WEEKEND RECAP, A FIRST BIRTHDAY!

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I hope everyone had a great weekend! We finally had some beautiful weather last week and Friday and Saturday were perfect! Last Monday I had a bit of a panic attack when I realized I hadn't planned anything for Harrison's 1st birthday. I know everyone says he's only a baby and doesn't realize or remember if he had a party or not but I do...and the mom guilt was in full force! So I ended up inviting family over on Saturday for a last minute birthday lunch and we had the best time! It wasn't "perfect" (I showed up 15 minutes after everyone had arrived to our house with 6 grocery bags and nothing prepared) but in the end the kids had a great time with their cousins and we'll all remember a delicious lunch on a sunny day! 

I will say that this past year has flown by. I was struck with a sense of sadness when I realized that we would no longer have a baby in the house. Right now we're not planning on having a third child so this week was definitely a reminder to live in the moment....something I'm always striving to get better at! 

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TOP - LOVESHACKFANCY (similar here)

JEANS - MOTHER

SHOES - C/O LILY

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loving right now

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MOTHER'S DAY

Its almost Mother's Day! Last year on Mother's Day Harrison was only a few weeks old so I felt a little out of it. This year Frank has a wedding to go to (who schedules their wedding on Mother's Day weekend!) so I'll be solo. But no matter what just to have the day off to spend with the boys will be fun...thinking of going to one of my favorite kid-friendly places, Terrain! 

• This wand has been on my list for the last year! Lately I've been finding myself styling my hair more for photoshoots and nights out and I feel like my drugstore $25.99 iron may be damaging my hair? This one has become a cult favorite among bloggers and fashion
• I loves platters, serving trays, and bowls as gifts. They're something I almost never buy for myself but I am always needing more of. Its also so nice to be reminded of someone overtime I take one out that was a gift
• These sandals! I received them last Mother's Day and they're so comfortable!

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SHOP Mother's Day 

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A STATEMENT NECKLACE

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I don't wear a ton of jewelry and I like to keep my accessories simple. Small diamond studs most days and when I do wear earrings I like them to make a statement. I RARELY wear a necklace and the same rules apply for when I do. I first discovered Mignonne Gavigan five years ago at a trunk show in NYC and fell in love! I thought it was such a cool concept - a scarf thats beaded and therefore also a necklace - perfect! I know I always talk about wearing something casual and also dressy but we are all so busy these days and there is something to be said for not changing! When I shot this look on Friday afternoon I was running errands after and picking up Luke from school. I never had time to change before heading off to a benefit that night and I love the way this necklace completed my look (changed out the pants for jeans because it was raining). 

Adding a few more favorites below! 

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SHOP MIGNONNE GAVIGAN

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UNDER $100 - WHITE OUT

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! Its raining in CT and its nap time which means I'm getting lots of work done! I was due for an under 100 post and loved making this one because there are so many pretty (and well priced) things out there right now. 

• I haven't seen these dress pants in person but I LOVE the look of them! Perfect to pair with a silk top going out or even a t-shirt and a statement earring

• The perfect little black dress for summer for under 100 - I love this one because its great for a trip into the city...flats during the day and pack a heel to change into at night

• Again, not sure of the quality (but this brand surprises me!) but I love this tank...color and the lace detail:)

• This dressy t-shirt is so elegant!

• I recently ordered this robe! Love the weight of it for the spring/summer. Look out for an update on it in my Instagram stories!

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STYLIST TIPS

MY TWO CLOSET MUST-HAVES

When I begin working with a new client we almost always start with their closet. No matter how much you have or how organized you are, a good stylist should always roll their sleeves up and get their hands dirty so to speak. For most people its incredibly hard to part with things (myself included) especially when it comes to clothes...and there is always a story! "I bought this for when I go on date nights but now its too tight...but when I lose 5lbs I'll start wearing again". "I need to keep this dress in case I get invited to a party that is business casual but you can't wear black". We all create excuses and thats where getting a second opinion can come in real handy.

So what happens after you've done that? You're staring at three piles: sell, donate, toss...now what do you do? After many years of helping clients through the process I'm outlining my favorites below. Truth be told (unless you have something that has increased in value) you should prepare yourself for some disappointment. Online consignment has its pluses and minuses. Plus: you have a much greater chance of selling your item and selling it faster. Minus: These websites know what people are willing to pay and they also want to sell your item fast so their perceived value for you gently used Prada loafers might be less than yours. Insider tip: you set the price! Many online sites and apps let you set the price especially if its a designer handbag. Don't do anything you're not comfortable with. Finally, enjoy it! You just gave yourself a fresh start and hopefully some cash to save or spend!

