Fashion

FALL CAPSULE WARDROBE

 

I cannot tell you how long it has taken me to come to appreciate the staples in my closet. I resisted it at first, wanting to be trendy and buy the less expensive items. Then year over year I would be giving away all of those cheaper and trendy things because they had been sitting in my closet practically unworn! But what remained was those classic + investment pieces.

I learned from the best, my sister is so good about finding the right item and wearing the tail off of it! I’ve slowly come round to her ways and have honed in on my Fall Capsule wardrobe to a T! every single one of these pieces I have worn year over year over year and can wear in tons of different ways. I highly suggest if you see something you like, check to make sure you don’t already have something similar before you buy it. Odds are, you have more classics than you think.

 

 

 

Now, how to wear them. I’ve compiled 30 different outfits you could wear within this wardrobe, and that’s just the beginning! Check out a few ideas of how to pair each of the pieces together to have a classy and fashionable Fall. Shop each individual piece or find your favorite look linked on my LikeToKnow.it page here!

 

NEUTRAL CARDIGAN

 

 

SHOP STYLES

 

 

 

 

 

 

A COATIGAN

 

 

SHOP STYLES

 

 

 

BLAZER

 

 

SHOP STYLES

 

 

 

GREY CARDIGAN

 

 

SHOP STYLES

 

 

 

BLACK SWEATER

 

 

SHOP STYLES

 

 

 

PUFFER VESTS

 

 

SHOP STYLES

 

 

Shop all 30 looks on my page in the LTK app! 

Beauty

NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE 2022

 

This sale has become a little overwhelming for me. I feel like there were too any dressing room posts and everything seems to be sold out by the time anyone actually gets access! What’s the Key & Peele skit where they are boarding the plane and they come up with about 47 different groups to board before the main cabin? That’s what this feels like!

And as annoying as that can be, I still find a good things here and there and use this opportunity to replenish a few beauty products that are in my routine. Here are a few things that caught my eye and a few of the bestsellers.

 

WHAT’S IN MY CART

 

BESTSELLERS

 

BEAUTY + HOME

Lifestyle

33

 

I had to double check my age. I think with COVID we all forgot a year so for a second I thought I was turning 32. I was a tad disappointed…

But now that I”m back on track I have been reflecting on the last year. Another big one for our household; another move and some big leaps with Manor Designs. This Summer we moved out of Minnesota permanently and started to settle our roots in Nashville, TN. Moves can always be scary but this one felt energizing. I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve done it so many times and I’ve become numb to the nerves of it, but I was excited to check out this town.

And while we have loads more to explore, what we have found has been amazing! I never imagined such a welcoming and supportive network when it comes to the interior design world. I think because there is so much development happening around here there are tons of designers and stores that have been amazing to get to work with. And let’s not forget the post important piece of the puzzle this year… Haverford Manor! Purchased a few months after I turned 32 and hopefully to sell a few months after I turn 33, this gem has been such an amazing experience already. Forcing me out of my comfort zone and constantly teaching me lessons that I know are invaluable. Every day I get more excited to reveal this bad boy this fall!

And it got me thinking about all that time that I wasted!!!! Years wondering if I should start a blog, years hearing friends tell me that they want help decorating their place and that I should do this for a living… and it didn’t register. I wonder if I had gone to school for interior design (way back when), where I would be in my career now. While I’m loving where I am and all the experience that I’m getting, I sometimes wonder how it would be different. I wouldn’t have had those miserable years working in an awful corporate environment, I wouldn’t have had those years in the gray area wondering what I’m going to do and when I’ll be able to do it… I wonder.

While I wish I could be all sunshine and rainbows on this birthday, I can’t help but feel this weight. A weight that I’ve felt all year that has slowly gotten heavier and heavier. The world we live in today seems to be going through a woodchopper and I have no idea what’s going to come out of the other side. Between the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the mass shootings, and oh ya let’s not forget women’s rights taking a giant step back about 50 years… I can’t help but feel that the human race isn’t getting it right. I’d love to sit here and eat my birthday cake with rose colored glasses about the future, but age seems to have that effect on people, or maybe just me. It makes you see things with a more concerned point of view; worrying about where we’re going to be in 10 years, worrying about what world our kids are going to be living in in 20 years! It’s not just about having fun and living your life like it was in your 20’s. You lose the luxury of naïveté as you get older.

