fisher Price Little People City Skyway

4.  Alphabet Books :: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, B is for Breakdancing Bear & Animal Alphabet
5.  Sticker Books - This brand of sticker books is the best!  They are colorful and large stickers.  Jack loves to stick them all over himself, in coloring books and all over the house.  Lucky for us they peel off very easily.   
6.  Anything Car & Truck Related

7.  Pirate Step Stool - Jack is absolutely loving being able to climb up in his bathroom and wash his own hands and brush his teeth.  Since he is so into sharks and whales these days, I decided to decorate his bathroom in a nautical theme with taupe and aqua colors.  This step stool goes perfectly with everything I have!  Jack loves the colorful pictures and I love that the top stair also opens for extra storage.  
8.  Aqueduck Products like the Faucet Extender and Handle Extender

9.  Jake's Talking Spyglass
10. Play-Dough Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Mouskatools Set

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 I'm linking up today with Annie and Natalie today for Thoughts for Thursday. 

Thoughts for Thursday :: Loving Lately

Happy Thursday!  I just wanted to share a few products with you that I've been loving lately.  As you will see below, I get most of my recommendations from fellow bloggers, so I wanted to pass along what I've tried and love! 

Milani Baked Blush :: I've been using my Milani blush nonstop these days in the color Berry Amore.  To me it's a dupe for Mac's Stereo Rose baked blush. These are a fraction of the cost of Mac's blush, but very similar.  I find them at my local CVS.  The color payoff is awesome and stays on all day.  The packaging is great too with a mirror included at the bottom of the compact. These were recommended to me by Meg of Meg O. on the Go!  She has the best drug store dupes on her blog and YouTube Channel! 

Honest Organic Body Oil and Moroccanoil Dry Body Oil :: I've been loving body oils lately for my growing belly.  I picked up the Honest Co. oil at my local Target.  I love it because it not only feels great, but does not have a strong scent.  Cocoa body oils have been way too strong for me lately.  I also love the Moroccanoil body oil when I want more of a scent for the day.  This smells great and as recommended by Kristina of Pretty, Shiny, Sparkly pairs great with the Nest fragrance White Sandalwood. 

The Baby Chick Maternity Tees :: Local baby guru and friend Nina Bassett just launched a new site for moms called The Baby Chick.   She also owns Bassett Baby Planning in Houston for you local mommas.  Be sure to follow the awesome blog, but I've really been loving this "Shopping for Two" maternity shirt.  It's so soft and comfy that I've not only been wearing it around the house and running errands, but grabbed for it at our recent Houston Moms Blog event paired with skinny jeans and black wedges.  I've worn it so much that I think it's time for me to get another one - maybe the It's a Boy tee!

Getting Beach Bag ready :: {Bag by Sarahjanes Oilcloth, Inspiration by Shay of Mix & Match Family}
After reading Shay's post about her pool bag essentials I wanted to get mine ready too with updated sunscreen (all of mine was so old and way past expiration) and other essentials.  I'm all set and just ready for the weather to cooperate this weekend for Memorial Day - it's not looking hopeful :(
 

Peonies :: It's that {short} time of year again when peonies are in season and Instagram is taken over by images of these gorgeous flowers in everyone's homes.  Guilty as charged.  I wasn't thrilled with the dark purple color that was the only color I could find, however they ended up looking perfect in my house!  Trader Joe's for the win!

What are some things that you are loving lately? 

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 I'm linking up today with Annie and Natalie today for Thoughts for Thursday. 

Thoughts for Thursday :: Favorite Target Finds Lately

If you read my blog regularly, you know that my love for Target runs deep.  Where else can you run in for diapers and end up with a cute dress, Starbucks in hand!

Lately they have been killing it.  My poor wallet!

Bonus :: You can get 25% off all Women's Clothing using the Target Cartwheel App until 5/16/15.  It made my new denim vest only $24.99! 

Women's Floral Crepe Shift Dress, $24.99

I love this dress!  I am a huge fan of Merona shift dresses.  I bought one last year and still wear it tons.  I saw this pattern in the store and fell in love.  They didn't have my size, but I ordered online and love wearing it to work, church and to weddings (below).  I just sized up one size since I'm pregnant, but this is not a maternity dress.  

Merona Embroidered Neon Floral Pattern Tote, $24.99

Love these colors for summer!  Can't wait to use as my purse for travel this summer. 

Merona Striped Tote with Neon Beaded Tassels, $29.99

Women's Denim Vest and here, Both $29.99

I love a denim vest with maxi dresses in the summer!  I've been wanting one, but didn't want to spend a lot.  Merona and Mossimo both have versions at Target stores now.  I opted for the Merona with the lighter wash simply because that is what my store had in stock. 

