Black Friday Favorites: 2016 Guide

I wanted to share some of my black Friday Picks! I braved the storm this year and went out and picked up some great gifts for family, friends and mostly baby girl! Y'all there is such cute clothes for little girls-it's too much!! Hope y'all had a wonderful post-Thanksgiving. I'm currently in cheesecake coma-but relaxing watching some Iowa football and hanging with the boys {and girl} ;)! Go Hawks! 

1. Blush Jacket | 2. Kate Spade Planner | 3. Hunter Boots | 4. Loren Hope Bracelet | 5. Kate Spade Swan Phone Case | 6. Baublebar Tassel Earrings | 7. Michael Kors Watch | 8. Tory Burch Tote | 9. Canon Camera | 10. Nike Sneaks | 11. Baublebar Monogram Necklace | 12. VS Jammies 

Holiday Gift Guide Under $25 + Season SALES!

Photos by: Tess Ware

{Outfit Details below}

BP. Textured Knit Pullover: Nordstrom | Topshop Black Denim: Nordstrom {on major sale} | Monogram Necklace: Love Always {30% off-perfect gift for her, fellas} | Sunnies: Urban Outfitters | Bag: Tory Burch | Booties: Save here, splurge here {on sale} 

Happy Thanksgiving loves! I hope you enjoy some much needed family/friend time and gobble till' you wobble! A true statement that I fully intend to honor! Honestly y'all- I just hope I have room. I swear this little girl is running out of room! 

It's crazy to think November has come and almost gone-I'm not jumping the gun or anything.... but I may have a date with my tree, hallmark Christmas movies and hot coco! It's totally acceptable to put a tree up right after Thanksgiving, right? #ahhdoin'itanyways.

This year D, baby girl and I have two Thanksgivings in one day. Thanksgiving is always so exciting with the Macy's Day Parade, endless food...aka {grandma's homemade cheesecake}, football and quality time with family! Usually every year mom and I head to Target for their amazing Black Friday deals. This year we got everything we wanted online ahead of time like this Motorola video baby monitor here. {Limited time online, also in stores}. I'm a total sucker for a good deal on baby necessities and this was one D and I just couldn't pass up! ANYTHING for a piece of mind when little babe arrives! Also-how fun are these pajama family sets here!? I absolutely adore the mama/papa bear tees! What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? 

Heads up-I wanted to let you in on some REALLY great sales-sales that I enjoy shopping each year because c'mon who doesn't love a great deal? This year is a little more fun shopping deals for baby girl and all! 

Sales you won't want to miss!

OLD NAVY: 50% off almost everything, discount applied at checkout

EXPRESS: 50% off everything, discount applied at checkout

LOVE ALWAYS: 30% off sitewide, use code SPARKLE 

TORY BURCH: 30% off with code THANKS

GAP: 50% everything with code TGIF50

NORDSTROM: Up to 40% off men's, women's and children's, no coded needed

J.CREW FACTORY: 50-60% off everything, prices as marked  

J.CREW: 40% everything in stores and online with code HOLIDAY. 

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Shop the Guide! 

What to Wear to Thanksgiving!

Photos By: Tess Ware

{Outfit details below} 

White blouse: Nordstrom | Faux Fur Vest: Here and here | Denim: Nordstrom | Boots: Nordstrom | Necklace: Monogram {3XL} On sale here {20% off with code YAY20} | Sunnies: Urban Outfitters | 

What isn't there to love about the holidays? I love time spent with family and of course some quality "chow" time ;) AKA-all the yummy food you can eat! It's pretty much tradition for D and I's family to enjoy as much food as possible! My favorite? Pecan pie and mashed potatoes. 

Thanksgiving is truly about family, food and football-everyones 3 favorite "f" words! So for me, dressing comfortable yet cute is a must! I love this faux fur vest here {splurge} and here {save} {mine is from last season} but these two are so similar and both are at a great price point. The best part?! Vests are removable-so eat away girlfriend-eat away! 

Anyways, not to jump to the next holiday-beause lets be real we need to enjoy Thanksgiving first...Christmas is coming and that means more family time, but also gift giving. I've learned over the years that Christmas has become less about the real meaning and more about gift giving. While giving is part of the meaning of christ and Christmas, it isn't the actual purpose. However, I'm a true believer that a balance of both {more appreciation} and the gift of giving are what makes christmas so special. 