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SELL YOUR HANDBAGS 

Hands down my favorite site for selling a designer handbag is a California-based company called Fashionphile. I have used them countless times and have had the same positive experience every time. Why I like them: selling a bag is SO easy. You upload pics of your bag to their website and they turn around a quote within a week. The best part? They offer a "buy out" price and a consign price! If you select buy out you receive a check directly after they receive the bag. Their pricing is very competitive and they have excellent customer service. Fashionphile rejects your handbag? Any of the other sites mentioned below can be used but this is the first choice! 

 

SELL YOUR CLOTHING 

 

The Real Real is a great destination for selling your gently worn clothing. They have a list of approved designers on their website (make sure you check it because its always changing) and they provide you with a dashboard so you can track your sales and commissions. If you want to sell something quickly and aren't married to a specific price (or don't care how much you sell it for) this is the place. I'm always up front about that with clients because I have been disappointed. Commission starts at 55% and once you sell $1,500 it goes to 60% and once you sell $10,000 it will go to 70% for two years. PS they take jewelry!

Tradesy if you don't mind doing a little more leg work, I find that you can make more money using this site/app. Listing an item should take less than 5 minutes and once you sell the item the process is very seamless. Tradesy will send you everything you need: shipping label, tag for your item, tissue paper, and a bag or box to ship the item in. If you sell a handbag or shoes and need a dust bag they will send that too - at no charge! Its all included in the percentage Tradesy makes. They deduct a flat commission fee of $7.50 for sold items less than $50. On sold items $50 or more, they deduct a commission rate of 19.8%.   

 

DONATE YOUR CLOTHING

Dress for Success

Vietnam Veterans of America

Local: Person-To-Person

Contact your local Salvation Army or homeless shelter

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A BOHO BLOUSE

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Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend! We attended a charity event on Saturday night and the day turned out to be beautiful! Actually the weekend was gorgeous...I woke up today feeling like my old self:) Spring is one of my favorite seasons for many reasons but mostly because I love wearing tops like this one. I wore it a couple of weeks ago (on a randomly warm day) to lunch with a friend, music class with the boys, and a family dinner. It took me through the whole day! I also love this one which comes pattered and in this white version. 

Some other things I'm loving for Spring right now:

• These metal bistro chairs are perfect for extra outdoor seating and they're a great price point!
• I thought this would be a fun project to do with Luke. He loves planting and we could watch it grow on our kitchen table!
• Love these simple summer earring for under $40...and these!

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white

patterned

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ELEVEN MONTH UPDATE!

Happy Friday! The sun is shining today and I'm feeling so grateful! Not only is it because the weather is nice, I'm so thankful that I took these pictures and can now look back and see just how teeny tiny Harrison was. I hate sounding cliche but time really does go too fast. 

My most frequently asked questions are related to the boys nap schedules and their daily schedules overall. I haven't done this before but I'm chatting about Harry's below. Its not always easy but the most important thing for us has always been sticking to a routine. Because Frank and I both work outside of the home we opt for a slightly later bedtime so we can spend time as a family when we get home at night. Right now it works for us because Luke is in an afternoon school program. I imagine it will change next September when we need to be out the door by 8:45! EEEK!! PS I'm NOT a morning person and I have so much love and admiration for my friends that have to wake up with their kids at 5am. I couldn't do it! 

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HARRISON'S SCHEDULE

7:00-7:45 Wake up and has an 8oz bottle of formula. We love this one. 

8:30 Breakfast - Right now his favorite foods for breakfast are avocado, oatmeal, or yogurt. He loves ALL fruit and hates eggs! 

9-10:45 He loves to play and look at books. Maybe its a second child thing but Harry is great amusing himself in the play kitchen for 20-30 minutes on his own!

10:45-12:45 Nap - both my kids nap and sleep at night with a sound machine and sleep sacks. Luke still uses one because he loves it so much. We have to get them from Europe because its the only place I can find them in the super big sizes!

12:45 Wakeup - 2nd 8oz bottle and lunch 

1:30-3:30 Play (go on walks if it ever gets nice out!!!)

