Give Me All the Sweatshirts

From time to time, I like to break things up on the blog and talk about my second love, fashion! These are posts I like to refer to as Mama Style File. You know, things that are fashionable for the drop off/pick up line, Starbucks drive through, and weekly Target runs that still look chic and pulled together. My daily look has become a little more casual these days, thanks to all the darling sweatshirts that are currently on trend! I've always loved my graphic shirts, but now there's the addition of puffy sleeves, oversized ties, and faux fur! And you know how much I love faux fur on anything! Oh, and then there's the sweatshirt dress! EEKK! Seriously, sweatshirts are my new favorite thing in my wardrobe.

Now that the weather is turning cooler, depending on the day around here, I've been shopping all the sweatshirts styles that I can get my hands on. I've found eight that I'm pretty sure none of us could live without and they are all so affordable. Even better, right? 

These dressier versions of the sweatshirt can be worn with everyday jeans, but I'm also thinking about those cute J.Crew camo pants I'm obsessed with or with my faux leather leggings, if they pass the length test! Also, if styled right, any of my leather mini's! 

But then there are days where you just want to say it on your shirt and these immediately caught my eye! Etsy is a rabbit hole of darling sweatshirts and I found myself trapped for about an hour yesterday. I laughed out aloud, alone in my office, and then called my mom to share them with her. These made the cut, for now, but don't worry. I have plenty saved to my favorites for later!

Sure, these seem laid back, but I love how they paired them with a gray denim. I love gray denim. Such a chic break from your average pair of jeans! I also have a black pair of coated denim that would be so cute with these. And seriously, "Wish You Were Beer" is fabulous!

This new trend is one I can whole heartedly embrace! And, being the ever fabulous Stella & Dot Stylist that I am, I am already planning darling accessories for each look. From statement chandelier earrings to sweet delicates, there are definitely ways to take these from sweat to sweet!

Which is your favorite? Would you wear these with just simple jeans or with your finest leather? The styling options are endless!

Happy Friday, All!

XO,

Andrea

Bathing Suit Season

Yesterday I took McKinley to the splash pad and we had so much fun! I wore my cute nautical suit and lace cover-up. I never leave home without a cover-up! But I saw the most darling gal there sporting a bikini and an eight month plus pregnant belly. I approached her to tell her how much I loved her style and she was a little taken aback. She was afraid I was going to tell her that I didn't approve of her sporting a bikini while pregnant. I would never do that! That's not my style! But what I loved about her, is that when she made her way to the splash pad to chat with her daughter, she pulled on her cover-up. It was the cutest bohemian style tunic. Shear with a gorgeous floral design and fringe. But when she was seated, she removed it. She wasn't just simply letting it all hang out. And who cares if she did. She looked amazing so why not flaunt it!

Which is funny, because earlier in the day, I was searching for a new suit. I didn't look for a bikini, as I will never really have a bikini body again, but instead for a fun one piece or cute tankini. With as much time as we spend around water; the local pool, the splash pad, and Oceans of Fun, I like to have a variety of suits! Same goes for McKinley! 

I am also going to need some new cover-ups. We walk to the pool, so I need something light and airy, but I also find that I wear it around the pool as well. Need to cover that pooch and upper thigh situation I'm uncomfortable with these days! But in the meantime, check out the bathing suits I found!

Aren't these the cutest ones ever? I can't decide on a favorite because I would wear them all! Which one do you like? Are you all about color, print, or just keep it simple with black? I like a fun color and print! Gotta make a personal expression when hanging by the water!

XO,

Andrea

Mama Style File: Hair Update

Here we are in the early stages of spring and I feel like everything around us gets that age old spring cleaning! My den just received a massive update with a major clean out and clean up! We just cleaned up the yard yesterday, cleared out all the weeds from our gardens and got those planted, and I'm making a mental list of all the rooms in our house that need a major cleaning as well. But, the homestead isn't the only place that needs a spring cleaning. Our appearance does as well!

