Hunter Boots & Flannel

DETAILS // 

Boots:  Hunter | Leggings:  Fabletics | Shirt: Old Navy | Vest: Old Navy | Watch: JORD

Call me basic, or predictable, or whatever, but I'm just gonna say it:  I think I found my fave outfit for fall and early winter.  

I've had a pair of Hunter boots on my wishlist for a while now.  I can't tell you how many pairs of cheap rainboots I've gone through. I distinctly remember the first pair I got in college...they were a cute navy blue with little anchors on them.  And I thought they were great every time I boldly walked across a rain-soaked quad on my way to class.  But then, halfway across the marsh that our beautiful, grassy quad inevitably turned into in the New England rain, I would notice that my socks felt a little cold...and wet.  And so, the boots that I had trusted to keep my tootsies dry failed me.  So last week, when AJ and I were walking through Costco, I was shocked to find a stack of neatly-piled Hunter boot boxes.  They had no price sign above them, and knowing what they normally retail for, I figured they couldn't be more than $20-$30 less than the usual price tag, so I didn't even bother to ask.  Later that weekend, I thought about them and checked online and was shocked to find that they were only $80!  So I ordered a pair online and friends...they're popular for a reason.  They're comfortable, totally sealed, and so classic.  

I paired my Hunter boots with a pair of Fabletics leggings, a boyfriend flannel from Old navy (my new fave), and a puffy vest for a shoot that I had scheduled on Sunday, and after my client headed home, I decided to grab a few photos of myself, because it was one of those outfits that I just never wanted to take off (so comfy).   

WHAT'S YOUR GO-TO OUTFIT THESE DAYS?  DO YOU OWN HUNTER BOOTS?

Fall Fashion & Better Life Bags

DETAILS // 

Bag:  the Linda by Better Life Bags  |  Shirt:  Old Navy  |  Jeans:  Gap  |  Flats:  Old Navy  |  Necklace:  Rocksbox  |  Hat:  Old Navy  |  Vest:  Bass

I really love shopping small and supporting businesses that are making a difference.  While it's not always completely feasible when shopping for clothes and accessories, I like to support these types of businesses when possible.  

That's why I've been wanting to feature my Better Life Bag in a blog post since I got it in June.  When I took it with me while apple picking a few weeks ago, I figured there was no better spot than in the orchard to shoot some photos of this great bag! 

If you're not familiar with Better Life Bags, they're a Detroit-based company that employs women with barriers to employment and gives them an opportunity to earn a fair wage and make a living for their families.  They are making an impact on these women and their families and furthering God's kingdom in the process.  What's not to love?

The cool thing about Better Life Bags is that as the customer, you design your bag.  They have an interactive website where you can change leather colors and fabric patterns on the bag design of your choice, and each bag is made to order.  While these bags are a bit on the pricey side, I think they're totally worth it simply because of the heart behind the company.  It was definitely worth saving up for it!

I love my Linda from Better Life Bags.  It's the perfect size for a day out or even if I'm headed to meet a photography client...I can fit my essentials along with my camera and a notebook easily in my bag, and I love that it has both shoulder straps and a cross body!    

Truth be told, I'm a total purse girl, so it's not hard to find a bag that I love.  But there's just something so satisfying knowing that I gave my money to a quality company that is doing good work and using it well.  If you haven't checked out some of Better Life Bags' products, I highly recommend you do so here!

HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF BETTER LIFE BAGS?  DO YOU OWN ONE?  WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ETHICAL FASHION COMPANY?

Saturday Adventures and Abandoned Barns

Last week was a busy one with the launch of our new photography website (see it here) and preparing for our pastor to come back to church after 19 weeks at home since his accident (read about that here).  It was one of those weeks where I had every intention of blogging and then late nights happened and life got in the way and my best friend had a baby and I maybe also had a sinus infection and the blogging ambitions just didn't fly.

But then this weekend came.  Sure, it was busy, but it was so, so good.  Between snuggling Jen's new little one (who I'm beyond smitten with) and celebrating my cousin and his wife's daughter on the way, and then cheering on our pastor as he took the stage for three services (attended by over 7,900 people!) on Sunday, my heart was full to bursting by the time Sunday night rolled around.  

It was one of those weekends where the goodness of God was just felt so thoroughly.  From the cutest baby yawns and squeals to the cheers through happy tears on Sunday, God was present at every turn and He never ceases to amaze and impress.  

On Saturday, as AJ and I drove down country roads on our way to Matt & Chelsea's baby shower, I noticed this great old abandoned barn along the side of the road.  I took note of it, as I often do when I see places that I'd love to do a shoot at someday, and one the way home, I made AJ pull over and snap a few photos of me.  Because it's not every day that you have your camera with you and you're wearing a new dress and a floppy hat.  (Oh, and you're with a willing husband who hasn't yet grown tired of you making him take photos of you for your blog).

