shopping guide: warm up!

Brrr baby! The temps are dropping... it's time to warm up in style with these fun cold weather accessories! I find each season I need to refresh my scarves, gloves, mittens and hats. They tend to get A LOT of use through out the season. These fun pieces would add tons of fun and personality to the coats and jackets you already own!

(1. Ribbed Beret, JCrew, $39.50 2. Chunky Arm Warmer, Topshop, $24 3. Faux Fur Trapper, Gap, $24.50 4. Slubby Snood, Topshop, $36 5. Faux Fur Wrap, Limited, $39.90 6. Popcorn Knit Mittens, Gap, $24.50 7. Minimalist Effort Gloves, Modcloth, $47.99)

my outfit: green says pink!

When I go to pick out an outfit I first think about what mood I am in. That usually gives me an answer to what top I will wear. Then I choose some jeans (cuz that's pretty much all I wear, hey, I got kids!) and that takes a bit longer - choosing jeans for me is like choosing a favorite child. Then my shoes go back to my mood. The accessories though... the clothes kind of pick those... I ask my green sweater - "Sweater, what would make you happy? What would make you feel above average? What are your wildest dreams, dear sweater?" You know... something like that.

Today Sweater said she wanted something to "pop". So the pink scarf it was! What can I say... making dreams come true is my life. That and spilled milk. You know, to keep me humble. (also, just fyi, this outfit is "spilled milk" approved)


Oh, and hello gorgeous white coat. I sure love you.

So want the breakdown of how this outfit was chosen?

Sweater: Need something comfy and warm, but I like the deep v-neck, makes me feel feminine.
Jeans: Need a "good butt" day... Sevens can do that for me. Straight leg for boots, please.
Boots: Need a heel and a bit of style to get me over the last hump of this sickness.

I am really into earrings lately... I think it's my longer hair, it makes it look less long or something. Or maybe it is the influence of my girl Jackie... she loves earrings. They say you are the average of the five people you spend time with. What about the top five blogs I visit. Does that count?

Details:

Coat, courtesy of Tulle

Earrings, F21 (similar)

Scarf, American Apparel (similar)

Sweater, Gap (similar)

Jeans, Seven for All Mankind (similar)

Boots, MICHAEL Michael Kors (similar)

my outfit: muster!

Well folks... I do believe I am on the mend, but after a whole weekend in bed - I am only at about 50%. I'm not going to go into it all... but it's frustrating. What I WILL go into though is a HUGE thanks to you all for your kind comments and well wishes. I really do appreciate it. They make me happy.


Yesterday it was totally back to business after my son had had a long weekend from school (my kids are so over "let's stay home and snuggle today guys!") and it was back to school/preschool for the kiddos and "work" for me. So I figured I better put some clothes on. I grabbed the five coziest things I was in the mood for (beside my husband's socks and yoga pants with a wife-beater tank - which is seriously what I have been wearing for about four days straight) and this was it.


The good thing about being sick is that I have lost about 5 pounds in the past month... although I totally didn't need to or want to. The bad thing is that when I get my taste buds back and I start working out again my metabolism is going to go nuts and likely I won't be able to stop eating.


The other good news is that I have a rock solid reminder from above on why not to take each day and my health for granted. Seriously... I would do anything for "normal" right about now. My bathrooms (and really the whole house!) would agree!

So what is going on in the world that I have been missing out on? Do tell!

Details:

Jacket, courtesy of Tulle

Scarf, World Market (similar)

Top, Gap (similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Boots, UGG

good look for less, Alice!

Today I have another great wardrobe consult... you may remember Alice from earlier this fall, she was ready to update her wardrobe for fall and wanted some really great investment pieces as well as classic and mix and matchable pieces (her previous consult is HERE). She recently contacted me for some winter wear (and to update her Christmas list)... Let's take a look at some of her outfits.

Alice is mom, so she needs simple outfit combos that work on the go! She already owned this gorgeous white puffer coat. To that I added some classic and simple pieces like a chambray top and cords. It's instant classic with no fuss.

