What I Wore To Work – November 2025

I feel like every November I start wearing more sweats and lounge wear as it starts to get colder outside. And, hence, my work wear becomes filled with lots of cozy lounge wear looks and less dressy looks, as it’s usually freezing and I just want to be cozy!! Clearly, November 2025 was NO different than any other November – LOL!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

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XOXO – Katie <3

What I Wore Out Of Office – November 2025

From two weekends away to Charlotte (see my guide on Charlotte here) and Raleigh (see my guide on Raleigh’s North Hills here), a wonderful family and Christmas-filled Thanksgiving weekend, another Friendsgiving hosted (see my tablescape here), and a visit to the Southern Living Idea House (more to come on that *very* soon!), SO much has happened during November 2025. In fact, November has been one of my favorite months of 2025!! I know a lot of us have found this year to be a bit chaotic nevertheless, so I was so grateful to have a really great month in 2025!! At the same time, I am also psyched to share what I wore as I had TONS of fun putting together my outfits throughout this ultra-fun month. Now, let’s get into what I wore out of office in November 2025!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

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XOXO – Katie <3

What I Wore Out Of Office – October 2025

From a vineyard visit to kick off the month to a family dinner party to day trips around the Washington, DC area (and beyond!) and a night out at the ballet and some lounging in between, October 2025 was truly one for the books! I have found in recent years, October to be such a great month filled with sooooo many memories. I like to think that it’s because October is the kick off to Fall. SOOOO many memories were made like in past Octobers this October 2025. And, my outfits were the perfect way to commemorate another great October!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

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XOXO – Katie <3

What I Wore To Work – October 2025

From Back to Work in September 2025, October 2025 has been the full fledged kick off of the Fall fashion season for me! I have truly loved getting to style some super fun Fall outfits this past month. Fall/Winter fashion is, indeed, my favorite to style for, too!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

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XOXO – Katie <3

What I Wore Out Of Office – September 2025

When putting together this post, my first thought was: “damn I wore a lot of cuties!” LOLL! The month of September’s fashion at the intersection of Summer and Fall fashion is such a fun one. From pumpkin patches to brunches and dinners with friends including my first annual Harvest Dinner Party, September 2025 out of office was such a fun one.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

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XOXO – Katie <3

What I Wore To Work – September 2025

As I briefly mentioned in my most recent Life of Katie post, I enjoyed kicking off my Back to Work OOTD series over on Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee) after my week in Rome, Italy (here)! I’ve actually been excited to start styling Back to Work OOTDs since earlier this Summer. As a kid and teenager especially, I LOVED Back to School outfits the most. I guess some things never change!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

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XOXO – Katie <3

Is Crown & Ivy A Good Brand?! A Preppy Fashion Blogger’s Review!

***Please note that this Crown & Ivy Review will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date information. This review was most recently updated as of June 2026.***

Over the years since starting my blog and over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), I have raved about a Belk house brand that I have adored over the years: Crown & Ivy. I have shared and styled SOOOO many pieces from Crown & Ivy on my platform that so many of y’all have enjoyed. I also mentioned Crown & Ivy in my list of brands like Lilly Pulitzer (here) and brands like Tuckernuck (here). Although a brand central to the Southern-based department store Belk, Crown & Ivy has become a well-known brand amongst Preppy fashion enthusiasts from across the United States (and beyond!). Today, I am going to outline my personal experiences with and review the Preppy fashion brand that I’ve come to love over the years.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting The Pink Chickadee.*

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

Is Crown & Ivy A Good Brand?! A Preppy Fashion Blogger’s Review!

Table of Contents 

About Crown & Ivy

Sizing

Price Range

My Current Favorite Crown & Ivy Pieces

My Experience

This Crown & Ivy review will share a bit About the brand, Pricing, Sizing, My Experience, and some of my current favorite pieces for you to add to the cart as we speak!

About Crown & Ivy:

Crown and Ivy is a Belk-exclusive, private label Belk brand that focuses on apparel specifically for the “modern Southern woman.” It was launched by the well-known department store in 2014 and currently sells women’s, men’s, and children’s apparel. The Belk house brand also does collaborations with other Southern preppy brands, including Sewing Down South in 2025 and Society Social in 2024. The brand also intends for their pieces to be versatile and worn and reworn different ways and for different occasions.