DETAILS // 

Dress:  LOFT  |  Jacket:  Gap  |  Boots:  DSW  |  Necklace:  Noonday Collection  |  Hat:  Old Navy  |  Watch: JORD  |  Bracelets:  Alex & Ani  |  Nail Polish:  Bahama Mama by Essie

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE FALL ACCESSORIES RIGHT NOW?

His & Hers Style // JORD Watches

AJ and I received these watches in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are ours!

For our first Christmas together, when AJ and I were together for just under a year, I bought him a watch.  He had been talking for a while about how guitarists always wore these cool watches, and he loved the way they looked, so I found him one that I thought he would love and surprised him before our Christmas Eve services started so that he could wear it while he played on our church's worship team that year.  He's had a little bit of a love affair ever since, and it's made gift giving really easy for me!  Fast forward to the following Christmas...I was about to start student teaching and knew I needed a watch to wear daily, so my parents bought me one for Christmas and I've worn it nearly every day since.  

Since those Christmas holidays, both of our watch collections have grown, but it's not often that you find a watch that just feels totally right on your wrist.  Personally, I love a watch that has a little bit of give to it, one that moves on my wrist, one that feels like a bracelet.  AJ loves the opposite.  He wants a watch to stay put.  I love rose gold, he loves dark colors.  When we discovered JORD wood watches, we were both smitten.  We both fell in love with different watches:  him, the Fieldcrest in Zebrawood & Maple, me, the Sidney in Maple & Rose Gold.  

We loved the attention to detail that we got with JORD.  Our watches arrived perfectly packaged in wooden boxes and were able to be sized when we ordered them.  We also loved styling them with everyday outfits...I've worn mine around the office and while running errands, with jeans and a blouse and with a dress and my jean jacket.  AJ has done the same:  he wore his to work this week and also for a day out and about.  We love having his & hers watches and have gotten so many compliments on them in just a few short days!  

Check out how we're wearing our JORD watches!

DETAILS //

HIS // Pants:  Old Navy; Jacket:  Old Navy; Shirt:  Old Navy; Watch:  JORD

HERS // Dress:  Old Navy; Jacket:  Gap; Boots:  Target; Necklace:  Charming Charlie; Watch:  JORD

Unique Watch

HOW DO YOU STYLE YOUR FAVORITE WATCH?

Show Your Spirit // NFL Style, 3 Ways

Remember how I told you earlier this week that AJ has me watching football each weekend?  Well, if you know that we're from the Philly area, it's probably not a surprise to you that we're Eagles fans. (And if you know me, it's probably not a surprise that this team is breaking my heart.  Seriously.  I can't take it.)

Last Christmas, AJ's grandmother gave me my first piece of NFL gear.  When this season rolled around, I knew that one shirt wasn't going to cut it.  I wanted to go all-out with a hat and a few more shirt options!  I went to NFLShop.com to check out this year's line of team apparel and was amazed...did you know they make NFL team dresses?!  For real.  NFLShop.com was a great one-stop shop for all Eagles gear, and I ended up picking out the girliest (cue the sparkles) hat, a cute tee, and a sweatshirt.  And just like that, I'm ready for football season and my husband is so proud of me!

I love getting a little creative with my wardrobe and wearing pieces multiple ways, so I came up with a few different ways to show your team spirit.  While jeans and sneakers are a great pairing for your team gear (and are listed in this post), they're certainly not the only way you can show your support for your favorite team!

LOOK 1 // 

When the game is on a Sunday, I'm often headed to someone's house to watch right from church.  Because I work at my church, Sundays are a work day for me, and so sometimes, I like to dress up a bit.  While there are many Sundays that I wear jeans, there are plenty that I love throwing on a skirt or dress!  Pairing my Eagles boatneck sweatshirt with a comfortable, stretchy skirt and boots allows me to show my team spirit while still looking work-appropriate.  This is also a great outfit for a day in the office!

LOOK 2 // 
For look 2, I went with the classic jeans, tee, and a hat.  I'm a huge fan of baseball caps for those days when your hair just won't cooperate.  You can't deny that this classic is great for a day of running errands, attending a game, or just hanging around.

LOOK 3 // 
Finally, my third look pairs my Eagles tee with a chunky sweater, leggings, and a pair of flats.  This is definitely a great outfit for a weekend brunch or even a day in the office.  Because I sit in meetings or at my desk most of the day, I love being able to dress comfortably and this outfit hits the nail on the head!  Once the weather gets a little colder, swap out those flats for boots and this outfit transitions perfectly into winter!

If you're in need of some new team gear for this football season, be sure to check out NFLShop.com for a great selection!

HOW DO YOU SHOW YOUR SPIRIT AND STYLE YOUR TEAM GEAR?