Black Tank Dress + 8 Classic Pendant Necklaces

So excited to share this outfit post because…well…aside from the fact that I never wear dresses… I found one dress from the Nordstroms website that I am obsessed with. It’s one item I have had my eye for a while now and I finally decided to take the plunge! I saw a girl on Pinterest wearing the exact same dress, with similar accessories and I was totally inspired to recreate this look. Love how this outfit turned out with all the mix of different neutrals. Since I bought this dress online I was real worried about the fit. I’m always real hesitant when it comes to buying clothing online, especially when it comes to dresses. Right when I put this on, it felt like it had been tailored for my body. It’s very figure flattering but sill simple enough to dress it up or down. You could easily layer this in the winter time like I did or just add some fun heels for a night out. Definitely a new staple piece in my wardrobe.

Shop the Look:

Dress: Nordstroms (exact) —- comes in 7 colors

Cardigan: Target (similar) (another option)

Boots: Target (similar)(lighter option) (splurge option)

Necklace: Stella & Dot (exact)—comes in silver & rose gold

To give you a better idea how this dress fits I am 5’3 & 1/2 ( and yes the half inch counts) and I’m curvy.So in most stores I typically wear a size 8. I am wearing a size medium in this dress and it fits perfectly. It’s tight enough in all the right places and the material is thick enough so it’s doesn’t look see through at all.

To add to this look I added my favorite pendant necklace from Stella & Dot. It’s one of those classic pieces that goes with just about everything. Below I added a few similar long pendant necklaces equally as chic that range in price from $12 to $120.

All links to shop are below.

1. Vince Camuto Long Tassel Pendant

2.Kendra Scott Phara Tassel Necklace

3. Textured Long Bar Necklace —in Rose Gold

4.Kendra Scott Aiden Pendant—-comes in 4 different metals

5.Stella & Dot Plated Rebel Pendant Necklace

6. Stone Pendant Necklace

7.Circle Pendant

8.Kendra Scott Kacey Pendant Necklace—-adjustable

 

Are you an online shopper? What are your favorite go-to online stores? 🙂

Caitlin Mitchell2 Comments

3 Dressy Casual Valentine’s Day Outfit Ideas + 12 Valentines Graphic Tees

 

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner I wanted to put together a few dressy casual looks that are perfect for however your celebrating this year. I used a lot of basics to keep these outfits simple but still interchangeable with a few pops of color. Because of the crazy weather we are having with the cold, wind and crazy humidity I had to do mirror outfit selfies for this one.

In addition to these looks are some fun graphic tees that are perfect for Valentines day. All the links to shop are below.

 

Look #1

Shop the Look:
Blouse: Target (similar) (another option) (similar top)
Jeans: Target (similar pair)
Shoes: Pay less---very old (similar pair)
Clutch: Stella & Dot (same)
Necklace: Kendra Scott (exact)

Date night Outfit– Black skinny’s with a simple black top paired with a pop of red for the shoe. If you can’t tell from all these looks I love wearing black, so this head to toe black look might just be my favorite.

To Amp up the Look: For this crazy weather another option to make this outfit a little warmer would be to add a fur vest.— I don’t have one at the moment, but it’s defiantly on my wish list.

Look #2

Shop the Look:
Top: Old Navy (exact)
Jeans: Gap--old (similar pair)
Boots: Kohls--old (similar pair) (cuter option)
Necklace: Stella & Dot (same)--comes in silver & rose gold
Bracelet: Kendra Scott (similar)
Purse: Stella & Dot (similar)---also comes in brown

Drinks with the Girls Outfit– Simple print top with jeans paired with a mix of neutrals. I love mixing black and brown together, but if that’s not your taste keeping them the same would still work. Both boot options and totes come in brown and black.

 

Look #3

Shop the Look:
Tank Top: Local Boutique (same)(similar option)
Cardigan: H&M (exact)----comes in 4 colors
Jeans: Gap--old (similar pair)
Boots: Chinese Laundry--old (similar pair)
Bracelet: Kendra Scott (similar)
Necklace: Kendra Scott (exact)

Comfy Low Key Outfit– This is defiantly my speed right here. I am all about keeping it comfy. Easy stretchy jeans with a long knit cardigan with flat boots. Obsessed with this tank top because it’s not clingy at all, so it is very flattering and easy to layer.

