ROALD DAHL X MINI BODEN

LIMITED-EDITION: MINI BODEN X ROALD DAHL

Oh how I wish I could go back in time and interrupt that girl in Ms. van der Meer's 4th grade class! I'm talking about the 10-year-old version of MYSELF that was more than likely nose-deep in one of Roald Dahl's classics. With great excitement I would tap her on the shoulder and jump at the chance to tell her that one day she'd get the opportunity to buy BFG or Matilda themed clothing for her splendiferous son. Squeeeee! Did somebody say WHIZZPOP?! Thanks to Boden's latest limited-edition collection, my dream has become a reality. Max's wardrobe will soon be brimming with all sorts of magic and mischief (um, as if we needed any more of that...). In honor of the beloved storyteller's 100th birthday and Boden's 25th anniversary, the creative forces joined together to celebrate both milestones in the cutest and most whimsical way possible. Here are some of my favorites...

CREEPY CRAWLY JUMPER*

ALPHABET DRESS

CREEPY-CRAWLY FRIENDS SKIRT

BEARDY JUMPER*

MAGIC RAGLAN T-SHIRT*

FOXY DUNGAREES

The collection officially launched on October 3rd and you can bet purchasing a few pieces from the collaboration was my top priority Monday morning. And since I love a good deal as much as the next person, I did a little googling and found a 15% off coupon (discount code: 6F5Z) that's good through October 23. To my fellow Roald Dahl fans and mothers, HAPPY SHOPPING!

WHAT I'M WEARING WEDNESDAY

It might not "officially" be summer, but the Swell Rio temps say otherwise. Would you believe me if I told you that our beloved border town will hit triple digits five of the next seven days. Gulp! But I wasn't ready yet... Needless to say, I have no choice but to pull out all of my trusty shorts, favorite skirts, and breezy tops to beat this heat. I refuse to let the weather get the best of my style.

MOM-SEMBLE ESSENTIALS:

Embroidered Swing Cami via J.Crew $88

Jardine Sunglasses via Sole Society $25

Tassel Beaded Bracelet via Waiting On Martha $28

5" Chino Shorts via J.Crew $35

Coco Rose Lip Conditioner via Herbivore $22

Dual-Intensity Blush in Adoration via NARS $45

Espadrilles via H&M $30

Bucket Tote via Sole Society $60

SaveSaveSaveSave

THE STYLE FILES

Dressing a boy is actually a lot more fun than you might think. There were a few months where I felt kind of stumped as to how I should dress Max. I loved the sweetness that came with all of the newborn and infant clothes, but I was eager to branch out and add a little personality to his outfits. I saw all of the items in the toddler section and they got me really excited about future outfit possibilities. Then I started to realize his new duds made him look like a little boy, which made me want to press rewind and dress him in footed onesies forever. Ha Ha! Since that really isn't an option, I've learned I have no choice but to embrace the growing tot and I'm having a blast adding new pieces to his wardrobe. Because I do most of my shopping online, I've had the best luck scouting pieces at stores like Zara, H&M, Nature Baby, American Apparel, Everlane, Boden, Crewcuts, and Gap. Overall, I'm really pleased with the quality of the clothing I've purchased from all of these stores. With brands like J.Crew, Boden, and Gap, I typically wait for a promotion or for specific items to go on sale at the end of the season. Some clothes, such as button-down shirts that Max has room to grow into, are worth the splurge for me. If he's in between sizes and I know he's too small to fit into the next size up, I'll purchase a few cheaper tops and bottoms from somewhere like H&M or Zara so he has some current options to wear that aren't ginormous. Old Navy and Target have oodles of adorable pieces as well, but it's always hard to tell what stuff looks like on their websites. I have better luck purchasing clothes from the stores whenever we make a trip into San Antonio. In addition to some of the bigger chain stores, I love smaller shops like Fawne Shoppe, Goatmilk NYC, Mabo Kids, Kid+Kind, Strawberry Moth, Childhoods Clothing, Private Party, Jean and June, etc. In anticipation of Spring in Swell Rio, I've added some of the following pieces to Max's wardrobe...

