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I know I’ve talked about Noonday Collection before, but perhaps some of you are new. Or maybe you didn’t pay attention the first time. You can read their whole story here, but the short version is their gorgeous products are made by artisans who are paid a fair and competitive wage for their skilled work, which provides a life-altering opportunity for them to earn income that allows them to educate their children and support their family.

So when you buy Noonday Collection items, you’re helping vulnerable women in Ecuador, Uganda, Peru, India and other countries find their way out of poverty. What could be better than that? And, y’all. I am not playing around or being nice when I say that I LOVE everything Noonday Collection sells. The real problem is deciding what to buy.

My friend Paige is a Noonday Ambassador and an incredible photographer and happens to have four gorgeous daughters so I asked her if she would share a few photos to help you figure out what you might want to buy your daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, friend, teacher, grocery store checkout girl or yourself for Christmas.

First, let’s discuss these scarves. To quote Rachel Zoe, I DIE.

I love this cozy zip wrap.

And the angelica infinity scarf would go with everything I have in my closet.

Look how gorgeous the lines and stripes infinity scarf is. LOVE.

And then the jewelry. Oh my word.

Madison is wearing the bombay raw silk scarf, the on the mark necklace, the bethe rope necklace, the ready or knot necklace, the blushed necklace, gold hammered drop earrings, and the hammered orb cuff.

I also love the ruth necklace in turquoise and gray.

And the scattered steps necklace with the bell flower cuff and the chrysoprase chandelier earrings.

Not to mention that my life could pretty much be complete with these annie’s feathered earrings.

Anyway, I just wanted to share Noonday because I love their products, their cause, and the heart behind the people who work with them and for them.

Here are a few other things I found this week:

1. reagan henley

After I went to Nordstrom on Wednesday, it only seemed right that I make a quick run through the sale room at Anthropologie and it totally paid off. I found this shirt, tried it on and bought it. It’s one of those things I will wear all the time because it’s easy. Like Sunday morning.

2. tiered and ruffled sweater

I will go ahead and warn you that this is already sold out online in every size but medium. But I had to feature it anyway because it’s so cute and maybe some of you medium size girls can snatch it up before they’re all gone.

And you may luck out and find it in the store in other sizes.

3. paisley cutout satchel

This bag. I cannot handle the greatness.

4. marled colorblock cardigan

I came so close to buying this but decided I have enough sweaters. I love the colors.

5. mossimo supply plaid shirt

On Monday night I dropped Caroline off at soccer and decided to run in Target to look around. And that’s when I found these great plaid shirts. Here’s the caveat: Order at least a size up from your normal size because they run small.

6. merona faux fur gold coat

I’m pretty sure my Me-Ma had this coat at some point in her life. And how great would it be to have a real live vintage version? But this will do.

7. old navy frost free vest

I tried one of these on the other day and was pleasantly surprised by how warm it was. Best of all, it’s on sale for $25.

I plan to wear it with my new plaid shirt and boots. And probably jeans too because otherwise people might point and stare.

8. sweet nothing dress

I also ran by Free People on Wednesday because I had an online order that I needed to return. I know. It was really sad but it just didn’t fit right and sometimes that’s how it goes.

So I looked around in the store and tried this dress on. It is super comfortable and would look darling with leggings. But I didn’t buy it because I’m practicing self-restraint.

Sometimes.

And so there you have it. A whole lot of stuff to check out over the weekend.

Have a great Friday.

I know.

It’s Thursday.

And I’ll have a normal Fashion Friday tomorrow, but I couldn’t help myself because I woke up this morning to an email announcing Nordstrom’s half-yearly sale. I spent the morning drinking coffee and looking at all the cute things online until I finally couldn’t help myself and got in my car and drove to Nordstrom.

Then as I was on my way out there it began to pour down rain. And by the time I arrived at Nordstrom the temperature had dropped about twenty degrees in fifteen minutes.

Welcome to fall in Texas.

But I was glad I persevered through the wind and the rain because I saw some really great things for sale and feel it’s my duty to share them with you in case you’re interested. If not, feel free to click away at this point.

1. free people tiger lily embroidered top

I tried this top on a few weeks ago at the Free People in New York. And I really liked it but it wasn’t on sale and, let’s face it, it’s a little pricey even now that it’s on sale. But it’s really gorgeous.

I would wear it with black skinny jeans and brown boots. The end.

2. nike half-zip top

One of the things I did when I cleaned out my closet last weekend was get rid of all the old sweatshirts and fleeces that I’ve had for way too long. Hence the reason my ’94 A&M Football sweatshirt almost became a casualty.

