Kmart Styling

Jacket: Kmart; Shell: Ann Taylor: Jeans: Ann Taylor Loft;

Shoes: Jessica Simpson; Necklace: Ann Taylor

I apologize for the indoor photo but by the time we got home Friday night it was pouring down rain. As you can see from my jacket below, I tried to take photos in the rain, but they didn't turn out. As a result, I was water logged, my hair was a mess and I look a little haggered!

This is a jacket I purchased in early spring from Kmart. I blogged about several key items I found on their site here and I finally got around to styling this past week. Even though this was featured as a spring jacket, the colors are perfect for fall/winter. The neutral pallette of the fabric with a mix of olive green and khaki stripes looks rich with the chocolate t-neck shell. It will also play well with chocolate pants and a denim shirt. And it's cotton so you can layer anything underneath and not worry about getting too warm.

Love the raindrop spots, don't you? Note to self, don't play in the rain with fashion! Leave that to models and their expert photographers. I taped Rachel Zoe on QVC last Friday night and she featured a military jacket as part of her Luxe Rachel Zoe collection. She said a military jacket is always a must have. I love that I'm on trend with Ms. RZ!  That's MAH-JOR!

Once this was paired with dark jeans and a silk shell, would you guess that this jacket was part of Kmart's line? No, right? See, you don't have to spend money to look luxe and trendy! Read your monthly fashion mags and do your research to find the trend at a much lower price. You really can shop on a budget and not look like you did! Would you wear Kmart now?

Rachel Zoe Jacket Photo courtesy of QVC.

A Day at the Zoo

This past weekend was glorious with temperature's ranging in the mid to upper 70s. Because of that, we decided to take advantage of the pretty weather and spend Saturday at the Kansas City Zoo. We weren't the only ones with the same idea! Upon arrival, it took over 20 minutes in the ticket line, but McKinley didn't seem to notice. He was sound asleep! Once inside, I had to get him something to commemorate his first time at the zoo, so we picked out the perfect hat. Worked out well too as I forgot to pack one. Bottles, check! Formula, check! Diapers, check! Sunscreen, check! Hat, nope! Now, he has a darling baseball hat that will fit for the next year at least.

With McKinley now awake, our first stop was to see Nikita, our amazing and adorable polar bear.  He is the main attraction at the zoo and it's no wonder. He is simply amazing! So graceful to watch, you are literally mesmerized by him and could spend all of your time just watching. Last time there, we spent at least 20 minutes watching him swim and play. This time we didn't spend as much time because of how crowded the passage was. We did stop by on our way out and this time I took McKinley down to actually see Nikita in action. I know he had to see him because as soon as McKinley saw this impressive bear, his face lit up and had a huge smile. That's just the reaction young and old get when seeing this marvelous bear!

We started our visit in Africa and with Joel's favorite animal, the elephant. At times, because he's so small, you can't really tell if McKinley's looking at the same thing you are, but I'm pretty sure he saw these mammoth animals. How could you not? The one in the photo, directly behind Joel's shoulder, was so funny. At one point he stood there with one back leg crossed behind the other, like any human would do, and continued to feed on hay. As large as these animals are, I love to watch them roam the path. Again, a graceful animal that sways back and forth as it walks, much like a model walking a runway. I often wonder what any animal is thinking while staring back at you.

Next up, baboons! I remember the last time Joel and I were at the zoo there was a new addition to the baboon family! This sweet baby had just been born, and just like any baby, it is amazing how much it had grown. I loved watching them. They too are very much like humans, I guess that makes sense since we evolved from them, in that they took care of one another. As the baby hung out, the mother I assume, started cleaning another baboon. Was it the father, another sibling, just one of the family? Who can truly be sure.



We left the baboons and continued our way through Africa, and as we do, McKinley nods off for his mid afternoon nap. Joel and I continue to enjoy ourselves. We talk, laugh, continue to photograph the animals and take advantage of some time alone, even with McKinley snoozing directly in front of us.

As we enter the lions den, guess who wakes ups! Perfect timing too. Most of the lions are a sleep and enjoying the little bit of shade right in front of the window! Perfect view! Oh, and it's also the perfect time for a little nosh!



