what to wear: New Years Eve!

It's time to put another year in the book and a celebration is definitely in order!  Whether you are staying in for the night with friends and loved ones (that is what I will be doing) or hitting the town for a night of celebration - make it a stylish and memorable one!

Cheers to 2014 ladies!  Stay tuned later this week (and into next week!) for some fun New Years content to get your year started on the right foot.  Until then... let's party!

staying in look:

hair ties, earrings, turtleneck top, boyfriend jeans, 'crisp champagne' candle, gold nail polish

hitting the town look:

'dress to impress' tee, faux fur scarf (I'm having a serious faux fur moment!, sequin skirt, bracelet, shoes

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?!)

winter uniform.

It's easy to fall into the groove of winter dressing - I just layer, layer some more and then add one layer and usually I am set for the day.  My winter uniform consists of a sweater, a scarf, jeans and boots (and usually some type of layering piece under my sweater too!).  But just because my winter uniform (and maybe yours too) has become quite formulaic, it doesn't mean it needs to be boring.

Switching up sweaters, boots and scarves in endless combinations becomes my specialty this time of year. I'll admit that I also have a few favorite combinations that I fall back on from time and again, but I do find winter dressing an adventure of mixing and matching - so it's fun to try something new to keep your wardrobe feeling fresh.  Some of my favorites lately are pairing plaid with black - I love the way it makes the colors in the plaid pop, adding red to any outfit - it's instantly bright and festive, and pairing faux fur with stripes.

Enjoy having some fun with extra layers this winter... I hope this some inspiration for you!

scarves: plaid, faux fur, black/red

sweaters: grey, striped, white

jeans: black skinny, boyfriend, light skinny

boots: black, ankle, red

see you around...

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warm weekend wear.

The weekend is upon us ladies!  And if your weekend is looking like my weekend then it's packed solid with to-do lists and engagements.  December is usually that way.  But I am always sure to take a little down time when I can and if you can balance it all right, there should be some go-go-go time in December and some time to lay low, snuggle up with loved ones for Christmas movies and endless bowls of popcorn or just gazing at the Christmas tree with a glass of wine.  I hope you find a little down time yourself this weekend... and that you stay plenty warm! (I just realized while writing this post that this is basically my Christmas wish list too... whaddya know?!)

slippers - are you there Santa? it's me Jill!, candle, sweater, pajama bottoms, 'j'adore' necklace, socks, scarf, mug - always filled with tea this time of year!

Make it a great weekend!

see you around...

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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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sweater weather!

I don't know about you but I have been spending my days bundled up and my evenings cozied up on the sofa... that is a sure sign that winter is here to stay.  And while I will say that after living in either Chicago or Grand Rapids, Michigan my whole life... I have realized that I am no longer a fan of winter so much.  The cold and clouds just get to me... it's hard to explain and my husband thinks I am nuts, but this time of year I constantly daydream of places to move to that are warmer - it's a crazy obsession that I probably need to quit!  Because let me tell you, moving just isn't happening.  So I need to just deal.

The bright spot in these long winters? Cozy sweaters of course!  This time of year I ask myself one question and one question only when I stare into my closet wondering what to wear... "What SWEATER will I wear today?" Not what shoes, or what purse or even what jeans. The tops in my closet get banished and sweaters reign supreme.  My entire wardrobe revolves around them this time of year.  How could they not?   Here are some super fun and warm looking pieces I'm loving lately!

top row, from left: pink fair isle, grey cardigan, burgundy 

2nd row, from left: cream fair isle, striped, llama

3rd row, from left: two tone red/camel, cream embellished, geometric neutral

bottom row, from left: black/white fair isle, camel cardigan, fur front (kinda crazy/cool, no?)

Isn't there so much amazing sweater inspiration this season? I love it!

see you around...

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prep your wardrobe to sparkle this season!

