.Fall Family Photos.

{Photo Credit: James Nicolau}

Kayla

Dress, c/o Impressions Online Boutique // Booties, c/o Gray Monroe // Bracelet, J.Crew // Watch, c/o Christian Paul // Lips, MAC 'Japanese Maple'

Kennedy

Dress, OshKosh // Flats, Old Navy {they come in black & red too} // Bow, Everly Avenue {with mini tails & color nude}// Flower Sunnies, Old Navy

Tyler

Button Up, Old Navy  

Going into these photos, I can honestly say I was stressing pretty hard! In the past couple months, Kennedy has become a little unpredictable when it comes to taking pictures haha. She can make you work for those smiles. And when I say work for those smiles, I mean scream and squirm to get put down! Mostly because she has way more important things do than sit still for the camera. You know, like run around & explore!

 I knew that I had to go into this prepared with tricks to make her think she was having fun and keep her distracted. I did a little research and I really think it paid off. One in particular seemed to help us through the shoot. It's kind of random, but now I swear by them! I shared it on Snapchat and got so much feedback. We totally bribed her with mini marshmallows through the shoot. You might even spot her munching on a few in the pictures :) I wish I could take full credit, but I came across the little tip on Pinterest. It's genius because they're white & don't stain their clothes. Our photographer {James Nicolau} also recommended white gummy bears if you have slightly older kids! 

A couple other things we did that really helped were: play her favorite song (Sophia The First Theme Song), sneak her Mickey doll to James so he could hold it up while snapping away, Tyler played a lot of peek-a-boo (he got her to smile the best!) & singing the itsy bitsy spider-you might even spy her doing the hand motions to this in a photo or two!! 

One thing I did not stress about going into the shoot was our wardrobe! After we decided on a location, I knew I wanted our theme to be neutrals, fun textures like lace and crochet, a pop of color and for it to all tie together without being too matchy, matchy. 

Would you believe me if I told you our whole looks were planned around Kennedy's bow?! It was the first piece I ordered. We take our bows very seriously around here {haha}.  Her outfit fell into place after that, with my favorite part being her darling little bow flats!! When I found these, I danced with excitement! I'm not joking, they are just about the cutest damn things...ever!! They are finally online too, I was able to link them above for you guys. They also come in black & red. I'm tempted to buy both with the holidays coming up. Guys, Old Navy might as well take my wallet. Or maybe my work should just pay me in Old Navy gift cards. Wouldn't that just be amazing?! Their toddler section is just too good!! 

When it came to my outfit, I immediately knew where I could find the perfect dress to make my vision come to life. Impressions Online Boutique has a whole section (my persona fav) dedicated to bridal looks. This little corner of the internet is filled with so many darling cream and white dresses. The details on each of them are so lovely! All these dresses are perfect whether you just got engaged, have bridal events coming up, or just need a pretty dress going into the holidays! I ended up picking the 'Vino At The Venetian' dress. My other favorites are this one {I die for that detailing!} and this one! Their dresses tend to sell out quickly so make sure you follow them on Instagram {here} so you can see all their new arrivals and get first pick. When we do our engagement pictures soon, I will be shopping here again! 

I'm truly so happy with how these photos turned out. It's always so rewarding to see your vision come to life. A lot of this has to do with the man behind the camera! James' talent never ceases to amaze me. He is so patient and always makes us comfortable! If you are in the San Diego area & looking for a photographer, I highly recommend James. I know he's booking up quickly for the holidays, so make sure to reach out soon! You can find him on Instagram {here} or his website {here}.

Hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!!

Xo, Kayla 

Daily Dose of Darling: Instagram || Facebook || Pinterest

.Fallin' For Bell Sleeves.

