the best boots you'll ever wear and free ad space

sweater: urban outfitters, shirt: cotton on, scarf: h&m, leggings: ae, boots: sorel

ok, first up: this is not a sponsored post. just a little honest promotion for a company that has really surprised me this season. the sorel conquest carly boots I am wearing here, are seriously my most favorite pair of boots to date! not only are they comfy (if you order a size up!) and keep my toes toasty but they also look amazing :) i absolutely love the lace up detail and the contrast of the leather with the rubber shoe. 

ever since they arrived at my house I've been pretty much wearing them nonstop. i'm pretty sure they will come to germany with me as well. don't you hate traveling in the winter when you want to pack all of your heavy coats and boots only to end up with a bag that's way too heavy?

sorel has really surprised me with their selection of crazy fashionable yet useful footwear this season. 

i wish I could afford a few more pairs such as these, these and these. 

something else that is completely off topic: did you notice a few new faces over there to your right in the sidebar? please go check out a few of these wonderful blogs and say hi!

i decided to swap all of my december ads and there are definitely still a few more spots open. so if you think we would be a good match, send me an email (askforge@gmail.com) and let's talk about a swap :) you can also find my sponsor page right here. 

the two top spots (200x300px) are available to businesses only, contact me for more info on that. 

and lastly, I've added a ton of clothing to my @theforgeshop instagram account. check it out and follow along because I'll be adding more. 

out of those skinny jeans

jeans: f21, shirt: american eagle, sweater: aerie, necklace: c/o outfit additions, bracelet: fossil, booties: bought in germany

i've been wearing almost exclusively skinny jeans lately and when i realized it, I felt like such a bore. i mean, i love my skinnies and I think that they definitely work to my advantage considering my body type. plus, with the colder weather I tend to wear boots a lot which kind of requires some really tight pants. there is nothing worse than jeans that bunch up at your knees when tucked into boots. 

so, in order to get out of my skinny jean rut and also because, let's admit it, some days I really don't feel like squeezing into anything tighter than my husbands sweat pants, I pulled out the "almost as comfy as your husband's sweatpants" version of wide leg denim. 

i am also totally loving all of the comfy high-lo sweaters right now because they allow you to have a great shirt peeking through underneath but keep your back covered. i am so picky when it comes to how sweaters fit that i honestly don't have very many at all. 

oh, and i'm also trying to figure out the deep side part hair thing... it's definitely something I need to get used to but I think I kind of like it. it hides some of that extra forehead space i was blessed with ;) 

what do you think? 

ps: head on over to pink on the cheek today where I am giving away a nautical inspired necklace :)) 

chunky sweater and flares

Sweater: Urban Outfitters, Jeans: Gold Sign, Shoes: Gap 

i spent a very, very large amount of time editing pictures today, trying to get this blurb photo book done that I've been trying to get done for way too long. i don't know what I was thinking when I decided that it wouldn't be a big deal to try and cram the entire last year in photos into this book...

looks like tomorrow will be much like today :/ but hey, it'll all be worth it when I hold that book in my hands!

so, since I can't sit in this desk chair for another second I will just shut up and leave you with an outfit post :) 

i've got my fur to keep me warm

leather jacket: mango, scarf: target, denim: american eagle, shoes: buffalo

this could easily turn into another one of those posts where I confess my never ending love for the target. you know, like pretty much every other woman/blogger out there. luckily, we won't go there. 

pheew!

ok, nice try but now seriously, have you seen the amazing winter weather accessories like this furry scarf and amazing cable knit sweaters? or how about the new nate berkus line? a little pricier than i'd expected but beautiful nonetheless.

i won't even mention any of the wonderful finds in the toddlers clothing section... 

ahhh target. you and I we have a beautiful thing going on. 

a sweater love affair

 

sweater: old navy (last year), t-shirt: made it here, pants: unionbay, socks: sockdreams.com, boots: timberland

i have a serious love affair with this sweater. it started when we met in the clearance section of old navy last winter, went through a brief little break-up for a few months because it got sweaty and now we have officially rekindled our love with more passion than ever before.

ok that was ridiculous I know! you didn't stop me though...

i am currently listening to what is supposedly this awful frankenstorm but in all honesty, it's not that scary at all. maybe i will regret typing these words when sandy rips me out of bed at 3 am? we will see...

and to add to today's randomness: we bought a new washer on sunday and for some reason jason couldn't be more excited about it. seriously, all his idea and now he keeps interrupting my important thoughts here with details from the owner's manual. the thing isn't even here yet.

our current machine is a trusty 1981 maytag top loader, which I will be kind of sad to give up for this high-tech, 274 button, flashing lights and melodies playing front loader. i am serious about this one. 

buuuut I am looking forward to sparkly clean, bright whites and hopefully kick those messy toddler induced stains in the butt. 

i also learned that my husband has never seen or heard of the movie the last unicorn!! yeah!