And when I say appearance, I don't mean a makeover, I mean a maintenance cleanup! I've been slowing cleaning out my closet and getting things ready for donation. I've cleaned out dresser drawers for all the same reason. I'm doing the same thing with McKinley's clothes as well. But, I've also been taking a look at me. I am trying to make a mental note to drink more water so I can hydrate the body, especially my face. I have been neglectful of my skin and it shows from the winter months! It needs a spring lift and brightness and that's something that healthy eating and drinking can assist with! But, I'm also looking upward to the hair! I've been on this, "I'm going to grow my hair out" kick for months now, but I'm not loving the growing out process. And, I'm not loving my hair! (Yet another reason to get to drinking that water!) I have a much needed haircut and color coming up this week, and I was spending some time on Pinterest this weekend looking at colors I like. I showed a few to my mom, who always weighs in, and I told her I was thinking of continuing to grow out the locks and she asked why? She told me my best haircut is below and that I shouldn't go long again. It only weighed my face down and that I should go back to the shorter lengths. Well there you have it folks! I never would have thought I would "short hair" and "on me" from my mother!! I've always been a long hair girl and she supported that. I guess with age comes change and I love it!

So, I'm going back to shaggy shorter lob look and I've picked several cuts I love. I've also found a couple of colors I like to help brighten my face as well! Check out my hairspiration!

My personal fav of all the cuts is the upper left hand corner! I love the color as well. However, I love all the cuts and think they would be so cute and chic for spring and summer. Sure I wanted to get to the ponytail stage, but who cares at this point! I just want a cute cut that's flattering.

Are you looking to make a hair change with the change of the season? Anything on your trend radar? Which of these styles is your favorite? I would love to hear your opinion! Cut is scheduled for Wednesday!

XO,
Andrea

Mama Style File: Spring Finds

It so doesn't feel like spring outside lately! In fact, it feels the opposite of spring. It's rainy, gray, and quite chilly. I have spring on the brain and wish it would spring up sunshine and warm temps! And because I'm dying for spring, I've pulled together some of my spring finds that I can't wait to wear!

For my tops, I'm into all things flowy, girly, and a little bit ruffly! I'm also into the off the shoulder/cold shoulder trend. So much so, it's all I can hone in on. I'm also into the funky jeans trend. Paint splatters, raw edge cuffs, rips and tears, and all things slouchy! And even though they look rough, you can totally dress them up with cute tops, sweaters, and heels. They're perfect for trips to the zoo, farmstead, and World of Fun visits with sandals and tennis shoes! And, I feel some happy hours, girls night, and possible date nights this summer in these cute finds.

Seriously, how cute are all of these pieces! And I forgot to mention my obsession with the pom-pom sandals! Actually, I'm into pom-pom everything! These sandals are from Target and super affordable for a fleeting trend!

What are looking forward to wearing this spring? 

Happy Friday!!

XO,

Andrea

Mama Style File: Joggers vs Track

I will admit, I've not always been one for the Athleisure wear look. It looks sloppy. It gives the impression that you didn't have time to get dressed so you just threw on a pair of leggings and tee. However, the pieces are getting a little dressier in design and it's making me take note of this trending style. 

I've been eyeing the Who What Wear track pants from Target for some time now. I put them in my cart only to take them out right before checkout. I even tried them on last week, and boy were they slimming, but I just couldn't take the plunge. But I'm still thinking about them so I think that might be a sign that I need to re-think the purchase. Like now because they may not be there long! And it got me thinking. How many other styles are out there that I haven't really been searching for? And guess that, there are several!

I've compiled my favorite track pants and joggers and I'm so ready to sport these looks. I'm actually planning my wardrobe for today's outing to Chuck E. Cheese, and date night later, and they revolve around a pair of gray and black joggers that are sitting at the back of the closet! Now, it's all about how to style for them for day to night. Does anyone remember these from Style My Way?

These are the style I have on my radar!

I am saying hello to that faux suede jogger look from Zara! I love the dusty rose, but who am I kidding, I love black too! The soft pink joggers from Gap look so fresh for spring! The track pant in the top row are the ones from Target I've been eyeing for a month. You can see why, right? And those gray jogger trousers from Zara are so chic with a white blouse! This is definitely a trend this SAHM can get behind!

