Happy Monday, friends! How was your last August weekend?

We spent lots of time at our Church as this weekend was our parish festival and picnic. On Friday we had a little bit of date night at the parish Casino Night. I'm not much of a gambler but I did try my hand at some roulette and black jack. No profit but only lost $3 so I'm considering that a win!

Sunday we enjoyed the Mass, picnic, and bouncy houses all outside, and it was warm, warm, warm!! And still wonderful.

I had the last of summer fashions on my mind with the 80 degree temps. Here's a simple outfit I put together on a tight budget. All of these lovelies are under $40.

Thanks so much for indulging me in all these Funday Fashion Monday posts! It's been a ton of fun to highlight all the best of summer. Looking forward to something new next Monday!

That skirt: Nordstrom's is offering this tiered skirt at a great price right now, and this color is warm and rich. I find the at-the-knee length perfect for afternoons that involve a lot of picking kiddos up and down...no worries of showing more than you want!

Those flats: These flats come in a whole rainbow of shiny. And check this pricetag: $15. This sea blue is a lovely transition tone from summer to fall.

That funky necklace: My friend, Mo, makes some great jewelry, and I love the chunk and tone of this necklace. It's a natural beauty.

That easy tee: Stripes are good any time of year, and I'm drawn to the softness of these wide stripes.

The hobo: Bag, that is. I like the simplicity and muted yellow is a great neutral.

The printed scarf: Gap has some great scarves to add a burst of print. I'm all about tying scarves around my purse or head/hair if around the neck doesn't fit my mood. How about you?

We're heading into the first full week of school and a busy work week. How's life over with you?

XOXO, MJ

                                           

Happy Monday, friends! How are you? Did you have a good weekend? We enjoyed our last hurrah of summer with anniversary celebrations, the annual joy of Sisters Day (where we indulge in all things girly and fun for the sisters to enjoy), and some necessary back-to-school prep.

All of my kiddos head back to school on Wednesday. You're going to have to bear with me this week because I might just be a lump of mommy mess. My oldest, M, begins second grade (Ok, I can handle that). My middle, C, starts her first year as a full-day student in Kindergarten (sniffle, sniffle), and my little guy, L, begins two half-days at a local preschool (full out sob).

It's all good, and I know they're all ready, but, ugh, sometimes the passage of time and the leave of babyhood just wrenches my heart.

Nevertheless, I will put on my proud Momma face because I am so proud and grateful for all that has been. It reminds me of a quote that I designed for the rehearsal dinner of our wedding.

Feel welcome to pin it and plaster it on a wall. I love it.

We have back-to-school night this week where everyone finds out who's in their class and who their teacher will be. All very exciting stuff. I've got my mind on Fall textures and lengths, and I'm delighted with so many of the Fall trends I'm seeing.

Here's what I'm rustling up for back to school. It's bright enough to signal Summer but with enough texture to say I love you to Fall.

That blousey blouse: I love the new feminine silhouettes and the ease these offer is wonderful for busy ladies on the go!

The skinny jeans: Hello, curvy skinny jeans. You go with...everything!

Those wooden circle earrings: I am so attracted to wood and other natural elements when it comes to accessories. These round maple disks are so beautiful in tone and lightweight, too.

That purple purse: A good cross-body purse in a vibrant tone.

This yellow belt: Pop, pop, pop goes the color. And if you're feeling less daring you can always let your shirt cover up a bit of the bright.

Those cowboy boots: Maybe it's because I've become pals with some great Arkansas ladies who are in the market for some fab boots or maybe it's because there are so many great pairs out there on the shelves. These are right in my budget.

Is anyone in your life heading back to academia? Are you ready for the promise of autumn or would you like a few more weeks of summer sunshine?

XOXO, MJ

Good Monday, everyone! I'm sending you greetings from the lovely city of Chicago. We're enjoying some fun family days here in the city, soaking up a fancy hotel, museums, parks, trains, and boats, too! I love Chicago, and I could really use some time away so cheers to a great few days!

How was your weekend?

I'm not sure what the weather has been like in your part of the globe, but here in the Midwest, we've been experiencing cooler (65 degree) weather and rain. It's put me in the mood for my favorite season, and though summer is so fun, I think I am ready for the beauties of autumn.

Today's look is a transitional summer/fall (or walking around a windy city) ensemble.

                   

Those bright pants: Color blocking! Let's embrace it with some great skinnies!! Seriously, I think every gal should find a fun color of pants for the Fall.

That cool top: I've been eyeing some great Dolman-sleeve tops, and I love the material and neutral tone to this one.

Those shoes: Open toed booties still offer a hint of summer pedicures and the stylings of next season.

This scarf: Stripes and colorblocking. I love tying my scarf around my bag when the sun peeks through the clouds and warms things.

That green handbag: Keep a little green going into the autumn tones. This one is bright and can pack a whole lot in it.

Those pyramid studs: These are from a great Etsy shop in a rose gold. Fun and funky.

What are you most looking forward to wearing this Fall?

XOXO, MJ

Hello, hello friends! Welcome to a wonderful week. So glad to have you here! How was the weekend for you? Did you get hit by a terrible thunderstorm like we did? Crazy hail and lightening, too. Thankfully all of our trees and home stayed fully in tact.

We hung around town and escorted our little ones to birthday parties, the zoo, and back-to-school shopping. Today's outfit is inspired by this weekend's happenings. It's easy, slouchy, and relaxed to take you through whatever casually comes your way, even a surprise afternoon nap.

The fab earrings: I love the natural, sculptural edge these earrings add. Bonus - they're from a great little Etsy shop, too!

Those shoes: A fun flat to take you through the zebras, emus, and kangaroos!

That fun skirt: Love the stripe and the bold contrast, and the kint and easy waist scream comfy.

This easy, everyday tank: It comes in every color under the sun, and I love green with a great black and white.

The everywhere backpack: I know it's because I'm in back-to-school mode, but a great grown-up backpack is a welcome solution to the carry-everything-for-me mom.

Are you in the mode for Fall shopping yet? I find myself scouring the new arrival pages for all my favorite stores.

Let's have a good week, friends. We deserve it, no?

XOXO, MJ