Limited Edition

Most days we pack a couple sandwiches (and a few extra snacks) because going to Disneyland as often as we do can get expensive...quick. However, there are times [like the time we celebrated our eight year anniversary at Disneyland with the babes] when it's fun to pick up something special... especially when it's as cute as Cinderella's limited edition popcorn pumpkin coach. I love seeing their excitement when we pulled up to the vendor and ordered Savvy the popcorn. Or when we went to the gift store and told Hudson to grab the Cars bath toys we knew he'd love. Like I said, it's a rare treat, but when we can...it definitely makes for a memorable trip. 

Xo,

T.

Lookbook, Fall 2015 | FINAL LOOK

 Welcome to the final post of my Fall 2015 lookbook! I mentioned early on that I really wanted these styles to demonstrate how you can easily wear some of your favorite pieces a few different ways throughout Fall. For example, you may recognize the sweater and booties I'm wearing from look one, or this necklace from look four. I'm also a big fan of layering sweaters like this one over my tanks from summer. It's yet another way to re-work the clothes that you already have into new and seasonally appropriate styles. Add a pair of trendy distressed denim like these black ones and you'll be set. 

So tell me, did you recreate any of the looks I've shared from my YouTube video? Did you get inspired to style a few of your own Fall looks? I'd love to hear from you, so hit me up in the comments below or over on one of my social medias...you can find me on both Instagram + Twitter at: @traci_taylor

Black denim c/o SUO Boutique, similar HERE | Sweater | Similar tank | Similar booties | Necklace | Sunglasses | Watch | Bracelet 

Xo,

T.

Lookbook, Fall 2015 | Casual Cool

 Happy Monday and welcome back! I wanted to take a minute this morning to thank you for the love you've shown the video I posted to my new channel on YouTube. As of this morning it's been viewed 240 times! I seriously never thought my first post would be that well received, so thank you again for watching it and to those of you that shared on my behalf. I have a new video in the works and I can't wait to share it with you. 

This 'casual + cool' look needs much explaining...it's equal parts comfortable and stylish, easily styled, and the perfect base layer for Fall. Basically, you're going to want this dress in your closet...

Lush swing dress c/o Suo Boutique, but if you aren't near SUO in the OC/LA area you can shop it HERE or a similar dress in more sizes HERE. | Fringe booties | Tote |Large Original Ray Ban aviators | Watch | Bracelet | Catbrid rings | Tiny chain ring | Similar necklace

*Matte nude lip combo: Urban Decay 24/7 glide on lip pencil in 'Stark Naked' | NYX soft matte lip cream in 'Abu Dhabi.' 

Xo,
T.

LookBook, Fall 2015 | Feminine + Free

 Today I'm bringing you look three from my Fall LookBook video that went up on YouTube earlier this week. The title explains this outfit best: it's easy, free flowing and feminine. The type of dress that I purchase time and time again. The bell sleeves make it feel special/different from anything else in my closet, but the color and floral print keep it grounded and not over the top. Let's also take a minute for the empire waist. Better known as the most flattering and comfortable cut of all time.

I hope you guys have a great weekend and I'll see you back here to finish off the remaining looks next week. Thank you all so, so much for the major support this week. It means everything.

Dress c/o SUO Boutique, similar HERE | Booties | Similar wool hat | Sunglasses

Xo,

T.

LookBook, Fall 2015 | Boho Babe

Welcome back! Today I'm going to give you a few behind the scene's details on how this look came together for my first youtube video (Fall 2015 LOOKBOOK) and why I love it for the upcoming months. This look does a couple of things right, one of which is adding interest through texture. We have fringe, faux suede, super soft cotton on the tee, and leather for the purse and shoes. Texture is extra important for Fall because it adds an instant layered feel to any outfit, causing it to look seasonally appropriate.

The second way this look is killing it is by getting the proportions right. The wrap effect of the skirt makes it a little shorter in front, which keeps it from overwhelming my frame. Having the tee tied up also keeps it from looking too baggy and/or boyfriend-y. Always consider a half tuck or a knot if your tops tend to be longer, it will almost guarantee a better waistline which will be slimming overall...even if that area of your body isn't something you really want to emphasize. Trust me, it works. 