Blouse, c/o Shein {only $16.99-wearing a small}// Jeans, Nordstrom {currently sold out} same brand & super similar option here. Also really loving these super distressed ones {only $29!} // Shoes, c/o The Shopping Bag // Necklace, Love Always Couture // Sunnies, Karen Walker {they're on crazy sale!} // Purse, Rebecca Minkoff

Happy First Day of Fall!! We are entering the best part of the year! I am so excited, I can hardly hold it together :) If only Socal could get it shiz together and give us a little bit of a cool down, that would be wonderful! #wishfulthinking 

I'm also really excited because we have a gender reveal party tonight for Tyler's sister! I have mine and Kennedy's outfits picked out and my nails painted pink! I'm totally team girl. I was wrong last time though when she had a baby, so we will see haha! Either way, we are just so excited for another baby joining the family :) 

I didn't think it was possible, but my love affair with all things bell sleeves just got more intense! This blouse has me fallin' in love over and over again! The slightly cropped style, the open back that ties up {not pictured}, the flowly ruffle--all things add up to perfection! Oh and the fact that it's on sale for only $16.99 doesn't hurt either! 

As a rule of thumb, I typically don't order anything from Shein if there's isn't reviews or customer pictures. I went out on a limb with this blouse because it looked too gorgeous to pass up. I'm happy to report that this top is great quality! I do want to mention that it is more of a cranberry color in person and not as bright red as it shows up in photos. It's perfect for fall! {I'm wearing a small for sizing}

When I originally put this post together {yesterday!} these jeans were in stock in my size. I was super excited to share the news with you guys. I have gotten numerous questions about this exact pair of denim since I snagged them at the Nordstrom sale back in July. Ever since, Nordstrom will stock them in random sizes, but they sell out faster than you click "add to cart". Moral of the story, if you have your eyes on these jeans, check daily! You never know, it could be your lucky day :) I'll also keep an eye on them too and let you girls know if they get restocked!

 In the meantime, I found this pair from the same brand that are almost identical! They are also the same price. If you want more of a distressed look with a smaller price tag {only $29!} then shop these ones! I have them and wear them non-stop !{seen here & here} 


Xo, Kayla 

Daily Dose of Darling: Instagram || Facebook || Pinterest

.Every Girl's Best Friend, The Harper Tunic.

Blouse, c/o Meritt Clothing {sold out-love this print!}// Jeans, J.Crew // Booties, c/o Miss Match  {use code: Kayla20 for 20% off}// Sunnies, Karen Walker // Bracelet, J.Crew // Watch, c/o Christian Paul //  Necklaces, c/o Harper & Jewels {use code dream15 for 15% off} & Love Always Couture 

Ahhhh the Harper tunic, every girl's best friend! Whenever a new line is released from Meritt, the first thing I look for is the Harper tunic! The fit is flattering for everyone and can be worn so many different ways! I spent the summer poolside in this one {here} because it made the perfect cover up. You can't even begin to imagine my level of excitement when I laid eyes on this beauty. A Harper in my favorite color of the moment--burgundy?! Yes, please! I'm also loving on this fall floral Harper {here}! The colors are gorgeous!! 

Xo, Kayla 

Daily Dose of Darling: Instagram || Facebook || Pinterest

.Burgundy & Leopard.

Dress, c/o Gray Monroe {wearing a small. It also comes in black!} // Booties, c/o Gray Monroe // Sunnies, Shop Suey Boutique // Leopard Clutch, c/o Mindy Mae's Market // Nails, OPI 'Lincoln Park After Dark'

Hello, babes! Happy Friday Eve :) Hope everyone has been having a fantastic week so far. It's been a lot cooler here this week which has been a lovely treat! We haven't had to turn the AC on for more than three days, so that's winning in my book! The chill in the air makes me that happiest! I have been taking advantage by taking Kennedy on lots of walks! We have been loving it! 

I have been planning my outfits for the coming months and there's two things that keep popping into my mind that I can't get enough of--burgundy & booties! I know you'll be seeing a lot of these two around here, so don't say I didn't warn you;) This dress & these exact booties are my current favs. They're both super comfortable & affordable {both $40 & under!}. Best of all, they're extremely high quality. The dress feels luxurious! 

Both these pieces are from Gray Monroe. I recently came across this boutique when I was deep in an Instagram binge. I'm so happy I stumbled upon it. It's one of those boutiques that has you drooling every time they release new pieces! I'm not kiddding, from dresses, active wear, distressed denim, blouses & the best selection of shoes, you'll be hitting "add to cart" faster than your husband can snatch your cc from you ;) I really feel like I have hit the jackpot by finding Gray Monroe. 



Xo, Kayla