10 Versatile Dresses to Take you Through Fall

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  I stayed out at Kiawah for a blogger event and it was so much fun.  I will share pictures soon after I get them uploaded.  

I wore an awesome dress this past weekend and it got me thinking about versatile dresses that you can wear now and into Fall/Winter.  Many of these are on sale right now too:)

One | Clu Dress

This is what I wore Saturday night.  I am now kind of obsessed with the Clu brand.  The dress is actually made out of cotton and it so comfortable but you can dress it up or down.  I paired mine with booties but it was also super cute with heels.

I am wearing a size small runs TTS.

It looks like my exact same dress is sold out but is available in a stripe version.

Available in a Tee Shirt Version as well.

Navy | Gray

It also comes in a Sweater Dress version, which I personally love the gray.

Two | Leith Trapeze Dress

I love a good trapeze dress.  Pregnant friends these are great during pregnancy as well because they are loose.  This one comes in 3 colors and the price is great, only $59.  Cute now with booties or flats and then pair with tights once it gets colder.

Three | Mara Hoffman Dress (on sale)

I just bought this dress last weekend.  I own this in the same style in a green Summer print and just love the gray geometric for Fall.  This dress looks great with booties and heels and I plan to toss on a leather jacket with it once it gets cooler.  Currently on sale too!  Use code FRIENDS to take 25% off.

also available in a red version.

Four | Velvet Dress

I love a cute patterned dress because it stands out.  This looks like a great casual dress and I love the detailed neckline.

Five | BR Drop Waist Dress (on sale!)

I tried this on in the store and loved it.  It also comes in gray and is now on sale.  I like the looser fit and ruffle detail.  The material is thicker which is nice and I think you could dress this up or down.

Six | Loft Art Deco Shift 

A shift style dress is one of my favorite styles because it is flattering on everyone.  The art deco pattern on this dress is so good.  This could be a great dress for work or play.

Seven | Free People Shirt Dress

I almost bought this dress last year but it sold out.  It is now back in two new colors.  I like the fun spin on a shirt dress with the ruffle at the bottom.

Eight | Free People Fiesta Dress (on sale!)

Another Free People favorite on sale now.  I own this and wear it often. It is lightweight and the pattern is even more gorgeous in person.

Nine | Equipment Aubrey Dress

I can't say enough great things about the fit of this dress.  I own it in a different pattern and just love it.  It is great for any occasion.  I have worn mine to a baby shower, church, and date night- super versatile.

Ten | JCrew Chambray Dress

A Chambray Dress is always a good idea for any season.  

This one is under $100 and I love the lighter wash.

Also don't miss Bloomingdales Friends and Family Event.  You can take 25% off almost everything with code FRIENDS.

I recently bought this dress and it is now part of the sale.  

 A few other dress favorites that are part of the Bloomingdales sale.

Recent Outfits + Random Thoughts

TGIF Friends.  Happy Friday and Happy Weekend. 

I wanted to share 3 recents outfits.

Outfit One

The dress is old but back out in a new pattern this season.  It is a great casual dress.  The vest is so soft and I know I will be wearing it all Fall.  It is a great neutral color to toss on over anything.

 

Joie Dress  | Soft Joie Vest | Sandals sold out similar

Outfit 2

I picked up this leopard blouse during the JCrew sale last week and it has been on heavy rotation.  It looks great with white, black, and blue jeans. I figure once it gets chilly here it will look cute paired with a cardigan as well.

Leopard Blouse | Jeans (on sale) | Sandals | Cross body

Outfit 3

I bought some Hunter boots last year when they were on sale and every time it rains I am so glad I have them!

Rag and Bone Shirt | Waffles and Honey Necklace | Jeans | Hunter Boots

We powered through Narcos in one week.  Seriously such an amazing series.  It was honestly the first show I have loved as much as Breaking Bad.  I am so sad it is over we were so addicted to it. I felt like I was watching a documentary.  It was so interesting to hear the story behind Pablo Escobar.  I highly recommend it. 

Last night I made the most delicious Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes.  They were filled with cheese, spinach, and chick peas and were simply amazing.  I found the recipe via Pinch of Yum and I am now addicted to her site.

You can find the recipe HERE

I picked up 2 new plants for our dining room, that hopefully I won't kill.  I found the cactus at Lowes and the other plant at Hyams.  I am still waiting on our other 4 chairs that are back ordered but I did score some new artwork for the room.  Hopefully I will have some update pictures soon.

I stopped in a new to me boutique on Jame Islands called Style Dwell.  It is located off Maybank near in the same shopping center as Barberritos and the new Harris Teeter.  They had such cute clothes and I was so excited to score this Sundress Cover-up 40% off.  Locals she had a few more left so get one while you can!

I snapped this picture of Sterling the other night sleep.  It reminded me of the book "I'll Love You Forever." Which by the way I can't ever read because I cry the entire time.

I love you forever.  I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be.

He did not sleep with the balloons all night, he fell asleep with them and then I moved them.

