sweet nothings...

Valentine's is one of my most favorite holidays... all the pink and red. How can you resist? I love showering my kids with treats and trinkets... and hopefully there will be a sweet little something for mom as well (ahem, dear).

(twirl, bow earrings, purple sweater, pink nail polish, nude lace bralette, dot purse)

What are your plans for this lovey-dovey holiday?

want. need.

absolutely must have.

I'm light on words this morning... but I will be back later with an outfit post.  In the meantime... if this Kate Spade bag would just materialize in my hands right about now I would be one pleased gal. I can't stop thinking about it's fun, go-get-em spring attitude!

You can stalk it, errr, buy it HERE.  

I wouldn't even be picky about the color either... I know, look at me all being easy to work with and all.

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!)

my outfit: easy does it!

I wore a variation of this outfit (read: pretty much the same exact outfit) to church on Sunday and after a night of literally no sleep (thanks kids!) - this was the first thing I found (on the floor) on Monday morning. I wasn't going to be picky. I swapped a necklace (wore that to church) for this scarf because Monday morning was like 30 degrees (BRRR!!!) and if you haven't slept at all the night before, the last thing you want to do is freeze your tail off at the bus stop with the kids. On second thought, the last you want to do is ANYTHING. So at least I had a scarf to "hug" me.

But Monday is my "work" morning... so I like to look decent to feel more inspired and I do really love this outfit. Note, I DID take a shower... just didn't do my hair. Thank you hair for being long and for liking to be in a bun, really, thank you. Un-Thank you make-up for not putting yourself on my face and making all signs of no sleep disappear. Better luck next time.


Blazer + scarf + t-shirt + skinnies + flats. I could live in a variation of this outfit for the rest of my life. It's so easy and comes together quickly. I added some simple little earrings to dress it up a bit. I happen to love Swarovski's studs. If you are "into" studs... Swarovski makes gorgeous crystal ones that glow like the real "stuff" and are really high quality. My ears are super sensitive so I need really high quality earrings. And these I could wear everyday (and did for a while... and come to think of it... I could use a new pair!).

Details:

Scarf, Macy's (similar)

Jacket, LOFT (similar)

T-shirt, Target (similar)

Skinnies, Forever 21 (similar)

Flats, Sam Edelman

Purse, Kate Spade via GILT - (similar)

my outfit: oldest trick in the book!

all black. What can I say? It was just one of those days! I love wearing all black, you don't have to worry about matching and you can pretty much put any accessories on and they just "work."

Since there isn't much to say about this outfit... or in general (words escape me I guess), I figured I would turn the tables and let you gals do the talking. Every once in a while I like to make sure I am in tune with what my readers love/like or otherwise (by the way, if you have mean words - forget about it.)



So send it my way, is there a feature you absolutely love and want more of? Is there a feature you like but you have a suggestion on how it could be more helpful to you? Is there something I am missing... something that would make your trip here more helpful or memorable? Remember, this is should be constructive and helpful for all of us... I'll reiterate: mean words or slander WILL be deleted. So don't waste your time or mine, I'm not fishing for compliments... just your helpful opinions.

Have at it!

Details:

Scarf, F21 (similar)

Top, Gap

Black Skinnies, Courtesy of Tulle

Flats, Sam Edelman

Handbag, Kate Spade (via GILT)

yes, please...

Chain purses for fall... I am just LOVING this classic and sophisticated look. Click the picture for details!

Shoulder Bags by Topshop
Satchels at Endless.com

silver totes...

I am absolutely IN LOVE with this tote from Kate Spade...


(Foiled Again Allana, Kate Spade, $245)

I love that it's a little flashy and fun, but also practical for carrying around all the necessities. It's anything but boring! But even with my birthday coming up, it is still always hard to justify shelling out over $200 for a bag. Although the temptation is definitely there!

Here's some silver bags that are just as cute (or at least close!) but a little easier on the wallet... (click the pictures for links!)

I think this Gap bag is a front-runner for me... I could definitely see myself sporting this bag this fall.



I have featured this one in outfits here on the blog recently... It's super cute and a great size.



This one has the most similarity to the KS bag... and for the cheapest price. I do like this one too!



Decisions, decisions!

Reader Question!

Lauren emailed me recently and wanted some tips on how to style this gorgeous dress that she bought for an upcoming wedding. She had the dress and the shoes chosen already... from there, I just filled in the blanks!

