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Monday, July 31, 2017

Naot sandals


I am always on the hunt for amazing brands to add to my list of conscious consumerism products, & I can't wait to tell you about Naot today! Naot (means oasis in Hebrew) shoes have been made in Israel since their factory was founded in 1942, & they have maintained their commitment to quality + comfort since the beginning. I love the natural cork insoles that are found in all Naot shoes - they form to your foot like footprints in the sand & these sandals certainly provide all day comfort!

I love these ombre sandals for Summer, but am already dreaming of cooler weather to sport these fabulous booties. They even have styles that I can see my husband wearing as well - aren't these perfect!?

Every Naot sandal is a shoe of peace, as each one is handmade in Northern Israel by the joint effort of Israelis & Palestinians. Naot is passionate about providing beautiful + stylish products that allow you to walk all day in comfort. See more by checking out the tag #shoes4peace on Instagram.


top: Old Navy tank (from last year, similar styles from this year's Summer collection below - all under $15)





jeans: Nordstrom distressed jeans (sold out, but linking 5 similar pairs below, all under $60!)





shoes: sandals c/o Naot (can you see the awesome brown to navy ombre? It is so gorgeous in person!)


lipstick: Nars "Heat Wave"

All Photos | Noah Berg Photography

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Nordstrom Sale Season: Best of!

I can't be the only one that loses a bit of my will power/common sense when I see the word SALE! Everyone has been talking about the Nordstrom sale & I totally agree that there are some quality pieces included in the mark-downs, but I also want to point out some amazing pieces that you should put on your radar, because you shouldn't base what is in your closet just around what is on SALE. Whether you are looking for pieces for next season, or wanting replacements for well loved warm weather items, the 23 pieces below are either things that I personally own & LOVE, or items that are on my wish list. We are talking buy & love for many seasons & trends to come pieces - we are talking buy in multiples they are so good if you ask me!

First up, 12 well loved items that I myself own & highly recommend. I picked these pieces because I believe that they could fit many different personal styles, & in my experience, are well made/will last for years.


1. Suede Leather jacket. I purchased this suede leather jacket in the Spring & have shown it off on the blog paired with a dress here & jeans here. This jacket is at the top of my "must buy" list because it is not only so beautifully made, it is sturdy & feels expensive. I got mine in the "coffee bean" color + the size small fits perfectly! If the $188 price tag is too much, I would keep an eye on this super similar, but more affordable style for restocks.

2. Jack Rogers flipflops. I've already said it a million times, but this sandal in "Platinum" is seriously money for warm weather dressing (pun intended!). I got my latest pair of Jack Rogers sandals for our honeymoon in 2014 (outfit here) & they look just as pretty in an outfit from last month (full post here) - worth every penny if you ask me!

3. Ray Ban aviators. The green/gold color combo is so classic! I purchased these for myself for Christmas a few years ago (I'm spoiled & often pick out my own presents... sorry not sorry) & while I love my cheap, trendy sunglasses, my Ray Bans will forever & always remain favorites in my collection.

4. Clare V leopard clutch. Another piece that has a pricey price tag, but once I calculate the cost per wear on this piece it is certainly affordable. This is such a statement piece, but also goes with everything & I am always gravitating towards it, even over the many other eye catching clutches in my closet (I have a problem).

5. X-strap sandals. I had a $10 pair of similar sandals & after 2 Summer of super hard wear (so easy to slip on & GO!), the sole started to wear off, so I just picked up these and they are perfect (worn in an outfit post here). I love how streamlined the black color is, but the olive green suede might need to come home with me! At only $35 dollars a pair, heck I might just have to get the leopard pair too!!

6. Nars matte lipstick in "Heat Wave". Forever my favorite shade of warm weather red. One of the only lipsticks that I have completely used up & re-ordered within a 365 day period. The $28 price tag might feel like a LOT if you are used to buying drug store products (certainly did for me the first time), but the matte formula stays PUT & is worth it!

7. White lace dress. As other reviewers pointed out about this dress, it is tighter than it looks on the model, but the fabric feels high end, & overall I think it wears much better than the $33 price tag might suggest! I love this dress for date night (full outfit here - I'm wearing a Small), & think it will transition to next year too! Low price, fully stocked, MOVE QUICK!

8. Ruffle dress. I bought this dress to wear to Summer weddings & loved the color options + fun ruffles (full outfit post here). If you are between sizes, definitely size up as it runs slightly small, but if you are a size 0/2 & like either blush or navy, you are in luck because this bad boy is still in stock, but on sale for under $40, it won't last for long I imagine!

