5 Favorite Purchases

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Photography by: Angie Garcia


[I apologize for the spacing errors on this blog post. I woke up this morning to major technical issues on my site and I’m trying to get them fixed right now. This was the best I could fix it without removing the entire blog post! 🙁 ]

I rewrote this blog post 10 times. TEN! Today, I turn another year older, so I wanted to reflect in some fashion on COF. I started with 10 things that make me happy and I’m pretty sure I’ve written some version of that so I quit. Then I tried to write 5 life lessons I’d learned since becoming a mom and that just got the postpartum hormones going. I was a crying, blubbering mess so I nixed that. After that I tried to write my 5 favorite moments from the past year and I thought everyone would think that was silly. “Duh, Katey. You loveeeeed giving birth. You loveeeeed going to fashion week. We get it.”

So I just nixed each idea and decided to share my 5 favorite purchases from the past year. Because if you can’t get frivolous and reflect on your 5 favorite purchases from the past year on a fashion blog, where can you?!


1. Suede Cropped Jacket

Before this purchase, I had numerous, little cropped moto jackets in my closet. Some were oversized. Some were a little too tiny. And none were the right texture or color! I ordered this jacket [runs TTS] in the shade coffee bean and I wore it my entire pregnancy. I just styled Target maternity dresses with this jacket and I felt so comfortable each day! Because I wore this bad boy so often, I decided to order it in the grey as well. I’m not sure what it is about this piece, but the fit is INCREDIBLE. It was definitely a piece that every blogger styled this past year [I styled it way too much on the blog!] but with good reason. I truly think it’s flattering on every single body type, which I love!

2. Valentino Dupes

If I’m unsure of a designer purchase, I like to find a dupe beforehand to purchase! It might seem counterproductive, but I’d rather waste $40 on a bag that I may not carry after a few times and know I shouldn’t spend $400 on the designer version. One item I was really curious about was the Valentino caged flats. Valentino shoes can be hit or miss. I LOVE the pumps, but I’ve had one bad pair of flats and one great pair of flats. It really is all about the fit [you typically go up half a size in the flats] but it still worried me to purchase another pair. A girlfriend told me about these flats and how they looked identical to the caged flats she had! I ordered a pair and went up half a size as with normal Valentino flats and I’M IN LOVE. They came in and were so comfortable I decided I didn’t even care and wouldn’t purchase the real thing! I saved quite a bit and I’m happy about it! 😉 I ordered the ivory patent [you can see a photo on my Instagram] and I think I may have to get the black or leopard next!

3. Pink Cross Body

It’s a little silly to say one of my favorite purchases of the year is something that came in the mail only yesterday, but I have good reason! Since having Maxi, I’m all about cross body bags! It’s nice to have a small bag on my body while I carry her diaper bag and car seat. The Shopbop Sale is still live right now and one of my purchases was this bag! The pink color is so fun for spring and it isn’t bulky at all, but still fits the basics. I’ll share a few more of these similar bags on sale below.

Here’s a few other things from the sale I purchased!


4. Espadrille Sneakers

Two other purchases I stocked up on during pregnancy were espadrilles and sneakers. They were much needed during pregnancy and I know will be life savers once Maxi is crawling and I’m chasing after her everywhere! Imagine my surprise when I found a shoe that combined them both! I ordered these shoes in blush suede [they run TTS] and when they came in the mail I was shocked. I don’t want to sound aggressive or extreme, but they are truly the most comfortable shoe I own! They feel like little pillows on your feet. I already joked with Paul these are “Disney World” shoes and I could walk an entire theme park in them!


5. Pottery Barn Glider

Two weeks ago, I revealed our nursery on the blog! One of the first things I purchased was the glider and I did so grudgingly. I thought the price was outrageous, but every other glider we saw was either too wide or I didn’t like the look. I went back and forth on this glider so much and my poor mom went all over town with me to test our gliders! Finally, my friend Ashley, made me go ahead and order it! She made the best case on how I needed to just get the one I loved and the one that fit our room [size wise] because I could use this with all of our future kids. I was fed up looking, so I ordered the glider and waited for it to arrive. After using it non-stop, it’s my favorite thing in our home and my favorite purchase of the year! I ordered the fabric in Performance Slubbyweave Bone and I love how it is a white shade that doesn’t stain! We’ve gotten spit up, spray tan and Peaches’ paws all over it and everything wipes off with water. It’s also so comfortable during 4 a.m. feedings. I can’t brag on this enough!

One thing I’m always reflective [and emotional #hormones] about is y’all. There is never a moment that goes by that I’m not overwhelmingly grateful that people even read this little blog. Without readers, this is just an online diary that would have never become a job. From supportive comments to sweet e-mails, I feel as if you all are such a big part of my life and I think of each one of you as a friend. So I wanted to give a little present from me to you today so that you can start on your favorite purchases of the year! Enter below to win a $250 gift card to Nordstrom!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What are your favorite purchases you’ve made over the past year?! I’d love to know! Thank you so much for reading. 🙂

XOXOKatey-2

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36 Comments

  1. Alex wrote:

    I LOVE the white top from shop bop. I’m considering splurging and getting it for one of my bridal events!! Thanks so much! ????

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  2. Kelcie wrote:

    Happy Birthday Katey!!! Love following your life 🙂 Have a wonderful day!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  3. Clarissa wrote:

    I also ordered the Valentino caged flat dupes and I am obsessed!!! They are amazing and I feel so luxurious in them :). Happy birthday Katey, I hope it’s your best one yet!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  4. Amanda wrote:

    Happy birthday, Katy!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  5. Robyn wrote:

    I bought my first pair of converse over the summer and they became my favorite pair of shoes! I’ve never been one to wear sneakers of any kind outside of wearing tennis shoes to workout, so I was surprised that I love them so much!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  6. Kacey wrote:

    hey! Would love to know what books you and Paul have read together. Have y’all done a devotional as a couple? Would like to know more about how you fan your spiritual relationship. Im a newlywed and always looking for another study or book to dive in!