 

Fun Graphic Tees

1.Gray & Black Heart Sweater
2.Red with White Hearts on sleeves
3.Pizza is my Valentine Tee
4."Love" Heart Long Sleeve Tee
5.Always Tee 
6. Kisses Tee
7. Heart on Your Sleeve Top
8. White Long Heart Top
9. White Top With Red Heart
10. Single Heart White Long sleeve top
11. Red "Be Mine" Tee
12. Buffalo Plaid Heart Shirt

 

All the tops above I would wear in a heartbeat (lol OK lame pun I know but I would). I love having a t-shirt for every holiday or occasion or mood for that matter. I actually just ordered the buffalo plaid heart T-shirt for myself (of course the one that has the most black in it)

I always love celebrating Valentines day because it was the day my husband proposed 6 years ago, so it’s always a very sentimental day for the both of us. Let me know which look was your favorite and how your celebrating V day this year. 🙂

Caitlin Mitchell4 Comments

Life Update + New Years Resolutions

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas & a Happy New Year! I thought I’d post a family/life up date, plus my New Years resolutions for my very first post in 2018. 😀

I’ll start off by saying that my family and I have had a great year full of fun, family and lots of laughs. Although their has been a few hiccups along the way, it’s been a great year that I have been very thankful for.

High Points of 2017

  • Husband and I celebrated 4 years of marriage & 11 years total together. Woop woop!! I’ll be the first to say marriage is no cake walk. So I thought I would brag about our little milestone this past year. We are coming up on five years of marriage in June!! Sometimes it seems like yesterday and other times it seems like a lifetime ago. Being married is not always easy but it’s SO worth it. 🙂
  • Maddie turned 3 and started day care. I say every age is my favorite but three is really becoming my favorite age. Maddie says the craziest things, she’s super active and just a very happy kid. Having kids makes everything more special. Starting day care for her was a huge step and a great one to get her around more kiddos. Being a stay home mommy she tended to miss out on the social interactions that day care provides. It’s something she adjusted well too and that she looks forward too.
  • Trips. This year was full of fun trips. Mostly they were trips to see family and even a couple of trips to the coast. I am a family oriented person. I’m very close to my family but they live far away, so making time to see them is one of my biggest priorities. So this year felt like we really got to make that happen.:) Every trip this year was very memorable, especially the ones to the coast. I love getting to see the ocean. It’s so relaxing and just recharges you. I hope this next year we can have even more trips! 😉
  • Snow on my birthday! Even though this might sound like no big deal to some, this was a big deal this year. In Central Texas it never snows and if it does its more like ice. But this year (on my birthday I might add) we had the best layer of perfect snow. Everyone was so surprised to have a snow day in early December in Central Texas. It was a first for my daughter and for our three crazy dogs. The snow came and went but we enjoyed it as much as we could.
  • Maddie got a new baby cousin. Probably the biggest change this year was getting to meet Maddie’s new cousin back in February, Miss Lindi. Her very first, first cousin! It was great to welcome a new baby in the family and see how Maddie adjusted. At first she was so excited, and then not so excited. :/ Now that she has gotten a little older Maddie can really interact and play with her, which she loves. It’s so cute to see Maddie’s maternal side come out.

Going INTO 2018

  • New job- That’s right, I will not be a stay at home mommy anymore. I am starting a new job very soon, and I’m starting to get excited. Not only will I be working full time, I get to take my daughter to work with me everyday. In other words I’ll be her teacher!! What?! It was a job I just couldn’t refuse. I’m so excited but a little nervous about the transition for the both of us.
  • New Washer & Dryer– This is how you know I am getting old. Yes, I get excited about new appliances. 🙂 Josh and I received the best gift this year for Christmas… a brand new washer and dryer!! This might not be exciting to some, but for us this is a BIG deal. The past year our washer and dryer has been on the fritz and if anyone has had washer and dryer issues then you feel my pain. So I never thought I say this but I can’t wait to do laundry 🙂
  • Looking for Land- Something that is always our minds is finding a nice piece of property we can call home. To be able to stretch out and have tons of room to roam. It’s something my husband has always wanted and now I’m getting the property bug as well. We have been looking for a while, but the tough part is finding land in the right location for the right price. So maybe this is the year!

Resolutions

1. Eat Healthy– This is one resolution I know everyone makes (including myself) every year and breaks it within about a week. This is one resolution I really want to focus on. I’m making a plan and I’m sticking with it!! Wish me luck!

2. Get Organized– I’ll be the first to admit I am not cleaner. I hate cleaning!! I mean my blog is called one haute mess for a reason. I procrastinate as much as possible, but this year I am really trying to change that. Having things unorganized isn’t the best way to live. It feels so much better when everything is in the right place. So getting the house organized is a big goal of mine this year.