9. Bobbi Brown eyes & cheeks. Bobbi Brown's "teenage beauty" book was one of my earliest experiences with cosmetics, & this brand has been in heavy rotation in my makeup bag ever since! This palette has all the most flattering colors for eyes and cheeks, & during the sale is discounted from $365 down to $98. 

10. Madewell leather tote. This classic beauty is $60 off during the sale, & while I already have one (& use it for everything from trips to the grocery store to lugging papers to grade from school to home and back), at this price, I am thinking about Christmas presents for my female family members & friends too. I'm thinking you will be the hit of Christmas if you tuck this pretty thing under the tree :)

11. Steve Madden heels. I literally do not care how over worn these shoes are by bloggers. They are flattering, generally comfortable for what they are, & go with everything! I think $80 is a great price for these, & as clumsy as I am about walking around cracks in heels, these have held up great & I am going on 3 years with my last nude pair, + picked up a pair in black 2 years ago (they still look brand new!)

12. Lace bra. I always forget how expensive high quality bras can be until I look in my underwear drawer & realize that they all need to be replaced. Last year during the anniversary sale I found this style of bra, went in to have myself measured (Victoria Secret tells you lies... no way around it), & purchased 2. After a year of rotating them for daily wear + hand washing, they both look great, but I'm still thinking about ordering 2 more because this is the most comfortable + flattering underwire/full coverage bra that I have ever owned & it is currently $24 off during the sale + available in 8 colors.





Next, the 11 items topping my wish list. These are all either pieces that I am looking to purchase as replacements/duplicates for other much loved items, or fit with known "holes" in my closet that I have been looking to fill (I keep a list in my phone's notes so I don't get sidetracked)!



1. Long, open cardigan. This piece is part of the sale, under $50 & available in 7 colors. I have this same sweater from 2015 (full outfit here) & love it so much that I want to add another to my collection. What color would you pick!?

2. Panama hat. My J.Crew Panama hat is always in heavy rotation during the Summer (see the many examples that have made their way to the blog here), but I have been looking for one with a slightly wider brim, & in a natural color - this one looks to be a winner! Under $40, I'm sold!

3. Suede wedge sandals. Despite what you might have heard, Denver actually experiences mild weather well into the Fall & I'm dreaming about heading into September/October with these suede wedge beauties. It looks like the "tan/saddle" color will match my suede jacket perfectly (as mentioned above) & while they aren't on sale, the reviews sound awesome & I'm ready to check out!

4. Calf hair leopard sandals. Another piece that isn't on sale, but has stellar reviews & just look at them - they will go with everything! I have only ever owned UGG brand boots, but I'm willing to bet that these are as comfortable as they are stylish. Wear them now till it gets cold, and then bust them out on the first sunny day of 2018 - these are classic!

5. Camel coat. I purchased a camel coat from Chicwish in 2014 & was surprised by how much I loved it (full outfit post here - one of my all time faves!) Unfortunately, at the end of last winter (3 years of hard wear) it looked ready to put in the donation pile, & I have been on the hunt for a replacement since. This Lauren Ralph Lauren coat is on sale for $140 ($80 off the retail price) & I love the minimalistic/modern cut that Ralph Lauren is known for. Also available in black & gray... what color would you choose?

6. Ruffle Bell sleeve blouse. The ruffle & bell sleeve trends don't seem to be going anywhere any time soon, + I can imagine this top paired with a fabulous faux-fur vest for Fall, or with a fit and flare skirt come next Spring. The baby blue color is calling my name, but the other 4 colors are equally as gorgeous too! Under $32 during the sale, & currently well stocked!

7. Rebecca Minkoff Mini-crossbody. I purchased my first Rebecca Minkoff purse for my 26th birthday present to myself (full post here - look at that BABY with red hair, crazy how long ago that feels!). I still have, love & wear that bag, but it is starting to show its age & I have been looking for my next RM bag (love her, her brand, & her designs!). I adore the whip-stitched detail on the strap, the over-sized buckle detail, + fabulous tassels. Help me decide: sandstone or dusty blue? (my current one is gray and I need to replace it).

8. Black skinny jeans. I have several pairs of jeans/pants from DL1961 including their ultra flattering instasculpt designs. This wardrobe staple is on sale for $80 off, making them under $100! Needing some additional black skinny jean options? I'm also loving this pair from PAIGE, $60 off during the sale period.

9. Distressed skinny jeans. While uncertain about the "mullet" trend in jeans I purchased this distressed pair with the high/low hem detail & love them - like 3+ times per week LOVE - so if you are a size 30 you are in luck because it is the only size left & going for only $35! Everyone else, this pair of distressed skinny jeans are only $45, the perfect wash, & fully stocked in sizes 24 - 31.