Over the next couple of weeks I'll be creating gift guides. My hope is that it brings y'all ideas because holiday shopping CAN be stressful. If you have any suggestions please please send them my way! I started Smitten By You 2 years ago to bring you lovely followers ideas, bargains and an easy way to shop products that I truly enjoy! 

FELLAS-{ladies} My favorite online accessory store is having a sale! Baublebar has been a holy grail for me over the years. The quality of the pieces is amazing and they have everything from the cutest statement necklaces here, tassel earrings here, to the best monogram necklaces here! If you purchase 2 pieces use code {YAY25} for 25% off and for 1 piece code {YAY20} for 20%! Ladies-I love my monogram necklace! It makes for the perfect gift! 

Thank you for stopping by and supporting Smitten By You!!!

XOXO | Mandy Nicole

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Nordstrom Ruched Long Sleeve Dress + 29 Week Bump Update

Photos: Tess Ware

Dress: Nordstrom | Scarf: Similar | Clutch: Here | Booties: Similar | Sunnies: ASOS {super sale} | Lips: Nordstrom "Snob" | Monogram Necklace: Love Always {3XL} 

{Hello} 3rd Trimester! I can't believe week 29 is here and this bump-this bump is so fun! I've received a lot of comments like- "you don't look pregnant," "how many weeks are you, really?" So, with the bump officially growing it's pretty hard to deny I have an awesome human growing inside me! BTW-these comments can easily be taken as a compliment and I've done so throughout the pregnancy. I guess my thoughts-hopefully they'll say the same once she's here <3

Dressing a bump can prove to be challenging, but I've said it once before and I'll say it 1000x again..dresses are low maintenance and easy to dress up! I adore this Nordstrom Leith Ruched Long Sleeve Dress and it's price friendly too! Switch this look up by adding a bold red lip and a fun faux fur vest for the perfect Holiday look! 

I've linked similar options for booties here and y'all how fabulous are these sunnies from ASOS? Under $40 and can you say Ray Ban look-a-likes!?

Quick bump update:

How far along: 29 weeks 1 day! 

Movement: All the time! She is in full force-always moving her legs, arms and butt! However, we have yet to catch her moving on camera-she's definitely camera shy {like her father}. 

Size: We're hoping to find out at our 29 week appointment today! 

Changes: The bump is growing each week! My first time EVER being sick was yesterday with the flu. All you mama's out there who experienced morning sickness/nausea you deserve all the donuts, coffee and shopping trips. TALK about being in complete misery. 

Nursery: We finally decided on flooring and I can't wait for that project to get started! Hopefully from there it's all up hill! 

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO | Mandy Nicole

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Flannel Friday's: Super Sale!

Photos By: Tess Ware

{Outfit details below} 

High-Low Plaid Shirt: Von Maur | Black Denim: Nordstrom | Booties: Similar | Bag: Tory Burch | Sunnies: Shopbop | Lip: Mac {sin} | Bracelet: Stella & Dot | Necklace: Stella & Dot

Happy Friday loves! I'm writing this post short and sweet today because I'll be honest-I had all intentions of getting this finished last night-but I was one tired mama. 12 hour shifts at the hospital will do that to you. Especially now that I have additional precious cargo ;)

Anyways, I'm currently on a flannel kick and bought this amazing high-low plaid flannel from Von Maur.  It's currently on sale for $40 dollars here. I personally fell in love with the color and overall fit. A girl can never have too many flannels and I think I have a closet that can back that statement. Another great deal are these Topshop Moto Jeans-currently $40 as well here! If you don't own a pair of black denim do yourself a favor and get yourself some, girl. I wear these just as much if not more than regular denim. The rip in the knees gives them an edgy vibe-edgy is good! 

On a side note: Dustin decided to let a a sister know that she had a rip in her workout pants....wait for it...at the end of class. Like hello, who else witnessed this horror?! Pregnancy is all fun and games until something busts at the seams. Did I mention their one of my favorite pairs?! Looks like I'll be purchasing a new pair-maybe just another size! 

