Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Trending Tuesday - Lilly Pulitzer for Target

I have loved Lilly Pulitzer for probably 15 years! Pale pink and mint green are synonymous with the brand as is the tropical vibe within their prints. And with the Target collaboration they are sparing no expense in either department!! When I took a look at the Look Book, I have flagged no less than 25 items that I have to have!! And because I love so much of the collection, I am breaking this post into three parts. Today's post is all about the clothing and accessories. Then it's home decor followed by beauty! So many incredible pieces that this launch needed a week of discussion.

So without further ado, I bring you Lilly Pulitzer for Target!!

Top Row:1/2/3
Middle Row:5/6/7/8
Bottom Row:9/10/11/12

Mark your calendar, Fashionista's!! This sale starts Sunday April 19th and you are going to want to set your alerts and alarms!

I'm planning to be up early and online that Sunday morning and possibly in the store later that day! If you see anything you need, shop those links girls! You don't want to miss out!

Friday, March 27, 2015

Friday Beauty - Jergens Natural Glow

 Are you ready for spring? Me too! I loved having a huge taste of it a for several weeks. We had some amazing weather that had me wishing my legs were tan enough for shorts. But because we're only in March, my legs are Casper white and I wouldn't be caught dead in shorts! I immediately stared thinking of the quickest way to get a little color without heading to the tanning beds. Let's be honest, in my youth, I lived for tanning beds. But now that I'm older and wiser, or just seriously afraid of all the damage I may have already caused, I'm steering clear of those things. 

Because I'm a 40 something, I remember when self-tanners came out and everyone walked around streaked and orange. So bad, right? And because of said memories, I'm scared to death of try self-tanners again! I see others walking around with a healthy glow, and when I ask about it, I'm told it's a recent spray tan, both standing booth and professional spray, or self-tanners from their favorite brands. In the past, the only self-tanner I've tried is the Jergens Natural Glow daily moisturizer but I never really had any success. It never produced that gradual tan. I didn't like it or dislike, it just never gave me the results I expected.

 So while trying to obtain a slight tan for KCFW last week, I scoured my bathroom cabinet for a bottle of my Jergens natural glow. I couldn't find a single bottle! I happened to be looking for a certain lipstick, and while moving around several makeup bags (yes I have more than one or two), I found a trial of the Jergens Natural Glow 3 Days to Glow moisturizer. It was three sample packets for days one through three so I decided to give it a go! Or should I say glow....


So here I am on day one. All pasty white and ready to get my glow on! I applied the Day 1 sample to legs and arms and waited for the tan to grow.



Day two has rolled around and I'm not much darker. I apply the sample to arms and legs and wait for the gradual tan to appear..... 



Then comes day three. What's this I see? A little bit of color? Yes, but if you look closer, it's a little orange in color! Not the color I'm really striving for when I think of natural glow. I'm thinking sun-kissed. You know, that bronzy look. Not that orange glow.


And if you look even closer, it's darker in all the wrong places! 


And splotchy and uneven. I applied in downward strokes and repeated in the same pattern back up. I also made sure to go back over and smooth it out by using circular motions. And I was careful around feet and knees. It sure doesn't look that way, does it?



Oh, what's that on my towels? That's Jergens Natural Glow! Even my husband wanted to know what was all over my towels. I have more glow on my towels than on my actual body! 


The good news in all of this is that if you don't like the orange glow, that's okay, just use your washcloth, a little soap, and some elbow grease and it all comes off! The rough patches become a little less dark and the color starts rubbing off your legs and arms as well. I think I'll give myself another scrub, wait a few more days, and try another round of self-tanners. I'm on a quest to find the right product that gives me that bronze look of having just stepped foot off the beach! 

Have you tried Jergens Natural Glow? If so, what was your result? Any self-tanners that you love and would recommend? Right now I have the L'Oreal towelettes waiting in the wings. Let's hope I have better results!

Happy Friday, Beauties!

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Rock It

Jacket: BB Dakota via Shopbop; Top: Etiquette Boutique (similar); Jeans: Loft (similar);
Heels: Coclico (sinilar); Cross-Body: Rebecca Minkoff (other colors); Shades: MbyMJ; 
Necklaces: The Zoe Report/Stella & Dot (1/2); Bracelet: J.Crew (similar); 
Ring: Etiquette Boutique (similar here)

Last Saturday night my hubby and I had a date night with Maroon 5!! It was awesome! I missed them the last time they were in town and vowed I wouldn't allow that to happen again. I'm so glad I didn't! Adam and team rocked Sprint Arena for two solid hours and I rocked out right along with them. Would I see them again? To paraphrase Big, abso-fing-lutely!

