My Fall Fashion Musts

Midwest falls are gorgeous. They’re the reason we live through 4-6 months of winter (6 if you’re in Minnesota). And this fall I really wanted to be mindful of selecting a few outfits (no pants cutting off circulation in my mamabelly!) and accessories that can go with my #mamacasual trend. Forever.

We are just coming off a weekend away at the Lodge, our family country home an hour away, and this time I didn’t have to pack a ton of sweatpants because I had this small stack of fall capsule wardrobe musts that could roam around outside with the kids, lounge inside, and even go to church.

wrist watch c/o JORD

I’m working on not being on my phone all the time (especially out at the Lodge), but haven’t had a wrist watch since the 10th grade. That one was definitely plastic and rubber and for timing track meets. I hadn’t found a watch that wasn’t clunky and looked like I was an investment banker (sorry, big metal watches: not my look).

JORD (pronounced “y-ord”) sent this watch. Insta-love. The wrist size is custom-measured and the lightweight wood doesn’t chafe or rub when I rotated my wrist (every two seconds to pick someone or something up). I have received so many compliments! It’s really beautiful.

I chose the Cora with Zebrawood & Turqoise. But it was a close tie with the Fieldcrest Green Sandalwood one. And I kinda want to get this one from their men’s selection for my husband because a percentage of proceeds go to the Pujols Foundations (providing support and meeting the needs for children with trisomy 21) and he’s a baseball nut.

Their collections are all wooden and handmade in the U.S.A. Modern but with a natural emphasis and look. My kinda company. Use code “wholeparentingfamily” for 10% off till November 9!

Punjami pants and her tee c/o Sudara

Sudara is an outstanding company that partners with women and children escaping sex trafficking, giving them a craft and skill in learning to be a seamstress, and therefore financial freedom and independence. When I saw them while browsing online, I contacted them and asked to partner with them to spread the news.

Sudara means beautiful in Sanskrit. They not only provide jobs and training for women but also their nonprofit wing provides housing and education. Ladies!!! Can you imagine if our own daughters had no opportunities, no choices, and were imprisoned as sex slaves? I want freedom and education for my daughter. I know you do too. Read more about their program here.

The punjammis are comfortable enough to lounge and stylish enough to go out–the bottoms are so festive! The styles are gorgeous and limited so snag them if you see one you love! And my daughter loves her tee!

The print I’m wearing is on sale. But these ones really grabbed my eye for fall and yes, I totally want to do mother//daughter matching at some point.

his sweater: Merino Kids {not available: similar here}
his leggings: Whole Parenting Goods
his shoes: Bogs via Zulily
my sweater: similar
bag: Rosie in Camel c/o Lily Jade

The kids cannot get enough of this bag. My five year old insists it’s a “Mary Poppins” bag because it can fit so much. When I packed for the Lodge this go ’round, it was the only bag I needed for my things. An internal magnetic snap keeps things from shifting too high up, the arching top means you can stuff it to the gills, and the side zipper pockets mean nothing, nothing can slide out, thank God. The hardware is substantial and easily zips single-handed.

I still love my Madeline and keep it packed in the cupboard for any kid-outings that require things like my daughter’s must haves (scraps of paper, a few pencils, and two balls of yarn). That one is great for backpack use, too, if I know I’ll need my shoulders free.

This one is new in their line as well and I’m kinda eyeing it for my sister? Or maybe this one. She doesn’t even have kids. That’s the Lily-Jade beauty: it’s a designer bag that doubles as a diaper bag if you need it to.

glasses: c/o Firmoo.
hoodie: American Giant
denim: Anthropologie (similar)
boots: Bogs via Zulily

And quick last are comfiest casuals I wear almost every day. The hoodie was a gift from my sister (it’s fitted and heavy and keeps its shape well) the jeans from my mom (and they stretch in all the right mamacurve place and I hate jean shopping), and I picked up the boots a few weeks ago (and wear them hiking!).

An aside on Firmoo, the online glasses company with easy ordering. I’ve done a full review before, but want to rave a little about their customer service with this new pair. I added an adjustment on my prescription and they double-checked with me to see if it was in error or intentional. Thanks for checking, ladies!

I wear them everyday and the lightweight plastic means no headaches, and yet I get smacked in the face (regularly by my toddler), they are strong enough to take it. Affordable and easy to buy. They have new arrivals all the time like this one that I really like but could never pull off. First time buyers, 15% off!

So there you go. Life in the country. With a few fall must haves by Nell. I hope some of this inspires you to clear out the wardrobe and find a few pieces that actually fit and you want to wear. I’m much happier in fewer, but more comfortable, articles of clothing.