my everyday style: mountain lady!

My husband told me I look like I was headed to the mountains in this outfit. Is that a compliment? Does this outfit make me look like a mountain lady? (you can be honest) The outfit is a bit on the "rustic" side. It's hard to make winter boots and plaid look overtly feminine.  That I admit to.

There has been some news/weather hype about what is going to happen when all this snow melts (flooding! worse! we are all going to die! - that is how our news likes to make forecasts)… all 90 inches of it or some unholy number.  I will tell you what is going to happen when this snow melts… I'm going to ditch these winter boots faster than fast (and then I will be dancing in the streets! in shoes that aren't boots!).  They are really starting to cramp my style.

Details:

Coat, J.Crew Factory (similar, similar or similar)

Plaid Top, J.Crew (similar or similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar less expensive version)

Boots, Sorel "Joan of Arctic"(similar or similar) (I think my new name should be Joan of Arctic)

Earrings, Sole Society

Sunglasses, Ray Ban (similar less expensive version)

10 new striped styles you are sure to love!

I never would have imagined that this glorious stripe trend would still be going strong (what is this 2? 3? years later) this long.  It's my dream come true… one, because my closet is still full of stripes and I love wearing them and two, because stripes are my number one no-brainer-go-to wardrobe piece.  Don't know what to wear? Stripes.

I tend to prefer them in black and navy blue mixed with white (that's not to say I don't love them in all colors) so here I peeped out a few of my favorite styles that are JUST hitting the stores.  Stripes are always a great spring pick and they also work great for late winter with layers like jackets, cardigans, scarves and blazers.

1. boat neck sweater 2. drop waist dress (perfect bathing suit cover up for summer!) 3. clutch 4. bow bracelet 5. striped scarf 6. striped pants (love!) 7. triple stripe elbow patch sweater 8. stripe hand bag 9. striped blazer (very, very cute!) 10. striped soludos

see you around...

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9 swoon worthy bags.

I'm a bag lady, plain and simple. It goes way back too... I remember hoarding/collecting the fabric ESPRIT bags in junior high and high school and absolutely squealing when a new style came out that I just HAD to have!  I remember my first "grown up" purse that was my 21st birthday present (a Coach) and many other "bag" moments throughout my youth.  Since then my husband knows the way to my heart is always with whatever bag I am swooning for at that moment.

I also splurge on them for myself as well.  The really classic ones I will squirrel away for my daughter and hope that one is a "cool enough" vintage for her to enjoy.  I choose to invest in bags because I believe they can last for a really long time if treated nicely, as a legacy to my daughter (fingers crossed) and because there are very few material items I truly enjoy more than a gorgeous bag.  My usual budget range for a handbag is under $400.  For some that may seem like a crazy high amount or for others that love the Phillip Lim's and LV's that may seem like small change.  For me I find that I can find a stylish and high quality bag for that price or lower easily.  

I usually have a running list of the bags I'm currently obsessing over... these are my current loves.  I gravitate towards neutrals but I always love a little something crazy thrown in like the neons (that pink bag! Amazing!).  This past spring I bought a yellow neon bag that I adore... it's so fun to carry.  Are you with me? Love bags? What is your favorite style of late?

top from left: neon yellow, silver, black

middle from left: brown, cream, pink (!!!!)

bottom from left: pale pink, leopard (I just need to break down and buy this already!), burgundy (amazing, but heartbreakingly expensive.)

see you around...

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Back to basics for 2014!

After tracking and reviewing my purchases like a hawk for a full year (seen here) I realized a few very obvious trends.  I get more wear out of the basics and classics than the trendy pieces and I hate to say it... but the "boring" pieces often end up the stars and the "have to have it" pieces get worn here and there but mostly get lost in the shuffle.  Is that surprising to you? It is a little surprising to me.  But then again, if I truly truly asked myself if I would love a "have to have it" piece in a year from now I would take a safe bet and say 50-50.  It's a tricky situation.

