Blue Skies and Blue Hues

Top: LC Lauren Conrad; Jeans: Zara (similar); Flats: DV for Target; Hat: Target;

Tote/Jewels/Shades: Stella & Dot

On Saturday, the three of us headed out to Worlds of Fun for a fun afternoon under a cloudless sky. It was the first time it hasn't rained here in over a week, however it's rained pretty much all month, and we wanted to take advantage of a beautiful afternoon. We rode all the same rides, but McKinley decided to have a brave streak this weekend, and rode some additional rides he's been leery of in the past. We were so proud of him for conquering his fears! And, he tried new foods as well. It was weekend of firsts!

And speaking of firsts, I am testing out all my new tops while we're at it! This is another Mother's Day shopping spree purchase from my mom and I love it. It's super comfortable, really pretty and feminine, and perfect for warm afternoons. I love it against the extremely distressed jeans and statement pieces. And the Voyager tote has come in so handy with trips to the amusement park and zoo this past week. Room and chic! You all need one! (And it's reversible!)

 

 

 

How was your weekend? I'm excited for a short week this week. McKinley's last day of Pre-K is Wednesday and it's a little bitter sweet. I'm not quite ready for our last summer before Kindergarten, but I've got some things up my sleeve to try and make it special and memorable. And speaking of memorable, it's Memorial Day weekend! Any big plans?

Happy Monday, Fashionista's!

Dressing for Spring...

Vest: Zara (cute option); Tee: Boden; Jeans: Ann Taylor (similar); 

Sandals: Pour la Victoire (similar); Jewelry: Stella & Dot; 

Lip Color: Revlon HD Matte in  Love

It can be hard to dress for spring around here due to the fact that the weather is so inconsistent! It's 75 one day, 51 the next, raining buckets another day, and 81 after that. On this particular day, it was humid, but not terribly warm, so I went with lighter layers. And I couldn't be happier that it's finally sandal weather! I've missed all my open toed shoes!

I love the stripes against the eyelet. The stripes play peek-a-boo under the subtle circles making it a little playful. And I liked keeping the vest open. However, I think I might add a thin belt over the self-belting next time. It will add a little dimension. Adding a nude shoe keeps the focus on the stripes. Plus, you know how I feel about trying to match navy's. Just don't!

The Vest: Before and After

   

 

If it weren't for McKinley getting up around 6:00 this morning, this post may have never happened. Yesterday is a blur as we had so much going on. By the time bedtime rolled around, I realized I had never blogged, but when your child asks you to lay down with him and sing him to sleep, you simply can't refuse! Definitely not an excuse for not blogging in my world!

It's a stormy morning around here with rain forecasted all day! I'm thinking it could be a pajama day! But, I'll be back tomorrow with some Wednesday Wants that I've had my eye on! Until then....

No More Excuses....

Sweater: H&M (gift); Tee: J.Crew Factory (cute option); Jeans: Zara; Booties: Vince Camuto; Belt: Target

Handbag: Stella & Dot; Shades: Stella & Dot (black version); All Jewelry: Stella & Dot

I realize that my t-shirt reads blah, blah, blah, and what I'm about to tell you could be misconstrued as just words, but I'm hear to tell you that I'm trying not to make any more excuses about not blogging! 

I could tell you that I'm tired, that it was a mama night to put McKinley to bed, that it's 9:30, that it's midnight, that I was crafting, that I was cleaning out the DVR, or simply that I just wasn't in the mood. And lately that's been a lot of it. I just haven't been in the mood. I haven't been motivated to get dressed. I haven't loved what I actually wore that day. I didn't have anyone to take my picture because my husband is getting tired of doing it. And, that I've been focusing all of my energy on getting my business up and running.

But I miss it. I miss sharing my looks with you, when I like what I put together. I've missed sharing styling tips with you because that's part of the business of blogging. And, I've just missed writing. I know that blogging about my day to day fashion isn't true writing, but it's a creative outlet right? And I need to carve out time during the day to get back to what I really love, fashion!

This is a new sweater, a gift from my mom, when she shopped at H&M for me several weeks ago. (Remember the chic jacket? This was from the same trip.) This sweater is like wearing butter, if you could wear butter, and I'm obsessed with the length. It's been great for chilly spring mornings and it will be even better on chilly fall days. It's the perfect layering piece and I love how it looks with a graphic tee, distressed jeans, and my all time favorite booties!

And what about this raffia bag! It's from our Stella & Dot summer collection and it's a Limited Edition! Get one now before they're gone for good! I've literally carried from the minute I pulled it out of the box! The essential summer bag!