XOXO | Mandy Nicole 

6 Fall Staples: For Every Girl!

Photos By: Tess Ware

{Outfit Details below}

Open Cardigan: Similar here {save} here {splurge} | Strap Tank: Nordstrom | Scarf: ShopbellaC

Faux Leather Leggings: Express | Hat: Nordstrom | Booties: Similar | Bracelet: Stella & Dot 

Hello you lovely readers! I hope your week has been off to a good start. I wanted to share some quick and easy tips on how to add fall staples to your closet on a budget! 

1. Basic tops: This is going to be your first step in successfully building your closet for any season. Basic tops are a must! Think of these pieces as your starting point. In my closet I own a tank, white blouse and long sleeve. I carry that theme throughout with black and grey as well. A girl can never have enough basic pieces! I adore these options here {wearing above, only $30}, here and here. The best thing when shopping for basic pieces is they usually come in several colors!

2. Denim or Faux Leather: One pair of really good denim and a fun pair of faux leather leggings will take your wardrobe to another level. I shared last week on the blog these Articles of Society denim here. So comfortable and pregnancy friendly! A win-win. I tend to lean towards darker denim and soft material! These are my all time favorite faux leather leggings from Express. I love that leather can add such an edgy vibe! 

3.  Open Cardigans: Yes, yes, and yes!! Perfect for fall and easy to layer. Open cardigans, in my opinion, are the easiest to style! Throw one on over a basic piece, add a fun blanket scarf and voila! I love these here and here. 

4. Hats: Wool hats are especially nice for fall! I wasn't 100% confident the hat pictured above really was my style, but Tess convinced me otherwise-thanks for always having my back ;) You might ask yourself-where am I ever going to wear a hat..and here are some hat friendly places. A night out with your girlfriends, date night and my favorite-bad hair days! I love these options here, here and here. 

5. Blanket Scarf: I bet you can't count how many times I've said this lately! ;) I can't and won't stop-y'all blanket scarves are the in-thing. Like jelly sandals were in the 90's! You have to own a blanket scarf in every color if not a few. They look awesome with anything, anything! Here is the post I did awhile back with all my favorite blanket scarves! You're welcome :)

6. Booties: Tall, mid-length and short...boots scream fall! Build your shoe collection with a good pair of black, cognac and colored/pattern bootie! Some of my go-to brands are Steve Madden, Dolce Vita and JustFab. Affordable and cute! 

Follow these 6 steps and I guarantee your closet will be a game changer! 

XOXO | Mandy Nicole 

Fall Ready: With SheIn

1. Sweater || 2. Coat || 3. Denim || 4. Boots || 5. Bag || 6. Scarf || 7. Sunnies

With colder temperatures here to stay. It's time to pull out those coats and layers! I will be the first one to admit I'm not a huge coat girl. Even more now that I have a bump to dress! My thoughts are can fall just stay, like forever? Iowa weather can be so unpredictable. One minute it's in the 70's and the next the 30's. 

No matter the season-there are two color combinations I think always pair nicely together. Grey + Blush. SheIn is such an affordable site that offers chic pieces making it effortless to pull any look together. These are some fall staples that can transition you into those winter months as well. Who doesn't love a pair of OTK boots?! These suede lace up OTK boots here are only $50! Such a steal and look similar to the Stuart Weitzman boots that retail for $700. 

Anyways, I thought I would share some great fall pieces that are budget friendly. Happy Wednesday loves! 

XOXO | Mandy Nicole 

Maternity Friendly Dresses + 26 Week Bump Update

 Photos By: Tess Ware

{Post details below}

Knit Swing Dress: Old Navy | Boots: Nordstrom | Scarf: Impressions | Bag: Similar here  

We have reached our 6 month marker with baby girl's arrival being only months away! To be completely honest-I'm extremely excited to meet her and with every kick it confirms how truly in love I am with this sweet little miss already {as she lays a solid kick or two as I'm writing this ;)}! I wanted to share a 26 week bump update because I've been lacking in progress photos. 

How far along: 26 weeks and 3 days-to be exact ;) 

Name: We have had her full name picked out for awhile now, however we have chosen to keep the name private until her arrival. We both feel it's something we can keep special between all 3 of us-5 if you count her fur-brothers! I love how one of my co-workers put it, "I feel like the name is going to be unique but settle." This couldn't be any more true.

