Ordering Clothes Online

Hi, friends!

I've had so many people asking me recently about my experience with ordering my clothes online. I'm finding they're are especially curious/skeptical about ordering from China.

Let me start out with addressing online clothes shopping in general.

I almost always try something on before I buy it so I've been a very slow mover into the online shopping arena. My two and four year old girls are pretty stellar shoppers but when it comes to going into the dressing room, they lose their minds. It's like a switch goes off simultaneously in their heads and they look at each and decide "everyone in this store needs to see mommy naked. You in? Let's make it happen."

Needless to say, the process of finding the right fit in the store is not an enjoyable one. And shopping alone is such a rare occurrence that it's really not even worth talking about.

What I'm discovering about shopping online is that all the information I need to know about how it will fit me is included. A few extra clicks and I can read reviews from other shoppers, find out if it fits true to size, and even get the exact measurements of the items. That's WAY more information than what you get in a store!

There still are times when I'll get something in and I don't love the fit but that's why I really only buy from online stores that offer free returns. Nordstrom is my absolute favorite for that very reason. I don't even have to take an item back to the store if I don't love it. I just mail it back with the pre-paid return label they provide.

Speaking of Nordstrom, they have these GORG riding boots on sale for $149 right now. So in love.

I really only shop at places where I get free shipping. Just about every place I shop will provide this service even if it does require a minimum amount spent. Let's be honest, I'm already spending the minimum amount.

Places like Old Navy and Target give free shipping when you spend $50 or more, which is the perfect excuse to grab these amazing zip up booties that are less than $40. Add some cute navy tights for Fall into your cart and your shipping is FREE.

Ok, now that we've talked about online shopping, let's take it a step further and talk about online shopping from.... overseas. Specifically, China.

I was shocked when I first discovered some of these online stores that charge soooooo much less for the same items I was finding in boutiques. But it makes sense. The boutiques are more than likely getting their clothes from the Mart and the Mart is getting their clothes from China. Cut out two middle men and you've got yourself some gooooood deals on clothes!

I've shopped at pretty much all the major Chinese online stores like Choies and Zaful but the only one that I've had a great experience with has been She Inside. The quality of their clothing is great, the shipping is pretty fast (7-10 days), and they even have pretty good customer service. All the sizes I've ordered have been exactly as described, which is great because you do NOT want to try to make a return to one of these companies!

That's probably the only risk. Once you order it, you're stuck with it. But that being said, I still have never gotten anything that I didn't like.  So to me it's totally worth the risk to get some amazing deals on clothes.

I'm always on the hunt for a good deal so as I find the good stuff in the great price range, you can be sure I'll keep you in the loop!

Here are a few of my recent favorites (can you tell I have a thing for blue?)

The blue and white stripe top is one size fits most and it's been one of my absolute favorites. Looks so cute paired with white denim. I wore it for the 4th of July and also on our beach trip as a bathing suit cover up.

The white peplum is a structured fit but has a sweet cutout detail around the edges that I love. It's kind of a high low feel, which was hard to see from the stock picture.

The peter pan collar ruffle hem top is my FAV. I ordered an XS which is perfect. It's just the right length to wear untucked with dark or white denim. It also had a really cute tie as the back collar, which I love!

The chambray peplum is so cute and SO flattering. I'm planning to wear it now and with jeans and a cranberry colored cable knit cardigan in the fall.

I'm about to order a few more sweaters from She Inside as well. I'm loving the oversized sweater look but they can be really pricey in stores. So these are fitting perfectly into my Fall clothing budget. I linked a few of these in my last post about Fall styles but they're worth another look!

 If you ever see me link something and you have a question about it, please don't hesitate to ask! I love being able to help!

Thanks so much for stopping by and happy (online!) shopping!

Laura

Finds for Fall

Hi!

I'm working with a client right now on styling her Fall wardrobe and I always like to start with the basics and build up from there.

This olive green military jacket is an absolute favorite of mine and it's currently 45% off making it less than $50.

 In case you don't typically order from Nordstrom, they always do free shipping and free returns so there's literally no risk buying online. One of the things I purchased from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale didn't fit as well as I would have liked so I literally popped it back in the package, stuck the pre-paid return label on, and put it in the mail. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

I think a great pair of medium wash denim is also a fall staple and I absolutely LOVE these Citizens of Humanity boot cuts.

Y'all. I'm not a big spender when it comes to clothing. I have two other little ladies to dress around here! I'm a deal finder at my core but I will invest in a great pair of jeans because there's just nothing like loving the way your jeans fit and loving how you feel in them.

As far as what else I'm trying to incorporate into my client's closet, we are on the hunt for great oversized cable knit cardis like these

As well as some cute tees and tanks to wear underneath all the fun sweaters!

Found a few other really sweet sweaters

I also found this precious tassel scarf while I was out shopping with my girls today and I am in LOVE! Even cute in person and so super soft! You can't beat the price since The Loft is putting their entire store 40% off right now!!

Still hunting a few more things but I think this will put us on the right track. Hope you're having an awesome day!

Thanks for stopping by!

 Laura

Favorite Shoes for Fall

Hi!

Y'all don't even wanna know how much self discipline it takes for me to walk past a cute pair of boots and just keep going without picking them up, kissing them right on the heel, and dancing a waltz with them.

