Last Minute Gift Idea: Lace Up Chukka

Last night we exchanged gifts with my sister and brother-in-law before they head out of town for Christmas. Hope always has a special knack for gift-giving, and this year was no exception. In case you're last minute shopping, I wanted to share the newest addition to my shoe collection with you: the sueded fringe lace-up chukka. Are these cool or what!?!

 Joggers (old) similar | Chukkas

These pass the sister test. What's that you ask? You know an item passes the sister test with flying colors when we can't share because we each want our own. That's how awesome these are. Hope was conveniently wearing her pair around yesterday before I unwrapped mine. I--also conveniently--told her how much I liked them at least five times not knowing she had a pair waiting for me! Thanks, sissy!!!

Last but not least: these come in whole sizes. If you wear a half-size, size up. Use code GINORMOUS at checkout for 40% off, making them ring in at less than $15.  I have them paired with joggers today, but I will be wearing them with pretty much everything from now on since I will hardly be taking them off my feet!!! 

Shop the Look:

 


 

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Casual 70 Degree December Days + My [Un]Diaper Bag

I honestly have enjoyed this recent southern warm spell. Another thing I didn't mind? Raiding my sister's Old Navy order the day it arrived. I immediately threw on this side-slit tunic and didn't bat and eye when she told me it was maternity. Maternity shmaternity...whatever, I love it! Besides, it doesn't even say maternity on the tag of the shirt. The pink color looks exactly like the pink side-slit tunic I bought form the regular women's section a few months back. In true Elise form, it's currently on major sale in all 3 colors from $18.97 to $6.99, so there's that. Scratch that...I just realized you can add an extra 30% off at checkout using code DASHER which makes it $4(freakin').89!!!! Bottom line, this tunic is hardly "maternity." If Hope packs it away as a maternity shirt post baby, I'll just swipe it and put it in my closet. (Spoiler alert: she won't. We both know this is too cute to part with after baby Skouras is born!) It's versatile for warmer days like those recently here in Charlotte. Additionally, you can throw on a cardigan and wear it when it's cold, and I'm sure Hope and I will be rotating it between our houses this spring when it warms up again (right, sister? ;)) I can't say no to stripes or side slits. Or deals. I'm predictable. I love it. The end.

Okay - let's also talk about my [un]diaper bag. After wayyyy too much contemplating while I was pregnant, I decided to take the plunge and commit to this reversible lovely. Guess what? I haven't looked back! It's the perfect size, there is a cross body strap (crucial and the only way Mark will help me carry it), great quality, and adding this diaper bag insert fits every organization queen's diaper bag desires. Oh, and the reversible factor also makes it a fun, simple way to change it up just because you feel like it.
If you want more details, read ahead. If you're not into diaper bag details, skip this. :) I purchased the diaper bag insert in khaki because I felt like it would be easier to see what's inside each pocket with the lighter color. Before Amazon priming it to our house, I literally got pregnancy crazy and compared the insert and diaper bag's dimensions like a super serious mathematician, so I assure you that these two products go together like peas in a pod. I love the insert and have like-paired things in its sections. For example, the biggest section holds our diapers and wipes. Then the little sections house anything from toys (two maracas and a rattle, to be exact) to my nursing cover to a change of baby clothes to snacks to sanitization things. I stick a diaper changing pad down the side of the tote (not in the insert) and throw a small cutch on top of everything in the bag that holds my wallet, phone, and keys. That way--with the clutch--whenever I'm heading somewhere without my littlest lady, I just grab it from the top of my bag and go. This system works like a charm for me! The clutch is clutch, you might say.

Let's break it down:I don't care that this tunic is "maternity." It's a steal at $6.99. ($4.89 using code DASHER at checkout!)70 degree days in December are a total treat.I am still in love with my [un]diaper bag and it's diaper bag insert. (Did I mention it comes in 9 other color combos!?)
Even if you're not in the market for a diaper bag, this bag really is just a stinkin' awesome, perfectly-sized reversible tote, and it will rock your world! I promise! Not even going to tell you what a bargain it is. (But you probably know by now that I wouldn't buy anything other than a good deal!) Spread the word to your expecting mama friends...you dot have to get stuck in the box of making yourself buy an actual "diaper bag." Find something you love in a price range you're comfortable with, and make it work! Trust me!! Shop the Post:

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Dressed in Holiday Style: My Repeat Offender for the Season

I confess: I've found my repeat offender for this holiday season. AND! I just found out that it's on sale for almost 50% off!!!! Y'all, snag it now because I splurged (yes, $50 is a total splurge for me) on this loveliness, but not without several valid reasons. This is your one stop shop for upcoming holiday parties from Christmas to New Year's (and then some)! Let me spell it out for you:

1) I know I'll wear it on repeat through the holiday season. 