Holiday party season is in full swing... so NOW is the time to make sure that your wardrobe will sparkle this season!  Whether it's the soire of the season, a friendly evening gathering, a night around the fire with loved ones opening presents, a cookie exchange with bff's or your after hours company party. A new little piece of sparkle in your life feels so special this time of year.  If your budget is limited, buying a new pair of earrings and some sparkly nail polish or new eye shadow is sure to brighten your holiday events. Or if you are looking for a little more try a daring gold dress or sequin skirt.  Whatever your social calendar or budget allows... have a little fun with this special time of year!  (and bonus! everything featured here is under $100... except that knockout skirt! But here is an alternate skirt under $100!)

gold dress, earrings, nail polish, jeweled sweater, skirt, bracelet, green clutch, eye shadows, lip gloss set, shoes

see you around...

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10 winter essentials!

With cold snap after cold snap here in the midwest it's time to make a list and check it twice... and not your holiday shopping list! It's time to make sure you have all the winter essentials on hand as we go into this busy holiday season and the long winter that follows it...  so I thought I would make a little cheat sheet for you.

Here I compiled a quick list of ten must haves this season... it's time for layering and sweaters and everything cozy and chic!  Plus, check the links below for the pieces shown AND corresponding budget buys if you are looking to add these items to your closet but want to save while doing it! Now tell me, do you have what you will be needing this season to stay warm and stylish?

1. A faux fur scarf (shown or budget buy) adds style and warmth to any look... and it's perfect for dressing up a standard sweater this season!

2. Layering pieces like chambray (shown or budget buy) are an absolute must this time of year! Layer this under a sweater or sweatshirt or put this top over a long sleeve tee.

3. A pretty (and warm!) coat (shown or budget buy) or three will be the perfect finishing touch to any winter look. I personally love a camel colored coat - it adds instant sophistication to any look and is timeless.

4. It goes without saying that jeans are a winter staple, skinny jeans (shown or budget buy) especially for tucking into your boots.  Take a quick inventory and make sure you have a few great pairs on hand for the season!

5. Sweaters, sweaters and more sweaters!  Bundle up with gorgeous sweaters this season to stay cozy and stylish. I am on the hunt for a burgundy sweater (shown or budget buy) like this one, isn't it gorgeous?

6. A little - or a lot - of bling goes a long way to adding sparkle and jazz to any look this time of year. I love a good necklace (shown or budget buy) or earring (shown or budget buy) to do just that job!

7. Plaid (shown or budget buy) is in for a few months so take advantage of it!  I like to go a little overboard with plaid this time of year... but heck, it's the season to, right?

8. Knee high boots (shown or budget buy) are an absolute necessity this time of year. They can be an investment (read: drain on the wallet) but they are totally worth it to keep you warm all season. Plus when you invest in these babies you can pull them out again in seasons to come.

9. Black pants (shown or budget buy) are my go-to lately when dressing up a look - these velvet babies are swweeeet!  I love the instant classic appeal they give any look and they are especially fun to wear with sweaters.

10. For simple and casual looks a simple pair of ankle boots (shown or budget buy) keep you warm and let your calves breath a bit. Switch between ankle and tall boots all season - that's what I do!

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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brrr.... it's November!

Somehow it turned November on me!  Where or where is the time going lately?  In my mind November officially kicks off the winter season - especially here in Michigan.  And even though this is a little early, I think it's because I like to be prepared - especially for winter. It can swoop in at a moments notice and I find that in order to tackle it with grace, one must be ready.  All the snow pants, boots, hats and mittens are purchased for the kids.  Now I need to make sure I am fully stocked for the cold weather season!

Where my kids get rather utilitarian winter clothes - playing in snow for 5 months demands it - I like to make sure that mine are beautiful and inspiring so that winter has a few bright spots along the way. You know?

Last week we covered winter coats... if you need a new one, make sure to check out this post!  Today I have all the beautiful accoutrements!

(above from left, top: studded gloves, fair isle hat, plaid scarf, convertible mittens, camp socks, chevron cowl, cable knit hat, Hunter boots - wear with warm socks to stay dry!)

(above from left, top: fair isle knee socks, striped scarf, knit beanie, pale pink scarf, convertible gloves, pom pom hat, Sorel boots - my favorite!)

Have you started stocking up on winter wear yet? Now is the time! 

see you around...

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