We all want our wardrobes to be fun and exciting and a true reflection of ourselves... but often if we are honest the navy blazer we wear day in and day out make our style more than the flash in the pan trendy top we wear once a month or less.  As I enter into 2014 I want to continue to make these basics the star of the show.  But I also want to reach the delicate balance of keeping my style fresh and "me" while depending on "boring" pieces.  Does that make sense?

There is something about a beautiful and classic piece that leaves it's ego at the door.  Do they need to be flashy and self important in order to reflect our true selves and deepest desires?  The classics/boring pieces tend to be the more complex and nuanced pieces that let our true self shine through.

So as I think about how I want to spend my shopping budget in 2014.  "Boring" is one of the first things to come to mind.  Of course, "boring" in the best possible way while never taking it all too seriously.  What are your thoughts? Should we start a "boring clothes revolution"? How do you reach the balance of trends vs. classics? I would love to hear!

top row: knee high boots, ankle boots, bow pumps, black flats, leopard flats

2nd row: black coat, denim jacket, trench coat, grey sweater, black cardigan

3rd row: black blazer, navy blazer, pink cowl scarf, white scarf

4th row: chambray top, white oxford, striped top, drapy grey tee

5th row: boyfriend jeans, black jeans, skinny jeans, grey dress, black dress

6th row: wishbone necklace, bracelet, rings, watch

last row: black bag, brown bag, leopard clutch

see you around...

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after Christmas sales... you in? (+ 6 tips for shopping the sale racks safely!)

Every year I debate whether to take the plunge on the after Christmas sales and every year I give in. Why do I even debate it any more!?!  Let's all admit it, after a month of shopping for everyone else it is quite nice to finally splurge on a little something for ourselves... isn't it? And really, the prices can't be beat!

When shopping the sales it is important to stay sane - and by that remember these few important tips:

• Do you love it or need it? Does it fit your current style or has it been on your wishlist for a while? - go for it!
• Is it a splurge piece that you had your eye on and that is now marked down and is FINALLY marked at a price that goes with your budget - go for it! 
• Is it a quality investment piece at an unbeatable price that you know you will love for years to come? - go for it!
• Is is a sweater for $10 and the price can't be beat so you buy one in every color? - slow down lady! (quick name three outfits you will wear this piece with or double or triple that you have permission to buy one in two colors)
• Are you buying the price instead of the piece? Meaning are you saying "This price is amazing!" before you are saying "I love it!"- slow down lady! (Try sleeping on it... if you forget about it before you leave the mall, you are better without it!)
• Are you spending money you don't have? - slow down lady! (there will be more sales, don't pressure your wallet for a sale!)

puffer coat (J.Crew is 40% off sale!)

necklace (Banana Republic is 40% off your purchase + 10% more off if you are a cardholder)

sweater (J.Crew is 40% off sale!)

boots (Gap is 30% off sale!)

bag (Banana Republic is 40% off your purchase + 10% more off if you are a cardholder)

flats (J.Crew is 40% off sale!)

leather gloves (J.Crew is 40% off sale!)

Plus, J.Crew Factory is 30% off new arrivals (love this!) and Old Navy is 15% your purchase and LOTS of stuff is already marked down (how cozy does this look?!)

what to wear to a holiday party! (holiday party dress codes de-coded)

If you haven't had a Christmas party yet this year, it's likely that you will have one to attend soon. And whether it's with the big-wigs from work, your huge extended family, your saucy and stylish wine club (I had that one last week!) or your beloved book club cronies (I have that one this weekend!) you want to look your best and have fun doing it.  Some events are more casual then others but I always say there is no reason not to bring the glam up a notch or two. It's the holidays! Time to celebrate and sparkle a little (or a lot)!

Festive-fun is perfect for your annual white elephant party with friends, the blow-out cookie exchange or the neighborhood shindig that you look forward to each year.  This outfit is a bit on the casual side but definitely festive.  Add a pair of cozy black tights if the weather is frightful and a white or black wool coat! (above: dress, necklace, wedges, lip gloss, clutch)

This simple but glamorous look is perfect for a night out on the town for a party at the best steak house or cozying up to your boss and co-workers for the yearly bash.  It's simple and full of classic pieces that you may already own! (above: dress, fur collar - or cheaper option!, pumps, blush, clutch, bracelet)

This is one of my favorite looks because it's warm and casual (hey, I hate to be cold, even whenI am celebrating!) but it's way stylish.  A gorgeous white sweater and leather pants (or another pair of black skinny pants/jeans) with some killer heels and wild earrings. It's so easy and quite festive!  Add some red lips and you are hot-to-trot! (above: pants, sweater, shoes, clutch, lips, earrings)

see you around...