3. Make a Baby– …say what?!  Haha at first I was going to keep this one private BUT then I realized you know what, I may as well be honest. There is no shame in saying the things you want out loud. This is something that Josh and I have been thinking about for over a year. So yes, another little Mitchell baby would be a wonderful addition to our family in 2018 —-> so fingers crossed.

What are your New Year’s Resolutions?!

Caitlin MitchellLeave a comment

Beauty Gift Ideas for any Budget

Just when you thought I was done with the gift guides, I had to bring out another… 😉 This one is for all the beauty product lovers out there, like myself. So I put together some of what I think our great gift ideas for anyone’s budget. I’m sharing some of my favorite items and brands with a few things that are on my own wish list this season. I didn’t want to just throw a few products together that just looked good, I put together items that I know are great products for a great deal. 🙂

For the holidays I like to give gifts to friends and family that they wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves. Great beauty products can be very pricey, but luckily around the holidays there are lots of smaller sized gift versions of great products. Those make fun little gifts without spending a fortune.

Also, I should tell you that quite a few of these items are on SALE!

Most of these products are from ULTA or Nordstroms with fast shipping, and some of them can be found in stores. Norstroms has free shipping while with ULTA if you spend over $50.00 shipping is free. But really, we’re not too far out of the regular shipping window so almost all of these should arrive in time for Christmas!

Everything pictured is link below. 🙂

Gifts $25 and Under

1. Too Faced “Under the Kissletoe” Liquid Lip Kit –$25.00
2. Bodyshop Seasonal Lotion Trio  –$18.00
3. It cosmetics CC Cream –$15.00
4. Tartelette Tease Clay Eye shadow Palette –$23.00
5. Amaze Balls Bath Bombs –$25.00
6. Melisa Michelle Makeup Palette –$20.00
7. Amazing Grace “Ballet Rose” Perfume –$18.00
8. Tarte Duo Liquid Lip Gloss  –$12.00
9. Urban Decay Lock Down Travel Duo –$19.00
10. Becca Glow on the Go Opal –$20.00
11. Clinique Dewy Delights –$25.00
12. Butter London 6 Piece Nail Polish Set  –$14.40 
13. Anastasia Mini Liquid lipsticks –$25.00
14. Ardell Lash Look Book 8 Lashes –$17.49

 

Gifts $50 and Under

1.Lorac Pro Contouring Kit–$45.00
2. NARS Liquid Li sticks  –$45.00
3. Beauty Blender Gift set –$45.00
4. Hot Tools Curling wand – $39.99
5. Benefit “Wink upon a Star” Bestsellers –$29.00
6. Kate Spade Perfume Set  –$30.00
7. Nourishing Hair Masque  –$36.00
8. Becca Apres Ski Glow Collection Shimmer Eye shadows –$29.00
9. Bareminerals Nude Matte Liquid Lip Stick  –$28.00
10. Anastasia Highlighter Kit –$40.00
11. Glitter Liner –$29.00
12. Lorac Pro 3 Palette  –$44.00 
13. Too Faced “Best Year Ever”–$36.00
14. MAC Shimmer Shadows –$29.50
15.Tarte Magic Star Collector Set –$49.00

Gifts $100 and Under

1. It Cosmetics Brush Set -$65.00
2. Peter Thomas Roth Mask-a-holic -$75.00
3. Estee Lauder "Ready to Glow" Set - $65.00
4. Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Quad in "Golden Goddess"-$53.00
5. NUME Curling Wand  -$69.00
6. Tare PRO Amazonian Clay Palette -$53.00
7. YSL Mascara and Lip Set  -$65.00
8. Bobbi Brown Caviar & Rubies Eye Shadow Palette  -$75.00 
9. Benefit Cheek Parade -$58.00
10. Chi Essentials Kit -$99.95
11. Bare Minerals Box of Wonders  -$59.25
12. Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne  -$65.00
13. La Mer Mini Miracles  -$85.00
14. Hourglass Highlighter Set -$62.00

Is there anything on this list that you’d want to give to someone or want to receive this year? Let me know in the comments. Happy Shopping!!

Caitlin Mitchell12 Comments

Coloring Mixing Grinch Painting

Happy Monday!! I am so excited to finally post this! It’s been a while since my last, what I like to call, “mommy” post or kid friendly post I should say. I was totally inspired by Sheryl from Teaching 2 and 3 year olds for this fun activity. It’s all about a no mess painting that is fun and educational for your little one. I love the idea that this is a hands on activity but all the mess is contained in a Ziploc baggy.This was a definite hit with my three year old daughter. We did this about a week ago and she is still talking about it. It’s a great way to teach mixing colors.

