Diary

This is a weird time of year for Fashion Friday because, if you’re like me, you’re trying to be your best self and not shop for yourself. However, there are so many great deals out there right now and I’m definitely keeping an eye on some things I might like to buy myself after Christmas.

Here are some cute things I found this week:

1. when in doubt grey sweater dress

I love this sweater dress. It’s a great length and the gray is so pretty. This just feels like a January dress to me.

It’s $58.

2. Breckenridge jacket

I have no plans to go on a ski vacation, but I adore this jacket. The detail on the sleeves is so pretty and it just seems like a great jacket to have for casual wear. I would like to buy it to wear to the ranch but I’m only allowed to wear Camo there.

It’s $136.

3. Sorel explorer Joan II boots

We bought these boots for Caroline and they are even cuter in person, like once I saw them on her I wanted a pair for myself. And you know what every college girl wants? To match with her mom. Therefore, I will not be buying these for myself. But they are adorable and super comfortable with fleecy insides.

They are $140.

4. can’t change black floral blouse

Okay, true confession. I had a merchandise credit to this boutique that I’ve had for a while but haven’t been able to decide what to buy with it. As soon as I saw this top, the search was over. I love the bright colors and this is the perfect winter/transition to spring top.

It’s $42.

5. in the works fuchsia ribbed sweater

Love the color of this sweater and the sleeves.

It’s $42. It comes in several other colors.

6. run with it navy blue abstract blouse

This is another really pretty top that works for winter and into spring. Love the flowy fit and the colors.

It’s $48.

7. aerie marshmallow pajama pants

I have been waiting for these to go on sale because I love a good lounge set. It’s basically my uniform for at least half of each day. This afternoon I actually had my pajamas back on by 4:00.

These pants are now on sale for $29.97.

And what are marshmallow pants without a aerie marshmallow pullover?

This is on sale for $32.97.

8. pilcro cowl neck sweater

I absolutely do not need another sweater. Especially since it’s just been nothing but hot here for the last week. But this one is so pretty.

It comes in a bunch of colors and is on sale for $68.

9. stars above cozy chenille robe

When Gulley and I were out Christmas shopping, I saw this robe. She told me I should absolutely buy it because she has it and it is the perfect weight and so soft. She did not lie. I wear it every day now and love it.

It’s $37.99.

10. pavoi sterling split hoop earrings

If you are looking for a last minute gift for a teen girl/mom/mother-in-law/aunt, I love these little huggie earrings. They are perfect for everyday wear and look so much more expensive than $12.95.

That’s it for today.

I won’t do Fashion Friday for Christmas Eve next week so I’ll go ahead and wish you a Merry Christmas now!

I’m not sure how this month has gone so fast but I feel like I blinked and we are almost to Christmas. Caroline gets home next week and then I’m sure the time will fly by. But in the meantime, I’m headed to College Station this weekend with Gulley because our dear friend Tiff’s oldest daughter is getting married. To put this in the perspective, Tiff was pregnant with this daughter at my wedding.

Anyway, it should be a fun weekend and a reminder that time goes so fast.

Here are some cute things I found this week:

1. pilcro corduroy tunic dress

This would probably be too short to be a dress on me, but I really love it as a tunic with leggings and boots or I’d also wear it exactly like the model.

It’s on sale for $99.95.

2. Maeve color blocked midi dress

I think this is just gorgeous. The blue is stunning and it would look so great with tall boots.

It’s on sale for $99.95

3. pilcro side slit maxi tunic button-down

Sophie had this on at our Live Show in Nashville and it is just the cutest.

It’s on sale for $79.95.

4. tiered midi dress

Well, this dress is just colorful and darling.

It’s on sale for $99.95.

5. Kelsey high rise fab ab ankle flare jeans

I love the cut of these jeans. They are $89.95.

6. vince camuto ruffle sleeve split neck blouse

This is such a pretty top. I love a ruffled sleeve that still allows you to eat chips and salsa without worrying about getting your ruffle in the salsa.

It’s on sale for $55.95.

7. stars above flannel pajama set

I bought these last week because I think they’re just a cute Christmas pajama without being overtly Christmas. They are $30 and so soft.

8. mia studded clogs

I have clogs that look very similar to these but they are several years old.

These are $59.95 but an extra 30% off with code SMJOYFUL at checkout. They also come in black.

9. evera b v-neck chiffon adjustable strap cami

I’ve shown this before but it’s worth repeating. This is my favorite base layer to wear under sweater coats, jackets, flannel shirts, etc. It’s got adjustable straps, a great length, and not clingy.

It’s $24.90 and comes in several color options.

10. wild fable shirt dress

This is another “dress” that I would wear with leggings and boots. I love this plaid but it also comes in a couple of solid colors.

It’s $28.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

We get a real tree every year. It’s just what we do. And normally we wait until the first weekend of December to buy it.

But this year we bought it right after Thanksgiving so Caroline could help us pick out our tree. We found a lovely one. It’s a Nordeman fir and is allegedly hypoallergenic. I don’t know about that. We chose it because we liked the shape.

