When most people think of October, they picture cool days, fall leaves, hayrides and apple cider, scarves and boots, and, of course, pumpkins! In the South, however, it stays 90 degrees and humid throughout most of the month. But that doesn’t stop us from sweating in our scarves as we roam the pumpkin patch, looking for the perfect gourd.

That’s exactly what we did this weekend! It was hot and humid, and we spent a good amount of time fighting the mosquitoes, but I was determined for Sebastian to paint a pumpkin at one of our local produce stands, Perkins Orchard. [Side note: we bought our Christmas tree here last year and it stayed green and fresh for so much longer than our friends’ trees that ended up getting dry and brittle really early] Despite the heat, we had a good time and got some cute pictures. And I purchased a bag full of produce (apples, avocados, strawberries, peppers, beets, and plums) and a small mum for $20! That’s a sweet deal.

We have the most amazing photographers, hands down. We first hired Thad and Sarah Lawrence of 2 & 3 Photography for our engagement and wedding photos way back in 2011 and we’ve been using them ever since. They’ve yet to disappoint, and this year was no different. It’s our first year as a family of three so we wanted to make sure we captured us as a little family with Sebastian and Mia. They certainly delivered once again. Just look at how cute we all are! I’m so exited to share a few of these gems with you. Enjoy!

My outfit
Sweater: Loft | Skirt & Necklace: J. Crew Outlet | Boots: Banana Republic  | Watch : Target

It’s my favorite shirt again. When I said I was wearing it all the time, I wasn’t joking. And I paired it with my favorite (and only) midi skirt because it’s such a cute combination. The length of the skirt, the style of the boots, and the stripes all scream “fall” to me so I’ve worn it pretty much everywhere since the season began. It’s one of those outfits that I have to talk myself OUT of wearing because I just wore it last week (or, more accurately, yesterday) but then I usually give in because it’s so darn stylish. In fact, I’m wearing it again to work today!

Plus, you gotta love a fun, playful skirt!

Life lately has been pretty busy. We went to my brother-in-law’s wedding in Georgia the first weekend in November and even though all that driving was exhausting, we had a great time. It was my father-in-law’s first time meeting Sebastian so he was ecstatic that we were able to come, and I loved seeing him interact with his grandson. The wedding was beautiful, and it was very nice spending time with family we don’t see very often. Oh, and we got this beautiful family selfie:

the Crews-Castillo family

Now I’m just looking forward to the holidays — seriously, how is NEXT week Thanksgiving? November is flying by — and counting down to my last day of work. In the meantime, I’m making all kinds of plans and goals for my time off, like working on my writing portfolio, taking some Photoshop and Lightroom classes, learning more about photography and blogging, exercising more, etc. I know I’m happiest when I’m creating content for my blog, so having more time to devote to it and learning more stuff to improve it will mean better content and a much happier Nikki. I really can’t wait, y’all!

Anyway, I hope everyone is looking forward to the holidays and living their best life. Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Blouse: a new day from Target | Skirt & Belt: Modcloth | Shoes:  | Sunnies & Watch: Target

Fox sweaters are everywhere, aren’t they? And for good reason: they’re adorable. This is the second fox sweater I’ve purchased but not for lack of wanting all of the others. I would wear all of them if I could. Anyway, we’re finally starting to get a little bit of a chill in the air here in NC, so I was excited to throw on a sweater and my tall boots for the first time this season. I wore this outfit several times in the past week, the first to hang out with some of my colleagues and then again to do some outlet shopping on Saturday. My hang out session with colleagues was actually to commiserate with each other over our recent layoffs from the nonprofit we were working for. It’s a bummer and now I have to get back out in the job market, but I got this little fox to cheer me up.

Look at that cute little 21-week baby bump!

It was really chilly out on Saturday so I added the navy puffer vest for a little extra warmth. I hate that it covers up the fox, but you do what you gotta do, right? Gotta keep the bump warm. But I love all these colors together, the orange, navy, and cognac. They’re perfect for fall.

And here’s the fun one: I wanted to show how the fox’s tail wraps around the side of the sweater but I wasn’t sure what to do with my arm so I was joking around with Nick and he took this photo. It’s cute because I’m goofy!

Sweater: Loft | Denim: Banana Republic | Boots: Steve Madden | Necklace: Francesca’s | Vest: Gap

Linkups: Let it Shine | Hello Monday Linkup | Weekend Wear Linkup | Link Up On The Edge | Mix it Monday | Start the Week Stylish

One good thing about the weather turning cold is new opportunities to re-wear my cute sweaters. Exhibit A: this fox sweater. I feel like everyone and their mom coveted this sweater (or one like it)  last year so I feel lucky that I was able to snag one, and  I think I only wore it a few times last year before the season was over. I’ve worn it with a short black skirt before and it looked great so I thought it would look equally as good with this midi skirt. And, I was right!

I wore this outfit to work and then to class. I felt super cute and classy, even when I had to change out of the heels and into little black flats by the end of the day.

And here’s the fun one: Blooper: I was experiencing some static cling!

Linking up with More Pieces of Me | InDUFFinitely Me

Sweater: Old Navy
Skirt & Belt: Breathtaking Tiger Lillies skirt from ModCloth
Shoes: Anne Klein via DSW
Necklacec: Target
Earrings: Old Navy