Monthly Round-Up: October!

Well October is officially in the bag... hard to believe it, but I will say that I am getting excited for Thanksgiving and Christmas and all the magic that the holidays bring.

Each month when I pull together the outfits that I have featured on the blog I am a little disappointed and a little thrilled all at the same time.  Why you ask?

I am disappointed because while I do get dressed every single day I am not always able to photograph each day.  This is a good and bad thing (we all have bad days!), but I do wish I had the opportunity to photograph MORE looks each month to give you a good idea of how I use (and abuse) my closet.  I always feel like I have more to offer but I am often held back by time restraints of both myself and my husband who does all the photos.  But such is life, right?

What is thrilling to me though is that when I look back at a month like this and see the outfits I have brought to you, I know that I gave a true representation of what my daily outfits look like as a busy (work-at-home) mom.  No false pretenses, no "I'm doing this for my blog" - just a real and honest look at what my style is.  Which is what I always have meant to do and have always strived for.  I'm not saying there haven't been bumps in the road... but from this blogger to her readers, I always want you to know that I work (very hard) to portray one real girls pursuit of style.  Nothing more, nothing less.

healthy skin and a healthy you! {sponsored post}

I've been a long time user of Yes To products and have even featured them on the blog before... I found them at my local drugstore when I was wanting to use natural skin care products that didn't break the bank.

If you aren't familiar with the Yes To line of skincare... you really should be.  They are formulated with natural and gentle ingredients, are paraben free and really easy to use, so they are perfect for my quick morning and evening beauty routine.  I try to take the natural route as much as I can while cooking for the family... and not surprising, it's just as important to take the natural route with what you put on your skin as well.

What I also love is that they have four simple skincare lines that you can mix and match depending on your needs.  One line to nourish, one to sooth, one for clear skin, and one to fight the signs of aging.  Here are the products that are tried and true for me... I highly recommend you try them as well!

The Yes To Cucumbers Eye Gel is perfect morning and night for tired eyes.

The Yes To Tomatoes Spot Stick was a reco from a reader, it absolutely zaps out blemishes in one shot!

I am addicted to the Yes To Cleansing Wipes in Tomato and Blueberry. Perfect for when you are traveling, or if you need a mid-day face wash without the hassle. These things WORK and are so easy to use! 

The Yes To Carrots Moisturizer with SPF 15 is perfect for everyday wear.  I love this stuff!

If you are interested in learning more about the entire Yes To line (including a baby line that I have yet to check out, but would love to for my kids' sensitive skin!) sign up for their emails here - and when you do they have a little gift for you!

Or you can find them on Facebook or Twitter!

(please note this post is sponsored, but all my opinions are my own)

my outfit: borrowing from the boys!

If I haven't mentioned (i.e. confessed) here before that I couldn't get dressed each day without Pinterest.  Well, then let me admit to that right now.  Seriously, I get dressed from Pinterest.  Pretty much every day.  I re-pin looks that I find there that inspire me and I pin the looks I create here on this blog and then I go back and reference them either on my iPhone or my laptop while I am physically in my closet.

There, my secret is out.

So the other day I really wanted to pull off some version of this or this outfit... but unfortunately I didn't have a deep red top to do so with.  But then (major lightbulb moment) I remembered I had just purchased THIS top for my son (yes, so you see where this is going...).  So I just marched into his room and stole that little shirt out from under him.  Yes, I am stealing clothes from my 7 (almost 8) year old son.  It's true.  Since you can't see, I'll let you know that the sleeves were about 3/4 length.  I'll also let you know that I may do this again.

Details:
Blazer, American Eagle (similar)
Top, Old Navy {Boys}
Jeans, Gap
Shoes, Chromatic Gallerie (c/o)
Necklaces: Jeweled, Town & Reese (c/o, last year); Spikey, Mimi's the Look (c/o)

3 ways to wear creamy white this fall & winter!

