Life Lately: Easing into Fall

The first days of Fall are hard to beat. The air feels crisp but it's warm in the sun and everything smells so fresh, especially up north. Summer in Lake Geneva will always be the time when I feel most alive but there's a sense of calm when the leaves start to change and you can smell the wood burning of a neighbor's fire. Our recent Family weekend at the lake was the perfect kick off to the new season...

We ordered breakfast from the tiny convenience store down the street and ate it outside on the patio in sweatshirts and blankets. We walked around the neighborhood under the most amazing blue sky with not a single cloud. My parents hosted our first ever "Fall Fest," (in place of our usual 4th of July event), complete with cherry & apple brats, Oktoberfest beers, golf cart rides and pumpkin decorating. We put on our pajamas at 6 o'clock one night and snacked on leftovers and poured champagne. Ro and I spent a warm afternoon at the park followed by a snack at my favorite coffee shop. Mike and I checked out an open house down the street and fell in love, as we do almost every time we look. FYI - we're not actually hoping to move, it's just something we've come to love doing on weekends - It's great for gathering ideas and it's fun to imagine different scenarios that could play out in the future. We ate until our pants no longer fit...everything from my Mom's DIY nacho bar to the taffy apple salad was quintessential Fall and we didn't want to miss any part of it. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

If we're being totally honest, I spent most of this weekend in sweatshirts, overalls and leggings but I did manage to spend one day looking like a real human by putting on a swipe of bright lipstick and taking this new denim skirt for a ride, which btw, I now want to wear on a daily basis. I usually have trouble finding skirts that are just the right length - Either they're too short for going out in public or too long for being 31 years old but this one is high-rise and still fits just right. It's got frayed edges and I love pairing it with long sleeves or sweaters & booties so I will be doing that as much as possible in the next few weeks while I can still get away with bare legs. On another note, I'm not into all of the Fall trends (not too keen on the wide leg denim just yet), but I AM happy that belt bags (aka, fanny packs!) are having a moment because they're actually so much fun. I love this leather one from J. Jill - like, it might be the cutest one I've seen but I own the iPhone 8+ which is massive and unfortunately, doesn't fit in the bag so if I'm wearing this, I usually stick my phone in my back pocket or the diaper bag. 

Since my style was this weekend was mostly cozy chic, I reached for this open front cardi quite a bit. It's textured and runs fairly long so it's awesome for pairing with leggings on cold mornings and I've been wearing it daily for early walks with Ro and the dog but it was also a nice addition to this skirt/blouse combo.

We have so many fun things coming up, I can't wait to recap it all including a mini trip to San Fran (baby free!), the pumpkin farm, dinner with good friends and planning Ro's first trick or treat outing!

How are you enjoying the first week(s) of Fall? 

New Jumpsuit, New Idea

Sometimes, you just need to mix it up. Step away from the routine and try something fresh, even if it's insignificant: Even if you're unsure. Whether it's a wide-leg linen jumpsuit you aren't 100% sure is your style (it is) or your first bottle of Kombucha ever (it was this flavor and I loved it), it's good to shake things up every now and then. 

For example: A few weeks ago, I was talking with my co-worker about a friend of ours who recently decided to go back to school and pursue a career she is very passionate about. We discussed how proud of her we were and at the same time, slightly envious. Not because we wish we were doing the same thing, but because she was able to pinpoint that ONE thing she feels strongly enough about to spend her time and energy on. We agreed that we both feel that way about 10+ different things in our lives and avenues we'd love to pursue someday but even in our late 20's/early 30's (respectively), it's a challenge to settle on just ONE. We continued to talk about so many ideas we had swirling around in our heads, both business and entrepreneurial related which actually felt really good, just letting all of our ideas flow. It was THIS conversation that led me to "mix it up" at my job...

Wearing:

Jumpsuit: Target

Bag: c/o Darriel & Cherry

Wedges: Old from Just Fab - Similar style here

Bandana scarf: c/o J. Jill

Sunnies: Old Navy

Lipstick: Glo Skin Beauty

I thought: Wouldn't it be cool if we created an open atmosphere in the office for people to share their ideas and collaborate with one another to turn those into plans? Just once a month, something as simple as taking your lunch outside or grabbing a coffee together nearby and letting your mind just explore freely? I wasn't sure about sharing this with the rest of the team because it's a small group of people with very strong opinions but turns out, the idea was well-received so I organized our very first "idea lunch" this afternoon. We ordered a few salads, spread out some picnic blankets in the front of our building and spent an hour talking a loosely assigned topic of brand loyalty and smart customer service.

The main idea is to encourage idea sharing and foster creativity within the office and hopefully further implement an atmosphere that encourages collaboration. I hope to build these sessions into our monthly rhythm to create a culture of open engagement and a way to give value to everyone’s ideas. Creative ideas aren't limited to marketing heads or design teams...we just need to provide the right outlet for everyone's to be shared. Outside of the concrete ideas that were tossed around, it just felt really nice to get out and split up the day with something different. I enjoyed getting to break out of the normal workday routine and noticed that the rest of the day was more productive as well. 

