Welcome back to a new week, lovebugs, I hope your weekend was marvelous! Mr. SP was out of town, so the kids and I binged Friends on Netflix and ordered pizza. Two nights in a row. #oops I even sweet-talked Little Miss into a ‘slumber party’ in my bed. I hate being alone downstairs when he’s gone!! Is anyone else like that?
I’ve got a full day booked at the JCPenney Studios, recording some fun videos for their new app! Unfortunately, this one isn’t a ‘bring your daughter to work’ option. (See our Mother-Daughter Style video here). I’ll be sure to share details on the new ones when I can, but today it’s time for a big ole brain dump of what’s been rambling around my head, and life lately! And it’s kind of a doozy…I really should try to do these posts more often!!
one // With the new season, comes tons of new arrivals…but even more exciting, is the return of favorites from year’s past! I was excited to see so many of my closet staples back-in-stock…starting with this fleecey cardi-wrap! We lovingly crowned it the ‘kitten cardi’ a few years ago because it feels like being swathed in a bed of baby kittens. It’s cute worn draped open, or buttoned closed…and the love people have for it borders on cultic. It’s also on sale for under $40!
Fit Tip: It’s true to size, I wear an XS. And it’s okay to have it in more than one color.
Cardigan (available in plus size here & more colors here) | Fave Tee | Distressed Jeans | Boots (on sale!)
This cowlneck sweater tunic is a favorite with leggings and jeans, and is a soft, lightweight jersey material. I’d recommend the regular sizing for leggings, or the petite if you prefer it shorter.
Cowlneck Sweater Tunic | Knee Boots | Similar Booties | Deer Print Bag | Monogrammed Checkered Tote
I couldn’t get enough of this fleecy v-neck last year (see it styled here & here), and love it with both jeans and leggings, and worn either alone or layered over a collared shirt! They call it a sweater, but it’s really more of a thick fleecy tee.
V-Neck Sweater | My Distressed Jeans | Plum Booties | Mom’s Bootcut Jeans | Her Taupe Booties
V-Neck Sweater | Plaid Shirt | Favorite Leggings | Necklace | Hoop Earrings | Packable Rainboots | Travel Umbrella
Sweater Top | Puffer Vest | Sunglasses | Lace Bralette | Hoop Earrings
This peacoat was the deal-of-the-year…Mama SP and I both have it in black and camel! And now it’s back, on sale for under $40, and comes in the freshest blush pink shade!! Rest assured I ordered one for myself before sharing! (See it styled several ways here & here)
Fit Tip: It runs small, so size up one!
Peacoat | Striped Sweater | Black Jeans | Similar Gray Booties | Reversible Tote | Sunglasses | Hoop Earrings | Lipstick in ‘Yu’
Peacoat | Bootcut Jeans | Taupe Booties
I searched high and low for over-the-knee boots last year, and could hardly believe my luck when I discovered these beauties under $100…and now they’re back! See the full style post with them here.
Similar Sweater | Jeans | OTK Boots | Deer Print Bag (use code SUGARPLUM10 for 10% off!) | Moto Jacket | Favorite Cami Tank | Black Jeans | Pendant Necklace | Sunglasses | Clutch
It’s practically poncho season, so I’ll be pulling this plaid cutie out soon! I did, however, discover it sheds, so pairing it with black isn’t ideal.
Poncho | Black Jeans | Plum Booties | Saddle Bag | Pendant Necklace | Sunglasses | Hoop Earrings
And finally, this cotton cowlneck feels like a thick t-shirt and I love it with both jeans and workout wear.
Cowlneck Tunic | Black Sneakers | White Sneakers | Monogrammed Crossbody Bag
two // School has been back in session for several weeks, but I can’t let a year go by without documenting their first day on the blog!! For those of you who’ve been following from the beginning, you’ve seen quite a few of these! (See their back-to-school style posts here & here.)
three // I have some amazingly talented friends and family, and I love celebrating their successes! Two of my favorite people recently published books, and I couldn’t be more excited or proud!! First up, my cousin Lindy Kirk…who is just the cutest person ever…is a fanatical animal-lover, and has been obsessed with rescuing dogs since birth! She just released Decoding Dogs, a fantastic guide to communicating with your pup. It’s full of real-life stories and experiences to help the human-dog relationship, and of course, written with Lindy’s trademark wit and humor.
My darling friend, Shay, released her FIFTH cookbook, Simmers, just in time for the cozy season. It’s chock-full of amazing recipes for your slow-cooker…which if you’re like me, works overtime in the Fall!