THE GOODS:

Cap via H&M $5

Nylon Jacket with Hood via H&M $30

Baby Breton via Boden $19

Jeans via H&M $15

Shoes via H&M $13

Sunglasses via H&M $6

Toddler Fedora via Carter's $14

Faded Stripe Bow-Tie via J.Crew $17

Short-Sleeve Gingham Shirt via J.Crew $37

Five-Pocket Jeans via Zara $20

Printed Canvas Plimsolls via Zara $30

Anchor Baseball Cap via J.Crew $25

Sweatshirt via H&M $10

Colorful Band T-Shirt via Zara $8

Chinos via H&M $13

Jefferson-Glow Slip-On Sneaker via Native Shoes $37

WHAT I'M WEARING WEDNESDAY

GET THE LOOK: Edged Lace Cap-Sleeve Dress // Chloe Studs // Leopard Fold Over Clutch // Crystal Pendant Necklace with Bow // NARS Chelsea Girls Lip Gloss // Essie Clambake Nail Polish // Suede D' Orsay Pumps // Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray // Teasing Comb // Hair Ties // Bobby Pins

I'm a little bit embarrassed to tell you that Flyboy and I have yet to go on a real date since Max was born. Gasp! To be completely honest, we're not really the "date night" sort of couple and Swell Rio doesn't necessarily have a lot of options in that department. Trust me on this one! While I wouldn't advise any couple to wait a whopping 14 months before arranging a date of some sort, we're making up for our new parent faux pas this Saturday evening. That's right, we've got childcare arrangements and a cocktail Christmas party to boot. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't kind of excited to get all gussied up and hang out with m' main squeeze sans Maxwell.

WHAT I'M WEARING WEDNESDAY

MOM UNIFORM: SUNNIES // NECKLACE // STRIPED TEE // BANGLE // DENIM // TOTE // LIPSTICK // FLATS

The striped tee is a wardrobe staple many of us already have in our closet. In fact, some of us may have more "options" than we'd care to admit. Hey, there are worse problems to have! On an average day, you'll find me sporting one of my favorite Bretons because it can literally be paired with ANYTHING. Since I've been wearing these Boyfriend Jeans on repeat, I figured I'd share one of my favorite mom-sembles. You could argue there's nothing entirely special about a basic striped tee paired with jeans, but they make the perfect canvas for playful accessories and random pops of color—two characteristics I believe complete an outfit. In my opinion, some pieces are worth the splurge like this tassel necklace and this studded bangle if I know I'll wear them regularly. Other pieces like this tote, these slingbacks, and sunnies are on-trend and budget-friendly buys that keep outfits current and fun.

I'm interested, what pieces are worth the splurge? Where do YOU like to browse for bargains?

WHAT I'M WEARING WEDNESDAY

MOM UNIFORM: LIPSTICK // TEE // STUDS // TWIST SCARF // WATCH // DENIM // GLITTER KEDS

I'll be honest, I spent the bulk of my pregnancy worrying about really silly details. As shallow as it may sound, I feared that life with a new baby meant that cute daily outfits would no longer be my norm. Believe me when I say I agonized about "letting myself go" for ten straight months. I probably drove Flyboy and my mom crazy; in fact, I know I did. So when Max arrived, I realized that in order for me to show up each day and be the BEST version of myself and the BEST mom to Max, I needed to make it a priority. Now I know this is easier said than done, and I'm probably going to get a lot of eye rolls for this post, but getting dressed and putting myself together is important to ME. Yes, I have to make a conscious effort to wake up a little earlier than I'd probably like to make this a reality each day, but it's worth it to me. Thankfully, Flyboy understands how much it means to me, so we typically get up two hours before he heads to work so I have some time in our morning routine to get gussied up. And by gussied up, I just mean dry shampoo, a messy updo, and simple makeup. As for my daily ensemble, I know there's a BIG chance that I'm going to get spit-up and poo all over me, but I also know about the power of the Resolve Stain Stick, so I don't let the risk of getting messy deter me from wearing things that make me feel happy or good about myself. If I have to change my shirt, then so be it. Obviously, I don't don my fanciest duds, but I do try to incorporate some of my favorite elements (sparkle, prints, etc.) into my daily mom uniform.

