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Casual with Abercrombie + Fitch

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel



While it may seem like Abercrombie + Fitch is catering more to the younger set (think tweens and teens), a recent shopping trip there was an eye-opener. Abercrombie + Fitch has stepped it up and I’m loving all the colors, enviable basics, and great classic styles that made it so popular in the first place. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll notice I’ve been wearing this trench coat on repeat. Thankfully, this taupe beauty happened to arrive at my doorstep during the heart of LA’s crazy cool and wet February weather. Also, these jeans and gingham top, like most Abercrombie + Fitch items are under $100.
Oh, and did I mention the kids’ section? The selection is melt-your-heart good.  The darling shorts are still darling after lots of active wear–and still in one piece, without holes. They’re cute AND shenanigan-proof. Can you ask for more? And I was more than happy that he actually liked his hat well enough to keep it on. His dad is even jealous of that hat.  It’s the little things in life that make you smile, right? Thank you Abercrombie + Fitch for sponsoring this post and reintroducing me to the brand and new styles. Go find some new favorites!

Photos by Tasha

His HAT  // His WHITE SHIRT // His SHORTS //

My JEANS // My PLAID SHIRT // my TRENCH COAT

FamilyStyle

This is Family – Santa Monica

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Photographer Justin Coit reached out to me with an idea.  He explained he was doing a photographic collection featuring families.  Our family caught his eye.  Of course we took him up on his idea.  The intent of the collection was to capture our family as we are.  That made me a bit nervous.  (Our Christmas card is never a perfectly posed picture, if you know what I mean) Behind the scenes is typically more crazy than what I see as beautiful and the lollipops eventually run out!

Photo day came on a warm Saturday in January.  We told the kids we were going to the beach and someone was going to pictures of us playing.  We all love the surf and sand, but were hoping to keep the kids out of the water.  (You know, so we’d look more perfect)  They had their complaints, but once we got there and we took our first photo together, with lollipops, they were sold.  The kids quickly took to Justin – after all he brought them juice boxes and a kite – the boys kept grabbing stuff and the girls kept saying photos were never more fun. We ended up getting soaked and full of sand, but have no regrets.  This is my family.  From the beach to the pier, the entire project was natural and fun.  It was a beautiful day of beautiful moments spent with those I love most.  Thank you, Justin, for capturing these moments so beautifully.

5 Family Beach Day Musthaves
lollipops – I like the fruit colored ones, 2. veggie chips, 3. blanket – ours is from Hand & Cloth, 4. mini waters, 5. Spray SPF I like this one.

photography: Justin Coit insta: @justincoit / This is family project /  location: Santa Monica, CA

FamilyStyle

Family Weekend: 4 Top 4 Avocado Toast in LA

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

 

Our family weekend was full of energy, and started with brunch at Dinette. So much yum and lots of people watching! The kids enjoyed the croissants while we went for the avocado toast, which was no sacrifice let me tell you. You almost can’t believe it’s good for you. We love avocado toast so much that I compiled my top faves in LA below. Am I missing one? Let me know! And, if you’re curious, see our top coffee shops in LA here.

Top 4 places to get avocado toast:

Ledlow (So many good layers and a little kick. Not to mention the whole place is insta-worthy)

Winsome (I loved the creaminess. So good and super kid-friendly. It always makes my list.)

Gracias Madre (Oh my goodness. You will be asking for a double order. Don’t forget the guac. This place is also insta-worthy)

Dinette 1608 Sunset Blvd. Great people watching, kid and dog-friendly, and great avocado toast. Go early.

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6 Fave OTK Boots

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

faux leather leggings NORDSTROM :: boots STUART WEITZMAN similar :: leather jacket BLESSED ARE THE MEEK similar :: gray sweater KIT & ACE similar :: necklace DYLANLEX  ring :: JPJ

 

It’s no secret, over-the-knee boots are the must-have of the season. Wear them up or down, with leggings or skinny jeans, and recently I even wore mine with a ruffle dress (more of that to come!). Talk about versatility! I love the fit-like-a-glove feel and the heel isn’t too high to make chasing my 3 year-old an impossibility. As I’m sure you know by now, the kid’s got tons of personality and spunk so chasing him happens more than I’d like. Below, I show 6 OTK boots for every desired heel height and budget, from $69 to $875. See also how I styled them here. Don’t forget, you’ve got until midnight tonight to enter the ring giveaway!

