how to style: the graphic sweatshirt!

The graphic sweatshirt is the fall & winter equivalent of the graphic tee.  Let me tell you, if I can get away with wearing a sweatshirt and looking (and feeling!) stylish, then I sure will!  This fun grey sweatshirt with black flowers is absolutely adorable (and on sale!!) so I had some fun styling up three ways for fall and winter.

Which outfit is your favorite?  I can't decide… I love them all!

get the look:

shop the 'bundle up' look: sweatshirt, ponte leggings (save | splurge), scarf (save | splurge), tote (save | splurge), ring, boots (save | splurge)

shop the 'weekend cool' look: sweatshirt, fur hooded coat (save | splurge), boyfriend jeans (save | splurge), boots (save | splurge), sunglasses (save | splurge)

shop the 'shopping with the girls' look: sweatshirt, black jeans (save | splurge), vest (save | splurge), leopard flats (save | splurge), purse (save | splurge), earrings

Shop all the pieces (save & splurge!) below…

how to style army green pants (three ways)!!

I recently snagged a pair of army green pants and they are quickly becoming a fall staple.  They are a great neutral staple for fall so they are easy to mix and match with items you may already own in your wardrobe.  I decided to pull together three looks as inspiration on how to style them here on the blog today.  If you are thinking of pulling the trigger on a pair… let this be your inspiration!

shop the looks…

dressy casual: zip ankle pants, plaid top, black vest, pumps, blue clutch, bracelet

cozy layers: zip ankle pant, polka dot sweater, scarf, leopard flats, tassel earrings, black tote

paired with florals: slim ankle pant, floral top, denim jacket, ankle booties, blush handbag, bar pendant necklace

Or shop the pieces here (keep in mind some thumbnail images will show other color options for some pieces):

fresh ways to style your summer dresses...

This time of year I am always looking for new ways to style my summer dresses.  My summer style evolution goes something like this… I start out strong with shorts, get sick of shorts, then move to dresses.  Then I get sick of dresses and I am looking for new ways to style them.  It's like clockwork.  Are you ever in the same situation?

Here I've got three fresh ways to style a dress this summer… add a vest, tie a denim top around your waist or pile on the accessories.  What is your favorite way to style a summer dress this summer?  I'm always looking for new ways!

vest look: dress, vest, cross body bag, espadrilles, bracelet

accessories look: dress, watch, bracelet, earrings, shoes

denim shirt look: dress, denim shirt, hat, tote, sandals

navy lace dress… 3 ways!

I'm obsessed with lace dresses this season… they are so beautiful, yet highly versatile. I bought a similar navy lace dress recently and I can't wait to wear it for a wedding we will be attending later this summer.  In the meantime, I've been brainstorming other ways to wear it… any dress that can go from the office to girls night to a wedding is a win in my book.

Here are three great ways to style up this dress… what I love about this dress is that it's so beautiful on it's own that it's the perfect backdrop for whatever your occasion is.  And while it's definitely a no-brainer to dress this look up… I love the idea of taking it down a notch too.  Dressing this dress down is unexpected and of course make the piece even more versatile!

What is your favorite style below? Which way would you be most likely to wear it?

GET THE LOOK:

navy dress (or less expensive option!)

the office: blazer, clutch, pumps (less expensive option), necklace

girls night: denim jacket (less expensive option), clutch, sandals, earrings

summer wedding: earrings (less expensive option), clutch, bracelet, sandals

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three ways to style: a drapey tee!

A lot of you really loved the drapey tee I featured on Friday… so I thought it would be fun to style it up in a few different looks. You know, so if you haven't already bought it, you will really want to now (wink, wink!).  But seriously, this drapey tee is so versatile and comfortable that it can be worn from weekend to girls night out to the office even.   So here are three really easy ways to style this drapey tee…

to the office:

skirt, top, earrings, necklace, shoes, purse

all weekend long: 

scarf, top, bag, jeans, sneakers

parisian chic: 

leggings, top, scarf, flats, bracelet

three last minute NYE outfit ideas!

It's time to pop the champagne and ring in the New Year tonight! And whether you are painting the town red or opting for a quiet night with friends or loved ones… you are going to have to decide what to wear before you starting letting all that bubbly go to your head!