1. This dress is just amazing... I love the architectural aspect of it with the bold stripes. This dress is almost stand-alone worthy... I wanted to only carefully chose a few accessories that would enhance it's style. Grosgrain Peaks Dress, Anthropologie, $138

2. Kudos to Lauren for already choosing a great pair of shoes. These fit the preppy and refined look that the dress expresses. Tahari Dara Pump, DSW, $69.95

3. I first chose this clutch, I loved it quintessential summer feel. Wicker Clutch, Lori's Shoes, $46

4. Classic studs are refined and understated, but still add a bit of femininity to the ensemble. Blowing Baubles Stud Earrings, Kate Spade, Bloomingdale's, $45.00

5. The woven detail of this bracelet plays well off of the stripes and the wicker clutch. Woven Cuff Bracelet, Aldo, $12.98

6. Along the same lines of classic and refined... a mani and pedi in this classic color would top the look off perfectly! "Fed Up", Essie Nail Color, $8.00

7. I picture this outfit with a very sleek and refined hair look. Either pulled back (to show of the shoulders) or long and sleek. Brilliant Spray on Shine, Aveda, $18.99

hi & lo

I had so much fun doing THIS post last week... and just recently a few of these handbags jumped off the page at me. So I had to do a handbag version!

If you love the vintage styling of this handbag... like I do...
Treesje Asher Satchel, $498

Then it will be impossible to say no to this much less expensive version from UO. How summery is this bag? Perfect with jeans or a sundress alike.
Kimchi Blue Satchel, Urban Outfitters $48

I love good girl/bad girl vibe of this little clutch... but not the price tag so much...

Eyelet Clutch, Rebekah Minkoff, $365

Save yourself almost 300 big ones with this equally fun and studded clutch.
Hype Studded Clutch, $75

If pockets and zippers are your thing...
Dylan Shoulder Bag, Linea Pelle, $395

Check out this version at a fraction of the price (pennies on the dollar people! Do I sound like a used car sales man?). This bag is a perfect alternative to a diaper bag for any mom on the go!
Zipper Pocket Handbag, Old Navy, $17.99

This Kate Spade is so cute you want to pinch it...
Take a Dip Tote, Kate Spade, $195

But in real life, I think the Old Navy version is actually even more cute! It's fixin' to be my summer pool bag. How can you not love that price? This version looks bigger too!
Two Tone Canvas Beach Bag, Old Navy, $16.50

I about freaked when I saw this bag...
L.A.M.B. Freestyle Sak, $225

because THIS one from Old Navy has been on my wish list for a few weeks. Perfect for early morning soccer games on Saturdays. I can throw in snacks and sweatshirts and I'm set to go.
Crescent Tote, Old Navy, $10

What do you think? Do you think "hi & lo" should be a new feature here on the blog? I am kind of digging it!

hi & lo

It never takes much to get me swooning over shoes. And I seem to have an appreciation for both inexpensive and very expensive shoes, both in their own right.

I dug up some amazing shoes... some hi(gh), some lo(w). I think you will enjoy comparing and contrasting... (click the pictures for links)

I am loving sequins, sequins, sequins lately... these Antik Batik sandals are amazing! But I happen to own the Target version and absolutely LOVE them... also, I saved $180 (I should tell my husband!).
Antik Batik, $202


Target, $19.99 (these look way better IRL, BTW - uh oh... here comes the text-talk!)

I love the rustic glamorous feel to these sandals... a perfect look for summer. Save over$200 by opting for the Old Navy version. Nice, very nice.
Luxury Rebel, $228


Old Navy, $19.50

I love my wellies, but sometimes on a rainy day they do seem a little clunky. Summer rain will never feel so good in these little rubber flats!
JCrew, $55


Chinese Laundry, $29.95

Embellishment is key this season... These Kate Spade sandals are cute, cute, cute. And while you may have to trade little pearls for rounded studs, I think the $180 saved may be worth it!
Kate Spade, $198


Wet Seal, $14.50

Loeffler Randal does no wrong in my book... especially with these sandals. I absolutely love them, especially the little zip up the back. But how can you deny saving over $160 for the version from endless.com?
Loeffler Randal, $208.25


Endless.com, $34.95

Cynthia Vincent sure has made a name for herself with her new Target line, albeit hard to get your hands on - you can see why there is such a craze when you compare the $400 version to the $30 Target version. Very close!
Cynthia Vincent, $405


Cynthia Vincent for Target, $29.99


Now... if you will just excuse me quickly, I have some shoe shopping to do! Which ones are catching your eyes?

summer dreaming...

Michigan weather likes to be super tricky... one day it's 80 and sunny and there's not a care in the world. The next it's 40 and raining and you just crave sun and warmth and bronzed skin...

They call it spring. I call it torture!

I am dreaming of the solid sunny days and warm weather...

Soaking it all up at Lake Michigan or at least the local pool.

Kids running through sprinklers.

Ice cream on hot nights.

Sand between your toes. Ahhhh... some serious summer dreaming! What are your favorite parts about summer?