STYLE.

One of my favorite things to do, while I'm out shopping, is to look for little style treasures that are inexpensive but look like I have the goods. Cheap finds that look like quality purchases.
I can splurge and add good pricey pieces to my wardrobe, every once in a while.  But for the most part, with two kids and my husband and I full-time freelancing, our budget doesn't accommodate that too often. So, if I want to change up an outfit or two, this is what I do. I'll go in a random store that I 99.9% of the time would never find myself buying anything from, and I'll put my search eyes on. More times than not, I don't come away with anything. But, every once in a while, I do.

Sometimes, I'll see a pair of earrings, a scarf or a necklace etc. that would totally pass as a Free People gem, a bauble from Urban or have a mock, hand crafted look of unique pieces that I like.  Like not too long ago, I randomly saw a pair of earrings that caught my eye at a retail store that I haven't shopped at since I was like 10. I stopped and said to myself, "If those were at my free people store for $35,  I'd buy them right now."  They were only $5.  Yep, I snagged them.  Now, every time I wear them, I get countless "ooohs" and "aaaahs." haha. You never know what you might find.

But since last year, when I began the journey of minimalism, I now have to make myself really think about the purchase, no matter how small, before I buy it.  I don't want to let myself hoard or collect clutter, anymore.  By being more intentional, this helps guarantee that I really love it and can wear it with almost everything.  Hope some of my little tips here will help you stretch your wardrobe and inspire you to shop with new eyes. ;)

Happy treasure hunting mommas, loves and friends!


 jacket / forever 21(i know…who would have thought? $20! what?! no worries with painting in this.)
acid wash skinnies / h&m
moccasins / Minnetonka
Silver feather necklace / claires. ( are you laughing? i am. $3 guys and it doesn't look or feel cheap!)
hat / forever 21 (I haven't shopped there in 2 years but I kinda made bank there this winter.)
crystal necklace /  Velvet (seriously my new all time fav etsy shop! Everything is gorgeous and affordable!) 
feather ear cuff /  Velvet (seriously my new all time fav etsy shop! Everything is gorgeous and affordable!) 
fabric bangle / fair trade, whole foods
tunic top / h&m

"New Morning" (Just a little bit of news) ;)

So much newness going on over here at the Gatlyn bungalow! The past couple of months have been some of the hardest and most wonderful. Out of every hard and dark, stormy night, always comes sunshine and the promise of a new morning. I have to say, this is my absolute FAVORITE video my man Samuel has ever created. :) Here's a peek into our day!

AAAAAAHHH!!!  Yeah, nothing much, just a normal, typical day in our little world. ;) haha! Eeee!!! I look forward to sharing more of my mornings and days ahead with all of you beauties! This journey has been so life changing and heart changing. Let's go on another adventure together shall we!? This August is going to be a busy, exciting baby filled time let me tell ya! 

xox

Jess

....weeping may last through the night but joy always comes in the morning. psalm 30:5

Hey! If you get a chance, it would be so fabulous if you could click the brown box below and send in a vote for our blog! Thanks Loves! 

Date Night Threads

Date night last night was a-ma-zing! For the occasion, I wore a sweet little dress that I found at Buffalo Exchange . You should definitely see if you have one in your neck of the woods. It is awesomeness! I blush as I confess to you that I don't have any dressy, fancy-smancy shoes.  So, I decided to take the dress in a casual, earthy direction and wear my comfy Minnetonka moccasins instead of buy something extra. With my Free People leather belt, some silver, leafy earrings from Green With Envy plus, a silver cuff, I was good to go.

 

This dress is SO comfortable! Also, if you don't have a pair of Minnetonka's, you don't know what you're missing! I live in them,  even in the summertime.)

SO funny! You guys know my amazing friend Kara, from Matt & Kara Adopt blog? Well, obviously we both have incredible taste...haha. We showed up in the same dress last night. Get this, she bought her dress at the Buffalo Exchange in California last week, and I bought mine here in Charlotte 2 days ago! HA! We thought it was hilariously awesome! TWINSIES!