Birthday Love

Now just in case you don't know this about me, I'm obsessed with birthdays, and not just my own. I actually think I like celebrating other friends's and family members' birthdays more because I love finding the perfect gift and waiting for them to open it. Okay that's a lie that I love waiting for them to open it because half the time I end up giving them the present early because I get too excited. I will always have this 5 year old part to myself, and Bill will forever have to deal with it even if he may not share the same affinity for birthdays as yours truly.

Today, I would like to wish my amazing mom a very Happy {29th} Birthday! I can't think of anyone who deserves a more fabulous day and relaxing weekend! Can't wait to celebrate later tonight with a nice little family night filled with good food and board games {Settlers of Catan, anyone?}-Kev, you will be missed.

Other birthday wishes today:

+ Peter- Happy Golden Birthday! Stay safe this weekend, but I hope jorts are involved.

+ Jordan- Happy 3rd anniversary of your 21st birthday! 

Now let's eat some cake! Enjoy your weekends! xo

{image via}

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Protect Your Pumps is the new, easy, and effective way to protect the soles of your high heel shoes.  We've all been there before...you wear your brand new beauties and by the end of the night they look like they've been worn for ten years {this literally just happened with my neon beauties}.

 

Real talk: Regardless of the price or style of your shoe, Protect Your Pumps will help you keep them looking as good as new.  The life of your shoe will also increase, avoiding the cost to have them resoled.  The adhesive is easy to apply and will need to be changed after several wears. Brilliant, right?

 

So to all of those shoe hoarders lovers out there {my obsession began with tennis shoes in middle school and quickly transitioned to black pumps throughout high school and college}, this product is for you!

Protect Your Pumps is so kindly offering A Simple Affair readers 15% off their purchase made today. Just use code 'CARLY' at checkout! Enjoy and happy protecting!

Bloomingdale's Friends and Family Picks

It's that time of the year again. Let the Friends and Family sales begin. I would like to think of myself as someone who can typically find a piece on sale or at least find a coupon code before making a purchase. Ask anyone in my family or my old roommates-they know I really hate paying full price. Hence why I love the F&F events.

1. Vince Coat | 2. Loeffler Randall Booties | 3. Frye Boots | 4. Michael Kors Watch | 5. Coach Boots 

 6. Matt Bernson Booties | 7. Burberry Brit Toggle Coat

In case you couldn't tell, I'm on the hunt for a new, classic pair of boots and some fun booties to get me through the fall and winter. Time to make some decisions...

Use code FRIENDS12 at checkout for 20% off!

Any pieces you have your eye on?

Fall Trend: Leather Panel Leggings

Paige Denim // Club Monaco // Forever 21

I went with the save big time here & I love them. When it comes to trends, I typically tend to purchase something under $50 to make sure I'll actually wear it. In this case it was under $20 so I'll take that as a win.  Can't wait to style them with a knotted blouse or an oversized sweater.

Let's Talk Skin Care

I have had three facials in my life. Two thanks to gift cards and one as part of a bachelorette weekend.  As you can tell, I am not quick to splurge on this type of treatment. Plus I always feel like whatever they tell me is ultimately their way of trying to get me to buy something. And I am so guilty of doing just that without really knowing what the products are even for {ya live and ya learn}. 

This is why I absolutely loved working with Abby a few weeks ago. She talked me through why each product is important and what it does for my skin. She and I also looked at my skin through an amazing contraption that was able to magnify three layers deep. I first saw the dark circles under my eyes {a sign that I don't drink enough water-noted}. I would also place product on half of my face and then look into the magnifier. I could see the visual difference after using the product. It was, for lack of better words, very cool. I thought I would do a roundup of my favorite products and pass along what I learned from Abby.

one // two // three // four

My skin felt like 'butta' after the treatment.

You can place an order through Abby's site or feel free to contact her for more information via her site. 

Abby, I can't thank you enough for how much I learned and for letting me test some products!

Do you have any other skin care tips? I am always looking for more!

*This is not a sponsored post. Abby is a dear friend, and I want to share what I learned from her and the fabulous products that I used firsthand.*

Recap

What. A. Weekend.

I truly could not have asked for a better weekend. Time was spent with Bill's & my family {Happy birthday, Franco!}, and lots of reunions took place in Madison yesterday. Besides the good eats and good shoes, I was with so many great people. And let's get serious, that's way more important than everything above except for the onion rings. 

I kid. I kid. Kind of.

Lots of love to my old roommates, my dear friend Katie who is Houston bound next week, and the lovely Laura. Thanks for making my trip back to Madison so great! 

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend, and let us not forget...

GO PACK GO!

