Introducing a Summer Dress Up Series: PINK HAIR + Black, White & Pom Poms.

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Details:

LOFT Midi Skirt, Target Pom Pom Top, Etbotu Bamboo Clutch, Anthropologie Earrings (old, similar here and here), Soludos Lace-Up Espadrille Sandals, BECASA bracelets (premier collection launches here tomorrow!), Kristen Ess Rose Gold Shampoo

My pink hair! It only lasted a few days but it was oh so fun. It's mostly sold out everywhere, but you can score some temporary pink hair using this Kristen Ess Rose Gold Shampoo ;) (If you're a brunette, this probably won't work for you unless you have some highlights - you can see that's how it worked for me.)

On to the clothes! Last summer I had so much fun putting together the "Milk Friendly" style series because that was the season of life I was in - trying to find stylish ways to step up my mom look without sacrificing comfort (all while nursing a babe!) This summer I'm in a different stage and I am excited to have more freedom to dress up without a bump or the need to whip out the milk makers at any given moment. Dresses and skirts will always be my favorites to wear because they are so feminine and pretty and versatile... so this summer I will share a dress up series entirely devoted to dresses and skirts. There are so many goodies to share!

For starters, I scored this Loft skirt during one of their (many) 40%-off sales and I am already loving it so so much! The detail of the gold buttons with the gray stripes on the white cotton is just perfect. I found this pom pom top at Target and almost lost my mind because it's so cute and also, because pom poms are so fun. Maybe it brings me back to all those pep rally cheerleading days. And I am so glad I decided to take the plunge and get this little clutch for summer - I've been using it non-stop and it's just so boho and unique. And I think I will be wearing this look with all kinds of different shoes this summer, but it so easily paired with my trusty old Soludos espadrilles that I couldn't resist. They are definitely my most-worn summer shoe - so feminine and SO comfy. Lastly, this batch of bangles on my arm were sourced in Paris by my friend Emily who is launching her own coastal-inspired lifestyle brand called BECASA, launching tomorrow, 6/7! She is one of those people who has always has impeccable taste and I am always intrigued to see what styles she gravitates toward. Plus, these bracelets look great with a tan (mine is entirely fake - I go to RAW Bronzing Studio), and are such a great summer accessory to add to almost anything. Is it just me, or does turquoise always win in the summer?

Between wedding showers and baby showers and hopefully a few summer dates (!), this look is something that will definitely be on rotation for me.

Tell me, what are your favorite summer pieces when you need to dress up? What are you reaching for this season?

How to Wear Merlot 2 Ways this Fall.

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Oxblood. Burgundy. Crimson. Ruby. Merlot. Gang's all here.

Since I can't drink it (the merlot, not the oxblood), I might as well drape myself in this mighty bold shade that just conjures up all the decadent delights of fall. I love mixing the merlot color with like-minded shades, or wearing it simply on its own as a statement. It works really well as a neutral in the fall, or as that necessary pop of color we are all looking for. I styled a few ASOS pieces 2 ways, showcasing my favorite color for fall - M E R L O T.

What I love about this first look is how sassy and free it feels, while still being super functional. The backpack is perfect for my stage of life - running after a toddler (okay, waddling, because I'm currently 8-months pregnant), and keeping all the increasingly pudgy parts of my body well-covered while maximizing comfort (that cardigan!) and fun (that hat!) I love this look, especially because it makes me still feel like I am in the fashion game.

Don't break my heart and tell me any different.

Outfit Details:
Look 1:
ASOS Midi Cardigan c/o, Blanqi Support Tank c/o, ASOS Maternity Rivington Denim Jegging in Oxblood with Under the Bump Waistband c/o,  ASOS Leather Embossed Backpack c/o, Sebago Claremont Boots, Urban Outfitters Hat (similar here)

This sweater dress is pretty much everything to me right now. Worn alone (like I did on this day), or over jeans or leggings, it's an essential piece for fall. Especially when you are growing at the rapid rate like I am. I especially love the ribbed fabric on the sides and the bitty turtleneck. Just a hint of Audrey Hepburn in that turtleneck, which is really all a girl needs to feel ladylike. And again - that color. It's making me feel all the crunchy leaves and taste all the hot beverages.

Outfit Details:
Look 2:
ASOS Maternity Knit Swing Dress in Cashmere Mix c/o, Kate Spade Varick Street Abbie Bag (on sale in this color!), Stella & Dot Alila Cuff

What is your favorite shade to wear for fall? What colors make you "feel" your wardrobe in a new way for the season?

Many thanks to ASOS for sending products to style for this post. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. Thanks for supporting brands that make running this blog a joy!

December Delights List

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December List

December List by knhale // 1. Free People Hiker Heathered Highland Sock // 2. Anthropologie Hand-Crocheted Earband // 3. Starbucks Winter Bev // 4. Anthropologie Aquarella Infitity Scarf // 5. Yarn for Crochet Projects // 6. The North Face Women's Arctic Parka // 7. Michael Buble Christmas Album // 8. Aveda Comforting Tea // 9. Anthropologie Daisy Stitch Fingerless Glove // 10. Papyrus Christmas Cards // 11. Anthropologie Volupsa Crane Flower Candle // 12. UGG Classic Short Women's Chesnut Boot // 13. The Honest Company Hand Sanitizer Spray //

Wintery December.