Mixing it up - 1, comfort zone - 0. 

On that same note of doing something different, but this time, in the world of fashion, this is my first dabble into the world of rattan bags. I know I almost let an entire season fly by before testing the water but it wasn't until I saw THIS bag that I decided it was time. I spotted it at a booth at our local Farmer's Market and couldn't get it out of my head for weeks afterwards so I had to make it happen. 

This gorgeous rattan bag is handmade by a new brand named Darriel and Cherry and the story behind the brand is as meaningful as the products. This duo was born and raised in Kuching on the island of Borneo and they have always had exposure to communities with rich cultural diversity so they're hoping that through their products, not only can these cultures be shared, but they can empower artisans in remote areas to create more job opportunities. 

Bag details: 100% handwoven, bow closure with a leather button fastener, leather strap and a lining fabric that was selected exclusively by D&C to compliment the bag. 

Happy Friday! Don't forget to try something new this weekend

Have you tried the peach pineapple Kombucha? ;) 

Summer Lists, Simplified

Wearing:

Top: Evereve

Shorts (similar) | Hat (similar) | Bag: c/o J. Jill (very similar!) - also love this one!

Sandals: LC Lauren Conrad

Jacket: J. Crew (similar)
Sunnies: Old Navy

When Mike and I were dating, we would always make a Summer list - Things we wanted to try or experience and after a year or two, some of those become annual activities. Six Flags, Taste of Chicago (for rainbow cones and cheesecake!), Sox Games, Movies at the Park, North Avenue Beach, Brew at the Zoo. We also penciled in travel wherever we could, like a road trip to Cedar Point and an anniversary visit to Catalina Island, where he proposed. But the tradition of the Summer list started way before there was a Mike...

I've made one for myself for as long as I can remember and early on, when Summer meant you had all the time in the world, the plans were much more simple. Spend a whole day in Megan's pool, finish my new book, burn mix cd's on Kazaa (The best, right?!), jump on the trampoline, organize neighborhood flashlight tag (this was my JAM!), get a blizzard at Dairy Queen, sleep until noon, ride bikes, live in my swimsuit. God, when I think about days like that in my head, it seems so long ago that it's hard to believe they ever happened. Those were some of the the best memories I've made though, at the time, I didn't appreciate how fast and fleeting they actually were.

It's funny, though, because with Ronan, I get to re-live the simple days of Summer once again in a way. Because he's experiencing everything for the first time, he's fascinated by it all so he's a great reminder to slow down and appreciate all the little memories we're making together. Things like sitting on our deck blowing bubbles, eating our breakfast outside in pajamas, going for early morning walks, sitting in the grass and letting it graze our bare feet, enjoying the swings at the park, splashing at the water table, eating a cold treat on a hot day (or in his case, a cool teether). Even though we have a full calendar of activities with some event occupying almost every weekend, I appreciate having something that helps me remember all of Summer's wonderful simplicity.

Speaking of wonderful... these cotton striped shorts from J. Jill are that and more. I call them my "Mom Shorts," (which is quite literal) because of the length, but I mean it in the best way possible. Most of my shorts are fairly short (not necessarily cheeky), but still too much for the office and  many places in real life. Not only are these length appropriate but they are so soft, not too tight or too lose and the cutest striped style for Summer. I love blue/white together and you guys know I have a stripe addiction so it's not surprising I wear these multiple days in a row during the week. They are the perfect throw on & go bottoms so I can already tell I will be living in them for the next few months.

What's on your Summer list? Do you make one every year?

See ours on Instagram! Happy Friday :)

Speaking My Liingo

You know how when you get a new pair of shoes or bag, you try to style every outfit around said item? It becomes your base that everything else must work with because come hell or high water, you’re wearing that new piece out of the house. That’s kind of how I feel about my new glasses – I usually wear contacts during the day and glasses at night to give my eyes a break but with this new pair in hand, I now look in my closet and gravitate towards things that will complement the frames. But, let me back up…

 I recently visited the eye doctor for my yearly appointment (AND to inquire why one of my eyes is now smaller than the other since giving birth - any other Mom's have this weird issue?!), and in addition, I had the intention of ordering new glasses. I have had the same pair for about six years now and while I still like the style, my prescription has changed and I have been looking for an update - something different, because not only have mine taken a beating over the past few years but these days, glasses are just as interchangeable as earrings and hats because they are an expression of your personality and a statement piece where fashion is just as important as function.

current frames

However, I am slightly outraged by the prices of frames in some of the larger retail venues. I don't have an extra $350 or more laying around to spend on a pair of glasses which will inevitably get bent or broken (shout out to my 9 month old who loves to take them off my face!), so I started doing my research for some more cost-effective options and remembered that I had seen multiple people on social media wearing frames from a brand I wasn't yet familiar with. In a short time, I had saved a large collection of screen shots on my phone of the SAME pair of  frames, so apparently I know what I like (just like my taste in gentlemen - dark hair, dark eyes, not TOO tall - hi husband!). I looked it up and it was "The Harper" that had been catching my eye; A champagne colored pair of round, feminine lenses with a flared temple. I loved how different they were from my classic tortoise shell frames and even though the tortoise print NEVER goes out of style, these felt a little more current and out of my comfort zone in a good way.

