Thank You Autumn, Its Been Swell

top: cabi// jacket: bevello's// pants: american apparel // shoes: shoemint // bag: louis vuitton via saks// sunnies: kawaiikitschbya // jewels: stella & dot
photos by the amazing Molly Stillman 

I know I am interrupting the regularly scheduled Copycat Lookbook series (which will be on Friday and going back to its home on Wednesdays next week) but I just couldn't wait to show you guys these pictures!! Its so funny how so many things change after you become a mother.....one being how you feel about seasons.

My favorite season definitely used to be Summer....do I need to explain why? That is until I got pregnant and spent the majority of Summer 2011 sitting behind a counter at work sweating like a 300 pound man seeing pictures of all of my friends out on the boat and at the beach and stuff...... That is what first turned me off. Then this past Summer it was way tooooo hot to take doodle outside and we both got cabin fever.

Now, when Fall/Autumn whatever you would like to call it arrived this year I was giddy with excitement. Jackets and scarves and playtime at the park and the leaves changing colors......its been magical really. I know I rag on North Carolina a lot (for its fashion choices) but the scenery  in the Triangle in the Fall is just stunning. Now that Winter is approaching I just wanted to give a shout out to Fall.......thanks for being awesome :)

If you would like to keep up with the doodle man and myself be sure to check out my new social media buttons designed by Molly!!!!

And now for the necklace du jour....The Stella & Dot  Lillith Fringe 

PS Being a Stella & Dot stylist and all I feel like it would be a disservice of me to not tell you about a sale going on right now on these 7 statement necklaces (which let's face it you can never have enough of them and you are going to need at least 1 for the holiday season!). You can find them on the people.com sale link on my Stella & Dot page, just type in the code "PEOPLESD" to receive 50% yes I said 50% off these pieces!!!!!!!

"The Momiform Diaries": Lesson #1 Casual Chaos

top: cabi// blazer: zara (old)// jeans: the limited// shoes: marc by marc jacobs via endless // jewels: stella & dot and michael kors// diaper bag: marc by marc jacobs

Holy smokes I'm so excited for this series.....I feel like I have learned so much about life and motherhood over the past year after having my sweet doodle bug and I wanted to show you guys more of my life within the Allen household and some tips on how to keep yourself from looking like a frazzled mom (although you definitely feel like one on the inside)! I hope these tips can help everyone, not just moms.....

Lesson #1: Casual Chaos

 With all of the commotion that goes on in the household of a 13 month baby boy that goes 100 mph every day the secret to looking (almost) sane is to keep easy pieces in your closet that you can easily move in but are tailored to make you look awesome!  Casual chaos is a simple recipe: a shirt+ a blazer+ skinny jeans + a statement necklace and boom you have an outfit that allows you to take on the world (or your nursery). I can't really control anything else that goes on in my house but I CAN CONTROL WHAT I CHOOSE TO PUT ON. This recipe is for everyone actually.....even if you have a job that allows you to stay at home you should still make yourself presentable. One of the main things I've learned this year is so cliche but true....when you look good you feel good......so for the love of god get out of that fugly t-shirt and victoria's secret "pink" sweatpants and boost that self esteem, I know you have it in you!

Also, if you are a mom, do little things for yourself that make you feel chic......when I was preggo I happened to be walking through Saks one day and spotted this marc jacobs diaper bag and just about peed on myself (literally and figuratively) . I felt massive and unattractive and couldn't buy clothes or shoes but I knew if I had the perfect diaper bag that it was something chic that I would use every day. And every time I load it with diapers and goldfish and head out of the house I'm reminded to do something small for myself that day. Its about finding that balance of keeping small amounts of yourself while pouring the other 99% of your efforts into your family....so go ahead and get that mani or buy that latte, you deserve it!

PS I wore this outfit last night to pick up a pizza from a local pizza joint and several of the cooks told me they liked my outfit, I believe "classy as Carmen San Diego" was thrown out there. In conclusion: the blonde cookie cutter biatches in this town may not get me, but damn if the local pizza guys don't think I'm fly!!!!

What2Add: Blank Canvas

top: cabi// leggings: stylemint// shoes: shoemint// belt: vince camuto// watch: michael kors// jewelry: stella&dot

Honestly if Stylemint keeps producing leggings that are this soft and look this freaking cute then you guys will probably see me in leggings for the rest of the year! And can we talk about this white blouse? There is something about a crisp white blouse that is like a blank canvas that makes me want to add a ton of jewelry like layered necklaces and statement earrings...I just can't help myself. I've been dying to wear these Cleo Statement earrings and I finally found the right outfit! Anywhos, I'm sure that most of you will be doing crazy fun things tonight like going out and such but its insanely rediculous how excited I am for 8:30 to come around tonight because the new Stella & Dot Fall line launches and I will be glued to my ipad pouring through the new stuff...you guys will be able to see it Saturday morning here, so hold your horses....eek I'm so excited!!!

All of my jewelry, including the ever so glorious Cleo Statement Earrings, is available to purchase here. Just type in Brooke Allen for your stylist :)

What2Add: Palamino Necklace/ YSL Safari Inspiration



tunic: cabi// vest: michael kors// belt: vince camuto//shoes: stylemint// sunnies: target// jewels: stella&dot



Hey ya'll, you know you are back in your hometown when you pass by a roadside sign that reads "Pro Rodeo" at the local flea mall in bright flourescent letters...bahaha, nothing like the south. Anywhos, I'm super excited to debut the Palamino Necklace today. I wish I could pop out of your computer screen and show you in person because this necklace is stunning up close...and far away for that matter. I was feeling a little YSL 60's safari action in this outfit and the pop of coral just makes it that much better. PS I'm linking up with #yolomondays from still being [molly] today so be sure to check that out :)

I was wearing the Palamino Necklace available here. Stylist: Brooke Allen