Share the Love: Alex Blom Creates

Happy Tuesday, y’all!

If you’ve been around for a while, you’ll know that my love for this small business runs deep! I’ve shared pieces I own and love from her before including my Colorado crewneck sweatshirt.

Alex Blom Creates is run by Alex Blomstrom who is in her senior year at Penn State! She started ABC as a way to spread kindness, positivity, and good vibes through her art.

My first two pieces from her were a comfy Spread the Love tee and a tank that has one of my little guy’s favorite songs; You Are My Sunshine!

Not only are her pieces so cute, but they’re seriously some of the softest I own! If you ever catch me on IG stories, you know that I practically live in my crewnecks right now! I’ve even given them as gifts.

Alex’s latest launch gives me all of the Valentine’s Day vibes with the prettiest shades of pink! Her signature creation, Albert the Ghost has gotten a makeover for the occasion.

Alex offers tons of different locations; Michigan, Alaska, Florida, New York, and just launched Minnesota, Tennessee, and Paris, just to name a few! She also offers different seasonal locations like Halloweentown for spooky season and the North Pole for Christmas time!

All of Alex’s creations use the softest shirts and sweatshirts. If you’re like me, once you get your happy mail, you’ll constantly reach for it to wear!

To follow along with Alex and see all of the cute pieces she has to offer, you can find her:

Shop Alex Blom Creates

Instagram

TikTok

Now tell me, which piece are you getting?

XOXO,
Leah

My Favorite Pieces from Vici for Fall

It’s fall, y’all!

In honor of the cooler temps and my favorite season of the year, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite pieces from Vici for fall to share with y’all!

For sizing reference my measurements are as follows: 5’00” tall, 25″ waist, 34″ hips, 32″ bust.

First up we have two of my favorite basic tank tops; the Physique Racerback Tank. I have this style in black and white, and pair them with everything from workout shorts to cute skirts! They’re so perfect to dress up or down. Wearing a size small

If you’ve read any of my other fashion posts, you’ll know I’m kind of picky when it comes to jeans. I’m a leggings and athleisure girl through and through. I’ve had the Universal Distressed Frayed Skinny Jeans for several years now, and they’re honestly one of my favorite pairs! I love that the distressing has held up so well. There’s some stretch to them, which I love. Wearing a size 1

Another favorite of mine is the From A Dream Lace Top! The lace detail is so pretty and adds the perfect touch. I’ve worn this to just run errands or for date nights out with my husband. It does have a black cami lining underneath, but can be removed if you’d rather wear something else. This top definitely gives me all the moody fall vibes! Wearing a size small

Now, it wouldn’t be fall without cute and cozy sweaters! I’m all about getting to look cute while simultaneously feeling like I’m wrapped in a blanket. These two sweaters are my absolute favorites; The Coziest Yet Pocketed Cardigan in taupe and the Moraga Pocketed Aztec Cardigan. Both are perfect to pair with a plain t-shirt or tank and a pair of leggings for a comfy and super casual day. I’ve also paired them both with dresses before for a little more of a dressed up look!

When it comes to fall, I love pieces that are going to last me years to come and are perfect even with a busy toddler! These days, if it can’t stand up to the toddler test, it’s probably not in my wardrobe. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve gotten spit up, food, etc. on each of these and they clean up like a dream. Not only are they cute and so versatile, but they’re also great for whatever life throws your way!

What pieces are you loving for fall?

XOXO,
Leah

Fall Vici Haul

Happy Monday, y’all!

I’m sorry it’s been so long, but we’ve been dealing with a few medical issues with Baby K the last month. That’s a story for another time though. Today, I’m talking about one of my favorite places to shop and the pieces I’ve gotten in the last few weeks!

If you’ve not heard of them before, Vici is based online and out of their three physical locations. They always have great quality pieces that are on trend, as well as staples that can be worn for years to come!

First up are these Name Of The Game Mid Rise Skinny jeans. The jeans have the perfect amount of stretch and are so flattering on! You can dress them up for a night out or down for running errands around town. You can never go wrong with a good pair of jeans, and these have quickly become my favorite pair!
Wearing a size 25

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The Restoration Knit Lounge Tank is soft and stretchy in all the right ways. I have it in black and love it for lounging around the house! It also comes in a pretty cream color!
Wearing a size Small

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The Moraga Pocketed Aztec Cardigan is the stuff of dreams, y’all! It’s so soft and plush to keep me cozy and warm on cold fall days! This Aztec print isn’t something I had in my closet previously, but once I saw this, I knew I had to have it!
Wearing a size Small

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Last but certainly not least, is The Coziest Yet Pocketed Cardigan! I went back and forth on ordering this one, but am so glad I took the plunge! I love the relaxed oversize fit of this, and so does Baby K! When we’re lounging around the house together, I probably have this on since we both love that it feels like a big fuzzy blanket! It looks great with leggings for a loungewear look or with jeans and cute booties to dress it up a bit!
Wearing One Size

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If an item is sold out in your size, don’t forget to sign up for the email notification for it! This will let you know if more become available or if a Pre-order is posted.