Don’t get me wrong I am excited for the future and possibilities I’m facing in my 33rd year, but I can’t help but look at this year with concern. Sure I’m going to be thrilled to reveal Haverford to everyone when it’s done, and I’m going to love celebrating holidays with my family, plan some fun trips, and maybe even take bigger steps with Manor Designs. But at times that excitement is offset by fear and worry.

So this year for my birthday as I blow out the candles I’m going to wish that we can move forward, not backwards.

Beauty

ADD TO CART: 10 SUMMER ESSENTIALS

 

Summer can bring its own set of challenges, and staying fashionable and stylish during the heat and in the sun can be tough. As I’ve gotten older I find myself using the same products and wearing the same things year after year and I do that because I have found that they are my favorites and the best for the season. My priorities? Protecting myself from the sun and staying cool but looking great at the same time. Check out these Summer Essentials that I’ve put together that will help you do both with ease.

 

 

1. FACE SPF

SPF doesn’t have to be caked on white product. I have found amazing face SPF that doubles as foundation and coverage and find that it usually lasts longer and works better than whatever it is I put on my body. My favorite brand is SuperGoop! but other beauty brands have caught on to the need for SPF in your everyday foundation. For that I use bareMinerals Complexion Rescue and it is an amazing foundation no matter what your plans are for the day.

 

 

2. A WHITE MAXI DRESS

This is no surprise considering I wrote an entire post about it!

 

 

3. A STRAW BAG

I often put aside my staple clutch this time of year. There comes a point where I get in enough of a flow of activities that it is just easier to keep the straw bag out for every activity.

 

 

4. A STRAW BAG

Your straw bag needs a buddy 😀 And to be honest this is the chicest way to keep the sun offf of your face/neck. My go-to is from Brixton and wear it year over year.

 

 

5. SCALP SPF

Don’t forget those small areas!!! I know, I sound so old but honestly SPF is way more important than anything this time of year and considering all the Gen Z can talk about is their precious middle part (insert rolling eye emoji) I think this might be something people should consider. I use the SuperGoop! Poof that is a powder you can rub into the part and your other sparse hairline.

 

 

6. HIGHLIGHTER

Don’t let that new tan you have go to waste. I love to use highlighter this time of year to highlight that fresh color on your cheeks and to give you that fresh off the beach glow.

 

 

7. BEACH READS

I am back on my reading kick!! There is something about a few hours at the pool, or sitting on a beach that makes me want to dive into a great book. Here are a bunch that I have on my list to tackle this summer as well as some that I read last year that I absolutely loved!

 

 

8. A LARGE WATER BOTTLE

So this might be tied with importance to SPF. I love my BKR water bottles because they are glass so I know they are sturdy and free of chemicals, but also they just look freaking cool! Get a few different color sleeves to mix it up, and do NOT miss out on the accessories. I have the ice cube tray to be able to have ice water all day long!

 

 

9. A RELAXED BUTTON-DOWN

I think a relaxed oversized button-down is like the epitome of chic and cool style. There is something about it that makes me feel like I should be carrying a bag with flowers and a baguette coming from the market in Paris. Not to mention if you have one two good ones you can use it as a cover-up or wear it out in tons of different ways. A true Summer staple.

 

 

10. HIGH RISE LINEN SHORTS

Last, but certainly not least… linen shorts. I cannot wear these enough!! To be honest jean shorts are too hot and uncomfortable sometimes so to have something loose, light and comfortable in fit is much more preferable. I love the high rise because, well, duh, and I love pairing them with a simple t-shirt, or maybe a bodysuit tank and jean jacket or even better a matching button-down and straw hat for a chic day on the water? Done!

 

Fashion

ADD TO CART: 20 WHITE MAXI DRESSES

 

The ultimate summer staple; whether you are going on vacation, or headed out to grab a quick lunch on the patio with a friend, this is one of my most-worn pieces in my closet! Other than being comfortable it is the ultimate casual-cool piece to keep you looking effortlessly chic.

 

 

 

 

The key is to find one great style and wear the tail off of it! I wear mine from Spring until Fall and have so many different ways to style it too. A light layer on top with sandals and hoops and you are set for a nice lunch with friends. Maybe even add wedges and a cardigan over your shoulders for a nice cocktail hour? Or just throw on some flip flops and grab your straw bag for a day on the water.

Check out 5 outfits below that you can put together with just one dress. That’s the sign of a great piece, isn’t it? The more outfits you can make and the more you wear it, the better the wardrobe!