Have you had any luck at Target lately?  If so, do share! 

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 I'm linking up today with Annie and Natalie today for Thoughts for Thursday. 

Thoughts for Thursday :: Birthday Wishlist {& Ideas for Last Minute Mother's Day Gifts}

I say "last minute" Mother's Day gifts, but let's be honest.  Most of our husbands don't even realize Mother's Day is this Sunday unless you've been constantly reminding them.  I have no doubt that when I remind Jason of this Saturday morning he will frantically leave the house for a few hours in search for something to give me.  I'll make it easy for ya honey!

And on top of Mother's Day, my birthday is this Wednesday too...poor Jason!

Tory Buch Moore Thong Sandal

Men-Sized Watch :: Kate Spade New York Gramercy Grand 

Kendra Scott anything :: you can never go wrong with new Kendra!
I'm loving her magenta and coral pieces right now including this magenta necklace pictured above.  

Moraccanoil Dry Body Oil 
I've heard from other bloggers including Pretty, Shiny, Sparkly how awesome this dry oil spray is.  It smells great and I perfect for me since I need all the moisturizing I can get these days with by expanding belly!

New Perfume :: Perhaps a new Jo Malone fragrance like Sakura Cherry Blossom


Finally, just some new {maternity} clothes and shoes.  I feel like all of my shoes need replacing!  And I need a closet fairy to come and organize all of my clothes for me since I'm now wearing a mix of maternity and regular stuff it's out of control! 

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 I'm linking up today with Annie and Natalie today for Thoughts on Thursday. 

Thoughts on Thursday :: Boy or Girl?

A few weeks ago at my last doctor's appointment I declined the blood screening that not only tests for abnormalities in the baby, but also tells you the baby's gender.  We opted out of this last time so I did the same this time.  Well, after several of my friends, also due around the same time as us, announced their baby's gender I started to get the itch.  

So yesterday I bit the bullet and did the blood screening, not wanting to wait 7 more weeks at the 20 week mark for the anatomy scan.  We should have the results by our next appointment on May 11 - just in time for my birthday on 5/13!  

Annie {Home of Malones} did this fun gender post with a list of old wives tales on predicting gender.  Her results said girl and she just recently announced that she is having a girl!  

I thought it would be fun to put these to the test on Coffee Bean in preparation for our big news! 

Sleep Position

Pay attention to which way you lay down in bed tonight. If you prefer sleeping on your left side, you’ll have a boy. Right side? You’re pregnant with a girl.

GIRL - I have been sleeping on my right side almost every night, but this is also how I face my phone and baby monitor so it's nothing new. 

Upset Stomach

Little girls aren’t always sweet. Extreme nausea means you are having a daughter.

BOY- I have had nausea the entire first trimester, but wouldn't classify it as extreme.  I never used medication for it and it was about the same with Jack.

Soft or Dry Hands

If your hands are dry during pregnancy, you are having a boy; soft—expect a girl.

BOY- My hand are ALWAYS dry so I'm not putting much stock in this one.

Food Cravings

Your favorite pregnancy foods may tell you what sex the baby is. If you’re craving citrus while pregnant, you’re having a girl.

GIRL- I've been craving anything lemon, but also did with Jack so again, not putting too much stock in this one! 

Adult Acne

If altering hormones makes your skin break out, expect a girl.

BOY- My skin has been doing great lately even though I've been neglecting it! 

Graceful or Clumsy Pregnancy

If you feel as though you’re gliding through they day, you’ll have a girl. Stumbling? It’s a boy.

BOY- I'm always clumsy though!

Face Weight Gain

If your face gets fuller, it means you’re having a girl.

GIRL - my face is definitely fuller, however I felt this way with Jack too.

Sugar and Spice Food Cravings

Craving salt during pregnancy? Potato chips, pretzels, and popcorn means a boy is on the way. Need a little something sweet? Ice cream, chocolate, and candy means you’re having a girl.

GIRL - although I crave both, I think my sweet cravings outweigh the salty

Mood Changes

If you’re experiencing pregnant mood-swings, expect a baby girl to arrive soon.

GIRL -I'm constantly up and down with my moods - sorry family!

High or Low Pregnant Belly

If you’re carrying the baby low on your stomach, expect a boy. If it’s high, you’re having a girl.

Too early to tell on this one especially since I'm so short-waisted.  Jack felt high the entire pregnancy last time.   

