Fashion – A Pocketful of Faith

A Blue Jean Skirt in Bandera

As many of you know if you read my “Texas Travel Diary; Week 1” post (read it now here), I recently returned from a two week trip to Texas. While I was there I spent a few days in a super small town about an hour and a half outside of San Antonio called Bandera, otherwise known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World.” I stayed at my grandparents’ house there and they have the most picturesque well on their yellow grassy property, so I had took advantage of that and shoot a quick fashion post for y’all! Today I’m sharing that outfit, enjoy!

On the way to Bandera after our stay in the JW Marriot San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, we stopped at a huge mall called La Cantera and I picked up the perfect denim skirt at Forever 21 for just $12.00, score! It’s not too short but not awkwardly long, it’s not too tight but not too loose, it’s the perfect medium wash (is that a thing?) denim, and has the cutest bronze buttons down the front! I styled this fabulous find with a cute white embroidered top from H&M (I bought it last year but I’ve linked a couple similar tops below!), gold Jack Rogers sandals, a fun pair of purple stacked tassel earrings from E. Taylor Designs for a pop of color, and some simple white and gold jewelry. I hope you love this look as much as I do!

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top (similar here and here) // skirt // sandals // necklace // earrings // beaded bracelets (here and here) // MantraBand // Giving Key bangle // cross bracelet (similar) // watch (similar) // ring

Thanks for reading!

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The earrings from E. Taylor Designs as well as the beaded bracelets from Sashka Co. featured in this post were sent to me in exchange for a feature in my blog. However, all opinions are honest and my own. I don’t feature products I don’t truly love!

Backpack Shopping Guide

Since I began preschool, the piece of school supplies I have always been most excited about has been my backpack. I feel like, next to clothes, it’s one of the best ways to express yourself at school. While I haven’t chosen an exciting one with Hannah Montana or overwhelming floral patterns on it recently, nor have I purchased a new one every year like I used to back then, I still love my backpack and think that having the perfect one is an important component of walking into school confidently on the first day. Today I’m sharing my third Back to School post this year; a backpack shopping guide! Read the rest of my Back to School posts here! This post features a few of my current favorite backpacks being sold online to help guarantee that you pick a trusty book bag that gives you that same boost of confidence and reassurance mine always gives me. Each image of a backpack contains the link to the product’s online listing, so just click on one you like to shop! You can also click on the underlined name of the brand to shop all of that brand’s backpacks. Enjoy!

Jadelynn Brooke

Yes, I am an ambassador for Jadelynn Brooke and no, I’m not receiving any kind of compensation for mentioning their backpacks, I just love them! Jadelynn Brooke backpacks come in a few adorable patterns (my favorite is pictured on the far left) and have all of the necessary functional features including a zip pocket and two side mesh pockets on the outside, two interior neoprene pockets (one sized for a 15 inch laptop and the other sized for a tablet), a water repellent exterior, a sturdy handle, and padded adjustable shoulder straps. I actually have one of Jadelynn Brooke’s older backpacks and I love using it to travel, I can only imagine that the quality has improved since mine was released a year ago! Plus, you can get yours 15% off with my code “FLHS” and you will receive a free Jadelynn Brooke water bottle, keychain, & some stickers with your purchase of a backpack!

The North Face

My last two backpacks have been North Face Borealis and I love them. My first one lasted three school years and a trip to Colorado, and even though it’s a little beat up now I still plan on using it for travel! The first one pictured below is actually the one I got for this school year! I love North Face backpacks because they’re built for hiking, so they’re super durable and have tons of pockets (including a padded, fleece-lined one that fits a 15 inch laptop) and zippered compartments to hold everything you could possibly need to take to school, plus the back area and shoulder straps are lined with memory foam! Not to mention, there’s a plethora of color combinations and patterns! A few of my favorite North Face Borealis backpacks for this school year are pictured (and linked) below.

