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polka dot top similar // pants // heels // earrings // bag
Spring is the time of year when I like to start taking a few fashion risks. I’ll step outside my regular comfort zone and mom uniform and try to incorporate new trends or a bold pattern. Right now, that pattern is polka dots. I definitely think there’s a way to embrace a fun polka dot outfit, but also keep your look sophisticated and stylish. Plus, it just seems like there are so many cute polka dot finds at Nordstrom right now, and because I do so much of my shopping there, I want to embrace it!
For this particular look, I went the chic route with an all-white outfit that’s perfect for spring. The paper bag pants fall right in line with the wide-leg trend that you’ve probably seen everywhere, and can also be worn with so many different tops. Of course, though, because I’m wanting to incorporate polka dots into my life, I chose this adorable long sleeve crop top with a ruffle detail. It adds a little whimsey and is great for brunches or a date night.

My biggest tip for adding polka dots to your style is to mix and match! You can do this pattern-wise, like how I added the round straw bag with the stripe pattern. Or, you can also take something more whimsical like a polka dot top and mix it with extra chic pants and a pretty mule or kitten heel.

ThreadsBluesky

We’re headed up to the cabin, but I wanted to let you guys know today is the LAST DAY OF THE SHOPBOP SALE. I call it the stock up sale. I gathered 5 items under $200 most under $150, which are your faves? Have a lovely weekend!

1. EMBROIDERED DRESS PERFECT WITH COWBOY BOOTS

2. GOLDEN GOOSE SNEAKERS -20% off! (These are rarely on sale!)

3. ORDERED THIS LBD – LOVE THE SLEEVE DETAIL AND ITS UNDER $100

4. RED DRESS UNDER $100

5. WHITE TOP UNDER $120

More SHOPBOP faves below:

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dress ASOS (only $29!) similar and similar // boots AGL similar // Polene bag similar // blazer // earrings

Most of you know our news, and if you missed it, read all about it HERE 😉

Raise your hand if you’re in favor of not wearing maternity clothes while pregnant? I know I am. I went through 4 pregnancies buying very little to no maternity clothes. I either sized up in dresses and tops or opted for low rise boyfriend jeans. I found dresses I wore as tunics over leggings. And mind you ALL of my pregnancies thus far have been in freezing Chicago, so layering was essential, and people often didn’t know I was pregnant under ALL the layers. HA!

The practicality in me loves wearing clothes I’ll wear postpartum. Below are some tips to stay OUT of stretchy pants and sweats all 9 months, and still look CHIC 😉 I remember looking at pregnant women and thinking, she probably doesn’t know how adorable she looks!! After all, a woman pregnant is (even if she doesn’t feel like it) at her most beautiful and glowing self. She’s holding a little miracle!

SHOPPING TIPS

  1. BUY BASICS and size up like this dress, t-shirts, t-shirt dresses, sweater dresses worn as a tunic, etc.
  2. Opt for LOW RISE jeans
  3. Its a win-win when you invest in chic NON-MATERNITY clothes to be worn after pregnancy

See more options below:

OVERSIZE TOPS

DRESSES (That cover the bump)

MAXI DRESSES

LOW RISE JEANS

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Camo jacket and similar // Stripe Pants and similar// Sunnies // Tank // Earrings and similar white ones // Belt

Shopbop has a quarertly sale to stock up so here it is! There’s only a couple things I would stop what you’re doing and order these for that vacay, a friends Bar Mitsvah, that wedding and hey, you deserve cute shoes. Don’t forget to use code “EVENT18” for 20% off $500 or 25% off of orders $500 or more.

 

LEATHER JACKET // STRIPE TEE // CUTEST LIL BAG  // ARMY JACKET / RED HEELS//  JEANS under $100 // RED DRESS UNDER $100 // Also a cute option // STRIPE PANTS // LOVE THESE SANDALS I have them in white //

 

 

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I don’t know if you saw my Instagram announcement yesterday, but I’m pregnant with our 5th! We always talked about having a 5th even shortly after we had #4, but the timing was off since we decided to move from the midwest to the west coast for new jobs, better weather, etc. I took a break to build the blog and get our bearings here in LA. Meanwhile, I had a tug for another baby and finally convinced hubby.