3:30-5:00 Nap

5:30-6:30 Bath Routine - both boys LOVE to take a bath. I think they would stay in it for hours if they could! We do bath, lotion, and PJ's and then its time for dinner!

6:30-7:15 Dinner - Harrison eats everything we do now. He especially loves Fish (salmon and cod) and pesto! Frank has an allergy to some nuts so we've tried all of those and luckily so far neither of the boys inherited it. We were a little behind on introducing a sippy cup with water but we now use this one. 

7:30 Books - We're just getting to the age where I can get through one book with both boys together. Usually Harrison will squirm out of my lap or Luke doesn't want to read Goodnight Moon for the millionth time but they're really starting to get the hang of it! My mom ready to my sister and I every night and I still cherish those memories. 

8:00 Bedtime! Sound machine, sleep sack, and we put Harrison down! It takes him anywhere from 5-20 minutes to fall asleep and he will usually babble to himself or sing:)

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SHOP SLEEPWEAR

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ON ISLAND TIME

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Clearly you can see I have vacation on my mind! I purchased this necklace a couple of weeks ago and knew I wanted to incorporate it into one of my lust lists. You can't tell from the pic but its actually oversized and I immediately thought it looked like an Hermes necklace (and certainly something more expensive). I'm not usually a green person but loved these pale tones paired back to blushes and ivory. If I do wear green its always a shade of "army" which is a closet staple!

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A DOUBLE USE DRESS + 5 THINGS

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If you've been following me for a little while now you know, I love white dresses! I saw this one and I had to have it. I was pleasantly surprised the price because the quality is excellent and it has a great weight to it. The fact that it can be worn as a wrap dress or a kimono was an added bonus and value! These sandals are also a STEAL! They come in black in this sandal version and are also offered in a high heel and sling back. Love the gray-blue color. 

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5 pieces I'm coveting right now

1 entertaining

2 sunnies

3 easy jumpsuit

4 summer sneaks

5 splurge

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SPRING CLEANING

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Its time for some Spring cleaning! Spring felt like it would never arrive but after some warm days last week I was inspired to get a head start. It was the best feeling when I was all done! I haven't completely transformed my closet to warm weather clothes yet with all the fluctuating temperatures but I'm ready. 

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Hangers Uniform hangers will instantly transform your closet. I like these velvet ones which come in top/dress and pant. It may feel like an annoyance at first but the result is a clean and modern look that will take your closet up a notch. Step 2? Organize by color! You will thank me when you're getting dressed in the morning and looking for that navy tank you need but can't find. 

Storage Store winter clothes properly. Dry clean or launder in the warmest water possible for each garment (I prefer washing over DC because I can control what I'm cleaning them with. I like these bins but If you don't have a ton of room, these vacuum bags are great for storing under a bed. 

Moths My arch nemesis! Seriously though, after working for Ralph Lauren for 7+ years our family has a fair amount of cashmere in our house. From blankets to baby sweaters I'd say about 50% of it has fallen victim to these pesky bugs. If you want to take the all natural route like I do nothing can guarantee you won't find a hole but here are some products and pointers that will give you your best shot! Never return a sweater to your closet if it smells of perfume. I like this natural alternative to moth balls. If you're a DIY kind of girl I use this lavender to fill up muslin sachets for all the closets. Change twice a year and give the ratchets a little squeeze once and a while to reactivate the lavender scent.    

The One Year Rule My golden rule when it comes to cleaning out a clients closet! If its not a piece that you've reached for in the last 365 days, donate, sell, or toss it. More on this topic in a new closet cleaning post on the blog next week!

Save Your Boxes I know it sounds counterintuitive especially when we're talking about de-cluttering. BUT if you have the space (in an attic or basement) holding on to your designer shoe boxes or handbag dust bags will increase their value for resale.

Other tips and tricks:

• Remove plastic off dry cleaning bags. Aside from your closet looking aesthetically better, chemicals used in cleaning your garments stay on the plastic and should be discarded. 
• If you have limited space, store scarves and rolled belts in handbags. It will help maintain the shape of your bags and conserve valuable shelf space. 

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non toxic products

ALL WHITE EVERYTHING

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Seriously I can't believe its Thursday already! Where did this week go?! There are so many great pieces in the shopbop sale right now that I decided to use it for this week's Lust List! I added these to my order last night...needing to update last year's run-around summer sneaker and they were under $100 on sale. Did you know that even if your first purchase only qualifies you for 20% off but you make another one during the sale they will adjust all your purchases to 25% off?  This happened to me during their Black Friday sale and I was so happy with the customer service!

