basic tee  |  leggings  |  chunky cardigan  |  over coat  |  scarf – similar  |  beanie  |  grey uggs  |  haydens uggs  |  baby uggs

So I’ve been a California girl for the past 5 years and we don’t have much need for a bunch of layers. But after our trip to Salt Lake City, Utah to look for house’s I quickly realized this would be our families new reality next year.

We were in Louisville, Kentucky before California so I do have a sense of layering from those 4 years there + I forgot how much work it is to get all the little people bundled up and take it all off again!! haha. Anyways, I thought I’d share 5 tips + tricks for layering and keeping a bit of shape in between it all so you don’t feel like a huge marshmallow.

• Basics : Always start with your basic layers — these are key pieces everyone has. For example:  leggings, a plain white tee, any long sleeve shirt like grey or black, and tights.

• Layering Pieces : This is the piece that you usually will end up in once your inside.  Any button up tops, light blouses, super lightweight sweaters, so you know all the cozy goodness.

• Mixing Textures :  So this is what can change your entire look. You can add texture with chunky sweaters, scarves, even a vest, ugg boots. Anything with texture, throw it on!!

• Hero Piece : This is you main top layer — such as a trench coat or rain coat, snow coat, or peacoat. I’ve even seen a long duster as the hero piece in not so cold places…like Cali.

• Accessories : This is always my favorite, because it just completes your whole look and depending on with what accessories you go with…again you can change your entire look by wearing a hat or beanie, adding a bright colored purse or a neutral one. Also, gloves, and sunnies are a great addition.

Well I hope these tips help you layer through out the rest of the winter season!! I am already stocking up on winter items for next  from Nordstrom for myself and the little people, as I know we are all going to freeze our first winter up there. Ahhhh, it will be night and day from our usual California winters.

xx – kails

in collaboration with Nordstrom

photos: corissa ann

leather jacket  |  dress + similar here  |  heels  |  sunnies  |  wallet  |  initial necklace

. .  SHOP THE POST  . .

How in the world is New Years Eve tomorrow? Really? Right now we don’t have plans, but sometimes last minute get-togethers come up, so we’ll see what happens. I think it’s always fun to get dressed up for the holiday’s – but if your unsure of plans and something comes up last minute it’s nice to have a back up outfit for those occasions.

Being 38 weeks pregnant I was not about to buy a dress for “just incase”, as I’m sure a bunch of you wouldn’t either. So today I thought I’d share an easy back up outfit and my always “go to – everybody looks great in” outfit.

An all black look should be a closet staple for everyone!! (really these should be the first staple items you buy)  I love this basic black dress because you can wear it anytime for any occasion…add a jacket and you’ve got a great combo! Buuuuut what can take an outfit from day to night or to party ready are your shoes!! Honestly, you’d be surprised how much your shoes can change your entire look. I love these cage sandals from Macy’s and how they completely doll up my basic dress. I’ve also been eyeing these heels + these over the knee boots – they add spice to any outfit.

So go through you closet tonight and pull out those basic black dresses or black staple items and start pairing them with some of your fancier heels, pumps and more. You’ll be surprised at how much your shoe choice can change your outfit.

Also, Macy’s is having their after Christmas Sale! You can get an extra 20% off with the code JOY. Now tell me some of your New Years Eve plans?! We are probably laying low with the little people at nana’s house, but I’d love to hear all the fun things you guys do!!

xx – kails

. .  SHOP MORE GUESS SHOES  . .

in partnership with Macy’s

photos: malea ellett

me:  dress + non-maternity here  |  heels  |  clutch  ||  joe:  shirt + similar  |  jeans + here  |  sneakers

. .  SHOP THE POST  . .

. .  SHOP MENS SHIRTS  . .

If you’ve followed along here for awhile you know how important Joe and I think date night is! I shared a post about our date nights a few moths ago — you can read it HERE. Well, as we are nearing the birth of baby #5 (that kinda freaks me out to type that) date nights have become even that more special + important as we know it will be quite awhile before we can go out alone again.

I seem to get all sentimental and emotional (I’m blaming the hormones) that an old phase is about to end and a new one is going to begin. Life the past 9 months have been crazier then ever with Joe’s Cardiac Fellowship starting last July + the new hours that come with that, along with the 3 oldest kids in soccer all at the same time, both girls in dance, Joe traveling for job interviews, having a 17 month old + being pregnant on top of it all.