It's officially Christmas season. There are no more cases of Christmas music violation or Christmas decoration violation because the season is officially official. Break out your sparkly lights, your tacky Santas and piney wreaths, because Christmastime is here! For me, this time of year means unearthing my unnattractive but oh-so-warm North Face Puffer Coat. Stepping outside to run errands can only mean one thing these days: icy wind burn. So I pile on the hefty socks, gloves (I was recently gifted a pair like these by this gem), scarf and headband, too. No point in stopping there. No matter what your opinion is about UGGS (my sister thinks they're ugly as sin), you can't deny their toasty comfort. And of course, while I'm out and about, I like to clutch onto a warm beverage as if it's my personal handwarmer. My favorite fancy Starbucks indulgence is a tall toffee-nut latte. Order it. You won't be disappointed. And don't forget the hand sanitizer, because, ew, everyone on the subway is sneezing. The crochet yarn and the Christmas cards await my attention when I get home; these are my favorite wintery projects. My bff often accuses me of being an old lady trapped in a 20-something body. I just chuckle because she's sort of right. But winter is for hibernating, right?

My Merrell Challenge Gear

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My Merrell Challenge Gear

My Merrell Challenge Gear by knhale // 1. C9 Champion Sports Bra // 2. Eos lip treatment // 3. Women's Nike Tempo Track Short // 4. iPhone // 5. Reebok Zigkicks // 6. iTunes gift card // 7. Sport Arm Band for iPhone // 8. Gaiam Sublime Yoga Mat //

The Challenge Update.

I've been running. Getting my groove on, if you will. For those of you who missed it, I am partaking in the Mapmyrun Merrell Challenge, which means I am challenged to run 30 times in a span of 45 days. So far, I am on Day 9 and I've done 6 runs. On the Mapmyrun app, I am in the top 8%, but (wait for it), I am in 2574th place. Basically there are a LOT of people who are out there, dreaming of free tennis shoes. Which is what you win, IF (in my case), you go up over two thousand places. Awesome, huh? No really, though, it is kind of awesome.

The Gear.

I created a round-up of the gear I've been using during this particular season. Anyone else fancy a run every now and then? You will like all of this stuff. Seriously.

1. C9 Champion Sports Bra: The best sports bra ever. 'Nuff said.

2. Eos lip treatment: I also really really love my Eos lip balm. Have I shared this with you before? OH THE GLORY. I especially love the honeydew honeysuckle and passionfruit flavors. They're a little elusive, but you can usually find them at Walmart or Target (check the ends of the aisles in the beauty section.) Seriously. This is a worthy three bucks spent. It's like your lips go on vacation...

3. Women's Nike Tempo Track Short: These are just the best shorts! They're the perfect length, never feel too tight, and always let enough breeziness in for, um, leg breath-ability? And they have some pretty wild colors... which I really dig.

4. iPhone: Bless you, dear Steve Jobs. I looooOOOooovee my sweet white life accessory. I run with this bad boy and listen to tons of inappropriate rap whilst doing so.

5. Reebok Zigkicks: The Reebok zigs are a wonder (and isn't this color to die for? I feel like I light up the dirt path when I run!) My dear friend Carrie introduced me to the world of Reebok, and I am forever grateful. Their gear is awesome and these shoes especially fit my large feet oh-so well. (For those of you keeping tally, I am only 5'4 and wear a size 8.5 shoe. I think I drank too much coffee as a 13-year old.) 

6. iTunes gift card: Sweet i-tuneage.

7. Sport Arm Band for iPhone: My precious little stylish sis got this for my birthday last year. It holds my phone in so I don't have to actually hand-carry it around (I would surely drop it) and therefore listen to the above-mentioned tunes.

8. Gaiam Sublime Yoga Mat: When I finish my run, I like to cap it off with about 10 minutes of abs or some pushups mixed in with some yoga stretches. Makes me feel all "Ommmm" inside.

The are the glories of my running world. Please enjoy. Do you have any gear that helps in your workouts?

September Delights List

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September Delights List

September Delights List by knhale // 1. Kate Spade Seaport Grand Two Tone Watch // 2. BCBGMAXAZRIA leather handbag // 3. 'Design Sponge' Home Décor Book // 4. Someday, Maybe, Someday by Lauren Graham // 5. Dogeared Elephant Stud Earrings // 6. Report Slip Ons // 7. Attingham Tea Set // 8. Capri Blue Candle // 9. Sparrow Fiemme Cardigan // 10. Gorjana Honey Comb Lariat Necklace // 11. Happ & Stahns Perfume

September and Such.

Mmm September. I truly can't get enough. This magical month is just my Achilles Heel, in a way. And there are just so many pretty, craveable items out this month, thanks to the wonderful school year kicking off. I don't boast to be a fashionista, but any fashion instincts in me definitely surface during the Autumn months. I dress mostly like a slob for 9 months a year, but when September hits... well, I just have too much respect for this grand season. You can see the full amount of fun on My September Pinterest Board. These are all items that get me excited for fall. Especially that Design*Sponge book, since I've been in apartment-decor mode for weeks. Ooh la la.

Currently...

Listening // The peaceful tuneage of John Mayer's "Paradise Valley" & Bethel Music's "Tides"

Snacking  // Trader Joes Animal Crackers

Watching // White Collar Season 1 on Netflix

(Since Burn Notice Season 7 has yet to come to Netflix... Or finish its current season on TV :)

Reading // I know it's sort of trashy, but I'm relishing, "Nemesis: The True Story of Aristotle Onassis, Jackie O and the Love Triangle that Brought Down the Kennedys" It's a guilty pleasure.

Craving // Mom-Sister time. I miss that goofy girly trio.

What's on your September desires list?