And that's it! This look is super simple, boho without feeling costume like, and could easily be paired with a classic pair of white Chuck Taylors for a more laid back vibe. I really hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Tell me, would you rock a fringe skirt? I mean, this is what my dreams are made of...but we've already established I may be a closet hippie. I know it's not for everyone so let me know your thoughts below. I'll see you back here tomorrow for look number three from the video!

Fringe skirt: c/o SUO Boutique | Similar white tee | Similar heeled sandals |

  Messenger bag | Quay Sunglasses | Watch | Rings

Xo,

T.

LookBook, Fall 2015 | Transition to Fall

Welcome back! By now you have probably watched the YouTube lookbook I created for Fall. If not, take a minute, click here and check it out.

I'm so proud of this production for two reasons. One, I'm completely self taught (well, with the help of my husband) and two, these looks are some of my favorite to date...

Back to the video, my main focus was to bring you realistic (and honestly affordable) outfits that can help you bring your style through to Fall. I hope I've accomplished that and that you feel inspired to either recreate these styles, or adjust them to your personal taste. Another aspect I kept in mind while creating the video was reusing a few of the same pieces for each look. For example, the bag, booties and sunglasses were all featured multiple times throughout the video as opposed to using new pieces for each look. I always want to keep it real, and in real life we don't have fifty pairs of shoes (well, most of us) and ten different bags to choose from. I try to find shoes that I truly adore so I don't get tired of them (even if they cost a little more), and a few different bags that I can count on to make my look legit. Some of my go-to's are a classic tote, a clutch, one bold colored bag (like emerald green), and a cross body style. Remember, it's just fashion and while it's so fun to play dress up...that's all it is. You are so much more than the sum of your "stuff." Thanks for reading, and I'll see you tomorrow for look number two!

Sweater | Chambray top | Lace trim shorts | Tote bag: c/o SUO Boutique | Similar booties | Similar necklace | Sunglasses | Watch | Catbird NYC rings 

Xo,

T.

(I'm On YouTube!) | Fall 2015 LOOKBOOK

I'm so happy to officially announce that I am now on YouTube! I love how this Fall lookbook turned out, and really hope you do too. So go/watch/subscribe! And if you like it, would you please consider sharing it on one of your social medias? I would love you more than Starbucks. Seriously. That much. 

Be sure to check back Tuesday as I will be posting about the first look I wore in the video, with details and links to each piece. See you then!

Xo,

T.

Oh shhhhh....

(posted by iPhone)

So I spent the last two hours teaching myself (with some serious help from CT) iMovie. Just as I'm getting the hang of it and really starting to see some progress on this rad fall look book I was editing for my first YouTube video...my computer literally gets all digital looking, and then crashes. So needless to say I may have lost everything and will probably end up crying myself to sleep tonight. Video, thousands of photos, and whatever else was on there... Ahhhh. Man. This sucks.

Since there isn't much I can do at this point, I'll share a few photo's from a beautiful Parisian themed bridal shower I went to over the weekend. Not one detail was overlooked and the food was amazing. (My kinda party.) 

Xo,

T.

Little Green Smoothies

The longest standing challenge I've faced as a mother is providing the babes with a well balanced diet. Getting a healthy meal in either of them is next to impossible with A) how little they both eat in general, and B) the limited amount of food they will actually tolerate. I've definitely had to get creative over the last few years and one of the best alternatives to the meal time veggie battle has been "little green smoothies." I've tried a ton of different combinations, but the one shown above is their favorite. At the end of the day I want their relationship with food to be positive and making smoothies is one way I feel like we both win. 

Add the following ingredients, blend (I'm obsessed with the Nutribullet) and enjoy! 

• 1 banana
• 1 cup of milk (I use almond milk)
• 1 yogurt cup (I like the ones from Trader Joes)
• A generous handful of spinach (I prefer this organic option which can be found at Sprouts)

If you make this for your babe, let me know! I'd love to hear if they liked it as much as Savvy and Hudson do. Oh and don't forget to get a character cup with a wide straw and designate it as the "smoothie cup" so it's a special treat when they get to use it. 

Xo,

T.