Are you all about Athleisure wear? Do you prefer a more pulled together look or the leggings and tee version? If this is an ongoing trend, this mama need to revamp her wardrobe and soon!

Happy Friday, all! We're off to enjoy our first day of spring break and I know just what I'm wearing!

XO,

Andrea

Mama Style File: Shoe Shopping

I love shoes! And if you don't believe me, come on over and see the collection for yourself! It's pretty spectacular, if I do say so myself. It's been years of cultivating the perfect pairs and I love them all. However, I do have several that I'm parting with soon as I find I'm not wearing heels as often as I used to. They are simply showing their age in trend, not wear. But, when you're getting rid of one, you replace one, right? That's how I see it anyway.

Yesterday as I was browsing Instagram, I found a darling pair of booties that one of my fashionista friends is currently wearing. And they are everything! A studded motorcycle bootie that must find its way into my closet! I headed straight to the Choies website and immediately found three more pairs of boots/booties that I loved. And while you're browsing for shoes, why stop at boots? I found slip-on sneakers, flats, and sandals. They are classic, trendy, and so chic! There are nine in total and each one is must-have!

My obsession with flamingos is strong and those flats from Zara are just the thing to cure it. Remember the wedges from Kate Spade? And if you're asking if I need two pairs of flamingo shoes, I'm going to say absolutely! Ones a wedge and ones a flat. They're completely different! The pom-pom craze is still on trend and it's made its way from handbag accessories to shoe adornment. The slip-on sneakers from Steve Madden are so cute, but those sandals from Zara are amazing for summer! And I don't care that they're velvet. Velvet for summer is what I say! 

There's those studded beauties from Choies along with a pair of tall boots designed after the Givenchy boots that were on my "only in my dreams" wishlist. And I'm totally crushing on those pink booties! I have no idea how I would style them, or what I have in my closet to wear them with, but they are darling!

And the slip-on sneaker is a must! I have several pairs and I wear them on repeat in the summer. I love the olive green pair, but those rose gold metallics are screaming my name! Thank you, Target, for designing affordable footwear to feed my shoe obsession! My wallet thanks you, I think....

If you love shoes like I do, Valentine's Day is right around the corner and now's the time to start dropping hints! You can drop subtle hints or just show your loved one the photo above! And point specifically to the pair you want and the size you wear. Whatever works! But deciding on which pair is going to be the hardest!

Which is your favorite? Are you all about trends or a classic shoe that goes with everything in the closet? I love all shoes equally! I received the best compliment ever a couple of weeks ago when I sported a pair of teal blue heels. I was told that I always wore the happiest shoes and that made me so happy! It made my feet happy too!

Happy Monday!

XO,

Andrea

Mama Style File - Mama Bags

Are you a mama on the go? I sure am! And when we're out and about, it seems that I have to be the one to cart all the stuff. Lunches if we're headed to the zoo, snacks if we're just out, Hot Wheels and other toys for times of boredom at the table, and all the other essentials like sunscreen, wet wipes, sunglasses, and water bottles. That's a lot of stuff! And way too much stuff to put in a handbag.

Because of all the things we carry, a mama bag is something more like a tote bag, right? And if you're anything like me, you need a bag that can be wiped clean after jelly got all over the inside, grass stains appear from being carried on picnics, or when crayons escape from their bag and get all over the inside lining. Well look no further! Our line of totes from Stella & Dot are what you need!

The Reversible Tote is one of my all time favorites! It's two bags in one because well, it's reversible. But really, it's three bags in one with the removable pouch! The pouch is great for when you only need to carry a few diapers, a small thing of wipes, some hand sanitizer, and a bottle of sunscreen. It has a small little wristlet handle that will hang right off the stroller! But, for the days you need it all, the tote is perfection. I carried the Voyage Tote all summer last year and loved it. It was my pool bag, my zoo bag, the bag I took to Worlds of Fun and Deanna Rose Farmstead. The new tote is gorgeous for spring and summer with it's Bee design on one side and the solid coral on the other. It's $79, but with girl math, it's roughly $26 a bag!! 