10. Block heel sandals. Another replacement item. The chunky heel, perfect cognac color, and under $70 price tag make these a great buy!

11. Nars face palette. I have great confidence in Nars makeup products (see my love for their lipstick above) & this palette looks amazing! I have been running through my blush/highlighter/bronzer palette & need to purchase a new one before I get to a critical outage situation! I love that this one has 4 shades of blush + universally flattering bronze/highlighter options too. 




Phew, there is my 1,800+ word thesis about what you should be buying with your clothing budget this month! Don't let something convince you to buy it just because it is on SALE! Plan your purchases and make sure that your closet is filled with only items you LOVE! I always make myself imagine purchasing things at full price to make sure that I am making a meaningful purchase, not an impulse purchase prompted by our instincts to capitalize on SALES!

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Map It!


We have officially called Denver for our home for 1 trip around the sun, & are beyond excited to begin the next chapter of our lives - home ownership (!!!) - in the mile high city! I am a firm believer that home is wherever you gather together with your loved ones, & over the years there have certainly been many "homes" that have a pieces of my heart. From my hometown in Arkansas, Summer camp in the Texas hill country, my post-college days in Nashville Tennessee, the Oregon boy who stole my heart, and our latest destination here in Colorado.

One of my girlfriends has the coolest latitude/longitude tattoos celebrating the meaningful locations in her life & while I am needle/tattoo adverse, I too love looking at mementos of the many places I have called home, but my method is via art on my walls (not my body... for now).


I recently showed off my latest art print featuring the city of Denver (on Instagram here) & love it so much that I have to gush about the source of my city love - Modern Map Art. They not only have ready to go city prints that you can choose with different size/color options, but also pillows, phone cases & accessories for your home, or you can create a custom map to fit your specific location.

I've rounded up my top 10 favorite ways to show off your map love below. Which one would you pick for your home? What city means the most to you & why?



1. Beaufort, SC; city poster // 2. United States, country poster // 3. Avalon Map, throw pillow // 4. Atlanta, GA; city poster // 5. Paris, phone case // 6. Amsterdam, throw pillow // 7. San Francisco, skyline print // 8. Annapolis, MD; city poster // 9. Savannah, GA; city poster // 10. Breckenridge, ski trail map poster

Follow Modern Map Art on Instagram.

Monday, July 24, 2017

not so basic


Adulting update: Tyler & I have been saving our buns off to make our dream of owning a house an actual reality, & the time has come for us to pick one out! I am simultaneously so stinking excited/terrified! After living in apartments/shared houses for our entire 8 years together, we keep pinching ourselves over the fact that we might get our OWN yard, driveway, garage, and HOUSE! I don't even care if we have any furniture, every night will be a dance party for 2 anyways!

Denver has a HOT housing market right now, so we have already seen about 10 houses, put in a bid, gotten in a bidding war, lost a house, & kept on trucking! We saw 2 amazing ones over the weekend that checked all our wish list boxes & while I think they might have forgotten some numbers in the price, we are going to put in a bid today (attempt #2) so please cross all your extremities for us!

Another thing that is HOT, is the weather in Denver. People (AKA me before I moved here) assume that Denver is in the mountains, but really it is NEXT to the mountains & that makes a huge difference when we are talking Summer heat! I call Denver the HIGH plains - because it is literally a mile above sea level, but flat as a pancake - a pancake that is baking a mile closer to the sun. During our recent 100+ degree days, I have been enjoying the ease of simple dressing - throwing on a sun dress with my quick sandal slides & hitting the door (makes these last minute house showings less hectic!) - & this outfit is my go to basic combo. I love maxi dresses for this time of year because I am already over shaving my legs since moving to an every day effort when the sun made her appearance in May & maxi dresses transition easily to night (scarf stashed in my tote!), while also easily going from casual to fancy with the right accessories.

I also can't gush enough about my latest Nisolo purchase - these slides! I have been a long time supporter of Nisolo, because they have an incredible mission, my high school friend co-started it, & their products are gorgeous, comfortable + make me feel good when I wear them! I have previously shown you my Nisolo oxfordsstrappy sandals, wedge sandals, & leather bag, but these slides might be my favorite yet. The only word I can think up to describe them is BUTTER! They are so soft & just the most delicious color of leather. If you are looking to get on the slide trend in a classic way, this is your ticket!

