Bow Mules are Back!

Pink Bow Mules (Also come in black!): Nordstrom (If you’re not into bows I also love these, these and these loafer mules!) // Jeans: Levi’s 721 white jeans (I also have the J.Brand version which are my favorite jeans ever and are 25% right now at the Bloomies sale and also on sale at Nordstrom (because PRICE MATCHING!) Bloomies also has a version that has ripped knees–so cute!) // Shirt: Old but similar here, here and how cute is this version that ties on the side and this version that ties in the front? // Scarf: Nordstrom–also can we talk about this ADORABLE floral neck scarf that is such a steal? I also love this lightweight blush cashmere version which would be the best all-purpose scarf for spring (and travel, too!) // Bag: Madewell Transport Tote, which also comes in black/tan combo–you can buy it at Nordstrom and Shopbop, but if you want it monogrammed, get it direct from Madewell!

Hi guys!

So, I’m going to be honest for a second, in case you’ve been going through this predicament this week too:

April showers=MAJOR STRUGGLES.

As you may have noticed, my Monday post didn’t go up until like 11am, I couldn’t even manage to get a blog post up yesterday, and here I am on Wednesday morning still writing my Wednesday morning blog post…

(Everyone always asks me, “DON’T YOU WANT TO MOVE BACK PORTLAND?! IT’S SO COOL THERE!” The answer: NO! Are you nuts? I would hide under my covers and cry every day–and I NEVER cry–from the months of November through June until the sun finally came out again in July! If it were September weather there year-round, that would be a different story 😛 Chicago snow, I can deal–rain is a whole different ball game!)

Don’t worry though, there’s a turning point to this story. I’m not here to complain.

Just when I was ready to chalk this whole week up as a loss due to our 5 day stretch of doom and gloom, I got a text from Shaheen yesterday saying, “We’re down the street at Big Star for lunch–come!”

I was tempted to say “No I’m just going to hide in my house like a hermit again because I have too much work to do” but I figured since I was having such a blah week, foregoing my working lunch for an impromptu lunch date with my friends was going to go under the “good idea” column this one time.

I’m so glad! Shaheen, Blair and I had a quick lunch and then popped over to Fairgrounds (the cutest new coffee shop!) for a couple hours to continue working, and it was exactly what I needed to pick-me-up.

(So, moral of the story, if you are also majorly affected by the weather, just make fun plans with friends–you’ll feel SO much better!)

Fast-forward to this morning…it’s raining again. However, a few things that made this day start off on a high note:

First, I made coffee in the french press and DIDN’T mess it up this time. This is rare. I can make a mean cold brew (throwback GG recipe for it right here) but hot coffee in the french press? HA! Too much math involved for me–I mess it up every time and end up with liquid jet fuel. But today, I finally got it right!

I also just read Mitch’s Baby Delivery Story part two (part one is right here, if you haven’t read it yet!) and it made me laugh and cry and put me in the best mood.

Then I scrolled down one more blog post and realized that THE BOW MULES ARE BACK! (Thanks Kelly!)

Side note: I can’t tell you how many times in the past two months that Kelly and I have bought the same clothing. Last time I was at Nordstrom I answered her call and told her I was in the shoe department and she GUESSED ALL THREE PAIRS OF SHOES I HAD PURCHASED, BECAUSE SHE BOUGHT THEM TOO.

Like… why do we even have separate blogs anymore? Baha!

Anyway, the “pink bow mules” AKA the $69 B.P. “Maddy” Mules–were one of the items we both coincidentally purchased a month or so ago. They all sold out like hot cakes before we could even post about them, which is also known as “fashion blogger travesty,” in case you’re wondering. Did you know it’s Murphy’s Law that the one item you’re wearing that’s sold out is the one that EVERYONE wants and can’t have? I can only let so many people down and not feel guilty about it!

I was holding off on posting these exact photos because I was hoping and crossing all fingers and toes that they would come back in stock…and they did!

Thank GOODNESS, because they are my favorite shoes I’ve bought this spring for the for the following reasons:

1. They are insanely comfortable and feel like slippers 
2. They’re blush, apparently my new favorite color because it’s ALL I’ve bought lately 
3. They make ANY outfit look ridiculously cute 
4. They’re only $69 
5. Did I mention they’re the comfiest flats I own? 
6. Oh, they also come in black

Also, thinking about “bow mules” reminded me of my throwback favorite Carly Rae Jepsen song, Tiny Little Bows. Have you heard it? It’s everything you would ever want a teeny bopper song to be. I used to blast it on Lakeshore Drive driving my little two door VW Golf home from my agency job and everything would be right with the world again.

Anyway–I’ve been wearing my white jeans a ton lately–which also helps lighten the mood in super dreary weather like this! Here I’m wearing the Levi’s 721 high-waisted white jeans (I own three pairs in different washes! Such great budget-friendly jeans!) but more noteworthy is my other favorite pair–the J.Brand Maria Jeans–that are 25% off right now at both Bloomingdales and Nordstrom! If you’ve been looking for any pair of new jeans, you’ll definitely want to look into these. They’re so flattering! Linking them at both retailers below!

J.Brand Maria Jeans on Sale: 

It’s also no secret that I reallyyy love a good scarf. Naturally, there are a ton adorable versions out for spring! (Lot’s of floral print! Eeek!)

Some of my favorite floral and blush scarves: 

And striped tees? Me!?

I have a whole shelf of striped tees in my closet. It’s becoming a problem, but I mean, they each have their own special purpose! I’ve had this striped tee for years (honestly I don’t even remember where it’s from!) but I wear it almost weekly no matter the season. It’s also my go-to for travel because stripes are really good at disguising stains and wrinkles 😉

My favorite striped tees: 

Last but not least, you know how much I love my Madewell Transport Tote. It’s my go-to (okay, ONLY) work and travel bag. It fits a ton of stuff without being overly large, and it’s so polished and classic, it goes with everything. It also comes in a ton of different colors, and canvas too! You can buy it at Nordstrom and Shopbop, but if you want it monogrammed like mine, get it direct from Madewell! It also comes in a satchel and weekender version!

Madewell’s Classic Transport Bags: 

WHEW this was a long post! Thanks for sticking with me (if you’re still reading!) 😛

Hope you have an awesome Wednesday!

Photos by Jules Kennedy