Leap...

Sweatshirt: Made by Me; Flannel Shirt: Land's End; Leggings: LC Lauren Conrad (under $15);

Heels: Ann Taylor (similar/under $50); All Jewelry: Stella & Dot

It's a New Year, and just like any new year, I always think it's going to be my year. Well this year, I'm saying it out loud (or in writing anyway) that this year is going to be my year! Do you want to know why? Because I took a leap!

I took a leap about a year ago by not going back to work. In October of last year I took another leap by starting my own business as a Stylist for Stella & Dot and I haven't looked back! It's the biggest leap I've taken to date (aside from having a baby) and I've decided it's my moto. "Leap...so she did." And I'm telling you to take one as well! Whatever you've ever thought about doing, do it! Take the leap! It could be totally worth it.

Because I've taken a leap, I decided to put it in glitter. On a sweatshirt. That I'm wearing! It's my prototype, some kinks need to be worked out, but they will be for sale soon on Etsy. But, if you want to get in line for one, email me for all the details. I'm loving it!! 

 

So what does one wear with a glittery white sweatshirt? A plaid flannel button down, faux leather leggings, and animal print heels. And, you add gobs of gold jewels and a bright lip! I'm pretty sure it's glam all the way!

  

What is on your agenda for 2016? Big life goals? Small items that you've wanted to tackle for a while but haven't? Any major leaps you've finally decided to take? Repeat to yourself "Leap....so she did." It has totally worked for me!

Happy 2016 Fashionista's! Let's make this the shiniest year to date! 

XOX!!

Sequin Joggers

Jacket: Levi's (similar); Sweater: Macy's (similar); Joggers: Target; Flats: J.Crew (similar); 

All Jewelry: Stella & Dot

After opening an email from Target about sparkly items for the holidays, I immediately fell in love with these sequin joggers! And who wouldn't. I mean, they're sequin joggers! But they don't look anything like a jogger. They are incredibly comfortable, really warm, and so chic!  They are lined with a thick cotton that will keep the wind at bay and the sequins from rubbing on your skin. Actually, you don't even feel the sequins. And the sequins don't stick to anything, which is the ultimate test for me! I've worn them a couple of times since they arrived and I can't wait to wear them all winter long!

On this particular day, I had several errands to run and a major hair appointment that afternoon. And it was freezing! I opted for a cashmere t-neck, denim jacket, and neutral flats. I accessorized with minimal gold pieces and was ready to face the day! I felt so luxe!

If you don't have any major plans for NYE, these joggers would be perfect for a low key home date or casual dinner out! They options are endless, to be honest. The best buy at only $30!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend! I can't believe the New Year is literally less than a week away. Making any resolutions or planning to take on any new challenges? I have so many things in mind and can't wait to see what comes to fruition! 

Whatever it is, I now it's amazing Fashionista's!

A Golden Night

 Sweater: J.Crew; Top: Etiquette Boutique; Jeans: Loft; Flats: J.Crew; All Jewelry: Stella & Dot

It only seemed appropriate to wear gold sequins when going out for dinner with golden friends for what used to be an annual Friends Thanksgiving dinner. We skipped a year, and we realized that for some of us, it had been a year or longer since we had seen each other. That's completely unacceptable and I told my husband we were going to remedy that next year. My heart was so happy and my soul was full when I got home. My chosen family is a group of people I love! 

 

I hope you have a wonderful and golden Thanksgiving weekend!!

My DIY - The Vintage Hand

Years ago I was a young entrepreneur who had her own jewelry business. I designed, made, and sold my own pieces. I rented booth space for two years at the annual Overland Park Arts and Crafts Fair, I sent out monthly newsletters to my customers, held home parties, and consigned pieces with two boutiques. After several years of sporadic sales, and becoming a repair shop for pieces that weren't mine, I decided to close shop. I loved it and wanted to to become so much more, but in reality, I just didn't have the man power (or funds) to grow it.

