California Girl

How do you decide where you’re from? Is it where you live the longest? Is it where you were born? Is it where you enjoyed most of your formative years? Is it where most of your family lives?

I’ve lived in Arizona 17 years now. It feels like home for now, but one day I know I’ll be back in the state in which I was born - California. I say I’m from Arizona, but when I step foot in California it always feels like I was meant to be there. Do you have a place that feels like that to you?

So, that’s why I bought this Top Shop t-shirt. I’m a California girl at heart. Born there and will be back one day. I think this little Arizona girl just might feel the same way. She keeps talking about going back to the ocean. =) Time to start planning our family trip.

Get the look:
T-shirt from Top Shop at Nordstrom
Skirt by Reformation (similar)

Basic + Lux

Being a mom of two and working from home means my wardrobe isn’t quite in demand of fancy skirts and dresses. However, I love the trend of taking luxurious pieces and pairing them with casual basics for an everyday look. This satin silk skirt and cotton t-shirt combination from Revari is a perfect example. I would wear this outfit to the office, while at home, out with my friends, on a date…It exemplifies the southwest, casual, laidback vibe that I live daily.

I love the rust color of this skirt and the message of this t-shirt. Both items are ethically sourced and can be found at ShopRevari.com.

Add a black bootie or a sneaker to this look to keep it casual in the cooler months or wear a chunky platform sandal in warmer months.

Keep makeup and hair relaxed and natural for an everyday look, or if you wanted to spice things up style your hair with a center part and add big hoops and a cropped puffy jacket.

Photos by Taylor Noelle for Revari.

Tapered T's

This post is sponsored by Tapered Collection. 

Let's talk t-shirts. I don't know about you, but I always find it hard to spend money on the "essentials." They just aren't as fun, ya know? I would much rather find a pretty top or a killer jumpsuit. But then when I'm getting dressed and I need a simple black t-shirt, I always kick myself for not buying one. Well, I finally have three AMAZING t-shirts thanks to Tapered Collection. 

These are the softest t-shirts I have worn in a long time, but the BEST part of their design is that you can't see my bra through them and they aren't too tight or too baggy. They are just right as if Goldie Locks had finally found her favorite t-shirt too. 

Tapered Collection avoids that weird flair at the bottom of shirts and the gaping holes on the side of your arms. They are a company completely devoted to the perfect t-shirt for a woman and their devotion has paid off. I'm a big fan. You can get 15% off your purchase right now by following this link. 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

I AM HIS

I'm not much of an impulsive shopper, especially when it comes to buying clothes online. But, when I saw this shirt on Anthropologie.com the other day I snapped it up in 5 seconds flat. I may have even said, "I gotta have this," out loud. I wanted it that badly.

Though Levi can't read, and could care less at the mere age of 16 months old that I'm wearing a shirt that say his name on it, I feel so proud wearing it for him. It's a declaration to the world, "I AM HIS." Yep, I will forever be his mama and no one will ever take that away. Even if, heaven forbid, he passes away unexpectedly I will remain his mom until the day I die. I know that sounds so morbid, but I find so much comfort in knowing that being Levi's mom can never be stripped away from me. It's a role that will forever bond me to him by blood.

There are very few things that are certain in this life, but we like to think that many things are constants. Things like being able to use our mouths to speak, our minds to reason or being a wife are not givens. But being a mom - once that baby is made - can never leave me. Even if you have given your baby up for adoption, lost a child or have years of totally sucking at being a mom - you're a mom. You are their one and only forever.

I know this all may sound so silly because it's just a darn t-shirt, but, if there's is another certainty that I know of in this life, it's that hard times will come - it's just a matter of when. So, as cheesy as it may be to wear a Levi's t-shirt for our mom-son dates while I watch him eat a Girl Scout cookie and splash in a fountain, I don't care one bit. I'm just going to treasure these little things in my heart for the hard times that will come, so that I can pull out this joyful memory when I need to. I am his, and he is mine.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer; this post contains affiliate links.

MAXI SKIRT & T-SHIRT

This post is for all of you ladies that never know what to wear and who stare at their closet and stress out. When I want to feel pretty and feminine but I don't have any energy to think about putting an outfit together I reach for a pleated maxi skirt and a t-shirt. That's it. End of story. You will look great and in style with that outfit. 

You can chase after your kids in this outfit, especially if you wear flats. If you didn't do your hair that day you can throw on a hat or put it up in a bun. And, you don't even need to accessorize with jewelry if you don't want to. With the minimalist trend in full force you don't even need to wear jewelry right now. Plus, this is definitely and outfit that can transition to a date night with your beaux.

Usually, I'm sporting a diaper bag these days, so I LOVE, love the new Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper clutches. It has a wipes case, changing pad and plenty of room for a onesie, some makeup, my keys and wallet. Even when I don't have Levi I take this clutch with me because it's so cute. But, seriously, any bag would do with this outfit.

If you like color in your closet I suggest this Goldie's wine color maxi skirt. It's only $39 and made in the U.S. If you are color shy, you can always opt for a black skirt and pair it with a white, black or gray t-shirt and look great too.

Get the look: Black t-shirt from Nordstrom Rack, wine maxi skirt from Goldies, black hat from Target, lace up flats from Lulu*s, and clutch from Petunia Pickle Bottom.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer