BOWW LOVES ROMPERS

 Romper // Necklace // Purse-Coach // Shoes // Sunglasses 

 Ahh...rompers the lazy fashionista's go to. 

Don't know what to wear? Romper. 

Not feeling so skinny? Romper. 

Have your lazy bones on? Romper. 

Too much champs last night? Romper. 

Okay okay, I think you get it. Honestly I love rompers because you look put together even if you're not feeling put together. With all the festivities happening this week, a romper is a perfect go-to to have in your closet. I actually have a couple of outfits laid out for this weekends festivities. With so much going on with work and play, it is easy to get frustrated with your wardrobe while trying to rush out the door. I decided to "pack" for the weekend so I can be prepared in a flash. Okay maybe not a "flash" but quicker than normal. And guess what I decided to pack? Yah...a romper & now rainboots! (grr...silly rain!)

Photos by Meredith Amadee :) 

BOWW LOVES CHRISTMAS SWEATER

Sweater-- Nordstrom Rack (it was a steal!)  // Jeans // Booties // Lip 

Hi everyone, that little one in the photo is my step daughter Alayna. She has been standing on the sideline for many photoshoots and this time she decided to get in front of the camera. This girl rocks and all she wants for Christmas is here two front teeth! ;) 

xx

BOWW LOVES GRAND CANYON STATE

When I was asked why I love Arizona so much, I couldn't help but think of just a few things: The weather, Old Town Scottsdale, that small town feeling in a big city, Arizona State, Mill Ave, local restaurants, friends, monsoon season, no snow shoveling, good looking people, great shopping, Arizona Cardinals, mountains, desert, the location to California or Las Vegas, small local businesses, Mexican food, Grand Canyon, downtown living, cactus, friends, year round pool parties, great highways, easy commuting, local charity work, Arizona Biltmore, Waste Management Open, American pride, Fox Concepts, and of course family.

Yah...just a few reasons. Born and bred in this great state, I'm a little biased however there is so much to love. There are people all over the country that come here for college and there is a good reason why a portion of them stay. Arizona has some of the best highways I have ever seen and it takes about 30 minutes to get anywhere around the city. Although our Downtown Phoenix is slowly coming alive there are great little pockets such as Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Glendale. Each of these cities provide their own uniqueness to the state which just gives me even more reason to get out and explore. Although our sports teams are limited with their championship titles, Arizonans are loyal to our teams such as the Diamondbacks, Cardinals, Suns, and Coyotes.

Tired of the Arizona heat? You are only a few hours away from another location for a perfect weekend getaway. However, with all the reasons I listed above why would you even want to leave? 

xx

BOWW LOVES ZARA COAT

 Top - Similar // Coat - Zara (last year) // Skirt - Similar // Shoes -Similar 

A little outfit action from my brother's birthday dinner last week! Thank goodness it's a short week! I have family and friends coming into town and I'm wedding dress shopping this weekend. It's going to be a great one! Woohooo! xx

BOWW LOVES PORTLAND

Nikes // Leggings // Sweater // Purse

Brace yourself, this is long...

I'm pretty sure the earth started to shake when I was running at the gym today. Yup, you can tell that I had a good time in Portland last weekend.  Portland surprised me because it wasn't what I was expecting. But really, I didn't know what to expect. A bunch of hipsters walking around drinking coffee? ...Okay, ya I saw that. I even saw a whole store just for men's underwear. A WHOLE store?! 

I did a bit of research before we arrived in Portland from friends and other bloggers so I had an idea where we wanted to go. We stayed at the Hotel Monaco which was awesome. The decor is unique, they are pet friendly, and even have a free wine hour (come to mamma). Our hotel also had a free rental bike program which helped us bop around the city. 

If you're in Portland, check these out: 

Vooodoo Doughnuts // This is a must in Portland but be ready to wait in line. Also, there is a homeless shelter near by so there are a lot of homeless people around the shop.

Bijou Cafe // This is located near Voodoo Doughnuts and it is amazing. There will be a wait on the weekends, but its worth it. Fresh ingredients & the best biscuits & gravy I've ever had.... (queue the drool from my mouth)

Imperial // Located in downtown, we stumbled in here for breakfast one day. The corn cakes were so yummy it's silly.