Since Flyboy left last weekend, I've been getting up each day around 5:30 AM to allow myself some time to drink coffee and prepare for the long day ahead. Max typically gets up around 7:00 AM, which works out pretty well. However, this past Sunday, he decided to join me for an early start to the day. Curveballs like this are to be expected, so I threw him in his swing and he watched me paint m' face. So what if he knows all of my NARS blushes by name? Ha Ha! I guess it's just what I've got to do to show up each day and be the best me I can be. A little lipstick can make any ol' hot mess feel put together. From my experience, a pink pout and a cute headband have even been known to cure colic. Perhaps Harvey Karp might consider this in his book, The Happiest Baby on the Block?! It might not soothe a crying baby, but it sure as heck soothes this mama's soul.

TYPE-A TUESDAYS

I've always been that girl who lays out her clothes and accessories the night before. You can call it prepared or semi-neurotic, but it's just how I'm wired. I suppose it's my way of feeling in control. Who's with me?! I know you're out there. Don't be afraid. We must unite!! I especially like to have everything planned whenever something exciting or out of the norm is planned. In today's case, I'm going in for my glucose tolerance test. Womp womp! I'm honestly not sure what to expect, but I know that drinking the dreaded glucose solution doesn't sound pleasant. Oh, the horror! I've been asked to fast in preparation for today's test, which means I'll probably wake up pretty hangry as well. You've been warned, Flyboy. Yep, things around here aren't looking that pretty, my friends. In an effort to make the most of the situation, I figured it was in my best interest to plan an outfit that's both cheerful and comfortable, and pack my trusty tote with oodles of snacks and glossies. Here's what I'll take with me this morning:

• The Color Curator Necklace in Fruit Punch // Because a colorful necklace makes me feel like I can conquer the world...
• French Terry Stripe Dress // I have this one in BOTH colors. It's a cheap non-maternity option that's super comfy.
• Pom-Pom Flower // A go-to accessory that has magical powers. You can't have a bad day when you're sporting one.
• Gramercy Watch // If you're going to have to pass the time, you might as well have something pretty to stare at...
• Cece Leather Ballet Flats // I'll be sporting my favorite shoes. With a color this cheerful, I'll be walking on sunshine.
• Domino Magazine // It's taken everything inside me to not tear into this until today. I figured it would be a nice reward.
• Pen and Paper // When you're preggo, people shower you with so much love. It's best I catch up on thank-you notes.
• Dior Addict Lip Glow // My new favorite lip balm to keep my lips moisturized with a subtle hint of color.
• Transport Tote // A cute clutch would be ideal, but this bag lady has far too many things to lug around today.
• BKR Bottle // Staying hydrated doesn't have to be a pesky chore when you've got a cute water bottle.
• Snacks // When they give me the green light to eat, you can bet I'll be ready to devour my apple and granola bar.

You see what I mean?! Once a planner, always a planner. Happy Tuesday, y'all!

P.S. Have you entered the Blogaversary Giveaway?! See more details here.

A STYLIST'S SPRING ESSENTIALS

Spring Tips: Keep it light (denim wash, fabrics, etc.). Incorporate pops of color with softer shades. Invest in a few versatile pieces (dress up or down).

I'm so excited to welcome Becky Ankrum to One Fine Day today. Becky is an incredibly talented stylist who currently lives in the Minneapolis area with her musician husband and adorable baby girl. Since spring is only a month away and we're all quite eager to welcome warmer weather, I thought it might be fun to have Becky share some of her favorite pieces for spring.

