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

Cold Shoulder Cable Knit Sweater

Photos by: Tess Ware 

{Outfit details below}

Cable Knit Sweater: Von Maur-similar here, here, here | Denim: Nordstrom {under $55} | Scarf: Nordstrom {my favorite} | Bag: Similar here | Boots: Nordstrom | Monogram Necklace: Love Always {3XL} | Sunnies: Urban Outfitters | Lips: Stila "Baci"{perfect for fall} 

Y'all what isn't there to love about fall?! Although this season has turned 70's to 50's back to 70's-the weather is finally allowing for crockpot dinners, sweaters, blanket scarves and you guessed it-pumpkin spice EVERYTHING #sorrynotsorry. 

One of my favorite fall combinations is a cozy cable knit with a fun blanket scarf! I picked this chunky knit sweater up at our local Von Maur for under $55! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find it online. However-I did link similar cold shoulder options all under $70. I think anything that shows a little skin is so fun!  Also linked is my favorite BP Plaid Blanket Scarf from Nordstrom here! It has every fall color and easy to wear with just about anything. 

Anyways-I'm continuously on the hunt to add additional pieces to our baby girl's nursery and can I just say selecting items for a baby registry is WAY more entertaining and fun than a wedding registry, hands down! 

Don't miss tomorrows post where I share a 26 week bump update and current items in our nursery! 

XOXO | Mandy Nicole 

Gingham Off-Shoulder Top with Bell Sleeves

Photos by: Tess Ware

{Outfit details below} 

Gingham Off-Shoulder Top: Chicwish | Faux-leather leggings: Express | Booties: Similar here  | Bag: Express | Sunnies: Shopbop | Lips: Mac {Sin}

Happy Monday loves! I hope your weekend severed you well. I had a very productive one shopping the local craft show with my mama and grandma! As always walking away with great decor pieces for fall and Christmas. There's just something about craft shows and junkin' that make my heart incredibly full. They had the cutest personalized pieces like Christmas ornaments and signs {yes please}! Honestly, it makes me excited to start a collection for baby girl next year! :) 

Anyways following the craft show I spent countless hours searching for the perfect flooring for the nursery and our bedroom. I was praying hard that the floor saints would come to the rescue...because y'all why are there so many options and styles?! I walked away with fifteen samples, a headache and extremely confused. Dustin and I narrowed our current picks down to two and just when I thought the end was near-I received a thousand other recommendations. Does this sound familiar? Yeah....first it was all the diaper bag options and now it's flooring. Can you say #indecisive?!

What wasn't a hard decision was purchasing this Chicwish Gingham Off-Shoulder Top here. I love anything gingham print and these bell sleeves-OH MY! OBSESSED. I loved pairing this top with these Express Faux Leather Leggings here. I think it gives this look some edge making it a perfect for date night!

Thanks for stopping by! Next up-adding to our baby registry! Let me know any of your MUST-HAVE recommendations!

XOXO | Mandy Nicole 

Blanket Scarves: Fall Essentials!

1. Chevron Square Scarf 
Currently on backorder-loving the western print. Cute with olive tones!

2. Madwell 'Range Plaid Wool Scarf
This scarf would be perfect for cooler temps and layering under a wool peacoat! Perfect for Midwest winters. 

3. BP Knit Scarf 
I absolutely love this line carried exclusively at Nordstrom. Everything from blouses, booties and scarves are super affordable-that's my kind of talk! This scarf comes in five different colors and is under $30. 

4. BP Leopard Print Scarf
Leopard print is so effortless. You literally can't go wrong and it pairs well with just about every color. Leopard is my go to when looking for an easy way to dress up a work look. This one here is also another cute option under $30.

5. Girly Plaid Woven Scarf 
I'm loving the light grey tones in this plaid scarf. I currently don't own any scarves in this particular color. It's definitely on my watch list-at only $25 you can't go wrong! 

6. BP Plaid Square Scarf 
I mentioned in a previous posts that I've been drawn to burgundy/plum and olive tones. I think burgundy looks good on anyone! This plaid scarf if bulky-good bulky-and comes in grey as well.

7.  BP. Buffalo Check Scarf
I'm sure you've noticed by now a common theme. Again, I can't say enough great things about the BP line at Nordstrom-Affordable and the quality is wonderful! 

8. BP. Autumn Plaid Scarf 
I adore this blanket scarf for SO many reasons! It's perfect for the fall and winter months. This scarf has been a repeat in my wardrobe the past 2 weeks! 

9. BP. Block Print Scarf
How funky is this scarf!? I can't think of a piece it wouldn't pair well with! The best part-it's under $30! 

Happy Thursday loves!! 

XOXO | Mandy Nicole