Salt & Straw // All I have to say is that I am very upset that there isn't a location in Arizona. --You need to try this, enough said.

Ace Hotel // Shown in the photos above. A funky boutique hotel that is a must to see. People are lounging drinking their coffee and reading the paper. Also, there is a photobooth located in the lobby of the hotel that is a perfect excuse to take funny photos.

Stumptown Coffee // Portland has great coffee but this is the signature brew that you shouldn't miss. They have locations throughout the city but we stopped by the one right next to the Ace Hotel. 

Zenny & Zuke's // This is located right down the block from the Ace Hotel. We were hangry the morning we stopped by the Ace Hotel and we picked this place on a whim. The fresh ingredients didn't disappoint and I would love to come here again. 

Portland City Grill // This has a great view of the city! We stopped in here Friday afternoon for drinks and appz.

Deschutes Brewery // My dad loves their beer so we were happy to find out that they are located in Portland. Also, their food is pretty tasty and pairs perfectly with their brews.

Yo Vintage // Just one of the cute vintage shops we stumbled upon on Burnside St.

Henry's Tavern // A perfect spot to grab great lunch and watch Sunday football.

Imogene + Willie // Denim lovers haven.

Tanner Goods // Not quite like Jimmy Fallon's leeeattthherman but it's pretty good. ;)

Also, every where we had breakfast was amazzing. I couldn't get over the food...hence the earth shaking when I got back home. I would recommend anyone to head to Portland for a weekend getaway. It's a perfect excuse to eat, drink, and create memories. 

FRIDAY FINDS // HALLOWEEN

HAPPY HALLOWEEN Bo0o0o0WwwW-utiful babes. So, did you decide to dress up? Or are you planning to stay in and pass out candy?! There are tons of events going on around Phoenix so I thought I would give you some ideas on what the heck to do tonight. If you haven't already made up your mind, don't you worry-I've got ya covered. Notice, they're no scary movies on this list because well, I don't like them and so I'm not going to encourage watching them...case closed. 

1 // Halloween Haunted Hotel Ball -- There will be three different rooms set up in the hotel playing different types of music, so you can pop around and mix up your night all in one location. Also, the party continues on Saturday at the pool! Woo! I would recommend staying at the hotel and making a weekend of it.

2 // Crescent ballroom -- This is the best venue in downtown Phoenix and they have a Halloween bash every year! It's only 5 bucks but you must be wearing a costume. So throw on a suit and some kitten ears and be a #uberkitten, but don't forget to bring some water to pass out.  

3 // Pass out candy -- Don't be scrooge this Halloween and lock all your doors and turn off the lights. (BOOO) If you don't have decorations set up, don't worry-- the kids won't mind. Grab some candy and pizza and wine for yourself and call it a night. 

4 // Dance your pants off -- Brew up some holiday cocktails & dance to the monster mash. #ITWASTHEMASH 

Whatever you do, be safe. Things could get dangerous even if you stay in because those dance moves can get a little scary. 

Stay connected with me this weekend on Instagram, & have a fab weekend! xoxo 

JOE'S BOOTIES

Booties // Pants // Top- Zara old (similar here)

Provide people with the unexpected. 

FRIDAY FINDS // PHOENIX EVENTS

If you live in Phoenix, it is no secret that October tends to be the month that is jammed packed with events. I feel like every weekend there is something to do! I just wished there were more Saturdays in October. Pumpkin patches, weddings, festivals, and local events start to take over my calendar in the fall. However, what do you expect? The weather is finally bearable therefore, we have to take advantage!

Today, I wanted to share with you two of my favorite events coming up this weekend, the Arizona Taco Festival and Pineapple Triangles, AZ Share That You Care event.

First, let's talk tacos. I love tacos. Beef tacos, chicken tacos, pork tacos, veggies tacos... you know name it and I'll probably want it in my belly. Brandon and I make tacos at home at least once a week. They are simple and easy to throw together yet, you can get really creative with them. Full disclosure, I have never attended the festival yet, it sounds blissful. My favorite foods groups are tacos, chips, and margs so this festival just speaks to me. So if you are looking for something different and not too expensive (only $2 tacos!) than you need to head over to the Arizona Taco Festival this weekend. 

