j. crew

FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT – WHAT TO WEAR

We had a little family reunion on my husband’s side of the family in St. Louis- so fun! Magic House, Butterfly house, lots of outdoor play- if anyone needs ideas for kiddos in St. Louis, please email me. So much great stuff to do. I grew up in St. Louis, but going back there with littles is a whole new ballgame. 
We had all eight little cousies together and needed to document it! We wanted our outfits to be coordinating, NOT matching, which I think is key in planning family photo shoots. We went with the color scheme of chambray, navy, white, and yellow in different patterns and textures. I love mixing stripes with plaid with solids…to the horror of our photographer! But I think it really worked. If you mix patterns and shades, it looks a little more natural than being totally matchy matchy. Since each family lives in different cities, I did all of our shopping online to make it easy – Gap, J.Crew, and Zara. 
A classic.
I hope this helps give you ideas for your own family portraits!
-L

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Kids!! ( I am talking to you dads!) Mother’s Day will be here before you know it. We have once again assembled a gift guide to help you pick the PERFECT gift for the special mom(s) in your life, no matter what her lifestyle may be. We absolutely cannot get enough of these goodies. We would be happy to receive any of these from our littles….. hint hint. 
Leah and I are fond of the sentimental (me) and super thoughtful (Leah) gifts on these special occasions, however, who doesn’t love a fab handbag, jewels to wear on a date night or girls’ night out, or a box of gourmet chocolates?? They pair perfectly with our DIY tea towel, beautifully framed artwork from your little or an instagram photo book. 
On – the – go: Iphone case / sunglasses / handbag / tassel keychain
Stylish: tee / shorts / scarf / sandals
If you want to see more of what we are loving for Mother’s Day and why, just follow our Pinterest board! We will be happily pinning leading up to that day.
Enjoy your day, friends!! We sure do appreciate you!

EASTER WARDROBE PICKS

I can’t believe that Easter is this week!! It is one of my favorite holidays. I love dressing up, going to church and celebrating Jesus, and enjoying an amazing meal with family/friends. It is usually rainy here in Tennessee and cold even. However, it is calling for a beautiful day this year, and that alone makes me ALMOST more excited than eating my weight in Reese’s Pieces eggs. ALMOST! This will be Amara’s first year hunting for eggs also, so that is pretty special.
Here are some of my favorite picks for the little ladies and gents. I totally believe in buying an outfit that my child will wear beyond Easter. We don’t splurge too much on Easter clothes, but it is still fun to buy a special outfit for the occasion, don’t you agree?
Look one: dress shoes / Look two: dress shoes / Look three: dress shoes

Look one: shirt tie pants shoes / Look two: shirt shorts boots / Look three: shirt pants sandals
Any special plans for Easter or special traditions you have with your friends/family?

WHAT I WORE

Today, I got out and had lunch with a dear friend and did a little prep shopping before we leave this week to fly out to see my husbaaaaaaaand!!!! I am a little excited as it has been two weeks! Miss that guy.

jeans / t-shirt / jacket (sold out, but similar here ) / necklace (sold out, but loving this and this) / booties
Spring seems to be nudging its way in around here, which I gladly welcome. However, I am going to miss wearing my (faux) leather jacket a little bit. It is just a winter piece for me (mind games), but I may need to find a pretty tan or pale pink one to sport in the springtime. I paired it with a simple T and my new Joe’s jeans that I am absolutely in. love. with. They feel like leggings….truly. I haven’t splurged on a pair of jeans since being preggers with Amara. I guess I just kept waiting for my body to get “back to normal”…HA! It is as back to normal as its going to get, so my hubby let me indulge a little. I needed a pair that give this flat butt a little oomph (Lord help it), stay up when I am on the go, and don’t cut into my gut hips. 
This is a great day OR night look. I threw on one of my favorite tassel necklaces for a little sparkle along with my absolute favorite pair of ankle boots ( from Target ya’ll!!!). I feel like I could walk all day in them. Super comfy look, but still put together. 