                                                      

  

We didn't get to the Sea Lion show in time to get a seat, but that was okay. We got some great pre-show pics and then made our way to the Carousel Cafe for lunch.

As Joel went to get our lunch, McKinley FINALLY finished his! It only took us over two hours to get him to finish his bottle. I think all the excitement threw him off. As a result, he was one happy boy!

The rest of the visit was kind of short. We were pressed for time as we had plans later in the evening for a friends BBQ. We made our way to the Tiger Trail to see the gorgeous tigers and some Orangutans. The female had a baby as well and he was so precious! We couldn't get a great photo due to the crowd, but take my word for it. Darling!

We didn't have time to visit Australia so we promised McKinley we would start there on our next visit. We will also make sure to attend a Sea Lion show and take a ride on the Carousel. I think we need to invest in a membership. We will be spending some quality time at the zoo in the future and it's a wonderful organization to support! If you haven't been to the Kansas City Zoo in a while, or ever, you owe yourself a trip. A great family atmosphere, but as an adult, you feel like a kid again. 

Dot Dot Dot

Jacket: Banana Republic; Dress: Anthropologie; Shoes: Nine West

Belt: Anthropologie; CZ Necklace: Ann Taylor;

M Pendant: Lord & Taylor; Ring: JewelMint

I have been waiting for the perfect "fall" day to wear this dress and yesterday was it! Purchased on a whim, I have to say it was a great decision! So many ways to style this dress and I can't wait to get started! This was my first look. I hadn't planned to wear the leather jacket, but when I left the house it was in the 50s; too chilly for short sleeves in my opinion. It may not be a black leather jacket, but I think it toughens up the look.

Same goes for the Gladiator sandals. Had I gone with pumps and no jacket, this would have been a more delicate look. That doesn't mean I won't go girly at some point though. I also plan to wear my over-the-knee Seychelle boots, but the tights color might be an issue. What color to wear? I also think my cognac tall boots will look great as well. So many options...

 

This is the Midas ring from JewelMint and I love all the colors throughout. Perfect for just about everything and the brushed gold is so on trend. If you aren't a member of JewelMint, check it out here.

I felt like such a model yesterday! There was a light breeze when this photo was taken and I loved how my hair looked like I had a wind machine on me! Next up, the cover of Lucky Magazine! Only in my dreams...

Champagne Taste

Cardigan/Tank: Ann Taylor; Pants: Ann Taylor Loft;

Shoes: Kate Spade via Rue La La; Necklace: Ann Taylor

That me, champagne taste on a beer budget, but I purchased this cardigan over the summer for little of nothing! I love this piece, but as you know summer's in the Midwest are brutal, so I waited to introduce it. This is perfect for early fall and I'm already thinking of ways to make this a winter cardi as well.

I love the draping sleeves, the different textures, the color and the overall feel. It's super lightweight in a silky way. I know this will look great with skinny jeans and my over-the-knee Seychelle "Diguise" boots I got earlier this year, but the options are truly endless. Stay tuned! 

I'm crazy about this statement necklace and so glad that Rachel Zoe inspired me to wear more of them! She's not afraid to wow with accessories so I'm taking a lead from her! I love the mix of rose gold chain, pearls, crystals and one gorgeous broach. Definitely a wow factor! 

And these shoes! How amazing are these little gems? I love the bronze snake skin mix, the cut outs with mesh inlays, the sweet bowties and wide peep-toe. There is something so modern yet vintage about the design.

This was my first transition look of the season and I really like how it all came together. And, all of these items can be mixed and matched within my closet to created several different looks. That's the beauty of staples!

Making a Comeback

As I'm thinking ahead to fall, and how to make that transition with my wardrobe, I pulled some of my favorite summer pieces that I blogged about this summer. Here's what I'm thinking:

This top will look great with cropped pants and jeans, as seen below, and paired under cardigans and chunky sweaters. This would also be a nice casual piece under a suit to help dress it down.

Tights and tall boots will amp up this olive green dress. I have the perfect pair coming for my b-day. I might even try layering a t-neck under the dress. Could look cute...

