"You're a Shining Star, No Matter Who You Are..."

It has been exactly one month since I last blogged and it's a little bittersweet. This will be my last post with Style My Way and what better way to go out than with a Tulip Twist! When Robin asked me if I would like to participate, I jumped at the chance. I wasn't really sure how I would conclude my blog and this seems fitting. A little star tank to symbolize my rising star with a new adventure.

So why am I no longer going to blog? Well, that's not really the case. I'm just closing Style My Way as a chapter in my life. I'm no longer this girl. A fashion blogger. A personal style blogger. A stylin' girl. I'm a mama who doesn't really dress up anymore, who rarely wears make-up (or showers), and I haven't been inspired or excited to blog about anything fashion related, as you can see from my very visible absence from the blog. When you are no longer inspired to share things, it's really no longer a fit. And that's where I am with Style My Way.

 This tank, however! Let's talk about a perfect fit. I'm obsessed with it and can't wait to style it all summer long. It's perfect for days at the zoo and farmstead. Over a swimsuit with cut-off shorts. And it would be cute on a date night with the hubs. I will always be a girl who loves clothes and will continue to preach that leggings aren't pants and that you don't have to wear gym clothes to feel comfortable! This tank is a prime example! This is what I wore to McKinley's first swimming lesson this week. At 10:00 in the morning. See, you can be stylish when just sitting at a picnic table!

 

 

 

This is the silliest picture ever, but it makes me so happy. It's truly who I am. Over-joyed to be living the life I am, to be doing what I love, and to be starting a new adventure!!

 

So what's this new adventure? Well, I'm still a Stylist with Stella & Dot and loving it! It's truly what I needed in my life to feel like I have a career that allows me to live the life I want to live. However, I need something else. I still need a creative outlet in my life. A place where I can share my style, my life, and my inspiration. And that is with a new blog! I am a mama. I'm a mama with style. A mama celebrating moments with my family. A mama who loves to have a "mama drink" from time to time. A mama who keeps her five year old busy with activities around the city. A mama who likes to craft and show you what I'm making. I'm simply a mama and I am ready to blog about it! And it's coming your way soon!

In the meantime, thank you for the years of support you've given me. Whether it was my personal style, rants about what I think is fashionable, my DIY projects that sometimes worked, and simply allowing me to share what I love. It's been a fun six years!

XO!

Andrea

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!

1/2/3/4/5/6/7

Wednesday Wants: Rachel Zoe Fall 2016

As most of you know, I am a huge fan of Rachel Zoe. I've watched all of her reality shows and I wonder when and if Fashionably Late with Rachel Zoe will back on the air any time soon. I'm also a big fan of her apparel. I own several pieces (seen here/here/here) and would gladly add more to my closet. So when her fall 2016 presentation images were released, I immediately reviewed them and picked all of my favorites.

According to Rachel, this line is very different than anything she's done in the past. As she told InStyle, "The '60s and the '70s—it's my thing, and it's never going to change. Hopefully, people will always come to me for a great flared pant or a great jacket. But I also want to show what else I can do." This collection took inspiration from the 1930s and then traveled back to the 1990s.  "We have menswear tailoring with feminine silk slip dresses, pearl beaded sweaters, velvet pajamas, and super rich fabrics. This girl feels very expensive and glamorous without trying."

What I love about the collection is that there is definitely a nod to past designs with the faux fur, over-sized coats, and sleek blazers. What I especially love this go around is the white! I'm obsessed with all the white. I adore the dramatic look of the long top coat in a mix of black and white. It's definitely a statement making piece. I love the flirty white dress with shaggy black accents on the sleeve and hem. And the grayish metallic suit is fab! Simply put, this collection is gorg!

Now, what would I actually wear from the pieces I've chosen? I would have to say a lot of it. Sure, I'm a work from home mama who doesn't really get that dolled up anymore, but when I do, I would strut it in all of this! The long coat would be amazing with flared jeans. The shaggy black vest could be worn with pretty much anything. All of the white pieces could be mixed and matched with other pieces in my closet. And the suit? Well, I would just find a place to wear it!

