shopping guide: orange-you-glad?

It's Halloween week and not only are my kids already buzzing on candy (that is probably my fault!) - so am I! How can you resist those miniature bites of sugary goodness? If you have read this blog for a while you know that one of my obsessions is candy. This year I am particularly enjoying the Sponge Bob Crabby Patty gummis. I know, 32 going on 7. That's how I roll.

I thought it would be fun to do an orange themed Shopping Guide this week... in case you are going to be stylishly dressing the part. I don't usually do costumes... but a touch of orange I can definitely do!


(details: 1. Flamingo Flat, Seychelles, $90.65 2. Merino Wool Sweater, Forever 21, $24.80 3. Nixon Time Teller, shopbop.com, $60 4. Essie Nail Polish, beauty.com, $8 5. Time-In Time-Out Belt, Anthropologie, $30 6. Cotton Desert Shirt, JCrew, $65 7. Cambridge Shawl Collar Sweater, JCrew, $59.99)

How do you celebrate Halloween!?!?

my outfit: copy cat!

First things first... I have to admit that this outfit is a dead-on copy cat of Kendi's recent maxi dress outfit. Sorry Kendi! Or you're welcome... I'm not sure which one, since imitation is the most sincere (albeit unoriginal) form of flattery.

It's true... she came up with the outfit. I just followed in suit. In my own clothes, of course... these clothes aren't Kendi's. Promise.

If you want an outfit you can feel completely lazy in but still look decent, a maxi dress is the way to go. It's almost cozier than pajamas. And for a Monday morning (you know I'm always behind in posting, right?) it was just what the doctor ordered.

We had a little Indian Summer - I know you're not supposed to call it that, but I don't know what else Indian Summer means besides it gets cold and then warm again and the warm part is the Indian Summer. Don't kill me here peeps. Any way the dress + the scarf + the jacket was perfect because parts of the day were jacket + dress, other parts were dress + scarf and even still other parts were only dress or all three, jacket + dress + scarf. Whew, did you catch that?


What I MEAN to say, is that it was a versatile outfit for the weather. There.


I have a question though... what the heck do you do with your hair once you have been growing it out forever? It's been over a year I have been growing it, with little trims here and there to keep it healthy. But then, it's just... hair. And lots of it. Stuck to my clothes and all over my bathroom floor and just every where. So it's getting pulled back a lot more, because frankly I can stand to cut it and I don't have the time to do it all the time. This is a predicament folks! Please tell, are pony tails (like this one) acceptable? I sure hope so!

Details:

Jacket, courtesy of Tulle

Dress, Old Navy (similar)

Scarf, Limited (similar)

Earrings, Wendy Mink (I got mine cheaper from GILT!)

Wedges, Cynthia Vincent for Target (similar)

hi & lo (JCrew inspired!)

It's time for another hi & lo post! You all know how much I am loving JCrew lately... but let's be honest, sometimes their prices are a leeeetle tough to swallow. Today I am featuring some of my favorite JCrew finds... and their "stunt doubles", that also happen to be a little easier on the pocket book!

JCrew Toothpick Cords, $79.50

Old Navy Skinny Cords, $34.50

JCrew Tissue Turtleneck Tee, $34.50

Old Navy Jersey Turtleneck Tee, $14.50

JCrew Drapey Sequin Tee, $69.50

Old Navy Embellished Tank, $14.50

JCrew Cambridge Cable Sweater, $74

Old Navy Cable Sweater, $29.50

JCrew Stretch Wool Minnie Pant, $98

Old Navy Skinny Trousers, $25

JCrew Sequin Mesh Bell Skirt, $128

Victoria's Secret Sequin Skirt, $79.50

So what do you think? Could some of these be a good alternative?

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)

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!

vegas shoe details...

Because it's all in the details, right??? I thought I would circle back and give you the full on deets of the shoes that I searched endlessly for and then found! Hallelujah!

So I mentioned my search here - after what had been days of looking both online and in stores. I was starting to worry that I would have to return the dress - but then I realized it was from F21 and that wouldn't be an option. So I'll admit, I was freaking out a bit. (about shoes people... I know, I'm crazy!)

Many of you left comments with links to shoes... mostly from places I hadn't thought of! You gals are the best! I had looked at Target a couple of times but didn't think to check their expanded offerings at target.com. Duh!

I was torn between these two shoes... both from Target.com

A ruffly pair...