2) Hello, Christmas color! (But it comes in solid black and red too!)

3) It's a jumpsuit that actually fits my weirdly long torso. 

4) It's breastfeeding friendly. 

5) It's perfect for those random 70 degree days during winter that us southerners know well. 

6) Simultaneously, throw on a cardigan or leather jacket (or a sequined one!) for a colder day. It covers all unpredictable southern winter weather situations.

 I'm obsessed with the tassel rope belt. (It comes with the jumpsuit!) About that deep V...there is a extra hook in there to make it more conservative. Love that. Instead, I just slipped on my favorite black lace bandeau--comfort at it's best.

H&M has so many other cute jumpsuit options right now.  I'm crushing on them majorly! Here are a few of my other picks since I really feel like the jumpsuit is the perfect party outfit...not too formal, not too casual. It's the ultimate seasonal addition to your wardrobe.

For NYE: Shimmer Chiffon One Shoulder (love this one) | Silver Glitter  | Black Glitter with Sleeves | Sequined Short

Also on Sale: Solid red or black | Lace + Velvet | Silver Glitter | Black Sleeveless | Shimmer Chiffon One ShoulderMaternity: Comfy BlackOther Faves: I mean, I don't know how I'm still resisting this business in the front, party in the back. Same with this one too (love it in green)!

Oh, and if you want to snag a jacket to throw on over it, go for it. My personal picks are the cardigan with fringe (because of the added texture and price point), as well as the leopard (because, duh). Depending on the jumpsuit you chose, you might need one of those to hit that $50 free shipping minimum (with code 3247). 
Jump on this deal, y'all. It's suited for you. (I couldn't resist.)

The Round Up...

...a little bit of this and that post weekend:

• I gasped when I saw this display at Target. Mark was not impressed with how many minutes I stood in front of the display touching and flipping through every planner (and then going back by one last time to double check my decision). 

Click above to view the planners. And remember that Target has free shipping on ALL orders through the end of the year. 

I decided to go with one of these planners for 2016 because since having Nancy, I don't carry my 2015 planner around with me anymore. As much as I love it, it's too bulky  in my already hefty diaper bag, so for 2016 I chose this lovely. So beautiful. A big monthly spread, one page on the left for the weekly layout complimented with the right page with space for notes/lists/to dos. Happy sigh. :) It's ridiculous how much joy a simple planner can spark for a Type A like moi.

• Other Target purchases included these (they twinkle!) and this for Nancy's playroom. It's an oh so happy, a little tacky, joyful place in that space right now! She's mesmerized. 
• Speaking of Nancy's playroom, I hung her shelves, pompom garland, and ABC Scripture cards this weekend too! You might've caught a peek on Instagram. :)
• My mama grew up with the tradition of matching pajamas with her sisters. Hope and I (still) love it. Whenever our extended family was together on Christmas Eve, we would match with all of our cousins! Mom let me choose my pick for this year. I'm excited to match with my little Pie girl! (And Tina!)
• Mark asked me about four times last week what I wanted for Christmas. I struggled to name anything other than re-doing our bathrooms, which isn't really a Christmas present. Hmm. So Hope came over and watched Nancy, and Mark and I strolled through the mall to get ideas. It was a fun little day date. Here are some of my picks: Hunter boots | slippers | workout pants | more workout pants. 
• My brother and his girlfriend brought us Duck Donuts to try. Holy moly. Worth the hype. They were so good. I chose vanilla icing & rainbow sprinkles and then proceeded to try every other flavor in the box. Mark ordered lemon icing with bacon because he is special.
• Also when my brother came over, Nancy crawled into his lap. I melted. (I just about cry every time she crawls into mine!)  