When you need something a little bigger, reach for the new Day Tripper bag! I love it! I just got it last week and I'm dying for a spring day that will allow us to hit the zoo. It will hold all the essentials I mentioned above, but because it unzips in the middle to create a larger space, I can carry a few extras like sweatshirts or light weight jackets when layers are needed! And the print is darling! Navy is one of my favorite colors for spring, and when paired with coral arrows, it couldn't get any cuter!!

And then there's the Getaway tote! The must-have travel tote of all time. It literally holds everything. A friend of mine purchased one before their family trip to Hawaii. She packed it the night before, and realized that it held so much, so had packed entirely too many things and had to remove some of the unnecessary items! My mom took hers on a week long trip to VA last summer for times that she would be traveling by car and didn't need the suitcase she had packed for the plane. She was able to pack everything she needed for a few overnight stays! And what's even better, it fits under the seat in front of you on the plane! Seriously, a must-have travel piece! And the new elephant design for spring is so sweet!

Lastly, every girl needs a little pouf for her handbag. Whether it holds lipsticks/gloss, touch up makeup items, or crayons for this mama, the Slim Pouf is perfect! Look how much it holds!

What kind of mama bag do you currently carry? Are you one that only needs the pouch that comes with the Reversible Tote? If so, I am super jealous! If you need something bigger like myself, which one is going to be your go-to bag this year? 

XO,

Andrea

Shop any of the bags here!!

Mama Style File: New Jeans

I would say that as a mama, I now wear jeans 95% of the time! I love my jeans, but they are starting show their age. The holes in the knees are getting a little too big. The dressier styles are getting moved to the back of the pack. And, the styles are changing and I need to make some updates.

I attended a Spring Rally for Stella & Dot last night and I noticed that there is a new jean trend in town and I am left out in the cold! It's a fringed cuff and it's darling!! I need a pair stat. But at the same time, I've found some additional styles that I really like. I'm a girl who will never give up on her boyfriend jeans. I'm loving the slouchier style with less rips and holes. And, I found a super cute camo pair that will be so chic with some of the new Stella pieces! Check them out!

For trendier jeans, check out Target, Loft, Zara, and Nordstrom. That's where I these. With a new year comes new trends and it's time for this mama to update hers! 

What are your favorites? I've listed mine! But, I do love the ones from Zara and Target. 

XO,

Andrea

Mama Style File: Velvet

Last week was rough for this Mama. I took McKinley to the doctor after diagnosing him for over a week with a cold. Turns out it was a sinus infection. While there, I was running a low grade temp, and not feeling all that great myself, but he needed the appointment before I did. By Thursday, I was being forceably pushed into the Minute Clinic by my mom because she was sure I had strep. I lost my voice on Wednesday afternoon, and as I write this post in Sunday night, I still can't talk! It's been rough! Turns out I too have a sinus infection.

So, to make myself feel better, I've been surfing the net for pretty things. I am thinking of the upcoming holiday season and the few things we will be doing as a family and as adults. In the past, I've always tried to go with glam looks, but this year I'm thinking comfy glam is the way to go! And there are so many options.

I've found leggings (which I never wear as pants), tops, blazers, dresses, and shoes. I've always loved velvet, I think a simple black velvet dress is the classiest thing ever, so these new trendier pieces are right on the mark! And to be perfectly honest, I would wear each and every one of them. And, I may have already styled them with existing pieces in my closet and for party's we haven't been invited too! And the velvet slip-on sneakers? Yes Please! I can totally wear these while running all over the city and feel so chic while doing so! 

With Thanksgiving in a couple of weeks, how amazing would that gold jacket look? I'm obsessed with the smokey gray leggings. The cropped blazer from Target is darling. And those drapey pants are amazing!  

Like I said, I love each of these pieces and could easily work them into my everyday look, as well as, the dressy occasions we have on the horizon.  

