What's up Wednesday

what I'm eating this week...

This week is one of my favorite weeks of the year, & thought it looks much different than we had expected, I'm still reminding myself of all of the things I'm thankful for. On the menu for Thanksgiving:

my Dad is going to try his hand at smoking a turkey!
the Pioneer Woman's mashed potatoes (they are the absolute best, especially with homemade noodles)
stuffing
green bean casserole
mashed sweet potatoes
dinner rolls
pumpkin dessert

Okay well typing all of that up just made my mouth water so I ought to share one of my all time favorite Thanksgiving memes lol!

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what I'm loving...

A couple of weeks ago, I received a little surprise package from one of my absolute favorite Etsy shops, The Jewelry Standard, where I get a lot of my dainty gold jewelry! I’m sure you’ve seen me post about my initial necklace because it is one of my absolute favorite pieces & I literally wear it every single day. She sent me two new necklaces & I seriously could not wait to share them with y’all! I absolutely love to experience women supporting women!

First up is this small stone necklace! This one is really sweet & kind of reminds me of Kendra Scott necklaces, but it’s quite a bit smaller & has a different shape, plus the stone is more translucent. The color of stone is called mint & I got the 16 inch chain.

The second piece she sent me is this plain + simple mini gold coin necklace. She actually made this one specially for me because I had told her I was wanting something plain that would be perfect for layering, & she did just that! So, if you want this same necklace, you can use the link above, but just let her know in the messages that you’d like a plain gold coin like Simply Small Town & she’ll know what to do. ;) This is the 17 inch chain.

I thought I would share all three of my necklaces from The Jewelry Standard layered together because this is how I see myself wearing them! Their simplicity makes it so that they’re not too distracting & that is definitely my style when it comes to jewelry.

what I'm watching / reading...

I FINALLY took the CPCE (counselor preparation comprehensive examination) & PASSED! I was getting so tired of only reading study guides & flash cards. Clearly I missed reading regular books because I read half of Nicholas Spark's novel, A Bend in the Road, the same weekend that I took the exam lol. Look for my monthly book review in the next couple of weeks!

As for what I've been watching lately, I quickly went through the short series called Selling Sunset on Netflix. The episodes are only like twenty minutes so I blew through them -- I like to have something on in the background when I'm cleaning / making dinner, etc. Selling Sunset is a reality series about a brokerage in LA where the realtors sell million dollar homes. It's pretty cool because you get to go on house tours with the clients & see absolutely gorgeous mansions of all different styles.

Just a warning, there's quite a bit of language (& they don't bleep it out as the show goes on).

what I'm listening to...

I've been seeing a lot of posts lately about people decorating for Christmas early because they're in need of some holiday cheer, so I thought why not listen to some Christmas pop on spotify lol. This is my favorite Christmas station -- it's got all the best artists (Justin Bieber, Jonas Brothers, Pentatonix)... what more could I ask for?! ;)

what I'm dreading vs. what I'm excited about...

My school district chose to extend our Thanksgiving break by about a week (we're not even going remote during that time). I'm a first year school counselor in a middle school & this is the longest period of time that I've been away from my students since we met in early September. I have a lot of mixed feelings about it if I'm being honest. On one hand, I am a weary educator (& I know I'm not alone in this) & am incredibly thankful for the break. On the other hand, I can't get my mind off of my students. How are they, what're they doing, are they being fed? So for this section of the post, I'm very excited for our break to be over so that I can see my students again, but I'm also dreading the stories that I know they will bring with them.

what I'm wearing...

amazon...

It's probably too cold to wear this now, but I saw a coach wearing a skirt like this with her team's t-shirt during volleyball season & I thought it was the cutest idea. This skirt comes with built in shorts (that are more like spandex) which I was really thankful for. The waist band fits a bit oversized, but the rest was great! I should have sized down one.

above picture details linked here:black tennis skirt / grey mesh sneakers / favorite comfy padded bra / trestique lip glaze (color is called “english rose”) / dark purple fingernail polish (shade is called “double take”) / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

Y'all know how much I love my stripes! The great thing about this grey & white striped hoodie is that it's the perfect piece to be dressed up or dressed down. Here I paired it with my favorite leggings & adidas sneakers, but it looks great with jeans too! It has a v-neck detailing, but it's not deep enough that you'd have to wear a t-shirt or tank underneath (I put it on with my favorite layering t-shirt underneath just so you can see what it looks like)! Super soft & fits true to size.

