Change Up

There is almost nothing I love more than attending the first official BBQ of spring. But truth be told, I don’t find them to be the easiest of occasions to dress for. Probably because as much as I love high heels and jewelry, they unfortunately aren’t the best accessory choices for a back yard get together. But through a little trial and error, I think I have come up with a foolproof outfit combo that not only lets me be comfy and appropriate for such occasions, but even a little stylish too…

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Instagram Filter: Amaro

Boyfriend Cardigan: Old Navy (old), similar  |  Tee: Victoria’s Secret Pink Essential V-Neck (best t-shirts ever) |  Cobalt Skinnies: American Eagle (old), similar | Fedora: Forever21 (old), similar, similar | Necklaces: Tiffany and Co., My Personal Collection of Charms | Watch: Michael Kors | Sandals: Madden Girl (old), similar, similar

You have probably noticed things are looking a little different on the blog today-and hopefully in a good way!  I have been wanting to test a little larger photo size and a more simplified layout for a while now.  And what can I say? I guess the new season finally inspired me to change things up a bit.  Guess it’s my blogging version of spring cleaning.  Anyway, would LOVE to hear your feedback!

Thank you so much for reading!

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Citrus Punch

I would consider an outfit like the below to be my go-to look-a pretty button down, skinny jeans, a comfy pair of pumps, and some super fun accessories. In fact, this is the type of outfit that I constantly find myself gravitating towards-both in dressy (like this one) and casual versions. I guess I could call it my All Dolled Up uniform…

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Instagram Filter: Nashville

Neon Button Down: Express | Skinnies: Gap | Leopard Belt: Express | Tassel Necklace: Stella & Dot | Bracelets: JCrew, Stella & Dot, Aldo | Watch: Michael Kors | Sunnies: Steve Madden (old), similar | Bag: Michael Kors Limited Edition Hamilton (sold out in yellow) | Pumps: Alfani via Macy’s

If you are looking for a perfect fitting button down that comes in a variety of colors, in a gorgeous floaty material, then the Express Portofino shirt is for you.  I am beyond obsessed with not only the fit and fabric of this lovely shirt, but also with the vast array of drool worthy colors that it’s offered-definitely something for everyone.

Hope your week is off to a good start.  Thanks for reading!

xx

80′s Accent

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times. I love neon. And despite being raised in the 80′s, I am still working on getting my neon fix. But instead of layering multiple neons together, I am loving it as an accent, especially when paired back to unexpected neutrals!

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Instagram Filter:  Mayfair

Silk Heart Button Down:  JCrew, similar,  | Sequin Heart Sweatshirt:  Forever21 | Boyfriend Jeans:  Rich & Skinny  | Monogram Necklace:  Kraftshop | Earrings:  Givenchy |  Bracelet:  Stella and Dot | Watch:  Michael Kors | Sunnies:  Target (old) | Bag:  Steve Madden (on sale!!) | Shoes:  Aldo for Nordstrom (old), similar

Another trend that I am loving right now is the embellished sweatshirt.  Really, how fun that we have the option to be totally and completely comfortable while still adding a touch of sparkle! 

Hope everyone is having a fantastic week.  Thanks for reading!

xx

Monotone

Sometimes throwing together a monochromatic look is a welcome change from the usual. Plus, pairing two like colors is an easy concoction to create and a great way to change-up your look without investing in anything new…

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Instagram Filter:  Valencia

Blazer:  H&M (old) similar, similar | Silk Tunic:  H&M (old) similar | Skinny Pants:  INC | Sunnies:  Marc Jacobs  | Necklace:  JCrew, INC | Bracelets:  Anne Klein, Stella and Dot, Juicy Couture | Watch:  Michael Kors | Bag:  Michael Kors Hamilton | Shoes:  Steve Madden (old) similar

I don’t know about you, but I am so happy it’s the middle of the week already.  I am practically counting down the days until the weekend-the end is in sight!

Thanks for reading!

xx

Pink Punch

I am finding that my bright pink Kate Spade bag is the perfect complement to so many outfits. And since pink and navy is one of my absolute favorite color combos ever, it was obviously the perfect accessory choice to brighten up a little blue on blue.

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Instagram Filter:  Hudson

Polka Dot Sweater:  Forever21 | Silk Striped Button Down:  JCrew, similar | Black Skinnies:  Else by Joe’s Jeans | Monogram Necklace:  Kraftshop via Etsy | Sunnies:  Vogue, similar | Watch:  Michael Kors | Pink Quilted Bag:  Kate Spade Georgina | Nude Pumps:  Steven by Steve Madden, similar

I am finding myself becoming obsessed with hot pink lipstick as of late. And although I feel a little funny when I wear it (it is awfully bright!), I can’t seem to stop.  My current favorite?  MAC Candy Yum Yum.  So in this season where bright lips rule, make sure it’s a trend you experiment with at least once or twice!

xx

Etoile de Rock

I love the combo of graphic tees and leather jackets (see this post). But another pairing on frequent rotation in my wardrobe this season is the combo of graphic tees and printed pants. It’s so unexpected but a great example of pattern play. And with the right accessories, can even make you feel like a bit of a rock star…

