Author: Big Mama

  • Fashion Friday: Edition it’s been a long week because it is so long

    I don’t know about y’all but I feel like I’ve lived a thousand lives since last Friday. But at the same time, it’s hard to believe that we’re almost to October. I heard someone say that September, October, November and December are the “LMNOP” of the year and that feels like the truest thing.

    Anyway, this will basically be me this weekend into between watching football and soccer.

    via GIPHY

    However, the fact there will be Aggie football on my television on Saturday night makes me feel like this.

    via GIPHY

    I wasn’t sure that SEC football would actually happen this year, so God bless Greg Sankey for making that happen. You, good sir, are the real MVP of 2020.

    Here are some cute things I found this week:

    1. lace blouse

    I know a lace blouse isn’t necessarily for everyone, but I think they are so pretty with a pair of jeans and boots. This one also comes in black or olive green and plus sizes.

    It’s $29.99.

    2. allaire high-low maxi skirt

    I think this skirt is so pretty and the colors make me swoon.

    It’s on sale for $119.95 but with an additional 30% off all sale at Anthropologie. The reviews say to size down so keep that in mind.

    3. stateside tori asymmetrical top

    This is a great basic tee with a little extra flair with the tie on the side. I love this type of top because it gives you a flattering waistline without the commitment of a tuck in.

    It’s $39.95 plus an extra 30% off and it comes in a bunch of colors.

    4. pilcro nayeli beaded buttondown

    Sometimes when I’m looking for things to put on Fashion Friday, I see something that I immediately decide I have to own. This shirt was that thing this week. We all know I’m powerless to resist a white shirt and this one is so pretty with the beading.

    It’s on sale for $79.95 plus an extra 30% off. It also comes in a chartreuse color.

    5. aja embroidered blouse

    This is such a pretty top and a great transition piece for fall with jeans and booties. It’s $59.95 plus an extra 30% off.

    6. dalia tunic dress

    This is another great Anthro sale piece. I adore these colors and you could wear it by itself now and then with a leather jacket and booties later.

    It’s $99.95 but an extra 30% off. And the dress falls 36 inches so it’s above the knee but not too short. My personal cut off for dress length is 35 inches these days and I’m about 5’6″. Anything shorter than that feels weird to me because I’m almost 50. (Insert horror face emoji here.)

    7. ybenlow turtleneck oversized sweater

    This sweater is the definite winner of deal of the week. It’s just $20.88, so soft and cute and comes in a bunch of colors and even some striped options. I love the sleeves.

    8. bp 60 mm butterly sunglasses

    I like big sunglasses and I cannot lie. If sunglasses remind me of my Nanny circa 1977, then I am powerless to resist. These are just $19.

    9. j.crew perfect rain jacket

    If you are in the market for a cute raincoat, then this one is what you need. It’s normally $148 but 40% off with the code COZY at checkout

    It also comes in camo and several solid colors.

    10. wild fable jumpsuit

    I have been patiently waiting for this to come back in stock and today is the day. I had a jumpsuit similar to this that I loved until it just got too faded and pilled to wear. Stay tuned for the Lifetime movie about this sad, true-life story.

    This is $23, you can layer a long sleeve t-shirt under it or wear a denim jacket over it. It also comes in gray.

    That’s it for today.

    Have a good Friday as we all hold our breath to see what the season finale of 2020 will look like.

  • Fashion Friday: Edition there are good sales to be had

    This is one of those weeks where I just don’t have much to say.

    Here are some cute things I’ve found this week:

    1. high-rise wide-leg cropped utility jean

    I went in Banana Republic this week because they had a big sign on the window with “Sale” and, well, I’m only human. I’ve been wanting a pair of wide-leg cropped jeans but hadn’t found any I liked until I tried these on. They are so cute and comfortable with just a little bit of stretch, plus the front pockets are flattering and they aren’t too high-waisted.

    I’ll wear these with short sleeve tops and sandals now and then sweaters and booties later. They are true to size.

    They are on sale plus an extra 40% off which makes them under $50.

