Best Moments to Be A Kid

This post is sponsored by Gymboree.

I think we can all agree that the holidays are some of the best moments to be a kid. Baking Christmas cookies, counting down to Santa's arrival, shaking the boxes under the tree, sipping hot cocoa while looking at Christmas lights...To be a kid during the holidays is extra special, and now that I am a single mom of two I have all of these fears that the best moments will be lack luster. But, I've partnered with Gymboree to keep the holiday sparkle strong this year.

One of our holiday traditions is taking family photos, and I decided that even though our family may be different now, we are still a family and documenting it with a holiday family photos is important. Traditions don't have to stop unless you let them. 

Gymboree had everything I needed to outfit the kids with style. Elle could not get this snowflake dress on fast enough, and the polar bear ear muffs were her accessory of choice. I always find it's easiest to coordinate family outfits if you start with the girls first and then pick the boys. 

For Levi, I found an adorable striped shirt, puffer vest, joggers, boots and a snow hat. He looks like he is ready to chop down a Christmas tree for us.

It was one-stop-shopping at Gymboree, and the great thing is that they carry clothes for all ages up to 12 years old. So, we'll be coming there for years to come to find clothes for family photos. 

I'm so glad that we had these pics taken. Even though every joyful moment like this will have a bit of sadness attached to it, I know that my children will treasure these moments now and forever. And for that, it's worth it. 

Be sure to check out Gymboree for adorable clothes for boy and girls and babies. 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

Madewell x No. 6

There are very few clothing companies out there where I know I could walk into the store on any given day and want everything in the store. Madewell is that kind of store. Everything fits me perfectly, and I relate to the styles and design they produce. So, you can imagine my excitement when they gave me the opportunity to preview a brand new collaboration they are launching on November 6th.

No. 6 Store is clothing company for the modern woman. If you want to know the future of fashion you should pay attention to No. 6. So, Madewell and No. 6 collaborating is like the stars aligning and pure magic. This black, orange and blue jumpsuit is evidence of the genius. My favorite part of the design are the ties at the bottom of the pants.

They also have some silk chiffon feminine pieces like this sheath dress with ruffles. I love this dress because it's one of those instant dresses that can transport you from church to brunch to a date. 

There are more silk designs to choose from. I can't wait for you to see them. Be sure to tune in on November 6th to get yours. 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer; product given to me by Madewell. 

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

FILL YOUR CART WITH COLOR

This post is sponsored by eBay.

The first online purchase that I ever witnessed was my mom using eBay.com with a dial-up connection to buy a handbag. It marked the dawn of online shopping for me, and the powerhouse retail site still remains a trusted online resource to find anything and everything I want and need, especially when it comes to unique items. So when I began my hunt for velvet shoes, I went to eBay to find what I was looking for.  

80% of what is sold on eBay is brand new, and I knew I would find every style and color on eBay. Sure enough I was right. I have become obsessed with the color of merlot for fall, and all I had to was search "red velvet shoes" and the heels of my dreams popped up. Move over Dorothy! Those ruby shoes have nothing on these velvet mary-janes from Barneys New York.

They are totally impractical and a very trendy item, but they are one of those splurges that you just have to do because you love a pair of shoes THAT much. There's just something about this color for me that makes me want to have a wine colored piece of clothing in every shape. I'm not sure if I'll stop at these shoes, but I can guarantee you I'll probably go back to eBay to find a coat, a hat and a dress too. 

If you're thinking about buying these shoes too, I would recommend going up a whole size. They run pretty small. You can purchase the shoes in a blink of an eye using their "buy it now" feature. Plus, most items have free shipping. I got my shoes to my doorstep in 72 hours. So, if you're hunting for something to wear while brunchin' this Sunday, be sure to shop now!

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

WORK CHIC WITH THE WHITE COMPANY

This post is sponsored by The White Company.

I've recently started a new job as an Influencer Marketing Manager for August United, a influencer marketing agency here in Phoenix. It has been so great to get to experience and execute influencer campaigns from the other side of the desk. So, now I'm an marketing manager by day, single mom of two by afternoon, and an influencer by night. You better believe this mama is VERY tired most days. And, though I love fashion, I don't really have as much time to shop or think about it. So, when I got this new job I went on The White Company's website and found all of the chic basics every professional woman needs in her wardrobe. 

I've shared about my love of The White Company before, and what they are known for are quality basics for all areas of your life (home, beauty and fashion). Within minutes I found a dress, cardigan, shirt, skirt and pants. And that's enough for me to make five days of outfits for the week. Let me show you how:

MONDAY - You always want to start Mondays strong even though you feel like you just want to crawl back into bed. This navy crepe dress with stretch over a crisp white button down with black booties is a modern, strong, chic outfit to start your week on the right foot. 

TUESDAY - So far I'm noticing that Tuesdays can be even busier with meetings than Mondays. Maybe it's because people are definitely all back in the office by then? I'm not sure. Whatever the case may be, keeping your wardrobe strong is important. This black leather a-line skirt with pockets is the most beautiful piece of fashion in my closet right now. It's definitely a wow piece meant for a big meeting or impact. It's also a modest length and timeless in style and shape. Pair is with a white crisp shirt and booties or check our Thursday's softer look below. 

WEDNESDAY - Half way to the weekend, but not out of the woods yet. Wednesday is very ladylike, and yet one of the easiest outfits. Just throw a dress on and heels and you're set. I add a cardigan because my office is freezing, and The White Company has the softest cashmere I have ever worn. This cardigan is a great staple. I love the off white color too. It doesn't wash me out completely. 

THURSDAY - This is a softer look of Tuesday's outfit, but you'll notice I turned my cardigan around and made it look like a crewneck sweater with buttons down the back. I love it like this. It adds interest, and yet it look super classic. 

FRIDAY - Yay! It's the weekend! Doing a happy dance in a casual Friday outfit that's still office appropriate and timeless. Black flats, gray denim, white button down and a cardigan make a classic outfit that's comfortable, but if I client walked in I would totally be prepared for a meeting. 

All in all I'm completely prepared for success for years to come thanks to The White Company. Which outfit would you rock? All? Tell me!

Photos by Rennai Hoefer