above picture details linked here:grey & white striped v-neck hoodie / white layering t-shirt / black seamless leggings / adidas sneakers / dark purple fingernail polish (shade is called “double take”) / dainty gold initial necklace / trestique lip glaze (color is called “english rose”) / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

above picture details linked here:sherbert green sweater / dark wash jeans / gold bubble bracelets / dainty gold initial necklace / light suede booties / cream + ivory bracelet set / tan leather apple watch band / favorite comfy padded bra / trestique lip glaze (color is called “english rose”) / dark purple fingernail polish (shade is called “double take”) / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

Okay this brick red striped sweater speaks for itself & really doesn't even need me to tell you how great it is because I mean come on just look at it -- it's darling! It definitely fits oversized & the neck is a little bit wide. The material isn't the softest that I've ever felt, but it's definitely not itchy. Plus the cuteness was worth it for me!

above picture details linked here:brick red striped sweater / light wash jeans / gold bubble bracelets / dainty gold initial necklace / light suede booties / cream + ivory bracelet set / tan leather apple watch band / favorite comfy padded bra / trestique lip glaze (color is called “english rose”) / dark purple fingernail polish (shade is called “double take”) / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

Hehehe yes, more stripes! I've really been into neutrals lately & this one is perfect. I will say that it fits very short, like would honestly be almost a cropped sweater on some people. I have a super short abdomen, so it fits me really well & lays right at my hips. Even though it's cream, it's not see through at all -- the stitching & material is very nice!

above picture details linked here:cream striped sweater / dark wash jeans / gold bubble bracelets / dainty gold initial necklace / light suede booties / cream + ivory bracelet set / tan leather apple watch band / favorite comfy padded bra / dark purple fingernail polish (shade is called “double take”) / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

The comfiest outfit for a November Monday! I've had this grey plaid pumpkin tee since last fall & it's one of my favorites! Fits true to size & is super soft. My fringe cardigan is actually from the little girl's section at Old Navy lol. I got it in a large & typically wear a small or medium in women's (just for a size reference). Linen pants are my go-to when I want to be comfy! These ones are from Cotton On & aren't available anymore, but I'll link a similar pair here!

above picture details linked here:grey plaid pumpkin tee / rust orange fringe cardigan / Steve Madden tan suede mules / favorite comfy padded bra / leopard apple watch band / plain + simple mini gold coin necklace / black linen pants dupe / grey fingernail shellac polish (#3117) / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

Y'all know I like my clothes to be somewhat oversized -- it's just a personal preference. So of course I'm all over ponchos, especially this mustard one from Amazon! A secret about this top is that it actually doesn't have arm holes. I know, sounds pretty bizarre, but the material is a really thick & heavy material so the way it lays, you don't even need to have your arms in holes to keep it in place. My favorite way to wear ponchos is with a slim fit black + white striped long sleeve underneath & with either jeans or leggings. All about the cute + comfy look!

above picture details linked here:slim fit black + white striped long sleeve / mustard poncho / Steve Madden leopard mules / dark wash jeans / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / dark purple fingernail polish (shade is called “double take”) / gold bubble bracelets / cream + ivory + black bracelet set / tan leather apple watch band / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

It's starting to get pretty darn chilly so I can finally wear this super cute cheetah beanie!! The pattern is kind of blocky which I like because it's different. Of course it has a cute little fluffy black pom on the top. This beanie does come in other colors & prints as well!

above picture details linked here:cheetah beanie / black sweater / dainty gold mini coin necklace / gold bubble bracelets / cream + ivory + black bracelet set / tan leather apple watch band / favorite comfy padded bra / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / grey fingernail shellac polish (#3117) / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

It's kind of hard to tell with this deep rust orange sweater, but it has little knitted hearts scattered around it. I thought the simple detailing was really sweet & different than the rest of the sweaters in my closet. It definitely fits oversized, mostly just in length. This will be super cute for Valentine's season!

above picture details linked here:deep rust orange heart sweater / light wash jeans / Steve Madden tan suede mules / dainty gold mini coin necklace / gold bubble bracelets / cream + ivory + black bracelet set / tan leather apple watch band / favorite comfy padded bra / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / grey fingernail shellac polish (#3117) / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

