DIY Preview......

Good Morning and Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I know I did. We were busy enjoying the gorgeous weather on Saturday and spent a fabulous Mother's Day together. Just the weekend anyone could hope for.

So here we are on another Monday morning and I'm bringing you a little DIY preview. I was hoping to work on these last week, I even made a trip to Michael's to get all of my supplies, but when I got home I couldn't find my Mod Podge! So bummed! So instead of blogging about a completed project, I thought I would show you what I hope to do! 

Do you remember these shoes? I worked on them back in 2013, and I loved how they turned out, but they didn't stand the test of time....or walking! After all the primer, paint, and sealer, the paint still peeled off after the first couple of steps.

If you look closely, you can see the crease marks. I was so disappointed. And I apparently put them under the bed and forgot about them. How do I know they were under the bed? I found them just the other day. And I still loved them, but knew I just couldn't wear them in the condition they were in. So, I had an idea.....

Let's throw some silver glitter on them! Okay, I won't just throw glitter on them, I will paint glitter on them using the method from the glitter tennis shoes I replicated from Honestly....WTF tutorial in 2012! I think it could totally work. Fingers crossed! 

Hoping to get these little guys finished by the end of the week, but we all know how the best laid plans can go..... It could be next month! 

See you back here tomorrow!

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!

Wednesday Wants - Gray Over-the-Knee Boots

Ever since I saw Rachel Zoe in the look below, I haven't been able to stop thinking about over-the-knee (OTK) boots. And we're not talking just any OTK boot. We're talking about thigh high and I am obsessed! I've been searching for about a year for the perfect pair, but nothing has caught my eye....until now! 

I've found the six perfect pairs of gray OTK boots that I think would work to pull off this look. I realize her's are more on the taupe side, but I'm thinking gray will go with more of the pieces in my closet. I'm hoping my look comes close. I mean, who can really emulate Rachel Zoe? No one! We've all tried but there's just no second best! 

So here is the look I adore!

And here are my picks!

 1/2/3/4/5/6

Aren't they all simply amazing? I love them! I'm especially partial to pair number one from Steve Madden. I love the length and the cool tie in the back. So chic and a little on the tough side, no? Obsessed!

What do you think of my inspirational look from Rachel? A great transition look and could be worn for both fall and spring. This look is the epitome of why I think of her as my style guru. She's flawless!

What do you think of the boots? A style you would consider? Let me know your favs! 

Wednesday Wants - Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

It's hard to think about fall clothing when we are still in throws of summer. Trust me, it's hot here in Midwest and I can't fathom wearing wool. But it's the final week of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and I had to share with you all of my favs! My focus seems all over the board for fall, but if you take a look at my fall looks of the past, I'm still staying true to my personal style.

All of these pieces work with existing items already in my closet; skinny jeans, leggings, and dresses. The wrap coat alone can be styled so many ways! And tall boots. I love them with everything! I've heard rumors that the handbag is sold out, but if you keep checking back, it eventually finds its way back into stock.

1/2/3/4/5/6

I have small confession to make. A very large box, along with a smaller one, arrived on my doorstep while we were on vacation. My husband was concerned about what I might have ordered. Turns out, my mom did a little shopping for my birthday and Christmas! I had ear marked pages in the catalog, the items above being some of them, so I'm not really sure what she ordered. I can't wait for November to roll around!

 If you want any of these goodies, or ones not shown, get shopping now! The prices go back to regular price on August 3rd! This is truly the best time to stock up on fall pieces. I'm just curious what's in the box.....

Happy Wednesday! 

Perfect for Summer

 Top: Zara; Jeans: Loft (similar), Sandals: Rachel Zoe (similar); 

Cross-Body Bag: Steve Madden (fun option); Bracelets: Baublebar (similar)/Stella & Dot; 

Earrings: Gorjana (similar); Shades: Karen Walker via Gilt

My DIY work has stalled so I've decided to bring you an outfit post! A couple of weeks ago McKinley and I headed to his favorite place ever, Crown Center! Okay, maybe not his favorite place, but it is one of his most requested. We had lunch al fresco at SPIN, a departure from his beloved Fritz's but the line was super long. Then we headed to Union Station to watch the model trains, outside to see actual trains, and then home. It was a fun day together.

For a day of play, I reached for my beloved boyfriend jeans and my sandals of the summer. The top is a new one from Zara and one I've been dying to wear. I adore it! The turned down collar is a nod to the 60s, the lace is super sweet, and it's perfect for summer. I can't wait to style it for a dressy night out!