• We ate in the dining room for the first time this weekend! It was a really fancy meal. (Read: take out from Rusty's Deli).
• Nancy is teething like crazy. She woke up almost every hour on Saturday night. When she woke up on Sunday, I could feel a tooth poking through her bottom gum. I cried because of all the feels: relief that the nightwaking had a reason, sheer exhaustion, thinking about my baby growing up, realizing she's going to start looking so different and so much older...I could go on. All the freakin' feels! Can't believe her first tooth is well on the way. Sigh.
• Nancy continues to be completely bonkers and spent the weekend basically making obstacle courses for herself. She climbed over a box box and pulled up on the ottoman to get the remote. And she also pulled up on her exersaucer (which has a curved bottom/isn't even stable!) multiple times. SHE CRAY. We love celebrating these milestones with her, but I have to admit...at the same time we're like WHYYYYYY SO EARLY!? 
• Totally perused my beloved ON's Veterans Day sale. I'm dreaming of matching in plaid with Nancy. The ruffle baby leggings in plaid?! Seriously!? THE cuteness.

• I'm ready to bring down the Christmas decorations. They're still in the attic. But I've waited longer than usual this year. I think it's time.
• Mark and I are FINALLY on board the Parenthood train. The Netflix binge has been so fun, snuggly, and full of tears from me just about every episode. I feel like I'm watching a grown up 7th Heaven. SOOOO GOOOD. 
• In a nutshell, my weekend looked like this. Slow. Lots of family time. Lots and lots of snuggles and hand/finger holding. :)

(P.S. Target has lots of $1 Christmas socks right now in the Dollar Spot!)

• GO PANTHERS!! 8-0 woopwoop! 
• If you haven't entered the Royal Scout & Co. giveaway, you've got a little time left before it ends! 

Happy Monday, friends! Hope you all had wonderful weekends!

The Perfect Holiday Gift with Royal Scout & Co.

Guess what I found? The perfect Christmas gift for your mamas/bffs/sistas...all the ladies in your life. (Or perhaps you will be referencing this post to your family as a little hint, hint for yourself.) Here is the deal: I am pretty sure everyone needs this luxe faux fur scarf by the lovely Royal Scout and Co. I MEAN! Quality + price point = absolute insane perfection. Not to mention that it comes in 3 colors (including leopard!). Ready to start swooning...?

The packaging alone...! I'm a sucker for the logo. And the twine. And the plaid. Ahhhh!

(I have to add that I'm also obsessed with their brand as a whole! Read more about Royal Scout & Co. here.)

 Hello, new favorite scarf. I love you.

 That texture! About as beautiful as it gets.  This is why they call it luxe faux fur. It's every bit of luxe! I chose the "wolf" color.

Here's how it works: thick, faux fur outside and a soft, velvety inside. There's  even a slit in the middle so you can loop one side through the other as seen above. Perfection!

But that's not all because...boot cuffs. Say whaaat? These add a little flair to your old boots. Yep, boots with the fur. Except they're really just boots plus boot cuffs with the fur. Let me explain...

Faux fur attached to a sock top! Slide these over your skinnies, slip on your boots, and voila! You have a whole new, cozy look for the colder temps. How great is that?!

 These are my old, haggard Jessica Simpson boots from years ago. They've got a whole new feel to them with this extra rustic-yet-chic-and-girly spunk. I am loving it! And now I want to go back to the mountains where it's cooler and where these around immediately!!! 

Royal Scout & Co. absolutely rocks (obviously!!!), so they're doing two things for Cheers Y'all readers. 1) There's a boot cuff giveaway! See below to enter. 2) Today through next Friday, you can get 15% off your order using code ROYALCHEERS at checkout. Their products are one size fits most and made in the good ol' USA! Start your Christmas shopping now, y'all! Snag these while they're hot (& 15% off!)!!!

Shop the Look:
Tunic (c/o Sammy Dress) | Leggings | Scarf (c/o Royal Scout & Co.) | Glasses (similar) | Earrings | LipstickBoot Cuffs (c/o Royal Scout & Co.) | Jeggings (my faves that you might remember from this post!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cheers to Royal Scout and Co.!
Full Disclosure: Per Cheers Y'all policy, I was given these products in exchange for a review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cheers Y'all!

Holiday Card Styling for the Family

As if I don't love Christmas cards enough, they're even more exciting now that we have a little of our own to join us in the picture. Yes, I planned out our outfits in advance. I wanted coordinating-but-not-too-coordinating. You know what I mean? A general flow but not matchy-matchy. Here's what I came up with: cozy, everyday neutrals with a pops of blues/greens in plaid and jeans.