Date nights have been my saving grace and time to talk about life, let out all my worries + excitements about our new adventures coming up (like moving) + more. Joe has had a love hate with date night in the past because of the “getting dressed” up part. haha. But I’m being serious. Though this last year he has actually gotten better and stepped out of his normal tee shirt + shorts and flipflop style. It’s only taken 13 years but I thinks he’s finally come around to the idea that button ups + jeans aren’t too bad. Especially, since we will be moving to colder weather next year. (can’t wait to share with you all where we’re moving)

I made a huge Nordstrom order last week for our entire family, since the littles have all grown out of their winter clothes + Joe needed some updated items as well. And you know I grabbed baby girl some outfits and myself a few things for after baby comes. I didn’t want any stress of returning items that don’t fit – but with free returns with Nordstrom there’s no stress!!

Also, I rounded up a bunch of my favorites jeans + sneakers below if your looking for any last minute gifts for the men in your life. Some items can still arrive on Christmas Eve if you order today. Hope your all ready for Christmas – because I’m not — so please send help!

xx – kails

. .  SHOP MENS PANTS  . .

. .  SHOP MENS SHOES  . .

in partnership with Nordstrom

photos: corissa ann

denim jacket + here  |  dress  |  booties + similar + here  |  clutch  |  watch  |  ring  |  bar necklace

. .  SHOP THE POST  . .

So I’ve gotten a few emails the past couple months about my style + how I found it. I kinda had to laugh because I feel like at different stages in my life I’m still trying to find it!! Anyway, I thought I’d share a few tips that have helped me figure out my style hrough the years + I hope they’ll help you find your true style and what makes you feel confident + comfortable.

If you’ve followed along for awhile I’m sure you’ve figured out my go-to outfits when I haven’t been pregnantand and my favorites durning pregnancy. Dresses are defiantly a huge favorite during pregnancy and I am a lover of basics when not pregnant — jeans, tees and comfortable sneakers. So lets jump right in…

• What are your top 10 go to items : Go through your entire closet and pick out the items you wear the most or the ones you ALWAYS reach for. Now take a good look and see how they’re the same, is there a pattern? Like lots of white, bright colors or are most pieces black? Also, when picking out your favorites make sure you have a good variety of tops, bottoms, dresses and shoes so you get a good look at everything you love. Take into account those favorite pieces and try to build the rest of out wardrobe around them. (since they are your favs)

• Why : Why are the items you picked out your favorites? How do they make your feel? Most of the time our favorites are items that make us feel great about ourselves, or are  comfortable. Maybe we love the color against our skin or we just flat out love the fit of the item. Now take notes when buying new items…remember the colors, and fits that you love and stick with them.

• Budget : I always say quality over quantity. Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean you need to buy it. Now if you LOVE it, get it!! I personally love to save up for that nice jacket or those basic booties that I know I will wear ALL the time and year round and get the best use out of my money. I’ve made the mistake in the past and bought items just because they were on sale and I “thought I’d maybe wear them”. But in the end I wasted money because I hardly wore them. My mom always has said, “if your not dying over it or feel amazing in it when you try something on – then don’t get it!” This has helped me a lot in making good clothing decisions.

• Know where to shop : What stores are you drawn to? Or what lookbook outfits do you fall in love with most? You might not notice it, but the stores you shop at say a lot about your persaonl style. For instance Jcrew – I die over their magazine and always find a few outfits that are screaming my name!! Their style is more preppy-basics which I love. Look at some stores like Gap, Abercrombie, Old Navy or Anthropologie. They all have their own style. Look through their lookbooks and see what you are drawn too, that will help you find your personal style. Also, already put together outfits make shopping  a lot easier + it’s nice to see your style laid out.

• Dress for your body type : What are your best assets? Or what do you get complimented on the most? Play up those areas!! Like if you love your legs – get wearing all those darling skirts and shorts. Or if you have a tiny waist, A-line skirts and fit and flare dresses look amazing on you!! Or if you don’t love your stomach wear loose fitting shirts and some tighter jeans so you feel confident and never uncomfortable. BUT in the end don’t let those determine your style – love your body NOW and just work with it, because you are all beautiful inside and out!!

I hope you all know how much I appreciate your support here and through all the stages of our lives. Babies, pregnancy, motherhood, moving, ever changing my home and just enjoying life + all the friendships we have made along the way. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for letting me stay home with my littles + do something I love!! I can never thank you enough!!

xx – kails

photos:  corissa ann