 

OUTFIT IDEA NO. 1

 

OUTFIT IDEA NO. 2

 

 

OUTFIT IDEA NO. 3

 

 

 

Now check out all 20 white dresses that I have compiled below that would be the perfect staple to add to your summer capsule wardrobe! If you follow me on social media, I know you’ll see me in mine aaaalllll the time. Yes, I’m an outfit repeater and I’m proud of it 😀

 

 

Lifestyle

MDW Sales 2023

 

Here is a roundup of a bunch of sales that I have found and am currently shopping this weekend!

 

JENNI KAYNE

20% OFF WITH CODE ‘MDW20’

 

SCOUT & NIMBLE

UP TO 30% OFF

 

PETAL & PUP

UP TO 50% OFF

 

 

SHOPBOP

UP TO 50% OFF

 

 

MCGEE & CO.

25% OFF

 

CIRCA LIGHTING

20% OFF

 

Lifestyle

ADD TO CART: SPRING FINDS

Fashion

ADD TO CART: SPRING DRESSES

 

I never used to wear dresses, like, ever. Just ask my mom. We would get in horrible fights because she would want me to wear a dress to an event as a kid and I would not have it. I was actually a huge tomboy so to see the turn of events 20 years later… is quite a surprise! Now, all I want to wear are dresses. Part of it is the comfort of them, the other part because you only have to think about one piece of clothing. But either way, I’d wear one every day!

 

 

I do think that there is a dress for every occasion, even the most casual. I wear my go-to sweatshirt midi dress with sneakers and a ball cap to do the errands. And there is something about living in Nashville that makes me want to up my fashion game. I’m not sure if it’s because the weather is so much better for so much of the year, or if everyone’s fashion around here is so good. Either way, I found a few everyday dresses that I’m hoping will help me keep up with everybody

 

 

 

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Petal & Pup
ILIA
ILIA
Kristen Ess
Uncategorized

PREPARING FOR 2022

 

Being prepared for the new year doesn’t start on Jan 1 for me. I like to plan ahead, and in fact go into that new year already in full swing. Whether it is certain habits that I want to change or adopt, or certain things that I’d like to have accomplished before January 1st, being prepared is the biggest battle. I have written several different posts on goal setting, and every time I have, I talk about how you can help yourself succeed simply by preparing differently. And that involves looking ahead.

 

 

Last year I adopted a new quarterly planning template for both Keegan Michelle and Manor Designs content roll out and have stuck to it. Now because of that I am able to look months ahead and see what needs to be done going into those months for that execution to be successful. I’m applying that same thought to the New Year so that I can maximize the last of 2021.

 

1. Marking key dates

Making note of due dates, important dates, or simply when something needs to be done is huge for me. Marking those in huge red letters allows me to remember, then plan accordingly. I create a work back schedule with tons of mini goals leading up to it so that when the time comes, the big project is as prepared and finished as possible. Usually I even mark those key dates a week or two early knowing how life goes, I give myself a buffer. “If you’re not early, you’re late”, or in other words, if you’re running on time and everything is going smoothly, life will likely chuckle and say “hold my beer”.

 

2. Do my research

Knowing what to come will help you act proactively instead of reactively. Whether that’s home trends, holidays to act around, bestsellers to push, new products to announce, projects to reveal, having that research done means I can plan ahead for those instead of feeling two steps behind. I have a few design projects that won’t be done until end of 2021 so doing research as to what changes people are making to their homes, or home buying trends is going to be huge to making Manor Designs as successful as possible.

 

 

3. Mood Boards

I don’t care if it’s a digital board on Canva, or a physical pinboard, you need to do this. I create an inspiration board for every single room, wall, corner, or photoshoot that I do. I think that it’s important to keep things from getting stale as well as to really curate the look and feel that you want to execute. Now that I have more design projects I have physical pinboards for each project with specifics: paint samples, fabric swatches, inspiration pictures, and floor plans to get a visual of it all sitting together. This is particularly important for home design since many rooms have line of sight and they must have a sense of cohesion.

Not to mention it’s great to look over every now and then to remind myself or perk the creativity when you see a board full of beautiful images.

 

 

 

A little more about my quarterly planning template that I mentioned early? It isn’t anything fancy, or savvy but to be honest I think that’s why it works for me. I have a google doc so that I can access it on my phone, my laptop, or my desktop at any time. I break the months up in half so I list out January 1 – 15 then January 16 – 31 (for example). Then under each of those two week increments I list out the following: Blog Posts, Reels, Newsletter,  and TikTok. That’s where the planning comes in. I take a look at the quarter, what’s going on, what’s the weather like, what are people likely doing or thinking about and plan out those items well ahead of time so that I can be sure to capture and prepare as much as possible for each. Right now I have planned through the beginning of Q3 and even have all of my newsletters drafted.