(Sidenote: Don’t let Maggie’s aloofness fool you, I totally caught her reading it last week. She even went to so far as to highlight my weak areas.)
four // We just finished binging two fantastic shows, and if you love intense drama, they are a must-watch!! Ozark stars Jason Bateman (reason enough to watch the show, #amiright?), a money-launderer who got himself in a pickle with the drug cartel. It slowed for an episode midseason, but by the end we were staying up insanely late because we couldn’t turn it off!
We also just finished Season 3 of Narcos, and I think it was the best one yet! I’m already counting down until both of these return next year! What are you watching these days? We need another show to binge! And also, what the heck did we do before Netflix?!
five // We recently started Orange Theory Fitness, and I’m equally obsessed and loathsome of it! I would not consider myself an avid fitness buff, in fact, I dislike working out a lot. Like, a lot-a lot. But I also love tacos, so there’s that. And I’m not getting any younger (chatted about that in this post), so while I appreciate being able to button my jeans, I also know consistent, real exercise is important for my overall health.
I have no discipline when it comes to working out, so classes are the only way for me, and the beauty of Orange Theory is you get full-body cardio and weights in under an hour. I curse it the entire hour, but feel amazing when it’s done. How’s that for a review? It’s also the only time my brain completely shuts off…the only thought in my head during the class is survival!
But if you’re more of an at-home exerciser, my best-girl, Angi Abercrombie, has an amazing virtual training program, including 6-weeks of top-notch exercises and meal-planning!
six // My friend Eden of Sugar & Charm has the most beautiful site, and is beyond talented when it comes to styling, parties and recipes. Visiting her site is always a visual treat, and a great resource for inspiration…like this Table Setting Guide. It’s going to come in handy with holiday season just around the corner!
seven // Remember the Porch Refresh we did this Summer with HomeGoods? Well, they flew me to NYC to recreate our space in their studio for an exciting press event. I sent them the photos of our new patio space, and their stylists combed the HomeGoods warehouse (can you even imagine the candy store that must be?!?!) looking for pieces that matched my style.
Together we replicated a (better!) version of our porch…complete with faux-brick wall and windows! Then I spent the next day showing it off to editors from every major magazine…you know, a regular Thursday. 😉
eight // I love a good Look for Less, don’t you? I adore this dress more than I can say…especially since it’s under $100! Can you believe it’s the exact dupe of this $500 version?! I’m wearing an XS, but it’s a snug fit, so if you’re busty or in-between sizes, you might want to go up one.
nine // Finally, several pieces I’ve featured lately are now on sale…including some closet and makeup favorites!
The ‘did you get lash extensions’ mascara is still 15% off…which is crazy! I totally grabbed a back-up tube…I love it so much I already have an irrational fear it will someday be discontinued. (See my recent 5 Makeup Tips for Looking Younger here.)
This off-the-shoulder sweatshirt is perfectly slouchy, without being sloppy, and is 30% off! I’m trying to tell myself I don’t need a second color, but I’m having a hard time listening. (I wear it with this bra.)
Another fun sweatshirt option, this one with cute contrasting ties, is 33% off…available in multiple colors and stripes here and here.
This turtleneck was a favorite from the Anniversary Sale, and it’s restocked and on even bigger sale! It feels like a lightweight sweatshirt and a loose turtleneck, but the kicker is the split back! I’d wear it with jeans or workout wear.
Split-Back Turtleneck | Jeans | Cognac Boots
My hands-down favorite white jeans (concealed front pockets, extra stretch, opaque enough to smooth out lumps & bumps, and comfy mid-rise!) are 30% off! I love them so much I styled an entire Five Ways around them (find it here). I recommend sizing down one, and remember I hemmed mine to ankle length.
Favorite Scoopneck Tee | White Jeans | Booties | Sunglasses | Hoop Earrings | Heart Beat Necklace | Monogrammed Bag
And finally, another closet favorite, my jean jacket is 30% off, too! I styled it Five Ways here if you need more proof of its awesomeness!
What’s rambling through your head these days? I’d love to hear what’s going on in your world!
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I think I need to start binge-watching Ozark. I’m definitely doing that as soon as I’m done with my current TV obsession!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Out of all,of those cowl necks you featured, which one is your very favorite? I’ve been wanting to start Ozark too. Love Jason Bateman!
Oooh, that’s a tough one!! If I could only choose one, it’d probably be this one: http://bit.ly/2y2RVkt
So soft, longer in the back, and relaxed fit.
Cassie, we need the cooler weather so that I can wear every single one of these looks!!
Hi Cassie,
After reading your post last week on eyebrows, I ordered the Anastasia and it came on Saturday. I noticed my eyebrows were thinning, but didn’t think they were making that much difference overall. But wow, I was wrong. I look so much more finished now. It made a big difference. Thanks so much!
