Have you seen the Elie Tahari for Kohl's line?

Elie Tahari just launched a clothing line for Kohl's inspired by the city that never sleeps - New York City! With an iconic reputation for modern womenswear Elie Tahari inspired his line for Kohl's after the city where he got his start in fashion.  With fun plays on cityscapes and skylines, and see if you can spy the Chrysler Building in one of his patterns… this line is perfect for dressing up or down for weekday or weekend wear.

I am loving the neutral palette and classic lines of this collaboration. Look for this line at your local Kohl's or online now!  Here are my top picks:

1. crepe soft pants 2. Chrysler Building top 3. open knit chenille sweater 4. NEW YORK CITY tee - love this! 5. mixed media jumpsuit 6. Brooklyn Bridge graphic tee 7. ombre tunic 8. french terry jogger pant - these look so comfy! 9. pleat -back sweater 10. faux fur sweatshirt

Aren't these such fun pieces? Check them out soon!

This post is sponsored in collaboration with Kohl's and Popsugar. All opinions are my own.

my everyday style: casual style with a lace sweatshirt!

I absolutely LOVE the sweatshirt trend these days… but I have to be careful in which styles I choose and how I style them other wise they can look really frumpy on me (or so the fitting room mirrors have told me).  This could actually be a blessing in disguise as my closet could be about 20+ strong right now with sweatshirts but instead I only have two or so.

This lace front sweatshirt is soft as a dream and fits just right with no frump quality.  It's the perfect relaxed fall piece and while I loved wearing it on it's own, it will be awesome to layer as well - I can tell already.

On another note I recently had an a-ha fitting room moment… I am often between a size XS and S at many stores and I recently found that a Small Petite from LOFT fits perfect!  So if you are on the petite side and are often between sizes try going up a size in Petite sizes and see how that works (perfect for those stores that carry petites like LOFT, Banana Republic and sometimes J.Crew).

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Lace Front Sweatshirt, LOFT

Jeans, Gap (similar or similar)

Bracelet, Towne & Reese ℅ - old, but similar

Boots, Sam Edelman (similar)

Bag, J.Crew - on sale!! What a steal!

how to style waxed denim!

Lately I have found myself pulling from my archives for new blog post content… have you noticed that? This is why:

I think that once you wear an outfit it's not done or expired.  I wear pieces multiple times (two days in a row sometimes even!) in real life… so I really feel like I should highlight that here on the blog.  I don't always have time to shoot one piece in 4 or 5 different looks… but pulling from the archives is a great way to highlight the versatility of one piece  - especially over the years or seasons.  The clothing we add to our closet should hold up style- and quality-wise to a high number of wears over the seasons and years.

Ultimately we want our wardrobes to feel fresh and new to us even when we've already worn everything once before. Mixing and matching the pieces we love into new outfits is the way to do it… (I talked more about that here) If we are always depending on new purchases to make getting dressed fun it can be expensive and a huge disservice to the great pieces we already own.

My kids and I have started watch The Cosby Show re-runs on Hulu.  That show has to hands down be one of the best shows ever - it is rich with humor, thoughtful family scenarios and parenting advice and I never get sick of watching the old episodes, it's so fun to see my kids watch them for the first time.  Granted my outfits in re-runs don't hold a candle to The Cosby Show in re-runs… but  still.  Nothing wrong with a re-run in my opinion.

waxed denim options:

save

mid-range

splurge

my everyday style: jeweled sweatshirt!

I think we can all agree that sweatshirts are a major win this fall.  In flattering cuts and super soft fabrics - I am a fan.  Add a few jewels to that sweatshirt and we are really in business.  

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:
Jacket, H&M (old - but similar)
Sweatshirt, LOFT (or similar or similar)
Jeans, Gap
Clutch, J.Crew Factory
Sunglasses, Warby Parker
Shoes, Piperlime

wish-listing for fall.

I feel like my wish list for fall is a million miles long right now! Am I alone? I always seem to fall into the trap of 'wanting all the things' each fall and this one is no exception.  The only problem is that I am kind of set on sweaters and tops and my wish list right now includes shoes, jeans and jackets - which tend to be a little pricier than a top or sweater. I've created quite the predicament for myself…

1. I am a little late on the Birks trend here… but I think they would be so fun with jeans and cozy sweaters this fall as one last hurrah to sandals. 

2. The sweaters at LOFT are killing me right now with their cute-ness.  This jeweled one is a definitely favorite.

3. The AG Stevie jean is one of my favorites… this distressed pair is swoon worthy!

4.  I've loved the Regent blazer since it first popped up at J.Crew this fall and last week I stopped by the store and made the mistake of trying it on… it's SO gorgeous in person and fits so amazing! This is going to be a hard one to resist.

5. I can never have enough plaid scarves. Who's with me?

6. A black moto leather jacket has been on my wish list for about 4 months now. It's hard to pull the trigger because the leather versions are $$$ and even the "pleather" versions aren't super inexpensive either.  This leather jacket is great… just great, isn't it?

7. I can't stop it with the distressed denim and this black pair are really calling my name.  I love Madewell jeans so much too.  Tough decisions here people.