so now i am seriously rethinking this whole marriage thing...

haha j/k! 

ok, that's all for my randomness today. you are welcome :) 

it that shall not be named

jacket: jcrew, shirt: ae, denim: ae, boots: ralph lauren

you may be asking yourself if you've possibly seen me wear this before. maybe.

no? great :) 

yes? well, I guess that would have been as part of a post I did for lovestitched last week. 

unfortunately the "nasty sickness I don't really want to remember or experience ever again" bug hit us all over the past weekend and as much as I have been dreaming about actually getting dressed and trying to look decent, it just hasn't happened yet. 

i am so glad that chubby little babe of mine ended up with the lightest case of the unspeakable because mama and dada where in no good shape to take care of his recuperated and fully energized little self properly. not kidding - i couldn't stand up for more than a minute at a time on sunday. 

it's times like these I am truly thankful for a mother in law that braved the threat of contamination to come over and give us the much needed break we needed. 

thank you j's mom, we love you!!! 

ps: the 25% off coupon code for outfit additions FORGE25 ends at midnight EST tonight so don't miss out on this great offer :)) 

sweater weather

sweater: gap, jeans: ae, shirt: ae, belt: h&m, socks: sockdreams.com, boots: timberland 

yes, you guessed it: i wore this picking out pumpkins at the farm.

i was happy to get out these boots from last year and get them a tad more worn in. i love nicely worn in boots but it always takes forever to get them to that point. 

the weather was also just the right temperature to wear a thick wool sweater instead of a coat. 

it's like that part of fall always seems to come to an end much faster than i'd like and then it's back to covering up with several layers and a heavy coat on top. 

we are back from toronto tonight and I can't wait to share all about the trip :) 

knot that shirt

jeans: AE, tank: old navy, shirt: AE, sandals: old navy, necklace: aerie

this outfit is from last week before things got crazy. we grabbed dinner as a family for the first time in weeks and it was pleasantly warm so I got the sandals back out.
i also immediately dyed my roots after I saw these pictures... my hair has been a big pain lately. i think i'm ready for a change. bangs maybe? any suggestions?

also, and just to make this post even more random, i can't tell you how amazing it feels to have my man home after such a busy baseball season. he won't be working as much during the off season so we'll be able to just spend time together as a family.
it's so strange to have him around to eat dinner with us every night. i'm sure logan is still quite confused as well. i'm just glad not to be a "single" parent anymore :)

a rainbow

jacket: sisley, pants: indigo rein (tjmaxx), scarf: nine west 

so most of you probably have a stack of colored denim from spring and summer just like me and are currently adding some pattered denim to that for the fall, right? 

so far i've had way more trouble finding patterned denim that I like than I had picking out colored denim in the spring. so for now I am just transitioning my colored pairs into fall instead of going crazy over the patterns. i am trying to keep my wardrobe a little more simplistic anyway so I fear I won't be joining in on this trend at all. 

instead, for this outfit I actually just pulled out an old blouson type jacket and this nine west rainbow scarf. I also got a chance to wear sandals one more time so I took advantage of that. 

i went to old navy over the weekend since most of their jeans were on sale. i wanted to try out the rockstar skinny jeans but once again, I was very disappointed with them. they did not fit great at all and have way too much stretch for my taste. the gray pair I tried was even lined with some horribly scratchy fabric which made me want to take them off immediately. 

clothes that make me itch are a total no-go for me. i wear mostly cotton and try to stay away from cheap acrylic sweaters or any fabric that may be even slightly scratchy. this is also one of the reasons you'll barely see me wearing frilly chiffon type shirts or blouses. 

i don't think i've ever found a flattering pair of old navy jeans, ever! this is one thing they have no idea how to design. 

how about you? are you weird about fabrics and fit? have you found any good patterned denim yet? 

khaki+plaid+corduroy=fall

jacket: jcrew, shirt: american eagle, corduroy pants: jcrew, shoes: converse one star, watch: michael kors 

lots of random thoughts today so be warned ;)

this outfit makes me smile because it's so totally me. i like things simple and comfortable and that's what this is. i got these matchstick cords from at the jcrew factory store last year for $3!! I know! the girl at the check out said that they don't even carry them usually ( i guess only at the regular jacre store) and this was the only pair they received.
i honestly didn't care where they came from but they were my size and so they were coming home with me :) every once in a while i come across a huge bargain like that and it seriously makes my week, ha!

the jacket was on sale last year as well and even though it's a size up from what i usually wear, it cinches at the waist which makes it work for me. i am on the look-out for a similar vest.

so now that i've rambled on about my clothes I guess I am realizing I don't have much else to say today ;)

life is good. i had a wonderful night out for dinner with a new friend who I already believe to be an amazing person. i am keeping my fingers crossed that life will work out in our favor and allow us to spend more time together in the future.
j is coming home tomorrow night from the last road trip of the season which has me all giddy with excitement and plans for the next few months.

