Must Have Bottoms for Fall

This is one of those posts that I really would have preferred to have two-three hours completely by myself to go to a store, try things on, switch sizes, wander... 

That is my fantasy life though and my real life involves a very busy 19-month-old and a stroller and snacks and being as fast as possible before she loses her mind! 

So we ventured to Nordstrom on Michigan Avenue and originally, I had planned to take the van because to me, it was just easier than taking the train. But then I saw how much it would be to park, and the train became the more logical option! On the train we went.

And I'm giving you not only five must-have pants for Fall, but I"m giving you life lessons here, people. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT pay so close attention to your phone and get invested in your InstaStories or you WILL forget to pay attention to when it is time to get off the train and miss your stop and get off the train being absolutely clueless as to where you were! 

Luckily when I walked out of the station, I did know where I was, but we had missed our stop by one so we had to backtrack. And the backtrack took us way too long! So in the end, I would have paid the money to park! :) 

Memories, right?!

Anyway... the real point of this post.

I wanted to venture out to Nordstrom to find five pairs of bottoms that everyone needs to have for the Fall (and the winter, too)! The pants are not going to be from JUST Nordstrom, but I knew I'd find quality selection there, so that's where we started. 

Comfy/Dressy

These Trouve High Waist Pleat Front Crop Pants were a bit of a surprise to me. I picked them up not knowing if they'd make the cut or not and surpringly, they did! 

I walked around the dressing room (and around Tess) to get a feel for them. And really, really liked them! I have larger thighs so I loved how they weren't too tight in that area, but then were more fitted past the knee. There are also zippers at each ankle so to be a little less dressy, unzip and voila! 

These get high marks for me and ran true to size! 

Other options: Winnie Pant - Skinny Ankle Pants - Pixie Mid-Rise Ankle Pant

Leggings

Not a baby bump. Just a non-beer belly belly. 

I don't know how you all feel about leggings. But I feel like they are a staple in the fall and winter. And I'm here to tell you that it is OK.

It's OK to wear an extremely comfortable pant and not be ashamed of it. 

BUT I will also tell you that there is a rule to leggings to make all of the above true.

Your bum must be covered. 

That's all there is to it! 

If you aren't wearing a long tunic or sweater and your rear can be seen, then you need to put on a different pair of pants! That's all there is to it! 

Now... I put on these leggings from Madewell and let me tell you what was great about them.

     *Thick material

     *High-waisted 

     *Long, but not too long

All things that I 100 percent need in a legging! And at $34.50, I expect them to last me awhile! 

Options: High-Waisted Fleece Legging - Hue Leggings - Rachel High Waist Leggings

Denim

Though I will highly recommend going and trying things on, I realize that it hard to get to places. For many reasons. Like maybe you want to go alone .... and that's just not an option (see: all of my pics from this blog - thanks, Tess). 

With that in mind, I am 100 percent vouching of these 10" High Rise Skinny Jeans by Madwell. I blogged a few weeks ago about how hard it is to spend so much on clothing, but that when it comes to good jeans, you have to cut yourself some slack. Jeans are something that you ALWAYS have to have. The one item in your closet that doesn't go to the Goodwill pile in a year. So you're allowed to spend more for a quality pair of jeans. 

When I tried these on, I was so surprised how much I was in love with them. They were super comfortable, had the perfect amount of stretch in them (but not so much that they would be falling down your backside half-way through the day) and the high-waist is amazing! 

So if you can find time to go try on some nice jeans, find a Nordstrom and just go try on. Try on MANY pairs so you can spend your chunk of change wisely! But make sure you try these on. You will surprise yourself! 

Options: Vigoss Skinny Jeans - Boyfriend Jean

Jogger Pants

Thanks to yet another wonderful blogger that I follow, I was introduced the Make + Model brand at Nordstrom and ordered a pair of the 'All About it Pants' in black. And I have worn them so many times, I can't even count! The blogger mentioned that they could be pajama pants, but... I can't tell if they are, and I'm pretty sure no one else can tell if they are either. 

So we are going with it! :) 

Of course that exact pant that I love is on markdown right now, which is fantastic, but the only color available is a light grey. So I found a few other options, including the one above that would be great to try (Good Vibes Jogger Pants).

Joggers are so great because I feel like they are the updated, fashionable version of sweatpants. You can wear them with a sweatshirt, you can wear them with a tee. They can be worn on a date night, to a movie, to a football game, to the grocery store. I own quite a few pairs of joggers and honestly love them all! 