Okay the next two sweaters are fails for me because they're WAAAAY oversized lol. I still wanted to share them & how I'd style them because if you're taller than 4'11" they'd probably be darling on you! Both sweaters come in other color options as well.

above picture details linked here:oversized colorblock sweater / black seamless leggings / Steve Madden tan suede mules / dainty gold mini coin necklace / gold bubble bracelets / cream + ivory + black bracelet set / tan leather apple watch band / favorite comfy padded bra / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / grey fingernail shellac polish (#3117) / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

above picture details linked here:black + tan striped oversized tunic sweater / black seamless leggings / Steve Madden tan suede mules / dainty gold mini coin necklace / gold bubble bracelets / cream + ivory + black bracelet set / tan leather apple watch band / favorite comfy padded bra / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / grey fingernail shellac polish (#3117) / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

walmart...

A couple of weekends ago, I spent the afternoon with my mom & dad walking around Hobby Lobby & Target looking at all the cute thanksgiving + Christmas decor & getting some major inspo! I wanted to share the CUTEST little camel leather backpack ever!!! I love how casual it is & easy to use when I don't feel like wearing a purse -- perfect for days where you're out & about! Plus, the inside material is darling. The best part? It's only $22 from Walmart!!

Okay this orange lounge set does not come together which I thought was kind of annoying in the beginning, but after seeing how each piece works so well on its own, I totally see why. The material is SO SO soft & smooth & everything that I look for in a lounge set. The bottoms are a jogger style & have a functional drawstring at the waist. The top is a cowl neck / hoodie style & want to hear something super cool (but also sad) about it? It comes with a built in gaiter so you don't have to worry about bringing a mask with you when you go out in public! Genius (unfortunately).

above picture details linked here:orange tie dye lounge hoodie / orange tie dye lounge joggers / white rubber birkenstocks / black seamless leggings / favorite white layering t-shirt / white apple watch band / dark purple fingernail polish (shade is called “double take”) / dainty gold initial necklace / trestique lip glaze (color is called “english rose”) / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

Two of my favorite words: chenille & joggers. Oh yes. Y'all these are the warmest + softest joggers ever! & they're only $11!!! I should've sized down in these because they're just so stretchy that I have some extra room, but the functional drawstring at the waist helps.

above picture details linked here:purple chenille joggers / white rubber birkenstocks / favorite white layering t-shirt / white apple watch band / dark purple fingernail polish (shade is called “double take”) / dainty gold initial necklace / trestique lip glaze (color is called “english rose”) / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

Again, definitely should've sized down in these. In general, I like for my clothes, especially my comfies, to be a bit oversized & loose. These two joggers actually come in a set together for less than $20! There are a couple other color options, but I of course had to get the leopard pair. Super silky soft!

above picture details linked here:neutral jogger set / white rubber birkenstocks / favorite white layering t-shirt / white apple watch band / dark purple fingernail polish (shade is called “double take”) / dainty gold initial necklace / trestique lip glaze (color is called “english rose”) / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

The majority of my closet consists of neutrals so when I found this soft pink turtleneck, I knew I needed to try it to branch out & I'm so stinking glad I did! Walmart consistently surprises me with the price & quality of their clothing & this piece is no different. Great booty coverage & incredibly soft. Comes in a few other colors as well!

above picture details linked here:pink turtleneck / light wash jeans / Steve Madden tan suede mules / trestique lip glaze (color is called “english rose”) / gold bubble bracelets / dainty gold initial necklace / cream + ivory bracelet set / tan leather apple watch band / favorite comfy padded bra / dark purple fingernail polish (shade is called “double take”) / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

target...

The cutest little assorted pumpkins t-shirt ever! It fits a little small, but isn't see through at all. Fall is my absolute favorite season so of course I love all of the cute outfits that I get to wear for it. Also, my rust orange pants are corduroy skinny jeans -- how fun is that! I should have sized down in them so I ordered a new pair because I don't have any other pants that are this color, much less that are corduroy. Love this outfit paired together! Both the top & bottoms are from Target.

above picture details linked here:assorted pumpkins t-shirt / rust orange corduroy skinny jeans / gold bubble bracelets / dainty gold initial necklace / cream + ivory bracelet set / tan leather apple watch band / Steve Madden tan suede mules / favorite comfy padded bra / trestique lip glaze (color is called “english rose”) / dark purple fingernail polish (shade is called “double take”) / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