I just love the neutral nursery that Liz (Sequins and Stripes)  put together for her upcoming bundle of joy.  I love all the little details and how fresh and bright the room feels. You can see the whole nursery HERE

I never knew how much fun I would have dressing a little girl.  I love dressing Frances more than myself.  Boho Blouse (on sale) + her first pair of jeggings from Target.

 I wanted her to wear some cute boots with the outfit but she insisted on her jelly shoes.  Already an opinionated fashionista.

Laugh and Love.

10 Beauty Products I Can't Live Without

I technically could live without these beauty products but I don't want to.  I use quite a few different products but these are my tried and true absolute favorites.  From a young age my mom encouraged me to take good care of my skin and it is something that is even more important to me now that I am getting older and aging.

. While I splurge on some products I try to save on others and find you don't need to spend as much on certain items. 

I would love to hear if you have any favorites you can't live without.  I always love trying new products out!  We women need to share our beauty secrets to help each other out:)

ONE || Cle De Peau Concealer

Hands down the best under eye concealer.  Yes it is expensive but it lasts forever.  I have been using my same one now for over a year.  It just provides such great coverage.  I inherited really bad under eye circles and this really covers them up.

The Neiman Marcus Beauty Event is going on right now too- spend $125 and you get a cute bag filled with new products to try. 

TWO || Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

Last year I tried about every mascara on the market.  I loved Chanel but it just dried out too quickly and for the price ($30)  I didn't want to have keep replacing it every 3 weeks.  At $4 this works magic and I don't feel bad replacing it every few weeks.  My hair dresser who did make-up for years in NYC and knows his stuff told me to go to Sally Beauty Supply and buy some disposable mascara wands.  He said the wand was clogging my mascara making it clumpy and he was right.  He insisted buy the cheap mascara and just use new wands and it works.

THREE|| It's a 10 Miracle Spray

I have been using this for several months now and I am obsessed.  It conditions and detangles your hair and it smells amazing.   My hair is fine and gets tangled very easily, this plus the wet brush is a perfect combo. I also use this for the kids.

FOUR || Tata Harper Face Mask

If you only buy one face mask buy this one.  I love it.  I use it 1-2 times a week and I love that it feels like it is really tightening my skin.  It lasts forever too.  Tata Harper products are all natural and contain no chemicals or weird ingredients.

Right now Nordstrom has a great deal where if you purchase $175 of Tata Harper products you get $110 of products free. It is a great time to sample her products.

FIVE || Beauty Counter Enlightening Treatment Pads

I love these face pads.  I use these a few times a week after I wash my face.  It feels like they exfoliate as you wipe your face.  Your face tingles and just feels so fresh afterwards.  I also feel like they minimize my pores.  I love them so much I just ordered my mom some for her birthday.

SIX || Coconut Oil

I use this for so many different things but mainly as a make up remover.  It works magic getting my eye make-up off and moisturizes at the same time.  If you are pregnant this is great to rub on your belly to prevent stretch marks.  I used this with both my pregnancies.

SEVEN || Cetaphil Moisturizer

I have been using this probably since I was in high school.  My mom always used it so I started using it too.  I use it for body lotion and as my face lotion as well when my skin feels super dry.  It is so thick and moisturizes really well.  It feels luxurious but the price is not, it is usually around $15.  If you are a Costco member they carry it for a bit cheaper too.  It comes in a pump container as well but I prefer the cream in the jar.

EIGHT || Nars Bronzer

Mascara, Concealer and Bronzer are my 3 go to make-up items that I use daily.  This trio works wonders for me.  I have tried many bronzers and this is the best.  It is not too orange or shiny.  I use the Laguna color and it is the perfect sun kissed color.

Nars is also offering a gift with purchase if you spend $125 you receive Orgasm blush, illuminator, and lip gloss.

Nine || Lumene Vitamin C Dry Skin Cocktail Oil

I mentioned this on here a few months ago but it has quickly become my favorite thing.  I apply it first thing in the morning before I apply make-up or moisturizer.  I feel like my skin really absorbs it and it nourishes my dry skin. It feels amazing on your skin.  Vitamin C is so good for brightening your skin. I know Rite Aid carries this line but I actually found it cheaper on Amazon.

Ten || Clarisonic 

One of the best beauty investments.  I received mine 5 years for Christmas and I am still using it.  

It makes your skin feel so amazing afterwards.  I know many of you probably already have one but if you don't you should buy one!  I keep mine in the shower and use with an exfoliating face scrub a few times a week.

11 || Honorable Mention,  Naked Travel Size Eye shadow

I love the regular Naked palette but I like this one even better.  It is streamlined and not quite so many colors.  I like that it doesn't take up as much room too.  The colors are perfect for any skin tone and great for day or night.

My Favorites:

and most importantly:)

Sririacha Roasted Cauliflower + Peanut Butter Sauce | Kate Spade Surprise Sale

With football season starting back I have had fun appetizers and snacks on my mind.  This beauty comes from a new cookbook I am kind of obsessed with, Thug Kitchen.  If don't have their cookbook, you can check out their tumblir here where they share some recipes.  All their recipes are vegetarian and always look amazing.

