Mature Style Evolution

Well hello again… we keep meeting here a lot. (Wink, wink) welcome back guys to another post. We are again going down the fashion lane, because apparently my blog has zip structure and I write about whatever pops into my head. And yet we have such fun doing it!

If you haven’t seen my other two fashion posts this spring(here and here) than I suggest you go check them out. They’ll help you get a better picture of what I mean by “maturing style”.

Basically I have gone the minimum, Parisian inspired vibe. This look is very typical of what I am wearing for everyday life. The Liz Baker Essential dress slacks offer some chic lines to the Keds loafers and Banana Republic striped tee. Finished off with the unruly mess that is my hair and this super old, oversized Old Navy black jean jacket and you have a very cute, comfy, practical look.

I have recently started revamping my wardrobe one piece at a time. Finding pieces/styles and cuts that I like regardless if they follow popular brands or trends. Essentially I am trying to break the impulse buys and stick with an end goal of what I want my closet to look like. This has meant selling or donating old pieces that no longer fit my style evolution. Or replacing items with an updated version thereof. Which is all super exciting, since it gives me a chance to plan and scheme, and set those ever lovely goals that I shoot for.

And that is all for right now! I have one more post coming out tomorrow and then an exciting one next Thursday hopefully.

Lots of love,

Tally

Yellowstone Packing List

Did you just read that right? Did I really write packing list? It feels like forever(and frankly it has been forever) since I have been on vacation. And man do I need it.

This was supposed to be a family vacation, but of course life gets in the way so it ended up just being my parents, my younger sister and myself, who braved Yellowstone in October. Look out next week(or the week after) for a trip round-up post or two. But for now here is what I packed for Yellowstone…

Four ultra warm knits. I think it goes without saying that unexpected snows can happen unexpectedly up against the Rockies, so packing warm apparel is just common sense. Plus I love a good knit as you well know.

This was an 11 day trip, so I packed four pairs of pants to be worn on rotation. Again I went for durable and warm.

Next are just a couple of nice tops. That can easily be worn causally or be dressed up if we went out for the night.

The all importance of outerwear cannot be over stated. I packed both of my warmer fall coats(plus my light jean jacket not shown here) to protect against the chills.

And finally foot wear. Right up there with coats in importance. From a nice pair of loafers for loading through the shops of Jacksonhole, WY. to my Hunter boots in case it snows and/or floods. I think I am well covered.

Well that’s it! I can’t wait to show you guys the pictures from this much needed get away. Until next time,

Lots of love,

Tally

Stitch Fix September 2020

It’s that time again. Time to see my horribly dirty mirror and try to see the cute clothes beyond. Let’s get started!!

Boom Boom Jeans Utility Joggers – $38

First thing in the box were these super cute and beyond comfortable “dark grey” joggers.

Great lazy day pants, I have them styled here with my Banana Republic striped tee.

These were a keep for me. They’re cute enough to style and wear in public. But also I could see myself binging Netflix and chilling in bed on those colder nights.

Market&Spruce Button Down Top- $54

Next thing in the box was this top. Now I loved the color and the quarter sleeves. Plus the material was very soft and durable. Not hot like normal flannel…

However you know how I feel about flannel guys. I just don’t like how it looks on me. I adore it on other people but can’t quite pull off myself.

So this was sent back. Unlike the next item…

Pinque Crew Neck Pullover- $44

Isn’t it just adorable?! This is probably my second favorite thing in the box(stay tuned for my fav) So warm and the cut is just right. This was a no brainer keep. Am I right?

Market&Spruce Cargo Jacket- $88

I have received a jacket like this before in the box and thought it was cute then too. But I seriously have so many outer pieces(which you will see in an up coming post) that I knew this just wasn’t needed.

