Wednesday Wants: All Things Blue and White

As I look at this week's Wednesday Wants, it's apparent that I'm having a minor obsession with all things blue and white. I think it's a hold over for all things Mexico related from the summer collection of Stella & Dot. It all started with the tunic from Urban Outfitters and Gaucho's from Joe's Jeans. From there, I just continued to find blue and white pieces I have to have for summer! And I'm totally into basic tees. Especially ones made of linen. Remember this one from Target that I wear all the time? 

So with all that being said, I bring you this week's Wednesday Wants!

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Dressing for Spring...

Vest: Zara (cute option); Tee: Boden; Jeans: Ann Taylor (similar); 

Sandals: Pour la Victoire (similar); Jewelry: Stella & Dot; 

Lip Color: Revlon HD Matte in  Love

It can be hard to dress for spring around here due to the fact that the weather is so inconsistent! It's 75 one day, 51 the next, raining buckets another day, and 81 after that. On this particular day, it was humid, but not terribly warm, so I went with lighter layers. And I couldn't be happier that it's finally sandal weather! I've missed all my open toed shoes!

I love the stripes against the eyelet. The stripes play peek-a-boo under the subtle circles making it a little playful. And I liked keeping the vest open. However, I think I might add a thin belt over the self-belting next time. It will add a little dimension. Adding a nude shoe keeps the focus on the stripes. Plus, you know how I feel about trying to match navy's. Just don't!

The Vest: Before and After

   

 

If it weren't for McKinley getting up around 6:00 this morning, this post may have never happened. Yesterday is a blur as we had so much going on. By the time bedtime rolled around, I realized I had never blogged, but when your child asks you to lay down with him and sing him to sleep, you simply can't refuse! Definitely not an excuse for not blogging in my world!

It's a stormy morning around here with rain forecasted all day! I'm thinking it could be a pajama day! But, I'll be back tomorrow with some Wednesday Wants that I've had my eye on! Until then....

Wednesday Wants - A Spring Sweater

We have had some of the most amazing spring-like temps around here and it's only the beginning of March. I'm not complaining, just a little leery of what may be around the corner. You know what they say about March coming in like a lion....

But with these warmer temps, I've found that I'm reaching for spring sweaters and I don't own very many. I have some light weight versions that are more for late April or early May, but nothing in the heavy cotton genre. Even a light weight cashmere would work. But what I have is heavy winter sweaters that just aren't right. And the colors are too dark as well. I mean, I love a good gray and black sweater, even in the summer, but I would also like something in a cheery cherry red or pretty pink. Spring time colors!

And I think I've found them. I've pulled together eight that I think are perfect for this time of year or later in the summer with shorts. 

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I'm obsessed with all of them really, but my favorites are the hot pink and red from Boden, the coral sweater from Loft, and the long navy sweater from Anthropologie! Which ones do you like?

What spring pieces are on your radar? Do you own the perfect spring sweater that you wear from year to year? I think any of these would do the trick!

Blue on Blue with Blue Sparkles

 Sweatshirt: J.Crew Factory (fun option); Button Down: J.Crew Factory; Jeans: Loft (similar/on sale);

Shoes: Boden (gift/similar); Shades: Target; Necklace: Stella & Dot; Lip Color:Chanel Jean

Last week the weather turned into full on spring around here and we took full advantage! I began my brief break from winter by layering pieces that didn't require a coat! I took a chambray button down and threw on one of my favorite light-weight sweatshirts. Then I paired it boyfriend jeans and my new sparkly sneaks! They were a gift from Christmas that I haven't been able to wear before now. Can't wear sock with these babies. From there, I threw on my awesome new shades, a bright pink lipstick, and my new Arc Pendant and I was ready to take on the day!

And by taking on the day, I mean heading to our rental shed to pick up pieces for a condo we staged over the weekend. Did I mention my mom and I are stagers? Well, we are! From there, it was back home to spend some time in the sun with my son and plot our course for arranging said furniture in the condo. It was an eventful day that allowed us to spend some much needed time outdoors! Actually, the first of five!

 

The Sweatshirt: Before

   

 I hope your weekend was as amazing as ours! We literally spent the last five days, starting with last Wednesday, outside and enjoyed every single second! They may not have all been fashioned filled, but hey, life sometimes just gets in the way of fashion. 

Happy Monday, Fashionista's!