Anyway, I put lights on it on Monday and finally decorated it today and I’m pretty sure it may already be dead. This doesn’t bode well for what it will look like come December 25. The lesson is maybe don’t buy a real tree when the temperatures are still in the 80s.

I keep threatening to buy a fake tree and this may be the year that pushes me over the edge.

Here are some cute things I found this week:

1. cozy notch collar duster cardigan

This is such a great cardigan. I love the neutral colors and the length. This is basically all the winter coat you need in Texas.

It’s normally $128 but on sale for $64. It comes in several other colors.

2. chic pale blue plaid coat

This is such a pretty coat. I really would like it but I have no need for another winter coat considering it’s barely been in the 50s here.

This is $78.

3. wine tiered midi dress

I love this dress. Super easy to dress up or down and just easy to wear.

It’s $76.

4. rock it any day red plaid shacket

I know I’ve featured many a shacket, but I really like this red plaid one for the holiday. It’s very festive.

It’s $56.

5. aerie marshmallow pullover

This set looks so dreamy and is sold as separates. The pullover also comes in a dark green. It’s $54.95.

And these aerie marshmallow pants are perfection.

They come in several colors and are $49.95.

6. pilcro the wanderer denim overalls

You know how I love a pair of overalls and these are darling. Such a great color and I love the embroidery.

They are on sale for $119.

7. pilcro relaxed button-down

This shirt is so cute and on sale for $91.

8. bdg alissa jacquard duster cardigan

Urban Outfitters has some of the best cardigans and sweaters. I love this one.

It’s $148.

9. satin dress

This satin dress is so simple and elegant. It would be so pretty for a Christmas party.

It’s just $34.99

10. appliqué sweater

H&M makes great sweaters. I really love this one.

It’s $39.99.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

So in early October, I decided I really wanted to attempt to write a 25 day devotional to celebrate Advent. I haven’t really written anything since I turned in my manuscript for On the Bright Side and that has almost been three years ago. I was burned out on writing after I finished that book. Then a pandemic hit and then it was Caroline’s senior year, and I just kind of fell off the writing wagon.

Anyway, I didn’t even really mention that I was writing this Advent devotional because I wasn’t sure I would actually finish. But, honestly, God gave me the grace and strength to get it done and I’m so glad. I love the way it turned out and it was fun to be completely in charge of a writing project from start to finish with no publishing company to answer to. Plus, there’s the instant gratification of writing something that I can literally put out in the world a week later instead of waiting years for it to be published.

All this to say, I have written an Advent devotional called Waiting on Wonder. It’ll take you from December 1st through December 25th and, hopefully, help you focus on the things that really matter this Christmas season. It’s a digital download which means you can download it as a PDF on your laptop, iPad, phone or whatever. And you are welcome to print it out or send it to a local print shop if you’d like to have a hard copy.

You can buy Waiting on Wonder here.

In other news, here are some cute things I found this week. There are so many great sales so make sure you take the time to look around online.

1. comfy cowl neck sweater

This is such a great, easy sweater to dress up or down. It’s a great length and I love the cowl neck and the length.

It’s $44 but they are offering 25% off site wide through Sunday with code THANKS25.

2. Jessica monogram ring

ABLE has so many great gift options. I love this monogram ring.

It’s $50 but everything at ABLE is 25% off with code MELANIEBF25.

3. Zella live in pocket joggers

These are really cute joggers and have a slimmer fit so you look put together. They are great for traveling or running errands.

They are on sale for $44.

4. free people Arden top

This is one of my favorite tops and I’ve mentioned it several times. It’s such a great basic to wear with leggings.

It’s on sale for $43.25 but only in the white. However, the white is the color I tend to wear all the time. It’s not heavy, but it’s not see through.

5. all in motion longline sherpa 1/2 zip tunic sweatshirt

I think this looks so cozy for cold winter days when I still have to take Mabel and Piper for walks. Or to throw on when I’m on my way to work out. Or just to wear on the couch.

It’s $48 and comes in a couple of other colors. I love that it’s longer.

6. tory burch McGraw leather tote

This is such a pretty bag if you’re looking for a nicer bag. It’s pricey, but 30% off and on sale for $278.60. It also comes in wine or black.

7. wool blend dad coat

I love this plaid coat. It’s normally $220 but it’s on sale for $154. It also comes in a solid camel color.

8. boyfriend crew graphic sweatshirt

Abercrombie is having a big sale and this sweatshirt is one of the things marked down. I love the oversized fit and it’s on sale for $41.30. It comes in several other options.

9. farm rio butterfly maxi dress

Farm Rio clothes are so gorgeous. I love the colors and patterns. They are honestly like works of art and they are definitely pricey.

This dress is $265 but they are offering 25% off the entire site with code SUPER25 and that’s a really rare discount. I just wanted to share in case you are looking for a great dress.

10. Sorel explorer II Joan boots

I was telling Caroline that she really needed a pair of waterproof winter boots because she’s going to have a lot of cold, rainy walks across campus ahead of her in January and February. So we started looking on the Sorel website and they’re having a Black Friday sale.

I really like this pair and they’re on sale for $105. The reviews say they are warm like a boot but feel like a sneaker, plus they come in several cute color options.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

BTHO LSU.