A Mama and McKinley Day

Top: H&M (similar here); Scarf: Piperlime (fun option); Boyfriend Jeans: LOFT (similar here/40% off);

 Flats: Tory Burch (similar here); Bag: J.Crew (gift/similar)); Earrings: Silpada; Bracelets: J.Crew (25% off)/Gorjana/Gift

Last Friday was a "Mama and McKinley Day of Fun" and we did everything he wanted to do. He's been such a trooper while I've cleaned out the garage and assisted my dad in painting our garage, hence the total lack of outfit pics last week. Friday was his day. He wanted to go to the mall, eat pizza in the food court, visit the Disney store and Build-A-Bear, and ride the carousel. There's really not much you can say no to on any of those requests, right? We did it all! And more.

It was a gorgeous spring day, one of many last week, and I was overjoyed to finally be wearing spring colors and light weight fabrics! I immediately reached for my new H&M top, a bargain at under $20, and my fav boyfriend jeans. I thought about chunky jewelry, but that just seemed a little much on this particular day, so I went with a fun scarf. The colors were so complimentary! Flats in shiny silver and a gray cross-body bag complete the look.

 

I know I've said it before, I love a cross-body bag. It's so great when you need to be completely hands-free. I have a couple, but I've found that this smaller version is so much easier to carry. Why, you ask? Because you carry less! Less bulk and weight!

The Scarf: Before and After

 

    

  

I'm obsessed with pastel colors this spring and I've got so many on my wish list. Lavender and pale pink are definitely at the top! What about you? 

Happy Monday!! We're on spring break this week! WOO HOO!

Print Crazed

 Vest: H&M (fun option); Sweater: French Connection (similar here); 

Boyfriend Jeans: Loft (similar here 25% off); Booties: Sam Edelman (similar here); 

Necklaces: Stella & Dot

A couple of weeks ago, the guys and I headed down to Crown Center for a day of fun! We had lunch at Fritz's, spent several hours exploring Legoland, and then headed over to Union Station to check out McKinley's favorite exhibit, the model trains. Oh, and we were hosting Flat Stanley so he went with us. Are you familiar with Flat Stanley? He's a school project for most grade schools kids and this our third time hosting Stan!

I thought it was going to be a little warmer than it actually was, so I opted for my heaviest faux fur vest. I regretted my decision the minute I stepped outside. I didn't regret the look, just wished I had planned a coat instead. This from the gal that's hating coats these days! 

The Vest: Before and After

    

 

 Vest: H&M (fun option); Sweater: French Connection (similar here); 

Boyfriend Jeans: Loft (similar here 25% off); Booties: Sam Edelman (similar here); 

Necklaces: Stella & Dot

There are so many things going on with this look, but I love every bit of it!  There's mixed textures and mixed prints and I love that they go together but don't at the same time. I'm not scared to go a little crazy from time to time!

Stay warm out there today! It's freezing in KC! And snowing.....

As always, see something you like? Need it now? Shop the links!

Longing for the 70s

 Vest: G by Giuliana Rancic via HSN (on clearance/other colors/minimal sizes); Top: Target:

 Jeans: LOFT (similar); Flats: J.Crew (similar); Handbag: J.Crew (similar); 

Necklace: The Zoe Collective/Stella & Dot; Shades: MbyMJ;Lip Color: MAC Girl About Town

As it poured down snow, and never really got out of the 20s, I found myself longing for that 70 degree January day we had last week. Remember how I said I was waiting for the other shoe to drop? Well it did today. But, I have this bright pink top just waiting for spring. And until that day, it will just smile at me every time I open my closet! 

Speaking of smiling, I got this little top on clearance at Target and that always makes me smile! I get sucked into the clothing section, even if I'm literally just running in to grab toilet paper, which is what I was doing when I found this top! I also got a navy button down (again on sale), a cute sleeveless top, and a darling dress! You gotta snag these kinds of things when you see them, because they're never there when you go back the next day! 

 

The Vest: Before and After

   

   

Here's hoping for a quick winter! We just commented on how it's staying lighter longer so spring is truly on the horizon! In the mean time, I will fill my closet with bright colors like this to bring me cheer!

Happy Monday!

A Classic Goes with Everything

Sweater: Piperlime (similar here/here); Jeans: Loft (similar); Shoes: Target;

Scarf: Gift (similar); Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff (black version); 

Necklaces: Stella & Dot/Rocksbox (c/o - fun option);

Bracelets: BaubleBar/J.Crew Factory (similar and under $10); Shades: MbyMJ

I am obsessed with my new sweater!! I purchased this little number a couple of weeks ago during the big Piperlime sale and got it for a steal! I love the abstract fair isle print! Of course it goes well with boyfriend jeans, but I'm also thinking of styling it with my leather mini skirt, worn over a dress for a skirt/sweater look, and possibly with faux leather leggings. (If the coverage isn't right, it won't be worn out of the house.) A classic sweater print goes with just about anything!