Just thought I would share a little of the things that are bringing me joy. And right now, joy is what I'm trying to incorporate into my life in small and large doses. What's bringing you joy these days?

XO,

Andrea

Mama Style File - Fall Flat Booties

As many of you may know, I used to write a personal style blog. And I loved it. I wrote almost daily about my own personal style, what was currently taking place in fashion, the pieces I most wanted for each upcoming season, and what trends I thought were worth the money. And after almost six years, I decided to close that chapter of my life and start this more relevant blog. 

However, if I'm being true to Andrea, This Kansas City Mama, then I have to write about fashion from time to time. I'm not going to show you personal style photos like I used to, although "near and now and then" as McKinley says, I may highlight a look that I think is a perfect mama look. And, I might just talk about pieces I personally want to add to my ever growing, stay at home mama closet. I call this Mama Style File. 

With fall right around the corner, I can't help start looking ahead to things I may or may not already have in my closet. And one thing I know I'm in need of, are flat black booties! I got these booties last year, when returning a pair of boots I got for Christmas, and I lived in them all early spring. And, I recently wore them with boyfriend jeans and a cute top for dinner out. (I just noticed they have my size in black!) And the reason I love them so much, aside from the fact that they're darling and go with everything, they are comfortable. The perfect heel height for running around the city with McKinley. 

Now don't get me wrong, I love my five inchers like any other high heel wearing Mama, but they aren't the best shoe for dates to the farmstead and zoo. However, the flat bootie is! I have put together a little collage of the ones I love and wanted to share them all with you, in case you too were looking for the perfect fall bootie. (And true to me, I threw in a really frivolous pair, because who doesn't need a crazy leopard print bootie for fall!)

 Are you a bootie kind of mama or do you prefer something a little more comfortable, and practical, like a tennis shoe? Share with us your go-to shoe for busy days with the kiddos!

XO,

Andrea

Lazy Hair Days or The Mom Cut

Have you ever looked in the bathroom mirror, or any mirror for that matter, and thought you needed to do something to your appearance. A little something to smooth out the fine lines around the eyes. Maybe a little Botox in the forehead area. A little tuck of that skin right under the chin. You've never had those thoughts? I must be really vain! I would never do any of those things, I think, but what I do see sometimes is the tired hair I've been growing.

I've had a love and hate affair with my hair for years. I'm a naturally curly haired girl, that fights my curls more then I ever embrace them, and always want the smooth locks of those straight haired curls in my midst. But instead, I rely on my trusty flatiron, something I'm truly thankful for since the 80s left me with unruly hair that could never be straightened. And my fabulous hairstylist Lisa who is always listening to me drone on about the new cut I want and if it would really work on my hair texture and face. She's so patient!

Through the years, I've scoured fashion magazines and tried the latest celeb hairstyles, captured screen shots of my favorite bloggers and their cute cuts, and pinned Pinterest images in a board I call Hairstyle Ideas. And it's full let me tell ya! But I'm not super adventurous with my hair. Because of the natural curl, I have to be careful of how short I can really go. If I went pixie, what a mess that would be. If I took it to the chin line, the curls would be up to my temples. Really, anything shorter than the nape of my neck would be disastrous! 

I've rocked the long(ish) hair (and when I look back on this pic, I wish it were still this long), but I found that it didn't always look like this. It takes a long time to get it to look like this. Time I simply no longer have. I wore it curly, more often than not, or pulled it up as an easy out for the day. My lazy hair day, if you will.

Now, when I did have the long locks, even three years ago, I loved rocking this look! And there are times I would love to be able to still do it. It's easy. It's familiar. But I always saw it as an easy way out of doing my hair. Being lazy, like I mentioned above, and I was mad at myself for constantly relying on this look. But look how chic it is!