If you saw my photos from Colorado (here/here) you will see that I am having a major moment with creamy white.  And those outfits weren't the only ones.... I'm more drawn to the white sweaters and tops in my closet as well - I seem to want to pull them out more than any other color in my closet.

While it doesn't seem like "the hottest" color or like it could/should be a major player in your wardrobe this season... the fact is that is that creamy white is super versatile.  Creamy white can be a work-horse in your closet by pairing well with the trendy colors of the season, the bright colors of the season and be a great neutral all around.   Here I whipped up three of my favorite creamy white pieces into outfits that are perfect for everyday wear.

(above: pants, sweater, necklace, blush, flats, purse - I love this look and hope to recreate it!)

(above: fingerless gloves, jeans, nail polish, sweatshirt, coat, boots, clutch)

(above: white cords, bracelet, gingham top, cardigan, earrings, clutch, mocassins)

Will you be depending on creamy white these season as well in your wardrobe?

my outfit: camo & velvet!

Fair warning... be ready to see a lot of my velvet pants (these black ones and a pair of burgundy that I also picked up), because pretty much: I'm obsessed with them.  They are comfortable, instantly 'dressed up' feeling and since they are my favorite at this moment they seem to go with everything in my closet.

Do you have pieces in your closet that have 'moments' when you just can't get enough of them too?  It's actually a pretty good feeling.  I wake up and think 'what to wear?' and of course, these babies come right to mind.

Jacket, Zara (similar)
Top, H&M
Velvet Jeans, Target (similar)
Shoes, Dolce Vita (similar)

color trend: dark green!

What is a more beautiful color to wear this time of year than dark green? This color is trending just in time for the impending holidays and is such a gorgeous deep dark color that is perfect for the cooler (and darker) days.  The best thing about this color green is that it looks great with black (like I did here) or with denim so it's super easy to style up for work or play.  Or if you crave a jolt of color... how about pairing this color with PINK or NEON for a super charged winter look.

(above: necklace, sweater, eye shadow - so pretty!, bag, pumps, peplum top)

(above: blazer, bag, cords, bracelet, scarf, earrings, boots, nail polish - 'stylenomics' by essie, I've been wearing this color for the last few days and I am obsessed with it!)

don't miss this: VELVET for fall!

I usually take my trends a little slow (albeit, that still may be faster than others)... I like to think about it, run it around in my head a few times before hoping on with it.  But then there are times (like this) when I see a new trend and I pretty much have to RUN out to snatch it up as fast as I can.  When I saw velvet jeans in the J.Crew catalog recently I instantly swooned.  Velvet? Jeans? YES!

So you can imagine my delight when I recently found them at Target too (score!)*.  I snatched up a few pairs and am already in love with them.  They are extremely soft and comfortable to wear, they are quite warm (maybe even more so than jeans?) and let's face it they are pretty swanky too.  They can be dressed up by simply throwing on some heels and a blouse or worn more casual with a blazer and flats. I'll soon be showing you fun ways to wear them more here on the blog... but in the meantime, you might want to snag a pair (or two) for yourself! (and wouldn't you know it... I pretty want one of each of these here... such amazing colors!)

(from left: navy, red, peach, brown, leopard)

*unfortunately I can not find the Target ones online!

a perfect 10! (a quick review of the top ten pieces to own this fall)

Remember when I laid out the Top 10 pieces of clothing to snatch up this season? If you can even believe it... that was all the way back in August.  And now that the cool weather is here to stay I have found myself asking... okay, what's the plan for this season again?  Have you felt the same way?  So I thought I would do a quick round up of the top pieces to have on hand this season (some you may have left over from previous seasons) and *bonus* they all mix and match together really well!

1. blazers (see how to style them here)

2. loafers (see how to style them here)

3. colored jeans/cords (see how to style them here)

4. sweaters (see how to style them here)

5. stripes (see how to style them here)

6. printed pants (see how to style them here)

7. peplum (see how to style them here)

8. pointy flats (see how to style them here)

9. classic jackets (see how to style them here)

10. polka dots (see how to style them here)

my outfit: new elevations!