Weekend Five

H&M Blazer // H&M Top // BaubleBar Tassel Necklace // Topshop Leggings // Zara Flats

Happy first day of fall!

Bucket List: Fall Edition

So last week I made a mental fall to-do list and forgot to share it, but I'll have you know that it hasn't stopped me from starting to cross items off said mental list. Which for all of you fellow type-A personality types out there you know I'll be making a list later today just so I can cross these items off. 

I digress. Back to the list.

1. Bake something with pumpkin.

All right so this is not your 'typical' pumpkin recipe because it's more a healthy take on chocolate muffins, but there is indeed pumpkin in them, and they are delicious.Thanks, Mrs. Mac!

Three Ingredient Muffins

 1 box of dark chocolate cake mix

15 oz can of pumpkin

as many dark chocolate chips your heart so desires 

Bake at 350 degrees for 20{ish} minutes-test with a toothpick!

Word to the wise: these muffins will look exactly the same when you take them out as when you put them in so don't feel defeated if some look like craters. They are still delicious.

2. Get outside & enjoy the fresh, crisp air. As often as possible.

I tried to go to an apple orchard with the boy {#3} but go figure, there is an apple shortage so you can't pick your own. However, I will not let this take a toll on the amount of apple crisp I make this fall.

What's on your fall bucket list?

Trend Talk

Loeffer Randall Oxfords // J.Crew Cap Toe Pumps // Pour La Victoire Flats // Topshop Skirt  // DVF Shorts 

 Topshop Shorts // Rebecca Minkoff Clutch // H&M Collar Necklace // Essie Mirror Metallics Collection

I plan on easing my way into this trend and sporting some metallic polish first and foremost. Then I'm fairly confident that I'll be ready to sport some metallic bottoms. I absolutely adore these shorts and skirt-pair them with a basic tee to add some texture to your look! Now, these shoes on the other hand...a tad out of my comfort zone but I mean the J.Crew cap toes? Ahhh-mazing.

So what's the verdict? Will you be sporting metallics this fall?

Fall Fever

Waking up to 41 degrees yesterday made it even more official, fall has arrived in Wisconsin, and I could not be happier. But that's about as cold as I would ever like it please and thank you Mother Nature. I have a hunch that this just may be my fall uniform- military jacket, dark denim, & booties.

H&M Top // Gap Denim // TOMS Booties // Gap Jacket // Sideways Heart Necklace

Wisconsin Necklace // LV Speedy

Last night was spent at happy hour with an old friend from high school and her lovely friend. My favorite part about being out of high school? Reconnecting with great people that you did not necessarily hang out with during school but have found that you have a lot in common. What better occasion to get some mileage out of these TOMS booties?

Having trouble reviving your fall wardrobe? Hire me.

Fifty Nifty United States

If you follow me on Instagram {@carlyhaslee}, you may have seen the newest necklace I received this weekend as a gift from the fabulous bride. It seriously could not be more perfect as Wisconsin will always have a place near and dear all of the bridesmaids' hearts.

Kris Nations offers the State Pride Necklace for each state and has some other beautiful pieces as well that I would not mind adding to my jewelry collection. I am sure this necklace will be a go-to gift for birthdays & graduations to come. Fun right?

So which state has your heart?

*This is not a sponsored post. I just genuinely love my Wisconsin necklace. A big, fat thank you to Lexi for this wonderful gift.*

Wedding Bliss

This weekend was spent celebrating some of my dearest friends. I was thrilled to be a part of their big day, and man was it an amazing weekend. Here are some of my favorite shots I snapped throughout the weekend, but I will be highlighting more of this wedding as soon as we get the incredible photographers' pictures. The bride did all of the design work, and there were some beautiful DIY projects involved so obviously I have to share. 

 {how amazing is her outfit? dress is from ASOS}

 {the bridesmaids}

 {my personal favorite}

 {her something old}

 {watching the guests stroll in}

 {the boy}

 {classic twin picture}

{aren't they just perfect?}

Cheers to you, Lexi and Willie! You both deserve a lifetime of happiness! xo

Milwaukee's Best

...with the beautiful bride and bridesmaids...

H&M top // Paper Crown leggings from Edith Hart // Nordstrom necklace {old} // Rebecca Minkoff bag

 Again I cannot thank you enough for all of the love and support with my styling announcement. What a week it has been! Not to mention that on Wednesday I got to meet Alex-she is truly amazing not only as a designer but as a person. I also got to see the fabulous Julia and ladies of Edith Hart again and played catch up with an old friend. I honestly could not have asked for a better week and this weekend will be spent celebrating Lexi and Willie-two of my favorite people. Wishing you both a very happy life together!

