Coastal Collective Co.

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Life Talk: New Beginnings

Fashion Blog Posts, Life Talk, Fall FashionAnneke McConnell

So I mentioned on Instagram this past week that I had a more personal blog post I wanted to share with you guys. While I mainly stick with interior design and style, I like to get more personal and down to earth with people every now and then. (FYI, new video series IS coming!)

Now recently it was my amazing sister's birthday! Yay!  But this year I felt compelled to go beyond the traditional "Here's a gift and I love you so much!" kind of gift.

The idea of "New Beginnings" is typically reserved for New Year's Resolutions, but the timing of this idea of New Beginnings seemed right to me......to kind of sit down and have a talk with her - a talk together about partnering together and being accountable for New Beginnings in each other's lives on a continuous basis.

When I came across this Lotus Leaf necklace, I knew instantly that this would be the perfect gift not only for her birthday, but as sisters moving forward together with a more raw honesty with each other than we have in the past - true sister's necklace, with very clear meaning behind them.

You know when a good friend is upset about something? It's so easy to be like, "No way. You're amazing! You should have gotten that! I can't believe they said that!"

But an even better friend can get "for real, real" with you and help get you to overcome hurdles, reach your goals, and make positive change in your life.

That's what this means to me and her.

New beginnings.

I love how the box that the necklace comes in says, ".....be reminded of the incredible beauty that can come from change."

But change is so HARD, am I right?!!!  And really, I'm not talking about change in the short term, but the long term.

To see things through with consistency. THAT'S where the good stuff happens!

http://bit.ly/29n2nu8

We've always be honest about our feelings, but this feels like the next step in being part of pushing each other to new heights.  To ask the tough questions and to remind each other why we started and support each other along the way.

I love it. I love her!

It's only been a couple weeks and I'm already SO happy about it! We're texting each other each day checking up and keeping each other accountable.  

If you are looking for New Beginnings in your own life, I'd encourage you to simply ask. Reach out to a friend and ASK. Sure....you don't know what they'll say, but my prayer is that they would be an encouragement to you!

Do you have a friend like this already or looking for something like this in your life???  I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

I will keep you updated on our sister journey together!

 

xo,

Anneke

 

P.S. I can't not say anything today that The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is indeed open to the Public now! #cuetheconfetti! Today is THE day you guys!! I not one to rush you or say things like "obsessed", I'm just stressing that this is a really great sale on pre-season items at post-season prices. >>>>> #winwin <<<<< I'm headed back to shop outerwear (I've got my eye on THIS), workout gear, and I just saw my fave handbag was restocked at the time of posting this!!!  I definitely advise going at it with a plan (do you need loungewear, gifts, new denim or boots? How about home or bath items like comforters (these linen ones are gorgeous), rugs, towels, or frames. One section I'm restraining on is SWEATERS (oh...and jewelry - dang it!) since I live in them here in Seattle all fall, winter, and spring......and let's be honest, the occasional summer evening. ;-)  Ok....enough of that - be sure to check the top left of the navigation of the blog for all #NSALE posts if you'd like a little more direction. :-)

 

Thank you as always for your continued support as I seek to encourage women to be the beauty God made them to be, and nothing less!

 

****The $150 Nordstrom Gift Card Winner is Bianca Copcutt - please email me at coastalcollectiveco@gmail.com

 

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***I am a part of various affiliate programs. What this means is that if you click and/or make a purchase through certain links, I may make a commission from that click and/or purchase.  The price of the item(s) you purchase are the same regardless of whether you click on a link or not. All opinions are my own.

 

 

Using a Coat to Make a Basic Outfit Look Chic and Pulled Together

Fashion Blog Posts, SpringAnneke McConnell

It's no secret that I play the casual game here in the Pacific Northwest region as a stay at home/ work at home mom.  Yes.....I'm ALL about heels and dressing up too!

When it comes to the day to day and I'm wearing a casual look, I have a small arsenal of coats and jackets that I can easily throw on to look more "put together" when going out - even for a quick trip for a lunch date or the grocery store.

 

I can easily go from the above look, throw on a jacket (one of MANY), and go to the look below.

As for outfit details, the creamy lace top is my new go-to for casual days with the kiddos and those sandals are going to be on the repeat! They are pretty comfortable! The everyday trench coat is a little larger than normal, so I'd suggest sizing down. ;-) It's a nice piece for layering as we get closer to Spring!

Another example of going from basic to more chic is when I wear classic distressed denim and a white button up shirt, then when I head out, I throw on this coat for a pop of subtle color, pattern, and texture. Sounds like the designer in me!

I LOVE the zipper detail on this coat! It makes it easy to put on gloves and stay warm. ;-)

As for this outfit's details, the blue plaid coat fit perfectly and felt very comfortable to move in and true to size. The white collared shirt ran very large - it's a boyfriend shirt, so I should have caught on to that! And yes, the black handbag is my go to basic black bag and roomy enough for all the essentials. 