lip color: I am wearing Flower Beauty’s coral floret
Photo cred: Mardi Wallace 
Hope you all are enjoying your Tuesday! 
xoxo
-Jenni

WHAT I WORE

I woke up today, and checked the temp on my phone, which read 11 degrees. 11 degrees people!!! I know our Canadian friends are giving me a big “whatev” right now, but that is super cold for us here in Tennessee. I don’t know how the Northerners do it!?!
Today, we got out and ran a few errands to prep for this little beach trip of ours. My daughter wanted to go on a the slide at the park (even in the painful wind chill), and since I am about to leave her…. she gets whatever she wants until I leave. I am telling you…. I am not ready!! 🙁 It is truly the most bittersweet emotion I have felt to date. 
Here is what I wore……

^^ Amara likes to sit at the top of the slide and just “take it in” It takes so much time for her to crawl up there, I suppose she has to take a breather. This is me rushing her to slide down …. and we’re slidiiiiing…. ^^
Baseball hat / Old sweater, but similar HERE / Denim vest, similar HERE / Leather leggings, similar HERE) / Converse / Backpack, similar HERE / bangle / watch / Coat
Enjoy your weekend Friends!!! Much love to you all!
-J

WHAT I AM PACKING….

My husband and I are going to Jamaica next week for 5 day relaxation fest! I have such a mix of emotions as one half of me is so excited to get away to warm weather and no responsibility, but then my other half has quite a bit of anxiety over leaving my baby girl for the longest we have ever left her. I get a pit in my stomach thinking about how much I will miss her! It will be good, though…..right!? 
I have been packing a little here and there, and these are the things that are definitely coming with me!
It is kind of surreal that we are getting the opportunity to go. I always seem to be the one reading OTHER bloggers’ packing guides. So grateful!!

1 Panama Hat – I never splurged on one last summer, and wished I had. Gotta keep cool!
2 NARS Multiple – Great color for eyes and cheeks to give you that “beachy glow”
3 Marc Jacobs Peplum suit – I got this at the end of summer, and absolutely love this suit! Sold out, but similar HERE
4 Sunglasses – My favorite pair from Target!
5 Kaftan – This is going to be my best friend at the beach!
6 Saltwater sandals – love my saltwaters, and how if they get wet, they only get more comfortable!
7 Book & Picture bookmark – remember I said, I planned on reading a book this year? ha! I will start with humor. There is no better way to mark my pages than with a pic of my little.
8 – I am not planning on taking jewelry because we really will just be lounging. However, my Maya Brenner necklace is delicate enough to wear every day, and make me feel girly.
9 Nivea – I love a good ole drugstore lip balm. The Nivea sticks are my favorite!!
10 Nutrogena Sunscreen – my skin breaks out easily, and I have had great luck with this break-out free lotion. Very lightweight!
 Are you planning a vacation any time soon? What are your must haves?
-J

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE SERIES (FOR HER)

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 
(1) We are absolutely LOVING this emerald shade suede bootie. It adds a subtle touch of color to any outfit.
(2)  Genius!! Bake a little bit of your batter in this nibble pan so you can taste test without cutting into your cake.
(3) If you haven’t tasted Jeni’s ice cream…. you haven’t lived. We sincerely mean that! We make it part of every girls night. The lovely lady in your life will thank you.
(4) Who doesn’t love a great nail color? With this Advent mani set, you will calm your color cravings all month long. Beautiful!
(5) We all love photos, and using calendars make us more responsible (kind of). These are ALWAYS good gifts for any occasion.
(6) A stylish way to listen to a good audio book or iPod.
(7) We are dying over this beautiful leather clutch that charges your iPhone. Stunning colors to choose from also.
(8) These rings are the sweetest, most stylish reminder of those you love most. Whether it be your kids, spouse, or your imaginary friend… initials never go out of style.
(9) Perfect pair of PJ’s! Classic and comfy.
(10) Rock these with a leather jacket and ankle boots or just around the house when you want to get out of your lounge pants that you have had since college (we all have them… your secret is safe here). They will make you feel cute for sure!