We went with a straightforward, unfussy approach to the cabin design. We added a pop of color with bright red screen doors and sconces, and it’s my favorite part of the exterior. It reminded me of my approach to outfits on most days, so I went with it for these photos – shades of black, gray and white with a touch of red.  The faux leather in the top and the length of the skirt would usually have me nix it as a work appropriate outfit, but pairing it with a white button down, tights and booties takes it in a more conservative direction, such that I would be comfortable wearing this look to the office.

Banana Republic shirt and sweater | Madewell skirt | Ann Taylor tights | Banana Republic booties | Tag Heuer watch (old) | Melly bracelet (not available online) | Tory Burch link bracelet (old) and handbag (similar here) | J Crew earrings

 

A quick break for a game of tag.

My favorite red accessory. Taylor’s shirt is from Boden (25% off site-wide, plus free shipping and returns), pants from Gap.

I love the detail on the side of the skirt. An unexpected change from the regular side slit.

Reality Check. I ran into a friend yesterday that I haven’t seen in a long time, and we were chatting about the blog. She used the phrase “photo shoot,” which always makes me laugh, as the term brings to mind a process so organized and carefully thought through. Trevor and I often steal time to take these photos on a moment’s notice – we buzz out for a few minutes while my parents are with the kids or we hop out of the car quickly as they watch Frozen on an IPad (not on the side of the road or in a parking lot, mind you, but in the back driveway of my parents house as we took photos in their yard for the “Fall Colors” post…that’s totally okay, right?). For these pictures I had actually planned out the day, in an effort to be more put together with these photos. I took a shower early in the morning (unusual at the cabin), got the kids set with breakfast at the table and headed out the front door with Trevor. Just as we were going to take pictures a truck pulled into the drive and three dudes in waders hopped out – they were there to take out the dock and boat. We both hightailed it back into the cabin, without having taken a single picture. Lipstick, heels and a handbag seem completely normal for a blog post showing an outfit – totally embarrassing when you have three strangers suddenly pop onto the scene.