 

 

Top: Zara; Jeans: Loft (similar), Sandals: Rachel Zoe (similar); 

Cross-Body Bag: Steve Madden (fun option); Bracelets: Baublebar (similar)/Stella & Dot; 

Earrings: Gorjana (similar); Shades: Karen Walker via Gilt

 

I'm hoping to get started on my bar cart soon, as well as finish up the chair, but we leave on vacation next week and we'll be gone for roughly 11 days. August will be a busy month of DIY, I hope! I also have a few other DIY ideas in the works and can't wait to share them with you! One is pretty dear to my heart!

Until then, it may be a few more outfit posts, but I've been archiving them like crazy! And, I'll bring you my packing list for a two week vacation! It's all about repeating strategically. And living in a bathing suit for a week....

Saturday Night Bingo

Cape: Laura Kathleen (similar); Sweater: Ann Taylor; Jeans: LOFT;

Boots: Steven by Steve Madden (similar); Handbag: Steven by Steve Madden;

Necklace: Tori Spelling; Rings: Gorjana

Last weekend I attended a birthday celebration for a sweet friend at Hamburger Mary's. I had never been and was dying to go! It was everything I thought it would be and so much more. Bingo, great apps, meeting new people, catching up with old friends, and a fabulous Drag Queen who was gorgeous and incredibly entertaining. I can't wait to take the hubby!

It was a rainy, dreary day and I wasn't really sure what to wear. So glad I opted for skinny jeans and over-the-knee boots. Then I remembered my Laura Kathleen cape, a perfect piece to combat the rain while looking chic at the same time.

 

The Boots: Before and After

I also applied my first smokey eye for the evening! A beauty how-to post coming later this week! Stay tuned!

Complete Coverage

Sweater: Piperlime (similar); Button Down: J.Crew Factory; Leggings: Target;

Boots: Sole Society (similar); Handbag: Steve Madden (similar); Necklace: Ann Taylor (similar);

Bracelets: David Yurman/Gorjana/Gift; Nail Color: Essie Haute in the Heat

We have been so lucky this past week with amazing January temperatures! I have been in heaven, but kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop. But for now, I'm relishing in the fact that I don't need a coat! Remember how I said I would try pairing this fabulous sweater with leggings, and wear it out of the house if the length had enough coverage? Well, I got super lucky!! 

Styling Tip: If you are styling leggings, please try to adhere to these rules. Does it over the bum? Check! Does it cover the hips? Check! Coverage of the front region of the body? Check! If all said areas are covered, then proceed out of the house!

The Sweater: Before and After

  

  

I have to say, I'm living in these leggings this season! They are incredibly comfortable, have a chicness to them with the faux leather side panel, and are warm when it's been brutally cold! Run out a get a pair or shop the link above! They are still available at Target. 

Happy Tuesday!!

Get Moving with New Kicks and Ten Thousand Steps

Now that the holidays or over, everyone is making or announcing their resolutions and goals for the New Year. I have to say, I'm not one for resolutions because I just never stick to them! Goals are great to have, like getting organized or making professional strides, but the losing 10 pounds or getting back in the gym resolutions never happen for me! 

I used to be a three or four time a week gym girl. I would get so mad in January when there were new people on my treadmill that I had been using for the past eleven months. With that being said, I got a Fitbit Flex for Christmas, a gift my mom swore didn't say "I think you're fat". She knows that I'm just wanting to get moving and healthy. And I promise you this, I won't be that girl stealing your treadmill!  

With movement means new kicks! I think I need super cute pair that look darling with boyfriend jeans and shorts later this summer. Without further ado, I've picked four of my top picks from Shopbop!

1/2/3/4

Let's get moving this year! And a great pair of sneakers are a big motivator, no?

Welcome to the Jungle

Top: Ann Taylor; Skirt: Loft;

Shoes: Steven by Steve Madden;

Cuff: ??; Sunnies: Prada (gift)

Okay, so I'm not actually in the jungle. Instead, I'm at the waterfall area on the Sprint Campus. Why did I not know about this amazing place before now? You will definitely see this backdrop in future posts!  Honestly, it was like a little oasis where you could have lunch or just sit and gather your thoughts when needing a change of scenery. Simply lovely!

Again, this look happened by accident. That seems to be happening a lot this week. And by a lot, I mean over the past two days. I started out with my red cropped pants and a sweet, little lace top. Didn't like that combo so I tried the lace top with the black skirt. Didn't like that either. So I started searching for a different top when I found this one. Perfect! The top actually has a large black waist band, but the blacks didn't match, so I tucked it in. I really like how this looks more like a dress than two separate pieces. And the cage(ish) heels brings that whole animal vibe together. You know, tiger in a cage...

 

 

 

 

A Look to Steal

This look is stolen straight from the pages of Instyle Magazine! The focus on the red blazer. The bold pop of red against your faded pair of denim is genius! Add a button down, animal print pumps and a splash of royal blue, and you've instantly updated your favorite pair of jeans. They also paired this look with several strands of pearls and glass necklaces. I can't wait to re-create this look and soon! MAH-JOR!