Surprising Finds

I'm a sucker for neutrals and this turtle-neck sweater was just calling my name.

 Paired with cute fringe heels and soft leather jacket, I'm ready to make a statement for fall.

J.O.A turtleneck, Paige distressed jeans, Stuart Weitzman heels - c/o Marshalls

All Saints jacket 

Prada Sunglasses

I'll say it before and I'll say it again, I'm a Marshalls girl through and through. Reason #2486 - hello, Stuart Weitzman fringe heels for $95. I couldn't resist the sleek silhouette and amazing fringed ankle straps. I mean, come on! Especially when these bad boys retail for over $500. It was such a surprise to spot them sitting on the shelf and I felt like I hit the jackpot!

I've been leaning more and more towards picking up neutral items for my closet, so when I spotted this turtleneck tank in a beautiful grey color I had to pick it up. It's by a great contemporary brand called J.O.A and they just get it right! It has a cute zippered detailing and a thick woven fabric; I sized up to a medium to not only fit my bump, but also for a oversized fit. I know I'll be wearing this sweater on repeat, at least until my belly gets too big. 

We are in the final stage of our home remodel and I couldn't be more excited. Nick, Uriah and I have been walking through warehouses and warehouses of stones trying to find the perfect one. It's been harder than I thought! We absolutely love marble, but not the upkeep and maintenance that comes with marble. We found a few stones we like, so we are heading back today to finalize our pick. I've been sharing lots of behind the scenes on snapchat, but will share a full recap on the blog when it's complete. Until then we are ordering lots of takeout and eating out of paper plates/bowls.

Marshalls Pin Pals

Marshalls and Pinterest combined and created the most amazing love child ever - Pin Pals! Similar to Pinterest, Marshalls is that go-to spot for people to find inspiration and surprising finds that open them up to new possibilities. It's just like a treasure hunt - you can explore and find so many different items/styles you never knew you loved! With Pin Pals, Marshalls is taking it a step further with a surprising way to bring your "Pinspiration" to life. Because let's be real, who wouldn't love an unexpected package of goodies inspired by their Pinterest boards. I know what you're thinking -- where do I sign up?! I was so excited when I found out I was chosen to be on the sending end of this program. Dream come true! Whenever I have a gift to buy, Marshalls is my go-to spot; from designer items and on-trend shoes, to chic home items and adorable wrapping paper. They have got you covered! Needless to say, I had a blast researching my Pin Pals Pinterest boards to figure out what items they had on their wish lists and what their style was. 

I started by picking out key items on the three ladies’ boards – cozy knits, denim, cute booties, and fall accessories. By narrowing the trends down, my goal was to build an outfit that they could easily mix and match with pieces already in their closets. I also wanted to incorporate an item from my favorite selection of the store- the contemporary section (sometimes the items have purple tags, because I love a good purple tag!)

One pinner had lots of denim button-ups and fall essentials on her board, so I picked out a beautiful denim dress (only $29.99 vs. $50) that I decided to layer accessories to for a completed look. I added designer suede booties, a studded cross body, and a colorful blanket scarf by Steve Madden. Blanket scarfs are one of my favorite accessories because of how incredibly versatile they are. It can be a scarf for one outfit, a shawl for the next, or belted over a dress- the possibilities are endless! I thought this lightweight scarf would be a great staple for her to have in her wardrobe, especially for this crisp fall weather.

The next pinner gravitated towards more of a capsule wardrobe for her board. Meaning she leaned towards staple items that she could mix and match and wear every season of the year. She pinned lots of neutral tones and simple, yet beautiful basics. One of my favorite brands that is always in stock at my local Marshalls is Cloth & Stone. They make incredibly soft, high-quality button ups, a piece every gal should have in her wardrobe. I knew I wanted to build an outfit for this pinner around a crisp white button up. The one I chose had a longer back with a high slit to show off her pants. I added a cropped sweater by Michael Stars with leather elbow patches ($39.99 with the original tag of $240!) that she could layer over the blouse or wear alone.The look is finished with a pair of black denim pants with zippered detailing and a grey felt hat by Tart.

The last pinner had so many items on her board that I had as well. I thought our styles were so similar, so it was very effortless to shop for her. She had a ton of flared jeans, off the shoulder tops and felt hats on her boards. I wanted to find her an amazing pair of flared jeans and stylist booties to elevate the look. I scored a distressed pair of jeans from The Cube (Marshalls Juniors’ Section) and peep-toe booties. In the contemporary section I found a beautiful silk blouse with bows on the sleeves and an off the shoulder neckline. I remembered this pinner had lots of hats on her board, and had to find the perfect black one to complete her look. I spotted another Tart felt hat for only $19.99 (total score!) and knew it would be the perfect finishing piece.

I had so much fun shopping for these girls and cant wait for them to receive their box of surprising finds! Want in on the fun? Follow the Marshalls Pin Pals Pinterest board, you never know when you'll find a #MarshallsSurprise.

Disclosure: I have received free products or value from Marshalls or The TJX Companies, Inc. 

in connection with my affiliation with Marshalls Project FAB

As always, all opinions are my own.

Pastel Stripes

Bare shoulders and pastel stripes for the win. 

This statement romper is one of my favorite summer finds.

Topshop Romper - Nordstrom

Schutz Platforms - c/o Marshalls

Watch - c/o Timex

This summer I was a guest at a wedding (which is rare since I'm a wedding photographer), so when the time came to decide my outfit (that morning) panic ensued. I was running around town trying to find a last minute dress or something...anything! It was especially difficult because I was already showing in my pregnancy but hadn't announced it yet, which would make for awkward conversations. I remembered seeing this romper on a mannequin and just figured it was a safe choice. Turns out it was not only a safe choice, but after trying it on and adoring it, it was one of my favorite outfits in my closet. It also looks so much like a dress but has the comfort of a romper. Win! 

Another win - when Marshalls carries your favorite style of shoes in a second color. You better believe I snagged these Schutz platforms in black the moment I spotted them. I do think for fall I'll wear this romper with my over-the-knee suede boots. The possibilities are endless, now if only my stomach will fit ;)

In other news, I ran my first race ever this weekend. It was the Healdsburg Half Marathon and I was so excited to have done something like that during my pregnancy. As I've mentioned before, I had been running before and during my pregnancy to stay healthy and decided to sign up for a half marathon in July. I completed one long distance run a week in addition to 2-3 shorter runs. As time went on, my long distance run changed from 5 miles to 10 miles and my shorter runs ranged from 4-6 miles, so I would average 20-25 miles a week. I'll be honest, even with being pregnant and running longer distances, I have never felt better in my life. Ever! I have even more energy than before, I'm waking up earlier with ease (big, big change), and pretty shocked to have actually followed through with some type of active-activity. The half marathon was incredible and something I would have never thought I could do last year when I would barely make it through a mile. Not kidding! I didn't want to set a goal for the race, but just to be healthy and safe for myself and the growing babe! I was able to finish in 2:09 with a 9:45 pace. It was so exciting to see my time, all my hard work pay off, and Uriah and Nick waiting for me at the finish line.  I won't be running another half marathon until after the baby comes, but I do have a 10k in a few weeks that I'm looking forward to. Now I need to treat myself to some new running clothes!

Disclosure: I have received free products or value from Marshalls or The TJX Companies, Inc. 

in connection with my affiliation with Marshalls Project FAB

As always, all opinions are my own.