    Thanks!
    Kacey

    Ps- Peaches personality kills me! So special!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  7. Morgan wrote:

    Furniture is one of the best things to invest in! You’ll be glad you went with a pricier one when you don’t have to repurchase this item for future babies!

    -Morgan
    How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  8. Sarah wrote:

    I love everything in this blog! Plus those donuts look so good! Happy birthday Katey, I hope its the best one yet now that you have little Maxi!

    xoxo,
    Sarah 🙂

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  9. I have dupes for the valentino flats and the heels and love them both! Why spend the extra money when the dupes are just as great!? Love your blog! Happy happy birthday pretty mama!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  10. Brianna wrote:

    Happy Birthday, Katey! I hope you have a wonderful day. After giving birth to your beautiful little babe, you deserve to celebrate!!!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  11. Sarah wrote:

    I love everything in this post! Especially those yummy donuts! Happy birthday Katey, I hope it’s the best one now that you have little Maxi!

    Xoxo,
    Sarah 🙂

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  12. Amber wrote:

    Purchased the same glider! So happy we splurged I couldn’t imagine late night feedings without it!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  13. Lindsay wrote:

    Happy Birthday, Katey! Thank you for always sharing from the heart – thats why you’re my favorite site to stop by!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  14. Leigh wrote:

    I got a Louis Vuitton tote and have been loving it!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  15. Great post! I love your picks on the glider…defnitely getting this when I have kids…and the suede moto jacket. I’m dying to get the green one! One of my fave picks I bought this year would actually be my pink faux leather moto jacket from Nordstrom! I love it so much! It’s the perfect shade of pink and looks great with anything!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  16. Jennifer wrote:

    You’re so kind giving away a gift on YOUR day! Happy Birthday! Hope it is the best one yet!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  17. Melanie Grant wrote:

    I bought the same moto jacket and absolutely LOVE IT. It’s so versatile and I get so many compliments!

    Happy birthday Katey!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  18. Caitlin D. wrote:

    I love that I share a birthday with my favorite blogger!! My favorite purchases this year have all been your recomendations, but i am obsessed with my first pair of mules! I was always nervous that i couldn’t pull them off, but after seeing how you styled them I absolutely love them!!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  19. Caitlin Eason wrote:

    Happy Birthday Katey! I know your sweet girl will make this one soo special! I’m loving those sneaker style espadrille shoes! Perfect for spring!

    ????

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  20. I am seriously considering getting thoes Valentino Dupes! What a great deal! Thanks for sharing, Katey.

    xo,
    Lindsey

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  21. Emma Williams wrote:

    Happy Birthday Katey! I love following your blog post and Snapchat! Have a marvelous day!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  22. Chelsey wrote:

    Happy Birthday Katey! I hope it’s your best one yet! Love the Valentino dupes, still deciding on if I should get the color you have or the poudre patent one the teacher diva has!! Love all your purchases though! xoxo

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  23. Loved all of these! Happy Birthday!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  24. Maddy wrote:

    I also have the BLANKNYC suede moto jacket (mine is burgundy) and its a gorgeous, comfortable, well made piece. I’m thinking about snagging the coffee color for next fall + winter!

    xo, Maddy
    http://cassidylou.com/

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  25. Justine wrote:

    My favorite purchase was a pair of Vince Camuto peep toe booties that I snagged at Nordstrom Rack! They go with everything!????

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  26. Dena wrote:

    I love all of these! I think I need to look at getting those caged flats! ????

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  27. Emily Willis wrote:

    Happy birthday!

    Love hearing about your sweet girl!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  28. Ash wrote:

    Happy birthday!!!! I have a feeling this might be your best one yet because a few weeks ago you got the best gift that God can give! XOXO, Ash

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  29. Trina wrote:

    Happy Birthday Katey! I love following you on Instagram and reading your blog! I love a Kate Spade crossbody I purchased from a seller on Poshmark! It’s the perfect nude shade and a great size for going out or to take to a wedding. I’m thinking of purchasing the Valentino dupes! Love the style and that they fit in my budget!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  30. Laurel wrote:

    Happy Birthday Katey! and Congrats on your newest blessing. I love the name Maxi!!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  31. Thank you Katey! Your blog is such a joy!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  32. Katie wrote:

    Totally random, but I was wondering where you go to get your nails done? They always look SO pretty and my mom and I are going to Ft. Worth this weekend and were wanting to get a mani and pedi!

    Happy Birthday!!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  33. Hailee wrote:

    Happy birthday Katy! It’s so refreshing to follow someone that seems so down to earth and genuinely sweet! I was at Harris seeing my boyfriends dad in February and I swear I walked right by your husband. I wanted to congratulate him but didn’t want him to think I was crazy. Lol. A huge congrats to you and your husband on your beautiful baby girl!

    Published 03 Mar 17Reply
  34. I hope you had a very special birthday! Maxi is the cutest little babe. I just purchased the dupe flats and heels, I can’t wait to get them in!

    xo Amanda John
    XO Strawberry Chic

    Published 04 Mar 17Reply
  35. Love these photos! Can never go wrong with pink donuts 🙂

    BlondieInTheCity.com

    Published 04 Mar 17Reply
  36. Lindsay wrote:

    Happy birthday!! The best way to reflect on another (amazing!) year! XO

    Published 05 Mar 17Reply