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gorgeous winter whites...

If you've read the blog for a while you know that each winter I just love doing a post on winter whites (or two, or four posts).  Winter whites are warm and creamy, full of depth, almost taupe or beige at times and hands down they lend a certain sophistication to any fall and winter wardrobe.

Paired with classic denim, black, metallics or even a fun pop of color like a bold red or a jazzy magenta they can work equally fantastic for a casual winter day or a holiday celebration and just about every where in between.

Here are some of my top picks for winter white...

1. I am sucker for a cozy scarf this time of year... my white scarf definitely gets the most use - it's goes with everything. This white scarf is a beautiful option!

2. A white blouse like this is perfect for layering under sweaters, wearing to work or dressing up for holiday gatherings.

3. White bags are an ongoing obsession for me, I love the dash of black in the straps on this handbag! This on is on sale too!

4. Pearls and bows... this bracelet just perfect for a little wrist bling going into the holiday season!

5. On a day when you are stumped what to wear a white top can be the perfect solution!  This white top would be gorgeous with a cardigan or blazer for extra layers.

6. White gloves... gorgeous, no? 

7. Change clutch... this little guy is so cute and would be fun to have on hand for holiday events (I think I am already holiday crazy!)

8. I am absolutely in love with this white peplum top... it's so feminine and would be great with boyfriend jeans and flats for a casual look or skinny jeans and heels for a night out!

9. This shawl coat is SO gorgeous and totally affordable... what a gorgeous addition to any closet!

10. Creamy white jeans that are perfect for fall and winter! Pair with riding boots and a cozy oversized sweater!

11. Love these dainty earrings!

12. Cap toe shoes in white and black are so on-trend and these would look fabulous with skinny jeans and a black sweater!

13. This skirt is calling my name... I love the hem and it looks so warm for fall and winter! Pair with a pair of tights and boots and you are set for holiday parties!

Tell me... do you love white for fall and winter too?

see you around...

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top coats!

Oh winter is just knocking on our door here in the mid-west... can you feel it? I've pulled out the winter coats a few times already, but I will admit I am still trying to avoid them.  Winter coats of course are necessary to those of us living in the Northern part of the country for quite a few months of the year (unfortunately)... but having a few beautiful options on hand for the winter make the transition much more bearable.  I like to have a mix of dressier and casual options on hand as well as a good puffer (a necessary evil...).

I scoured my favorite retailers to see what they have on hand this season... and I think you are going to like what I found.  Texture, a little color here and there and lots of sophistication can be found here with all these winter coats.  Tell me, are you looking to buy a new coat or two this season? What styles are you loving?

top row, from left: fur trimmed anorak (25% off!), short puffer (25% off!), duffel coat (60% off!), burgundy car coat

middle row, from left: bright blue, military inspired (25% OFF!), short moto jacket (25% off!), leather sleeves

bottom row from left: navy fur lined, color blocked (25% off!), camel, plaid

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Attention Local Ladies!!!! Check out my Facebook page mid-morning today to enter to win a $100 gift card to the new H&M at Woodland Mall and an opportunity to shop before the store opens to the public with me on Thursday, October, 31!!!

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my outfit: fall scarf!

There is nothing like a new fall scarf on a crisp day.  Lately I've been doing whatever I can to avoid the winter coats... so I have been layering like a boss.  Sweater, denim jacket, scarf. If I can still move my arms then it's not too many layers - that's what I say!

Details:
Denim Jacket, American Eagle (c/o)
Sweater, Gap (similar)
Scarf, J.Crew Factory
Jeans, American Eagle (c/o)
Boots, Sole Society "Carolyn"
Bag, J.Crew (similar)
Sunglasses, RayBan

see you around...

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