Plaza Art Fair

 Sweater: Magashoni, Scarf: Piperlime;

Denim: Loft; Boots: Nine West:

Bag: Burberry (similar);

 Sunnies: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Saturday afternoon my family and I spent the day at the Plaza Art Fair. For those not familiar, this is an annual fall festival in Kansas City where artists from around the country convene on Country Club Plaza to show their photography, paintings, jewelry and other art forms. In addition, there is a stage featuring local bands, food from restaurants on the Plaza and general merriment. It is one of my favorite things to do and it truly marks the beginning of fall activities around the city.

Because of the event, I pulled together my most artistic look which was centered around my designer handbag. Harrods offers a larger variety of designer handbags. I paired the must-have denim color for fall-red-with a gray sweater and colorful tile scarf. And because it's fall, you have to have boots! These were perfect because they're flat, great for walking for miles, and the zipper that lines both sides of the boot lends a little toughness.

And, because of the glare, one needs a chic pair of sunnies! I love these because of their design. They are incredibly light weight and black goes with everything!!

It was a gorgeous fall day! And, while the streets were packed with fashionably dressed ladies, I hope my look was a stand out!

FYI, this post has been sponsored by Harrods!!

All photos graciously taken by Richard Lawson.

Hazzah!

Sweater: Ralph Lauren (similar); Scarf: Piperlime;

Denim: Ann Taylor; Flats: Nine West:

Handbag: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar);

Sunnies: Prada

Sunday afternoon the family and I headed out to the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. For those of you unfamiliar with this, the Renaissance Festival is an annual fall event that takes us back to the days of yore where Lords and Ladies, nymphs and fairies can all play together every weekend for seven weeks! We don't go annually but we do enjoy going out there every couple of years. This year we took our son for his first RenFest experience! He had a ball! He danced and sang, walked among the revelers and we thought at times we would have to charge admission to view our son as those participating in the festival stood in awe of him!

As I was getting dressed for the day, a cold morning that led to a comfortable afternoon, I immediately thought of this sweater. I purchased it last spring for our trip to Chicago. It has been an incredible investment! It's a cotton sweater, but the cable knit weave allows for warmth against that fall chill. And, it is so easy to style! These pumpkin jeans, a must-have color for fall, are a perfect compliment and the tile scarf adds amazing color.

 

 

And if you haven't invested in a cross-body bag by now, you should! They are a huge fall trend, and this one is perfect! This was my handbag and McKinley's diaper bag in one! Come on, moms! Who doesn't love an all-in-one bag! It also converts to a simple top handle. And let's talk about this color! I love the hunter green against the pumpkin and cream. Accents are key!

 

 

All photo graciously taken by Richard Lawson!

Understated Elegance

Dress: Calvin Klein; Pumps: Ann Taylor;

Necklace: Ann Taylor; Ring: Banana Republic (super old);

 Sunnies: Prada

When dropping off my son earlier this week, my mom said to me "Going for understated elegance?" So understated elegance it is!

This is a new black sheath and I'm going to say it again ladies...you need to invest in one! This is probably the number one item every woman should have in her closet! Number One! It literally works for any occasion. Throw on a blazer and conservative shoes for an interview. Add sparkle and some fab pumps for a wedding. Add animal print pumps and a fun necklace for a day at the office. Seriously, go buy one now!

And because the canvas allows for so many styling options, I decided to go with some fun, printed pumps. Don't go too big with the jewels though. A chunky necklace in a neutral tone still makes quite an impact.

  

 

Shop the look!

Love of Kate

As we walked around the Country Club Plaza this past weekend, we happened to stroll by the Kate Spade store and the window display completely called my name! Now, I've found myself doing some online shopping. Here are some additional pieces that caught my eye. How I love Kate!

 

 

The coat was hanging in the window, paired with the matching skirt. Simply lovely! The dress below was also part of the window display. So whimsical yet so feminine!

Had I seen this coat in the window, I'm pretty sure I would have forced someone to go in the store with me. And by someone, I mean my mom! 

Oh my goodness! An adorable bow, cute little chain and fur! And what's even better, its faux fur!! Did I say cute!

And I have already styled this top at least four different ways. Want to hear them? Okay...

1) Paired with my coated, black denim and my mustard, yellow boyfriend sweater.

2) Paired with my Kate Spade black pencil skirt, tights and cap toe pumps. It would make the top the focal point, which it is!

3) Paired with my red denim (half tucked in and belted) and peep toe Steven booties.

4) Paired with my new (just purchased) royal blue pencil skirt, grey tights and Rachel Zoe boots (that I'm getting for Christmas)!

 

Do you often walk past a store front, eye a couple of pieces and feel forced to stalk them on the internet? Just me? Hum, maybe I need some sort of help, like running the credit card!

All photos courtesy of Kate Spade.

Vintage Vest

 Dress: Tucker for Target; Vest: Vintage;

Belt: J.Crew Outlet;

 Boots: Steven by Steve Madden;

Sunnies: DG; Ring; Tori Spelling for HSN;

M Pendant: Gift; Earrings: Gorjana

What do you think of my "new" vest. A real vintage piece that's originally from heart of Texas. I love the creamy caramel color and the leather is so soft! Years of wear will do that. I'm looking forward to the challenges of styling it. It's such a standout piece that it has to be just the right look to make it work. 

This look is very out of the ordinary for me. When I originally styled it, I second guessed myself but decided to just go for it. Taking risks, dressing outside your comfort level  and challenging yourself to rework your wardrobe is what fashions all about, right?

 

 

The Dress: Before and After:

 

Under the Big Top

When I hear the phrase "under the big top" I think of a large, striped tent set in the middle of a large, open field. And under that massive canvas is sheer magic! We attended the Ringling Brothers Circus last Saturday afternoon, and although we didn't sit under a big top, what took place was spectacular! The lights, the music, the atmosphere...it made you feel like a kid again. And, watching it through the eyes of my 17 month old son, was absolute joy. He was wide eyed, grinning from ear to ear and constantly exclaiming "wow"! If that's not magic....

So, what does one wear to the circus on a Saturday afternoon you ask?

Sweater: Ann Taylor; Jeans: Ann Taylor (similar);

Shoes: DIY;

Ring: Banana Republic (super old)

I told my husband that I hoped the animals wouldn't take too much offense to my animal print sweater. It just seemed appropriate. And as for the gold, glitter tennies, if you can't wear them to the circus, when can you?

 

Photos of my tennis shoes compliments of my father, Richard. How better to showcase these shoes than with circus stripes and peanuts! 

Happy Friday!

L.A.M.B.

Sweater: Ann Taylor; Jacket: Levi's (similar);

Pants: J.Crew (more colors); Necklace: BaubleBar;

Shoes: L.A.M.B. via Gilt;

Sunnies: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Today's post is really all about the shoes! And, attitude. I purchased these shoes on a whim from Gilt and thought about returning them. They are a tad too big, I wasn't really sure how I would style them or if I would really wear them. As they sat there looking at me for a over a week, I gave in and decided to keep them. Some people rescue pets, I hoard shoes!

The attitude portion of this post is that I had a bad one yesterday while taking these photos. And you can see it. Or at least I can. The end of the work day left a sour taste in my mouth and it spilled over into my evening. I hate it when that happens. Why should I let silly things like that get in the way of my real life? Unfortunately, it does and that's something I need to work on. 

Anyway, not some of my best photos, but again, it's really all about the shoes! Super fierce!