Hello Friday

Jacket: Banana Republic (similar); Tee: Boden; Tank: Loft; Jeans: Joe's Jeans (similar);

Booties: Sole Society; Shades: Karen Walker via Gilt; Jewelry: Stella & Dot

Happy Friday!! We made it through the week and I've met my goal of blogging everyday! I'm super proud of myself. There have been days where I've truly thought about passing so I could go to bed early, but I pulled myself together and got it done! It's all about finishing what you've started, right?

Yesterday was a much needed haircut day for both of us! McKinley was the shaggiest I have ever seen him! Serious mop top was happening, but with all the concerts he's been playing in the living room, I almost let it continue to grow. Who knows, summer could find a longer haired version. If he's going to be a rock star, he needs the hair, right? I was ready for a little trim as well. I felt like the oomph from the summer had deflated and I needed to pump it back up! I love it!

The Tee: Before and After

    

 

Speaking of goals, this girl is so close to a goal she set for herself earlier in the month. I'm not sure I will actually make it, but I'm doing everything in my power to make the next three days count. All I can say, is that I've tried my hardest and that's all anyone can ask for, no?

I hope you've had a wonderful week! Here's hoping the weekend says Hello with open arms!

XOXO

Dressing for Home

Sweater: Piperlime (cute option); Shirt: J.Crew Factory; Jeans: Loft (similar); 

Booties: Sam Edelman; Shades: Prada; Jewelry: Stella & Dot

This is probably one of my favorites sweaters, and yes, I say that about almost all of my sweaters. I've always been a sweater girl, but there is something about this one. I've styled it so many ways with a simple black t-neck, that I wanted something a little different. A plain white tee would be too much of a stark color. It's WAY too cold to think about wearing it sleeveless, and to be honest, I'm not sure I could ever wear it sleeveless. I think the wool would drive me crazy. Then I had a revelation. What about pairing it with my denim shirt? Perfection!

Another great thing about this look is that I wore it while working! That's right, this girl had a trunk show last night, only it wasn't in someone's living room, it was virtual. Okay, someone may have been in their living room or kitchen or in bed for the night, but this girl was parked on her couch working from her den. My awesome job allows me to work from home, when I can, and wear something as casual as this. However, I think it's the perfect look. It's not too casual, but not too dressy for being at home, and it's the best way to work....in my opinion!

The Sweater: Before and After

     

 

My rule of thumb when working from home, get up and get dressed as if you were going into an office. I could have gone the lazy route and just played the part, but instead I showered, did my hair, applied makeup, and got dressed for the day. I did a little work before the show and felt more productive because I felt the part. And when it came to the party, I was ready to take on the night!

If you work from home, what do you do to get your mind the game? I would love for you to share your motivational tips! 

Wednesday Wants: Spring Shopping

As you know, I'm stripes obsessed! I think they make up 75% of my wardrobe! They are an easy pattern to style with other patterns. They make a great layering piece. And they really are a good wardrobe neutral. If you don't have anything striped, you must add it to your closet immediately.

I pulled this look together for a recent Stella & Dot virtual trunk show. I adore it and I really think I need to invest in the top. (I already own the booties.) I have a hat that's similar and I know I can come up with jeans. (However, I'm on the hunt for new jeans. All my boyfriend jeans have somewhat bitten the dust.) All in all, the top would be the only piece I need to order. I think this is a spring must-have look!

Top: Boden; Jeans: Boden; Hat: Target; Booties: Vince Camuto

However, you can switch out the top for sweaters and make it a late winter look that's lighter in color and texture. I'm already tired of my heavy sweaters and ready for a true change in pace and wardrobe! I love the open cardigan of this one from Loft. It would be cute over my jumpsuit from earlier in the week or with jeans and a cami. 

But then there's this gorgeous top from Anthropologie! I love the criss-cross front of the blouse. Shows a little skin but not enough that it can't be work appropriate. 

Styling Tip: When wearing low V-Neck tops or ones with a criss-cross cut like the one below to work, add a jacket or blazer. And keep your jewelry at your collar bone. You want to keep the attention at your face. Or maybe add a chandelier earring. 

I definitely think all of these pieces can be worn now and taken straight into spring. Being able to paired them with cute skirts, or shorts when it's warmer, add to their appeal. This is the time to start shopping for your transitional pieces and I think these are the perfect start! 