(hat, cords, top, boots, jacket)

Alice loves the simplicity of skinny jeans, as do I. Here some super cozy Uggs and a puffer vest make for a great warm layer over a simple striped top. I love this look!

(scarf, jeans, top, boots, vest)

Mmmmm.... cozy sweaters and cute hats! If it weren't for all the snow, it would be fun to dress for winter! Although... this outfit makes it bearable! Alice owned these jeans already and wanted to include them with the outfits. I am huge fan of wide leg pants this winter - and that is great news for all of you that don't really care for skinnies!

(jeans, hat, sweater, boots, vest)

And just one more outfit because they are all so darn cute... a variation of all of the above... super simple, super cute!

(jeans, hat, top, boots, jacket)

Happy Shopping Alice!

~~~

Interested in learning more about my wardrobe consultation services? Click here!

my outfit: mrs. drapey!

That's Mrs. Drapey - not to be confused with Mrs. Draper. The new Mrs. Draper is sweet French-Canadian Megan. She stole Don's heart and about all the women in America lost their dream "bad guy". Although, if you're still single, he may still have you... that's how he rolls, you know.

ANY WAYS....

Last week I was slouchy, this week drapey... The day I wore this outfit I woke up raring to go to they gym... but my nasty cough is STILL with me folks. Still! I figured my fellow gym patrons and the staff wouldn't so much appreciate a lady hacking her lung out on the elliptical or on the abs floor so I took a pass.

For the record it is going on almost three weeks of no gym for me with Vegas and all this sickness. We are on high alert. We are getting scared. We are losing our breath on the stairs again. This is not good.


Instead of heading to the gym I took my energies out on my house, which in retrospect was a good idea. I prepped and organized all the winter clothes for the kids (scarfs, hats, gloves, etc) and inventoried what we still need and got rid of what doesn't fit, etc. I also organized their closets and even the basement a little. I probably did my stairs (basement to 2nd floor) 10 times or so. So maybe I'm even with the gym after all.


If you read this blog last winter you will recognize this sweater... it was deemed the "Mrs. Roper" sweater. Ahhh... good old Mrs. Roper. I was happy to drag it out again. It's warm, but light as a breeze. I look like I could maybe also fly in it... hmmm.

Details

Sweater, F21 (similar)

Tank, F21 (similar)

Jeans, F21 (similar)

Necklace, Etsy - Mandy's Yellow Corner

Belt, Gap (similar)

Boots, Nine West (similar)

my outfit: slouchy sweater!

Hey, hey, hey ladies! First off, a HUGE and I mean HUGE thank you on the successful launch of good tots! yesterday! WOW! I found out that a) a lot of my readers are moms (which I guess I kinda knew) and that b) you want more motherhood, baby, kid stuff. So I really hit the right chord with that! Hooray! I myself am so excited to have more of a "mommy" outlet for myself and somehow unleashing that part of my brain over there... inspires me here in a whole new way. If that makes sense!

Back to business here... I'm going to sound like a broken record here, but seriously... I got the latest JCrew catalog in the mail the other day and I can't. stop. swooning. Every time it happens. Every time! So I have to say that today's outfit is a little inspired by JCrew. At least it's my own execution... using things I already own.


I'm going to try and post my outfits with their respective "outerwear" layer since the weather is cool and I usually try to choose a jacket or coat that compliments the outfit. That is until January when I wear my long puffer coat for 60 days straight. Let's all admit that it might get a little old then. But in the meantime, this is a nylon almost-puffer-but-not-kind-of-moto-cross-style jacket that I got FOREVER ago from Banana Republic. Like really forever. It has a Euro feel to me and has zippered pockets (I love pockets in a coat... don't ask me why... I don't know!) and it's machine washable. It's pretty much perfect.


I got this slouchy sweater at the Gap recently and it's so soft and light, but still has a good deal of warmth to it. The chambray shirt and bold necklace are as close to perfection, I mean, JCrew as I could get.


This is mostly unrelated, but I also decided to start keeping an inspiration file on my desktop with outfits that I see and like... and yes, I'm like 50 years behind on that. BUT, as I start collecting them, I'm hoping to showcase them here and incorporate the styles that inspire me into my wardrobe in a practical way.

I've got to run, but check back later today for another JCrew inspired post... maybe (probably) even more fun that this one! Promise!

Details:
Jeans, Forever 21 (similar)
Sweater, Gap
Chambray Top, Old Navy (similar)
Necklace, Charlotte Russe
Flats, Old Navy (similar)

shopping guide: fun flats!

Flats are a great shoe going into fall and even for winter (if there isn't too much snow!)... and even in the winter I like to wear boots and then slip a pair of flats in my purse for where ever I am going. These styles are SO fun and all of them are under $50! You can thank me later... now it's time for the eye candy!

1) I love this snow leopard print flat from Target... they actually are pony hair (synthetic?) like the high end brands but for waaaay less. (Snow Leopard Flat, Target $24.99)

2) Chambray + Rhinestones... um, yes please! These flats would look SO cute with jeans or leggings for the fall and your favorite cozy sweater. I really love these! (Rhinestone Chambray Flat, Gap, $49.50)

3) Glitter, glitter, glitter! It seems glittered shoes are popping up every where... and while some are quite high priced, these are just the right amount of glitter and the perfect price! (Multi-Glitter Flats, Gap, $49.50)

4) I am unexpectedly drawn to this creamy brocade pair... they are so chic and seem like they would be very versatile. Aren't they pretty? Every gal needs pretty shoes! (Brocade Flat, Charlotte Russe, $22.50)

5) A close second to chambray + rhinestones is CAMO + rhinestones. These would be a fun (and maybe a little rebellious) addition to any outfit! (Camo Rhinestone Flat, Charlotte Russe, $22.50)

6) Pink pom poms? Need I say more. Yes and yes. (Pom Pom Ballet Flat, Old Navy, $22.50)

my outfit: finally!

Finally I have some outfit photos for you! I'm finally feeling better... still a little cough, but not as bad as it was, and I am actually getting dressed in the morning without turning back to the closet for sweatpants a couple hours later. I picked up this pink top to wear in Vegas... which I did, but didn't take photos of (kind of the theme of the trip unfortunately). What I love about this top is that while it looked great hitting the strip in (it's sleeveless) - it also transitions well to everyday wear with a cardi... like so:

The cardigan is navy blue (if you can't tell... natural light is becoming scarce in the midwest as summer is now over!) and I thought made a perfect pairing - jewel tones seem to compliment one another nicely. If there is one color I would love to add more of to my wardrobe it would be navy blue... it's timeless and versatile. Truly.


And of course a little leopard for fun!


I added this gorgeous white coat as the day had a little chill in it, and overall, I think the outfit was simple, but very well pulled together. This coat fits like a glove... it's just GLORIOUS and while it is fitted, it's still very comfortable.

I just love dressing for fall!

Details:

Coat, courtesy of Tulle (this coat comes in tons of great colors... make sure to check them out!)

Cardigan, Gap (similar)

Top, Gap

Belt, Forever 21 (similar)

Jeans, Seven for all Mankind

Clogs, UGG

good look for less: EXPRESS!

Today's consult is for Gena... she and her husband are celebrating 15 years of marriage and are heading to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for a long weekend together (no kids!) to celebrate. How fun! She wanted outfits for walking around and spending time with her husband. I checked the weather there for this time of year (because I'm nerdy like that and I have this dream that I will live in Tennessee someday, I'm weird obsessed with it. Weird.) The temps should be in the 60s and 70s during the day and cool in the evenings. So layers are key.

Let's take a look at the outfits I pulled together for her!

My goal was to pull together cozy, chic, casual looks together. This is one of my favorite of the three looks. It's refined but casual and while it's perfect for a weekend away, it's also perfect for everyday wear. This scarf is so perfect for fall and Gena mentioned she tends towards and apple body shape - so this pair of Long & Lean jeans are perfect for that body shape. This style is UNIVERSALLY flattering. I just LOVE this style jean.

(earrings, jeans, top, flats, scarf, bag)

I love the look of these loose layers over a slim pair of pants. Gena said she wanted to try a pair of slimmer pants like these... a cropped pair is very flattering if it's your first venture away from a bootcut look.

(ring, pants, top, bag, sweater, shoes)

Just for fun I wanted to throw in a nice dressy outfit for a nice dinner or cocktails. A wrap style dress like this with an emphasis on the waist is another great option for apple shaped bodies. It shows off the waist (not the hips!) in a very flattering way. And I just love the subtle print on this dress.

(dress, clutch, bracelet, shoes)

Have a great weekend Gena!