Movement: Mostly during the night time hours and earlier in the morning. However, she pretty much is an all day mover! She's either going to make one mean gymnast or a really good kickboxer. My favorite is when Dustin talks to her-she loves to hear his voice!

Belly Button: Besides my belly button being the size of a quarter-I still have an innie! And no signs of the dark line on my tummy yet (Linea Nigra). However, the amount of baby hairs growing on my upper tummy is INSANE! lol. 

Size: She is 1.5 pounds! However our next appointment is Wednesday so she may measure bigger. 

Weight Gain: I actually don't feel like I have gained a significant amount of weight-but my scale says otherwise! My goal is to eat in moderation and keep up on my exercise routines. 

Cravings: Candy, candy and more candy?! It's October though-every day should be tricky-or-treat! ;P Really anything sweet and chocolate! And I have a feeling this little girl is going to have a sweet tooth just like her mama! 

Sickness: This continues NOT to be an issue for me whatsoever and blessed I am! I have days where naps are mandatory and I take full advantage of that. Naps have always been my jam. 

Physical changes: My bump is growing and sometimes bending over is psychically impossible. I'm nowhere near the "I can't see my toes" stage. However, I feel that's right around the corner! I've had a few times already where my feet were so swollen I didn't have ankles and I can't forget about the 50 states mapped out on my back. AKA-backacne. :P #allworthit. 

Workout: I'm actually interested in putting together a post where I share my weekly workout routines. I feel like this area differs for many mamas-to-be and I think sometimes it's a touch n' go subject. I personally love the routine I'm in and would have so much fun sharing what that looks like with y'all! So, stayed tuned. 

What we are most excited about: We are most excited to meet our little girl. Delivery + labor has come up several times in conversation at work. I work for a hospital so these types of conversations are like girl chat over happy hour. I haven't gotten all too anxious yet. However, to say I won't be when that time comes is hard telling! We have so much more to look forward to. I can't wait to add some fun pieces to the nursery and to continue to check things off the to do list. Dustin has made every appointment and this gives me such piece of mind and comfort. A+ for you babe ;) 

What we are most anxious about: It sounds silly, but getting the nursery completed for her. I want her room to be sweet and cozy! She isn't just our special little girl, she is our whole world. 

Nursery: I wanted to go light and chic for our nursery. Our thoughts, simple whites with light pink accents. Less is more! Pinterest has been the death of me and my wallet. I love seeing how other bloggers style their little ones nursery's as well. Here are a few of my favorite nursery inspirations from Pinterest here and here! We went with this 3-in-1 crib from Wayfair and what a steal! I absolutely fell in love with this Pottery Barn crib. However, things add up and we appreciate saving where we can!

Current wish list + Purchases:  

We currently have our eyes on two different nursery glider/rocking chair. This Cream Upholstered Glider from Target and this Shermag Deluxe Rocker Chair from Toysrus. Super elegant, yet again, a third of the cost! 

This Bassinet is on the top of our list of purchases. We love the option of having her sleep in our master bedroom for the first couples weeks/months before transitioning to her big girl crib!

We registered for a DockATot and if this doesn't make it as a gift-we will for sure be adding it to our "must haves!" I love the cover options here and here. 

I must admit when it comes to babies and sickness. I'm a complete mess. There is nothing worse than seeing a baby in distress! So, here are a few items I reviewed by other mama's and added to our registry as well. The Zoil Breather Electric Nasal Aspirator from West Coast Kids. The Pacidose Pacifier Medicine Syringe {0-6 months} from Nordstrom. The Braun ThermoScan Ear Thermometer from Target. 

I also have to mention that I don't in any way try to hide my bump! I think I was born a layered queen-cold blooded to be exact. I love showing off this lovely bump and am excited to style this dress from Nordstrom on the blog soon! Stay tuned ;)

In the meantime here are some of my picks for maternity friendly dresses! 

Old Navy: Drapey Shirt Dress {in Salamander} 

Nordstrom: Ingrid + Isabel Dot Lace Dress

PinkBlush: Floral-Sash-Tie-Dress 

Target: Gingham Popover Shirt Dress

I hope your weekend is fabulous! 

XOXO | Mandy Nicole