    2. stars above lounge cardigan

    I saw this in person in Target and it is dreamy. I know it’s supposed to be loungewear but you could totally wear this out and about.

    It’s $29.99 and it also comes in ivory or charcoal gray.

    3. black tie-dye tunic

    I think this is a great tie-dye tunic to wear with leggings and sneakers. It’s $42.

    4. universal thread ruffle tiered dress

    I saw this dress in Target and it’s so much cuter in person. It’s a perfect piece to transition to fall and it’s just $34.99. It also comes in teal and an orange print which looks much better in person.

    5. a new day ottoman rib t-shirt

    I’m not sure why this is called a t-shirt because it’s thicker than that. It’s more of a sweatshirt maybe? All I know is it is super cute and would look great with the high waisted cropped wide leg jeans above.

    Best of all, it’s only $20. It also comes in several colors.

    6. free people pull on corduroy flares

    These Free People pull on flares are my very favorite flare jeans and I’ve decided this is the year I will own a corduroy version. They are so flattering and super comfortable because they fit more like leggings.

    They are $78 with free shipping and returns and come in a ton of color options.

    7. captivate knit top

    This is a new site I found this week and they have a lot of really cute things at good prices. I really like this knit top with the tie in front because it’s different from anything else I’ve seen.

    This would be a great top to wear with high waisted pants or skirts when you don’t want to tuck something in, but need to have a waist line. It’s $49.95.

    8. prettygarden long lantern sleeve sweater

    This sweater is just gorgeous and these sleeves make me swoon. It’s just $28.99 and also comes in black or red.

    9. anrabess cowl neck batwing sweater

    This is another Amazon sweater that’s only $33.99. It’s long enough to wear with leggings and I love the ribbed detail.

    It comes in a ton of color options.

    10. sebby collection hooded faux fur coat

    Would I like a hooded faux fur leopard coat? Yes please. This feels like something Beth Dutton would wear on Yellowstone which means I am here for it.

    It’s on sale for $64.97 and also comes in black.

    That’s it for today.

    Have a good Friday.

  • Fashion Friday: Edition it’s actually cool outside

    First, I just want to take a minute to remember that today is September 11. Everything has felt so contentious this year and it’s weird to think about on how united the country seemed in the days following September 11. Honestly, I wonder if it will ever be that way again. It’s just hard to believe we are almost twenty years away from that awful day.

    via GIPHY

    Anyway, I cannot tell you how skeptical I was about an actual cool front arriving in San Antonio on September 9, but it really happened. Maybe this is God’s way of letting us know he hasn’t forgotten us as we live through the hellscape that is 2020.

    Whatever the case, I’ll take it.

    I’d forgotten what it feels like to walk outside and not immediately have regrets.

    Speaking of outside, we are just two weeks ago from SEC football games. I watched Texas State and SMU play last weekend with an enthusiasm I once reserved for more of an LSU vs. Alabama game. I don’t even care who’s playing anymore, I just need football to be on my television during the fall.

    Fortunately, my friend Kristy at Two Funny Girls has created the perfect cups for all of us who will be watching football on T.V. but not actually getting to tailgate as we have in years past before we knew about things like face masks and Covid-19.

    That’s right.

    Homegating.

    This is where we are right now.

    She also has these great cups with various campus skylines and I love them more than I can say.

    She also has shatterproof plastic versions if that’s more your style.

    You can find all of her tailgate cups here and you can get FREE SHIPPING when you use the code BIGMAMA at checkout.

    Happy Homegating.

    Here are some cute things I found this week:

    1. vale maxi shirtdress

    Anthropologie has 40% off on a bunch of new fall things just this weekend. This long shirtdress is on sale for $117.60. I love that you can wear it as a dress or leave it open and wear it as a kimono type thing.

    It also comes in blue and I’m not sure which color I like best.

    2. offline real me high waisted leggings

    These leggings. I ordered these last week because I needed a new pair of black leggings and I’d heard great things about these. They did not disappoint. I cannot tell you how soft and comfortable they are and the material is great because long tops won’t cling to them. I highly recommend these.