8. This bag. That is all.

9. I have a really appetite for burgundy this fall.  These shoes are just delightful!

10. Again LOFT is really excelling at tops lately… I tried on this leather sleeve tee recently in store and left it behind, now I am having second thoughts.

What is on your fall wish list?

my everyday style: a little sporty!

Athleticism and physical activity don't come naturally to me whatsoever. I think it's because I tend to be quite uncoordinated and I'll be frank - I don't love to sweat so much either.  So this past summer when we had two quite "active" vacations on the docket I knew I needed some footwear that could work on mountains and trails and keeping up with my kids.  

I'm so glad that sneakers are having their moment "in style" right now because I wore these a lot this summer… all while still feeling like I was at least a little on the fashionable side.  Since then, I continue to get a lot of use out of these puppies.  They are perfect for fall weekends around town - or for hiking. I'm all for a versatile and handsome shoe.

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:
Sweater, H&M (similar or similar)
Gingham Top, Gap
Jeans, AG
Shoes, New Balance (or similar)
Sunglasses, Warby Parker (or available here)

9 pieces | 9 outfits… fall 2014!

One of the most popular series here on the blog is definitely the 9 pieces | 9 outfits posts.  This fall I had fun pulling together some classic pieces with some great trends to create an easy to wear capsule wardrobe for fall.   I love the laid back vibe this season has with comfortable sweaters, track pants, tailored jackets and simple and gorgeous shoes.

I hope these 9 pieces and 9 outfits give you inspiration on how to mix and match your wardrobe and key pieces this fall.

the 9 pieces: denim jacket, grey blazer, lavender blouse, white sweater, black sweater, striped top,  distressed denim, track pants, black coated jeans

the accessories: 

top row, from left: camo flats, leather tote, necklace, black flats, boots

middle row, from left: handbag, leopard flats, necklace, black ankle boots, camo flats, clutch

bottom row, from left: tassel necklace, leopard flats, scarf, leather tote, sneakers, bar earrings, cuff bracelet, black flats

To see all the 9 pieces | 9 outfits posts - click here!

my everyday style: le tote boutique box!

2014 is all about the subscription box. Is it not? And I, for one, am a huge fan of this type of service.

Enter Le Tote - a try before you buy personalized clothing subscription service. You tell them what you like/love/want to try and then they send you a box of clothing & accessories in your size for you to try… or buy! You decide!  You can wear stuff and return it all or wear stuff and keep and buy the pieces you like - even at a discounted rate.  One of the things I love the best is that the shipping is LIGHTING fast.  It's almost unbelievable how fast you can exchange your tote for a new one.  And with a monthly subscription you can change in your tote as many times as you want.  With this type of service you can totally experiment with your style and even treat the service like your own personal shopper.

I've gotten a few totes from Le Tote already and I have loved trying new styles and brands that I usually wouldn't choose for myself.  This gorgeous sweater has already gotten it's fair share of attention in my closet and this delicate bracelet that they recently sent couldn't be more my style lately.  I highly recommend you try out the service yourself!

Today I've partnered with Le Tote to not only highlight their really cool service - but to also give my readers an awesome discount on their first tote.  Use code: GoodLife for 50% off your first tote! (awesome, right!?!?)

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Top, via Le Tote

Bracelet, via Le Tote

Jeans, Gap (similar, similar or similar)

Shoes, Madewell (similar or similar)

Sunglasses, Ray Ban

Bag, J.Crew

*this post is sponsored by Le Tote in partnership with Collectively, all opinions are my own.

lady like for fall…

The general theme and "style" for this fall is super neutral and a little on the tomboy side.  I'm loving the neutral vibe, I could wear black/grey/cream/navy for days on end.  But the tomboy trend throws me for a loop - I love the sneakers/graphic tee/ripped jeans stuff too… just sometimes I feel like I still need to add a little dash of femininity to my looks.

These lady-like pieces will take your neutral/tomboy style to new heights this fall...

peplum sweater, heart pumps, geode necklace, peach jacket, super girly stationary set, scarf, bracelet, iPhone case (with the perfect reminder!)

my everyday style: waxed denim this fall!

It's always nice when a few trends carry over from one year to the next.  Not only is it easy on the wallet… but it's like bringing out old friends from your closet.  Waxed denim are one of those trends I was happy to see up for a repeat season.  Since I pretty much only wear jeans all fall/winter, I love to see variations on denim to keep my looks interesting and fresh.

Waxed denim elevates a look just a touch - I love that a simple outfit like this suddenly looks a little on the dressy side with waxed denim, heels and a sparkly necklace. On another note, a reader recently asked how I wash my waxed denim.  I wash them on cold water inside out and let them air dry.  This has successfully kept the "wax" look shiny - also I wash them as little as possible, but that is my standard rule for any jeans.

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Denim Jacket, American Eagle - ℅ (old but similar)

Sweater, LOFT

Jeans, Gap (similar or similar less expensive)

Necklace, Baublebar (similar or similar)

Bag, Madewell

Sunglasses, Warby Parker

Heels, Sole Society (similar or similar)

my everyday style: the first of fall!