FamilyStyleTravel

4 Days in Yosemite

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

 

my coat :: sweater :: jeans :: nike roshe id

One of our bucket list items has always been Yosemite. Big trees, bigger mountains and stunning stone ridges, did I mention waterfalls? I only read about and saw distant pictures of it but to see it in person, is like in the middle of the Grand Canyon so vast, untouched, and wild. While it was a chilly 38 degrees, and we attempted a couple hikes by the falls, all we could think about was the hot chocolate in our little chalet. And little it was but there is something alluring about cozy cottages around the holidays. So good. I think the kids spent most of the day up in the little chalet loft while the hubs and I cooked (well, defrosted, Portuguese stew called “Feijoda).” The latter takes me right into my first tip. If you’re renting a cabin, bring obviously lots of snacks, waters, organic cinnamon rolls (from a tube) and FROZEN dinners. Who wants to cook on vacation? For lunches, we enjoyed the tasty spread at Tanaya Lodge and Big Fir Lodge for their cozy ambience and yummy burgers. For fun, if Badger Pass is open, don’t forget to bring car chains, ski’s and warm thermal underwear. In the end, I’m so grateful we did this short 4-day getaway, just what we needed. Don’t underestimate a rest from the hustle of the holidays, school events, LA traffic for some family bonding in the woods. From the oldest to youngest, we all felt the bond.

What’s on your vacation bucket list?

 

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3 Holiday Mocktails

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Rosemary Citrus Spritzer

2 lemons/2 oranges
4 (4-inch) sprigs fresh rosemary
3/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup honey
Ice
Soda water
Rosemary and lemon for garnish (optional)

Peel off thick strips of zest from 1 lemon.

Juice the lemons and oranges into a liquid measuring cup – you should have about 1 cup of juice. Top off with water if necessary to make 1 cup. Combine zest, juice, rosemary, sugar, and honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugars. Remove from heat and let sit 10 minutes. Strain, discard solids, and let syrup cool completely. To serve, fill an 8-ounce glass halfway with ice cubes, add 2-3 tablespoons syrup, fill with soda water, and stir. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and/or lemon slices, if desired.

Lavender Mocktail

Ice

3 ounces fresh grapefruit juice

3/4 ounce Lavender Syrup

2 ounces chilled club soda

1 basil sprig

1 fresh lavender sprig (optional)

1/4 ounce grenadine, preferably homemade

Pomegranate Mocktail

2 cups pomegranate juice

2 cups ice cubes, or more if needed

2 tbsp fresh lime juice

1 tbsp orange blossom water

Sweetener to taste

Whether you’re hosting or attending, I’m loving a refreshing mocktail after a busy day. And how great is this bar cart? I’m having fun styling it for the holidays and can’t wait to host more parties in 2017 at our place. Look for more home posts! Hope you all had a restful weekend. xx

 

BAR CART use code HOLLYJOLLY for 10% off and Free Shipping order by 12/12 to get it by Christmas //  VASES // BOOK // BAY LEAF GARLAND // DECANTER // GLASSES // BAR TOOLS

FamilyOutfitsStaycationStyleTravel

Four Seasons Let it Snow Weekend

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

shalice-10
While heading to the Four Seasons Westlake for their 5th annual Let it Snow event, we did not know what to expect other than pictures with Santa and a train ride. Since moving from Chicago last December, this Christmas marks our first one sans family and the beginning of a new chapter and new traditions. And the Four Seasons is a great place to start. After checking in, a super friendly staff offered us champagne and cake pops before taking us up to our gorgeous suite. Because of our large family, we had a beautiful corner king suite with a pull out couch, king room, and foyer. (And yes, despite all that room, we still needed a bed rolled in for the littlest.) Probably my favorite part of our stay-cation at the Four Seasons Westlake Let it Snow event, besides the awesome breakfast burritos, was how much they catered to each child and made them feel so special. From stuffed animal Sven dolls stuffed into mini white robes, four brownie cakes delivered to our room with the words “welcome” written on them, and breakfast with the Disney characters (hello Charlie Brown and Elsa!) to the awesome kids buffet piled with teddy bears, strawberry milk and fresh waffles, all at the perfect kid height might I add, no detail was forgotten.  If we needed anything, their staff was alert and very friendly. While not all cities like Los Angeles are kid friendly (or cater to children, let alone four of them), Four Seasons Westlake exceeded our expectations. The kids response to our departure was, “Can we do this every weekend?”

