Dressing Simple | Back to School!

Lucia Tran August 17, 2015

I recently took a trip to New York and stopped by one of my favorite book stores - The Books of Wonder. This shop helped to create 'The Shop Around the Corner' in the Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks classic "You've Got Mail." As kids ran around the store and picked their favorite books, I couldn't help but repeat this line from the movie, "Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils..."

Every August as a child, my favorite part about going back to school was preparing for it. I always bought the same colored-cover journal, the same pencil, and had 2 highlighters - 1 yellow and 1 pink, as the teachers requested. With this preparation period came the multiple trips to the bookstore and to the local shopping centers. I was excited with everyone's sense of urgency.

So today, I thought I'd contribute to the season by providing a style guide for the parents who may be a bit behind on wardrobe updates. Each outfit is simple, sweet, and perfect for the active bees on the playground.

If you're bookmarking this page already, let us know which are your favorite pieces we've featured! Hope you have a beautiful start to the fall (and don't forget the newly sharpened pencils).

Tee and Shirt: Lennon & Wolfe. Pants: Lennon & Wolfe. Backpack: Agatha Cub.

Scarf: Hucklebones. Dress: Hucklebones. Bracelets: 31 Bits.

Jacket: Ultra Violet Kids. Blouse: Go Gently Baby.

Sweater: Hucklebones. Skirt: Anais & I. Shoes: Zuzii.

Blouse: Hucklebones. Skirt: Egg by Susan Lazar. Mouse: Hazel Village.

Jacket: Agatha Cub. Raglan: Kira Kids. Sweatpants: Kira Kids.

Dress: Egg by Susan Lazar. Bow: Hucklebones. Shoes: Zuzii.

Blouse: Hucklebones. Beanie: Hucklebones. Skirt: Anthem of the Ants.

Tee: neve / hawk. Sweatpants: Kira Kids.

Bandana: Marin + Morgan. Sweater and shorts: Hucklebones.

Dress: Anthem of the Ants. Leggings: Lennon & Wolfe. Shoes: Zuzii.

Photography by Roneil Chavez

Words and Styling by Lucia Tran

Assisted by Crystal Rivera

Mornings | The Kimball Family

Lucia Tran August 5, 2015

Becky Kimball and her family are a sweet combination and together, they have quickly climbed up our list of favorite families. We were so excited to welcome them into our morning series, even though Becky does not consider herself "morning person," because they sure do know how to make a morning fun.

We spoke to Becky on overcoming bad days and expecting the unexpected when it comes to mornings.

What does your morning routine often look like?

I'm not a morning person and I don't pretend to be one. So my strategy is just to expect the unexpected. Whether it's during the school year and it's straight chaos or a lazy summer morning and all I want is a few more minutes to close my eyes (to the dismay of my youngest), I just know that some mornings are predictably unpredictable. But normally, Sloane wakes me up bright and early and then we go and wake Max up for school. We have breakfast and then get dressed for the day. Afterwards, when Max goes to school, you can always find us outside riding bikes, sitting on our porch, or playing princesses.

What are some of the challenges you face in the morning, if you've had a bad yesterday? How do you manage that with children?

As all mothers can relate, you have to remind yourself that whatever creates challenge in your life, in the bigger picture, they are just snippets and make up a small portion of a really great story. I manage this by being realistic with myself. Knowing I'm not going to be all things to everyone but rather being honest with myself and my children.

Your home seems like a dream to wake up in. It surely screams simplicity, cozy, and definitely home-like. What does minimalism and simplicity mean to you and your family?

Clutter stresses me out and if there is one thing I've learned over the years, it affects my mood. For me, simplicity in my environment de-stresses my life. And of course, less stuff means less dust. It also lets us focus on spending time together, whether reading a book together before bed or playing a game. We don't have distractions that can get in the way.

What is your favorite part about the morning?

When I can sneak back in bed to snuggle under the covers - even if it's just for a minute. When I get breakfast done and my oldest off to school, Sloane and I usually go back in bed to snuggle. I don't sleep, but it's the time that she and I get some one-on-one time.

What is your ideal morning?

When my family is all together. Many mornings I am on single parent duty due to my husband's life flight/firefighter schedule. So when we do have a chance to have a morning with nowhere to be and a day to do whatever we want, those are the ones I cherish most. We like to have dance parties in the kitchen. Sloane prefers the princess and prince dances, but we just like to turn the volume up and dance.

Photography by Brooke Schultz

Day in the Life | Kadish Park

Lucia Tran July 20, 2015

There is simply nothing more memorable than the time spent together with family. Stephanie Sanchez shares:

Last night we ventured out to Kadish Park in Milwaukee for a picnic. It was brutally hot, but the kids were so excited to have a picnic. Yet, the excitement wasn't fueled by the idea of the food or sitting outdoors on a blanket. The kids were ready ready to explore.

We spent our evening dancing around, smelling wildflowers, and searching for buried treasure. I love how no matter where we go, their imaginations soar and adventures unfold.