For this activity I drew out two different versions of the Grinch to give you guys both options. It’s a very simple activity that involves little set up and very easy clean up. This would be perfect for a fun station during the classroom Christmas party. It’s so much fun seeing them get excited when the colors transform right in front of her eyes.:)

For the free download click the pictures at the bottom or the links to print.

What you will need:
The Grinch print out for you choice or both 🙂 – print out on card stock
Quart size Ziploc baggy
Blue & yellow tempera or acrylic paint


To start:
Download and print out your Grinch ON CARD STOCK PAPER and then cut around to remove any white background. Place your Grinch inside the baggy and then add your paint. (I would advise to use a little more yellow than blue) Then close your baggy. Have you kiddos start mixing using their hands to completely cover their Grinch. I noticed when accidentally using too much paint you might have to wipe or pat off the excess.

Click the pictures below to download and print or click the links 🙂

Grinch # 1
Grinch # 2

Thanks for stopping by!!

Caitlin MitchellLeave a comment

Gift Ideas for Him

I did my gift ideas for the ladies a couple weeks back, so I thought it was time for a post all about the men. Here is my gift ideas for him for Christmas 2017! In my opinion men are the toughest people to buy for. I’ve always struggled to find the perfect present for my dad and brother, and now I have the same problem with my husband. So I put together some of my top picks with different types of guys in mind. I wanted to make a good balance of interests from technology, music, grooming, and well…beer drinking Everything pictured is linked below with the price.

1. Amazon Fire Stick-We have one and I love it!! I highly recommend it! This goes for $39.99

2.Iphone Case-A nice phone case really makes a difference. This particular one comes in tan and black. It is $49.99.

3.Activity and Heart Rate Tracker-Love this idea for the man that wants to get more active. Defiantly a splurge gift.It goes for $149.95 and comes in four colors.

4. Beard Trimmer– This is for all the facial hair guys that want a nicely clean trimmed bread (aka my husband) Only $34.99 with 19 trim settings.

5. Wireless Headphones-This is a good girl or guy gift, in my opinion. These are perfect for all the music lovers out there. $63.99

6. Zip Pull Over-Love the look of this sweater. It comes in 7 colors. Goes for $85.00.

7. Dad Mug-Who doesn’t need a nice mug. I am all about hot drinks and love the beer keg look. This is $21.99.

8. Baseball Tee-Baseball Tee in my opinion are always flattering. This one comes in 7 different color combinations. They are only $14.99.

9. Multi use Tool Key Chain-This is a great idea. I don’t know a guy that wouldn’t like to have this on hand. This is $26.00.

10. Bone Socks-This if a fun gift. Great for laugh. These are $14.99.

11. Watch-Love the look of this watch. Good quality watch for $120.00.

12.Slippers– I think everyone should own a pair of Uggs in their life time. So comfortable and they last a long time. These are a splurge for $109.95.

13.6 Bottle Beer Cooler-I think my husband needs this. Great gift idea for the beer lovers that want to keep there drinks close at hand. This goes for $52.00.

14. 12.Giorgio Armani Cologne-My husband wears this and I had to mention it. It’s my favorite men’s cologne and wouldn’t be a true gift guide without this one. This is $94.00.

15. Hydro Flask 16 oz Pint Glass– Stan less steel, tempsheild protected, and only $24.99. Comes in 7 colors!

16.Celestron Telescope-This is for the star gazers. I got this for my husband a few years back and it is really cool. Great quality for a great price. $92.99

17. Essentials Kit– Kohls kit including face wash, lip balm, facial moisturizing treatment, conditioning wash and a travel pouch. Only $25.50

18.Wireless Portable Speaker-This is a great gift. Your favorite music goes with you wherever you go. It’s only $29.99!

I hope some of you find this helpful, as I know I could have done with a men’s gift guide many times in my life! If you have any other great gift ideas for the fellas, leave me a comment below. I would love to hear them.