    They aren’t really a workout legging because they don’t have a ton of compression or thickness, but they are a perfect wear around/athleisure type leggings. I sized up to a medium but could’ve totally done a small. I just didn’t want the waistband to make me feel sad, but that isn’t really an issue.

    They are on sale for $27.96 and come in several color options. I’ll also tell you that I like this 7/8th length because they hit right above my ankle. I’m 5’6″ for reference.

    3. farm rio wide legged pants

    I think these pants are so bright and darling. They are on sale for $88.80 and would look so great with a white tank and a denim jacket. Or maybe a black turtleneck and booties.

    4. aerie boyfriend voop oversized t-shirt

    I also got this t-shirt when I ordered my leggings. It is the perfect oversized t-shirt, works great with leggings and is loose without being too boxy, plus I love the neckline. I could totally wear a denim jacket or sweater coat over it if I wanted.

    It’s on sale for $24.95 and comes in a bunch of color options. I actually got the maplewood which is kind of a maroon because I will wear it while I homegate before Aggie games.

    5. elisabeth peasant blouse

    This peasant blouse is so cute and would look great with skinny or flare jeans. It’s on sale for $61.60 and comes in a few different color and pattern options.

    6. free people arden tee

    I did a whole thing on Instagram this week with some of my favorite white shirts and this one made the cut. It’s a great basic long sleeve shirt, but long enough to wear with leggings and I enjoy a thumbhole in a shirt.

    It’s $58 and comes in several color options.

    7. vianne maxi shirtdress

    If you are in need of a dress, this one is on sale for $134.40 and is darling. I love the print and the style. It would look great with tall boots or booties.

    8. abercrombie mid rise jean leggings

    Listen. These Abercrombie jeans leggings are maybe one of my best finds this year. They hold their shape like crazy, yet are so soft and comfortable. I like that the mid-rise holds everything in, but doesn’t hit so high up that my rib cage feels like it’s being compromised.

    They are 20% off and on sale for $63.20. They come in a bunch of color and wash options, but I’m eyeing this black pair because I need a new pair of black skinny jeans. I’m telling you that I like these better than my AG jeans that I paid significantly more money for.

    9. wild fable tiered babydoll dress

    This is a cute little day dress to transition into fall. It comes in several fall prints and looks great on its own or with a denim jacket and booties or sneakers.

    I was worried about the length, but the model is 5’9″ so I think it would be plenty long enough for most of us. It’s $25.

    10. puff sleeve long sleeve dress

    This is another great fall answer to the t-shirt dress. The puff long sleeves make it a little bit dressy if you want to go that direction with some great jewelry and booties, but it would be equally cute with a pair of sneakers.

    It’s $32.99 and it also comes in cream.

    That’s it for today.

    Have a good Friday.

  • Fashion Friday: Edition and now it’s Labor Day weekend

    We’ve finally made it to September.

    It’s only been sixty-four years since last March.

    And in typical 2020 fashion, our weather forecasters talked up a “cold front” that was supposed to get here next week and drop our temps into the 80s. This sounded glorious. This felt like evidence of God’s mercy in the lives of those of us who have survived a Texas summer.

    However, they are already backing off their claims of a “cold front”, proving once again that meteorologists don’t mind crushing our spirits.

    via GIPHY

    In the meantime, there’s no reason why we can’t make plans to wear sweaters again someday.

    Also I hate to get political and maybe you’re not even aware that we are currently in an election year, but look what Milk and Honey Tees has brought back just in time for election season.

    That’s right. Tami Taylor might be the only candidate we could all agree on. And you can get this cute tee for 20% with the code BIGMAMA20 at checkout.

    Here are some other cute things I found this week:

    1. quay australia jezabell 57mm round sunglasses

    Quay sunglasses are my new favorites. They have the best styles that fit a range of face shapes and they are reasonably priced.

    I love these oversized round frames. These are $65.

    2. h&m off the shoulder sweater

    You wouldn’t think sweaters from H&M would necessarily be soft, but you would be wrong. I have had the best luck with their sweaters and I love this off the shoulder version. It would look so great with jeans or paired with a maxi skirt.

