BLACK AND BLUE (AND A GIVEAWAY!)

old navy tee (on sale right now for under $10!)

gap jeans (similar)

similar ankle boots

urban outfitter sunglasses

sassy steals dylan bag, c/o

I've been on a cobalt blue kick the last few months, so this bag was an absolute no brainer. And as it turns out, cobalt goes with pretty much everything. Although I wore it with neutral black, white, and denim here, I've also successfully worn it with red, brown, white, pink, olive green, gray....and the list could go on. It's also one of those year round bags that works for any season! 

Want one for yourself? Well, today is your lucky day because Sassy Steals is giving away one of these bags (in the color of your choice -- there are 5 colors to choose from!), and giving you a cute "Sassy" tee! 

Enter to win using the Rafflecopter widget below, and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

3 WAYS TO SPICE UP YOUR MOMIFORM

sheinside tee, c/o

dittos jeans, c/o

downeast basics hat, similar

buyamba flats, c/o

petunia pickle bottom bag, c/o

gold bib necklace, c/o

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANA LAURENE

I think every mom would agree that the momiform is one of the best inventions (if you can call it that) ever because every mom needs something easy, quick, and comfy to jump into and last through a day of errands, chasing after children, driving the carpool, etc. For me, a striped tee and jeans is my go-to momiform outfit, but the basics often beg to be spiced up a bit (and changing up accessories makes it less noticeable when you wear it three days in a row...not that ever do that...). 

Try these additions to spice up your momiform basics -- they're items that won't get in your way during the activities of the day, but will take your basic outfit to the next level:

1. Hats. I'm super in to hats this year, and think they're such a great and unexpected addition to a basic mom uniform. Floppy hats, fedoras, beanies, and baseball caps are all acceptable (even encouraged), and will go with everything. Find some of my favorites right here.

2. Jewelry. I feel like nothing makes me look more put together than jewelry. Lately I'm super in to delicate jewelry, but wearing your basics is a good time to pull out the statement jewelry, like with this gorgeous bib necklace I'm wearing here (although it's hard to tell with my hair). See some of my favorites in this post here. 

3. And lastly, shoes! When your outfit is so basic, let your shoes do a little more talking. Go for a bright color, a bold pattern, or something unexpected like these gorgeous hand-beaded buyamba flats that make a little statement. 

What do you mama's do to make your momiform a little more fun? 

p.s. Buyamba (who makes my gorgeous beaded flats) is an amazing company that is helping women in Uganda earn a living by hand-making the beads and adding them to the shoes. They have an amazing mission, an even better story, and are doing such a great thing by helping these women in need. You can learn more about their mission and company here and here! Anthropologie is also now selling some of their fall collection, which you can check out right here, or find their full fall collection (including these flats) right here. 

THREE WAYS TO WEAR A TUNIC DRESS

Outfit 1: 

topshop dress // similar fur vest here and here// black tights // 

similar black booties // baublebar earrings

Outfit 2: 

topshop blazer // topshop dress (worn as a blouse) // 

boyfriend jeans //similar black heels // similar cobalt bag

Outfit 3: 

topshop dress (worn as a top) // similar leather skirt // 

similar heels // mirrored aviators // similar clutch

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANA LAURENE

As I get older, building a capsule wardrobe becomes more important to me. Don't get me wrong -- I love a good inexpensive, trendy piece, but I'm trying to be more methodical in my purchases and find pieces that are well-made, classic, and super versatile. For as long as I can remember, I've had friends that were obsessed with Nordstrom, but it wasn't until this last year that I discovered that goldmine. Not only does it have the a huge selection, a million different designers and brands, and the best sales, it sells well made pieces that will last me for years and fit right into that capsule wardrobe I'm trying to build. 

TopShop is one of my favorite shops in Nordstrom, and as soon as I saw this grid tunic dress, I had to have it. It's so versatile, so I wanted to show you three easy ways to wear it:

1. With Tights. A tunic with tights and booties is one of my favorite fall/winter looks. Pair your black tights with a pair of black heeled boots to make your legs look super long and lean. I added a touch of glam to this look with a fur vest and some sparkly accessories. 

2. With Jeans. This tunic has pockets (my favorite!), so turning it into a shirt is a little tricker if you want to avoid bunching at your waist. So I tucked it fully into my boyfriend jeans and then pulled it out to give it a loose and blousey look. Then I threw on a blazer, heels, and a brightly colored bag for a casual work day or pretty date night look. 

3. Tucked Into A Skirt.  The A-line silhouette is so feminine, and this pretty top was just screaming for a classic look. I paired it with my A-line pleated leather skirt, some basic black pumps, and some edgy mirrored aviators for a classic feminine (with a touch of edge) look. 

Now tell me, which look is your favorite??

Also, there's tons of other good stuff at TopShop right now -- check out my favorites in the widget below! 

This post was brought to you by TopShop Nordstrom