Options: Lounge Around Pants - French Terry Fleece Joggers - Piece Dyed Slouchy Sweatpants

Corduroy

I don't know why, but when I think of Fall attire, corduroy is what I think of! So ofcourse, it has to be in the five must-have's! 

I will have to say I haven't ventured far from what I found I loved. And that is Gap Mid Rise Skinny Corduroy Pants. They come in a skinny-style that hit at the ankle which works for me! I do wish they were a little more high-rise but that just shows my age... ;)

A few years ago, they really had a fun color selection, but this season are showing six or so color. This color above is one of my favorites. It goes with so much and is a nice color option for fall and winter! 

I will mention that Old Navy has a pair of cords in their Mid-Rise Rockstar and I have yet to try them but LOVE the Rockstar jeans from there. They are beyond comfortable and stretchy and a great inexpensive option! Color selection isn't great, but they have black which would be great for fall and winter! 

Options: Mid-Rise Rockstar Corduroy Jeans - Garment Dyed Cord

There you have it - what I have believe to be five must-have bottoms for the fall (and winter)! If you have any additions to the list, leave a comment that way everyone that reads can see it! 

XXOO,

Allyson

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!

I'm heading to Kansas City today to meet my newest nephew, Cohen Scott Alsbrooks, who was born on Wednesday night!

So I'll be spending my birthday holding a newborn, drinking Bud Light Lime and eating Mr. GoodCents while watching K-State play football. And hanging out with my family (minus my husband and children).

It will be a good weekend!

Here are your Friday Favorites!

The weather has finally turned Fall-like here in Chicago. Do I expect it to last long? No. I see 80 degree temps in our future again. BUT for now... I'm going to enjoy! It is beautiful outside!

And yet again, Abercrombie & Fitch (yes, THAT one) has me drooling over a fleece pullover again!

This Assymetrical Snap Pullover is such a great alternative to an old sweatshirt from 2001 (yes, I have those)! It's soft, it has pockets, it's warm. It's all the right things that we all need in our lives!

I'm a fan of supporting small businesses since I own (a few) small businesses! I came across this sweater on a blogger I follow and loved it! How cute to throw on over a solid chambray top and some jeans!

And hello, I'm obsessed with stripes so this had me at stripes. :)

Now... to find it for Two Dots...

Tess and I went to Nordstrom on Tuesday to do some blog research (that post will be coming to you next week) and you will most definitely see these jeans again next week.

I was hesitant about them for two reasons: cost and the buttons.

And here's what I will tell you.

I would pay the price and the buttons are amazing.

You guys, these jeans are sooooo wonderful. They are high-waisted (nothing extreme), they have stretch to them (thank goodness - does anyone wear jeans anymore that do NOT have stretch in them?) and the length was perfect (which is hard for this shorty).

The price? $135.

I texted Matt to ask him how much he'd pay for a good pair of jeans and he said $150.

And I"m all for him spending money clothes because it doesn't make me feel as bad when I want to do the same. Plus he wears jeans SO much that he needs to own some good denim.

But I'm in the same boat, I wear jeans SO much in the fall and winter. But the price tag is still haunting me which is why I didn't leave with them. But I'm telling you... I will have them.

I'm also telling you that it's OK to spend a chunk of change on GOOD JEANS. So... feel free to shop! :)

If you guys haven't checked out Target's new clothing lines, I suggest you find a good Target and take a look! Lauren and I did this recently and ohmagoodness, so much great new stuff! 

INCLUDING these high top sneakers! I actually had tried the exact pair in navy (these also come in Navy) at a Nordstrom Rack in Chicago way back in February and they were almost double the price. Now you can get them at your very own Tar-jay! 

They are comfy and so cute with denim... and maybe that cute Assymetrical Pullover I mentioned! Just a great option versus a tennis shoe! 

I honestly can't remember if I have mentioned this on the blog before so if I have, I'm doing it again! 

This is Candlelight ShadowSense from SeneGence (who owns LipSense). 

I. Am. OBSESSED. 

And I say this to you, not just as a person who sells this stuff, but because I am not going to push products on you that I don't love! 

You guys, this stuff is the most amazing CONCEALER as well as eye primer. It covers up anything and everything and I have already went through one tube in a few months. Because I obviously have way to much to hide on my face! 

I can't rave about this enough to you and I guarantee anyone you ask that has used it will rave as well.

I'm placing an order today for lip colors (check out my Lips Shop page if you are curious on colors) as well as more Candlelight, and a few other products I can't wait to try! If you're interested, shoot me a message! 