Baby Weight

If you’re carrying baby in front, it’s a boy. Is the baby weight spaced all around your middle? It’s a girl.

BOY- It's really too early to tell on this one, but if I had to pick it would be more in front.

Model Your Hands

“Show me your hands.” If you would hold your hands palms up it’s a girl. Down? You’re having a boy.

GIRL - I always naturally turn my hands up.

Even and Odd Numbers

If your age and year of conception are both even or odd, it’s girl. One even, one odd means a boy.

GIRL - 31 and 2015

Baby’s Heartbeat

If the baby’s heart beats more than 150 times per minute, you’re pregnant with a girl. Less than 150, it’s a boy.

Girl- It's been more than 150 each visit

Stress Test

A child tends to be of the same sex as the parent who is less stressed at the time of conception.

BOY- We will always have boys if this rings true!

Dream Meanings

If you dream about having a girl while pregnant, you will wind up having a boy and vice versa.

Haven't had any dreams like this yet.   

My final score:

GIRL = 8

BOY = 6

Everyone that I know certainly HOPES we are having a girl - I guess for that "perfect" family with one of each - which I think is crap.  I think God gives you exactly what you are supposed to have.  

Jason and I honestly do not care.  There are positives to both and we will find out soon enough!  We pretty much already have a boy name locked down (unless Jason changes his mind and gives me River) so that would certainly make things easier.  I'm all over the place on girl names! 

Now it is your turn to weigh in - do you think boy or girl?


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I'm linking up today with Annie and Natalie today for Thoughts on Thursday. 

Thoughts for Thursday :: Fun Shirts for the In-Between

This time of year is always a bit hard to dress and shop for.  It's still cold so you aren't quite ready to shop for spring dresses and tank tops, but you don't want to spend your money of sweaters and coats knowing Spring is right around the corner. 

Enter some great in-between blouses that will not only serve you now with jeans, boots and a jacket, but will transition nicely with crops, shorts and sandals when the temps start to rise.

J. Crew Factory Printed Embroidered Peasant Top

This is the Factory version of last year's super popular winter and spring tops.  I wanted that green Christmas plaid one so badly!  I love both of the tops.  Would look great with dark denim and tall boots now and shorts later.  Runs a little large in my opinion.

Anthro Casia Henley

This shirt caught my eye the other day and I have a feeling that the black and white version might sell out soon.  Runs small!

Anthro Byrony Tunic

I haven't seen this guy in person, but it looks like a great transitional (and comfortable) piece.  Wear now with leggings, boyfriend sweater and booties.  Later with cropped leggings and sandals.

J. Crew Tassel Trim Blouse

You are probably sick of hearing bloggers talk about this top, but I wanted to mention it one more time because you can currently snag it (if they have your size) for just $17!  Regular $98.  It comes in white, green, blue (above) and black.  Keep checking the site as each day the stock of the colors and sizes change - I'm guessing from returns.

Nordstrom Pleione Mixed Media Tunic

If you read Pinterest Told Me To, then you already know all about this top, dubbed a Must-Have by Sheaffer.  It comes in tons of colors and we all love it because its flowy, forgiving and a longer length.  I purchased it early fall in both black and the dark purple pictured above.  Both tops have been on heavy rotation lately!  It runs TTS and the only downside is that it does wrinkle easy which is why I prefer the darker colors.

Loft Crochet Lace Trim Blouse

This top is beautiful and also on sale!  Limited sizes are available, but if they have your size, you can snag it for $27 (regular $59).  I haven't tried this on or seen in person, but you can never go wrong with Loft!

Any other good, transitional tops that we should know about???

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I'm linking up today with Annie and Natalie today for Thoughts on Thursday. 

Feel better Annie!!!

Thoughts on Thursday: J. Crew Factory Finds

If you are among the minority of people who missed out on the J. Crew Herringbone Puffer Vest last 2 years, it is back!  Like every other time it's been restocked, it hasn't lasted long so I would hurry and grab one up fast!  After just 24 hours they are already on BACKORDER until NOVEMBER!!!  It is final sale, but only $75.  Crazy that these were going for over $300 on Ebay last year!

If you want something a little different, the vest also comes in Camo, which according to J. Crew is going to be huge this fall.  Love, love, love and like Jen said...with this Camo Vest we can match our littles in their Carter's Camo out now!

Speaking of Camo, I think I need these Camo Loafers in my life - currently backordered until August 5. 

And finally, I just love this shirt and feel like it would get a lot of wear this fall and winter!

 

 

 

Thank you Annie and Natalie for hosting this link-up today!