My booth decor was very vintage inspired. I hung pieces from antique jewelry boxes, wrought iron stands, and this vintage ceramic hand. It was one of my favorites and my rings looked darling dangling from the funky piece. It's actually one of the only pieces I kept. I've tried incorporating into my bedroom several times, but the white and pink dots just simply clashed. Then I got the brilliant idea to paint it gold! Where this idea was five years ago is beyond me!

So ran to Michael's and picked up a couple of tiny cans of gold spray paint and got to work. 

At first I was worried about the polka dots. They're raised so I thought I might take sandpaper and try to sand them down. But then I feared I would completely ruin the piece. So I painted right over them. The result, cute! I don't mind the dots and they aren't nearly as distracting as I thought they would be. I love it! It took two coats and a thorough exam to make sure all the white had been covered. In between the fingers was where I found most of my missed areas.

I love how it looks with all my other pieces on my dresser. It really does compliment the rest of the decor. And I love how it showcases some of my favorite rings!

 

I love that paint is such a simple way to turn nothing into something! A piece I almost parted with, because I couldn't make it work in it's original state, gets a little face lift while adding a sophistication to my dresser. 

Are there pieces in your home that you've looked at time and time again and thought it needed a little upgrade? Share with us what it was and how you made it new again. I love breathing new life into tired things. 

And I promise, we're still working on the chair. It's slow going when you only get a day here or three hours there. I hope to have it completed by the end of the year. As for the bar? I have a few finishing touches to add and will be sharing it with you all soon!

An Evening with Ina Garten

 Top: Joie (similar here); Tank: Ann Taylor (similar here); 

Pants: Ann Taylor (similar here); Shoes: J.Crew (gift); 

Necklace: J.Crew; Bracelets: J.Crew/BaubleBar (similar here)/J.Crew Factory;

Clutch: Kate Spade/Lip Color: MAC Ruby Woo

Last night my mom and I attended a conversation with Ina Garten at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She came to the University to talk about her self-made brand and entrepreneurial spirit. I was so honored to be able to attend a reception for her prior to the event. And after the discussion, I left so inspired, motivated, and optimistic about my future. She is an incredible woman and an amazing spirit!

For the event, I wanted to look chic, but not terribly over-dressed. I thought about a dress, a skirt and top combo, but decided on pants. Paired with my lace top, which has truly been a work-horse in my closet, this look was perfect for the evening! And to be honest, I really wanted to wear these fabulous shoes! Nothing is more chic than black with a touch of gold!

 

 

The Top: Before and After

     

 

 

 Top: Joie (similar here); Tank: Ann Taylor (similar here); 

Pants: Ann Taylor (similar here); Shoes: J.Crew (gift); 

Necklace: J.Crew; Bracelets: J.Crew/BaubleBar (similar here)/J.Crew Factory;

Clutch: Kate Spade/Lip Color: MAC Ruby Woo 

I am still in awe over my evening with Ina. A moment I will treasure and never forget. Next up, making my ideas come to life ! Thanks Ina!

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

Metallic Gold

Sweater: MICHAEL Michael Kors (similar); Shorts: Zara (similar);

 Booties: Rebecca Minkoff (similar); Tights: Target; Handbag: Balenciag (similar); Belt: Ann Taylor;

 Necklaces: Ann Taylor (similar)/Tori Spelling (similar);

Rings: Gorjana/Tori Spelling (similar); Bracelets: J.Crew Factory/BaubleBar (similar); 

Shades: Tom Ford; Nail Color: Chanel Noir; Lip Color: MAC Dark Side

Last week I attended a Fashion Group International meet up regarding networking and connecting to make your business profitable. I learned some great tips for all facets of business and I can't wait to start applying the practices.

We met at the uber cool Garment District in Power and Light. We sipped champagne, listened to speaker Laurie Morrissey, and chatted with fellow business women about their current endeavors. And because we were going to be among some pretty fashionable ladies, I wanted to step up my game! I knew I wanted to wear the shorts, but the top was tricky. I tried on several different pieces, which were all great, but there was just something about this metallic gold! Gotta love a little shimmer!