...On A Tuesday

Hudson and I started MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) today while Savvy was in school. It was the first time I dropped this little boy off somewhere other than Sunday school, and as much as I love spending my mornings busy with other mama's in an uplifting way, I have to admit that it kind of made me miss just a few weeks back when Disneyland was the only thing on our to-do list...

How about you guys? Do you thrive on a packed schedule or do you prefer a little more freedom? Hit me up, I'd love to hear from you...and since I haven't said it in a while, thank you so much for taking the time to read, it means everything to me!

Xo,

T.

Al Fresco Dining

Sunday nights call for a yummy salad that you can quickly throw together and eat outside with a glass of wine. Sounds good, am I right? Tonight we had this lemon pepper shrimp + cucumber salad. Which, if left up to me, would be on the menu at least once a week for the remainder of this heat wave. Keep reading below if you want to learn how to recreate this meal for yourself. Or if you just need a good read while finishing your glass of wine for the evening and have no intention of making this. Go ahead, I won't judge... 

For the shrimp:

Pan fry shrimp in a little coconut oil. Add salt/pepper/chili powder/red pepper flakes and lemon juice.  Add chopped red onions and cook those down as well.

For the salad:

Spiral cut a cucumber. Chop: grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, red peppers, and mint. Add lettuce, I prefer arugula. Feta cheese optional. 

For the dressing:

Mix grape seed oil, lemon juice, pepper, and a tiny bit of honey. 

Toss everything together in a large salad bowl and enjoy! 

Xo,

T.

Tiny Dancer, Part II

This tiny dancer was back at it this week, and couldn't wait to come home and show me her new moves. Seeing her excitement over learning something new reminded me how fun it is to try new things. It got me thinking...what are the things I want to try that are new to me and outside of my comfort zone? First on my list is paddle boarding, next up would have to be to learn to sew. How about you, what are some new things you would like to try? I'd love to hear from you, so hit me up in the comments below. 

Xo,

T.

Jumpsuit Dreams

One of the most important requirements in pulling a look together is proportions. (Especially on shorter women like myself.) Wear a skirt that's too long will overwhelm your frame. It's best to pair those just below the knee or longer types with something either fitted or cropped. Same goes if you're wearing a top that is bigger or longer. Make sure to then wear something that is tight on the bottom, like leggings or super skinny jeans. 

I think that is what I felt so immediately drawn to when I saw this jumpsuit. The proportions were just right on me. Which is something that almost never happens, especially in less expensive trend driven stores. I mean besides the fact that I live for anything that makes an instant outfit (hello dresses) like this jumpsuit does, the eyelet detail is so interesting and feminine. Two traits I almost always gravitate towards. So if you find yourself drawn to cropped jumpsuits like this one, just make sure to style it around more "serious" pieces like a structured tote and pointed toe flats. If not you run the risk of looking like a toddler. Which can be a slippery slope when a one piece is involved. 

Jumpsuit | Tank | Flats | Tote | Sunglasses | Watch | Bangle | Bracelets (shown in gold + rose gold) 

Xo,

T.

Labor Day | Seal Beach

If you thought Stitch and Feather Fullerton was the business then you most definitely need to make it down to the Seal Beach location. As you can see above, I stopped by their original location on Main Street as we made our way from the car to the beach, and it didn't disappoint. Boho beach vibes all day long. I pretty much wanted one of everything. Fast forward to sand castles, a long walk by the waves, El Burrito Jr. for a bomb shrimp taco lunch, and two exhausted babes later and it was the perfect way to spend the holiday. 

My swimsuit is a mix and match of two different pieces from Victoria's Secret (bottom this season, top a couple years back) but don't worry, I've found some similar options for you below:

High waisted bottom: 1 + 2 | Flouncy top: 1 + 2

Xo,
T.

Ballerina Babe

I really try and find a good balance between sharing for the sake of building community and documenting memories, and being that mom. No one wants to hear how fabulous and perfect your babes are on the regular. So without getting to far into it, Savvy started ballet today and I am so so proud of her. This girl has the sweetest spirit. She listened well and tried her best. She put aside the few little nerves she had before starting and gave it her best. What more could I ask for? Love this ballerina babe to the fullest. 

 Is there anything cuter than pooled up pink tights?! 

Leotard | Tutu skirt | Micro heart zip up high top Vans | Similar glitter tote

Xo,
T.