Madeline & Company

Madeline & Company was founded by Madeline, who at the time was just a rising senior in high school unable to find the perfect backpack that was both stylish and functional. She started a small online business selling the backpacks she’d designed that were roomy enough to fit all of her books and super cute. Now, two years later, she still has the business running with the help of her family and just released a second line of slimmer backpacks! I don’t have one of these myself but I wish I did! The classic design features an inspirational saying on the back of the backpack, navy and white stripe interior lining, an easy to clean faux leather base, a durable polyester exterior, a padded laptop sleeve, padded shoulder straps and back panel, interior zippered pocket, two exterior side pockets (perfect for water bottles), and an exterior zippered pocket.

Patagonia

Just like North Face backpacks, Patagonia backpacks were originally created for hikers so they’re built to be spacious and durable, it’s just a plus that they happen to have some really cute colors! My personal favorite styles from Patagonia are the Refugio Backpack 26L and the Chacabuco Backpack 28L, both of which include padded laptop sleeves, two water bottle pockets, “ultra soft” mesh back panels and shoulder straps, and multiple zipper compartments. I’ve never had a Patagonia backpack but I have friends who’ve had them for years and love them.

Thanks for reading! Let me know what other Back to School posts you’d like to see in the coming weeks!

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Back to School Lookbook 2017

It’s crazy to think that I put together my first “Back to School Lookbook” post two years ago, yet here I am sharing another one today! This one is always my favorite Back to School post to write each year, even though creating it usually requires me spending hours outside in the 80-90 (if not higher) degree heat taking pictures while wearing jeans. If you’re interested in reading my last two “Back to School Lookbook” posts, you can find them here and here. Now, enough with that sentimental blip, let’s get on with the post!

Showing off new clothing pieces is without a doubt one of my favorite parts of going back to school. However, I often struggle with styling my new clothes in a way that I would deem “first week worthy.” Hopefully the three looks in today’s post will help you find fun, creative ways to style the new pieces you’ve picked up this summer and rethink the way you style some of the basic closet staples you’ve been working with for years. This is the second post in this year’s Back to School series, so be sure to check out my last Back to School themed post, “10 Things I Wish I Realized Before Sophomore Year of High School,” here if you haven’t already. Okay okay, let’s look at these outfits already!

Comfortable and Casual

This look is probably the most basic of the three I’m sharing today. I styled a simple, soft striped tank with a tan cardigan, rolled up jeans, and a trendy pair of Nikes for a comfortable yet trendy look. I accessorized with a few simple bracelets, my Kate Spade watch, Kendra Scott Danielle earrings, and a pearl necklace layered with a choker. I adore this fun turquoise, rose gold, and white braided choker from Beach Bum Beads! They’re an Instagram business, so you can check out their Instagram @beachbumbeads here and place an order with them through direct message. This look would be super easy to recreate; layer a soft, comfy cardigan over a simple top with some jeans and sneakers (Converse, New Balances, Adidas Superstars, and Vans would all look great, just to name a few!).

top (similar) // cardigan (similar) // jeans // sneakers // choker (direct message the Instagram account linked to order and let them know I sent you!) // three pearl necklace // earrings // beaded bracelets (here and here) // MantraBand // Giving Key bangle // cross bracelet (similar) // watch (similar) // ring

A Light Sweater and A Denim Skirt

If you read my “Trend Tracking” post on denim skirts (linked here), you already know that I love them. I love this maroon one because it sticks to the trend but the color makes it a little more unique. I wore it with a light v-neck sweater from H&M half tucked in along with my favorite pair of faux leather lace up sandals from Target. I accessorized the look with some simple white and gold bracelets, a gold Kate Spade watch, thin gold hoop earrings, and a green beaded choker from Gia Designs. I love this choker and definitely recommend checking Gia Designs out here for more nice looking yet inexpensive jewelry pieces. Gia Designs is another Instagram business, so you can check out their Instagram @gia.designs here and place an order with them through direct message. This look can be recreated with any denim skirt, a light sweater (you don’t want anything too thick yet, it’s still pretty hot out!), and a pair of lace up sandals.