Also, I clicked on the sugar and charm website and I’m going to be checking in with her constantly for holiday inspiration:)
I’m thrilled to hear it was helpful, Kathy!! Now I’m completely obsessed with making sure my brows are dark and full!
I’ve started watching Ozark too, kinda reminds me of Breaking Bad, which I LOVED as well.
Design by Sydnee
SoA was sooo great, you should try Ozark and Narcos but watch out they’re addicting.
Ps. I’m waiting for new season of The Crown – I just love that
So much goodness in that post I fear this comment will turn into an essay! Will try and keep it short and sweet! 1. Had a similar weekend with my husband away and me being a single mama. We also had two nights of takeout, chipotle and Thai food while watching the new season of Fuller House with my girls, and then hanging with my teen when the younger ones went to bed. Take out ( or a box of Annie’s mac and cheese) is the best way to dial things back when you are flying solo. The meal prep, and subsequent clean up followed by bath/bedtime is exhausting! 2. Ozark….my husband and I were hooked! Such a good story and LOVE JB! Will have to try Narcos. 3. Bought the fleecy v-neck on your recommendation last year and love it! 4. Orange therory…there is one just down the street from me and I have been thinking about trying it. My husband went and loves it, so I thought I should give it a try. I also hate these types of hardcore workouts, but I too am feeling the pressures or aging and tacos. 5. Your experience with Homegoods sounds like a dream come true…a fantasy of mine really. Is it going to be in any magazines?
1) Fish sticks and mac and cheese is my ‘oh crap, you people want dinner?!’ meal 😉
2) Hurry back JB!
3) Love to hear that!
4) Yes…totally try it! Especially since your first class is free!
5) It pretty much was! And I’m not sure where the photos and interviews will end up…that stuff is outside my contract 😉
xoxoxoxo
‘Oh crap you people want dinner’ meal….ha ha ha😂 Love it!
If OT isn’t a FIT for you, come try FITogether at Abercrombie and FITness. It’s a results oriented FITness program that works! http://www.abercrombieandfitness.com click on the virtual training tab and sing up!
You are PERFECT in that lace dress!!!!!!
I finished watching Ozark a few weeks ago and can’t wait for the next season to come out! Narcos and Damages are on my Netflix to-watch list.
I ordered your favorite white jeans and sized down one, so I hope they fit! 🙂
I love the look of that fleecy V-Neck Sweater (the BP one) and how you styled it last year with the plaid shirt underneath. Are you wearing an XS?
Same on Ozark, I wish it was coming back sooner!!! And yay on the white jeans, I hope you love them! And finally, yes…I’m wearing an XS in the v-neck! xo
Put your poncho in a zip lock bag in the freezer overnight. Problem solved! I do this with some sweaters.
Whaaaaaaaaattttt?!?!?! I’m totally going to try that, thank you!!
Just finished Banshee. Just 4 seasons total but WOW! Now binge watching Sons of Anarchy. Another great one!
Awesome, thanks for the tip!!!
Ray Donovan and (soon) Shameless!
Oooh, yes, I hear great things about both!
I bought the dog book for myself and sent one to my best pal in Seattle; can’t wait to read it!! We are both hopeless dog-aholics; can’t get get enough of their sweet furry faces!!
FYI, I accidentally posted this comment on one of your posts from last week, as well. I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed today!! #mondaybrain
Oh I love to hear that!!! I’m so proud of my cousin…and the book really great puppy insight!!
I am a huge fan of your blogging! Keep up the good work/info/style/design/etc.!!! Right now I’m on a desperate hunt to find that adorable retro cola cooler in aqua (or any color for that matter). Currently we are calling every Home Goods in the state of Fl and GA, but all are sold out for ‘the season’. Sure wish they had a website as we’d certainly order on a regular basis. Any other advice on how to find one?
By the way………..we drove down to Anna Maria this weekend and although there is still a lot of debris in piles to be cleared away – they fared really well considering the magnitude of Irma.
I wanted to pack that cooler up with me on the plane!!!! My HG never has stuff like that!! My only tip is to call around, but this late in the season, you’re probably not going to find much luck. thank you so much for the kind words, and the amazing news on AMI!!! xoxoxo
Try LOVESICK on Netflix. So luv Johnny Flynn!
Thanks for the tip!! We’ll check that one out!! xo
Mozart in the Jungle on Amazon prime is a wonderful show to binge. I love any show set in NYC! Quirky, funny and sexy storyline 👍
Cassie Thanks a million for the FITness endorsement. My program can be done at home or in a gym. It’s for all FITness levels and guarantees real results. PS me and Mr. Chicken Fry finished Ozark in under two days!!! Love me some Jason Bateman! Waiting with bated breath for season 2!!!!!!
Love ya girl
http://www.abercrombieandfitness.com
Angi