So back she went. And the final piece in the box-

Herschel Retreat Backpack- $90

I cannot tell you how I excited I was to see this waiting for me at the bottom of the box. My heart nearly exploded. I have been on the look out for a good backpack for when I go hiking with my sister and for an upcoming trip.(again more on this later) But I have had no luck in finding just the perfect bag. But this… this is gorgeous!! The plum color and simple design. This is by far the coolest thing I have ever gotten in a box.

The total price of the box came out to $235.49. This is definitely one of the better boxes I have received and has me excited to see what the next Stitch Fix brings.

So what did you guys think? Do agree with my returns and keeps? I’d love to hear. For more of my unboxing posts click here.

Lots of love,

Tally

Stitch Fix: April 2020

Hello everybody! I wasn’t sure I was even going to write this post. I was that disappointed with this month’s box.

Out of the four or five boxes I have received from Stitch Fix this is the first dud. So I guess that’s not an awful track record. I’m going to give them another try next month, which will be late in June(I switched my frequency of fixes to every other month) And hopefully get back to styles that actually suit me.

First up in the box…

Was this Nine Britton Smocked Bottum Blouse in Beige and Judy Blue Button Front Fray Hem Skinny Jeans in Black. The jeans(while they fit perfectly) were not me at all. Too rock-n-roll. As for the top it was sheer and would require me to wear something underneath it, which I felt defeated it’s purpose. Both items were a return for me.

Next was…

Was this top; Nine Britton Waffle Henley Knit in Burgundy. I felt it was out of season. A maybe for me in the fall, but definitely not in spring. I returned this as well.

Then there was this Temma Denim Jacket in Mustard. Cute, but again just not me…

Finally…

Was this top by Pink Clover in Navy. This top while more along my style was just not cute enough to tempt me. So I returned this one as well.

All in all I returned every item in the box and I don’t regret my decision to do so. What did you guys think? Was I right in being disappointed?

The total value of the box was $255 with items being priced: $40-, $55-, $38-, $88-, $34- respectively.

Lots of love,

Tally

Trying Stitch Fix

So for Christmas my employers gave me a gift certificate to Stitch Fix “an online clothing shop designed to provide personal styling services for women at an affordable cost”. My boss has been using Stitch Fix for probably six or seven months and has greatly enjoyed it. Thus she decided to share the joy.

I must admit there was something fun about filling out their online style survey. It was cool to put your fashion choices under the microscope and to be really honest about what you actually wear. Like yes those heels and mini skirt combo is darling, but will I actually wear it? Yeah no! There are also mini tests on their app that just show you different articles of clothing and ask whether it’s your style or not. See super fun, right?

Their subscription process is also very user friendly. You can cancel whenever and have your profile set up to send you a box every week, every month, or every three moths. Which is super cool! I’ll probadly (if I continue the service) switch it to send me something new every three months. There is a flat $20- styling fee plus whatever clothing articles you decide to keep. (Bonus they accept PayPal- That’s like my unofficial check for an online store. “You don’t take PayPal? Then I’ll be shopping somewhere else”) You have three days to decide what you like and what you don’t, then just send it back in the pre-paid mail slip. Super easy and convenient.

Also if you let them know of a special event that’s coming up they will send you clothing specifically geared toward that event. Like in two months I’m going on a girls only trip to New Orleans for my sister’s birthday. I let my Stitch Fix stylist know and am excited to see what she sends next month. (Which I will of course share with all of you)

Without further ado- What was in the BOX…

Pardon the poor quality of the photos- It was early in the morning and kind of over cast 😦

They give you a styling card to give you some ideas on how to style the different pieces they send you. Plus a receipt of how much everything costs, which I will be sharing with you so you can see how much everything cost. Bare in mind that on their website when you are setting up your profile they ask you how much you typically spend on clothes and what kind of brands and quality of clothes you prefer. Okay the first piece was…

Oh look my mirror is dirty… Shocker. Anyway this is a Market&Spruce Jillianne Button Down Top($44-) and Just USA Hanna High Rise Skinny Jeans($58-)

So obviously super cute. I didn’t end up keeping either of these items however because plaid button downs are not my jams. And though the jeans fit perfectly and were ridiculously nice and comfortable… I already had a pair similar to them and I couldn’t convince myself that I needed two.

