what to wear: weekend!

I have a feeling you are either going to LOVE this outfit or hate it... and I'm okay with that.  I've been loving these "saturday" pants from J.Crew from afar for quite a while. I love how J.Crew always styles them up in the catalogs... pairing more structured items (like this jacket or necklace) against the casual pant.

For the record... I would TOTALLY wear this outfit!

(sunglasses, pants, top, jacket, boots, necklace)

So any fun plans this weekend? We have the usual soccer, then guests in town Saturday and Sunday and hopefully this rain will finally quit!

the IT list... September 30, 2011!

Happy Friday ladies!  Explore some of these fabulous links to get your weekend off to a great start!

• gs lillian says she is more comfortable in a dress or skirt than in jeans.  Are you the same? It's not hard to see why, she always looks fabulous in dresses and skirts! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
• lex and learn makes a very delicious looking semi-homemade pumpkin bunt cake - get her simple trick for this fall treat! (find lex and learn on twitter!)
• simply bold just snagged a gorgeous pair of leather shorts... check out how she styles them up for fall!
• rachael, really looks absolutely adorable in her denim shorts plus knee high socks plus hunter boots!  What a fun combo! (find rachael, really on twitter!)
• take me for a twirl is totally rocking this bright green blazer - I am loving these looks! (find take me for a twirl on twitter!)
• little girl in a big world does a fall weekend on the beach - check out her trip and live vicariously through her! (find little girl in a big world on twitter!)
• everyday mom style wears a great patterned top to work, but wonders... is the pattern too much!?!? I don't think so, I love it! (find everyday mom style on twitter!)
• fabulously average shows you ladies how to layer even if you live in a warmer climate!  So cute! (find fabulously average on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy rounds up her favorite fall looks - and they are all just swoon worthy! Head on over and see her inspiration! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• the style dossier lists their top reasons why fall will rock - such a fun list! (find the style dossier on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style rounds up cozy and unique ways to add blankets to your home decor this fall!  These photos all look so warm and cozy! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• chic or treat finds these adorable velvet flats in several colors for such a steal! Stop by her blog to find out where to snag them! (find chic or treat on twitter!)
• high heels and bubble gum puts together a fab outfit with white pants - yes, after Labor Day - that is perfect for fall! (find high heels and bubble gum on twitter!)
• behind the dressing room door rounds up her top picks for Anthropologies recent 30% off sale! I am loving this gorgeous camel coat! (find behind the dressing room door on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life for less - for information on how you can be involved, click here!

my outfit: this is it.

As I sit down to compose this post, two things come to mind to write about: the weather and how busy I am.  Quite possibly the two most dull topics of interest.  I'm not dull I promise.  It's just that I truly am quite busy and some weeks I feel like I can ride on top of the wave of busy-ness and other times, like this week, I am in the depths of it.  So it goes.

As I mentioned in my last Thursday Latelies, I am THIS.CLOSE to releasing the new e-book on blogging.  It's really coming together amazingly.  I'm thrilled with it.  If you are a new blogger or an existing blogger that is really looking to hone your blog and learn how to monetize your blog, I am confident this will be an amazing resource for you.  I'm thinking Monday may be the release day... stay tuned!

In other news, Linda and I are putting the finishing touches on the next Luxe Lotto and "whoa nelly" it's going to rock your world.  It's rocking my world and I am the one putting it together. Seriously.  I did some quick math on the retail price of all the goods and it's right at about $500.  Awww yeah!

So that is a little of what has been going on behind the scenes around here.  I'm busy as a beaver.  I'm also entertaining the idea of working on some new videos or video tutorials... anything that would particularly pique your interest by chance? Let me know!

I'm linking this post up to Bloggers Do It Better animal prints challenge!

Details:
Sunglasses, Forever 21 (similar)
Blazer, LOFT (similar)
Leopard Sweater, J.Crew (similar)
White Top, Old Navy (similar)
Jeans, Gap (similar)
Flats, Gap
Necklace, courtesy of Monet

three quirky accessory trends!

Are you ever in the mood for something a little off the beaten path? Here are three quirky accessory trends  that might be fun to incorporate into your stye this fall... and some of these might just be fun to search for in vintage or second hand stores.  They all seem to have a vintage-y feel to them!