What pieces are you loving for this #sweaterweather? Let me know!

The Dress You Need In Your Closet

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If you have any special occasions coming up this spring, summer, or even early fall, then this is the dress you need! It’s the perfect dress for a date night out, wedding guest, and everything in between!

This true lace is absolutely gorgeous and well made, but it’s also lightweight and so incredibly comfortable to wear! It comes in over ten colors. Even better yet, it’s under $100!

If you’re on the shorter side like I am (5’00”) you know that the struggle is real when trying to find a good midi dress. Sometimes they hit at just the wrong spot and make my calves look huge. With this dress, I don’t have that problem! It hits at just the right length! The lace overlay continues all the way to a midi length while the under skirt hits just above the knee. (This will vary depending on how long your legs are too!)

You can find this ASTR the Label Lace Midi Dress here on their website or at Nordstrom! (The color selection between the two does differ a little between the two websites.) Nordstrom’s website says that the dress runs small and to order two sizes up. I personally feel that it fits TTS (true to size). I normally wear an XS or S and ordered a small.

This dress is perfect to dress up with a pair of heels or down with a cute pair of flats and a jean jacket! If you get one of the more neutral colors, the possibilities are endless for accessorizing too!

If you’re stuck between two different colors, I have great news for you! From now until February 14th, 2019, you can BOGO FREE when you order the dress from the ASTR the Label website! Use code XOXO at checkout!

What dresses will you be rocking for all of your special occasions?

XOXO,
Leah

6 Dates to Treat Yourself This Valentine’s Day

With my husband being in the Army, spending holidays together can be hit or miss. The last two years we’ve missed out on our fair share! Just because he’s not home to celebrate doesn’t mean I skip the celebration all together though!

With Valentine’s Day coming up and the possibility that my husband may be gone again, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite ways to treat myself!

1. Dinner for One. I’ve always been a big believer in having no shame with taking myself out to dinner at any one of my favorite restaurants! It’s a nice little twist on a traditional date night, and it gets me out of the house when my husband is away! I’m not going to lie though, the first time I went out by myself, I definitely felt a bit out of place.  At the end of the meal I was so glad I did! Now, I’m a pro at the game!

2. Go Exploring. If you’re someone that loves a good adventure, this will be right up your alley! I love getting to discover new things and places for myself. These trips make up some of my best memories! There is something so freeing about not having a set plan and just going with the flow. It could be a hike in a new place, going to a new city, or even just immersing yourself in something new! The possibilities are endless!

3. Buy the Outfit. Is there an outfit you’ve been eyeing from afar? This is your chance to buy it! Go all out; top, bottom, shoes, accessories, even new makeup to complete the look! Did you know that even just making an online wishlist of things you like can help reduce stress? I do this on a regular basis and definitely notice a difference from start to finish. Imagine what buying yourself a whole new outfit can do!

4. Visit Your Favorite Coffee Shop. If you follow me over on Instagram (@alongftride), you’ll know that I love having a good hot drink; coffee, tea, hot chocolate… My guilty pleasure is a hot vanilla latte! Have you ever gone to your favorite coffee shop with a good book and just enjoyed your drink and book? In our technology driven world, this idea may seem a little crazy, but I promise that unplugging for even just a half hour feels so good!

5. DIY Spa Day. I’m a big believe that treating myself can also involve things that are good for my mental health! I’m a whole package deal, so taking care of myself in this way is definitely high on my priorities. One of my favorite ways to do this is having an at home spa day. For me, this always includes a good bubble bath with Epsom salt, a hydrating lotion, fuzzy socks, a face mask, and a hot cup of tea! I love this because it can be whatever I need that day!

6. Netflix and Chill. Who says you need someone else for this? Personally, I think there’s nothing better than wearing my comfiest clothes and burrowing in a pile of blankets! Since my husband and I have very different tastes in what kinds of shows and movies we like to watch, when he’s gone is always a perfect opportunity to binge on the shows I normally wouldn’t or find a new series to watch! Add in your favorite snacks and drinks, and you’re all good to go!

What’s your favorite way to treat yourself when you’re flying solo for the day of love? Let me know down below!

XOXO,
Leah

The Loungewear You Need In Your Life

Now that winter is in full swing, I’m always on the lookout for pieces that follow the 3 C’s; comfy, cozy, and cute! Today, I’m going to tell you all about my new favorite pullover and joggers from Target!