~~~

Interested in learning more about my wardrobe consultation services? Click here!

dangerous territory...

I was perusing the internet waaaay too much this weekend. I had a few wardrobe consults to complete and I have a new super fun project in the works that launches WEDNESDAY... so I was busy as busy can be this weekend. All for you ladies!

Lots of time on the internet for me means lots of little treats for you... today's post is VERY dangerous territory. Read at your own risk!

These boots and that price. What is not to looooove? Wow!

(Equestrian Boots, American Eagle, $69.50)

I think I am going to start collecting clutches... I just want to behold them. There are so many great ones out there and the price points are usually quite budget friendly. I'll start with these two. K?

(Antique Metallic Beaded Clutch, Urban Outfitters, $38)

(Soft Leatherette Clutch, Forever 21, $14.80)

Gap's modern take on leopard print. Um, yes please. I'm really loving Gap lately. Really.

(Leopard Print Cardigan, Gap, $59.50)

Faux fur and me have a "thing" going on. This jacket looks SO comfy! You could pull this on with jeans and a t-shirt and still look smokin. Or wear it with a super hot dress and be on fire! LOVE this!

(Faux Fur Belted Jacket, Forever 21, $32.80)

If I bought these pants I would NEVER take them off. I mean come on. Have you ever seen such lovely coziness. Must. Not. Buy.

(Purva Pants, Anthropologie, $58)

I'll be back with a bonafide post later today... Happy Monday!

my outfit: recuperating!

This was my "back to reality" outfit... after arriving late the night before from Vegas and then waking at the crack of dawn to get the kiddos off to school and back to my own schedule after vacation. I am also still battling a nasty cold and cough - yuck! I was actually pleased when the weather decided to play along with my mood... mild temps, cloudy, thundery and a little bit of rain. SUPER cozy!

And really, what can't an armful of bangle-y bracelets not fix? Perfect to perk up a rainy day!

I picked up this sweater at LOFT in Vegas and it reminded me of my cozy duvet when I got out of bed this morning... so I snuggled back into it for the day. I had actually hoped to do MORE shopping while in Vegas - but this is about all I got. Well, make that more "buying" - we definitely did lots of shopping. But once I started shopping I didn't know exactly what I wanted or needed and felt indecisive.

That must mean it's time for another looks:book - is anyone ready for a winter version? I need to get organized about what is good to buy for winter. Am I alone?

Cozy sweaters like this one are definitely a must! And I busted out the puffer vest that I (almost!) forgot I had! This is an oldy-but-goody from JCrew. That is what I love about JCrew - so classic and high quality that the pieces last for years. This one is seriously from like 2004. Perfect for a cozy, rainy day!

I love to see the sunshine... but sometimes I enjoy a "down" day when the clouds roll in. What about you?

Details:

Puffer Vest, JCrew (similar)

Sweater, LOFT

Jeans, Forever 21 (similar)

Bangle Bracelets, various stores

Clogs, UGG

work it wednesday: sequined sweatshirts!

I just LOVE all of the sequined sweatshirts I have been seeing in the shops and online recently... I fell in love with one at Urban Outfitters while shopping in Vegas and I am regretting not buying it now! The thing I love so much about them is they have the casual and dressy textures so well balanced for an everyday appeal.

I thought I would have some fun pulling together looks based on sequined sweatshirts Work It Wednesday style - and the next time one crosses my path I'll be very likely to snatch it up!

(shorts, top, jacket, clutch, boots)

(ring, pants, top, purse, scarf, boots)

(necklace, jeans, top, purse, jacket, flats)

Are you loving the sequined sweatshirt for fall and winter?

my outfit: go for the bold!