ARROWS

1. heart & arrow earrings 2. arrow ring 3. t-shirt 4. arrow dangle earrings 5. arrow necklace 6. arrow cuff 7. delicate arrow bracelet

BUGS & SCARABS

1. bee collar necklace 2. scarab-burst earrings 3. bee earrings 4. scarab jewel ring 5. bug charm bracelet 6. bug chandelier earrings

LUCITE

1. lucite chain necklace 2. lucite tortoise hoop earrings 3. clear lucite cuff 4. lucite bead bracelet 5. lucite bauble necklace 6. pink lucite bracelet 7. gold lucite bracelet

Are you digging these funky styles!?!? 

my outfit: muted + a giveaway!

I'm back at it with the layers... no surprise!  This was my "soccer Saturday" outfit... it also included a scarf for games, but as the day warmed I was able to shed at least that layer and the jacket at times too.  That's what is best about layers... I just take them off and add them as needed.  One commenter asked where I live that it's chilly already.  Most of you know that I live in West Michigan and if you didn't - you do now!  Mornings and evenings are cool and afternoons are in the 60's - perfect layering weather if you ask me!

And the boots... it didn't rain as forecasted on Saturday (love when that happens!) but the grass is so dewey in the morning that my feet would be soaked otherwise.  Gotta a love a good pair of wellies.  Both of my kiddos toes were total raisins after I pried off their cleats and soccer socks. Ew.

Also, how fun are these earrings? Like I mentioned this morning, I am kind of obsessed with green lately. So I love the gold feathers with the little green gemstone.

One lucky reader can win a pair of these earrings... yep - your lucky day... huh!?!?  Read on...

Giveaway details:

1. Check out Rebecca's site... and choose which stone you would pair with these gold feather earrings! (they also come in silver too)

2. Then make sure you are a follower with Google Friend Connect of my blog - 

this contest is only open to followers!

3. Leave a comment letting me know your favorite gemstone and earring combo! 

Please note: this giveaway allows only ONE entry per person.

Details:

Blazer, J.Crew (similar)

Sweater, J. Crew (similar)

Gingham Top, Old Navy (similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Boots, Sperry via Nordstrom Rack courtesy of gift card from Nordstrom

Earrings, courtesy of Rebecca

work it wednesday!

Welcome back to another Work it Wednesday - it's where I take one item or style and show you how to "work it" three ways!  Work it Wednesday is also a super fun link party... so work it yourself and link up to show us how you do it!  (full link up details are here!)

Lately I've been super drawn to kelly green... it's very preppy and classic, but I don't really own ANY green (except a striped top similar to the sweater in the second outfit).  Do you own any green? Do you love it? Do you want to try it?

I thought it would be a fun exercise to do up some outfits with this bold hue to see if I could see myself further incorporating it into my wardrobe.

(above: sunglasses, jeans, top, purse, jacket, flats)

(above: jeans, scarf, sweater, boots, watch, trench coat)

(above: scarf, jeans, top, jacket, wedges, ring, bag)

Now it's your turn... get all the details & a button here and link up!  

Please follow link up rules... it's only polite.

fall combo deal!

Have you been wanting to purchase the fall looks:book yet but haven't pulled the trigger? If so... now is your chance!  I've put together a fabulous combo deal including the VERY popular 'fall 2011 looks:book' and the classic '50 things' e-book...  these are the top two resources you'll need this season to spruce up your wardrobe without being overwhelmed by all the new styles and trends.  Plus, as a bonus of buying them together now you save $3 and get a '50 things' checklist that is only available via this combo deal!  

Want more info on my e-book & looks:books? Click here! 

This combo deal is only $10 and is for a limited time!

Click below to buy now.

my outfit: 101 ways to wear chambray.

I'm going to re-name this blog "101 ways to wear chambray."  Not really, but maybe.  I mean, how many times can one wear one shirt before it becomes criminal?  Fashion crimes in the name of chambray.