Have a wonderful weekend, lovelies! xo

Like Bread and Butter

It's official. I found two colors that were made for each other: burgundy and mint.

H&M top // Zara shorts // Aldo Heels // Spike the Punch Necklace // LV Speedy 

Thank you for all of the love yesterday-it means the world to me!

And now I'm off to celebrate one beautiful bride-to-be today!

'Keep the Change, You Filthy Animal'

Zara Blouse // Kenneth Jay Lane Lion Bracelet // Tory Burch Fox Head Hinge Bracelet // J.Crew Blue Elephant Pendant Necklace // Mulberry Tiger Sweater // Tory Burch Fox Stud Double Wrap Bracelet

But seriously, animals are popping up all over the place, and I'm not just talking about animal print, I'm talking about actual animals. And honestly, I kind of love it.

Stay tuned for an announcement on the blog tomorrow!

This Versus That

 Do you prefer a bold print + a small pop of color or a bold print + bold color?

DVF Blouse // Collette by Collette Dinnigan Blouse

I'm a sucker for a surprise pop of color so I would have to go with the DVF stunner.

Skewer Delight

Hope you all had a great weekend! We were welcomed by fall in Wisconsin, and I could not have been happier. I need to get rolling on my fall to-do list. Apple picking will of course be a high priority as apple crisp is just one of the most delicious creations known to mankind.  Want to know another one of my favorite desserts? Oh, I thought you would never ask. Today I would like to share with you a quick, easy, and most importantly delicious dessert! My mom, sister, and the brother's girlfriend Alex had a fun baking day last week, and these were of course on the list. I present to you the strawberry & pound cake skewer.

Now get bakin'!

Timeless

DVF Top $385 // Kate Spade Watch $175 // Tibi Top $300 // Ann Taylor Bootie $278 {use code FALL30 for 30% off!} // Jeffery Campbell Studded Loafers $170 // Topshop Peplum Blouse $76 // H&M Pant $13 // J.Crew Cami $65

 How gorgeous would the H&M pant look with the Tibi blouse? The perfect mix of print and texture.

Black and White

Happy Friday all! Hope you all enjoyed some kind of FNO activities last night! I went with a black & white dotted look for the evening. I have been waiting to bust out these gorgeous BCBG leggings since last season, and FNO seemed like just the right occasion.. 

Zara Blouse // BCBG Leggings // Aldo Heels // Rebecca Minkoff Bag // David Yurman Jewelry

By the end of the night my hair definitely looked like this. More pictures to come in addition to my black and white picks for fall! xo

Hair How-To

I wanted to share with you my favorite hair style as of late {seen here and here}. Takes just about a minute and could not be easier. It's a perfect way to spice up my look that was getting far too repetitive.

And if that's not a face that makes you want to watch this video, then I don't know what is my friends.

Enjoy! xo

Transitioning: White

Wear white in the fall? Why yes, yes you can, and I will. I'm the type of person who loves to restyle a piece and make it feel like I've never worn it before.  That's exactly what I did here and what I plan to do throughout the fall.  I want to reinvent how I have worn white and pair it with new fall pieces. You with me?

Dress: H&M, Vest: Old Navy {last seen here}, Belt: Gap, Heels: Aldo 

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff, Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Aviators

Watch: Michael Kors, Earrings: Kate Spade, Ring: David Yurman, Necklace: Boutique in Japan

So will you be wearing white this fall? Spill!

Late Night Craving

Sometimes I crave chocolate late night, okay well always, but other times clothes have me swooning...especially when they're on sale.

Joie Fanny Lace Top // Joe's Jeans

I still have yet to find the perfect pair of boyfriend jeans, and what I am finding is that they swallow me up. These slouchy fit crops are just the solution. Love how these Joe's look as is or rolled up. This top is such a great piece to transition into fall. Layer it under your favorite blazer to add some texture. Badda bing, badda boom!

More on transitioning into fall tomorrow and Thursday!

This Weekend I...

Hope you all had a lovely long weekend! I fully enjoyed spending some quality time with Bill, old college friends, and my family. Julia even made an impromptu trip to Milwaukee. It was so great to see her and catch up over some delicious food & drinks. Since my return from Japan, I have not gotten into a regular workout routine due to a displaced rib and well, lots of excuses.  This weekend I started to get back on track and am feeling good {I can't help that I love kettle corn though}. 

As mentioned earlier, I ended last week with some exciting meetings.  I am now the Social Media Manager at GIGI of Mequon, and I could not be more excited to get started and work with a fabulous team! I have another exciting announcement coming next week so stay tuned.

It's Tuesday so you know the drill: head on over to the Poshlocket Blog to see my Fall Favorites.