We're going to Florida for Memorial Day weekend and I've been on the hunt for a bathing suit. I just really want something that has decent seat coverage and isn't over $275 (so much harder than you think!). I'm a less is more person and really only want to own two good quality suits. This white one looks perfect so I'm thinking about it. White can be hard to wear if the fabric isn't thick enough. I like this one too - great nightwear lingerie brand so I'm thinking the fit will be really good. Don't forget to use code EVENT18 when you checkout:)

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MY SHOPBOP FAVORITES

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SHOPBOP sale

SALE alert! This sale always sneaks up on me but this time I was prepared! I've been updating my wardrobe slowly for warmer temps and I'm still in search of some special event dresses and sandals. I love these that I picked up during the last sale (can't wait to wear them!). They also come in a wedge which is perfect for dresses or with white jeans. Use code EVENT18 for up to 25% off!! Happy shopping:)

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TRANSITIONAL TOPS

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Happy Monday friends:) The end of this week is looking like 60 degrees in Connecticut which is making me very happy! I will need all the sunshine and vitamin D I can get by then. Luke is having a planned surgery today (something we've had to get corrected from birth) and even though I've known for a while it was coming, I'm still extremely nervous. 

Love this long sleeve option for the transitional months. I recently wore the one in these pics on a date night with these hoops and received so many compliments! You can also wear it back to white jeans or with a pair of shorts like this pair that I recently ordered (I have a slight obsession with olive shorts). 

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BLACK AND RAFFIA

Its funny, I rarely wear black in the Fall/Winter but I find myself gravitating to it more in the warmer months. Call me crazy! I love black and camel or cream. This lust list started with these under $100 espadrille sneakers. Also I've been dying to go away even for just a weekend and we just booked a trip with the boys to Florida! I can't even tell you how excited I am. This will be our first flight with Harrison and Luke together so that will be interesting but well worth it! Lots of What to Pack posts coming your way! Happy Thursday:)

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SILK DRESS

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SALE ALERT! One of my go-to brands for classic silhouettes and the BEST t-shirts is having Friends & Family and my dress is 25% off! I've also been eyeing this silk maxi dress in the light beige color for an upcoming event and I have this t-shirt that I wear under everything. If you're looking for an army green/military style coat this one is perfect. Love the tortoise buttons!

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currently loving

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SPRING DESIGNERS

What are your favorite designers? This is a question I get all the time. For Fall it can be a little tough to answer because designers always surprise me! But for Spring/Summer I definitely have my go-to tried and true brands that never disappoint. I would describe by summer style as classic boho. Sounds like an oxymoron but I love boho dresses and tops paired with my crossbody bag and I also love clean classic silhouettes. Last year I discovered this brand and I fell in LOVE! They have beautiful prints and I love the west coast sensibility of it all.  

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sea

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rhode resort

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ulla johnson

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mango

NATIONAL STRIPES DAY

Happy National Stripes Day!!! This blouse is an old style from Rebecca Minkoff (searched high and low!) but I rounded up some of my favorites for you! Hope everyone is having a lovely holiday weekend!!

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STRIPES

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WHAT TO WEAR - SPRING HOLIDAYS

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I can't believe Easter is only two days away and its already April! Time is flying! Dressing for Spring holidays and events can be tough because the weather is so unpredictable in April and May. I always suggest investing in a pretty Spring coat in a neutral color that is versatile and can take you through till the warmer months. I've been using this trench a lot and I like that I can wear it during the day with my sneakers or throw it over a dress. And its on SALE! If you're looking for something a little dressier, this one is very pretty and here's a similar one also on sale and available in all sizes. 

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LOCAL LOVES

I'm so excited about this post! If you follow me on Instagram you know I love sharing and supporting my favorite local places. I feel so lucky to live where we do and I love discovering new shops and restaurants on my own and as a family. Right now we basically take our kids everywhere with us on the weekends. I'm sure that will change once things like sports, swimming, etc. start but I'm taking advantage of the time we have now to explore our community! If you're local or visiting Fairfield County I hope this guide is helpful and I would LOVE to hear your feedback. 

PS I'm a HUGE tea fan (always unsweetened) - hot, iced, loose leaf, so I included my favs if you are too!

