Crop It Like It’s Hot

I loved the crop shirt trend the last go around and fondly remember wearing cute crops with overalls and Birks. Heck, I was even wearing crop tops with low-rise jeans performing at the bars in Nashville back in the day! I was also in my late teens/early twenties at the time-so bearing a little midriff seemed perfectly acceptable.  But now that the crop top trend is back, and finding me in my early 30’s, I’ve been a little unsure as to how to tackle this trend.  Because at my age, I’m certainly not going to be running around with my navel hanging out!  And while I’ve done some cute layering looks with crops, that doesn’t exactly work during the warmer summer months.  So for those of you finding yourselves in the same predicament as me, I have found that a super cute and age appropriate way to wear a crop top, is with a high-wasited skirt.  It still gives you the look and feel of the crop, but without baring all of the skin!  And trust me, your belly button will thank you!

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Crop Lace Top: Express (comes in a bunch of colors-I’m obsessed!) | Skirt: JCrew (on sale and comes in tons of colors-dying over the yellow version) | Cuff: Lucyk Brand | Charm Bracelets: Juicy Couture via TJMaxx, similar, Anne Klein | Ring: KiraKira | Watch: Michael Kors | Sunnies: Karen Walker | Clutch: Clare Vivier, flat version | Heels: Jessica Simpson (most comfortable heesl in my closet right now! LOVE them!)

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend!  Thank you for stopping by and for your continued support of my blog.  I can’t even begin to tell you how much it means to have you all on this journey with me.

Happy Monday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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

Switzerland

As much as I love to wear vibrant hues and accessorize with pops of color, sometimes I crave a more neutral palette. At the end of the day, sometimes it’s just hard to beat layers of monochromatic tones finished off with cognac accessories and gold jewelry…

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Denim Vest:  Macy’s (old), similar | Cream Button Down:  H&M (old), similar, similar | Under Tank:  American Rag | Skinnies:  American Eagle Super Skinny | Gold Chain Necklace:  Macy’s | Pendant:  Nordstrom (sold out) | Charm Watch:  Anne Klein | Link Bracelet:  Stella and Dot Christina | Watch:  Michael Kors | Sunnies:  Forever21 | Bag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs Hillier | Boots:  Steve Madden (old), similar

Today I am headed off to San Francisco for a little business trip followed by a weekend of fun in my favorite city by the bay (complete with a quick trip to wine country)!  I lived in SF for 4 months on an extended work assignment last year.  so as you can imagine, I am pretty darn excited to get back!

Thanks for reading!

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

Denim and Lace

I LOVE denim shirts. The way I see it, wearing one is kind of like flipping your outfit upside down-just like a great pair of jeans, a great denim shirt goes with everything. And because I always love my favorite skinnies back to a lace shirt, this outfit combo was a no brainer…

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Dark Denim Shirt:  American Eagle, similar | Lace Skirt:  Kensie via Macy’s (on sale!) | Belt:  Target | Layered Pearls:  JCrew (less expensive version here) | Gold Watch Charm Bracelet: Anne Klein | Gold Watch: Michael Kors | Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Sunnies:  Rampage via TJMaxx | Boots:  Aldo (old), similar, similar

I guess I figured since I still have a bit of a tan from our vacation I could get away with bare legs and boots.  But truth be told, tan or not, it was a little chilly to be without tights.  And I hate to say it, because we have a long ways to go, but boy am I ready for summer!!

Thanks for reading!

xx

Seasonless

If you would have asked me a couple of years ago if I would ever consider wearing bright pink pants in the middle of the winter, I probably would have told you no. I also probably would never have imagined that I would own jeans in every color of the rainbow either. But I suppose that is one of the many things that I love about fashion.  Even though trends tend to be cyclical, each season is always full of so many elements of surprise, constantly pushing us out of our comfort zones and willing us to try something new…

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Instagram Filter:  Amaro

White Chiffon Button Down:  ArdenB (old) similar | Sequin Polka Dot Shirt:  JCrew | Pink Skinnies:  The Limited, similar, similar | Gold Chain Necklace: INC via Macy’s | Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Gold Charm Watch:  Anne Klein | Gold Watch:  Michael Kors | Sunnies:  House of Harlow Chelsea | Bag:  Olivia+Joy  (majorly on sale!!!!!) | Wedge Pumps:  Dolce Vita, similar

To say that I am totally and completely smitten with this JCrew sequin polka dot shirt would be an understatement.  In fact, I’m finding I have to limit how much I wear it (you can see it featured in another post here). Don’t you just love pieces that are not only incredibly versatile, but also make you feel extra special every time you wear them? 