sweater (no longer available in orange) // skirt // sandals // choker (custom order; direct message a picture of the choker from this post to @gia.designs on Instagram here to order it yourself!) // hoop earrings // beaded bracelets (here and here) // MantraBand // Giving Key bangle // cross bracelet (similar) // watch (similar) // ring

An Unbuttoned Button Down Over A Simple Dress

Honestly I think this outfit has to be my favorite, it’s so simple and cute! You could easily recreate this look yourself by throwing an unbuttoned flannel, oxford, or chambray button down (like the one I’m wearing) over a simple solid colored dress. I’m wearing a plain black tank dress from Old Navy (that I must mention is so soft) with super flattering loose peplum-esque stitching a little above the waistline. I paired that dress with an open chambray button down (also from Old Navy) and classic gold Jack Rogers sandals for an easy yet put together look. I accessorized with a gold Kate Spade watch, some simple white and gold bracelets, Kendra Scott Danielle earrings, and a Kendra Scott Elisa pendant necklace layered with a fun turquoise bar necklace from Lexas Chic Boutique. Lexas Chic Boutique has a ton of fun jewelry pieces, be sure to check them out here and use my code “FAITH15” for 15% off

dress (similar) // button down (similar) // sandals // turquoise bar necklace // pendant necklace // earrings // beaded bracelets (here and here) // MantraBand // Giving Key bangle // cross bracelet (similar) // watch (similar) // ring

Thanks for reading! I hope this post has helped you gather some inspiration for your back to school looks! Let me know in the comments which look of these three looks was your favorite!

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The chokers from Beach Bum Beads and Gia Designs as well as the necklace from Lexas Chic Boutique and the beaded bracelets from Sashka Co. featured in this post were sent to me in exchange for a feature in my blog. However, all opinions are honest and my own. I don’t feature products I don’t truly love!

Black & Yellow

Aside from being an iconic song by Wiz Khalifa, black and yellow is also a pretty great color combination if you ask me. Yellow is such a fun, happy color and you can’t go wrong with a little black! When I recently saw this pale yellow top at H&M, I knew I had to have it. Ruffled sleeves and under $15? Score! Today I’m styling this fun top with some blue jeans and my metallic gold Converse high tops. I topped off the look with some fun black jewelry from Gia Designs. How cute are these black tassel earrings and this black bead choker? Gia Designs is an awesome jewelry company run completely through Instagram, so all you have to do is direct message the owner, Virginia, to order! Be sure to go check out the company account here. As for the rest of my jewelry, I stuck to some basic white and gold pieces to coordinate with the metallic gold high tops. Enjoy!

top // jeans // high tops // earrings // choker // beaded bracelets (here and here) // MantraBand // Giving Key bangle // cross bracelet (similar) // watch (similar) // ring

Thanks for reading!

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The choker and earrings from Gia Designs as well as the beaded bracelets from Sashka Co. featured in this post were sent to me in exchange for a feature in my blog. However, all opinions are honest and my own. I don’t feature products I don’t truly love!

An Outfit Inspired by Kate of Lonestar Southern

Today I’m back with another post in the “An Outfit Inspired by…” series I began in June. I’m not really sure if I plan on doing this every month or not, let me know what y’all think! In case you need a refresher, in these posts I pick someone I view as a style icon that I think you might have already heard of, provide a little background on the person and their signature style along with some pictures of them, then I share an outfit I’ve put together inspired by this person! If you missed my “An Outfit Inspired by Danielle Carolan” post I published last month, you can read it now here. In today’s installment, I’m sharing a look inspired by Kate, the Texan blogger behind Lonestar Southern.