Sailing

Jacket: Banana Republic (similar); Sweater: Boden (navy only); Tank: Loft; 

Jeans: Joe's Jeans; Handbag: J.Crew (similar); Booties: Sole Society; 

Jewels: Stella & Dot; Lip Color: Revlon HD Obsession

 I wish I were sailing because that would mean I was on the water, in the sunshine, and soaking up a little bit for warm weather. But instead, I spent an awesome Friday afternoon with my son at Crown Center and Union Station, the destination of his choice. We had lunch at his favorite place, hit the toy store for him to browse, and then walked over to Union Station to watch the model trains for what seemed like hours. It was a lovely day.

How cute it is this sweater? I love the pale pink shade, the navy blue waves, and darling little sailboat. It's a light weight wool, so I definitely needed something a little warmer, so I paired it with my favorite cream leather jacket. It was the perfect layering piece. I think the sweater will be a great early spring item as the weather finally turns warm.

The Jacket: Before and After

     

 

I realize it's only Tuesday, but how is your week going? Things here are a little choppy, just like the waves can be, but I'm hoping for a calmer week ahead.

Capeness

Cape: Boden (other colors); T-Neck: French Connection (similar); Jeans: Loft; 

Booties: Sam Edelman (similar); Handbag: MbyMJ (fun option); Shades: Prada; 

Jewels: Stella & Dot; Lip Color: NARS Heat Wave

 Sunday was a mama day, and when I say mama day, I mean I got to spend the afternoon with my mama! I was way overdue for an afternoon that was just for me. And when I found out that I was going to get the chance to do mama stuff, I called my mom and filled her in. We met at Town Center and shopped for shoes, bras, and spring pieces for our wardrobes. We then hit Loft for jean shopping! I walked away with new jeans, without holes, yet are casual and chi enough for days at the zoo, farmstead, and other McKinley friendly outings. It was a lovely afternoon.

Speaking of lovely, the weather was lovely as well. I didn't need a coat, but I knew I wanted something with a little coverage. I also knew it was time to break out the cape that I have dubbed Capeness. It's greatness in a cape. It's the perfect weight, the color is gorg and so cheerful, and it's simply classic in design. Dark jeans, a cream t-neck, and leopard booties completed this mama look!

 There are times when I take a mama afternoon and feel guilty while doing so. This time, I didn't! I really enjoyed my time alone, well with the company of my mom. I could shop, browse, and have a conversation without being interrupted and told how much someone doesn't like going to mama stores. You know, sometimes mama's just need a break!

Can you believe we are in February? I feel like this color combo is a nod to the Valentine's Day celebration that's on the horizon! I can't wait to start sharing some of my heart day finds with you! 

Have a great day, Fashionista's!

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

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!

Hello 2016

T-Shirt: Boden; Button Down: J.Crew Factory (similar); Jeans: Loft (similar); 

Sneakers: Converse (similar); Shades: Karen Walker via Gilt; Necklace: Stella & Dot; 

Lip Color: Chanel Jean

Saying Hello to 2016! This is what I wore for the first day of the New Year and I was ready to say hi! As you know from earlier in the week, I'm taking a Leap, but I'm also saying Hello to a year that's going to be bigger than last! I've set goals, trying to keep a positive mind set, and putting all of this out in the universe in hopes of an incredible return!

Because it was the first day of the year, I didn't want anything but comfortable! I can't stay up late anymore and I felt the effects the next day. As I get older, I just don't bounce back like I used to. I think I took a good hour plus nap that afternoon! And when you have styled your most relaxed pieces in your wardrobe, it's easy to feel relaxed. Hello...

 

I hope your first full week back has been as easy as this look! And that the New Year has been fashionably chic! So much to look forward to and so much to blog about in the coming weeks and months! I hope you continue to follow the journey!

Happy Friday!

XOXO

A Little Weekend Grunge

Flannel Shirt: Target (similar); Tee: Boden; Jeans: Loft (similar); Booties: Sole Society;

Necklace: Tiffany; Shades: Target; Lip Color: NARS Heat Wave

I love dressing up, but I also love dressing down. Way down! Do you ever have one of those days where you just want a little grunge, but on the chic side? Well, that's this look for me! Sure, it's not lace and fur, but a little flannel, mixed prints, and fun booties dress up my grungy look! And it's perfect for these chillier fall days!

The Stripe Tee: Before and After

    

 

Here's to Friday and fun filled weekend! Hope it's a fabulous one, Fashionista's! I hope to be back in full form next week!