The inspiration...

The real deal...

(These looks are sprawled across the guest bedroom, soooo EEEEEK to my One Room Challenge post tomorrow!)

Shop the Look:

Mom: Tank | Cardigan (by Vestique -- similar)  | Jeans by Citizens of Humanity-old (similar) | Scarf (similar, similar) | Booties (old from Old Navy, but similar look + price point booties here) | Earrings (similar) | NecklaceDad: Button Down | Cardigan (similar) | "Khaki Jeans"* | LoafersGirl Mini: Dress (and turtleneck) | Tights from Debenam's in England (similar) | Moccs Boy Mini: Outfit (sold in a set!) | Moccs
*These are Mark's favorite (and most frequently worn) pants! They look like khakis, but they feel like jeans. Great price point for the value (he's had this pair for years) & more colors available...I think I might need to snag another pair!
All this outfit excitement and planning means I have a date with the loveliest of lovelies today: Cameron of Cameron Faye Photography. If you're local, scoop her up because her talent is absolutely incredible. As a Christ follower, she absolutely captures His love and light in her art. (Remember our newborn photos from the hospital? She made the hospital look like heaven...and that's the feeling we were floating on with Nancy's arrival. HEAVEN.) Love you, Cam!!!!
P.S. Shout out to my sister for wearing the outfit I'm wearing the day before yesterday. I saw her and said, "I like your outfit. Can I wear it for my pictures? Don't put the clothes in the wash, bring them to my house tomorrow. Necklace too please." She rocks. My personal stylist sista. Thanks, Hopey!!! 

Shopbop Sale Finds Over 50% (!) Off

Shopbop: a site I don't often frequent simply because I--personally--don't like to spend $100 bucks on an article of clothing. Scratch that, I cringe at spending 60 bucks on a piece of clothing. I mean, when Old Navy maxi dresses are full price at $40 I'm like "WHAAAAT? That's too expensive." So that's where I am coming from. But you know what else I love? A good steal...a BIG markdown makes an item splurge-worthy in my book.
Shopbop is having their friends and family sale now through the 15th. So is 25% off a [several?] hundred dollar item something I'm into? No. You won't find any of that here...simply because that's not me (and I want this space to be a reflection of me). You know what I AM into? An additional 25% off items that are already marked down. THAT'S what I'm talking about. Here is a round up of my favorites. You'll find that it's basically all from Free People...because if I could deck out my closet with one designer clothing company, FP would be my pick every time. Here are my SALE on SALE finds. Most of this stuff is 50%+ off since it was already marked down once. If you're going to snag a purchase, hurry because sizes are running out fast with these limited sale-on-sale quantities! Remember to use code INTHEFAM25 to get the additional 25% off markdown at checkout. xx

1 | Do I even need to explain why I'm crushing on this? Stripes, gray, and white, hellooooo!2 | Because I'm always a sucker for layers...3 | Can we just eye that markdown again? SUCH a perfect LBD with a little peekaboo that doesn't involve cleavage. Love.4 | I love this because it reminds me of a Free People shirt I already have in this color.5 | The perfect boho chic fall dress. Works with or without tights/leggings. Pair with a floppy hat?! YESSS.6 | I'ts so long. And the side slit is, like, super side slit. So fun for fall styled as shown or even comfier with black leggings and booties.7 | Bringing sexy back in this dress. Ow owww! 8 | Okay, the mustard color is my favorite..and the price?! Transition this into fall with booties, leggings, and a cardi! 9 | A lone Rachel Pally pick amidst a sea of Free People. Why? The markdown. I stinkin' love her stuff and its thick (NOT sheer at all) quality. Would totally wear this in fall with a cardi + boots too.10 | Fit for fall AND winter. I see a repeat offender on the horizon. And with the side slits?! I'm in love.11 | Comfy. Long in the back to cover the derrière in leggings. Winning.12 | Because nothing is easier than looking cute by throwing on ONE article of clothing. Plus boots. And you're done and looking put together with zero effort.
Happy shopping! Free People, I love you.