    It’s just $19.99 and also comes in light gray.

    3. smiley be happy tee

    How many graphic tees are too many? Asking for a friend.

    I feel like a smiley face is the reminder we all need right now and I love this charcoal gray color. It would be perfect to wear alone or layer under a cardigan.

    It’s $44 and also comes in tie-dye.

    4. floral blouse

    This blouse would be perfect for the office or date night. I love that it feels a little retro and reminds me of the tops my grandmother used to wear when she started selling real estate in the 1970s. It would look divine with a pair of flares and wedge heels.

    It’s $17.99. It also comes in a leopard print and a couple of solid colors.

    5. universal thread button down shirt

    I have a shirt that’s very similar to this that I bought a few years ago and I still love it. It’s a great neutral top that is like a denim option, but different because…well…it’s not denim. It looks cute with everything from jeans to joggers with a tee or tank layered underneath.

    It’s $19.99.

    6. marc fisher gabi slingback sandals

    These are the cutest sandals. The heel alone is worth it.

    They are on sale for $67.98 and come in a couple of color options, but sizes are limited so they are selling fast.

    7. universal thread cardigan

    This is a great fall basic. It’s a great length that looks great with jeans or leggings or even over one of those t-shirt dresses that I love so much.

    It’s just $25 and comes in so many great colors. It also comes in plus sizes.

    8. free people print wide leg pants

    I love a wide leg pair of pants and these are so cute and different. They would look great with a black fitted top or with a denim shirt tied at the waist.

    They are on sale for $76.80.

    9. kendra scott scarlet gold hoop earrings

    Kendra Scott has so many cute pieces right now and they have 20% with free shipping and free returns this weekend.

    I love these turquoise hoops, but they also come in white or royal blue.

    10. ae offline warmup drawcord leggings

    These have become one of my must have basics and I buy a new pair every year. They fit like a legging but are styled more like a jogger with pockets. I cannot express how comfortable they are and they are on sale for $34.96.

    They also come in black.

    11. h&m cotton tunic

    This definitely feels more summery to me but it’s too cute to not show you. It would be the cutest little tunic over white jeans or a great swimsuit coverup.

    It’s $34.99.

    12. puff sleeve cardigan

    Abercrombie has a bunch of stuff on sale right now and this cardigan is a steal. I love the puff sleeve and the length.

    It’s on sale plus an additional 15% off making it just $33.57 and it comes in several color options.

    That’s it for today.

    Have a good Labor Day Weekend.

  • Big Boo Cast: Episode 200

    That’s right. It only took us thirteen years, but we’ve officially reached our 200th episode of The Big Boo Cast. If slow and steady wins the race, then we are officially winners.

    This week we basically talked about all the same things we always talk about: 2020 being a dumpster fire, what we did this weekend, why is it so hot outside and then I shared a few of my current favorite things.

    There’s also a lot of great bonus content on Patreon and you can sign up for that here:

    Become a Patron!

    You can click here to listen. Or here. You can even listen right here on the blog.

    And if you’re on the Facebook, well, we are, too.

    We’d love for you to subscribe on iTunes, and we’d be honored if you’d leave us a review.

    Show Notes:

    Our very first podcast episode on August 25, 2007 (what tickles me the most is how slow we talked and how quiet we were – clearly the mothers of some pre-schoolers who were sleeping)

    Sophie’s Instagram

    Melanie’s Instagram

    (Be on the lookout for some exciting 200th episode giveaways!)