 

It's Friday!! And it's a busy weekend for us! It's my hubby's birthday this weekend so there will be cake decorating, crafting for McKinley's gift to him, a possible date night, and watching him paint while he's on the roof. What's going on in your world?

Have a great weekend, Fashionista's!

The Long of It

Top: Zara (other colors); Leggings: Kohl's (on sale under $15); Heels: Macy's; 

Handbag: BCBG (fun option); Jewelry: Stella & Dot/Alexis Bittar; 

Lip Color: Revlon HD in Obsessed

Saturday night I attended a birthday party for my dear friend Curt. The room was full of people I love and call my family. And because it was going to be a fabulous party, I needed a fabulous outfit! Remember that top I blogged about from Zara several weeks ago? Well here it is in person! I love it! So comfortable, a piece that will never go out of style (in my own style opinion), and so chic! And who doesn't love black on black with a pop of hot pink!

 

The Leggings: Before and After 

    

 

Was your weekend fabulous? I sure hope it was! The weather here was beyond beautiful. We are getting super spoiled by this amazing spring like weather at the end of February! I'm a little worried about March. Crossing my fingers that it doesn't come in like a lion!

Tomorrow is Leap Day. Any big plans to celebrate the day that only comes around every four years? It's supposed to be 70 degrees again so I'm thinking it could be time to break out the bouncy house for McKinley, if the wind cooperates! He can leap all he wants for the afternoon!

Wednesday Wants - Fringe

When most people thing of fringe, they think of the overly exaggerated fringe of the 70s. It usually accompanied a suede vest. Then there was the fringe of the 80s. It usually appeared on a leather jacket down the sleeves. Today's trendy turn with the fringe is much more subtle. You find it in almost frayed edges of sweaters and jackets. Along the ends of tassels. In cute bunches along a sandals strap. Or in the form of wispy pieces of jewelry. And I can't get enough of any of it!

With spring around the corner, you can't really escape this darling trend of fabric and why would you want to? I have compiled my list of favorites below. Check them out! I think there's something for everyone!

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

I'm pretty partial to numbers 2,3,4,5,6, and 7. I mean, I love one and eight, but I don't wear heels as much as I used to and leather is a little heavy for the upcoming months. I guess eight could work its way into my summer wardrobe with cute sleeveless tops! Okay, add number eight! 

Which ones do you prefer? Do you like the full on fringe or just the simple frayed edges? Let's discuss!!

Can you believe it's Wednesday? And the last week of February? Time to start shopping for those spring finds and I think you should start with fringe! 

Wednesday Wants - Casual Chic Pants

 You all know how much I love my jeans. I pretty much wear them on a daily basis, but I try to switch out my styles as often as I can. I do adore my distressed boyfriend jeans, but I've been trying to wear nicer pairs with my casual looks as well. However, I'm growing weary of wearing them all the time. 

That's the thing about winter, my options are kind of limited. I can't wear legging and sweaters all the time, I don't have that many sweaters that are long enough for leggings, and I don't own that many leggings! Remember this look from a couple of weeks ago? I loved the idea of still having a denim look without truly being in jeans. But with warmer weather on the horizon, I know my dresses, skirts, and shorts are coming back into rotation soon.

In the meantime, I've been looking for pants that can replace jeans from time to time, that are casual enough for the zoo and other kid friendly outings, and still chic. I think I've found some pretty good pieces! Check them out!

One/Two/Three/Four/Five/Six

What is your go-to item when you tire of jeans? Do you ever tire of jeans? 

I have to say my favs are the striped jumpsuit from Loft, the navy floral pants from Zara, and the cullotte jeans from the new Olivia Palermo line at Nordstrom.

Here's hoping your week is going fashionably well!

XOXO 

Wednesday Wants - The Long Tunic

I realize we just got over Christmas, and I'm super grateful for all the things I received, but I'm always thinking ahead to the next season. And let's be honest, these freezing temps and recent bouts with snow, are enough to push one over the edge to spring filled thoughts!

But, when I started looking at the things I thought I wanted for spring, I found myself falling in the love with the new take on the tunic. I've always been a fan of the tunic. It makes a cute cover-up for the pool, they're great paired with denim cut-offs for a more dressed up look, and I like that they're just a tad longer than normal tops, giving me some additional coverage when I need it. But these longer versions are so chic! And just a little more edgy. Some are a little more dressy than others, but the styling options are endless! Here are the ones I'm currently obsessing over!