Next was this soft, creamy Nine Britton Dalia Colorblock Brushed Knit Top($44-) This ended up being the only thing from the box I kept. I’m a sucker for sweaters and the blush color palette was totally me. But there were two more articles in the box…

A Girly Joyce Infinity Check Scarf($34-) and the equally cute Eden Society Holly Contrast Hood Cargo Jacket($78-) Making the grand total of the box after they take their 25% discount off= $193.50

I am not a scarf person so that was an easy no for me. And I have soo many jackets. So yeah it wasn’t very hard for me to send it back.

So what are my closing thoughts? I am so far enjoying it and am excited to see what they send next month. I feel like that they got my style choices pretty spot on for the first box. And while the prices are a bit more than I like to spend (not that I haven’t spent that kind of money on clothes, but I do try to shop mostly sales racks or at resale stores) remember that if you don’t want to keep any of it you don’t have to. You can send it all back! They either send a new box that month(if you want) or save it for the following scheduled date. Yeah so I think it’s a wonderful service, but it might not be a necessity for me a shop alcoholic. At the same time maybe it will curb my buying habits since I know the latest fashions are coming in the next post. That would be lovely if it wear true. I really think I could learn to love this site. I really do.

Lots of love,

Tally

What I’m packing for a Weekend in North Carolina

I’m on the road again! Or should I say in the plane again. My love for traveling has definitely taken wing(pun intended) as I’ve taken more trips in the last two years than in my entire life. Not complaining! I love everything about traveling. The planning and packing, the actual traveling and of course the lovely memories that get tucked away for a rainy day. (As I mentioned in today’s early post, which if you haven’t read it you totally need to. Not saying just saying)

Since my older brother is unable to come home for Thanksgiving I am flying down there(North Carolina) the weekend before to spend a few days with him and his puppy Buck. I am planning on doing a vlog of this trip for those of you who enjoyed my first ever vlog about a month ago. I swore I would never do another because I thought it was just goofy but you guys(who are lovely human beings by the way) seemed to love it. So you’ll be getting vlog number two sometime after I get back. Keep a look out on my site and Facebook for details.

Anyhoo I thought I would share with you guys what I’m packing for this quick visit. And yes I am once again practicing my flat lay outfit pics… I personally think I suck at these but I was too lazy to actually model every single look. Plus my room looks like Santa’s workshop right now with all the Christmas presents and wrapping paper. (Which I explained in this post- I feel like this week I’ve been very chatty… Oh well I guess it makes up for the weeks when I’m not)

Excuse the wrinkles. But my airplane travel outfit is just a tee-shirt and my black leggings, North Face Fleece Jacket, Kate Spade Polly Crossbody, And Kate Spade+Keds Glitter Sneakers

So outfit #2 is my alpaca wool, terribly comfortable Dry Goods Knit Sweater, which I got on sale and therefore is no longer available, but this one is similar. Plus my Levi’s High-rise Skinny Jeans.

So outfit #3 is basically just bringing my Harry Potter Hogwarts Alumni T-shirt. My fourth and finally outfit will just be made of the different pieces I’ve already packed, so I’m not packing a ton of stuff into my carry on.

That’s it guys! I’ll see you in my next post and keep a look out for my upcoming travel vlog to North Carolina.

Lots of love,

Tally

Leather Clad

Okay so for the past several months I have been searching high and low for a leather jacket. I knew what I wanted; a vintage biker jacket, and of course because I knew what I wanted I could not find it anywhere! I mean I saw other people, both online and in real life who had it, but obviously I wasn’t going to mug someone for their coat. (I’m not that crazy) But if you watched my vlog last month you know I finally found my leather jacket!(*screaming internally*)

The “mood” kinda comes with the jacket…

Tommy Hilfiger striped shirt, Old Navy “mustard” knit sweater, Levi’s 711 Skinny Jeans “white wash”, black booties(have no idea what brand) and vintage leather biker jacket.