Much like yesterday's outfit I came up with a little color scheme (I think I saw it in a J.Crew catalog) and then just ran with it.  This color scheme was black, blue and orange - an unexpected combo, no?  The black and orange can be a harsh combo (uh, Halloween anyone?) but the blue chambray eases the spook factor and makes the look less severe.  And also like yesterday outfit: lots of layers.  I'm enjoying this new creative freedom as I work to layer, layer, layer - it's super fun!  Next up... two pairs of pants!  (I kid, I kid)

Details:
Black Sweater, H&M (similar)
Chambray Top, Old Navy (similar)
Orange T-shirt, J.Crew
Black Pants, courtesy of Tulle (last year)
Wedges, Target (similar)
Bracelet & Necklace, courtesy of Towne & Reese
Watch, Fossil via Nordstrom Rack courtesy of gift card from Nordstrom

spring & summer to fall!

Are you still madly in love with all your spring and summer must-haves!?!? Or at least can't bear to part with a few of them now that the weather is cooling?!?!

Here I take my spring & summer must haves and show you how to bring them into fall...

Spring and summer 'must have' red pants are perfectly dressed for fall by simply 

adding a camel sweater or jacket... finish off the look with a simple black shoe!

(above: red pantsuit, red jeans, camel sweater, camel jacket, flats, pumps)

Spring and summer 'must have' nail colors like mint, coral and nude can be 

combined with darker fall shades for a seasonally appropriate look!

(above: mint, coral, nude, black, khaki, maroon, inspiration via Pinterest)

Spring and summer 'must have' neon tops can be dressed down for fall with moody greens that are perfectly suited for fall days... add chunky gold accessories to complete the look!

(above: yellow top, pink striped top, jacket, pants, bracelets: top, middle, bottom)

my outfit: layers!

Layers are definitely the name of the game these days... and that is one of my favorite things about fall!  I've had a lot of fun picking one, two or three layers these past few days and I find myself being more creative with them than I have in the past.  It's so fun to layer up!

This color combination: pink/navy/grey caught my eye somewhere in my last issue of Lucky Magazine and since then I've been obsessed with it.  This navy blazer comes in especially handy for the trio of colors and I've also styled it with a grey t-shirt and my pink mocs (mocs seen here).  Any way I combine these three colors seems to be a winning combo for me.

Inspiration can strike in many ways, but lately I've found if I get a color scheme in my head and then just put together the pieces in my closet that match up with that idea - it seems to work.  It also helps that these days I have a lot more color in my closet than I ever used to before.

When you build outfits do you work towards color schemes? Silhouettes? Themes?

Details:
Blazer, American Eagle (similar)
Grey Sweatshirt, Crewcuts (long story... but a serendipitous one!) (similar)
Pink Top, Zara (similar)
Jeans, Gap (similar)
Flats, Sam Edelman (similar)
Sunglasses, Forever 21 (similar)
Watch, Fossil via Nordstrom Rack courtesy of gift card from Nordstrom

color trend: pink/navy/grey!

I'm completely obsessed with this color combination... I'll let the pieces below speak for themselves and later today I'll be back with my own outfit interpretation!  Swoooooon!

(above: scarf, bracelet, blue & white stripes, pink & taupe stripes, jacket, shoes, purse, blush)

(above: earrings, gloves, clutch, flats, pink top, dot top, belt, nail polishes: blue, grey, pink)

(above: pink sweater, blue sweater, sunglasses, scarf, heart earrings, boots, lip gloss, purse, jeans)

What do you think? Are you obsessed like me? 

sunday splurge: black pumps!

I'm totally craving some simple and gorgeous black pumps a la Kate Middleton.  These would be amazing dressed up - or my personal favorite... dressed down.  I would love to pair them with some skinny jeans, and a blazer!

(bow pumps)

what to wear: weekend!

Recently I got out my black puffer vest to wear against the fall chill in the air (it comes and goes)... I'm always surprised how warm they are for their weight.  I'm planning on wearing mine again this weekend - so cozy AND chic.  I love dressing up the lower layers a bit to balance out the vest that can sometimes feel casual.

This would be a perfect outfit for me this weekend!

(above: earrings, nail polish, top, vest, jeans, flats, clutch)

What are you plans this weekend? Dish!

It's my amazing husband's birthday today - Happy Birthday dear.  

Handsome guy... I'm one lucky gal!

the IT list... September 23, 2011!

Happy Friday ladies!  This week's IT list has a decidedly fall feel!Dig into these great links!