    The Heir Affair

    The Royal We

    Our Patreon episode with Gulley

    Converse Chuck Taylor All Star platform sneaker

    Steve Madden Gill Platform slip on sneaker

    Vans Old Skool Platform sneaker

    Dr. Scholl’s look out platform sneaker

    Adidas Nizza platform sneaker

    Sofft Bellview high top sneaker

    Paul Green Candice slip-on platform sneaker (these are the ones Sophie ordered – and they are really comfortable)

    The Blazer from Nike

    Nike Air Force Ones

    Nike Air Max 270

    Nike Air Max 90

    Nike CruzrOne (Sophie ordered these because they’re wider than the average Nike shoe – and she can confirm that they are suuuuper comfortable)

    – Sophie’s long black dress from Amazon – which is very cute with her new sneakers (regular and plus sizes)

    Chrystal Hurst’s new book

    Julia Reed’s gorgeous obituary by Jon Meacham in Garden & Gun

    NEEDTOBREATHE’s new album, Out of Body

    PJ Morton’s new album, Gospel According to PJ

    Gregory Porter’s new album, All Rise

    Pickwick Leather, Tobacco, & Woods candle

    Weimann leather conditioning wipes

    Stainless steel mixing bowl set of 6

    Homegating styrofoam cups from Two Funny Girls

    Amazon joggers for $14.99

    Sponsors:

    NoteCube (20% off with promo code BIGBOO)

    – Best Fiends (download in the Apple App Store or on Google Play)

  • Fashion Friday: Edition I’m traveling like people used to in the olden days six months ago

    Yep.

    This is going to be a quick post today because Caroline and I are on a little road trip which is basically the only advantage of online school. We drove to Dallas on Thursday to see some friends and we’re headed to College Station for a soccer tournament this weekend. I have to say that I had forgotten how much I love to get in the car and take a trip.

    Not even I-35 could steal my joy and that’s about as bold of a statement as I can make.

    Here are some cute things I found this week:

    1. leggings depot jogger track pants

    I featured these last week, but I had to show them to you again because they are so incredibly comfortable. I plan to live in these basically every day. And they are just $14.99.

    I ordered a medium and they fit kind of loose. I would say order your regular size for a tighter fit and a size up if you want them to be a little more loose. You will not be disappointed by these.

    2. abercrombie mid rise jean leggings

    I ordered these jeans from Abercrombie a few weeks ago because I’d heard good things about them and they were on sale and I figured I might as well try them.

    Well, let me tell you that I love them. They are so comfortable, fit like leggings, don’t get bagged out at the knees and are really flattering.

    They are on sale for $39.50 and come in several color wash options, including black which I think will be the next color I order if I ever have events where I leave the house again and have to look nice.

    3. mix print kimono duster

    Will I ever get tired of kimonos? I don’t think so.

    I love the colors and fun pattern of this one and it’s $39.

    4. adidas platform sneakers

    This week on the podcast, Sophie mentioned she’d love a pair of cute sneakers but wasn’t sure what to order. I went on the search for a good pair that she might like and found these. I really like the platform, yet they’re simple enough to wear with basically anything from joggers to dresses.

    They are $65.

    5. leopard platform sneakers

    I bought a version of these last year and they were one of my favorite purchases. It’s a great shoe to transition into fall. And they are just $32.

    6. breathe old navy jumpsuit

    This is the cutest jumpsuit and it has fantastic reviews. I think it’s a great piece to wear by itself now with sandals and then transition to fall with sneakers and a denim jacket.

    It’s on sale for $32 and comes in several other colors.

    7. the merly denim jacket

    This is my favorite denim jacket of all time. It’s pricey at $148 but you can get 20% off your first purchase or wait for it to go on sale which is what I did.

    I love it because it’s lightweight and so soft that it feels like you’ve had it for a million years. There’s also a longer more oversized version if you like that look.

    8. a new day long sleeve babydoll dress

    I haven’t seen this dress in person, but I think it has real potential. The reviews say it hits right above the knee so it would work for the office, but could also be a fun night out option with booties.

    It’s $27.99 and also comes in a rust color.

    9. universal thread puff sleeve t-shirt dress

    Puff sleeves are a big fall trend and this is a great dress to transition into cooler weather. It comes in so many pretty color options and is just $24.99.

    10. daily ritual sweatshirt tunic

    Look at the sleeves on this. I love Daily Ritual stuff on Amazon and have found so many great basic pieces. This lightweight sweatshirt tunic is a great elevated basic that would work perfectly with leggings and sneakers.

    It comes in several color options and is under $15.

    That’s it for today.

    Have a good Friday.