Sizing:

Crown and Ivy offers a diverse range of sizing in women’s apparel, ranging from Petite, Tall, Regular, and Plus sizing. Truly, everyone is welcome and about to enjoy the adorable styles that this Belk-owned brand has to offer.

Price Range:

Currently, Crown & Ivy women’s apparel pieces retail for upwards of $100 and typically are sold with a 30-50%+ markdowns. It is worth mentioning that pieces’ prices do fluctuate over time, as does most of the items sold at Belk both online and in-person. At the end of the season, pieces do tend to decrease to a 50-70%+ markdowns from their original price and is worthwhile waiting for if you’re willing to score a bargain. Although I don’t have much experience shopping as of recently within a Belk storefront due to my post-graduate relocation away from the South, I do recall that Belk stores frequently place the brand’s merchandise on their clearance racks for fellow bargain hunters who love the thrill of the hunt!

My Current Favorite Crown & Ivy Pieces:

Please note that all pieces’ retail prices are listed as of September 2026. Prices do fluctuate on both ends. It’s best to monitor the pricing over time to get the best deal.

My Experience:

Flashback to Winter 2017 and I was about to interview for some scholarships at what would then become my undergraduate alma mater: Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina. The night before my interview, I stepped foot in a Belk – a popular Southern-based department store – for the first time ever as someone from the Washington, DC area. Little did I know I would fall in love with the Southern fashions and styles that were sold at Belk. Alongside seeing my favorite brands to this day, Lilly Pulitzer and Vineyard Vines, on the racks, I also came to love another new-to-me brand: Crown and Ivy! That Spring for my 18th birthday, I asked for several Crown & Ivy pieces which I then wore into my college years. Besides falling in love with my alma mater’s campus and receiving scholarships and Honors to attend, I also attribute my first stroll through those doors of that Belk store and newfound love of Crown & Ivy to my reasoning behind attending Meredith College and furthermore falling in love with preppy + grand millennial Southern fashions.

Styling Crown & Ivy in 2020!

Flash forward to today (Summer 2025), and Crown & Ivy is well-loved by preppy and grand millennial fashion enthusiasts, influencers, and both across the South and beyond. While I did move back to the Washington, DC area post-undergraduate, I still find myself frequenting Belk’s website and *just maybe* placing an order while doing so. I find myself excited by the brand and their frequent markdowns on styles that I adore and wouldn’t feel comfortable at times splurging on elsewhere. Whether it be their adorable Ginger Jar print for Summer 2025, bright colored dresses that remind any Lilly Pulitzer lover of the resort wear brand, regular plethora of block print dresses and blouses and more for all seasons, or Hill House nap dress dupes (which I write more about here), Crown & Ivy truly exceeds all of my expectations when it comes to preppy fashion and many others’ expectations, too!

Wrap-Up:

As of today, Crown and Ivy is a well-loved brand by many preppy fashion lovers. Its incorporation of styles by higher priced preppy fashion brands that are brought to the masses at a reasonable price point with its own unique Southern flair leaves several people saying especially on Reddit: “Crown & Ivy does it again!” And while I do adore and shop at preppy fashion brands such as Lilly Pulitzer, Tuckernuck, J Crew, and PrintFresh, there is something so refreshing about the price point and variety of similar styles that Crown & Ivy offers at a fraction of the cost. And, of course, has me as a regular on Belk’s website coming back for more!

XOXO – Katie <3

Washington Commanders Women’s Apparel Shopping Guide

***Please note that this Washington Commanders Women’s Apparel Shopping Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically throughout the 2025-2026 season and for future NFL seasons. This Washington Commanders Women’s Apparel Shopping Guide has been most recently updated as of September 2025.***

Calling all Commanders fans!!! Are you looking for some adorable Washington Commanders apparel to enjoy the upcoming season?!?! Look no further than this blog post to see what I’m currently eyeing for the upcoming 2025-2026 season, where I have found everything from adorable wine glasses and tumblers to bows and headbands to *yes* bedazzled shoes (!!!) and *of course* so many sweatshirts and t-shirts to style, too!