what are you planning for halloween? i haven't even thought about a costume for logan yet.
our local zoo is having some trick or treating festivities so I really want to go there.

jeans and boots it shall be...

sweater: esprit (similar) or (similar), t-shirt: old navy (here), jeans: american eagle (here), boots: jessica simpson (similar)

oh how I love this time of year. not only can I finally pull out my boots and knit sweaters but it's also time for fall festivals, fresh apple cider, pumpkin pie and that gorgeous autumn landscape.

we went for a little walk yesterday morning, the air was brisk and I have to admit that I really welcomed that unfamiliar chill. the sky was covered in big pouffy clouds and showed off the most gorgeous ombre blue I have seen in a long time.

this time of year also makes me long for more family time. when it gets cold outside and the rain tends to sneak up on me and turn my mood a little bit sour, I like to surround myself with all of my favorite people. i know i won't see my parents until closer to the new year but i am eager to start planning now. it always helps me to have a plan, something to look forward to, something set in stone.
right now things are a little bit too undefined for my taste but I know we'll get there soon.

baseball season is coming to an end as well, which means a lot more family time than I've had for the past 6 months.
so i am optimistic that this beautiful fall weather will stick around for a while and keep me in a happy mood with lots of things to look forward to before the end of the year.
i actually can't quite believe I am even talking about the end of the year... didn't it just start?
there were christmas decorations out at Kohls today, folks!!!


still time to enter the gage huntley designs giveaway here :)

linking up with Jenny at MMB

style files: striped midi skirt

skirt: aerie, shirt: old navy, shoes: graceland, necklace: aerie, bracelets: aerie, lisa leonard, ae, sunglasses: ae 

as you are reading this i have once again packed our bags and hauled the kiddo across the country to be with dada. we are spending some time in chicago and looking forward to the end of the season (it's almost here) :) yay!

i have a few posts scheduled for the rest of the week and I'll be back early next week. 

if you think you're gonna miss me like crayzay you can follow via instagram ;) 

if you knew me... and an outfit

skirt: edc by esprit, top: zara, sunglasses: AE, branch earrings: lovestitched

so i thought i'd make this a weekly thing where i let you know all about the quite interesting things you'd possibly know if we were real life friends ;)

here we go...

• i am super afraid of unknown situations. i like to talk things through with someone who has done that thing before and make sure i am prepared for all possible outcomes. it's actually pretty crazy and sometimes i catch myself not doing something because i'm afraid i'll look like an idiot...
• i can't sing one bit! my poor baby boy still thinks my voice is lovely but i'm sure that won't last much longer
• i fell in love with hawaii on our honeymoon and can't wait to go back for our 10 year anniversary.
• i've never been to disney world, passed it on the highway but never actually went in. i hear the most amazing things and can't wait to go. 
• ok you've probably heard this one before but i actually get along better with men than women. i don't know what it is but i've been let down by a lot of girls i considered close friends, so i think i've got my guard up a little. 
• i did ballet for 5 years as a young girl and have always regretted that i quit. the darn tights were too itchy! apparently i was quite good also... 
• i have bad road rage ;) 
• when i'm stressed or bored i pick at my fingernails and peel off the layers that split. 
• i have refused to go to Paris (the french one) every time someone has tried to get me to go, which has been quite a few times. i know you probably think i am crazy! i've actually been on a bus ride through paris and the airport quite a few times. however, i have horrible memories of learning french in school and everything connected to france so i just stay away ;) i fear though that the next time we are visiting my family (in germany) my husband will convince me to take the 4 hour train ride on a little getaway... can't say no forever, can i? 

By the way, I'm going on a little trip to Chicago next week. Any locals with suggestions on what to do, where to eat, etc...? I've been there twice before but never with a toddler so any suggestions will be helpful. We are staying downtown and I will be mostly walking everywhere. Thanks :)  

a blue pencil skirt, giveaways and a discount

skirt: thrifted, t-shirt: tresics, jacket: lc lauren conrad, shoes: tamaris, watch: michael kors, earrings: love stitched 

just an outfit post today including my new favorite skirt. don't you just love that cobalt blue? 

lately, next to being mama, i've been busy exploring ideas, designing and creating. i feel so much happier and balanced when i have a creative outlet. some ideas have worked out great and i'll be sharing them here soon, others not so much but that's ok too. 

i am also excited to say that i have a great giveaway coming up very soon :) there are just so many amazing, talented women out there and I am so happy to be able to share some of this talent with you guys. i'll also be part of the big 1000 follower giveaway over at modern modest beauty, where you'll be able to win a month of ad space on my blog and I'm sure a ton of other great stuff. 

and lastly, i am taking new and hopefully some returning sponsors for september so make sure to check out the sponsor page for more information! 

you can save 20% on all ad space sizes with code september20off right now :)