I know, I know this is white, but I did say that I thought I would keep this jacket around for fall. It's the white pants that I won't be sporting! This jacket would be great with dark jeans and over-the-knee boots. A cashmere t-neck and a statement necklace would do the trick as well. 

 

 Lace is huge for fall and I have already started playing around with ideas on how to transition the skirt. Also, this denim top is a great layering piece. Perfect under sweaters and jackets. Just bought a long sleeved version as well! 

This isn't exactly white-white. This is more of a creamy white but I'm thinking that white blazer might look great layered over the dress. Makes it a different type of suiting option. Not sure how I feel about it with tights but it might work. 

Again, I know this dress has white, but I did say I would make some exceptions. WHITE PANTS ARE STILL A NO-NO! Same applies to all white dress and yes I know Rachel Zoe wore one on Regis & Kelly yesterday! We differ there! Anyway, this dress would be great with a sweater to make it appear as separates and extend the life of the dress. 

A no brainer with tights and tall boots. A little jacket or cardigan layered. DONE!

I mentioned in this post how I would like to style these pants, but I also have several other ideas. These pants are going to get a work out!

Maxi dresses and skirts are huge right now and this one fits the bill. So many options so little time to wear it! 

Last but not least, the awesome one shoulder dress that one reader asked me how to style for fall. My answer was, a black motorcycle jacket with booties and/or tights and tall boots.  

Have you taken the time to look through your wardrobe and select your go-to pieces for early transition? Get moving. Fall has begun!!

One Last Look

Dress: Ralph Lauren; Shoes: Seychelles via Habitat Shoe Boutique;

Hat: Arden B; Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff via Sample Sale NY;

Necklace/Bracelet: Silpada; Earrings: ??

Last Friday my husband and I took vacation days to extend our holiday weekend. It was so nice just spending time together. We had a blast with McKinley. He is such a joy! We spent the morning just relaxing and later that afternoon we headed to The Legends. We had lunch at Cheeseburge in Paradise, a favorite of mine, and shopped the outlets for all of us. McKinley got the bulk of the clothing, but I did find some great things for me and Joel.

It was a hot day and I wanted to be as comfortable as possible. I hadn't worn this dress before now so now I'm trying to figure out ways to transition it to fall. I'm thinking a chunky sweater and booties. Anyway, I love the deep v-neck in the front and back, but the wrap was tricky! I had to be very careful when the wind picked up. It picked up my skirt a time or two!

I tried to keep my overall look simple, so I added delicate pieces of jewerly. I love this silk corded bracelet. It can be worn alone or layered with other smaller pieces. I doubled up on my necklaces as one was just not enough. I love how they intertwined themselves to look like one piece.

Love this crossbody bag and it's perfect for the day we had. When you're shopping you definitely want to be handsfree! And, all those outside pockets allow you to stash things all throughout the bag! And the fringe is still very much on trend. Great must have item!

Well folks, that's it for summer. Transition looks start this week. I'm a day off as I worked from home yesterday to tend to a sickly McKinley. Loving my look today. You'll see it tomorrow...

Teal Next Summer

Dress: BCBG Max Azria; Belt: From a different dress;

Shoes: Ann Taylor; Bracelets/Earrings: Silpada;

Charm Bracelet/Ring: Tiffany's

There is nothing new about this look. (Seen here) I didn't style it differently. I simply added a different belt and shoe. The accessories are still silver as well. The fact that it fits is what's important! I'm seeing a shift in my wardrobe where certain things are finally fitting! It's not like the baby weight is dropping off, I'm just trying to be a little more healthy in what I eat. Here's hoping for continued success.

This is my final summer work look as I'm taking tomorrow off for a four day holiday weekend. I'm really looking forward to time with the family and the amazing temps we're supposed to get. Looks like fall could be right around the corner! Fingers are definitely crossed.

So, as we turn our attention to fall, I'm going to start planning some great transitional looks for next week. Are you close to doing the same or are you clinging to the last days of summer? Whatever you decide to do, have a wonderful weekend and be safe. Un-TEAL then, I will be back to the blog on Tuesday!