Outerwear

Guess what guys… It’s cold outside! (I know shocker) So what better time to share with you my four winter coats? (And accessories… what is a coat without it’s accessories?)

Neiman Marcus Burgendy Cashmere Scarf, IVY Koral Wool Coat, Pink Earmuffs

See above info.

One of these four coats tends to dominant my winter style for the year. Whether it’s the brown checks or the Houndstooth.

Steve Madden Snow White Knit Hat, Faux Fur Snow White Scarf, Fall Creek Black Plaid Gloves, Unknown Houndstooth Coat 

See above info.

When its cold out let’s face it your coat never comes off and it becomes your style. So looking cute and staying warm is the goal.

Old Navy Mustard Yellow Knit Cap, Knit Infinity Scarf Mustard Yellow, Jessica London Wool Brown Check Coat 

See above info.

I love oversized things! Especially coats and sweaters.

Vera Wnag Faux Fur Scarf, Ralph Lauren Black Jacket 

See above info.

To sum up: if I could pick just one of these coats… Who am I kidding? I can’t pick just one!

Lots of loves,

Tally

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A Teddy Bear Coat

(It’s so freaking soft! I’m never gonna take it off)

For my birthday my mom and dad got me this super cute coat. And I love it! “Teddy Bear” jackets are the in thing (course by the time I post this I’m sure something different will be in– Just wear what you like and forget about the rest… Seriously) and this orangey color is also lovely.

I just love how the coat is the outfit. Simple outfits like this are my life!! 

 

 

(I’m a ferret! No you don’t see it?)

Lots of loves,

Tally

Facebook: A Nanny’s Notebook

Instagram: @nannysnotebook

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Email: http://www.nannysnotebook@gmail.com

A Serendipity Coat

You never know what you’ll find at a garage sale or thrift shop or antique store. There’s nothing like that serendipity find that makes your day and/or week!

I had such a find a few weeks back at a garage sale, when I spotted this  London Fog trench coat in a gorgeously wearable olive green color. 
The funny thing was that at first I might have missed the coat entirely. I was looking at the women’s stuff, which was all petite (And I am anything but petite- Yet as you expert garage sellers know, when hunting for deals you look at everything!) and there it was tucked among an older man’s suits.

 

London Fog Plymouth Trench Coat Covert Green, Toms Wyatt Blush Sunglasses

London Fog Plymouth Trench Coat Covert Green, Royal&Reece Noble Basic Sweatshirt White, Levi’s 517 Bootcut Jeans, Royal&Reece Zoolander Ankle Booties White

A statement piece like this coat (which I am officially obsessed with and wear all the time) can be found anywhere if you’re willing to hunt for it. Go through the men’s section of stores and garage sales to find those cute, boxy, oversized pieces. And look at the older lady’s jewelry or clothing you might just find an old blazer, coat or hand bag that screams vintage. 

London Fog Plymouth Trench Coat Covert Green, Royal&Reece Noble Basic Sweatshirt White, Levi’s 517 Bootcut Jeans, Royal&Reece Zoolander Ankle Booties White

Also keep your style in mind when shopping. Don’t just look at someone else’s taste and get disinterested. You might not like every piece a store or private seller is putting out there, or how they’re putting it together but keep your imagination open for how you might interpret a certain item. 

London Fog Plymouth Trench Coat Covert Green, Toms Wyatt Blush Sunglasses

London Fog Plymouth Trench Coat Covert Green, Royal&Reece Noble Basic Sweatshirt White, Levi’s 517 Bootcut Jeans

So to recap: search unusual places for unusual pieces and keep your personal tastes always at the forefront.

Lots of loves,

Tally