Target + TOMS

The perfect collaboration for the holidays . . .  Target and TOMS.  Tis the season for gift giving and giving back.  This collaboration is the perfect holiday match!  You can snag great gift items for friends and family, and give back at the same time.  Not only is the TOMS for Target collection stylish, but it's also providing shoes, food, and blankets for those in need with EVERY purchase made. Here's preview of some of my favorite TOMS items you can find at Target stores nationwide starting November, 16th.

Women:

This hat, scarf, or sweatshirt gives one blanket to those in need, and the bracelet set gives 1 week of meals to those in need.

This sweater gives 1 blanket to those in need.

This jacket gives 1 week of free meals to those in need.

This poncho gives 1 blanket to those in need.

Winter Accessories:

These beanies and scarves give 1 free blanket to those in need.

Men:

This shirt or tee gives 1 week of free meals to those in need.

This hoodie gives 1 blanket to those in need, and this t-shirt gives 1 week of free meals to those in need.

Kids:

Buy one pair of shoes and one pair is given to those in need.

These hat or mittens gives 1 blanket to those in need.

Home:

Purchase a throw and TOMS will give 1 free blanket to those in need.

This frame gives 1 week of free meals to those in need. 

If you are looking to purchase from companies who give back you may also want to check out: 

Noonday Collection: This company provides dignified jobs at living wages to people in impoverished countries.  A portion of their sales from adoption trunk shows goes to help place orphans in forever families. Noonday Collection offers a variety of artisan products such as jewelry, scarves, bags, and home accessories.

Warby Parker: Their company objective is very similar to TOMS: "Buy a pair. Give a pair."  For every pair of optical or sunwear glasses you purchase they donate a pair to people in need. 

If you know of other companies giving back I would love to hear about them. I know there are a lot out there.  What are some of your favorites?

Yours Truly,

Party "Animal"

A few weeks ago we celebrated my husband's Birthday by going out to dinner for a date night.  We usually like to try new places, but we ended up going to Bonefish in a spur of the moment decision.  My husband loves seafood, and Wednesdays at Bonefish mean $6 Bang Bang Shrimp (my hubby's favorite!).  My husband was coming straight from work so I threw together a dressier outfit to celebrate.

I'm always in black, but this time I added a print and bold color.

This leopard blazer from Loft is one of my favorite finds from last Fall.

Classic handbag with gold accents from Ann Taylor.

Black wedge lace-up booties from Target

Look: Turtleneck: Target (old, similar here), Skirt: H&M (similar style here ) Leopard Blazer: Loft (old, similar here), Wedge Booties: Target (old , similar here ), Watch: Michael Kors ( here ), Purses: Ann Taylor ( here ), Fleece-Lined Tights: (old, similar here ), Necklace: Collections (bridesmaid gift), Earrings: Aldo (old, similar here).

My husband and I celebrate birth weeks instead of just the day.  This night was a date night, but we also celebrated with family at Hammerheads, one of Ryan's favorite local restaurants.  I'm a vegetarian, but Ryan LOVES their ribs.  His Dad and brother-in-law ordered them as well, and all were impressed.  Lucky for me, they do have a couple of vegetarian items on their menu.  I went with the Garcia Mushroom Burger, and we shared the Smoked Cheddar Grit Cake for our appetizer. If you haven't been I would suggest getting there as soon as they open to try to beat the crowds.  The restaurant is not very big.  It's essentially in the basement of an older home.  

For birth week we also tried Blaze Pizza one day for lunch.  I loved the concept of creating your own pizza, and having it fast-fired and ready in 90 seconds.  I was worried the concept seemed to good to be true, but alas we were both pleasantly surprised with the quality.

We ended birth week by heading to Lexington, KY for the UK vs. Mississippi St. game.  We met up with friends to tailgate before the game.  The Wildcats may have lost, but it was a great game against the #1 team in the country.

I think I had just as much fun celebrating "Birth Week" as Ryan did!  It's always fun getting together with friends and family.  What are your favorite Birthday traditions?  