Shop Nisolo through my referral link & get $25 off your next Nisolo order: https://www.talkable.com/x/9uK9oX
(I also get $25 for each person that uses the link)


dress: Old Navy maxi dress (I love the X-strap back & the fabric feels high end!)

shoes: Nisolo "Isla" slides (available in 4 gorgeous colors, mine are "beige")

Shop Nisolo through my referral link & get $25 off your next Nisolo order: https://www.talkable.com/x/9uK9oX
(I also get $25 for each person that uses the link)



lipstick: Nars "Heat Wave"

All Photos | Noah Berg Photography

{shop these exact pieces}


Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Project615


I don't know if it is the fact that I am less than 1 month away from my 30 birthday, but I keep finding myself with self help books in my hands, and I don't hate it. I just finished reading "You Are a Badass at Making Money" & while I am still trying to figure out how a teacher can make some of those tips work, I do love how the author is a huge believer in the power of positivity, spreading love & being passionate all in the process of shaking your money maker (figuratively, not literally). We also just listed to the "Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*CK" on our road trip from Denver to Arkansas, & I realized that most of the negativity in my life comes from focusing on what others are saying, and putting myself into arguments that I don't realllllly care about, because I am a stubborn, head strong person who always thought that was what I was supposed to do. 

So as I approach this new decade in my life, I want to re-train myself to spread love all around me, & focus on the positive - there is so much amazing around, if you just stop to look for it! It just so happens that when we were in Nashville at the beginning of June, I finally got my hands on a Project615 shirt, & the message on this one just spoke to me - although the one about Dolly Parton being my spirit animal was a close second!

If you haven't heard about Project615, let me tell you a little bit, because they are certainly spreading love all around them! Project615 is a philanthropic apparel company based in Nashville, TN (the area code there is 615) & they employ men coming out of homelessness, addiction and mental illness, while also fundraising for wold changing organizations.

I love this statement of their mission: "At Project 615, we are more than just a t-shirt brand. We are on a mission to rehabilitate & help transform the lives of others who have been impacted by addiction, homelessness & mental illness. We believe that true rehabilitation not only comes from having people to walk alongside us through life. It also comes with having a sense of responsibility and dignity. We offer a second chance to others because God has given us a second chance."

Simply put, your purchase from Project615 helps change lives. Spread love people - it is the Nashville way!

Get Social with Project615: Twitter // Instagram // Facebook




shoes: sandals c/o Dansko - available in even more colors from Nordstrom here (shop their entire selection here on the Dansko website, or on Nordstrom's website here.)

In my first year of teaching there was a fellow teacher who showed up everyday looking so professionally stylish in her Dansko clogs & Lilly Pulitzer dresses that I just had to get my hands on a pair of those clogs for myself (a total Mean Girls moment, thank goodness it wasn't flip flops & camo pants). I first coveted the shoes for how they looked, but was blown away by their amazing comfort & support. I didn't even realize how much my go-to ballet flats were ruining my feet until I stepped into my Dansko clogs - supportive of my arches, and like walking on a cloud! I now have two pairs (black & brown) so that I can literally wear them everyday, & am a true Dansko believer. I honestly didn't know how many styles of shoes they made, including these cute sandals, so below is my wish list for future pairs!

{shop my Dankso favorites}


lipstick: Nars "Heat Wave"

sunglasses: ASOS mirrored sunglasses (now under $7!!)

All Photos | Noah Berg Photography

{shop these exact pieces}


Friday, July 14, 2017

Date Night Essentials


Let's talk about date night essentials! While I enjoy making special moments out of cooking together at home - vinyl spinning on the record player, wine in hand, admiring my cute husband in his apron - there is something exciting about looking forward to a night out! The essentials for my perfect date night are a dress I feel bomb in, make-up on point, & a new restaurant to explore.

When I first tried on this dress, I was concerned that it was too much - tight/revealing/whatever - but my sweet, sweet husband reminded me that while the top is a bit more exposed, it does have a longer length that gives it more class than flash. I did have to give it to him for his comments about the fit/cut, & the fabric is so stretchy & comfortable, so it was a keeper! When I purchased it, the dress was $55 - which I thought was a GREAT price, but now it is under $35, but I'm sure it will sell out soon!

2 other things on my date night essentials list? My mascara & my cocktail passport - scroll down to get more details on these specific items :)


dress: Nordstrom crochet dress (now 40% off, making it under $35 dollars!)


shoes: cognac heels (super old, linking similar below)

lipstick: Nars "Heat Wave" (my perfect Summer red shade)

All Photos | Noah Berg Photography

Date Night Essentials:

Cocktail Passbook: shop it // Available in 8 cities - including Denver, Nashville & D.C. - this bad boy gives you 2-for-1 drinks at more than 60 hot spots (from the Denver version) & after going all the way through the Winter version, and half way through our Summer on, we haven't been to a bad place yet! I love that all the spots are local, so we are getting to check out new spots in Denver, while also enjoying beyond cheap drinks. Whether you have a Summer cocktail bar bucket list with your girlfriends, significant other, or just want to double fist cocktails all around town (no judgement) this is a GREAT buy & where all of our date nights start - where to check out next?!