• if I must say so is looking fall-chic in this chambray dress and Western booties - seriously, this is so cute! (find if I must say so on twitter!)
• undeniable style is inspired by polka dots... see her inspiration and how she wears them! I am loving polka dots this season! (find undeniable style on twitter!)
• gs lillian has a new series where she features a fun manicure style each week. I am so in love with this weeks design that she whipped up with these three polishes! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy continues her series "she" with another fabulous combo of eye candy and a quote.  Love this! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• simply bold takes a bad hair day and turns it into a good one... plus, I love this little belt trick! 
• lex & learn has a gorgeous selection of fall scarves... check out her picks! (find lex & learn on twitter!)
• little girl in a big world scores some great pieces for fall at Old Navy and Target... check out her finds! (find little girl in a big world on twitter!)
• take me for a twirl shows off her favorites for fall... of course, coffee is at the top of her list - it's at the top of mine too! (find take me for a twirl on twitter!)
• high heels and bubble gum is going on a shopping diet... but not before she snagged this super fun outfit! I love this layered tunic. Way to go out with a bang! (find high heels and bubble gum on twitter!)
• rachael, really is sporting her new Hunter boots and looking fabulous doing it!  This outfit is so perfect for fall! (find rachael, really on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style shows off her new obsession... party bars. I too am loving these... especially this apple cider bar!  What a fun way to entertain. (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• behind the dressing room door has anthropologie's new arrivals for fall and I am loving these bright corduroy pants - how fun! (find behind the dressing room door on twitter!)
• one hundred inspirations has this stylish Heidi Klum look for less. I'm loving these colors!
• good life for less is talking blazers, blazers, blazers!  Check out her top picks and her favorite way to wear them! (find good life for less on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life for less! for information on how you can be involved - click here!

Thursday Latelies!

How about another Thursday Latelies!?!? You gals were so sweet welcoming back this feature last week, I figured... heck, let's do it again!

 

In this video:

• If you entered this giveaway... check the comments to see if you won! There are three winners total!
• I've got a new e-book I'm releasing soon - hear all about it!
• Books I am reading: An Object of Beauty: A Novel and Mockingjay (The Hunger Games, Book 3) - have you read these books? Did you like them? 
• Tell me what you are reading!
• A new snack I am loving (especially since I am trying to stay away from gluten).  I should note here... I am not Celiac and I realize gluten is in more things that even I or the average person realizes.  In general I am trying to stay away from heavy and obvious gluten products like breads, crackers, etc.

Check out what other ladies are up this Thursday by heading over to Bex... a style diary!

how do you stack up?

I'm loving the look of stacked bracelets... it is such a fun way to express your personal style and to have some fun with fashion!  So what is your stacking personality!?!?

Source: honestlywtf.com via Meagan on Pinterest

{And psst... like what you see? All the bracelets featured here are less than $25 

and many are under $10, so stock up and stack up!}

(above: top left, bottom left, top right, middle right, bottom right)

(above: top left, bottom left, top right, middle right, bottom right)

(above: top left, bottom left, top right, middle right, bottom right)

(above: top left, bottom left, top right, middle right, bottom right)

my outfit: fall colors.

I actually chose the accessories here first, before the clothing.  The trio of the scarf, earrings and watch spoke to me first.  Then I needed to decide what to wear.  That's why I went with the denim on denim (or denim on chambray) outfit that I wrote about earlier this week - it's the perfect backdrop for these accessories (or any accessories really!).  

Sometimes accessories are just way more fun than the actual clothing any way. Don't you think?

By the way... can you tell I love this chambray top?  Recently I wore it Here and Here. And a couple of other times under the radar recently... seriously, I don't know what I would do without this top.  It's my favorite!

Do you have a chambray top and wear it as much as I do!?!? Mine is starting to feel really soft and perfecting worn in - almost like a pair of old jeans. I love it!

Details:
Top, Old Navy (similar)
Jeans, Gap (similar)
Shoes, Target (similar)
Belt, Gap (similar)
Scarf & Watch, via Nordstrom Rack courtesy of a gift card from Nordstrom
Earrings, courtesy of Towne & Reese

Check this out...

• LOVE this Heidi Klum outfit for less... plus, how to dress it up for fall!
• Also, I have just a FEW spots left on the IT list for this week... email me if you are interested!  Please read THIS first!