Yours Truly,

Happy Birthday Ryan!!! XOXO

I love how Bonefish customizes the menus if you are celebrating something special.

Stepping Away From the Norm

Today I'm stepping away from the norm to give light to an important day for me and many others. I love writing about fashion, and I promise to keep majority of my posts on topic.  However, today, October 15th is pregnancy and infant loss awareness day, and I believe it is very deserving of our attention.  Please keep those who have experienced loss in your thoughts and prayers.  Many choose not to discuss their experience so it's quite possible you know people suffering in silence. At 7pm light a candle to join people worldwide in a wave of light.

I experienced my first miscarriage in July of 2013. In April of this year I lost another baby due to an ectopic pregnancy.  I know it's tough for people to know what to say, or how they can show they care.  Every woman is different, but for me it's been nice to receive cards, to hear "I'm sorry", "I'm thinking of you", or "I'm praying for you".  It's a lonely feeling when your loss is avoided.  My best advice is to let those close to you know you're there for them.  

Yours Truly,

My Top Ten from the Shopbop 3 Day Sale - Going On Now!

Shopbop 3 Day Sale by amyhfaust 

If you are looking for designer pieces then this is the sale for you!  The collection above features my top ten favorite pieces from the sale.  Please note that majority of the items found on Shopbop.com are quite pricey.  However, if you like to invest money in good, quality pieces then this is the time to shop.  It's not very often that you can receive 25% off your favorite designers.

Whether you are looking for purses, clothes, jackets, jewelry, or accessories they are all on sale!  Let me know if you find any great deals!  Remember it's never too early to start your Christmas shopping!

Yours Truly,

Fall Femininity: Bows, Polka Dots, & Heels . . . Oh my!

Fall is my favorite time of year, but  the temperatures haven't been cold enough to pull out all my chunky sweaters, flannel shirts, jackets, and boots.  I wanted a fall look, but something to go with the high 70 degree weather.  I chose a sheer blouse with a fun pleated skirt. This outfit is a perfect date night look! 

 

This Michael Kors skirt was a "Maxxinista" find from T.J.Maxx; 

one of my all time favorite guilty pleasure destinations.

 

 

 

I've had this Michael Kors bag for about three years now, and it's still one of my favorites. There are slight changes made to the bag every year, but Michael Kors still offers a similar style.

I added pearl earrings to give my look yet another feminine touch. These cluster pearls came from one of my favorite local boutiques, Two Chicks and Company.

 

 

 

 

I snagged these Calvin Klein heels at the 6pm/ Zappos outlet store in Shepherdsville, KY last year.

 

Look: Polka Dot Blouse: Francesa's (old, similar here), Skirt: Michael Kors (here in black leather- I found mine at T.J. Maxx), Wedges: Calvin Klein (here in black, gray is no longer available), Bag: Michael Kors (old, similar here), Pearl Cluster Earrings: Two Chicks & Company.  

Yours Truly,

Military Inspired Look

I recently attended the biggest high school football rivalry game in the state of Kentucky: The St. X /  Trinity Game!  The game typically draws in about 35,000 fans, but attendance was a bit down this year.  I always cheer for Trinity since my Dad is an alum, but I wanted to pick a neutral outfit. Both schools share a shade of green in their school colors so I opted for an army green hue. It was the perfect fall evening: family, friends, tailgating, and football.

 

I found this JAG vest at Macy's during one of their recent sales.

 

 

These Banana Republic skinny jeans were a recent purchase from the new outlet mall, The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass. 

 

I recently purchased this "Love" ring at the St. James Art Festival.

 

The hood on my vest came in handy as the temperatures dropped and the wind picked up.

 

I found these Lucky Brand wedge booties at TJ Maxx.

 

 

My clutch is an oldie, but goodie from The Limited.

 

Look: JAG Military Vest: (soldout at Macys, but I found it here at Zappos), Jeans: Banana Republic (similar here), Long Sleeve Shirt: Nordstrom Rack (similar here), Wedge Booties: Lucky Brand (similar here), Clutch: The Limited (old), Earrings: Versona (old).  

Yours Truly,