We are planning on a quiet night with friends, but if you are like me you waited until the last minute to decide what to wear. But fear not… I've got three super easy last minute outfit ideas for you made of pieces you probably already have in your closet.  So there is no dashing out to the store last minute for these looks! I promise.

all black

I love this combo because it is easy to throw on last minute and very sophisticated.  Break out your favorite black ensemble and pop on some heels and you are set to go!

shop the look: jeans, top, earrings, bracelet, shoes

sequins + distressed jeans

This look has the perfect "I woke up like this" flair while still being super fun and festive! Grab some sequins or jewels, some distressed jeans and super fun accessories and you are set to go!

shop the look: earrings, jeans, sweatshirt, clutch, shoes

lbd + faux fur

This look is so simple: just grab your favorite stand-by little black dress and pair it with a faux fur scarf and a few baubles and you are set to go! Sequin shoes get bonus points!

shop the look: dress, faux fur scarf, ring, shoes

Happy New Years ladies! Enjoy your night safely! 

three ways to style your LBD this winter!

A LBD (little black dress) is a classic wardrobe staple that can get your through all your holiday wardrobe needs.  A little black dress can be styled up or down for the holiday parties on your schedule large or small and even through Christmas into New Years. Here I styled it up three fun ways… and BONUS! These great dresses are all UNDER $20 - can you believe it? So snag one now and you will be set for the holidays!

top:

dress, plaid top, red shoes, necklace

middle: 

ring, necklace, cardigan, ankle boots, dress

bottom: 

dress, faux fur scarf, clutch, earrings, shoes

Or shop the pieces below!!!

3 ways to style sneakers this spring & summer!

Classic sneakers are one of the hottest trends this season… and not only are they adorable, but they are also really practical and comfortable as well.  A few of my girlfriends were asking for advice on how to style them… these are my tips and tricks for styling sneakers this spring & summer.

• When choosing a pair of sneakers that you plan to wear as everyday shoes go for a style that is less running shoe or gym shoe.  Think classic, retro, monochromatic colors or refined when choosing a sneaker.  The three below are a safe bet and some of my favorite of the offerings this season.
• Let the sneakers add a little edge to your look. A summer dress with a pair of crisp white sneakers is a fun surprise and when paired with a denim jacket it's the perfect balance of casual and pulled together.
• To balance the casual feel of sneakers make sure to amp up your look with a little bling like a necklace, bracelet or handbag. 
• Resist the urge to use this trend as a "fresh from the gym" look.  Sweaty and unkempt is never stylish. Wear your sneakers intentionally to avoid looking sloppy.
• Lastly, ENJOY this trend - it's a super fun way to stay fresh and modern looking while letting your feet have a little rest from heels or sandals!

Below are three of my favorite sneaker styles this spring & summer… I would say that you could easily mix and match any of these three outfits with the three sneakers.  Have some fun with this trend for sure!

look one: jeans, top, sneakers, clutch, necklace, sunglasses

look two: shorts, sweatshirt, swimsuit, sneakers, sunglasses, tote

look three: dress, denim jacket, sneakers, bracelet, purse

Like these types of posts? Check out more of them here!

see you around...

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playing dress up: three ways to style Hunter boots!

Today I have another fun "playing dress up" post for you: it's three ways to style Hunter boots!  This spring has been a super wet one - although look at the green grass we have to make up for it.  I have been living in my Hunter boots lately with all the rain.

If it's raining you can throw your boots on with pretty much whatever you are wearing… but somedays when the clouds look ominous I like to think of fun outfits that go with these glossy boots.  Here are three ideas of how to style your Hunter boots (or any rain boot you may own!).

 outfit details

Hunter boots with leggings look:
     leggings, J.Crew Pixie Pant (or less expensive ponte leggings)
     t-shirt, J.Crew (similar or similar)
     blazer, J.Crew Factory (similar or similar)
     purse, Madewell (or less expensive similar)
     necklace, Baublebar

Hunter boots with shorts look:
     jacket, Forever 21 (similar)
     sweater, Madewell
     shorts, Gap
     necklace, Dear Pru

Hunter boots with jeans look:
      jeans, AG
      top, Zara (similar)
      scarf, H&M
      purse, Madewell

More Hunter boots that I love: white! classic green! two tone!

see you around...

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playing dress up: three ways to style distressed denim!

I've got a fun new series today that I am super excited about called 'playing dress up'! Lately I've been feeling a little ho-hum about my usual "outfit posts"… I wanted a way to bring you gals real life style but in a way that really packed a punch and was full of lots of great inspiration.

I have found that photographing looks throughout the week that feature what I am wearing can be really, really challenging… especially with a super busy photographer (my husband) and two busy kids.  It just wasn't happening as regularly as I wanted it to.  And when it was happening it felt super rushed and uninspired on my part.  So I am going to try and take a break from the usual outfit posts in exchange for a full on session of playing dress up here at home.  This way I am able to show you how I style the pieces in my closet, but without the pressure of getting pictures at random intervals throughout the week.  As a blogger I am still learning to balance life with work, even after all these years.  Trying new projects like this get my creative juices flowing again and hopefully bring you readers great content as well.  I hope you like this new series!