But I am a big fan of the athletic type apparel. You don’t have to actually work out to give the illusion that you work out. And this kind of stuff is as close as you can get to wearing pajamas in public.

3. free people lace trapeze tunic dress

I’ve nearly bought one of these tops so many times. But I never can decide on which color or if I need it and then I can’t justify the cost.

However, the white and the maroon are on sale right now. And I think we all know I might need the maroon one.

4. michael kors weston bag

This bag is 40% off and it’s still not cheap. But it is so pretty and comes in some great colors and would be a great classic piece to add to your purse wardrobe while it’s on sale.

5. cable knit infinity scarf

This scarf. I love it. I tried it on in the junior department in about four different colors and I love them all. It’s only $22 and would make a great Christmas gift for various people in your life.

6. cross my heart sweater

Okay, so I fell in love with this sweater in the cream color way back in August. But I didn’t buy it because I figured it would go on sale eventually. And it has. But not in the cream color.

And this orchid color isn’t my first choice but this picture shows how it fits better than the other options. Personally, I would get the wine color. Also known as maroon.

7. fiona’s victoria top

This top will not work for me personally. It’s just not a good fit. But I wish it did because I really like it. I would love it under a great jacket.

8. keep me v-neck burnout tee

I realize this is just a t-shirt, but it is the softest thing ever and it actually looks really cute on in a super casual sort of way. Just know that it runs big and I’d order a size down.

9. lucky brand ria boot

I have always wanted a lace up boot. Maybe it goes back to how much I loved my Esprit booties with the faux socks peeking out of the top in 1987.

But I don’t need another pair of boots right now. Which kind of makes me sad.

10. kendra scott stone rings

These cute stackable rings come in a few different color combos and would make a really great gift. For you or somebody you love.

11. ashley open front dolman cardigan

Okay, technically, this isn’t on sale. And I’ve featured it before. But I saw it in person yesterday and it is so unbelievably soft. It’s the perfect thing to throw on with a pair of jeans.

So while I was at Nordstrom, I also made a swing through the girls’ department because hope springs eternal that Caroline might someday wear something besides running shorts and t-shirts again. And I didn’t find anything for her that she would actually wear anywhere besides my imagination, but I did see three things that you might want to know about it.

1. North Face glacier hoodie

This is a great fleece and I love the turquoise color.

2. mini boden intarsia sweater

This sweater. I kind of wish it came in my size.

3. mini boden jersey dress

And this jersey dress is so cute and comes in a few different color combinations. This is the kind of thing I would have bought for Caroline when she was in preschool and paired with some fun tights or striped leggings.

So there you have it. Some of my personal favorites from the Nordstrom sale. The best part is they offer free shipping and returns.

Happy shopping!

I am not an organized person.

It’s true.

You don’t want me in charge of any kind of committee or your income taxes or even your grocery list. I am just not great with details and timelines and remembering to buy ketchup even though it’s the first thing on the list.

But there’s one area of my life that is different. My closet.

I need my closet to be organized. I need things to be folded and in order. When my closet makes sense, my life makes sense.

And so it has been driving me crazy that I haven’t had time to do a thorough closet clean out this fall. This is something I do twice a year; once in the spring and once in the fall. I go through all my clothes, throw out the things I know I won’t wear again and move the out of season clothes to the top shelves and put the in season clothes front and center.

But it’s been a busy fall and I haven’t had the time to do this until this past Saturday. Caroline had a soccer game at 8:30 Saturday morning (I know. It was so depressing. We had to leave the house at 7:20. I can’t even think about it without yawning.) and a friend came home with her after the game. P left for the ranch and this left me with vast amounts of time to get my closet organized.

(Please know that I realize this sounds terribly boring and I’ve just destroyed any illusions you had about my glamorous life.)

Normally I like to do my fall clean out by mid-October and the state of my closet has been driving me crazy for weeks because I can’t even evaluate what I might need for fall and winter until I get down my clothes from last year and remember what I already own. And maybe that’s why I was so ruthless this time. I took no prisoners. There was none of this sappy, sentimental “maybe it will make a comeback” or “maybe it will be retro-chic” or “what if Caroline needs it for pharmaceutical sales rep dress up day at school?”

Nope.

I got rid of it all. Starting with this:

94 isn’t someone’s number. That’s the year I bought that sweatshirt. 1994. As in, almost twenty years ago. The best part is I texted Gulley a picture of it and asked if she wanted it because I was getting rid of it. And she texted me back “Why are you getting rid of it?”