 It has become my go to now that we are eating primarily meat free because their recipes are so creative and full of flavor.  This is kind of a spin on buffalo chicken but with cauliflower with an Asian Twist.  I absolutely loved the cauliflower, I could not stop eating it.  The flavors of the spicy cauliflower paired with the peanut butter sauce is amazing.

Frances Moon could not wait to dig in.    Surprisingly the kids loved this dish too- although please note they are spicy so beware if your kids don't like spicy foods. Both my kids seem to love spicy foods probably because Matt and I cook spicy things often.  If you want this dish more kid friendly I would only use the 1/3 hot sauce as opposed to 2/3.  The kids also loved dipping the cucumber in the peanut butter sauce.

|| S R I R I A C H A   R O A S T E D   C A U L I F L O W E R  +

P E A N U T  BU T T E R  S A U C E ||

Via Thug Life Cookbook

- 2 medium heads cauliflower ( I only used one)

- 1/2 cup flour

- 1/2 cup water

HOT SAUCE

- 2 teaspoons oil ( I used olive oil)

- 1/3 to 2/3 cups sriracha depending on how hot you want it ( I used 2/3)

- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce

PEANUT DIPPING SAUCE

- 1/4 cup warm water

- 1/4 peanut butter + 2 tablespoons

- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

- 2 tablespoons lime juice

- 2 teaspoons fresh minced ginger

- 1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon maple syrup

1 cucumber cut into sticks.

1) Heat oven to 450 degrees.  Grease a baking sheet or use parchment paper or foil to line.

Chop cauliflower into bite sized chunks

2) Whisk together the flour and water until there are no lumps.  Toss cauliflower with the flour water mixture and mix until all the pieces are coated.  Spread the cauliflower on baking sheet and roast 15 minutes.  Stir once about halfway through.

3) Make the hot sauce.  In a small pan mix oil, sririacha, vinegar and soy sauce.  Heat over low heat til warm.

4) Make peanut sauce. In a bowl whisk together peanut butter and water creamy and smooth.  Add in all other ingredients and stir til combined.  

5) After 15 minutes in the oven, dump the cauliflower back in a big bowl and toss with hot sauce mixture.  Make sure it all is coated.  Pour them back on the baking sheet and cook about 5 more minutes.

6) Serve hot or room temperature with sliced cucumber.

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The Kate Spade private sale started yesterday and it is filled with some great buys.  Most items are 75% off.  If you need a purse now is the time to buy one.  I am talking $600 purses for like $130.

Scroll through to see my favorites.  I have this one and this one sitting in my cart.

You can check out the whole sale HERE.

Workout Goals, Gear, and New Playlist

It has been almost 2 months since Sterling started school and I am finally starting to get back in a workout routine.  Not working puts me in a funk, so I am happy to be able to incorporate some exercise back in my life.  It took me awhile to figure out what time it was going to work for me to fit a run in.  I used to run in the mornings around 6:30-7 but now that is right when Sterling is getting up and ready for school and we leave the house by 7.  What has been working so far is I take Sterling to school get back home around 7:30 and run then.  Matt's work schedule is different everyday so some days he has to leave the house before then.  But when he can stay he does and watches Frances while I run because I hate running with a stroller.  I try to run every other day and do about 3 miles.

I next want to incorporate some yoga and or Barre.  I would ideally like to run 3 days and do a class 2 days.  I am trying to decide now if I want to join an actual gym or just pay for the classes when I feel like going at a studio.  I welcome any suggestions if you Charleston people have favorite yoga and barre classes.  The only allure of the gym is they would have childcare which would be helpful.

At night I do try and do some yoga stretches at home before bed.  Molly Sim's book has a section with like 10 poses that I really like. 

I mentioned before but we have finally have a Nordstrom Rack in Charleston and let me tell you it is my happy place.  Last week when I was there I decided to browse all the workout gear and found some amazing stuff.  They carry Zella which I love!

 Zella Jacket | Zella Leggings | Zella Tank | Running Shoes (Similar)

These pants are amazing.  If our store had the others colors I would have bought another color.  They run TTS.  I am wearing a size small. These are the Z By Zella brand and I honestly can't tell a difference between them and regular Zella.

The jacket is my favorite color blue.  Also runs TTS.  I am in a small.  I know I will be wearing this often this Fall.  I own two other Zella Jackets that are a favorite.  They fit really well.

No workout post is complete without a cheesy stretch photo:)

A few other fabulous Zella finds at Nordstrom Rack, most are 40% off and many are up to 65% off.

You can also shop the whole Zella Collection here.

I also wanted to share my new running playlist.  I always love finding new workout songs and I try and switch up my songs every few weeks to keep me inspired.

You can shop my look below.

Thanks to Nordstrom Rack for sponsoring this post