 And for a great rock concert, you have to have a look that rocks. This one totally did! I picked up this BB Dakota jacket from the Shopbop sale a couple of weeks ago. It's still available and comes in four different colors. All of which are currently in stock!! Seriously, nab this one while you can!! Such a great layering piece. It's soft as butta, light weight, and so chic! I paired mine with a loose fitted tank and distressed boyfriend jeans. Low heeled sandals, gold layered necklaces, and a cross-body completed the look!

 


The Jeans: Before and After

    http://akstylemyway.blogspot.com/2013/11/so-much-love.html

Jacket: BB Dakota via Shopbop; Top: Etiquette Boutique (similar); Jeans: Loft (similar);
Heels: Coclico (sinilar); Cross-Body: Rebecca Minkoff (other colors); Shades: MbyMJ; 
Necklaces: The Zoe Report/Stella & Dot (1/2); Bracelet: J.Crew (similar); 
Ring: Etiquette Boutique (similar here)

What is your favorite thing to wear to a concert? Are you a dress and heels girl or skinny jeans and cute top kind? I run the gamut when it comes to concert attire. But the one thing I refuse to wear is that bands t-shirt! Wear it a week later with whatever feels right. Just not that night. Deal?

Rock it out, Fashionista's!

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

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Pretty in Pink - My Picks

 I have never been a girly girl. Yes, I love fashion. Yes, I love a good piece of bling. Yes, I LOVE shoes. But as much as I love all of those things, I've never been what you consider girly. I've never been into glitter, princesses, or pink. Black, red, gray, and leather are more my speed. And beer. I love beer! 

But lately, I find that I'm steering away from my dark side and moving into a pastel space. One that houses the color pink. PINK! I'm totally into pink! I'm thinking it's because I spend a lot of time with my three old son who loves garbage trucks, tractors, and anything related to construction. I'm drawn to anything on the girly side these days! 

With spring finally here, I've picked all of my favorite pieces! No real frills like ruffles and bows, definitely things I will never be into! Okay, maybe an occasion bow on a shoe, but never on my head! It's just a sweet pallet of rosé.
 
 1/2/3/4/5/6/7

What do you think of my girly pink picks? I'm kind of obsessed! So cute and so chic! Now, which ones do I add to the wardrobe? Any suggestions? GO!

Happy Wednesday!!

As always, see something you can't live without? Shop the links!!

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Beautiful

 Dress: Anthropologie; Caplet; Anthropologie; Heels: Jimmy Choo;
Necklace: Ann Taylor; Bracelets: J.Crew 1/2; Clutch: Ann Taylor; 
Lip Color: Chanel Rouge Coco Jean

Okay, I'm just going to say it. I felt so beautiful in this look. I NEVER say that about myself, and never will again, but there was something so soft and feminine about it and it made me feel pretty. Actually, I felt a little Parisian. I love this dress and I can't believe I'm back in it! It's a pre-McKinley dress and one I never thought I would wear again. There's actually a long story behind the dress, one I won't share, but let's just say I now consider this my lucky dress!

This was my look for the Friday night runway shows for KCFW. I've had the caplet for about three years and I've never worn it. I've actually never been able to figure out how to style it. It needed the right piece and the dress was perfect! The dress is strapless, something I don't feel comfortable in anymore, and the caplet helped hide flaws while staying completely neutral. My pale pink pumps, gold jewels, cream clutch, and lilac lip truly completed the look!


 

  


Is it okay to say that one feels beautiful or do you consider that to be a little conceited? I have to go with latter, but when you feel, you just have to shout it!

Are there pieces in you wardrobe that just make you feel beautiful?

 Photos Courtesy of Jana Meister.

Monday, March 23, 2015

KCFW Kick Off - First Night Look

Jumpsuit: Clover Canyon via Shopbop; Jacket: MICHAEL Michael Kors (similar here);
 Heels: Jimmy Choo (similar here); Handbag: Balenciaga via eBay (similar here); Necklace: 
Target (fun option); Bracelets: J.Crew 1/2 (option); Rings: Etiquette Boutique (similar here)/Gorjana; 
Lip Color: NARS Heat Wave

Last Thursday night kicked off Kansas City Fashion Week and I immediately knew what I was going to wear. This jumpsuit! I snagged this beauty of a statement piece during the huge Shopbop sale. You know how I love a great jumpsuit, but what I love most about this one, is that it's almost kimono in design. This was definitely worth the investment as I'm pretty sure I will have this piece for years! 

