Mexico

Our trip to Mexico was both relaxing and adventurous. We did plenty of lounging by the pool and beach but also explored our surroundings. It was fun to spend time with our family, read new books and soak up the sunshine. Here are some highlights from the trip: 

Ellie and Maddie dressed up for a fancy French dinner. One of our favorite part of the vacation was getting freshened up and picking out cute outfits to wear for dinner nightly. 

Maddie at the beach! Can you believe she rode a mechanical bull before this photo? 

 Ellie and Jay enjoying a drink before the Circus Show! 

Family adventure to Coba (a Mayan ruin), included repelling, zip-lining and swimming in a cenote. 

 Maddie in downtown Cancun, looking for some pottery to bring back to Oregon. 

All of our rooms were right next door! Surprise :) 

 Brandon and Maddie post climb to the top of a Mayan temple. 

 Jay and Ellie enjoying a golf cart ride around Isla Mujeres, before snorkeling. 

Brandon and Maddie looking glamorous before dinner. 

We had a blast on our trip. Surprisingly the transition back to Oregon wasn't too bad. We were greeted with 75 degree weather and sunshine, we should go to Mexico more often! 

Ellie & Maddie 

Outfit: Workday Wednesday

Sometimes you need a work outfit that it quick and easy.   This dress I am wearing from Target is that outfit for me. It fits great, is comfortable, and wears well all day. My only problem is that I am tempted to wear it to work all the time. 

Having a few ready made thrown on outfits is essential for any successful work wardrobe. What simple and quick outfits do you have that work well any day?

Ellie's Outfit:
Dress: Target (Similar)
Boots: Steve Madden

Ellie

Outfit: Long Skirts

Spring is finally around the corner. You can spot the occasional flower blooming and I suddenly have the urge to throw on a skirt or dress. A maxi skirt or dress with a jacket or sweater is definetley a practical and comfy way to wear a dress in these cold months. This weekend Ellie and I had a fun night out at Bridgeport Brewery to celebrate a birthday and have some yummy food. We took the oppurtunity to dress up and take some pictures. Coincidentally we both choose long skirts and dresses for our night out. 

Ellie's Outfit:
Jacket: Levi
Skirt: American Apparel
Boots: Nordstroms
Necklace: Homemade, look for a tutorial in the coming weeks!

Maddie is off in beautiful Hawaii, I am very jealous! She will be updating us on her trip as well as including information on her outfit in this post soon! Also did you spot my pedometer in this post? I have started wearing one to track my steps and embarrassingly forgot to take it off for pictures.

Ellie & Maddie

Outfit: Valentine's Date Night

 Whether you are going out with friends or having a date night with your honey, Valentines day is the night to wear pink or red! This Valentines day, my girl friends and I decided it would be fun to get together regardless of our relationship status'. To dress for the occasion I found an adorable pink satin dress to wear out! Paired with some black heels and a simple necklace I have the perfect outfit for a fun night. 

 

Maddies Outfit:

Dress: Nordstroms

Shoes: Nordstroms

Okay, I had a little Nordstroms shopping trip ;) Can't wait to wear it out.

 

Whats your favorite Valentines day outfit?

 

 

Maddie

Outfit: Thrifing

With the abundance of stylish people living in Portland, it is easy to find some lightly worn items at the multiple thrift shops around town. Finding a bargain and a great piece can be challenging though. Here are some of our tips:

1. GOODWILL: This is where expensive thrift shops often get their items. If you have the patience and time you can find numerous pieces to add to your wardrobe which usually won't cost more than ten dollars. Our favorite Goodwill is the SuperStore, located in SE Portland. It is massive and we have found tons of deals. 

2. GO NOW:  After the holidays many people have restocked with new clothes, thrift stores therefore get a surplus of items that people have donated to make room in their closets.  We found this to be especially true on our most recent trip to Goodwill, where we each found more quality items than usual. 

3. BRANDS: It may sound obvious but look at labels! A five dollar tank top originally from Fovever 21, may not be as much of a bargain as a cashmere sweater from J Crew. Quality brands tend to hold up better and maintain their fit. Always check for stains, pilling of sweaters, and rips. Some of our favorite brands to look for when thrifting are: Pendleton, J Crew, LL Bean, and Ann Taylor Loft. Finding a vintage Coach bag is the pinnacle of a thrifting experience.  

4. TRY ON: Brave the florescent lights and long lines, it is worth it! Many items at thrift stores made it to the donation pile because of an odd fit or flow. Trying on your finds is essential to knowing if they will work at home, and not end up back at the donation center. Our strategy is to grab a large shopping cart, scan each rack, throw in any possibles, and then try on. We often have twenty items in our cart when we go to the dressing room and walk out with two or three great steals.  

Here are a couple of our latest finds: 

J Crew Sweater

Ellie's Outfit: 

Sweater: Thrifted - Originally J Crew

Dress: J Crew (Similar)

Belt: J Crew (Similar)

Boots: Frye

Bracelet: Gift from Dad :) 

Aztec Skirt

Maddie's Outfit: 

Skirt: Thrifted - We are not sure where it originally came from, but it is awesome! 

Jacket: Levi (Similar - color no longer available) 

Boots: Nordstroms

Happy Thrifting! 

Ellie & Maddie

Outfit: Summer Dresses Year Round

Lately we have been missing our favorite summer dresses, that are hiding in back of our closets. We decided this week to get the best ones out and make them work for the 35 degree weather in Portland. Big sweaters were an important addition, as well as boots and Ellie's favorite wool socks. Many times these dresses feel out of place in the winter, but with darker colors to contrast they can be very appropriate.

Maddie's Outfit
Dress: Free People
Boots: Nordstroms
Sweater: Free People (Similar)
Tights: Target
Belt: J Crew (Similar)
Earrings: Ms. Vix Jewelry

Ellie's Outfit:
Dress: Anthropologie (Similar)
Sweater: Gap (Similar)
Belt: Anthropologie (Similar)
Boots: Frye (No longer available in white)

Ellie & Maddie