One last look that really stood out to me is this.

Would I wear all the pieces together? Probably not. I mean, I'm not Rachel Zoe. But the coat is ridiculous. The cropped top would be flattering with black pants or paired over a black dress to give it a little something extra. The print is amazing. The colors are crazy. And it's signature RZ!

"I like to make clothes that people want to live in and dance in all night," she says. "I want to have fun with fashion." 

I would say everything about this fall collection is just that, fun!

All photos courtesy of Rachel Zoe. 

Black and White Mixed Prints

Sweater: Piperlime (cute option); Shirt: Land's End; Jeans: Loft (similar); 

Booties: Rebecca Minkoff (cute option); Earrings: Stella & Dot

 

 I have been on the hunt for the perfect black and white checked flannel shirt for several months, and when I saw it in the Land's End catalog, I immediately earmarked it for a Christmas gift. When I opened one of my gifts on Christmas morning, there it was! And, since wearing it with this sweater and my Leap sweatshirt, I've worn it at least three other times. And, it's only January 6th! That's what I call the perfect black and white checked flannel shirt!

Pairing my new favorite shirt with one of my favorite sweaters only makes sense, right? I wore this for a little post holiday get together. It was a low key evening and I wanted to be comfortable but a little glam. I know, distressed boyfriend jeans paired with a sweater and flannel shirt isn't terribly glam, but I did add a major hint of sparkle with my amazing ear jacket earrings! They are stunners and dress up any look.

The Sweater: Before and After

   

 Seriously, this flannel shirt is so awesome! It's comfortable, fits really well, and can be paired with so many pieces in your closet! I can't wait to show you all the other ways I plan it wear it. If only it would go with my sequin joggers....

Leap...

Sweatshirt: Made by Me; Flannel Shirt: Land's End; Leggings: LC Lauren Conrad (under $15);

Heels: Ann Taylor (similar/under $50); All Jewelry: Stella & Dot

It's a New Year, and just like any new year, I always think it's going to be my year. Well this year, I'm saying it out loud (or in writing anyway) that this year is going to be my year! Do you want to know why? Because I took a leap!

I took a leap about a year ago by not going back to work. In October of last year I took another leap by starting my own business as a Stylist for Stella & Dot and I haven't looked back! It's the biggest leap I've taken to date (aside from having a baby) and I've decided it's my moto. "Leap...so she did." And I'm telling you to take one as well! Whatever you've ever thought about doing, do it! Take the leap! It could be totally worth it.

Because I've taken a leap, I decided to put it in glitter. On a sweatshirt. That I'm wearing! It's my prototype, some kinks need to be worked out, but they will be for sale soon on Etsy. But, if you want to get in line for one, email me for all the details. I'm loving it!! 

 

So what does one wear with a glittery white sweatshirt? A plaid flannel button down, faux leather leggings, and animal print heels. And, you add gobs of gold jewels and a bright lip! I'm pretty sure it's glam all the way!

  

What is on your agenda for 2016? Big life goals? Small items that you've wanted to tackle for a while but haven't? Any major leaps you've finally decided to take? Repeat to yourself "Leap....so she did." It has totally worked for me!

Happy 2016 Fashionista's! Let's make this the shiniest year to date! 

XOX!!

Not Over-the-Top

Sweater: H&M (similar); Leggings: INC at Macy's; Boots: Sole Society (c/o) similar;

Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff; Shades: Karen Walker via Gilt; Earrings: Stella & Dot

I snagged this darling sweater at H&M a couple of weeks ago, but it hasn't been nearly cool enough to wear it until now! How crazy that a Midwest December has been in the mid 50s? It hasn't felt like winter at all. And, even though I hate winter, I find it weird to not be wearing my sweaters on repeat these days!