Get out there and start browsing for your spring must-haves. I know I have!

Happy Wednesday, Fashionista's!

The Date Night Continues...

Faux Leather Top: Piperlime (similar/under $15); Button Down: Target (similar);

 Jeans: Joe's Jeans (similar); Heels: Chie Mihara (similar); Handbag: Steve Madden; 

Jewels: Stella & Dot

On top of the date night on Saturday night, my hubby asked me to breakfast on Sunday! McKinley spent the night with my parents so we truly had the whole morning to ourselves. Although we missed at our breakfast table, it was nice to spend some extra time alone. We discussed things we haven't had a chance to talk about, because who actually gets to talk about adult things when your four year old is around, and we just chilled at the table like the old days. However, I was ready to get to my baby by the time the meal was over! I missed that little face!

I bought this extra long white shirt from Target earlier in the year and just haven't really thought too much about it since. I've seen it looking at me every time I open my closet doors, but just haven't really been a white button up mood lately. Until Sunday morning. I reached for it first thing and then grabbed my faux leather tee, which I haven't worn in quite sometime. I love it! And, I can't wait to style the shirt again soon! Spring is around the corner, right? 

The Faux Leather Top: Before and After

      

 

 

   

 

After breakfast, we headed straight to my parents house for a little cuddle time with the kid. Okay, who am I kidding. There was no cuddling involved. In fact, I barely got a hug! But I did get some good hand-holding while McKinley showed us around his classroom for his school's Open House. I love that he holds my hand every day!

Look at this. Two days in and I've got two posts up! Goals people!

Hope you're having a great week!

A New Twist

 Sweater: Boutique at Holiday Mart (similar/under $50); 

Jumpsuit: Loft (similar/under $20); Booties: Rebecca Minkoff (similar);  

Handbag: Frye (gift); All Jewelry: Stella & Dot; Lip Color: NARS Heat Wave

 My hubby and I had our first date night in the new year on Saturday night and it was nice to just hang out together. We went to dinner at the movie, something we're kind of spoiled by but annoyed by, and came home to watch Flip or Flop on the DVR. It was actually quite perfect.

I am a girl who loves her jeans, but I'm kind of tired of wearing them on a daily basis, especially on a date night. I found this little jumpsuit hanging in the closet, one I purchase last summer when Loft was having a huge spring sale. (It has been something like $79, and with the sales that had taken place during spring, I ended up getting this piece for $17!) However, it's super cold in these parts so I decided to pair it with a sweater I've had for at least a 1,000 years. Okay, maybe not a 1,000. More like 10 years or longer. It's one of my all time favorites, but doesn't get photographed often. I adore the end result!

The Sweater: Before and After

     

Why yes, I am pregnant in the before photo! Not sure how far along. Maybe six months?

I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Ours was great! Lots to report this week. And I promise, I will definitely try to make all five days of blogging this week. We all have to have goals, right?

Happy Monday, Fashionista's!

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

A Day with McKinley

Poncho: Tahari (cute option/60% off), T-Neck: Kohls; Jeans: Loft (similar); Sneakers: Converse;

Hat: J.Crew; Scarf: My Mom Made; All Jewelry: Stella & Dot; Lip Color: NARS Shanghai Express

Yesterday McKinley and I took total advantage of a January day that reached the upper 50s! We spent four hours at the zoo and enjoyed every minute of it. The animals were out in full force and some were out to play! And it was so quiet. There were several families out, but we never seemed crowded at any of the exhibits. McKinley and I were able to spend time where we wanted, discussed the animals he had questions about, and just spent quality time with one another on a truly beautiful day. It was simply the best day! 

Because the day started out in the low 40s, I went with tons of layers! I am literally wearing three tops! A long sleeved white tee, a cashmere turtleneck, and the wool striped poncho. I added the long scarf at the last minute and so glad I did! I was comfortably warm all day! I love the pop of color with the burgundy hat and sneaker. And let's be honest, just because I was at the zoo doesn't mean I can't be chic, so I added my new chandalier earrings and leather bracelet from the new Stella & Dot spring line. Aren't they fab?

The Sweater: Before and After

   

Happy Friday, Fashionista's! I hope you have a grand weekend planned. See you all back here next week!