BECKY'S SPRING ESSENTIALS:

1. The Botkier's Legacy Mini Convertible—it's on my wish list. Blush colors (or more neutral colors in general) are so great for spring because it is such a refreshing change from winter's darker colors. This bag is great because it's light and airy and breezy as you can wear it as a cross-body or not. It's nice to have those options.
2. The Nora Perforated Ballet Flat from J. Crew—I have the Quorras from last year and absolutely love them for warmer weather. My feet can breath without sweating to death. My two favorite colors are metallic gold (again, keeping with the neutrals) and also the bright kiwi because it's great to add a poppy spring color to your neutral ensemble.
3. The Albany Biker Jacket from French Connection—a fantastic lightweight spring jacket. I love that it's a little bit tomboy (it being a biker jacket and all), but with the blush color it makes it just the right amount of feminine. Plus, with that color, it goes with just about any other color, and you can wear this jacket with a jeans and t-shirt look or with a dress/skirt.
4. The J. Crew Pocket Umbrella in Neon Yellow Stripe—as I was saying, I always love a good pop of color, and with April showers, we need to be prepared for rain. What better way than with an adorable umbrella?
5. The Ily Couture Wifey Tee is a great example of a lightweight and easy-to-wear tee. And this Oh My Chic Tee is equally darling. I can't decide, but I love these tees for spring because it's so nice to be able to show off those arms since they've been covered up for months.
6. The J. Crew Vintage Straight Jeans are a-MAZING. They are incredibly comfy, and have just the right amount of distress to them. The lighter wash is perfect for spring, and you can dress them up with a pair of heels and a silk cami, or down with a tee and wedges. 
7. Speaking of wedges, I LOVE these Steve Madden Plungee Wedges. I'm a sucker for a good pair of cognac heels/wedges, and these are just fantastic. They will go with everything because of that neutral color and still cover up a good amount of your feet for those cooler spring days.
8. Madewell's Beatrice Ankle-Strap Skimmer in Metallic is also another great spring option. The strap forces you to show off those ankles, and the metallic complements just about any color. Win win. 
9. I'm loving this Gap Cami Maxi Dress. Maxi dresses are perfect for cooler days as well—as they keep those stems covered up. Slap on a denim jacket (or a French Connection biker jacket while we're at it), and you have a perfect 60-degree weather outfit. This rose color is PHENOMENAL, and there's that shot of color I've been talking about.
10. This Aritzia Madden Dress is a good go-to as well. It's nice to have sleeves as an option and you can't go wrong with stripes. 
11. How about a fantastic pop of color with this fabulous Rhinestone Necklace from Zara. I love the matte look. Both colors are fabulous, but the fresh greys and blues are soft and light for spring. 

Thanks for sharing, Becky! 

It's always nice to get tips from a stylist to rethink your wardrobe and a little encouragement to step outside your comfort zone.

Can't get enough of Becky and her impeccable style? Check out her Website, Facebook Page, and Instagram.

MONDAY MOODBOARD

How about a little visual sunshine to jumpstart the week?!

Smitten by Emily Rickard

Sleeveless Fit & Flare Double-Weave Dress

Ban.do Pom-Pom Flower Pins in Neon Pink, Peach, and Pink

Leather Wallet in New Dark Orange

Sophie Small Crossbody Bag in Sunwashed Coral

Rodin Lip Balm

Tassel Trace Pillow in Orange

Suede Scalloped Ballet Flats in Vivid Fuchsia

A Small Deposit Store Sign

RGB Nail Polish in Monarch

ART TO ENSEMBLE

THE ART:

Le Cronut by Anna Bond

THE ENSEMBLE:

Yellow Oversized Satchel

Lip Bullet in Back in the Game

The Infamous Cronut

The d'Orsay Flat in Spot Dot

Linen Tête-à-Tête Tee

Ban.do Sequin Heart

Floral Lace Stripe Skirt

Wishful Thinking

ON WEDNESDAYS, WE PRETEND...