Second, another one of my favorite events is put together from the ladies of Pineapple Triangle. Remember when I went to their event earlier this year? Well, they are throwing a bigger event this Saturday. The ladies of Pineapple Triangle are committed to bring local artists and the community together in their AZ Share That You Care event. A portion of the proceeds go to the local artists choice therefore you can shop and help out some great causes! This will be a perfect October Saturday because there will be live music, a food truck, and shopping. Be sure to check out this lovely event and help support our local artists. 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and thanks for reading! xxoo

FRIDAY FINDS // PEPPER

My family and I spend every Sunday morning having breakfast at The Breakfast Club in Old Town Scottsdale. Most of the time Brandon and I drag our butts out of bed and drive down there with our minds still hazy from the night before. 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning is just early and sometimes it feels like it should be illegal. However, on the rare occasion that we are feeling chipper and overly caffeinated I tend to pay more attention to my surrounds. A couple of weeks ago on one of these Sunday morning drives, we passed a little boutique called Pepper. I asked Brandon, "Pepper? Do you know anything about that place?" Brandon shook is head, and I couldn't help but begin to feel giddy and excited. 

Did I just see a Show Me Your Mumu sign on the outside of that place? And a cute little bicycle? Yup, yes you did Martha. 

So a few google searches and emails later, I was at the store meeting owner Cathy. Let's just start out by saying, Cathy is a badass. She has her masters in psychology so she is a therapist, runs the store, and helps her mom through chemo. Despite having so much on her plate she seems to have a good team helping her out because the store is fantastic. Pepper (named after her dog) is the store that Arizona was craving. They have good quality clothing at reasonable prices. The vibe is boho, "California cool," and casual and I'm not mad about it. You can tell that Cathy's past work experiences from Nordstrom, Free People, and Rachel Pally have helped Pepper come to fruition. Besides the awesome clothing at awesome prices, Cathy told me that her and her team really try to buy items that are made domestically, ethically, and/or made with a purpose. She said it isn't always plausible with their targeted price point but they try their best. --Horraryy! Also, besides clothing they have local honey (yum) that is made just a couple of miles from the store. Even the wall art is made by a local artist and is for sale. 

To put a cherry on top of this sundae Pepper is having a Girl's Night Out event this Saturday from 4 pm - 6 pm. Free blowouts, gift with purchase, a food truck, and a juice bar...okay do I need to say more?

I hope you have a great weekend, and head over to Pepper for some great shopping! 

Thanks for reading, xoxo

SNAKE BOOT & TOOT

Blouse (Zara-old) // Trousers // Booties- (Sam Edelman-last year) Similar booties here & here // Purse - (Coach-old) 

Short booties are going to be my jam this fall. I love that they are comfortable and not bulky for travel. I got these Sam Edelman snakeskin booties at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last year but I know I will get use out of them this year. It's always risky picking out statement booties like these, but you'll be surprised with how much they go with. I am looking forward to slowly incorporating my ankle booties back into my wardrobe. Arizona still has over a month until it actually 'cools' down so ankle booties are a perfect happy medium. 

What are you doing to transfer into fall? Spill the beans, please! Ha!

xoxo

GAME DAY ATTIRE PART 2

Broncos Tee // Boyfriend Shorts // Orange Shoes // Converse // Necklace // Cardinals Tee // Jeans // Flats

Good Monday morning! I'm still on a high that the Arizona Cardinals are now 3-0! Well, since we are on the subject of football, here is my Game Day Attire Part 2. This blog post was recently featured on my friends blog, The Story of My Life. Annie is a sorority sister of mine and her blog is one you don't want to miss. She shares life experiences that most of us are too embarrassed to talk about and doesn't apologize for it. 

Remember when Kristin Cavallari debuted a women’s NFL clothing line? For once we were given the opportunity to not look totally tacky while cheering for our favorite football team. However, the excitement ended quickly as the clothing was never actually available for sale. Hmm... rude Kristin, you're still hot though and we forgive you. So we were left at square one to rummage through local sport stores to find that perfect game time attire. However, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to avoid looking like a total bag, because trust me, we've all seen it happen. Most of the time while I'm cheering (more like boozing) on my favorite team I'm headed to the local bars. 