Um. Do you not see the 94 on the front of it? It’s like a large beacon announcing I’m middle-aged. The real question is why did I still even own it until Sunday when I took it to Goodwill.

Next up:

A green jacket from Target. This used to be one of my work staples five years ago. But it was time to accept there was no reason to keep holding on to a jacket I paid $29.99 for eight years ago. And that a day was never going to come again.when I’d feel it was a good day to wear a jacket the color of Kermit the frog.

Next:

A seersucker suit from Banana Republic. Yes, I paid full price for it. Ten years ago. I wore this for Easter the year Caroline was four and it was old then. Sometimes you just have to realize your life no longer calls for a seersucker suit. And that if a dressier occasion comes up, it may not be the best choice to dress like an old Southern gentleman if you are, in fact, a forty-something woman.

And this:

I don’t even know what to say. Please don’t be envious that you don’t own a denim trench coat with a fur collar that would make a muppet jealous. I bought this when Gulley and I went to New York ELEVEN years ago and I’ve held on to it for sentimental reasons. I’ve worn it two times total. I believe this was a “caught up in the moment” purchase.

Along with this:

This was my favorite sweatshirt for years. I wore it all the time. The FDNY used to be red and now it’s white. I really can’t even justify wearing it around the house anymore.

Next up:

Michael Jackson wants to know why I raided his closet. The only time I ever wore this I had an inexplicable urge to moonwalk.

And, finally:

These were like the original yoga pants before anyone really wore yoga pants. I bought them at Gap the year before P and I got married. That would be 1996. And I wore them out in public. I mean check out the inseam on those bad boys. There’s no way that crotch wasn’t hitting me somewhere around my knees. Oh, the shame.

But there were two things I couldn’t quite let go:

This is a Gap flannel plaid shirt that belonged to Gulley in college. I bought it from her at a garage sale for $2.00 about ten years ago. I have no real explanation for this. I keep thinking I’m going to need it for something and can’t bear to part with it. Maybe I can use it next Halloween and dress as a lumberjack.

And this:

I bought this the year P and I got married. 1997. It’s a Patagonia fleece and I wore it on all of our Campus Life ski trips and even on New Year’s Eve 1999 when I thought it might be the end of the world and Y2K was imminent. That means I really loved it. I almost threw it out but I just couldn’t bear it. So it lives to see another year inside my closet.

Then after I made a huge pile to take to Goodwill, I was left with a nice, neat closet and the world makes sense again. Colors are more vibrant. The air is clearer and birds sing.

Am I alone in this? Do you clean out your closet? Do you have things that you hold onto for no good reason at all? Is there seersucker lurking in your dark corners?

Can we just take a minute for this?

That’s my little pirate when she was three. And my not-so-little pirate last night.

Apparently we have loaded up into a DeLorean and time traveled faster than the speed of light to the future.

Okay. Onto the fashion portion of the day.

I’m so excited because Ruth at Carol and Company emailed me and she is offering 15% off all jewelry for my readers for the next seven days. You just need to use the code BIGMAMA15 at checkout.

And she has the best stuff. I’m not trying to be bossy but this would be a great time to check a few Christmas gifts off your list. Or buy yourself a few Christmas gifts. I especially love these things:

Louise Excalibur Necklace

John Wind gold initial bracelets

Gleeful Peacock sparrow necklace

Aubrey Blue Nights Necklace

And then even though these aren’t jewelry and can’t be used with the 15% off discount, I felt like you needed to see these darling Gameday Placemats by Cake Kitchen Paper

How fun are those?

And they also come in other schools besides Texas A&M although I don’t know why everyone wouldn’t want these.

Here are some other finds this week:

1. backstory tee

Yeah. So you need to click on the link and see all the variations of this tee. This picture doesn’t do the justice to all the varieties and options for cuteness.

2. midnight soiree lace dress

So let’s be real. This isn’t a dress for 99% of the population. But it is a really cute option to wear over leggings.

3. minnetonka suede moccasins

I’ve had a recent dilemma. I needed a fall shoe. And while boots are my favorite go-to option for fall, the Texas weather hasn’t really cooperated with that. But then I wear my flip-flops and I feel weird and need a pedicure and it just seems like life should be better, richer, more vibrant.

Have I mentioned that I also really don’t like a traditional flat? I mean I like them on other people but I don’t like them on me.

Enter the moccasin. I feel good about this. It’s like a houseshoe, but in the form of a legitimate shoe.