Today, I wish I was wearing this happy ensemble. Of course, since this scenario is make believe, I'll have no problem dropping $900 on this fabulous clutch. Squee! That sort of silly business is commonplace on Wishful Thinking Wednesdays, am I right?! It's also totally normal to wear something like this to my local Target. Work with me, people! 

• Merino Tippi Sweater in Vivid Aqua // Look, I'm no fashion blogger, but I know what I like. This is a wardrobe staple — it pairs perfectly with a party skirt and sets the stage for any show-stopping necklace.

• Flower Lattice Necklace // I've acquired a lot of statement jewelry over the years, but this is my fave!

• Black-and-White Stripe Party Skirt // I see this and I want to twirl, but not in a Kenya Moore kind of way...

• Essie Encrusted Nail Polish in Belugaria // Perfect polish to add a little party to your fingers and toes.

• Charm Heels in Leopard // When you twirl in a party skirt, you must kick up your heels. These are fab!

• Sara Battaglia Clutch // This is the perfect pop of color and adds a little character to the ensemble.

• Ring Ring iPhone 5 Case // Because your insanely cute clutch is deserving of a quirky phone case...

• Lip Bullet // To complete the look, we'll top it off with a pigmented pink lip. Pucker up!

P.S. Hop on over to the Curly Girl Design blog, and grab a cup of hot cocoa. I'm sharing my "hunker down" necessities!

Style Files

'Color Should Make You Happy' by Boden USA

Holy swoon! Have you seen Boden's fall collection? It will leave you feeling befuddled with the flood of magnificent colors and playful patterns. It's not often that I actually thumb through an old-school catalog. I usually just trash 'em the instant they're received. Of course, the exception to the rule is ALWAYS J.Crew's Style Guide (duh!) — I'm on pins and needles waiting for that to arrive in my mailbox! It wasn't until I moseyed down the hill this past Monday to check our mail that I laid eyes on Boden's latest catalog. My interest was piqued; I thought twice before chucking another catalog when I saw the beautiful cover image. It left me craving more of the rich colors and GORGEOUS styling! As I leafed through the pages, I realized the journey up and down our driveway was totally worth it. I wasn't sure if I was panting heavily because I was twitterpated or tired, but I knew I wanted to see MORE! When I finally made my way up to the house, I had to wipe the drool from my face because there were so many lovely images. The bold hues and hints of fall were driving me absolutely crazy cakes! I was so stimulated by the visual eye candy, I found myself breaking one of my major rules — dog-earing the pages. Say what?!? That's a big no-no for me, but my brain literally could not keep up with my excitement. As my girl, Sophia Grace, would say — it is just SO GOOD!

I'm sorry if you were expecting the usual Thursday's Thoughts, but I found this entirely too important NOT to share.

On Trend: Spots & Dots

via J.Crew

For someone like myself, the current polka-dot trend is heavenly. Did you see the new J.Crew catalog? Spots and dots were executed to absolute perfection. It left me feeling verklempt -- but that's par for the course! I guess my obsession can be attributed to my mother. I specifically remember that moment when we watched Pretty Woman together, and my mom pointed out the brown-and-white polka-dot dress worn by Julia Roberts at the polo match (see look here). Do you remember that dress? Her spotted frock was flawless. It's a remarkable look that's timeless. As per usual, mom knows best.

Thankfully, you don't have to look far to find this cheerful and friendly print. Like the chic and sophisticated stripe, the polka dot is a wardrobe staple. It's fun and makes a statement! In the event that this supposed trend goes out of style, please do me a favor and don't tell me. If polka dots are wrong, I don't want to be right. Here are a few of my favorite dotty finds...