 

 

When Caitlin and I took these photos (thanks for the pics girl) it was freezing! We literally couldn't feel our fingers and toes after the shoot. But, after a little shoe shopping at DSW, a latte from Starbuck's, and a stroll around Target, we felt like our selves again. That is until we had to walk to our car! It's a good thing I had this sweater!

Happy Monday, Fashionista's!

Love the look? Don't forget you can always shop the links!

Sweater: Piperlime (similar here/here); Jeans: Loft (similar); Shoes: Target;

Scarf: Gift (similar); Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff (black version); 

Necklaces: Stella & Dot/Rocksbox (c/o - fun option);

Bracelets: BaubleBar/J.Crew Factory (similar and under $10); Shades: MbyMJ

The Blanket Scarf

 Scarf: ASOS; Sweater: Robert Rodriquez; T-Neck: J.Crew; 

Boyfriend Jeans: Loft (similar); Boots: Ivanka Trump (similar/under $50); 

Bracelets: J.Crew/David Yurman (gift/similar)/Gorjana (similar)/Gift;

Handbag: Balenciaga; Gloves: Target

 The blanket scarf is one of the biggest trends this winter and I for one am a huge fan! It's incredibly warm, super chic, and this particular one is so strong in color! And with this arctic like winter, tomorrow is supposed to be five degrees when we wake up, I'm pretty sure this will be the first thing I grab when walking out the door.

Because I love this trend so much, I discovered a little DIY version on Pinterest! MomAdvice provided a little tutorial on how to create your own and it's a no-sew version as well! I tried it out and it totally worked! I can't wait to share it with you tomorrow. You too can have a blanket scarf in a matter of minutes! Okay maybe an hour! Check back tomorrow for a little how-to!

The Sweater: Before and After

    

 

 

What are you doing this winter to stay warm? Are you wrapping yourself in the warmest sweater or going for head to toe wool? Let's discuss!

Photos courtesy of Caitlin Fore

My New Year's Eve Statement

Coat: Tahari (similar); Top: Boden (fun option); Boyfriend Jeans: Loft (similar); 

Booties: Camper;Shades: MbyMJ; Bracelets: J.Crew; Ring: Etiquette Boutique (similar);

 Lip Color: MAC Girl About Town

Remember how I said we are pretty low key on NYE now a days? Well, this was my fairly low key look with a little hint of statement! I posted about how I thought you could make a statement on the big night and here's how I made mine. I added a gold, glitter, Peter Pan collar top, navy faux fur, and a bright pink lip! Paired with boyfriend jeans and my new favorite booties, that were all but forgotten, I was ready to ring in the New Year!

 

 What did you end up wearing for the big night? Did you add a big statement or subtle ones like mine? Can't wait to hear!

Speaking of hear, you heard it here first! I've got something happening on Style My Way and I'm dying to share it with you all. Check back daily to see the big announcement!

The Coat Alternative

 Sweater: Anthropologie (similar); T-Neck: J.Crew (similar); Jeans: Loft (similar); 

Boots: Steven by Steve Madden (love this pair); Handbag: Pour La Victoire (similar); 

Hat: ? (fun options) Necklace: Target (similar); Gloves: Target

As I've gotten older, I become increasingly aware of how much I'm becoming my mother. It's not just in things I say but my approach to style. She hates wearing a coat. Period! It doesn't matter how cold it is, she refuses to wear a coat. And though I have a closet full of coats, coats I love, I have to admit I hate wearing one! Con, they're bulky. Pro, they're great for keeping you warm. Con, they're a pain when inside stores or restaurants. I would rather freeze for a couple of minutes while walking to the door than to have to deal with the coat once inside. Now, if I'm walking outdoors, or playing in the snow with my son, a coat is perfectly acceptable. Necessary. But just for a few minutes, a serious pain! 

Instead of a coat, I've been opting for a sweater coat. You know, a sweater that's relatively thick, long, wards off the chill, and looks so much more chic! I had all but forgotten about this sweater. It's been since 2011 that I've worn it! And apparently I love to wear versions of teal when I style it! (See before and after.) But I still love it after all these years and will definitely keep it toward the top of the sweater box for future cold days!

The Sweater: Before and After