If you’re like me, you don’t really go to Target needing anything specific. You go and Target tells you what you need! That was definitely the case on my most recent trip to what one of my favorite stores.

Most days when I’m just at home hanging out and getting some work done, you’ll find me in some variation of sweatpants or leggings and a sweater. With it being winter, I’m all about staying comfy and cozy, but I don’t necessarily want to give up looking cute to accomplish those. The Target Gods must have sensed this because they sent me straight to my new favorite pieces of loungewear!

This pullover has the cutest cowl-neck detail which I love since it’s not big and bulky! Instead of plain cotton drawstrings, they’re made of a velvet material that I think adds a nice contrast. The bell sleeves give it a fun and feminine touch that pairs perfectly with the high slits on both sides.

I love that it’s lightweight, but still keeps me warm on a chilly days! It’s so perfect to pair with a plain tee or tank top under it too! It also pairs well with jeans and a cute pair of shoes! I have the pullover in Charcoal Grey, but in certain lighting it reads a little more purple than grey. It also comes in several other colors!

Now, let’s talk about how awesome the matching joggers are! Just like the pullover, these are seriously a cozy, comfy, and cute addition to any wardrobe! They have a velvet drawstring waistline which is nice to make sure they stay up throughout whatever you’re doing. While they’re simple in looks, they will not disappoint!

I technically found these in the pajama section, but the simple design makes them perfect to wear to the gym, out running errands, or could even be dressed up a little with a cute top and jean jacket! Just like the pullover, these joggers are seriously soft! I have these in Grey.

If you’ve been on the hunt for a few great pieces to add to your wardrobe this winter, look no further! At $20 (pullover) and $17 (joggers) a piece, these really can’t be beat! If you’d like to see how they fit a little better, head over to my Instagram, @alongftride, to see!

XOXO.
Leah

My Top 5 Fall Favorites

With cooler weather finally making an appearance in North Carolina, I’m breaking out all things cute and cozy! Today I’m talking all about 5 pieces I have been loving this fall!

1. Jameson Double Zipper Booties. If you’ve been following along with my on Instagram, you’ll know that these booties from Target are my absolute favorite! The cognac color is perfect to be worn year round too! They’re a soft leather-like material that has a super cute double zipper detail on the sides. The block heel is a modest 2.75 inches, but perfect for either a casual or dressy look! I love that I can pair them with a pair of jeans for an everyday look or with a skirt for date night with my husband! The memory foam footbed lets me wear these for hours on end without my feet hurting when I take them off! They also come in black.

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2. Austin Distressed Skinny Jeans. I’ve never really been a big fan of wearing jeans. I’d rather wear a skirt or dress over jeans, but not anymore! I ordered a pair of jeans from Vici Collection on a whim one day. I figured, it they don’t fit, I can always return them. The second I put them on, I knew I had found my new favorite jeans and a new favorite boutique! They’re a lighter wash and distressed as the name suggests. For once in my life, I don’t have to have them altered in any way! They have the perfect amount of stretch so I can avoid that skinny jeans dance, but they’re structured enough that they don’t lose their form and need to be pulled up every five seconds.

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3. Mauve Criss Cross Back Sweater. It’s no secret that this sweater from my friend’s boutique, Row & Berry, is one of my all time faves! The first week I had it, I’m pretty sure I wore it every day to lounge around the house in. It’s such a pretty shade of mauve, and I absolutely love the criss cross detailing on the back. I love wearing it with a cute bralette, but it’s perfect as is with a good sticky bra! It’s oversized which is great to wear off the shoulder as well or with a pair of leggings for more of a sweater dress look! You seriously can’t go wrong with this piece!

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4. Take The Lead Twist Back Knit Top. I love a thick, cozy sweater as much as the next girl! Sometimes it’s just too hot for a sweater, but too cold for a lighter weight top. Bring in this top, another favorite from Vici, and you’ve got the perfect compromise! It’s super soft and comfy too! The open back detail on this shirt is so pretty with a lacey bralette or on its own. My favorite part, hands down, is that you can wear it with the twist in the back or the front! When I do wear it in front, it’s like a cute cardigan and looks great with a simple tank top underneath!

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5. Sherpa Pullover. If you’re a Sam’s Club Member or have a friend that is, run, don’t walk to your nearest store! I got my Sherpa pullover there last winter for a fraction of what other boutiques and retailers are selling it for. We’re talking under $20!! It is seriously the softest and comfiest pullover I have ever owned. It also comes in several different colors. If you’d like a little more of an oversized look, I’d suggest sizing up. It’s perfect for a cool fall day or even in the winter over a long sleeved tee. I consider this, a fuzzy pair of socks, and leggings my official cold weather lounging outfit of choice!

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What are your fall must haves?

 

XOXO,
Leah