Romcom to Wardrobe: French Kiss

Fact: The women in my family are obsessed with Meg Ryan and her classic romcoms. As a blonde adolescent, I spent the better part of six years in pursuit of achieving her coveted care-free haircut. I mean, what normal teenager dreams of a day at the salon getting coiffed by Sally Hershberger? It was by no means healthy, but this tenacious hair-raising phase spanned from middle school to college -- sadly, I have pictures to prove it! 

And while I said c'est la vie to Meg's signature cut, I'm still just as smitten with her movies. One of my absolute favorites is French Kiss. Please, tell me you've seen it! It's one of those classics I find myself quoting on a regular basis. In fact, this past weekend I recited one of my favorite lines:

"Happy - smile. Sad - frown. Use the corresponding face for the corresponding emotion."

Although I'm not sure the people around me had any idea as to what I'd just said, uttering those words made me happy inside. Days later, I'm still thinking about the movie and wishing I had an hour to dust off my DVD and take an imaginary trip to France with Kate (Meg Ryan) and Luc (Kevin Kline). In the meantime, I think I'll spend the rest of the day spouting out movie quotes. I hope you enjoy my interpretation of Meg's French Kiss wardrobe.

"Spasm! Spasm! Oh, God, here it comes... lactose intolerance!"

Paris: Oxford Boy Shirt // Schoolboy Blazer // Toothpick Denim // Tretorn Sneakers // Necklace

Cannes: Boatneck // Market Tote // Flats // Scout Chino // Sunglasses // Floppy Hat

What's your favorite chick flick?

Happy Wednesday, dear friends!

Toodles,

ANF

Currently Coveting

Who needs coffee when you can wake up and feel invigorated by J.Crew's newest arrivals?

I'm seriously smitten with this Cashmere Polka-Dot Sweater. It's an investment piece, right?

Oh well, for now I'll wear this scarf and dream about the day I own this piece. 

(Of course, cooler weather wouldn't hurt either. Le sigh.)

Toodles, dear friends!

ANF

Weekly Round-Up

Let's get right to it, shall we?

Here's what made me feel all twitterpated, smile contagiously, giggle uncontrollably, etc.

A Word to the Wise: Lisa Congdon

Just a few things spotted and hearted on the Interwebs this week...

Secret Heart Earrings // Color me smitten!

Young Grasshopper // This brass paperweight reminds me of my dad.

Mixed-Fabric Bangles // Can you ever have enough bracelets?

She's Got Peplum // A bargain buy!

"It's Nice" Print // Oh, just another adorable art print by Sugar Paper...

Ballet Flats // Colorful, comfy, and cute.

Tri-Color Thread Belt // Mama likes!

Doodles Pencil Necklace // Doodle away the day... I think I need this!

Set High Golds // A budget-friendly bag.

NARS Illustration // Another happy image via Katie Evans.

Bright Notes // I'm starting to run out of notepads. This may be my next purchase!

Hands Up! // Prada and Vahram Muratyan have teamed up to create a series of illustrations used to accessorize.

Blueberries // Take a moment and check out these delightful Food On Paper illustrations.

Basil French 75 // Cocktail anyone?

Die-Cast Mini Shopper // Eek, it's on sale!

Noted - Rubber Stamp // So excited to have stumbled upon this etsy shop: Ann-Marie Loves Paper.

Imperfect: The New Perfect // Working to adopt this mantra.

Link Love:

Cool down with this a-mazing iced coffee recipe!

How cute is this desktop background designed by Ampersand design?

This weekend, I'll whip up a loaf of this Coconut Raspberry Banana Bread. You should too!

Treat Yo Self! Why don't you try one of these at-home spa treatments?

And in case you missed it, I had the opportunity to guest post on a few different blogs this week.

Check out my perfect summer day over at Style Your Life and Quote-a-rama at Design Editor.

Thanks for having me, Jennifer and Catherine!

Got any weekend plans?

Toodles,

ANF

P.S. Need a good laugh? Check out Pintester -- a blog about failed attempts at testing pins from Pinterest.