 

 

The Sweater: Before and After

These tights were a total mistake! I thought I was grabbing my standard opaque pair, but instead I ended up with leopard. Totally worked out in my favor! I love the texture of the tights with the metallic cable sweater.

  

 

Black and gold just happen to be one of my favorite pairings. My alma mater colors just happen to be black and gold as well! How cute would this look at a basketball game? Too bad I wasn't this pulled together in college! 

Hope you're having a fashionable week!

My All J.Crew Wish List

I didn't know I had a wish list until I got the new J.Crew catalog in the mail last night. I was absentmindedly looking through when it seemed like everything was catching my eye! I literally dog-eared every page. Everything seemed shiny, metallic, and gold. I never knew I was a gold girl until this catalog! 

The striped top comes in black, which I prefer, and the gold circles add a little something which all of my other stripe tops are lacking! How cute is that ornament? Who doesn't need a Blah, Blah, Blah ornament to match their favorite t-shirt?! The gold linen pants are amazing! Holiday parties, or just because, seem to be all the right occasions for them, no? I love stationary and these would make a great stocking stuffer for anyone. Tres chic! I didn't know I needed/wished for these shoes until my mom pointed them out. Seriously, so MAJ! The necklace is stunning! Like little matchsticks around your neck. It would light up any look.... That puffer vest in metallic gold is just what I need to punch up any casz look during the winter! And a Blah, Blah, Blah phone case? Yes please! Lastly, I have been in love with these Sorel Joan of Arctic boots since last winter. Definitely a must-have item to get me through winter! 

From Top to Bottom

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9

What is on your J.Crew wish list this year? Check out their site for some fabulous finds! I love that they offer not only clothing but home goods and more! A one stop shop.

Cutting the Mustard

Sweater: Land's End (similar); Top: LOFT (similar); Jeans: Ann Taylor (similar);

Handbag: MbyMJ (gift/similar on sale); Belt: Ann Taylor (similar); Shades: LOFT; 

Necklaces: LOFT/Tori Spelling 

So this is what happened Saturday morning. I couldn't decide what to wear because it has officially become sweater weather. We've already established I'm a sweater girl, and I have a lot of sweaters to choose from. It truly all started with opening the door to my spare closet to find three blouses I didn't remember keeping. This brown and mustard top was one of them. Then I found the mustard sweater and an outfit was born. I added fun accessories like a leopard print belt, chunky necklaces, and a hunter green bag. This look totally cuts the mustard, no?

The Blouse: Before and After

 

 

Today is my birthday and I am off to lunch with my mom and son! We're headed to our favorite spot, the Nordstrom Cafe! A far cry from the lunch we had last year around the pool of the Regent Beverly Wilsher, but I'll take it!

World Series Game One - A Royal Work Look

 Sweater: H&M (fun option); Skirt: Piperlime; Heels: ShoeDazzle (similar); 

Handbag: J.Crew (similar) Necklaces: Ann Taylor (similar)/Tori Spelling (similar); 

Shades: LOFT ($15!!!!); Bracelets: Jessica Simpson/J.Crew/Fossil

How exciting and amazing is it that the Kansas City Royals are heading to World Series?? And when I say heading, I mean they are playing tonight! I have been glued to my TV since the Wild Card game and I've been rotating my royal blue/Royals pieces for game days. Which got me thinking. What would I wear to work in order to root on the Royals without wearing a sweatshirt or tee every day?

I immediately thought of this skirt, but it's so hard to style blues. Well, well, well...how well does this chunky knit go? I love it! Pairing neutrals, such as a gray bag and and shoes, kept all the focus on the main event. 

 

The Skirt: Before and After

 

For the accessories, I loaded up on the jewels! I love the tortoise shell mixed with the blue and orange. And that spike necklace is my fav layering piece!

  

I think this is a royal look for the work place. What are you wearing this week while showing your support for our Boys in Blue? I can't wait for Game One!