Mother's Day Gift Guide

"God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers." - Rudyard Kipling

Mother's Day is quickly approaching! No matter what you give your Mom make sure it is truly special. For the past couple of years G and I have hosted a Mother's Day Brunch at our home. It's great and super relaxed - which is ideal for our family.  So many restaurants are insanely crowded and booked with reservations. Also, I really try to give gifts to our moms that they will enjoy. It can be a bouquet of flowers, spa treatment, or something that they have had their eye on for awhile. The goal is to ensure that on this special day, they relax and take a few moments for themselves. Every mother works so extremely hard, it's important to acknowledge and recognize them every day ... not just on this holiday.

Today I'm providing a few gift ideas for the special woman in your life.

  1. Purse - What lady doesn't enjoy a great handbag? I got my love of purses from my mom. It is always nice to surprise her with a new one!
  2. Jewelry - Earrings, necklace, bracelet, or a watch ... these are items that any woman would love. You can get a piece that has the lucky lady's birthstone in it. Also, a watch or ring that is engraved also adds a nice touch to it. Something that is personalized is always so sweet and lovely.
  3. Fragrance - My grandmother has the most wonderful perfume collection. If you know your Mom's favorite fragrance, pick her up an extra bottle or the set!
  4. Candles - This is perfect to couple with a massage gift card! You can make a basket full of items to ensure your Mom can relax. Candles, essential oils, and any self-care item to help the lovely lady take a moment to de-stress.
  5. Home Decor - Both of our moms love home decor items. I love finding unique items that they can add to their homes. Whether it is a decorative platter, crystal, or lovely accent piece - these items are always a winner.

While, all these gorgeous gifts are fantastic, time is the most important gift to give to your Mom!

 

What are some of the best gifts you've given or received for Mother's Day?

Enjoy and happy shopping!

XO, Analise

 

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography

Sunshine

"Putting on a new pair of glasses or sunglasses is a simple way to completely transform your look - just like a new hairstyle." - Brad Goreski

Happy SUNday everyone! The sun is finally shining, and it is the perfect opportunity to get some new shades for the season.

Today I'm sharing some of the key qualities I look for in my sunglasses, as well as my top picks.

  1. Price - Shades can get pretty pricey! No matter what style you choose, make sure it is within your budget. It is never okay to have buyer's remorse, and so important to love the item you choose. Personally, I have a few designer frames, and adore them, but I'm all about what looks amazing on my face!
  2. Quality - Make sure the shades you are buying will hold up for awhile. I take really good care of my sunnies, and will make sure they are in good care. I store them in their cases, and clean my lenses before and after wearing them. When trying on your sunglasses make sure the material is durable, and that they will last for awhile.
  3. Design - It is important to find the sunglasses that fit your face the best. I love trying on a variety of frames to see how they look. It's very important to not buy shades that overpower your face, they must complement you.
  4. Fit - Last but not least, ensure that the shades sit comfortably on your nose and ears. There is nothing worse than your ears or nose hurting from your frames! If you are buying your sunnies from a retailer that specializes in sunglasses, see if they can properly size them for you.

Enjoy!

XO, Analise

Spring Style

"Fashion is about dressing according to what's fashionable. Style is more about being yourself." - Oscar de la Renta

Spring is officially here y'all! I absolutely love this season. The warmer weather is upon us, and it's time to switch up the wardrobe a bit!

Today, I'm super excited to share a few of my favorite items for Spring.

  1. Lariat Necklace - I love a statement necklace! This piece can dress up a casual outfit. It is perfect to pair with a basic tee and kimono.
  2. Sandals - Since it is warmer, it's time to find the perfect sandal. I recently got my first pair of Birkenstock and they are very comfortable. These are perfect with jeans, and any casual look.
  3. Crossbody Bag - This lightweight bag is versatile and so cute! During warmer months I typically go for clutches and crossbody bags. I try to carry my essentials, and have gotten away from larger bags. This is perfect, and the color is absolutely lovely.
  4. Sneakers - I love going on walks and being outside when it is super nice out. These sneakers are wonderful. They are so comfy, super lightweight, and form to my feet perfectly.
  5. Lace Kimono - This piece is great to layer with a t-shirt. Since it is still cool, this item is casual and very comfortable. A kimono can quickly elevate any look!
  6. Silk Scarf - One of my favorite accessories is a scarf. You can style this with a nice top. Also, if it gets a bit warm, you can also tie it on a handbag!

What are some of your Spring fashion essentials?