Three months ago, I took an at-home pregnancy test and all was immediately confirmed with ongoing sickness. Mine was night sickness and I couldn’t keep food down past 3 pm or so. It was ROUGH. And it was hard to keep a secret. Fast forward to now, I’m 14 weeks, holding food down, and feeling much better! While I’m nervous about the 5 year age gap, I’m also thankful my youngest can dress himself and my oldest can make food like fry an egg, set the table, etc. That makes life easier right?

We broke the news to the kids during our daughter’s birthday. We wrapped a baby bottle, she opened it, and we announced they will have a new brother or sister! They were shocked and for the last couple weeks have been “preparing” by strolling their baby dolls around the block in their strollers. It’s the cutest thing seeing them tenderly swaddle their dolls.

It hasn’t been all fun and games though, as this pregnancy has been a little more rocky. I had some hemorrhaging last week and went to urgent care for blood tests and an emergency ultrasound. While it was super scary, I was told this is pretty common and to take it easy. The silver lining was, we accidentally found out what we’re having while getting the emergency ultrasound—wanna know?

So without further adieu . . .

IT’S A . . .

. . .

. . .

B O Y

While I will not be buying all those cute turbans baby girls wear on Instagram, I will gladly swap it out for bunny ear hats and oh-so-cozy knits. While he is not here yet, prayers are still needed. My heart goes out to the mothers who have had worse conditions and thank you to those who have already shared their stories on Instagram. You are my hero! Now, since we left our crib in Chicago, and gave everything else away, please comment with all your favorite baby gear and baby gear brands! I need your help because it has been 5 whole years since being out of baby mode.

Thanks for sharing this journey with us!

See some of my thoughts on motherhood HERE

XX Shalice

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If there’s one trend I’m ridiculously excited about right now, it’s the denim skirt. Partly because it takes me back in time, but also because it’s denim, and you all know I’m pretty obsessed with denim of all kinds. Personally, I’m not sure why the denim skirt ever left the “trendy” scene to begin with, but the distressed look and raw hems here to stay, so I’m hoping the jean skirt is too!
My go-to look when styling a denim skirt is to keep is casual. This is something I love about skirts in general. You can easily dress them up with pumps or wedges and a cute, semi-dressy top, or you can dress them down with casual footwear (hello gorgeous Hunter boots!) and an easy tank and cardigan. You can clearly see which way I went with this outfit. It’s all about balancing it out. For example, if you do go in a dressier direction, the denim of the skirt keeps the look comfortable.
If you’ve been searching for the perfect denim skirt, I can tell you this one is amazing. It’s not distressed, but it does have the raw hem, which I love. It’s from [insert brand/store] and would make the perfect addition to your spring and summer wardrobe. And speaking of spring—if you don’t have yourself a pair of Hunter rain boots, you have to grab some ASAP. They’re a staple for me.
Once you have the jean skirt, the Hunter boots and this tank and cardigan, you’re well on your way to having the foundation of a great spring wardrobe.
 
Thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own 🙂
ThreadsBluesky
polka dot top similar // jeans on sale! // trench // earrings // heels

LA is the land of a million cute places to eat. Whether you’re looking to do breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, coffee or any meal in between, you’re probably no more than a mile from an amazing coffee shop or restaurant. I have a few places I keep on rotation both for me, but also spots I like to take the kids. If I had to choose, these are probably my top five.

Lavender and Honey First, this place is extremely instagram-worthy, so already it gets major points in my book. It’s great if you just need some espresso or if you want to have a light lunch. It also has some fun options for the kids menu-wise. I love the toast bar. Can you ever go wrong with avocado toast? Nope 🙂
Sqirl Sqirl always has something new on their menu and uses the freshest ingredients. It’s also great if you have any food sensitivities or allergies because of its vegetarian, gluten free and vegan options. Their whole menu is delicious, but the baked goods are all to die for.
Kitchen Mouse This is a Highland Park favorite for the kids. They have a closed-in play area that makes it really easy to entertain them while I get in a bite to eat. Their menu is also great for restricted eaters as it’s all vegan and vegetarian. The TLT is a favorite on the menu—tempeh, lettuce and tomato, but they also have plenty of kids options.
LaMill LaMill is all about the coffee. When I need a serious wake up call, this is where I head. My go-to order is their omelette with goat cheese, but as long as you’re a coffee lover, you really can’t go wring with anything on their menu.
Winsome Winsome is like the modern, cool version of the 1950s diner. It has a counter with stool seating, and an open layout so you can see the kitchen. Its menu is delicious comfort food all the way. If you’re looking for a good brunch spot, this is it.
And of course, don’t forget your perfect-for-spring trench and a cute polka dot top to run around to all these places with friends or family. Which is your favorite? Comment below!
 