This outfit is totally out of my norm... but I loved it! I was feeling daring and bold and it definitely came through. I know some of you will dislike the denim jacket with jeans but save your comments - ha! - I liked it!


Doesn't it feel good to go out of your comfort zone sometimes??


A lot of people ask me if TOMS are comfortable. I practically go accosted at the Las Vegas airport by two "mature" women wanting details on where to find TOMS and more importantly if they had "arch support" - apparently it's key as you age. I said "oh, yes of course" - but then I realized I don't really have problems with my arches - so maybe not. errr... it's hard to say.


What I WILL say though is that I ran, yes RAN (!!!!!) through pretty much the entire Minneapolis airport in these bad boys last night (damn you Delta!) and my feet were about the only things not hurting (my lungs and calves were another story... my temper and nerves, yet another one entirely). But my feet? Sparkly and happy!

Details:

Sarong as a Scarf, Gap (similar)

Denim Jacket, Gap (similar)

Striped Top, Forever 21 (similar)

Pink Top, Old Navy (similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Shoes, TOMS

Handbag, Kate Spade (similar, I got mine at GILT for cheaper!)

shopping guide: puffers!

A few weeks back I featured some great winter coats that were dressier. I like to have a few styles in my arsenal and a puffer coat is definitely one of them. They are so warm and cozy and this season I am loving the slimmer and sleeker versions that I have been seeing. Here are some great examples. I would wear EACH of these... they are all so cute!

(1. Lodge Puffer Vest, JCrew. $118 2. Puffer Vest, Gap, $59.50 3. Coffee Shop Puffer, Target, $59.99 4. Callie Nylon Puffer, Delia's, $69.50 5. Long Belted Puffer, Gap, $128 6. Puffer Jacket, Gap, $98)

good look for less: Holli!

I recently did a wardrobe consultation for Holli... she works in bustling Manhattan and wanted some super chic and classy looks for toting around the big apple! She's mid-twenties so I wanted to be sure to give her outfits a youthful flare... but without being sophmoric. Also, she's not a huge fan of jewelry - so we skipped the accessories and instead went for pieces that made a statement on their own. Let's take a look at the outfits, shall we???

A dramatic collar like the one on this sweater is a sophisticated and feminine way to add some texture to an outfit. Paired with well tailored jeans (Gap's Long & Lean are a really great option!) and simple flats this is a refined look, but still practical for walking and errand running.

(jeans, sweater, flats, cross-body bag)

A blazer can always be counted on to take things up a notch - paired with this delicately patterned top is sublime. I love this outfit... so easy and so put together!

(jeans, top, boots, blazer)

This next outfit is a perfect example of the power of mixing and matching... classic jeans and a blazer can be used together in a million different variations. In this outfit I just love this bubble style top - it's easy to layer with and is great for all body types.

(jeans, top, blazer, necklace, flats, cross-body bag)

~~~

Also, for those of you that are interested in purchasing wardrobe consults! I am BACK and open for business again... after a brief break! If you have already emailed me about one - I will be in touch soon. If you haven't... get your name in now! Check out all the details here!

my outfit: the college try!

I am sure you all are with me on this: do you ever have a piece of clothing (or two) that you like, but you just can't seem to get it right when you wear it?

That is how I have been with this top (it's purple by the way... really dark if you can't tell). It is just a tunic style t-shirt from the Gap. It fits nicely, the color is great and it's very soft. But every time I have pulled it out to wear it I end up not knowing how to style it and putting it back in the closet. Grrr.



Even still, I like how this outfit came together... but I am still a little wary about the top. Maybe it's just a mind hurdle.




Either way... I gave it a good college try. Any way... moving on, I saw a gal at the coffee shop with her skinnies cuffed the other day. It reminded me how much I loved that look, so I had to knock it off. That is one of the main reasons I love getting out to coffee shops and other places I don't usually get to linger as a mom... there is lots of inspiration in what other people are wearing. Especially when you're at a place that you don't usually go!

Details:

Jacket, courtesy of Tulle

Top, Gap

Belt, small local boutique (similar)

Necklace, F21 (similar)

Jeans, Old Navy

Flats, Nine West (similar)