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Instagram Filter:  Valencia

Faux Leather Jacket:  BarIII via Macy’s | Graphic Tee:  BarIII via Macy’s, similar | Snow Leopard Pants:  JCrew (same pants different color AND they’re on sale!!) | Onyx Necklace:  Nightlight International | Tassel Necklace:  ArdenB (old), similar, similar | Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Gold Charm Watch:  Anne Klein | Gold Watch:  Michael Kors | Sunburst Ring:  House of Harlow | Sunnies:  Forever21 | Neon Bag:  Steve Madden | Black Wedges:  Dolce Vita, similar

I am so looking forward to Valentine’s day tomorrow.  Because one of our best V-Day’s was spent on a backpacking trip in Thailand a few years ago, Justin and I have a fun tradition of indulging in our favorite Thai food every year to celebrate.  Delicious take out and a nice bottle of wine (or two)?  I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Hope you all are having a fabulous week!

xx

Back To Reality

I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that our big trip to Nicaragua has come and gone and it’s back to the grind. But I must say that we had an absolutely incredible vacation-really it was the adventure of a lifetime. Once I get settled back into the swing of things and organize my photos (and my life!), I will be sure to share a post with a little more insight into our unforgettable time in paradise.

But for now, what better way to kick off the week than with a pretty punch of color back to a wintry white back drop. A little fashion cheer to brighten up a dreary Monday…

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20130127-205808.jpgInstagram Filter:  Mayfair

Pink Blazer:  H&M, similar, similar | Spotted Dress:  H&M, similar, similar | Leggings:  American Apparel | Sunnies:  Forever21 | Necklaces:  INC, JCrew, Nightlight International | Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Charm Bracelet:  Juicy Couture via Nordstrom Rack | Watch:  Michael Kors | Pink Bag:  Kate Spade Georgina | Boots:  Steven by Steve Madden Brixx

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  Happy Monday, dolls!

xx

Little Red Riding Hood

Happy Friday, everyone! I don’t know about you, but this is always one of my very favorite weekends of the year.  And  do you know why? Because Thanksgiving is awaiting us just on the other side! I love the holidays so much, I can hardly stand it.

And with the holidays literally looming just around the corner, I finally caved and brought all of my winter coats out of storage. And as I was reviewing my personal inventory, I couldn’t help but be completely drawn to my red skirted coat. With color playing such an important role in fashion this year, I think that a brightly colored coat is an important investment that everyone should make this season. And because of the color trend, finding your perfect hue should make for a fairly easy task. Red is a great basic and a good investment because it will never go out of style, but I’ve seen everything from pale pink, to mustard, to vibrant shades of blue. So really, the choice is yours.

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Instagram Filter: Rise

Red Coat: ArdenB (last year), similar, similar, blue, mustard, rust, turquoise, purple, royal blue,

Leggings: ArdenB

Booties: Steve Madden (old), similar

Clutch: Hobo International Belinda

Last night J and I went on a little date in downtown SLC. We had a fun dinner at Flemmings and attended the unveiling of the iconic candy windows at our new downtown Macy’s. It was a fun tradition to be a part of and we were so impressed. Pretty amazing that these huge ornaments are all completely made of candy!!

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Happy weekend!

xx

Flannel Animal

I love a good flannel. In fact, if I could perfectly describe my fall/winter everyday style, the below outfit would be it. As much as I love to dress up, when the temperature drops, I always reach for a great pair of boots, my favorite pair of jeans, a cute flannel, and a cozy scarf to keep me warm on snowy, winter days…

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Instagram Filter:  Amaro

Flannel:  American Eagle (old), similar

Long Sleeved Grey Shirt:  American Eagle

Jenas:  American Eagle Hi Rise Super Skinny

Crossbody Bag:  Steve Madden (on sale at Nordstrom’s Half Yearly sale!!)\

Scarf:  Nordstrom (last year), similar

Sunnies:  Jessica Simpson

Boots:  Aldo Farmar, similar

As you can see from these photos, the temperature definitely took a tumble in the SLC this weekend.  We went from 72 degrees on Thursday, to a huge snowstorm that started on Friday morning and lasted all weekend-dropping  over 30 inches of snow at our house!  So not only was I forced to get out all of my winter apparel and shoes, but the snow shovels came out too.  If this is any indication of the winter we are going to have, then the skiing is going to be fantastic.  I can’t wait!

Happy Veterans Day!

xx

Take A Walk On The Wild Side

I heart leopard pants. And while I know they seem like a scary and silly thing to add to your wardrobe, I urge you to step out of that comfort zone of yours and try a pair. I swear, every time put mine on, I feel sassy, and fun, and super stylish. Plus they are surprisingly flattering. Especially if you go with a smaller print, like I talked about in this post.

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Instagram Filter: Amaro

Off-The-Shoulder Top: H&M (old) similar

Leopard Pants: Else by Joe’s Jeans (exclusively at Macy’s)

Earrings: The Icing

Black Cocktail Ring: Florence, Italy

Bracelet: Target (old)

Watch: Michael Kors

Bag: Steven by Steve Madden

Wedges: Madden Girl by Steve Madden

My parents were in town over the weekend and my dad wanted to watch J and I take blog photos-which was somewhat awkward for me, but sweet that he wanted to see how this whole blogging thing works. And while he couldn’t have been more supportive, I have to say that he was not nearly as appreciative of my leopard pants as I hope you all will be! I suppose they are just one more thing we can add to the list of things men don’t understand. ;)

Sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts out to my all of my friends on the east coast. Stay safe!

xx