Thanks 🙂

Caitlin MitchellLeave a comment

Outfit: Navy, Gray & Black

It’s finally December and it’s still warm outside, well cool in the mornings and warm in the afternoons. So I wanted to put together a kind of transitional outfit for this crazy weather we are having. To transition this look to the afternoon, just switch the boots for some comfy flats and lose the vest. This is one my favorite outfit combinations for fall, a long vest over a top with leggings and boots. I’m going to be honest the top is not as long as I would like, but I loved the color combination of the navy plaid with the gray vest. Like most of my looks this one is very simple, easy, and a perfect casual fall outfit. 🙂

::Outfit Details::
Top: Target (exact,similar option)
Vest:Very old (similar option) (another option)
Leggings:BCBG (similar pair)
Boots:Target (similar, another option)
Necklace: Stella & Dot (exact)
Bracelet: Kendra Scott (same style in rose gold)
Ring:Initial “m” ring (same)

Caitlin MitchellLeave a comment

Gifts Ideas for Her

Happy Black Friday!! I’m sharing some of my top picks for gift ideas for all the ladies, just in case you wanna get a head start on your Christmas shopping or just wanna shop for yourself ;). All items listed are under $100 and more than half are under $50. I defiantly have a few of these on my wish list. 🙂

1.Kitty Cat Mug– also comes in black

2.Kate Spade Studs – these come in 4 different colors

3.Travel Jewelry Case– great for travel or just to keep organized

4.Knit Beanie – comes in 3 other colors

5.Aviator Sunglasses – comes in 4 different colors

6.Kate Spade Bow Tie Scarf-obsessed with this scarf, comes in a 8 different colors.

7.Kate Spade Planner– comes in 3 styles and on sale for $25.20

8.Initial Necklace– Love this gift idea, the letter even spines!

9.Kate Spade Travel Cup – on sale for $12.60

10.YSL Perfume– this is one that’s defiantly on my wish list. The smell is amazing!

11.Stella & Dot Pouf– perfect for travel

12.Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eye Palette-gorgeous palette with 12 shades

13.Leopard Clutch -great quality & goes with everything!

14.Amazing Grace Set -Love this scent. Great gift idea for only $18.00

15.Voluspa Candle-only $28.00

16.Ugg Slippers– Great for around the house. They come in 4 colors & very comfortable.

17.Liquid Lip Kit-3 Stay in place colors for $20.00

18.Stella & Dot Engravable Bracelet – you can engrave anything!!

19.Flannel Pajamas -comes is 12 different patterns and colors!

I don’t know about you, but I am hoping to knock out all of my Christmas shopping pretty quick. Wish me luck! Let me know what your favorite gift ideas are and if your ready for the holidays.

Happy Shopping!

Caitlin MitchellLeave a comment

Outfit: Cheetah Print

Nothing like a little cheetah print to lighten your day. Just got this sweater as an early birthday gift and I jumped at the chance to feature it in a blog post. Being that I live in central Texas my sweater collection is quite sparse, so this was a perfect addition to my wardrobe. Cheetah print is always a great way to add a little pattern to an outfit but still acts as a neutral. You can easily add a pop of color to the look to make it more interesting. I kept it real simple by adding a scarf and my much loved black boots and black Stella & Dot tote. Now all I hope for is that the colder weather would stick around for a while.

::Outfit Details::
Sweater: Target (exact,long cardigan)
Jeans:Target (similar) (dark wash without the rips)
Boots: old (another option) (similar)
Purse: Stella & Dot (same)
Scarf: old (similar option)

 

Caitlin MitchellLeave a comment

Booties & Boots for any Budget

It’s no secret I am a sucker for a good boot. Once the weather cools down I tend to live in mostly boots or booties for the rest of year. So for all the boot lovers out there, like myself, I put together a little guide featuring some great boot & bootie options that fit anybody’s budget. I know for me I love finding a really good deal so I tend to always shop sales, but on occasion it is fun to splurge on something that you know is made well and will last you a long time. So everything pictured above is linked below so you can check them out.

Under $50
1. Cognac Knee High Boots
2. Fringe Booties
3. Hunter Green Booties
4. Over the Knee Black Boots
5. Taupe Booties
6. Grey Textured Ankle Bootie

Under $100
1.Cheetah Lace up Boots (come in 3 different colors)
2. Velvet Bootie
3. Black Chelsea Boots
4. Studded Red Zipper Riding Boots
5. Lace Charcoal Booties
6. Lucky Brand Booties

Splurge Worthy
1.Micheal Kors Black Boots
2.  Vince Camuto Split Bootie– Comes it 3 Colors!!
3. Cheetah Bootie
4. Lucky Brand Riding Boots
5. Rose Embroidered Bootie
6. Hunter Green Block Heel Bootie

Let me know which one is your favorite or what your favorite accessory is for fall. I personally have my eye on the tan lace up boots with cheetah. 😉

As always thank you for stopping by and checking out my little corner of the internet.

X0X0

Caitlin Mitchell2 Comments