After falling in love with the style, I got even more excited because I found out the frames were only $129 and Liingo offers free prescription lenses (plus a free in home try-on for 10 days to try out the style). I wore them in front of Family and co-workers for a day or so to test the waters and it was unanimous: They were a hit. My boss told me the color (or lack thereof) worked well with my hair and really popped on my face, whereas my eyebrows kind of got lost with the tortoise frames. I have had them for a few weeks now and am really having fun styling them.

 I most recently wore them with my denim jumper (and please note, I had a scarf tied around my pony tail that day) so I basically felt like the real life version of Belle: #GOALS. I've also found they look great with a pop of red lipstick and a relaxed fit button up shirt and loafers, basically my go-to uniform for the office. Effortlessly chic! 

P.S.  I just noticed I am in desperate need of a manicure, ouch!
 Mother's Day gift to myself? I think so :)

Where do you guys shop for frames? Let me know if you try Liingo...

I'm know you'll be as happy with their service and product as I am.

This post is in partnership with Liingo Eyewear. As always, opinions are entirely my own. 

Thanks for supporting the brands that make Kait Lately possible! 

How to Style Overalls for Spring

WEARING:

Overalls: Old Navy | Top: Old Navy

Bag: E Street Denim (similar) | Heels: Sole Society (old, but similar here)

Sunnies: Old Navy

I'll be honest: I wore these to work today. I wore them to Donut Fest last weekend. I wore them to the park with my Family on Sunday. And I'll most likely wear them again before this week is over. When I love something, I tend to wear it out - That goes for songs (currently listening to the Hamilton soundtrack on repeat), food (I've been eating turkey sandwiches for 30 years) and of course, clothes. I'm on a big overall kick right now and I've decided they are basically the dresses of the denim world. They are so easy to throw on for an effortless look and in my opinion, require less getting ready time than trying to style a jeans and top combo because there are so many simple ways to style them. My go-to is usually a black and white striped but I like how I've been seeing them for Spring with a peasant/off the shoulder top. This keeps things fresh and feminine which is a great way to avoid looking like a farmer, especially if you follow my lead and add a strappy yellow block heel - typically not a farmer fan favorite.

Quick, fun story about these - I had my eye on them on the Old Navy website for a while so I recently made a pit stop to the store to try them on but the sales associate informed me they were an online exclusive. Even she looked upset by it and I left disappointed, because like I said, when I love something, I want it now/on repeat (so Millenial of me). I checked online when I got home and they were sold out! Seriously? I missed out twice and I was so bummed...

BUT THEN -- about a week later, I was in Old Navy (yes, again, Mike) and just happened to peruse the sale section to see if there were any gems. I spotted ONE pair of overalls hanging up in between a lot of other chunky Winter leftovers and figured I couldn't possibly get this lucky, right? Wrong - It was one pair in my size and they fit me perfectly. This was definitely a case of wardrobe destiny so I feel like I owe it to the overalls to wear them as much as possible. They were just waiting for me to bring them home ;)

And P.S. Both my overalls and off the shoulder top are on sale!
Click the images above to shop 💚

Do you have any overalls in your closet? 

I'm excited to add a pair of white shortalls for Summer! 

The Jumpsuit that Styles Itself

WEARING:

Jumpsuit: VICI | Cork Wedges: Shopbop

Straw Bag: c/o J. Jill | Jacket: J. Crew

Necklace: Evereve | Sunnies: H&M

SHOP THE LOOK:

Remember that one day last week where the sun was shining and we all stepped outside with smiles on our faces and coats nothing on our backs? Yeah, me either because it seems like a dream now that we're looking at a fresh blanket of snow. But it DID happen, it was glorious and it was a reminder that one day our limbs will receive Vitamin D once again. Speaking of, I don't think I have EVER been this pale. I am an Irish girl with strawberry blond hair, blue eyes and freckles - basically Edward Cullen when I step into the light, but this is a whole new level of glowing. *Probably* not the best time to debut this jumpsuit but hey, I'm a risk taker! 

About said jumpsuit...I'm in love. I'm a jumpsuit/overall/romper/things with straps kind of gal in general but then you add tie straps, a few stripes, pj material, and a wide leg silhouette, it's a no brainer for me. This piece is just one of the many things I had my eye on from VICI so I'm glad I finally pulled the trigger. I think it would also look really cute with a white t-shirt underneath and sneakers. And a tan. 

Side note: It's currently only available in a size large but I linked to many SUPER similar items above or you can sign up on the VICI website to get an email when it's back in stock in your size!

Also, when does wearing one of your favorite items become an actual obsession? I've had this denim jacket for a few years now and once the weather turns warmer, I literally layer it over everything. I should probs branch out and at least add a few different styles to my closet, yeah? 

Perhaps a distressed option and a lighter denim wash? Let me know if you have any recommendations...otherwise, you'll be seeing this bad boy in many more posts to come.

Who else is excited for jumpsuit season? 

We only have 237 more days of Winter to get through! 

Just kidding...kind of.