Okay here are those same orange corduroys but in a smaller size & they fit so much better so I would definitely recommend sizing down!! & how stinking cute is this Thanksgiving theme t-shirt?! Absolutely LOVE it! Super soft, not see through at all, fits small.

above picture details linked here:Thanksgiving theme t-shirt / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / grey fingernail shellac polish (#3117) / plain + simple mini gold coin necklace / rust orange corduroy skinny jeans / gold bubble bracelets / cream + ivory + black bracelet set / tan leather apple watch band / Steve Madden tan suede mules / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

& here's another way to wear these orange corduroy pants in case you're not as much of a t-shirt girl as I am. ;) My all time favorite black sweater!

above picture details linked here:black sweater / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / grey fingernail shellac polish (#3117) / plain + simple mini gold coin necklace / rust orange corduroy skinny jeans / gold bubble bracelets / cream + ivory + black bracelet set / tan leather apple watch band / black lace up flats / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

Another cute t-shirt from Target! This one is assorted cacti. I love the greenery & how easily it can be dressed up or down. Super soft & fits just a little bit small. Brownie points for you, Target!

above picture details linked here:assorted cacti t-shirt / black cardigan / gold bubble bracelets / dainty gold initial necklace / light suede booties / cream + ivory bracelet set / tan leather apple watch band / favorite comfy padded bra / trestique lip glaze (color is called “english rose”) / dark purple fingernail polish (shade is called “double take”) / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

Would you believe me if I told you this lightly worn tiger t-shirt is men's? Well believe me sister! It's super soft & feels like a t-shirt that you've owned for like 10 years. Fits just a tiny bit oversized but I like mine like that! Also, this striped cardigan (from Amazon) is amazing! Super thick & warm & also great quality! Because of the thickness, it does fit a little bit oversized.

above picture details linked here:white adidas tennis shoes / tiger t-shirt / black + white stripe cardigan / black beanie dupe / dainty gold initial necklace / black seamless leggings / cream + ivory bracelet set / tan leather apple watch band / favorite comfy padded bra / trestique lip glaze (color is called “english rose”) / dark purple fingernail polish (shade is called “double take”) / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

Lol this "coffee please" t-shirt pretty much just needs to be hung in my office at school because YES MA'AM! I thought it would be fun to show how easily you can dress down a graphic t-shirt, especially one like this one. Since it's an oatmeal colored shirt with brown writing, I chose to pair it with my favorite seamless leggings, a black cardigan & my leopard golden goose dupes! This t-shirt fits exactly like the assorted pumpkins & assorted cacti t-shirts I shared above.

above picture details linked here:leopard golden goose dupes / "coffee please" t-shirt / black cardigan / dainty gold initial necklace / black seamless leggings / cream + ivory bracelet set / tan leather apple watch band / favorite comfy padded bra / trestique lip glaze (color is called “english rose”) / dark purple fingernail polish (shade is called “double take”) / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

Okay I just got this chenille sweater from Target & immediately after I put it on I checked online to see what other color options they had. Y'all I know I say it all the time but HOLY SOFT!!! This is the dark charcoal color & it comes in a cream color & a light pink color as well. I've seen some reviews from other bloggers that say the cream almost looks dirty-ish because of how soft the material is. I'm wearing a medium here & would say it fits pretty true to size -- I like my sweaters to be a little oversized so that they'll cover my bottom if I choose to wear it with leggings. Only $25 for the softest sweater EVER!

above picture details linked here:chenille sweater / light wash jeans / adidas sneakers / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / grey fingernail shellac polish (#3117) / favorite comfy padded bra / leopard apple watch band / plain + simple mini gold coin necklace / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

Another Target sweater! I just got this in & had to post about it ASAP because the colors are SO Thanksgiving aren't they?! The bottom stripe is a very deep rust / maroon, almost a brown. Obviously a lighter grey in the middle with a thin orange stripe dividing it in two, & then a deep tan color at the top. I'm wearing a size small & would say it fits true to size! The sleeves are straight so it's almost like a bell sleeve, but not quite. The material isn't the softest that I've ever felt, but it's definitely not itchy!

above picture details linked here:Thanksgiving colorblock sweater / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / Steve Madden tan suede mules / light wash jeans / tan leather apple watch band / grey fingernail shellac polish (#3117) / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