Enjoy!

XO, Analise

Wardrobe Essentials

"Building a proper wardrobe is like building a home. Indeed, you should think of it like a home, because it is something you're going to live in. It must be comfortable and suit all your needs." - Edith Head

I'm always on the hunt for finding functional and great looking pieces for my closet. There are several items that I make sure are kept in my wardrobe. I love shopping at my favorite stores and finding inspiration for new looks. Also, some of the items I own are vintage pieces that were handed down by several women in my family.

Today, I'm sharing my top picks and wonderful items that I keep in my closet!

Clothes

  • Denim | I love a great pair of jeans! Levi's and White House Black Market denim typically work best for my curvy frame. Not only is the quality amazing, but they are very affordable and last forever.
  • Knit Sweater | This is a fall and winter staple for me. I enjoy throwing on a nice knit and chunky sweater, especially in the evening.
  • Classic Tee | T-shirts are perfect for layering or running around the town doing a few errands. Tees can be used to dress up or down any look!
  • Button-Down Shirt | This classic staple is perfect for the work day, it's very comfortable and chic!
  • Ankle Pant | These pants are perfect to wear with flats or heels! Ankle pants are my go-to for the work day.
  • Fit & Flare Dress | I have a hour-glass shape, and this dress is a perfect compliment to my frame. This dress is great for work or date night!

Shoes

  • Flats | Personally, I love the perfect pair of flats. The style is great with jeans, pants, and skirts!
  • Sandals | I absolutely adore a fun and cute sandal. They can dress up a look and are ideal for warm weather!
  • Booties | Ankle booties are my new fave! They are so soft and comfortable.
  • Boots | I have pretty big calves - from running and working out. It is super hard for me to find a stylish boot to fit my legs. These boots are comfortable and so wonderful!
  • Heels | They are perfect for the office and a night on the town! I always try to find heels that are comfortable and can go with any outfit.

Accessories

  • Purse | Purses are my weakness. I'm always on the hunt for the perfect bag. I have a purse to this and it fits all of my essentials!
  • Belt | It is absolutely key to have a nice belt. I typically have belts that are black and brown, just to make sure options are available. 
  • Faux Fur Scarf | This is one of my fave pieces. On a cool night this is perfect to have! It is such a fun item and wonderful addition to my closet.
  • Watch | I truly enjoy this watch. The mixed metal tones, make it very versatile and easy to wear. Also, it is lightweight and so comfortable to wear.
  • Ring | A statement ring is an absolute must. I have a lovely blue sapphire ring that I wear almost daily. It is one of my most treasured items.

What are a few of your closet staples?

XO, Analise

Shopping Habit

"Shopping is my cardio." - Carrie Bradshaw

Shopping is absolutely one of my preferred methods of cardio. I have a few stores that I'm in love with, and really enjoy going to on a regular basis.

Today, I'm sharing my favorite stores and why I like shopping there.

  1. Nordstrom - This store has been my favorite for years! When I started my professional career in 2011, Nordstrom was my go-to for office attire. One of my favorite things that Nords offer are stylists. I'm super busy, and one of my least favorite things is going through the racks hunting for my sizes and different pieces. The stylists are able to pull any items of your choice, in your size and hold them for you to try on at your convenience - total lifesaver! Also, they offer in-house tailoring and alterations! This service is awesome, and their seamstresses are so patient and absolutely amazing. I have a curvy figure, and any time I purchase pants from Nords it's great I can leave them right at the store for alterations! Also, lets not forget that Nordstrom's return policy is stellar - you can return any item whenever you like, no questions asked! Overall, this store is amazing, and will forever be one of my faves.
  2. White House Black Market - This has been a new favorite of mine within the past year! A former co-worker recommended I come into the shop one day, since she works there part-time. She pulled so many items for me, and I fell in love with the quality of the clothes and designs! Just like Nordstrom, WHBM follows an appointment based model with a stylist. You are able to make a reservation in advance to try on clothes at your preferred time. I absolutely love the variety that WHBM offers. I'm able to find a lot of clothes for work, weekend, and date night!
  3. TJ Maxx - I really love this store. This is typically my go-to before I go anywhere else! The price point is phenomenal and I'm able to get a lot of bang for my buck here! I like discovering new and different designers at the store. Also, I experiment with different styles as well. TJ Maxx is where I get many of my staples, such as t-shirts, workout apparel, and accessories. There are so many gems in this store and I love going in and finding awesome pieces!

What are some of your favorite places to shop?

XO, Analise