Thank you Lavender & Honey for your hospitality, photos by Felicia Lasala Photography
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As a busy mom, I like to keep my beauty routine as simple as possible. I like to have color (tan towels), paraben and sulfate free foundation, long lashes (without the laborious and costly extensions),  facial (at-home) and glowing skin. Is that too much to ask? Ironically, I feel like my skin got better AFTER we moved to dry and sunny California because I got educated on products I NEED to use for glowing skin. So, without further adieu, here are my mom-tested 7 products I’m using right now! I’d love to hear your feedback below in the comments. Happy Monday!

1. W3ll Foundation love this paraben and sulfate free light weight foundation for everyday makeup coverage. This hasn’t left my makeup bag.

2. Tarte Concealer I use a small brush to apply this under my eyes. Mine are deep set and I can get under eye circle so hooray for a concealer that hides my sleepy eyes.

3. Skin Inc Tri-light I must admit I was doubtful before, but after many applications, makeup artists who have said my skin has never looked better, and facialists who swear by it, I’m no longer doubtful. I mean if models use it, I should too right? Well and drink a liter of water too. Don’t forget to use code Shalice20 for 20% off Skin Inc

4. Pacifica facial oil I recently used all of the serum I was used to using every night and quickly added this to my routine in desperation and I’m happy to report my skin was supple and dewy after a week of using it. Yay! And it doesn’t break the bank. I also love Skinceuticals and Skin Inc serums. I kinda love serum.

5. Tula lotion I use their day and night lotion DAILY. I have sensitive skin and this doesn’t bother my skin. I also love their kit for traveling! Don’t forget to use code SHALICE for 20% off TULA

6. Lash Boost You  can order retail or preferred, use the link here: Sign up as a retail customer or preferred customer click HERE for more info.

7. Kate Sommerville Tan Towels Confession: I’m down to one towel and I’ll admit to putting it in a ziploc bag to sneak in one more use. Paraben free, they have an all-over bronze color, and no streaks, or getting on my clothes. Tips, my face is sensitive so don’t apply tan towels, Rather, I opt for powder bronzer for my face color and exfoliate all over before application. Try it and let me know what you think!

Did I miss anything? Do you have any questions? Let me know: shalice@shalicenoel.com or in the comments below!

Earrings // Top // Jeans // Bag under $30!// Sunglasses 

ThreadsBluesky

I’ve a confession to make: call me lazy but lately I want to wear all the loose things. I want my tops to be roomy, my pants to feel like sweats, and my coffee hot. Is that too much to ask? I jest however, the struggle is real. There is hope my fellow comfort loving friends! Lately, I’m obsessed with peasant blouses unusual tops, and balloon sleeves you must check out for spring. I wouldn’t be a good friend if I didn’t share these with you! While I have other VERY exciting news to share in the forthcoming weeks, these amazing blouses are all below.  I have literally scrolled so many pages of tops, tunics and blouses, SO which are your favorite? Please comment if you know of any cute girls sizes, I’m on the hunt!

XX

Shalice

 

ThreadsBluesky

One thing I will not be hanging in my closet much this spring is a red blazer. I’m obsessed would be a little modest. Even my 10 year old sees me in it and says, mom you look good in red, lol! This red trend or blazer, the latter of which is SUPER flattering, is not going anywhere.

Next, we have ribbon jeans by McGuire I’m loving because they’re super flattering and distressed! I styled them with red wrap heels and a plain white tee every stylish girl needs a couple of these. Especially as a mom, I have So many white tees. Styling tip? Buy them in bulk!

denim jeans // zara blazer similar // white tee // wrap heels // gucci belt

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