Therefore, today I've put together a couple of looks that are casual but you can play around with them. The best part of rooting on a team is that you get to play with their team colors. For example, these orange Steve Madden sneakers are shoes I wouldn't normally wear but these are perfect for a Denver Bronco fan. If you cheer for a team with red in their colors, slap on a red lip.  Also, you can fit your team colors within your accessories such as a purse or a chunky necklace. I tend to stray away from team shops or sports stores, and I find my favorite sporting shirts at Junk Food, Old Navy, Target, Victoria Secret, and Chicka-D. 

A few of my fashion don'ts while chugging down vodka waters at the bar while "cheering" on your favorite team are: 

-       Cutting shirts // I'm not against cutting an old shirt (as you can see in Thursdays post) but just be careful because you're not on frat row anymore. Sometimes when you cut the shirt too much you just look juvenile.

-       Team Colors vs. Skin Color // Just because your team is Gold and Maroon doesn't mean you need to wear Gold, because well...it doesn't look great on everyone. 

-       No Jewels on the Shirt // Get you bedazzle on with accessories like a chunky necklace, an arm party or sunglasses.

Watching a game at a bar or at a friends house can be tricky but don’t be afraid to play around with your look. Also, the chances of you having dirty hair from your Friday or Saturday night are high, so make use of it. This is the perfect time to play around with that hairstyle you found on Pinterest months ago.

Thoughts on heels? I’m all for a chunky wedge or ankle bootie, but keep the stilettos for the club. Remember, whatever you wear you want to make sure you can still hang with the boys. 

GAME DAY ATTIRE PART 1

Skirt -- Similar // Top -- similar (ish) // Shoes // Sunnies // Clutch - Very Similar 

I have gone to my fair share of football games or bars to know what is worthy of wearing while you are cheering on your favorite sports team. While getting ready for an event my thoughts tend to run like this... 

-Ugh, that shirt is too frumpy

-Nooo, can't wear that because it would look better with shorts, and my legs?  I didn't shave or tan my legs so I have to wear pants. 

-Noope, can't wear that-my arms, I mean have you seen these arms lately? 

-Should I wear a hat? Hmm..maybe but what shirt do I wear with the hat? Nope, no shirt to match so the hat is out. 

Okay, I think you get the picture and yes I could go on and on. Well, I have gathered a few of my tips and tricks while cheering or boozing on your favorite sports team. BUT, you'll have to wait to see those tips in Part 2 of my Game Day Attire series. For now, you are presented with me from Saturday, looking like a fat cheerleader who didn't make the squad. 

RAIN BOOTS

Boots // Jeans // Top // Flannel-- Similar  // Sunnies 

If you follow me on Twitter you know I have been on a serious Game of Thrones binge lately. We started the series just a couple of weeks ago and are already finished with season 4. Once you binge watch a show like this it starts trickling into your real life. Brandon and I are often found calling each other your grace, my lady, or my lord. So if you are stopping by any time soon to our humble abode make sure you call us by the correct names. 

All joking aside, it rained in Arizona on Monday, like real hard. We woke up at 2:45 a.m. on Monday to howling winds and pouring down rain. At 2:50 a.m. we realized, OH CRAP! We left our DIY project on the porch in the backyard. Luckily, we saved our project and it ended up perfect. I will post photos once I'm done styling and it looks Pinterest worthy.  We took Monday off from work due to weather, which gave me the opportunity to rock my Hunter rain boots. I don't get to bust these babies out that often so I take every opportunity I get. 

P.s. The double chin isn't for sale... 

OUTFIT REPEATER --UT OHH

Top // Skirt // Chunky Necklace - Similar // Gold Necklace // Lips 

The statement of my blog is that I hope to inspire my readers to mix up their clothes in their closet and to explore their local city. This outfit is a prime example of mixing clothing items laying in your closet. I wore this shirt here and the skirt with the matching top here. The best part of matching co-ords is that they can be worn multiple ways. We spontaneously met my parents for dinner on Saturday night at the Montelucia Resort. I had to get out of the house quickly and somehow pulled this outfit out of my butt. When you have to make quick decisions sometimes you get the best results. 

P.s. The skirt & shirt I'm wearing are both on sale! yayy!