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Caffeine + SHOP

Kirby & Co - Luke and I love popping in for a macaron. Once you try one you'll never go anywhere else! Kirby owner Elaine has curated the ultimate assortment from hostess gifts to the perfect pair of date night earrings at every price. If you visit tell her I said hi!

 

Fred - I love this boutique! Their new location in Westport has a coffee bar and offers snacks for shoppers on the run. They carry some of my favorite brands: SEA, Mother, Rebecca Taylor, and Misa to name a few and their one-on-one experience is personable not pushy. 

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Eat + SHOP

Terrain - When I walk into terrain I immediately feel like I've escaped. With or without the kids its a calming place for me which might seem strange because it is ALWAYS busy. The garden cafe is one of my favorite places to meet girlfriends for lunch (I had Harrison's sprinkle there) and during the summer we love to take the kids there for dinner outside on the patio. Insider tip: Make a reservation! I actually love using open table. Favorite Tea: House Tea with a Splash of Lemonade!

The Drawing Room - We used to live around the corner from this gem and I can confirm (through countless visits) that it is baby/kid approved! Meet a friend for traditional tea, scones, and finger sandwiches, but remember to leave yourself enough time to shop the art gallery and home boutique. Insider tip: They're closed on Mondays! Favorite Tea: Hot Mama Iced and Ginger Citrus Peach Hot

The Perfect Provenance - Perfect is definitely the right name for this place! Nestled on a little side street off of Greenwich Avenue you'll feel like you're walking into a European townhouse filled with home decor, women's and men's apparel, and delicious food. The chicken salad is my favorite! Favorite Tea: Iced Solstice Sun

Browne & Co. - This was one of the first places I "discovered" in Darien. I'm a HUGE fan of eating and shopping (surprise, surprise) and the prepared salads and sandwiches here are always fresh. Pro tip: They make family dinners that are amazing! Our fav is the chicken and mushroom stew. I just add chick pea pasta at home and it feeds the four of us! Favorite Tea: Iced Green

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WELLNESS

Organachs Farm to Skin - I discovered Organachs when Harrison was about three months old. Before it I had been ordering almost all my products online. I love being able to try, feel, smell before I buy and shop owner Siobhan is so knowledgeable. Everything in the shop is natural and organic! More details on my natural skincare routine here and here. 

Inner Light Going into inner light for the first time I had no idea what to expect. I'm not a huge "traditional" gym sauna fan so I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. Now I'm officially addicted. The infrared sauna is great for inflammation and overall its a very relaxing experience. Leave yourself time to enjoy a cup of tea before or after your session!

To and From - I've only had two manicures here but all the products used are chemical-free and toxin-free and I loved the experience. Its a short walk from Kirby and Co if you want an afternoon treat!

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weekending

Stone Barns + Blue Hill Market - Exhale! Thats how I feel the minute we pull onto the farm. I grew up about 15 minutes away from the property so it always feels like I'm going home. I could write a whole post about my love for this place. With kids or without its a great destination for a day getaway. 

Grace Farm - We stumbled upon Grace Farm for the first time last month and loved it so much we went back the following Saturday! Their Saturday drop-in art classes are creative and relaxing and only $5! The grounds offer everything from a delicious cafeteria, state of the art basketball courts, a curated library, and a tea room. A must visit!

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Grab and GO

ROOST/Ada's - If you follow my Insta stories you know I'm a regular! Roost recently opened and is the sister restaurant to Ada's. Their selection is perfect for the family on the go looking for both healthy and kid friendly options. Favorite Tea: Iced Tropical White

By The Way (Gluten Free) - If you're looking for a gluten free cake this is the place! We've used them for a couple of celebrations now and they do not disappoint. Your non-gluten free guests will never know the difference:)

Organic Pharmer - My favorite spot for vegan and gluten free options on the go. They're smoothies are creative, tasty, and healthy. My whole family loves their soups and hummus and their made-to-order avocado toast is a must!

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CASUAL LACE

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You can never have enough ivory lace blouses (I say to myself every time I open my closet or go shopping) hehe! I was rounding up some of my favorites for an Easter separates post and decided to switch gears. Wearing this blouse for a special occasion is simple: tuck it into pants like these or into these. I also love this silk pair! BUT I also wanted to show it in a more casual way because these days versatility is everything. I love the ivory and olive combination in these pics but this top would also be pretty with a denim jacket or with colored blazer. Happy Monday!
 

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lace blouses

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