LashFood: shop it // Billed as lash "extensions in a bottle", this product proves the hype! I gave up lash extensions when I moved to Denver (because no one did it as glam as my girl Shala did - Nashville ladies, hit her up!) - so I am always on a mission to amp up my lashes, & this product fits the bill. I love having the option to use the 2 step system, or just the mascara on its own. The 2 step system first applies "extending fibers", then seals them with a high quality mascara (I adore the application brush). I definitely see the difference when I use both steps, and feel that extra dose of va-va-voom!
{shop these exact pieces}



Thursday, July 13, 2017

Forget the Rules


No lie, the 16 year old version of myself would love to be wearing this outfit - tee-shirt with rolled up sleeves, denim skirt & (the only thing missing) a bow in my ponytail. As I near the beginning of my 3rd decade (T-minus 1 month), I have found that there are always "rules" around what you can & cannot wear, but some can certainly be forgotten. The quote that lives under my senior picture in the 2005 yearbook? "If you follow all the rules, you miss all the fun". Getting dressed should if nothing else be FUN, so I say: ignore the rules about wearing white, dressing your age, & sporting sequins in the day time! What rules are you forgetting when you pick out your favorite outfit?

Not only do I love the message ON this shirt, the message behind it is even better! The Home T makes insanely soft shirts (In the USA!) AND they donate 10% of their profits to MS research. This is my second shirt from The Home T, & I swear that it is true - these shirts start off super soft & comfy, and just continue to get even better over time.

The latest collection from Home T focuses on such positive messages like: Free to Be Me, Dancing to my own beat, Smiles are Contagious, and Make Today Awesome. Which one would you choose to share with every person you crossed paths with during the day?  


skirt: J.Crew Factory denim skirt (under $35 - such a great buy!)

sunglasses: ASOS mirrored sunglasses (now under $7!)

lipstick: Nars "Heat Wave" (my favorite Summer red shade!)

All Photos | Noah Berg Photography

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Modest is the Hottest


When the temps heat up, we often times find ourselves reaching for less and less fabric when getting dressed, but I can't be the only one that often finds myself fidgeting with skimpy pieces, & feeling exposed when I'm showing off the front, back, top & bottom in my clothes. Part of this is surely from my mom reminding me that "modest is the hottest", and calling me out on my "duck dresses" (if you bend over and show your "quack" it's a duck dress!). So I am thankful for brands like Dainty Jewell's that shares my passion for encouraging clothes that flatter, without letting it all hang out!

Dainty Jewell's has a large selection of modest clothing in a variety of sizes, including dresses for girls (I am someone who dreams of matching my little girl one day!), & bridesmaids dresses (I wish I could go back and pick this one for my girls & this one for my flower girls, but the print on this one is just lovely too!)

I can't help but get a total "Mad Men" vibe from so many of their pieces - can't you just see Betty Draper choosing this dress for a garden party?? And the designs are super thoughtful, where many dresses have pockets (score!), & can be dressed up or down - this pattern mixing combo & poppy print maxi both have me dreaming up how I could style them if they were in my closet!

dress: Dainty Jewell's gingham dress (I am wearing a Small & it fits so perfectly it's almost a little insane - did they tailor it just for me!?) Another gingham option here.


lipstick: Nars "Heat Wave"

All Photos | Noah Berg Photography

Monday, July 10, 2017

Ballerina


Here&Now Belief: You Should Love Your Work Wear! 

I have posted about my Rita & Phil custom skirt before here, and it is certainly a skirt that is not only high up in my work wear rotation, but highly recommended as well! 

I got my custom Rita & Phil skirt made in the "Irene" print & love that when you check out there is no "size" to select, because the skirt is made to be size YOU! Looking to start the process to have your own custom skirt made, use my referral link to start earning points to earn a free skirt! And if you aren't sold on my recommendation, I urge you to read their customer reviews - everyone who tries it, loves this service!


skirtcustomized pencil skirt c/o Rita & Phil (currently on sale for $20 + sign up for their newsletter to get 20% off your order! Bonus: they have free international shipping/returns)




shoes: Sole Society nude wedges (old, similar here - these are so comfy!)

All Photos | Noah Berg Photography

{shop items from my teacher capsule wardrobe}