Ok, last quick comparison! Sometimes choosing a contrasting coat in a neutral is all you need. 

All I did here was add a coat! I swear by it!!  Again, the same bag and sandals.  And I love how these black distressed denim jeans fit - it's a struggle to find the right fit for me online, but these fit first try and are true to size. Yes....I'll be checking for a white pair. ;-)

Photography via: Kayla J Photography

 

As we get closer to Spring, there are some great discounts happening all around the internet.  Be sure to check out:

 

ShopBop's sales - up to 70% off

Charlotte Russe - buy one dress, get one for $10

 

Have a beautiful day friends - no matter what season of life you are in, know that you are special and loved!

 

xo,

Anneke

P.S. If you're new to Coastal Collective Co., I'd like to invite you to take The Make It Happen Challenge! It's a FREE 5-Day Video Series I made to help people meet their goals.

>>>>If that sounds like something you're interested in, click HERE

 

Let's Connect!

NOW on Periscope! @annekemcconnell

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@annekemcconnell

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Transition into Spring! One Dress. Three Ways.

Fashion Blog PostsAnneke McConnell

Happy Fashion Friday friends! With Spring just around the corner, I've brainstorming ways to get the most use out of my wardrobe, and hands down layering is going to be key.  I want to get the most use out of my boots, faux fur vests, and cardigans, and I'm sure many of you do as well!

Since I'm not one to wear a dress unless its a maxi dress or cocktail date night dress, I like to figure out multiple ways I can wear one or two pretty spring dresses as the weather warms up.  

 

LOOK ONE:

FLORAL DRESS WITH CASUAL CARDIGAN AND KNEE HIGH BOOTS

I'll be the first to admit I LOVE this cardigan and also own it in navy (no surprise there!).  It is currently under $20, but even at full price it's a great layering piece!

When it's chilly in the mornings, but warms up by the afternoon, it's nice to have a casual cardigan to put on or take off with weather changes.

LOOK TWO:

FLORAL DRESS WITH FAUX FUR VEST AND TAUPE SUEDE HEELS

One Dress. Three Looks

I love how this still has a bit of a Pacific Northwest Winter vibe to it with the touches of black, but that the heels and dress will transition nicely into spring.  The lower heel on these is nice for everyday wear to when you want to look dressier, but are looking for something more than a flat shoe to wear. ;-)

LOOK THREE:

FLORAL DRESS WORN AS SHIRT WITH WHITE DENIM

One of my favorite tricks is to tuck the front of a dress into denim for a completely different look! You can't do this with every dress obviously, but if it's flowy like this swing dress and falls nicely, it can work and nobody will know the difference. ;-)

And by the way, I am LOVING those sandals! Pretty sure they are going to be my go to sandal for Spring. I love my high heel pumps, but when you have a heel like this that wraps across the top of your foot, it makes it easier to walk in. Plus the height on these isn't too crazy, so they still feel "mommy friendly" when on the go with the kiddos. 

Photography via: Kayla J Photography

I hope this helps you as you are planning outfits and transitioning into Spring weather, not to mention wedding season!  

 

xo,

Anneke

P.S. If you're new to Coastal Collective Co., I'd like to invite you to take The Make It Happen Challenge! It's a FREE 5-Day Video Series I made to help people meet their goals.

>>>>If that sounds like something you're interested in, click HERE

 

Let's Connect!

NOW on Periscope! @annekemcconnell

Follow along on Facebook

Follow along on instagram at:

@annekemcconnell

@coastalcollectivestyle

@coastalinteriors

 

Valentine's Day Outfit Ideas

Relationships, Valentine's DayAnneke McConnell

Valentine's Day is by FAR one of my favorites!  I love, love LOVE dressing up whenever I can, and Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to go out on a date with my husband.  After 13 years of marriage, I can say with confidence, "Keep dating each other!".

So even when our kiddos were little and it was a "date night in", after they went to bed we could have a fancy dinner to ourselves, usually involving salmon!  It meant a lot to me even in those years with toddlers to get all dressed up.

We do a lot of fun things as a family, but today's blog post is all about outfit ideas for YOU, with a little casual outfit thrown in there too, because yes, movie marathons and strawberries and chocolate on the couch together counts as celebrating Valentine's Day. 

 

 

 

A Lighter Pink Look For Valentine's Day

SOME OTHER OPTIONS

Wherever you celebrate Valentine's Day this year, I hope that it is filled with love, and that you have the confidence to be yourself with those who love and care about you!

 

xo,

Anneke

P.S. If you're new to Coastal Collective Co., I'd like to invite you to take The Make It Happen Challenge! It's a FREE 5-Day Video Series I made to help people meet their goals.

>>>>If that sounds like something you're interested in, click HERE.

Let's Connect!

NOW on Periscope! @annekemcconnell

Follow along on Facebook

Follow along on instagram at:

@annekemcconnell

@coastalcollectivestyle

@coastalinteriors