As a woman who happens to be a girly preppy fashion enthusiast (see more on my personal style here) and a Commanders fan, it can sometimes be tough to find apparel that embodies my personal style AND my love for football. I know I am NOT alone in my own experiences in finding Washington Commanders apparel that celebrates my personal style and the football team that I LOVE. Hence, why I created this Washington Commanders Women’s Apparel Shopping Guide for all of us to embrace our own personal styles (whatever that may be!) as well as our mutual love for the Washington Commanders.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

Washington Commanders Women’s Apparel Shopping Guide

Before you begin shopping for your *very own* Washington Commanders apparel, it is worth noting that this shopping guide includes both apparel and accessories as well as items that are sold for multiple NFL teams. SO, if you see an item pictured in the shopping guide representing a different team – don’t fret! There IS an apparel item for YOU, too, when you simply click on the link and select the option for the Washington Commanders. As always, some great sources for Washington Commanders women’s apparel are via the NFL Shop and Amazon, but there are several other sites, too. Now, happy shopping/browsing!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

5 Stylish + Comfortable Flats For Travel

It is Summer 2018 and you are about to board a plane to spend the next two months studying abroad in Europe ANDDDD you packed the WRONG shoes. Yep, that was ME for TWO WHOLE MONTHS in Europe. I had the WRONG shoes with me for walking 10,000+ steps a day across Europe. I remember during those long walking days feeling a lot of pain and annoyance and discomfort within my feet. At that time, I wasn’t aware of any stylish and comfortable flats for travel. However, flash forward to 2025, and I am in a VERY different place when it comes to traveling and the shoes that I wear! These days, I feel LOTS of comfort and a LOT less complaining when it comes to my feet. I am *very much* grateful to have found the right stylish and comfortable flats for travel for ME!

Me in Italy in Summer 2018 wearing the WRONG shoes!

From Ireland to Manhattan to Hawaii to Toronto to make own backyard in the Washington, DC area and everywhere in between, I ALWAYS want to dress stylishly when I travel! I have found myself opting for stylish flats on my travel days, but also wanting the comfort that I find and value in my Sherpa-lined slippers that I wear around the house. Over the years, I have found myself very fortunate to both collaborate with and discover some incredible footwear brands that focus on stylish and comfortable flats for travel – many of which also focus on ethical and sustainability within their craftsmanship. Here, I will be sharing my *very* favorite stylish and comfortable flats for travel (and also long work days, nights on the town, concerts, walks, and more!).

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

5 Stylish + Comfortable Flats For Travel

1 – All Birds

Out of ALL of the places that I found a pair of All Birds ballet flats, it was at the thrift store!!! And, to my surprise, the pair of All Birds ballet flats that I thrifted felt brand-new and immediately as if I was wearing slippers out in public when in reality they’re a pair of stylish flats. All Birds prides itself on making beautifully comfortable, stylish, and sustainable ballet flats aka a win in ALL avenues!

Shop All Birds flats here!

2 – Sketchers

As a kid, I remember wearing the Velcro strap-on sneakers from Sketchers in a rainbow of colors – LOLLL! These days, Sketchers truly has it all. From ballet flats to slip on’s to sneakers and everything else in between, Sketchers is truly a brand that sells a stylish and comfortable flat shoe for everybody. On my recent trip to Spain and Portugal, I regularly styled my hot pink slip on’s and am grateful that I did! I got SEVERAL compliments on my Sketchers shoes and felt oh so great (and comfortable!) wearing them, too.

Shop Sketchers flats here!

3 – VIVAIA

From long work days on your feet to dancing at the club and in the streets, VIVAIA flats are truly the shoe to do it ALL in! In 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with VIVAIA (here) and to this very day still LOVE and regularly wear my ballet flats from that collaboration! VIVAIA takes a sustainable and ethical approach to the craftsmanship for all of their gorgeous and comfortable shoes. Truly, these ballet flats will be a staple in your closet for years to come!

Shop VIVAIA flats here!

4 – New Bella

An emerging footwear brand, New Bella is a stylish and comfortable premium shoe brand. Like with VIVAIA, I had the amazing opportunity to collaborate with New Bella over on Instagram (see my first blog post styling them here!) and still regularly style and wear my New Bella ballet flats to this *very* day! From the cobblestone streets of Dublin to the several blocks’ walks on the streets of Manhattan to the uphill trails in Portugal, my New Bella flats have truly seen it all in comfort and style!