And a peep toe pair (in grey)...

I decided to order both and when they arrived try them on with the dress - returns are easy at the store and target.com was having a shipping promo - those details definitely sealed the deal!

In the end the peep toe pair were more comfortable, but the ruffled pair fit the look I was going for the best. I returned the grey peep toe pair (although I would have loved a pair in black to have and to hold - they were really comfy!) and went with the ruffled pair. They killed my feet - but it was worth it! Truth be told, I can't wait to wear them again!

In unrelated news... I ALSO wish I would have ordered this pair from Target.com as well. How cute???

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: 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)

my outfit: ArtPrize!

If you live in West Michigan you are probably (almost) sick of hearing about ArtPrize... but soon it will be gone until next year and we will miss it so! If you HAVEN'T heard of it yet... you should know about it... it's the most amazing open art competition with the largest purse in the world and Grand Rapids is luckier than lucky that it's in our own backyard.

The Top 10 has been announced - did I mention that it's judged American Idol style? Super fun! - and while I haven't seen many of ALL of the entries (there are thousands of total entries), I have seen many in the Top 10. What I love most about ArtPrize is that it's 100% accessible to the public and not at all snooty or overly art-sy. It's just good honest fun and inspiration!

My husband and I had a date night on opening night... here are some of the favorites I saw that night: (iphone photos to follow...)

This was the coolest sculpture... from the side it was several pieces of cut metal...


When you stood directly in front of the piece, it became a woman's face. Isn't this just amazing?


One of my favorites of the evening is this piece made all of red thread... this one is currently in the top ten and deservedly so.


This piece entitled, Cavalry, is showing at the Grand Rapids Art Museum... it was SO busy there, but somehow the crowd split and I got this amazing picture of the artist in front of his piece. Cavalry is a pencil drawing... it's amazingly large.


And here is a close up to get the magnitude of this drawing... look at the detail. Amazing! This piece is in the Top 10 as well.


In the "I want to steal this to take it home" category... this paper cut out wins my vote. This would look amazing in my stairwell. Isn't it so cool? It was rather large... maybe four feet by six feet. I just loved it.


Here's what I wore:

Details:

(the crazy stickers on my shirt are from ArtPrize, admission stickers and artist stickers... random, I know)

Necklace, Forever 21

Lace Top, Charlotte Russe (similar)

Jacket, Courtesy of Tulle

Zip Ankle Jeans, Forever 21 (similar)

Wedges, Cynthia Vincent for Target (similar)

Purse, Deux Lux (similar)

my outfit: casual Friday (again)!

I'm not going to go so far as saying that we have a new series here, but it is true that last Friday I posted a super casual outfit and this Friday too. I seem to start my weeks off on a bang and by the time the week goes on I crave more and more comfortable clothes. Until I land half dead into the weekend... but that's another story altogether.


A simple t-shirt and these most comfortable jeans on the planet (I wear them as a *reward* for a long week... they are THAT comfortable!) is the perfect formula for a great casual outfit. But then I like to add a fun accessory like a leopard belt to add some interest.

Isn't the distressing just perfect? I wish I had about 20 pairs of jeans that were all this comfortable and perfectly distressed.

By the way, thanks you for all the feedback yesterday... it sounds like you gals love the outfit photos that I take and want to see more fashion formulas as well. Which is QUITE the coincidence because my husband and I had a huge brainstorming session (I talk, he nods in agreement) last weekend and taking my fashion formulas to the next "level" was the major outcome of the blabbering I was doing. I have a great project in mind that is going to need a ton of work/organization/time. So when I figure out how to find all three of those I will be all set. My gut is telling me early 2011. In the meantime I can whip up more posts on that though!

Also one commenter said she wanted more outfits for moms. Well is she in the right place or what!?! I am a mom you know... and a part-time, inching to more, blogger. This is what I wear! With my kids! Doing my everyday stuff! Even my kids like to be in my "photoshoots" (see above!).

And I even manage to smile too! Lately my pictures have seemed so glum, huh? I do smile, honestly... it seems when it comes to editing that the pictures where I am smiling either my eyes are closed, my hands are doing weird things or I notice there was a lego or something in the shot. So here is a smile, just to assure you that I'm a normal and happy (albeit sometimes crazy) person. Promise.

Details:

Jacket, Gap

T-Shirt, Gap

Jeans, Gap

Belt, Forever 21

Clogs, UGG