This is the last of the Colorado pictures (sad face)... then I'll be back to regular "fall" looks... these were almost a peek of winter style as the temps in the mountains were considerably colder than here in Michigan now.

One piece of advice for dressing for winter? Lots of layers.  That is a 'duh' moment... but seriously... when shopping for winter clothing make sure the pieces you buy are layer-able both UNDER and OVER.  This sweater is the perfect example... it's not 'bunchy' or uncomfortable to have both a light layer over and under it.  That way I am super cozy... and stylish while not feeling like I can't move my arms.

And what about these boots? They are so rad... they were perfect (and REALLY warm!) for trekking around Breck and I can't wait to wear them all winter!  They are such a sassy version of a regular "ugg"-style boot.

(those 'tired' eyes are my 'elevation' eyes... the first day was terrible. uggh.  I quickly combatted the 10,000 feet with water, tylenol and lots of reading by the fire)

Details:

Boots, LAMO (c/o)

Vest, Gap (similar)

Sweater, Gap (similar)

Chambray, J.Crew

Ponte Leggings, Target (similar)

my top UNDER $50 picks!

You know me ladies... I'm always searching the internet high and low to highlight a few bargains that are available each season (or month).  Here I rounded up almost 20 of my top UNDER $50 picks for the fall/almost-winter.  Lately I'm into moody, dark colors with little pops of color and lots of texture.  These picks totally represent that and are perfect for layering as well (which of course, the season absolutely calls for).

The details and textures are where it's at this season in order to ayer on the neutrals and keep it interesting.

(above: bow bracelet, distressed jeans, statement necklace - love!, hat, faux fur vest, gold peplum top, skull scarf, green ring, leopard zip bag)

(above: bracelet, plaid pants, earrings, yellow sweater - this is so awesome in person!, striped sweater, leopard belt, sunglasses, flats, iphone case, scarf)

my outfit: more of beautiful Breckenridge!

Now that we've been home for a week, the vacation seems such a distant past.  Isn't it weird how life just keeps moving like that? Some moments seem forever ago and like yesterday all at the same time.  If this outfit looks familiar, it's because it is... it was a quick change up from this outfit.  After a day out and about I changed into jeans, boots and a blazer for dinner and drinks out for our last evening in Breckenridge.

Details:
Blazer, Gap
Sweater, J.Crew
Chambray Top, J.Crew
Jeans, Gap
Boots, Sole Society

3 ways to style Hunter boots!

Once the weather turns a bit I always get quite a few questions on how to style rain boots or "wellies".  Hunter boots are the gold standard for wellies...  but there are other options on the market that are comfortable and stylish too with a better price point (I've got a pair of Sperry's that I love!).  Hunters are well worth the investment though as they have such fun and fashion forward colors and they always seem to look good as they age (while my Sperry's are looking a little worse for the wear).

For fall I wear my wellies for rainy days and wet, dewey grass at early morning soccer games.  For winter they are great for wading through snow and slush (more snow than your Uggs should see!) paired with warm socks. And finally for keeping your feet dry through the spring thaw and subsequent rain.

(above: boots, jacket, sweater, scarf, skirt, tights, rings)

(above: leggings, chambray, sweater, boots, purse, bracelets, iphone case)

(above: boots, coat, sweater, scarf, gloves --- mmm! so pretty!, jeans)

my outfit: a day in Vail!

We spent one day of our trip in Vail... we wanted to check it out and were instantly surprised on the different feel to the two ski villages: Vail vs. Breckenridge.  Vail was very modern and beautiful (vs Breck's 'wild west' or 'mining town turned quaint tourist town') and we enjoyed hanging around for the day in Lionshead Village.  We got delicious pizza, coffee, gelato, shopped a bit, walked half (okay, maybe a fourth) of the way up the ski-school hill and even met up with my husband's cousin that works in Lionshead and lives in Vail full time.  It was a little warmer in Vail and also a little lower in elevation and we could swear it was easier to breathe there (elevation is a weird and wild thing).