I really like shoes. But I really really like boots.

I've rounded up a few of my favorites for this Fall and as an added bonus, these are ALL under $50 AND all Buy One Get One 50% off. You can tell your husbands to send their thank you notes in the form of starbucks gift cards.

Happy Fall Shopping, babes!

Laura

Mom Style

Happy Monday!

I've been seeing so many pictures of little ones heading back to school and I just can't believe it's already time! Reese is staying home this year and I'm torn up enough that she starts ballet today. I think if she were heading off to school, you could find me rocking in the fetal position. #someoneholdme

Now that we're back to the grind, it means that I find myself in an even bigger hurry to get ready in the morning. I have found that planning ahead a little and padding my "Momiform" options helps in the daily dress process.

Here are a few things I find myself reaching for on the regular:

A great variety of denim is necessary for me. I have dark denim skinnies, distressed skinnies, boot cut, crop, and of course my go to white jeans. If there's one thing worth investing in, it's an awesome pair of jeans, Since I wear my jeans OUT, I never feel guilty about investing in awesome jeans. If you have the right pant selection, you won't feel as tempted to reach for the yoga pants when you have no intention of going to yoga. The key is the right fit!


I like feeling put together but I don't like feeling fussy. Layering is key to making this happen. I wear my denim jacket all the time but when it feels a little heavy to wear or to even have around my waist, I love using a flannel button down to add some interest and a slight pop of color. In the fall, these are my favorite throw on items especially with jeans and booties.


I have two pair of running around shoes: My converse and my Nikes. I have "workout" shoes but I really only like wearing them if I'm working out. I guess you could call these other options my athleisure shoes (it's a THING, I promise!). These grey nikes (see below) are literally the most comfortable shoes I own! I love them.

I like dry shampoo as much as the next girl but at some point, it just doesn't cut it for me. It's during these times of distress that I reach for my favorite baseball cap and breathe a sigh of relief. My sister has the cutest LA Dodgers hat that I love borrowing, too! You don't have to be a fan of the team to be able to appreciate their good taste in logo design and hat structure.

If you're anything like me, then you know it's not realistic to be dressed and put together every day. But one of the problems most people have with their wardrobe is that there's nothing in between bum around clothes and date night clothes. You gotta have some of these basic staples to be able to put together the right mom life look.

I've linked my outfit details below! I hope you have an awesome day and THANK YOU for stopping by!!

Laura

August Goals

Hi, friends!

Before I jump into my goals for this month I just wanted to share a few more of my favorite finds from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The sale goes thru Monday and then all prices will return to full retail so jump on these steals while you can!

I just ordered the brown leather jacket this morning and I'm so excited about it! I think of cognac as a sort of neutral since it plays so well with others. But now I'm feeling like I might need the black, too.

Also, I am loving distressed denim right now and I've been amazed at how many sizes and options are still available in the sale. Definitely a must have for Fall!

The crossover sweater is Free People (favorite brand!) and it comes in four different colors.

The booties I linked are a copy cat to some I already own and wear all. the. TIME.

This is my first time posting about my goals for the month BUT I think it's a great way to lay it all out there and give you the opportunity to call me out if you see me eating an ice cream cone on insta after I committed to NO ice cream.

Oh, but let me be clear. I am in no way committing to any such ideology. Ice cream is my ride or die and if it goes, I. Go. Too.

Ok. Goals.

1. Wake up each morning at 6:00 AM - Gross. I'm a night owl. I do my best work at night time when my whole house is quiet. But there's something to be said for waking before the sun to get in my workout, shower, and be ready for the day before my little sleeping beauties wake up. Side Note: To prove just how not me it is to wake up early, this morning Matt came frantically calling for me thru the house and when he found me sitting in the den reading, he looked like he'd seen a ghost. In his defense, I haven't seen this side of 6 o clock since Rowen was still waking to nurse as an infant soooooo. Oopsies.

2. Give Jesus my First Fruits: Now that I'm an early riser, ( not sure I can assume the title after one day but whatever) instead of working out or checking my phone upon waking, I'm committing to spend time with the Lord FIRST THING. Before anything else can demand my attention, I'm giving my attention to the Word. I have done this in the past and it really is the best way to start the day. I like to say spending time with the Lord doesn't necessarily change your day but it does change how you view your day.

3.Read a Book: I totally planned on doing this at the beach but I only recall sitting in a chair one time our entire trip. "Why did I even bring the chair?" I ask myself. So now that we're back and I have all this extra time from waking up sooooo early, I'm gonna read! I'm planing to start with Wild and Free and am open to any suggestions for what I should read next!

4. Only use cash: Ouch. This one hurts me, y'all. I don't like budgets. If I saw Dave Ramsey in the mall, I'd run in the opposite direction. But I wouldn't see Dave in the mall so I guess I'm safe. My man, on the other hand, LOVES a budget. Spreadsheets and cash envelopes are the stuff of dreams to him. I just wanna buy the cute bag when I see it, you know? The struggle. Is. Real. But I've committed this month to be diligent about sticking to our cash system and not giving into impulse buys. Now you see why I still need the ice cream.

That's it for now!

Do you have any new goals you're starting this month?? I wanna hear!

Thanks for reading, yall!

Laura