Kate is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin who currently lives in Dallas, Texas. She’s well known for her fashion blog, Lonstar Southern, but also has a large following on her Instagram (linked here) and YouTube channel (linked here). Kate’s style, as she describes it herself in her “Meet Kate” page, is “classic, colorful fashion that embodies a strong southern influence and a sprinkling of trends.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. Kate has made it clear to her followers that she loves a good sale, big ruffles, statement earrings, classic details, traveling, and a nice pair of wedges. Her adorable southern accent can be heard in her YouTube videos and daily Instagram stories and she honestly seems like the sweetest person ever.

(The images above are from the Lonestar Southern website and belong to Kate. Their respective blog posts are linked within the images!)

When I tried my hand at channeling my inner Lonestar Southern, the first thing I knew I had to somehow add to the outfit was a ruffle. I had this classic navy off the shoulder top from Banana Republic in my closet already and I thought it would be perfect for this look. I paired it with white jeans, as Kate wears white jeans constantly. Kate is often seen in wedges, so I pulled out my TOMS wedges because they’re the closest thing I have to Kate’s beloved platform wedges. She also adores statement earrings, so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to style these gorgeous turquoise beaded tassel earrings from St. Armand’s Designs that look oh so similar to one of her pairs from Lisi Lerch. Kate doesn’t appear to be incredibly fond of necklaces, so I left my neck bare. She doesn’t wear a lot of bracelets either, usually just simple cuffs stacked with her watch, so I followed her lead by stacking my MantraBand and a cute old cuff from Stella & Dot around my Kate Spade watch. Enjoy!

top (similar) // white jeans // wedges (similar) // earrings (similar, the style has been updated since I received this pair!) // watch (similar) // MantraBand // turquoise and yellow cuff bracelet (similar) // ring

Thanks for reading!

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The earrings from St. Armands Designs featured in this post were sent to me in exchange for a feature in my blog. However, all opinions are honest and my own. I don’t feature products I don’t truly love!

Blue & White Collab

I’d definitely say my style has made some shifts over the past few years. At this point, I don’t even know how to describe it, it’s really just whatever I want to wear. What can I say, I like what I like! One color combination I have absolutely loved through all of my style’s phases is white and blue. I adore white and blue pinstripes and love seeing a simple white top styled with a denim miniskirt. The combination of white and blue is just too classic! Today I’m collaborating with my friend Kathleen from Let’s Get Preppy to bring you two cute blue and white looks! Kathleen’s blog was one that made me want to start my own blog way back when and I’m sure y’all will love her blog just as much as I still do to this day! Be sure to check out her white and blue ensemble here. Now, onto my blue and white look, enjoy!

Like I said, I’m a sucker for blue and white pinstripes. I’m also fond of belle sleeves, bows, and shirt dresses, which makes the dress I’m wearing today a definite favorite of mine! I got this pretty number on sale at Gap a few months back so unfortunately it’s not available online anymore, but I linked several similar dresses I found below! I definitely think this dress could easily be dressed up with some heels or wedges, but for this look I decided to dress it down a bit with some gold Jack Rogers sandals. For a pop of color, I wore a fun pair of coral tassel hoop earrings from E Squared. E Squared has lots of adorable jewelry pieces at great price points, be sure to check them out here! I kept the rest of my jewelry pretty simple with my everyday Kendra Scott necklace, Giving Key bangle, MantraBand, Kate Spade watch, rose gold ring, and Sashka Co. beaded bracelets.

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dress (similar here, here, here, here, here (this one’s my favorite!), here, and here) // sandals // earrings // necklace // beaded bracelets (here and here) // MantraBand // Giving Key bangle // cross bracelet (similar) // watch (similar) // ring

Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to check out Kathleen’s post here.

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The earrings from E Squared as well as the beaded bracelets from Sashka Co. featured in this post were sent to me in exchange for a feature in my blog. However, all opinions are honest and my own. I don’t feature products I don’t truly love!