And then there was that whole personal style blogging thing. I constantly felt like I needed to keep up with the Jones'. Had to have the long flowing locks you would see while scrolling through their daily outfit pics. The hair that had to take hours to achieve. Hours I didn't have. I worked an 8-5 job. I was chasing a two year old. I was trying to look stylish every day and was exhausted while doing so. Then I got laid off and thought, the time has finally come to be that stylish blogger with great hair, but I found I was throwing on a hat to get to the zoo or farmstead on time. Hair just wasn't ever a priority. Why? Because apparently, mom mode took over my life and my hair took a backseat.

Then I got this cut!! 

 

I was finally in hair heaven! And it appeared that all my friends loved it too. But it was a lot of work. That curling technique, that I still can't manage, takes a lot longer than I truly have time for. I find I only did it for nights out, not days to the park. I would just straighten it and go, which is fine as well, but I felt like a hair failure. (That's when I'm a little thankful for the curls. Just don't tell my hair!)

So then I decided to start growing it out to a longer bob a la Carrie Underwood. And as she mentioned in this article, she cut her hair as total mom move. The ultimate, uber chic, mom hair cut! What is it about becoming a mom and cutting the hair? Because we need ease!

So now I'm in the growing out phase, and all I'm longing for is the hair from the chic haircut above. I find that I'm pulling my hair back in a ponytail, because I'm lazing. I'm putting on a hat, because I'm lazy. Or just throwing it up in a short messy bun, because I'm lazy. I need the short do back to force me to try and do something with my hair!

So I'm relying on these images that inspired the decision to go with a cute mom cut. I'm going back to the shorter(ish) locks from a year ago. It's easy, but not lazy. It's cute. It's sassy. It's perfect for a mom! This Kansas City Mama, really! 

Sure, short hair is a sign of being a mom, at times. I know so many women who have taken to the short do for this very reason. It's easy. It helps when you feel lazy and don't have time to do the hair. You can wash and go. Or in my case, throw in some product and go. But it's still sassy. Edgy. And makes you feel put together when instead you're sporting stains on your white tee from ice cream, or jelly, or dirt from their shoes. Those fine lines are there for reason!

How many of you have the mom cut? Embrace it? Or decided to keep the long locks because you didn't want to be that mom? I want to hear from you! 

XO,

Andrea

Welcome to This Kansas City Mama

Hello Everyone!! I am so excited to welcome you to the first ever post with This Kansas City Mama! I've been thinking about this kind of blog for a while, and with a "Leap of Faith" kind of attitude I've got going for me these days, I just decided to go for it!

This Kansas City Mama is all over the metro. McKinley and I are on constant adventures. If we're not at the Deanna Rose Farmstead, we're at the Kansas City Zoo. We live at Crown Center and Union Stations on rainy days and ride all the rides in Planet Snoopy at World's of Fun in the summer. We seek out new things to do all the time and I plan to share all the fun things this city as to offer. And it won't all be child's play. The hubs and I like to get out from time to time, and This Kansas City Mama will share those outings as well. 

With this space, I hope to share with you my ups and downs of motherhood. How I'm dealing with bad attitudes and rewarding awesome behavior. How I want to kiss McKinley's face off all the time, but how I want to lock myself in my room and hide under the covers on other days. Instead, I concoct Mama Drinks and they're pretty tasty too! I'll be sharing those recipes with all of you. 

 

Again, it's a space to share! However, I won't accept judgment. Any comments related to how you don't like my mothering skills will be deleted. Cyber bullying will not be tolerated!

As many of you know, I wrote a personal style blog for roughly six years, so the fashion side of things will spill over. I mean, I can't give up the fashionista inside of me. I'm not one to wear gym clothes or leggings while running errands, and I would wear a ball gown to lunch if given the opportunity, so I'll be sharing my Mama Style File with all of you. Just little styling tidbits about how to look cute, and trendy, while at the zoo. You can still look fashionable in the carpool lane or drive-thru at Starbucks. If you don't believe me, I'll show you how!

For the most part, this blog is simply my way of sharing my life with whoever wants to read about it. I'm the kind of girl that needs at least 10 irons in the fire, a creative outlet, and someone to talk to. I hope that someone is you!

Can't wait to chat more! 

XO,

Andrea