Like it v. Love it: Ruffled One-Pieces

I don't think I'm in the minority when I say that I don't love the beginning and middle and end of swimsuit season. It used to bother me for different reasons (i.e. I was still am pretty flat-chested and that used to bother me), but the feeling remains (i.e. I had a baby and my stomach is no longer one of my best features).

Also, I realized I am using a lot of parentheses and crossed out text today. (I hope that's okay with you, because I plan to continue.) 

I enjoy the ruffle detailing on each option below because it gives a little sass to what would otherwise be a pretty simple suit. The "like it" is only available in the pink color pictured (but, if you're like me, you need a bit of fuchsia in your life), while the "love it" comes in three other color options besides the red (call me crazy, but I kind of like the earth version). Decisions, decisions. 

Like it ($25) // Love it ($118)

P.S. Just because I know it's keeping you up at night, my dream suit for this season would have to be this one. Florals are in my blood, yo. And, let it be known that I pretty much have a non-sexual crush on never-ending fascination of and adoration for J.Crew. The end. 

Toddler Outfits Under $40

Ah spring... it's finally kind of sort of happening. To celebrate, I've concocted a couple of fabulous spring outfits for the littles, both of which ring in under $40. Both ensembles focus on trendy colors for spring (mint! cornflower!) and feature pieces that can be worn together or separately with other items from your child's wardrobe. Don't be afraid to play with color and have fun! 

Little Miss: Polka dot  blouse: H&M / Chambray Shorts: Target / Ballet flats: H&M / Headband: Gap 

Little Mister: High Tops: H&M / Shorts: H&M / Oxford Shirt: Old Navy / Bow Tie: H&M

Fab finds for toddlers

Today I've compiled a few toddler clothing items that you can procure for a great deal. Everything below is $10.99 or LESS. (Mostly less, just FYI.) Miss S just might own everything in the girl section. Maybe. Plus, all online orders at gap.com are 30% off today with the code: GAP30. So, for some of these items, it's a deal on top of a deal.

Top row, l-r: tee, skort, tank, leggings, tee
Bottom row, l-r: tee, shorts, socks, pants, polo

Happy shopping! 

I heart Freshly Picked

I don't know about you, but I've been itching to get my hands on a pair of Freshly Picked moccasins for a long time. And not just because the children of a certain Kardashian sport them. (Though of all the Kardashians she is "my" Kardashian. You know you all have one.) I love the fact that this product is handmade-to-order, and love to support independent businesses. 

I was especially intrigued after Freshly Picked's creator, Susan, was chosen to be a guest editor on Brickyard Buffalo. The discounted metallic moccasins she provided single-handedly killed the site for a whole week. In response, she gave away three $500 gift cards (yup, you read that right) to her shop, and is holding another sale of her metallic moccs in May. (Oh the platinum...) Based off of my limited email correspondence with her, I can also attest that she is genuinely nice and really cares about her customers. Who wouldn't want to support someone like that?

Behold, the beauty of metallic moccs...
[Image by Heather Mildenstein, courtesy of Freshly Picked]

These moccs just make me feel happy
[Image by Heather Mildenstein, courtesy of Freshly Picked]

Consequently, when I was asked if I would be interested in reviewing a pair of moccs, I jumped at the opportunity. I picked the Poppy version (shown in the photo above) because I think they're perfect for spring. Plus, I knew my daughter would love the color. 

[And, since this whole blogging process can sometimes become convoluted, I feel it's important to note that all of the opinions below are my own, based on my personal experience with the product.] 

The minute the moccs arrived, I slipped them on my daughter's feet. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the elasticized design of the moccasins made them easy to slip on, in spite of my active toddler. The first thing she said was, "cute shoes." Which was exciting both because she loved them and also because she's just barely beginning to string phrases together. And then she started to dance. (Melt my heart.) The best part? The moccs stayed on. She was able to run and dance around with no inhibition from her shoes. 

After consulting the Freshly Picked sizing chart, I ordered my daughter's typical size, and was happy to see that there is a little room to grow. I tend to have terrible luck when buying my daughter's shoes, so this discovery was doubly exciting. The leather will also stretch a bit over time, which makes them even more versatile and wearable. 

"Cute shoes."
Cardigan: H&M | Leggings: Old Navy | Moccasins: c/o Freshly Picked

Dancing! Even with all of this foot movement, these babies stay put.
(And yet they are so easy to slip on and off.) 

Plus, they're just pretty.
Denim jacket: Gap | Top: Target | Leggings: LeviAndMarley | Moccasins: c/o Freshly Picked

Great for climbing, running and dancing. High quality leather affords room to grow. 

The verdict? Freshly Picked moccs are the bees knees. The cheese to my macaroni. (Or would it be my daughter's macaroni?) Let me put it to you this way... I can't wait to buy another pair!