We found this creek... my husband joked every time we saw running water that he wanted to pull a salmon right out of it.  He was definitely channeling his "manly" (or "papa bear") side.  We didn't actually see any salmon though. Bummer.  I would have liked to see if he really could (given the opportunity!).  Again, it almost goes without saying... but I should say it... the scenery was amazing and unreal.  I feel like I "miss" it there for sure.

Details:
Coat, Tulle (c/o several seasons ago)
Scarf, Gap (last season)
Jeans, Gap
Boots, Sole Society
Watch, Daniel Wellington (c/o) - for 15% off your order enter "goodlife" at check out (valid until 11/4/12)
Clutch, Deux Lux (this clutch ended up being the absolute perfect size for day trips while on vacation!)

What is your fair isle style? 2 ways to style this sweater...

You know winter is almost here when fair isle starts making an appearance again.  I love this classic style and it's a great investment piece for your closet.  Here I styled up fair isle in two different looks... one super relaxing (hello, oversized sweater & leggings!) and one in a preppy and pulled together look perfect for a winter weekend.

(above: jeans, sweater, blush & lip stain - don't forget to keep your face looking bright now that our summer 'glow' is fading!, jacket, gloves, shoes)

(above: leggings, sweater, socks, nail polish, boots, faux fur snood)

Fashion Formula: how to wear a statement sweater!

Have you noticed the fun "statement" sweaters popping up in stores lately? If you are like me, their quirky attitude and penchant for 'fun' draw me in... but then I am left wondering, is it too much? how could I style a piece like this? 

I've got answers!  You don't want to take the fun and bold statement out of the 'statement' sweater... but here are a few ways to style them without shouting to the world your love of sheep, frenchies or stylish Parisiennes. (well, you actually do... but you can kinda play it cool here)

Start with a simply ADORABLE statement sweater...

(above: houndstooth, 'la parisienne', French bulldog, sheep)

Layer over or under a neutral (or two, one over and one under) to tone down the 'statement'.

(above: striped turtleneck, chambray top, peach silk top, deep red blazer, denim vest, grey moto jacket)

go for a simple and classic basic bottom.

(above: cream cords, boyfriend jeans, leggings, skinny cords)

Then finish off with a few simple and neutral accessories!

(above: arrow ring, wrap bracelet, handbag, flats, boots, loafers)

Are you going to be rocking the 'statement' sweater this fall and winter?

my outfit: what the gulch?

So funny thing about visiting a place you never have been before? There is SO much to learn.  My husband and I found ourselves googling terms like "gulch", "pass" and "continental divide".  If you think you know what those terms were (or have no idea, like us!) you should look them up again... it's so interesting to learn all about the geographical properties that exist in this country.  There were times when we were in the mountains and I felt so proud of our amazing country. "Snow-capped mountains' majesty..." had a new meaning.  We are so blessed to have such a beautiful and rich country to call home.  The more I travel the US, the more I want to see of it (and learn about it too... I'm already researching books on the Colorado settling and Gold Rush, yes, I'm nerdy like that).

Any way... a gulch is V formation in the rock or land caused by the movement of water.  We had heard so much about McCullough's Gulch and drove (the scariest drive ever!) up to the trail head (also another term I learned, that is: where the trail for the hike begins) to check out if we would be able to hike it.  We didn't bring any "gear" and on a usual day I think some good soled shoes would work, but the trail was iced over after hikers had walked on the freshly fallen snow.  So we couldn't do the hike, but we did stay a while at the trail head to marvel at the view and pray to thank the good Lord that we made it safe up there (and back).  We will def hit this area up again next time we go (hopefully in the summer).

Details:
Vest, Gap (similar)
Sweater, J.Crew
Chambray Top, J.Crew
Ponte Leggings, Target (similar)
Boots, Sole Society