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

xx

Back in Black

As much as I love color, every once in a while I like to take a little break. And with my work dress code requiring so much black (not to mention that black is back in full force this year), I am finding myself spontaneously creating more and more ensembles primarily constructed of this chic raven hue.  And I have to say, I kinda like it…

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Instagram Filter:  No Filter

Skirted Coat:  Betsey Johnson | Sweater:  JM Collections, similar, similar | Skinnies:  7 for All Mankind | Chain Necklaces:  Macy’s | Crystal Necklace:  JCrew | Bow Necklace:  The Limited (on sale!!!) | Charm Bracelet Watch:  Anne Klein | Other Bracelets:  Forever21 | Sunburst Ring:  House of Harlow | Watch:  Michael Kors | Handbag:  Kate Spade | Boots:  Jessica Simpson, similar

I can’t get enough of my skirted coat this winter.  It is so pretty and feminine and fun.  In fact, it might just be my favorite purchase of the season.  Even if it is black.  🙂

Happy Weekend, dolls!

xx

Gift Ideas Under $100

Gift Ideas Under $100
Alright all you procrastinators!  😉  Today I bring to you the final installment of my Gift Picks with items under $100.  Hopefully you will find some inspiration among these ideas as you finish up that last minute shopping.
Happy Hump Day, and good luck!
xx

Let It Snow…

The snow is falling here in the SLC and even though I have enjoyed our warmer-than-normal temperatures this year, I am more than ready for it. With Christmas just around the corner, it wouldn’t feel right if everything wasn’t blanketed in a gorgeous layer of snow. Plus, I am ready to start wearing my winter coats!! I wrote this post a couple of weeks ago about investing in a colored coat this year, and of course black is classic and always a must. But I have also found that a camel coat is a fantastic piece to add to your wardrobe. It tends to be a little more casual and looks great with boots and sweaters, but can still be dressed up for any occasion.  I purchased mine on a whim at Forever21 last year while I was living in SF, and I still can’t get over how often I wear it…

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Camel Peatcoat:  Forever21, similar, similar, similar

Green Sweater:  Gap

Plaid Button Down:  JCrew

Jenas:  AE Hi-Rise Super Skinny

Watch:  Michael Kors

Bag:  Anne Klein

Boots:  Vince Camuto

I love that this outfit is festive without being too overdone.  I think it’s perfectly acceptable (and even encouraged!) to wear red and green during the Christmas season.  My only word of advice is not to pair the colors too literally.  My green sweater is more of a spring green than a Christmas green, and my red button down has a lot of navy in it, balancing the two.  So while it’s still a red and green combo,  it doesn’t feel forced or make me look like a Christmas tree.

And don’t forget to come back tomorrow for my final Gift Pick installment of the season!!  I will be sharing my finds for under $100-perfect for all you last minute shoppers out there!

xx

Another Day, Another Dot

I write a lot about mixing prints, but another fun fashion trend to try is mixing the same prints together. And really, it’s a pretty simple thing to do. All you have to do is make sure one is larger than the other, and that the colors compliment each other. You can also check out a post I did on mixing stripes here.

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Instagram Filter:  Amaro

White Polka Dot Button-Down:  JCrew

Navy Polk Dot Sweater:  JCrew

Black Skinnies:  American Eagle Hi-Rise Super Skinny

Watch:  Michael Kors

Bag:  Anne Klein, similar

Shoes:  Jessica Simpson Waleo

I didn’t intend to do so many posts with polka dots this week, but unwittingly, that seems to be what has happened.  But the good news is, tomorrow’s post will be polka dot free.  So please make sure to stop by and check out my favorite gift picks under $50.  Only 12 more shopping days until Christmas!!!

xx