And that's it friends... have a wonderful weekend! I know I most certainly will! 

GO CATS! 

XXOO,

Allyson

Friday Favorites

We've survived another week... this was a long one for me. I'm exhausted and need a beach vacation.

Starting tomorrow!

With that being said...

I'm going to need this shirt for that vacation! This is a Madewell tee via Nordstrom and even if I'm not on an actual vacation, maybe this top will make me feel like I am? Even if I'm changing diapers, yelling at my son to PLEASE get in the car or telling my oldest that she doesn't need to eat any more marshmallows...

If you all have been hunting for some super comfortable, lightweight jogger pants to lounge around in... or wear around doing errands... or being a mom... stop what you are doing and go buy these! They were recommended by a blogger I follow who was about to go on a very long trip and said she wasn't sure if these were considered pajama pants or not, but she didn't care because they were so comfy!

She wasn't lying! I immediately bought them because I love joggers and I'm all about comfy when I'm chasing three tiny people around every day.

They were sold out of the small so I took a chance on the medium. I think the smalls would have maybe fit a tiny bit better, but I love them and am not sending them back! You can tighten or loosen as much as you want and they do get a little baggy as the day goes on, but they aren't falling off of you.

Did I mention how comfy they are? I threw them on with a white tee, my New Balance shoes (that I also highly recommend) and a jean jacket and was ready for the day.

Buy ASAP!

If you are in the hunt for some new makeup brushes, I definitely recommend this brand! This brand of brushes are fairly inexpensive (less than $7) and you can pick out 4-5 that you really would use rather than get 200 brushes that you don't know what to do with!

I bought this one for one of my LipSense customers who purchased BlushSense (yes, we also sell makeup and skincare) for the first time and didn't have a blush brush.

You can also get this brand at Target, which is handy if you want to go and see what brush options there are!

Guys... finding time to make food for my kids has been brutal since we moved. Tess wants me to hold her ALL the time so I don't have free hands.

Which means finding time to make MYSELF something to eat basically doesn't exist.

I started eating Amy's Kitchen frozen meals a few years ago and then since moving into the apartment, they are basically my lunch every day!

They are perfectly portioned and there are some great options if you aren't a picky eater like me. I eat all of the Mexican food options and some of the pasta. Tess likes the black beans, butternut squash and kale. So that's a win!

Check your local freezer aisle if you have the same problem as me and just need something to eat in a rush!

Not trying to toot our own horn here, but Two Dots hit the jackpot on this dress. 

Sometimes I can see something and just know it's going to do well for us. This was that dress. I had to order a second pack to cover the orders we had! 

It's a great tank dress with a scooped back that can be worn with flip-flops or sandals to be dressed down or with some heels to be dressed up. You can't go wrong with this little black dress! 

We still have a few sizes left if you're interested -- just click here! 

Just got Plum Pretty back in stock for the second time since I started in January. People, colors are hard to come by right now because everything is SOOOO popular (like.. I'm not pulling your leg or trying to make you go, "Oh Allyson, you don't have to pump up this business to us!). I'm dead serious - there are currently ZERO colors for me to purchase right now, it's so popular.

So... I was excited to get my hands on this! This is a great year-round color! I think it's pretty now, will be so great in the Fall as well.

If you're needing some Plum Pretty, let me know! Or click here for all of the other colors I have in stock!


Lastly...

I wanted to give a extremely huge shoutout to all of the teachers out there in this world. This week has been Teacher Appreciation Week at Sloane's school (and schools across the country) and I am 110 percent certain that we should not be thanking these teachers five days out of the year. You should be thanking them CONTINUOUSLY! These people should be paid the highest salaries in our country, but sadly, they are barely paid. But don't you worry -- all of those legislators that continue to take away from education were once taught by wonderful teachers that got them to where they are. But they seem to forget that.

I grew up with two of the very best educators -- I know there were times that people probably felt like they could do their jobs better than my parents. And to all of those that EVER thought that, I triple dog dare you to go and be a teacher or an administrator for five days.

You will never complain again.

So to all of the former and current janitors, paras, aides, teachers, administrators out there reading this... THANK YOU. Thank you for all that you do to better our children. You couldn't pay me a million dollars to do what you do! You also couldn't pay me a million dollars to walk in a teacher's store again. I spent too many minutes of my childhood in those!!! :)


Crossing fingers you all have a dry, rain-free weekend! I'd take a sunny and warm Saturday in a heartbeat!

Happy Friday!

XXOO,
Allyson