shalice-23 shalice-36 shalice-40  

OUR TOP 4

  1. TRAIN RIDE 2. ICE SKATING 3. DECORATING COOKIES with MRS. CLAUSE 4. BREAKFAST WITH THE DISNEY CHARACTERS

Thank you Four Seasons Westlake for partnering on this post

 

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FAMILY GIFT GUIDE

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

While we all know the perfect gift isn’t wrapped under the tree, but the people who sit across from us at the dinner table and love us despite all. It is however, a kind gesture to find that little special gift to say, “I love and appreciate you!’ I asked each of our four children (and hubby), what little things they would like to see under the tree, with some help from Moi. Note, a lot of the items are on sale now. What are your favorites?

WOMEN :: iPOD:: velvet blazer (I got a sz 6 US)::  tassel charger :: velvet heel :: Skintint :: also LOVE this (size down, I got a 00)

MEN henley :: Nikes :: 3D Doodler  :: navy tee :: DSLR backpack 

GIRLS sweatpants :: necklace :: star sweatshirt (so soft!):: monster purse :: bracelet (40% off with code HOLIDAY)

BOYS NATIVE :: Little Patient :: wood guitar :: sweater ::  BATMAN PJ’s

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Family Halloween: Bat vs Cat

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

img_3449-cocpy img_3459-copy img_3594-copyimg_3487-copy img_3498-copy-1 img_3539-copy-1 img_3523-coxpy img_3695-coxpy

One of the many reasons I was so excited about leaving the Midwest was a warm October. I mean, Elsa and Anna can actually walk down the street without a full parka and knit hat? Mind-blowing. So to celebrate this inaugural year of Costumes without Coats, the girls and I decided on Batman’s right hand girl: Cat Woman. We had soooo much fun getting dressed and it wasn’t long until the kids were begging to go outside to show off their costumes and demanding pictures (no, you read it right. They wanted pics!). I’ll admit, I’m the mom who is AWFUL at costumes – to the tune of using the couch blanket as a cape. Yup, mom fail. This year, I did away with my old ways. Despite ordering multiple Cat Women costumes, the totally corny headband, and the slightly loose boys’ costumes, ol’ Amazon totally pulled through for me. They, and I really do mean “I”, were a complete success. Let the 88 degree Cali October-trick-or -treating begin! 

Shop our looks here and on my shop page. What’s your favorite costume of all time?

woman’s catwoman :: girls catwoman ::

men’s batman :: boys batman

Fall FashionFamilyFashionMarriageOutfitsStyle

10 years – our engagement story

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

2016_09_11_shalicenoel16-691-edit2016_09_11_shalicenoel16-727-edit2016_09_11_shalicenoel16-745-edit2016_09_11_shalicenoel16-786-edit2016_09_11_shalicenoel16-808-edit2016_09_11_shalicenoel16-929-edit

dress BLESSED ARE THE MEEK SIMILAR and THIS :: heels SAM EDELMAN :: bracelet BALENCIAGA

10 years ago this week, we got engaged. Here’s our story . . .

We had been dating for about 6 months when my family took a trip to Southern France to stay in a cousin’s chateau.  Although Reid and I had a rough journey there, with cancelled flights and unexpected layovers, we made it.  Vineyards and lavender fields dotted the countryside and the charm was undeniable. We picked fruit, perused french markets, and did all the things you think people do in Southern France. I had no idea that Reid was going to propose, but after a dinner date one evening we returned to the field behind the chateau where music  from Pride and Prejudice came floating out from under the canopy of the willow tree. Stepping through the hanging curtain of leaves, there was a gorgeous table spread with desserts, flowers, and candlelight … and an uninvited yellow lab, no joke. It was breathtaking, and obviously, I said yes. We’ve had some great years and some rough years, with 4 children pretty close together (hello, Irish twins), countless diapers, too many moves to count, and 7 architecture exams. He was and still is my best friend and I hope and pray our children have a similar story if not one to best it! And if I could tell my 20 year-old self some advice? It would be to worry less and take risks. God is good.

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