5 Ways to Rock a Leopard Print Blazer

Leopard print is so on trend right now. And, if you treat it like a neutral, it's so versatile and easy to wear. In today's post, I'd like to share five different ways to rock a leopard print blazer. These outfit ideas only scratch the surface of the countless ways you can style a statement blazer. I invite you to use this post as your inspiration to create a new look.

LOOK 1: black shorts with a graphic top

For my first look, I paired my leopard blazer with black shorts and a short sleeve graphic sweater. I kept my entire base black for a clean, polished look. The flower graphic and leopard print really pops - think about Dolce & Gabbana... they are known for leopard and flowers. Throw on a pair of dressy sandals and a black bag, and you're all set for a fun casual date night, drinks with the girls, or even book club.

LOOK 2: lace bralette and leather pants

This next look is perfect for date night. Throw on a pretty black lace bralette or cami with a pair of black leather pants and button up your blazer for a sexy sophisticated look. Killer heels and a black clutch finish off my ensemble. Keeping your entire base black, try changing this outfit up with a bright heel or fun clutch. How cute and unpredictable would fluorescent pumps be! Remember - your leopard blazer is like a neutral. Don't be afraid of the print. Lastly, I layered on some chains for a little added sparkle.

LOOK 3: dress and booties

Wear this look to the office, church, brunch, a shower, and more. Paired with a simple black dress, you will look classy and sophisticated. I decided to belt my dress for an added pop. Throw on a cute pair of black booties and black handbag, and you're ready to go. Just like my last look - if you keep your base black, try adding a pop of color to your booties or handbag. Likewise, throw on a colored dress - red, pink, blue... whatever, and pair with your black booties and handbag for a classy cool look that's totally on trend. Another idea - wear everything in one monochromatic color and toss on your leopard blazer. Fabulous.

LOOK 4: turtleneck and pants

For this look, I wore a black turtleneck with black ankle cut pants for my base. Remembering my leopard blazer is acting like a neutral, I added a pop of color with my shoes and handbag. Look at how busy my bag is... and it totally works. Don't be afraid of adding a fun artistic graphic to your outfit. I also threw on a fun chain belt to break up my black base. The white pearls coordinate with my handbag, tying my entire outfit together. Wear this to the office or a fun night out. Again, the look is classy, cool, and on trend. You can't go wrong.

LOOK 5: T-shirt and cutoffs

For my final look, I threw on a white graphic tee, cutoffs, and a pair of white sneakers. I added a black belt for a more polished look. Grab a cute backpack, and you have a casual cool outfit perfect for daytime errands, eating out with the kids, or whatever life throws at you.

During this #stayhome quarantine we're all living in, take some time and explore your closet for new ways to style those statement pieces you already own. Whether it's a plaid blazer or floral jacket, these styling ideas can help you find that perfect outfit. I bet you'll be surprised as to what you come up with. Happy styling!!!

Remember to check out my Instagram @smalltownme

Love Emily.

How we store leftovers at our house...

OK... here's the deal. I'm a mom of three boys - ages 10, 13, and 16. They eat a lot. Constantly. When I cook dinner, I try to make too much. My goal is to have a refrigerator FULL of leftovers. Our family lives on leftovers... and they never go to waste. Honestly, I think it's the way I store them. Whether it's lasagna, enchiladas, meatloaf, or homemade soup, all leftovers get divided into small glass containers and stacked in our refrigerator. These single serve portions act as delicious nutritious snacks mid-day, after school, and even before bed.

In the midst of this COVID_19 pandemic, keeping food on hand is more important then ever. With our entire family stuck at home, it's been amazing just how much food we actually go through.

Last night I made a big pot of white chicken chili... a family favorite around here. I love this recipe because it's easy to make AND it makes a lot. Say hello to a refrigerator full of leftovers!

After I let my chili cool down, I was ready to fill all of my Pyrex containers for leftover snacks and meals. For my chili and soup, I like to use Pyrex 2-cup containers (linked here). They are the perfect size for a bowl of soup. To heat them up, we just pop the lid, gently lay it on top, and microwave until warm. Ahh... the beauty of glass containers! This 2-cup container also offers just enough room for any toppings - super critical when you're having chili!

I also fill up some 1-cup Pyrex containers for smaller portions perfect for my 10-year-old and snacks. (linked here) AND - if you are interested, the rectangular containers I use for lasagna, enchiladas, and more are (linked here).

I hope your leftovers go as quickly as ours do! Happy cooking.

Remember to check out my Instagram @smalltownme

Love Emily.

I'm Back! The top 5 things I'm so glad I brought to Maui:

I'm back from an awesome week in Maui! Packing for a vacation is one thing... you have all these plans in your head... narratives of what you THINK your trip will be like. Items you're so excited to wear...

And then reality. Here are my top 5 things I'm SO HAPPY I packed.

First and foremost... drumroll please: Bacterial wipes. When we left for our trip, people just started talking about the COVID-19 scare. Hand sanitizer was just starting to become scarce, and the aisles of Target were beginning to look empty. At the last minute, I decided to load up a sandwich bag of sanitizing wipes for each member of my family - probably the best impulse move I did the entire trip! We used these wipes at the airport to wipe down the self check-in kiosk, on the plane to wipe down our seat armrests, trays, and tv screens... even in our hotel room for counter tops and our phones. 10 wipes per baggy was more then enough for my family of 5 - THAT's 50 WIPES! We all used these sanitizing wipes so much, that I think they will become a staple for each future trip we take.

Next is my Nikon D3500 camera (linked here). I am not a professional photographer by any stretch. Fancy cameras are so confusing to me - my brain just doesn't go there. I probably use my iPhone for 80% of my pictures... but for that other 20%, this camera is an absolute must! My Nikon is a fancy point and click camera that allows me to take crystal clear action shots of my kids - very rarely do any of them ever turn out blurry or out of focus. For me, this camera had a small learning curve - it has a great automatic function which I use for almost everything. It also has a 'sport mode' that allows you to rapidly take pictures of action shots, 'portrait mode' for an awesome professional look that even I can capture, and a handful of other modes that I'm not an expert at, but enjoy playing around with.

If you have small kids as energetic as mine, PLEASE invest in a good camera - you won't regret it!

Third is my Eric Javits 'Hampton' Straw Sun Hat. I got this one at Nordstrom (linked here). This hat packs really well - I lay it upside down in my suitcase and just pack around it. I think this was the third trip my hat has been on, and it still looks like new. Pretty sure I wore this every day! It kept me shaded from too much sun - and BONUS: looked so cute! Please invest in a good sun hat - your skin and hair will thank you :)

Next up - my Dyson Air Wrap (linked here)! This was an investment, but I seriously use it every single day! I didn't pack the entire kit - only the two 1.6" barrels. I would shower and let my hair almost completely air dry. Then, in less then 10 minutes with my Dyson, I was ready to go with perfect beach waves. I am not a hair stylist what so ever (gasp), but the learning curve with the Dyson Air Wrap is so easy, even I can do it! GET ONE! you won't regret it. #totalgamechanger :)

Lastly, I always pack my Aveda Beautifying Composition Oil (linked here). I add this oil to the hotel lotions for a fragrant spa-like moisturizer. It keeps my sun-kissed skin moisturized and glowing. I also put it in my hair for piecey beachy waves. It's super small and easy to pack. A serious must-have!

When my kid found out what my blog post was going to be about, he said "I know your kids are the most important thing you packed." Yes. Hands down, my boys were the most important thing I brought with me to Maui. They make my entire vacation unforgettable!

Remember to check out my Instagram @smalltownme

Love Emily.