Outfit of the Day 2/18/16

I had a lot of fun with my Stitch Fix post from yesterday, so I thought I'd share my outfit from today too. And honestly, I hope that the more of these I do, the better I'll get at taking these photos. :)
 

I mentioned yesterday how much I love kimonos. They're so comfortable and you can throw them on over just about anything for a little more coverage.

I got this colorful version at Unlisted, during one of their fun Ladies Nights. It was on sale and only cost me $30. I've worn it so much and I always get compliments on it. Well worth the investment.

The simple black dress came from the consignment store called Bump and Co. I also found a pair of jeans there. I love thrifting!

The earrings are Stella & Dot and the turquoise jewelry is from my collection, purchased over several years from small vendors.

I had a really nice day today. I stopped by the store and took some photos of furniture pieces that might work for a friend as she relocates to a new apartment. Then I met my friend Erin for a long lunch. We caught up on life and enjoyed salad and pizza from Racca's Pizzeria (used to be Marco's Coal Fired Pizza). Afterwards I ran some errands to get more of my favorite new hair cream. Love the texture it provides for my fine hair.

I hope you had a great day!
Karli

Maternity Stitch Fix #1

If you follow me on social media, you may have seen that I ordered another Stitch Fix. (If you don't know what Stitch Fix is, then check out this post.)

I was happy hear a while back that they would be offering maternity sizes now. Perfect timing for me! So I revised my style profile (since I no longer need so much business casual) and placed my order.

Today my fix came and it may have been one of the best yet! My stylist, Kate, wrote me a sweet note about the pregnancy and picked some wonderful items. And this time, I actually tried everything on so you can see how it looks on me versus the hanger.

I asked for pieces that could grow with me as I go through this pregnancy. I also wanted everything to be transitional since we'll soon be out of winter and into the heat.

Liverpool Collen Maternity Straight Leg Jean

Tops from TJ Maxx, Shoes from Nordstrom Rack, Jewelry from Stella & Dot

Leave it to my stylist at Stitch Fix to FINALLY find me a pair of maternity jeans that I feel like myself in. These are stretchy and a nice dark color, so they are slimming. (You can see the almost-five-month baby bump here). I also really appreciate that the back pockets are in a flattering position. Most maternity jeans are just so frumpy! They are a touch long so I've cuffed them here, but I'm not worried about that at all. I'm keeping these!


Madigan Ailene Lace Sleeve Maternity Top

Shoes TJ Maxx, Jewelry Stella & Dot, Purse 1154 Lill Studios

When I took this top out of the box I was worried it might be too small, but it is stretchy and oh-so-comfortable. I think it can easily be dressed up for date night, like I showed here (with the jeans above), or worn a bit more casual. The high crew neck isn't the most flattering neckline on me, but as long as I add a long necklace, I should be fine. I'm keeping this top.


Daniel Rainn Narline Button Down Maternity Blouse (made especially for Stitch Fix)

Jewelry Target, Shoes TJ Maxx

I knew that I loved the colors and the fun print of this blouse, but I could immediately tell it was huge! As you can see in the pic above, everything was just too blousy on me. Not flattering.

I pulled the back tighter just to prove to myself that it was an ok shirt, it was just the wrong size. I also think the stripes at my hips were in the wrong place on my body. This one is going back.


Market & Spruce Sollas Maternity Knit Top 

Jacket very old K-Mart, Shoes DSW, Pants Motherhood Maternity, Jewelry Stella & Dot and RocksBox

I was so happy when I saw the color of this top. I had something similar in my pre-maternity clothes, but I could no longer wear it. This top is short-sleeved, so it will be great to layer up, like I show here, or to wear as-is once summer hits. It is very soft and comfortable. Keeping this one!


Paradigm Gwenifer Kimono 

Jewelry my own found turquoise pieces

Oh how I love kimonos! I can wear them now and again when I'm not pregnant. I have a few in my closet and I enjoy wearing them. When I saw this, I was just sure it would be a no-brainer. My stylist even coordinated the top above to wear underneath. BUT, the front hit me in just the wrong spot. It made me look very boxy, so I, with a very sad face, had to send this back too.



All in all, this was a hugely successful box. The stylist nailed my style!

If you're interested in getting your own Stitch Fix box, the sign up process is fun and simple. Just click on any of the links in this post! Sharing is caring!

Best,
Karli

*This post contains affiliate links. While I was not compensated to write this post, I may receive credit for sign ups. All opinions are my own and I only share what I love!

Plans for a Backyard Makeover

If you've been following along with us for a while now, you'll remember previous posts about the exterior of my house and all the work we've done!

We painted the exterior.

We installed a utility shed.

We added a front sidewalk.

We tore out more bushes and trees than I can count.

One thing we've wanted since day one, was a bigger, better deck on the back of the house. The little 12 x 12 wood square is no longer suiting our needs. We love to entertain and spend time outside. We always end up with camping chairs, folding tables and pop-up tents spread all over the grass to accommodate our guests.

So this week I started daydreaming about how we can renovate and reimagine our backyard. Just look at this beautiful view!

 

We have nearly half an acre, so space really isn't an issue. We do have a sloped lot though. Things start to go uphill once you get about 20 to 40 feet from the back of our house. There are some degrading retaining walls to help break up the hill. Fixing that may be phase two.

So in my daydreaming, I've found a few landscaping companies with portfolios I really admire and I've turned to Pinterest for some ideas. Here's our checklist of items we want:

• Several seating areas
• Outdoor kitchen area (we would love a pizza oven, but that may be asking too much)
• Fire pit
• Pergola
• Better retaining walls
• New stairs

That's really no small project. But a girl can dream, right?

Here's our inspiration!



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Source: Gorgeous Home Décor (link not working)

 


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The last image is a design rendering from Elite Landscaping. They're coming out to give us an initial consultation this Friday. I can hardly contain myself. I love how it hit all of our want list (minus the retaining wall and stairs which will likely be phase two). Now we'll see how much that will all cost. :(

Looking forward to more!
Karli