Now, will everything go perfectly and each newsletter remain unchanged and go as planned? Heck no! But not I have laid the ground work to be able to adapt easier and still execute in the best way possible.

 

 

 

I’m not going to go off and tell you how to lose 10 pounds or how to earn x amount of money more this year. These are just the tools that I’ve used to feel a little bit better about my productivity and how I’ve spent my time year over year. I could set a ton of unrealistic goals, but my game is to be a little bit better than the year before. I already have some big projects planned for 2022, so now it’s on me to execute on those projects to feel a little better about 2022 than I did about this year.

2022 is going to be a big year for everyone, I only hope that I am giving myself the best chance to succeed so that when I’m writing about going into 2023 (geez that sounds funny), I’ll be able to talk how amazing I feel about what I have accomplished. And I wish the same for you.

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Revolve
Pottery Barn
Fashion

STYLISH WINTER COAT ROUND UP

 

While some people might have felt like it’s been Winter for a few weeks now, we have just now reached the official start of the season. We’re still figuring out the weather down here in Nashville but have been happy to find a few cold/chilly days here and there, even though at times they are followed by 60, or even 70 degrees. And while I may already have too many coats for this climate, I wanted to do a round-up of stylish winter coats + jackets. I feel like those in moderate weather can use them as a part of their outfit, or staple pieces to their wardrobe therefore making them more than just something that hangs in their closet.

 

 

I have a few wool coats that I wear throughout the Fall, with heels, booties, flats, whenever I can! They are great for layering, or just wear a simple long sleeve or turtleneck (like the one pictured above) on the warmer days that you might not need so much weight. This coat is a new favorite of mine and I have already worn it a ton! I even wore it while traveling, pairing it with leggings, a Champion sweatshirt and sneakers. Again, versatile!

Abercrombie has actually been where I have found many of my staple coats + jackets. One thing that I love about their wool coats is that a lot of them come in tall sizes, so for people like me (who are 5’9″ or taller), they won’t hit at a funny spot. We can still get that chic length below the knee with the tall styles they offer. The most timeless option in my opinion? The camel colored wool blend dad coat. I have had one from Gap for five years and have seen year over year people still love it! And it is beyond versatile, just check out this post about how many ways you can wear it! It is consistently in my Fall capsule wardrobe and now that we are in more moderate Winters, I think it’ll be featured even more than ever before!

 

WOOL BLEND

 

 

PUFFER

 

 

 

 

But my biggest recommendation would be to look in your closets, and take a second pass at the coats you have! Maybe a different take on them can make all the difference? Wear them with a pair of fancier trousers, or maybe some heels and a dress for a holiday party? Coats don’t have to be these last minute accessories we throw on just to take off right away.

 

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Abercrombie & Fitch
Zappos
Free People
Holiday

CYBER WEEK 2021

 

 

NORDSTROM

UP TO 50% OFF THROUGH 11/26

 

MCGEE & CO

20% OFF SITE WIDE UNTIL 11/29

 

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH

30% OFF EVERYTHING (myAbercrombie members)

 

BROOKE & LOU

20% OFF WITH CODE ‘BLACKFRIDAY’

 

MADEWELL

30% OFF YOUR PURCHASE WITH CODE ‘OHJOY’

 

LULU & GEORGIA

25% OFF YOUR PURCHASE WITH CODE ‘THANKFUL

 

J.CREW

UP TO 50% OFF 

TARGET

UP TO 60% OFF Black Friday DEALS 

 

POTTERY BARN

UP TO 70% OFF SELECT ITEMS

 

SCOUT & NIMBLE

UP TO 30% OFF SELECT ITEMS

Holiday

GIFT IDEAS 2021

This time of year shouldn’t be about buying something just to be able to give it to somebody. It should be about really selecting your gifts based off of the people you are giving it to; will they use it, will they like it, do they already have something similar? Otherwise we are just making the world’s consumption issue worse by buying just to buy. I love doing gift guides by personality because you can really hone in on who you’re buying for. I even already snagged a few of these items below for people on my list 😀

I hope you find some goodies too!

FOR THE HOSTESS

 

FOR THE BARTENDER

 

FOR THOSE ALWAYS ON THE GO

 

FOR THE OUTDOORSY

 

FOR THE #SELFCARESUNDAY

 

FOR THE HOME BODY

 

FOR THE WFH WARRIOR