What I love about this one is that it has tiny little silver threads running through out the print which gives it a tiny bit of sparkle. It's so subtle, yet so pretty when it catches the light. It's incredibly comfortable, the length is perfect for leggings and skinny jeans, and it's holiday appropriate without being over-the-top. 

 

    

 

I added splashes of color with a coral handbag and bright red lips! I find that sometimes a black and white look just needs something to make it pop! I can't wait to style this with things other than skinnies and leggings. I'm thinking it will look darling with my feather fringe skirt and tights. I may have to style it up for NYE!

I hope your week is going fashionably well! Can you believe Christmas is three days away? I know I'm ready for some major holiday cheer!

Picnic Check

 Top: Piperlime (fun option); Shorts: JCPenney (under $15); Shoes: Ralph Lauren; 

Handbag: Kate Spade (similar/under $50); Shades: MbyMJ; Necklaces: Stella & Dot

Bracelets: Kate Spade/Tulip (check store for avail)

Sunday was a Family Fun Day! The hubs and I took McKinley to an event called Touch a Truck where children of all ages could touch, climb on, climb in, and "drive" some of the industries largest trucks and equipment. McKinley was in absolute heaven! He drove a crane truck, Farmall tractor, tour bus, UPS truck, firetruck, and snow plow. It was one of the coolest things for kids that we've done in a long time! 

I was a little unsure of what to wear. I knew it wasn't going to be a dressy deal, but I'm one of those girls that doesn't really pay attention to things like that. I mean, I wasn't going to wear a cocktail dress, but I could have worn a cute summer dress. Instead, I decided on my favorite white shorts and this cute little top I've been wanting to style all summer. And as you can see, it's another crop top! I was a little leery of how cropped it appeared, but again, I wore high-waisted shorts that really helped balance the short top. I love this look!

 

 The Shorts: Before and After

  

 

I was really unsure of footwear! There was no way I was going to wear heels. They would have been too much! Then I remembered these cute whales! Perfection!

Top: Piperlime (fun option); Shorts: JCPenney (under $15); Shoes: Ralph Lauren; 

Handbag: Kate Spade (similar/under $50); Shades: MbyMJ; Necklaces: Stella & Dot

Bracelets: Kate Spade/Tulip (check store for avail)

With summer coming to a close, I'm so glad I was able to work this look into my rotation! It's bright, bold, and most importantly, styled appropriately for my age and body consciousness! I honestly want to wear it again soon! And this time with heels!

Have you tried the crop top trend yet? I shouldn't say trend, because it appears to be a style that's still going strong. I think I'm going need to find the perfect one for fall and soon. It will be here before you know it!

Oversized Chic

Dress: Anthropologie; Shoes: Zara (gift/similiar); Bangles: Siplada/Millsap's (similar);

Earrings: Silpada; Shades: Karen Walker via Gilt

 I love this dress! I found it last week at Anthropolgie on the sale rack and I knew I had to have it. What I love that it's not your usual take on a white shirt dress. I love quirky pieces like this. Did I mention that I love this dress? Oh, and it has pockets! Another love!

Because the dress is oversized, I decided to just keep everything big! I got the shoes for Easter but just haven't had a chance to wear them. The pop of color against the stark white is just what this look needed and the large bows are fabulous! I threw on my favorite bangle combo to add a little texture and they were the perfect accessory. Oversized chic is my new favorite look!

 

Dress: Anthropologie; Shoes: Zara (gift/similiar); Bangles: Siplada/Millsap's (similar);

Earrings: Silpada; Shades: Karen Walker via Gilt

Is this a look that you would wear or something you would place back on the rack? I have to say, this was one of three on the rack, so I'm thinking it might have been a hit! No matter what, it's definitely a look I will embrace!

Side note, while at Anthropologie I was able to put my styling chops to work! I love when I can help a random stranger shop and they love what I create! I just hope it all fit and she walked out as happy as I did! I love styling!!

I hope you all are having a wonderful start to the week! We have a busy week ahead and I hope to keep it as fashionable as possible! I wish that for you as well!

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....