Old Navy Flash Sale: 50% Off Dresses

You know I always have the Old Navy hookup. Kidding. I have no hookup, only stories of stalking. And in my sale stalking, I just realized that their dresses are 50% off! (!!!) It's a flash sale that runs through tonight.  Remember this dress that I wrote about a couple months back? It's part of the sale...making it $15! I'm telling you -- it's the best fall dress. I've worn it pregnant, not pregnant, my sister steals it all the time...I think it's safe to say that I should lock up the maroon version too!

Oh, and my latest purchase is the plaid shirt dress below. Hellooo, comfy! Latest crush? The plaid cocoon dress. What is it about fall that makes plaid so stinkin' addictive?! Here are my favorite dresses of the sale. Plaid, chambray, and patterns, oh my!

Fall Faves: Lace Hem + THE BEST Colored Jeggings

Lace hem is all the rage this season, and I'm all for joining in the fun. Marky took these photos for me during our little day date in his hometown. (This was a sneaky peek!) Put a long sleeve shirt under the sweater for more warmth, or leave it be for more breathability on warmer fall days. Oh, and white pants? Wear 'em after Labor Day. I love pairing these bright neutrals together. And the pants are my favorite. They have the material and appearance (and even the button) of white jeans but have no zipper. The best white jeggings on earth, hands down. My mom, sister, and I all have a pair because they're that good. I even wore them under my belly when I was verrrry (38 weeks) preggers!

I scored the sweater last year at Vestique. Since it's not available online, I've complied a list of my current favorite lace hem get-ups. I also rounded up all of the Hue brand leggings for y'all too. You cannot compete with their brand's quality, thickness, color selection, and price point. I'm really crushing on the olive pair (1) because I love green and (2) because they're on major markdown!

Shop the look:Sweater | Jeggings | Boots (Jessica Simpson -- super old!)

Falling in Florals + Plaids

September 1 means fall in my book. Yes, I climbed into the attic yesterday to dig out our fall decor. The collection is measly, so I'm thinking of expanding it this year. I digress. Today my sidekick, Nancy, and I present to you some fall faves. My top is 100% transitional...I love the side slit (surprise, surprise), and you can even wear it open like a cardigan to change up the look. It's from Forever 21 AKA the price tag looks mighty fine. It comes in this pattern too. I scored the booties during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, and I can't wait to wear them more. The low heel is key for comfort (and being tall). So let's imagine it's not going to be 90 degrees in Charlotte for the rest of the week and pretend it's a perfect fall day, okay?

Shop our looks here:

MamaShirt (also comes in this color) | Jeans (purchased at Gap last year, these are similar) | Booties | Sunglasses (similar) |  Lips 
MiniShirt | Jeggings | Moccs

Old Navy Fall Fashion on a Budget

Loud and proud, y'all: I. Love. Old Navy. My love affair began with "teacher clothes" and has since expanded to...all the clothes. If you didn't catch my Instagram last night, make sure to check out their MAJOR sale. The pre-fall sale ended last night only to be replaced by a new Labor Day sale...which leads me to remind you: only shop at Old Navy online for the best deals. They almost always have a certain percentage off that you can't get in stores. Order a bunch to your home (if you're a bargain shopper like me, get multiple sizes and what not to get that free shipping for orders over $50), then return whatever you don't want or didn't fit to the store. You're welcome. :) 

Instagram  I was coincidentally (or not since I wear one of these tunics at least 3 days a week...eeesh) wearing my heather gray tunic when I caught wind of the big markdown. Here are the tunics I rounded up last night via ShopStyle. (Sign up to get shoppable emails to your inbox! Or you can always see my latest finds by visiting my Shop Style feed.) The heather gray (seen above--I think it's a bit lighter than what I know as "heather gray") is $7.50, and the blue and white one I have is $5! Sooo I should probably get the gray and blue one now too since it's also $5? ;)

And because I couldn't resist browsing for myself (hello, fall!) here are some other favorites on sale that I'm crushing on. In a nutshell: jumpsuits for $20 (this one too!), mesh-panel compression leggings, and $15 t-shirt dresses? Be sure to click the image to view the different color/pattern options on Old Navy's site.

And because I can't not, I present baby girl finds.I MEAN.

Now to go narrow down these choices and see what I should add to our fall wardrobes. September 1 is fall in my book. Sooo....let's get to shopping? Happy fall, y'all!

P.S. Don't forget to sign up for Shop Style to get these emailed to your inbox (via Instagram)! Or you can always simply view my Shop Style feed right here.