We've definitely gotten our first feel of fall here in West Michigan with a few very chilly mornings lately! Brrrrr! I'm still in denial that bathing suits and flip flops aren't in our normal repertoire of clothing anymore… so I still sneak in a few sandal wears here and there.  Usually I am sneaking in jeans & sweatshirts in August… but this year it was the other way around.  The summer was just too too short.

There are a few things about fall I sure do love though…
- dark nail polish again
- dark hair again (just got the summer sun taken out of my hair and it feels so fresh!)
- optional leg shaving
- cozy scarf wearing
- quiet afternoons at home while my kids are at school
- cider and donut indulging, which I have plans to do this weekend!

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Scarf, H&M (old but similar, similar or similar)

Sweater, Banana Republic - 40% off today!!!!

Jeans, Gap (old but similar, similar or similar) - 25% off today!

Sandals, Sole Society "Nancie"

Bag, J.Crew - arguably the best leather bag available for the price. I adore this bag.

Sunglasses, Ray Ban

on my radar/September!

Just a few things catching my eye lately… what's been on your radar lately?

druzy bracelet… obsessed with anything druzy lately. So gorgeous, right?

distressed jeans… I'm perfectly okay with adding another pair to my harem.

cozy swingy roomy sweaters… this one in every color please.

j.crew scents… of course I have to hop on this bandwagon. Has anyone smelled these in person? Curious to know how they smell.

eyeglasses… back to school season always has me craving a new pair of specs.  You know?

vintage LV… vintage LV has been on my mind lately and I just discovered Piperlime is carrying select styles. Very intriguing. I would love to hear your thoughts on LV/vintage/vintage LV.  Do tell.

classic green Hunter boots… winter is a b*#$%! why not have another pair of boots to make it easier to handle.

Also, on a completely different note.  A blogger that I had never heard of (and am SO glad I discovered her blog) recently sent me some love by linking to me.  So insanely sweet of her. Remember the old days when bloggers linked to each other other the time. I realized I miss those days.  So as an added bonus:

Here are a few bloggers on my radar lately… 

Un-fancy, she was so sweet to link to me and I just LOVE her blog and the premise of her seasonal shopping strategy. Seriously, check this gal out.

Burlap and Lace, she can decorate my house any time. Girl's got style.

Merrick's Art, she sat next to me at Garance's keynote speech at Alt Design Summit, since then I've been a fan.

Brown Eyed Fox, my hair dresser just told me about her the other night, she doesn't blog much but her Instagram is great.  (I kinda want her dog)

Just a few blogs I'm loving on lately… I'll bring you some more soon!

my everyday style: fall re-runs part 2!

I've just got a few more re-runs on outfits here on the blog while I wait for the weather to start catching up with the season… we've had some super cool mornings and evenings here lately.  Fall is here! I'll be back on the regular outfit posting very, very soon here!

In the meantime, here are a few more of my favorite looks from last fall.

(above: similar scarf, similar boots, similar bag)

(above: similar flats, similar sweater)

(above: similar blazer, similar sweater)

(above: similar sweater, similar waxed jeans)

how do you feel about the "athleisure" trend?

The athleisure trend is one that has been on the brink of emerging for years now… think the Juicy Couture sweatsuits that Oprah raved about, or the hundred dollar yoga pants that women swore they could wear to the office because they fit so well when Lululemon first launched.  I've never seemed to really subscribe to those notions.  Work out apparel is for the gym, not for days when I don't feel like getting dressed.

But lately the athleisure trend has really morphed into something different.  Leggings with cozy sweaters is kind of my jam… but tanks and compression pants for everyday wear isn't.  But now the line between those two ends of the spectrum has really blurred.  Absolutely stunning pieces is are now being introduced into the market as "athletic wear" so it's no surprise ladies are saying that they don't just want to wear those pieces for working out.  What do you think of this trend? Do you subscribe to the athleisure trend? Do you still think work out clothes are for the gym or can you see wearing them everyday too?

My opinion is that if you take the athleisure trend seriously and dress that way for day time that is fine… but leave the sweaty yoga pants at home after gym class. (although I do admit the other day I ran errands in my gym clothes because I had such a busy day).  Hey, rules are meant to be broken, right!?!

orange drapey top, stirrup black leggings, grey cashmere sweater, grey tee, floral pop print pants, shiny crackle print black leggings, nike sneakers, pirouette tie back top

So I would love to hear your thoughts on this trend!  

my everyday style: fall re-runs!

I'm in the mood for fall now that school has started. Give me apple pie, cozy sweaters, the last of the bonfires and warm apple cider.  But the weather isn't really quite there yet… not in my neck of the woods and probably not in your neck of the woods either.  We are so close… so while I (and hopefully you!) enjoy the last of the summer weather - let's take a look at some greatest hits from last fall!

(above: similar shoes, similar sweatshirt, similar chambray)

(above: similar trench, similar sweater, similar bag)

(above: similar waxed jeans, similar sweater, similar shoes)

(above: similar scarf, similar bag, similar shoes)

(above: similar graphic tee, similar jacket)

(above: jeans, similar bag)