I thought I would start this new series with my favorite jeans… my distressed jeans from the Gap. I know not everyone loves this look and they are not for all events or occasions either. But what I DO love about distressed jeans is that they add an extra layer of texture and laid back appeal to any look.  I never want to take style to seriously and distressed jeans have that exact vibe - not so serious.

Here I styled them a little sporty, dressed up for a night out and a little preppy.  I absolutely loved all these looks and will be recreating them (off camera) again very soon.

get the look

sporty: top, emmerson fry (similar) | jeans, gap | necklace, baublebar | sunglasses, ray ban | shoes, superega | clutch, j.crew factory

night out: top, j.crew factory (similar) | shoes, j.crew | bag, kate spade (similar) | earrings, j.crew (similar) | bracelet, dear prudence (similar)

preppy: blazer, gap | oxford top, h&m | bag, j.crew (similar) | shoes, j.crew factory

Stay tuned as I will have more of these posts coming soon (let me know if there is a particular piece you want styled too!) and tomorrow is this month's installment of "the damage" and it's going to be like a confession booth friends, lots of shopping this month (which is both good and bad!).

3 ways to style a white tee!

The other day I had this crazy flashback to one of the first posts I ever wrote here on this blog… it was all about my favorite basic t-shirts. It's hard to believe that was 6 years ago! While this blog has evolved drastically in the past 6 years (seriously, don't visit the archives - they are terrible!) my love for a simple t-shirt on any given day has not evolved.  I love them dearly.

I love how a t-shirt can go from simple and plain to dressed up and pulled together with just a few extra layers and accessories.  But simple or not… they are always comfortable, which is a huge bonus in my book.  Here are a few inspirations for wearing your basic tees this spring…

top look: white tee, skirt, cardigan, wedges, earrings

middle look: white tee, jacket, flats, necklace, leggings

bottom look: white tee, jeans, sandals, scarf, bracelet, purse (so cute and it's from old navy!)

what's your summer sunglass style?

What is your summer sunglass style? I think one simple pair of sunglasses can totally set the tone for any outfit… aren't these fun outfits proof?

get the looks:

classic: shorts, tee, clutch, flip flops, sunglasses

modern: dress, clutch, earrings, sandals, sunglasses

boho: top, shorts, bracelet, shoes, sunglasses (love these, they are a cheaper alternative to these sunglasses!)

3 ways to wear oversized spring sweaters!

This spring I am gravitating towards oversized and flowy sweaters.  For one they are the ultimate in comfort and they can hide a multitude of sins (Valentine's Day candy overload, anyone?).  But even more than those reasons they are also supremely easy to style.

The laid back "devil-may-care" attitude of this sweater serves as the perfect blank canvas for whatever your style or mood may be this season.  You can amp them up with a pair of pleather leggings, keep them sweet with a few pastel hues or make them office ready with a pair of bold floral pants.

one. floral pants, sweater, shoes, bag, bracelet

two. leggings, sweater, shoes, bag, necklace

three. jeans, sweater, flats, clutch, earrings

see you around...

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3 ways to style a sweatshirt!

Sweatshirts are arguably one of the most unexpected yet welcome trends of late... I mean who knew you could take a simple (and comfortable) sweatshirt and dress it up in so many different ways?  I've had lots of fun dressing mine up (and down...) and each time I do I feel comfortable and stylish all day or evening.

Here are three ways I've worn my grey sweatshirt recently...

This trend will also be a great transition to spring as well... a simple sweatshirt would look darling with a little skirt and denim jacket or with denim shorts and a pair of All-Stars.  However you decide to style your sweatshirt... here are some of my top picks!

(from left: jeweled neck, 'bien', tipped, short sleeve)

Have you tried the sweatshirt trend yet?

see you around...

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sweatshirt style | three ways.

I am continually learning about my own personal style and personal style in general.  If you think I've got style figured out because I have a blog... you're dead wrong. I'm just working to figure it out here on a daily basis.  Thankfully this is a great place to hone my skills.

Recently I picked a "certain" sweater out of my closet and went to pair it with it's "usual" sidekicks - jeans, boots, chambray, whatever.  But then I had a moment of clarity and asked myself, what is an "unusual" pairing for this sweater? What is different? What is the one thing I wouldn't usually pair this with? The answer wasn't the usual denim and boots.  And I really liked the outcome.