4. old navy pintuck tunic

I haven’t seen this in person but this color is phenomenal. This has real potential.

5. tweed coat

Well this is darling. The perfect thing to wear with boots and jeans.

6. socialite bow detail coat

I enjoy a big button detail. It’s a little bit of whimsy on a great coat.

7. hooded long sweater

This is the best. And it comes in several great colors and I think I would wear this all winter long. Maybe with my moccasins.

8. open knit eternity scarf

A few of you asked about the scarf I had in the picture on Monday’s post. It came from Nations Outfitters but according to their website they are on sabbatical right now.

However, I think this one has a similar look as the one I had on.

9. gifting chevron pullover

This sweater is so pretty and comes in some great colors.

10. trial and tribulations top

This is fun because it has the whole tribal thing going on which is really in right now and looks like it would be so comfortable to throw on over leggings or jeans with boots. Or moccasins.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

And remember, it’s not stealing if the candy belongs to your child. It’s taking what is rightfully yours because they wouldn’t be here without you.

After spending the weekend in Greenville, South Carolina at the Allume Conference, I flew back into San Antonio. My flight landed at 2:45 and by 3:15 I was sitting on the metal bleachers at Caroline’s soccer game. I originally thought I wasn’t as tired as I usually am after a weekend away, but then I realized at one point I almost fell asleep sitting up on the bleachers and decided maybe I was perhaps more tired than I originally thought.

Then after the game was over Caroline got in the car and began to recap the weekend. And as she began to talk about the week ahead she mentioned, “Tomorrow is pajama day.”

Huh.

So I asked, “Why is tomorrow pajama day?”

“Because this week is Red Ribbon Week at school and we dress up every day. Oh, and I signed you up to chaperone our field trip on Wednesday. And then Wednesday afternoon is the Howdy Parade and Thursday is Halloween. And at some point we need to carve our pumpkins.”

And all of a sudden I regretted not taking that brief moment of peace on the metal bleachers to partake in a nap.

So that’s what our week has looked like. I neglected to take a picture of pajama day on Monday because, well, every night is pajama night at our house and it’s not really a novelty. But here’s a picture from Tropical Day which was Tuesday.

I decided Tuesday afternoon after school would be the best time to carve pumpkins because it was the only afternoon we didn’t have anything else going on. And so we carved our pumpkins out in the crisp 85 degree October day with 99% humidity while the flies buzzed all around us. It was just like a scene out of a movie as long as the movie you’re thinking of stars Jeff Goldblum.

Please note the mosquito spray in the background.

And while we were in the midst of pumpkin carving, Caroline decided our faux spider web and spider in the corner of our front porch weren’t quite creepy enough and took it upon herself to add to the decor. She disappeared into the house for a while and when I looked up this is what I saw.

She added a baby to the spiderweb.

And not just any baby. A baby that she first wrapped in Saran Wrap. You know? To look more like it had been caught in the spider’s web.

Clearly she doesn’t share my dislike of haunted houses and all things remotely disturbing.

She was so proud of her ingenuity. And so that’s why the baby still remains in the web. Who am I to take away from that kind of creativity?

On Wednesday morning the Great Halloween Watermelon made an appearance at our back gate.

Maybe you’re thinking you’ve never heard of the Great Halloween Watermelon and that’s because you haven’t. It’s a joke my friend Laura started last year after she left a watermelon she’d had since the 4th of July on my front porch for Halloween. Talk about scary.

Then it was time to head off to chaperone the field trip. It was at the Witte Museum and included two presentations on various scientific properties and laws. Something about Isaac Newton and mass and gravity and matter. My biggest takeaway was that fifth graders are goofy as all get out and have energy to burn. Which was why I was glad there was a rock wall for Caroline to climb.

After the field trip I grabbed a quick lunch with one of the other moms and then ran home to change clothes, pick up Caroline from school, get homework finished, feed her a quick snack and hurry back up to the school to walk in the Howdy Parade with all the fifth graders.

The parade is part of Homecoming Week around here and so all the schools in the district participated. There were kids everywhere. It was like a parade of wet cats being herded, except not as calm. And the whole time the sky threatened to open up and pour down rain. But instead it just hovered around 1056% humidity. My hair has never been flatter.

Now it’s time for Halloween. And then it will be time for a nice long nap except we have to be at the soccer fields at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning.

And here’s the thing. I truly love all this stuff. I wouldn’t trade this season of life for anything in the world. I love the dress up days and the parades and Halloween and field trips and soccer games and pumpkin carvings.

But it might be nice if they didn’t all happen in the same week.