Shop New Bella flats here!

5 – Puma

Before a trip to Winners (aka TJ Maxx/Marshalls in Canada!) while in Toronto last November for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, I learned that Puma *yes, the sportswear brand* sells ballet flats! I ended up picking up a pair of Puma ballet flats while out and shopping in Toronto and did not regret doing so! My precious pair of Puma ballet flats allowed my comfort to persist throughout the entire concert!! These flats are also super stylish and comfortable and lightweight, too – perfect for work, happy hours, concerts, and more!

Shop Puma flats here!

Wrap-Up

Wherever you may be on your stylish and comfortable flats for travel journey, just know that you WILL get to a point where you will feel less pain and more comfort. It takes time to find the right shoes for YOU. Even if that means enduring and surviving an entire Summer of painful feet in the wrong shoes in Europe, you WILL get there. I encourage you to check out the 5 stylish and comfortable flats for travel mentioned in this blog post. And, always, please feel free to reach out to me Katefrancesthompson@gmail.com with any questions or concerns you may have!

XOXO – Katie <3

What I Wore To Work – November 2024

November work-wise, while a slower month than usual (it is typically the case in the work that I do!), definitely had a few professional highs. A successful work event kicked off my November working month and a few successful accolades in my day-to-day working world closed it out. At the same time, I was able to take two trips this month (hence the lesser volume of work outfits in this post!) to New York City for some early November Christmas cheer (here) and to Toronto to see Taylor Swift perform on her Eras Tour (!!!!) and *of course* do some sightseeing (more to come on this trip!). I feel SO fortunate that professionally, I was able to take some time off this month but also accomplish some things on the work front.

Many of y’all over on Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee) were asking about some of the pieces that I styled! I actually thrift A LOT including many of my name brand pieces (!!!) and would LOVE to share more about my thrifting experiences and journey shopping secondhand in the coming months with y’all. Overall, I encourage y’all to shop sustainably to both save a bit of cash and help out the planet, too.

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

Blouse: Tory Burch; Cardigan: Tommy Hilfiger; Skirt: TJ Maxx; Earrings & Handbag: Kate Spade; Flats: New Bella; Necklace: Kendra Scott
Sweatshirt: Lilly Pulitzer; Sweatpants: Juicy Couture; Necklace: Kendra Scott; Headband: Scout Bags; Slippers: Macy’s
Sweater: Lilly Pulitzer; Vest: J Crew Factory; Leggings: Spanx; Necklace: Cora’s Den; Tote: Barrington Gifts; Flats: New Bella; Bracelets: Amazon
Dress: The Lucky Knot; Tote: Sprinkled with Pink; Flats: Kate Spade; Bracelets: Amazon, Lilly Pulitzer, & Kendra Scott; Earrings: Kate Spade
Tee: Mountain Moverz; Necklace: J Crew Factory; Pants: Caribbean Joe; Belt Bag: Lilly Pulitzer; Slippers: J Crew Factory; Bracelets: Amazon & Kendra Scott
Dress: Cabana Life; Necklace: J Crew Factory; Flats: Kate Spade; Bracelets: Amazon & Lilly Pulitzer; Earrings: SugarFix by Target
Sweater: Sail to Sable; Jacket & Flats: J Crew Factory; Pants: Lands End; Necklace: Lilly Pulitzer; Bracelets: Amazon; Earrings: Kate Spade; Tote: Barrington Gifts
Sweatshirt: Glitter & Daisies; Sweatpants: Crown & Ivy at Belk; Jacket: Vintage; Shoes: Sketchers
Dress: J Crew Factory; Blazer: LOFT; Necklace: Vintage; Earrings: Lilly Pulitzer; Bracelets: Amazon & J Crew Factory; Tote: Barrington Gifts; Booties: Lucky Brand
Blouse: J Crew; Skirt: Lands End; Jacket: Amazon; Necklace: SugarFix by Target; Earrings: House of Harlow 1960; Headband: Lele Sadoughi

Now, to December!!!

XOXO – Katie <3