So my question today is do you pigeon hole items in your closet like me? Do you have a set of made up rules that type A clothes can only be paired with type A clothes and the like? I realized I have these "rules" that I don't know the cause or origin of.

Take this sweatshirt for instance, I absolutely love it. And right off the bat I realized that I would likely "pigeon hole" it to skinny jeans and flats or skinny jeans and boots - which is a great combo, don't get me wrong.  But here I tried to mix it up a bit with different types of looks.  I'm slowly working on breaking - or even forgetting - the rules (in all the right ways) with my closet. Are you?

For the look above I wanted a fun look I would wear out to dinner or out with friends for an evening.  Usually I wouldn't choose a sweatshirt for that type of outing, but with this look it totally works! 

(above: jeans, sweatshirt, heels - cheaper version, earrings, bag - this my bag of the moment! gorgeous!, watch)

It's a given that this sweatshirt would be perfect for a cozy fall winter day... above I went full out weekend wear with a comfy hat, moccasins and a tote.  This would be a great soccer-mom look (which is what I happen to be doing most weekends!).

(above: jeans, sweatshirt, moccasins, hat, belt, tote)

In this last look I elevated the style with some layers and ultra-refined accessories like a gorgeous handbag and flats. This is PTA-meeting-lunch-with-friends-book-club-that-evening ready.

(above: leggings, sweatshirt, flats, oxford top, bag, bracelet)

Would you agree that all three of these looks break the sweatshirt out of the jeans/boots/flats look? (which would also look fab!)  Also, ending today this gorgeous sweatshirt and SO many other goodies are all 50% off in the J.Crew Factory sale!  Bonus!  Go forth and shop!

see you around...

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how to style leggings for fall!

One of my favorite outfits to wear is an outfit featuring leggings.  They are perfect for those busy days of running around when you want to be comfortable but cute and they are equally perfect for dressing up with some snazzy shoes and a sweater for time spent with friends or out to dinner.

The new ponte leggings from Old Navy are my current favorites.  They are thick with a bit of a sheen, they suck you in at all the right places and the price is totally right.

Here I styled them up into three outfits that are perfect for day and night and in between and paired with longer tunic style tops they are modest as well.  I hope you enjoy and are inspired by these looks!

(above: leggings, sweater, bag, boots, necklace)

(above: leggings, top, bag, earrings, flats)

(above: leggings, sweatshirt, shoes, scarf, bag)

see you around...

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one sweater | three ways.

I've got a question for you today: when you find a clothing item that you really, really love... do you go ahead and buy it in multiples?

In general, I have historically attempted to not buy multiples of one style in order to keep my wardrobe varied and interesting.  But I have a confession: lately I care less about an 'interesting' closet and more about a simple, classic and EASY wardrobe. (you know the kind... it's when you DON'T have to stand in your closet and always ask yourself the dreaded "what to wear?" question!)

Recently I purchased this sweater in black (you can see it here and watch for it again very soon on the blog!) and I really, really like it. I love the flowy fit and the light weight fabric not to mention the turtleneck and the cropped sleeves.  I am so tempted to buy it in multiples... and style it up like these great looks below.

So tell me... are you "pro" buying in multiples or "con"? I would love to hear why!  Also, I highly recommend you check this sweater out... it's such a great fall staple!

left look:

grey sweater, jeans, moccasins, bracelet 

middle look:

camel sweater, black pants, necklace, pumps

right look:

white sweater, boyfriend jeans, clutch, flats

see you around...

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how to bring your summer dresses into fall!

I am all about stretching my wardrobe the best I can!  In fact, besides wool items or tank tops and shorts, I find that most of the pieces in my closets can be transitioned through most of the seasons here in Michigan.  Layering classic summer dresses under fall staples can be a great way to get more use out the pieces you own.

September is a great month for getting creative with your summer pieces and layering them up into new combinations.  If you are taking summer pieces into fall make sure they have some heft to their fabric and a classic silhouette that is season-less (meaning: ditch the strapless dresses).  Also keep in mind... some of your super summery pieces won't transition as well as others (for instance this white dress will probably only be feasible to wear for a few more weeks) so use your judgement or these ideas as guides on how to do it right!

(above: dress, jacket, scarf, shoes, tote)

(above: dress, cardigan, ring, clutch, necklace, boots)

(above: dress, vest, necklace, clutch, boots - seriously crushing on these)

Which one of these looks would you most likely recreate? I wore a modified version of the first outfit this weekend... and it was perfect for the weather!

see you around...

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