It was a really chilly evening and I wasn't quite sure what jacket to pair with it. Instinctively, I grabbed my moto jacket and I love how it took it in a more edgy direction. The Baleciaga moto bag didn't hurt either! During my Friday Beauty post later this week, I will talk more about the coral-orange lip. But for now I will just say, I am not looking back now that I've worn it!





 

Jumpsuit: Clover Canyon via Shopbop; Jacket: MICHAEL Michael Kors (similar here);
 Heels: Jimmy Choo (similar here); Handbag: Balenciaga via eBay (similar here); Necklace: 
Target (fun option); Bracelets: J.Crew 1/2 (option); Rings: Etiquette Boutique (similar here)/Gorjana; 
Lip Color: NARS Heat Wave
 
This jumpsuit has me so excited to wear all spring and summer long! And, I totally went against my firm "no white before Labor Day" stance! I am going to claim that since it contained colorful florals and stripes that were accompanied by black, that white wasn't even a factor! 

Happy Monday!! 


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

Friday, March 20, 2015

Friday Beauty - Rouge Coco

 What can I say about the House of Chanel. The clothing, her style, the cosmetics line....all enviable! I've worn Chanel cosmetics for years! I love their eyeshadow quads, I own more than I care to mention, and I'm a huge fan of their lipsticks. About a month ago, I stopped by their counter and chatted with my favorite makeup artist, Madeline. (If you get a chance, swing by the Halls Chanel counter and set up an appointment with her. She's amazing!) She told me about the re-launch of the Rouge Coco lipstick line and I couldn't wait to test it. 


 Not only is the formula new and improved, the reinvented version of Rouge Coco is more expressive than ever with a new formula and vibrant color spectrum, the names are all new. Well, new to us. The colors are broken into five categories; Artists, Lovers, Friends, Muses, and Family. And, to take it one step further, they are all named after someone in every category! How great is that! You must have been someone incredibly important to get a color named after you! I recently tested Jean and brought her home! I love the new formula and the color is perfect for spring! A berry, that leans more toward purple, that feels so luxurious on your lips! I just want to know who Jean was. According to the chart, she (or he) was an artist. Their influence must have been epic!


Have you tried Chanel's cosmetic line? If so, is their lipstick on your list of products you currently use? If not, head to your local Chanel counter, or ask for Madeline when visiting Halls. It might be a little on the pricey side, but it's totally worth the spend! A lipstick that will last and a friend for life!

Happy Friday, Beauties!

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Blurred Florals

Denim Jacket: Ralph Lauren (similar here); Top: Ann Taylor (great option); Pants: JCPenney;
Heels: Sole Society (c/o/similar here); Bracelets: BaubleBar; Earrings: Gorjana

No, the photos aren't blurred and neither is your vision. It's the pants! How darling are these blurred floral pants? I am obsessed with them! The colors are great and the design is so cool. They're elastic waist and incredibly comfortable. I am so glad I found them! And they make a great addition to my spring wardrobe. 

The styling could be a challenge. The colors are great, but that's the challenge. It has to be the right shade of coral and the cream has to be the just the right cream. I also think the top has to be a little streamlined, not too blousy. Belting the top would totally work! I know I can totally figure it out and make them my go-to pant for spring.




The Jacket: Before and After

   

   
 
Denim Jacket: Ralph Lauren (similar here); Top: Ann Taylor (great option); Pants: JCPenney;
Heels: Sole Society (c/o/similar here); Bracelets: BaubleBar; Earrings: Gorjana 

Have you purchased your denim jacket yet? You know how much I love mine. They are so versatile and perfect for this time of year. And in case you needed inspiration, I've worn mine here, here, here, here, and here! Go get one now! Just shop the link above!!

We've made it through mid-week! And KCFW starts tomorrow! I can't wait to share with you all of my looks for the week, the runway show photos, and some other great things from this amazing week of events!! 

Have a great day!!

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

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Wearing of the Green - My Picks

We are off celebrating St. Patrick's Day by walking in the annual Kansas City St. Patrick's Day parade. It's a tradition in our house, one where we meet up with friends and deck ourselves out in the wearing of the green! And because it's all about the green, I've picked my favorite pieces from Shopbop!

1/2/3/4/5/6

I hope you're wearing some version of this Kelly green! Such a great spring color that really packs a punch. Or a pinch on this particular day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Monday, March 16, 2015

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
 
     http://akstylemyway.blogspot.com/2014/04/sheer-laziness.html
  


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!