1/2/3/4/5

 I love them all! I ordered number five the other day and can't wait to get it! But, I may have to invest in the plaid of number three. And when I say invest, I mean spend $30! That's right, $30! Actually, $29.99. Great buy, right? However, number one from Anthropologie is pretty cool! You can't go wrong with any of them, in my personal opinion.

What do you think off the extra long tunic? A fan? Which is your favorite? Gonna pass on this trend? Let me know!

Sorry I haven't blogged much this week. I've had a sick little guy on my hands and I haven't really had a moment to myself. Hoping to finish out the week strong. 

Hope you're having a great week!

Warmth

  Top: ZARA; Jeans: Loft (similar); Booties: Sam Edelman (similar); Handbag: Frye;

Shades: Prada; All Jewelry: Stella & Dot; Lip Color: NARS Heat Wave

I would have to say that this is the warmest top/sweater/sweatshirt I own. It's incredibly thick, with a heavy cotton lining, and the faux fur is super thick as well. My only wish is that it had longer sleeves! My wrists were freezing! 

This was my running errands look. You know, when you're in and out of the car on a freezing cold Saturday, and you don't really want to have to carry a coat! The first time I wore this top, photos were never taken, I paired it with skinny jeans and tall boots. This time around, I wanted something a little more laid back. Nothing is more laid back than boyfriend jeans. But, I amped up the style with leopard print booties and loads of gold jewels! And, I'm currently having a love affair with my NARS Heat Wave lip color. This is definitely not just a summer burst of color!  

 

 

Let's talk about this arm party for a minute! I'm obsessed with the new pieces from the Stella & Dot Spring Collection! I mean, the Bridge Bracelet is stunning! And guess what? You can remove the chain and wear the ring and cuff as separate pieces! Amazing, no?! And the Tera Leather Bracelet is everything! Shop here for both!!

  

Look who got the Frye Fringe Hobo handbag for Christmas!!! This little number was sold out after the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and I was just sure I had missed my chance of getting my hands on one! My mom, the rock star, came through! It's so chic!

I am starting off the week with a bang! It's a big one over here! If you have the day off, take full advantage! Do something that makes you happy and full! 

XOXO

Holiday Sparkle and Shine

The holidays are in the air everywhere you look! Whether it's store front windows, decorated front yards, or the holiday party invites that are rolling in, it is literally the holiday season. And I for one am glad. I love the holidays. Always have. Christmas is by far my favorite holiday! The decorations, the cookie baking, shopping for gifts for your loved ones, and waiting with anticipation for what Santa will bring you are all the things that make this truly the most wonderful time of the year!

We have a couple of holiday parties coming up this weekend and I am putting party looks together. We don't get dressed up that much anymore so it's especially special this time of year. I haven't been shopping for anything new in what feels like ages, so I'm browsing the internet for inspirational pieces that I might find in my own closet. And if I can't recreate them, maybe I can take something away from the color palette. 

I'm obsessed with the accordion pleat trend and love the gold, even though I own the black. I can't wear a crop top like the one below, but love the two piece look. The green dress is stunning and the black Art-Deco dress makes a statement. Each piece brings its own sparkle and shine to any holiday party! Check out my picks.

1/2/3/4/5/6/7

Aren't they all simply lovely? Just FYI, the Adriana Papell dress is sold out in green! Everyone must have had the same idea. The color is gorgeous! The perfect Christmas green. Honestly, I would wear each and everyone of these on some occasion outside the holidays. And, even though the Aidan Maddox two piece look has a crop top, I could style the skirt several different ways!

What are you thinking of wearing to your holiday parties this season? Will it be a casual look or something on the dressier side? Let's chat!

Happy Monday, all! 

That One Other Time...

 Vest: Zara; Tank: Loft; Jeans: 7 For All Mankind; Sandals: Rachel Comey;

Bracelets: My Own Mix; Shades: Target; Necklaces: The Zoe Report/Stella & Dot

I purchased this vest back in the spring and haven't worn it. Wait, I take that back. I wore it with those awful white Gap jeans I purchased for $10. It poured down rain, my pants got dirty from leaning up against the car to get McKinley in and out, and I was miserable for the rest of the day. Then summer came and I just didn't get a chance to style it.

I love it paired with flares. I was leery at first. I was afraid the bulk of the jean would be overwhelming with the vest. Turns out, it elongates instead. Happy girl when I can appear taller and a little thinner! 

 

 

 I definitely think this vest will pair well with dresses. I just have to find the right style. Could be kind of cool with a maxi. Thankful for fall and the ability to layer! 

Hope you guys had a great weekend! Start the new week of flare!

Happy Monday, Fashionistas!