Anyone in need of some Christmas jammies? These are golden! This set comes together for $25. I got a size medium, but honestly could've went with a small because the top is pretty big. It's a thermal material & honestly seems nice enough that you could wear it with jeans & a vest lol. The material is actually pretty thin which is kind of nice because you won't get too hot at night. My sisters got these in they grey star pattern & love them!

above picture details linked here:thermal pj set / lip color (shade is called “girl power”) / favorite comfy padded bra / plain + simple mini gold coin necklace / grey fingernail shellac polish (#3117) / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

Okay I saw this frilly-sleeved sweater on some other influencers & thought it was too cute not to try it myself & if I'm being 100% honest, I'm a little bit conflicted. The material is great & I would say it fits true to size. I would say that my style is pretty subtle & this might be a little too 'out there' for me? I just feel a little bit like a stegosaurus (that dinosaur with spikes on its back lol) & ever since I had that thought I can't get it out of my head & can't unsee it. I still think this sweater could be super cute, but I don't think it's for me. Still wanted to share just in case you're interested! But I think it's important that I'm honest & authentic in my reviews.

above picture details linked here:frilly-sleeved tan sweater / Steve Madden leopard mules / trestique lip glaze (color is called “english rose”) / dark wash jeans / gold bubble bracelets / dainty gold initial necklace / cream + ivory bracelet set / tan leather apple watch band / favorite comfy padded bra / dark purple fingernail polish (shade is called “double take”) / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

Okay this top is the most darling + feminine blouse I think I've ever gotten from Target. The waist line cinches at the perfect place & then flares out just a bit at the bottom to really give the impression of a thin waist -- so incredibly flattering! Plus the subtle balloon sleeve is adorable as well. This pattern is everything. I paired it with navy pixie pants (my go-to work pants) & some mules. This outfit is just so stinking precious -- there's nothing I don't like about it!!!

above picture details linked here:navy floral blouse / navy pixie pants / gold floral detail earrings / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / dark purple fingernail polish (shade is called “double take”) / dainty gold initial necklace / Steve Madden tan suede mules / gold bubble bracelets / cream + ivory + black bracelet set / tan leather apple watch band / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

I was so excited to try on this top that I didn't even fluff it first lol! This material is super nice & (surprisingly) is not see through, which I'm pretty pleased about, & it is true to size. It has a nice high neckline (with a button in the back) & the smocking around the neck / chest / shoulder area is really cute. The sleeves gather towards the end & then have a bit of extra material to create a frill kind of look which is super super cute & feminine! Love this piece!

above picture details linked here:white smocked blouse / dark wash jeans / light suede booties / gold floral detail earrings / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / dark purple fingernail polish (shade is called “double take”) / dainty gold initial necklace / gold bubble bracelets / cream + ivory + black bracelet set / tan leather apple watch band / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

I decided to take a big ole step out of my comfort zone & order these checkered work pants & I'm so glad I did because they surprised the heck out of me! I think they're supposed to be a little bit cropped, but they're not on me... #shortgirlprobs. But I still love them! The waist cinches really nicely & creates a super flattering shape -- even for dress pants! I decided to pair it with my all time favorite black sweater because this is how I pictured wearing it when I ordered it & I love it! I ordered my true size & they fit great.

above picture details linked here:black sweater / black + white checkered pants / black lace up flats / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / dark purple fingernail polish (shade is called “double take”) / gold bubble bracelets / cream + ivory + black bracelet set / tan leather apple watch band / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

How fun is this cream fringe sweater?! I truly have not seen anything else like it & that's part of what makes it so fun. It's a very thick knitted material that has a few different places of fringe. I absolutely love the fringe look -- on clothing & in home decor. This sweater fits true to size. The bottom hem sits right on my hips & the sleeves are somewhat balloon. I just think this sweater is so different & so fun!

above picture details linked here:cream fringe sweater / dark wash jeans / light suede booties / dainty gold mini coin necklace / gold bubble bracelets / cream + ivory + black bracelet set / tan leather apple watch band / favorite comfy padded bra / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / grey fingernail shellac polish (#3117) / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

This sweater is a bit more casual. The color is a really soft violet & it's super pretty. The majority of my closet is neutrals so I branched out by getting this sweater in this color! It does have a v-neck, but it's not too deep. There are some cute hole details towards the wrist of each sleeve. It fits true to size & is super soft!