Making Me Blush

I love the color blush. It really is the perfect neutral. And while I usually find myself preferring to rough it up a bit by pairing it back to more military inspired ensembles, sometimes I just can’t help but want to feel ultra girly and style my blush back to something sweet-maybe like a little lace peplum…

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Instagram Filter: Valencia

Blush Jacket: Guess | Peplum Top: Forever21, similar, similar | Boyfriend Jeans: Rich & Skinny | Necklaces: JCrew (pearls, rhinestone) | Bracelet: Oia Jules | Watch: Michael Kors | Sunnies: Jessica Simpson | Bag: Michael Kors Hamilton | Shoes: Aldo

If you haven’t already entered the Stella and Dot giveaway, there is still time! Just click on this link for your chance to win my favorite piece from their collection, the Renegade bracelet!

Hope your week is off to a fantastic start!

xx

Color of the Year

My birthday falls in the month of May, which of course means that emeralds are my birth stone. And emerald green also happens to be one of my favorite colors. So you can imagine how thrilled I was when emerald was announced as the color of 2013. It’s a tough color not to love and I can’t wait to add more pieces in this rich, gorgeous hue to my wardrobe…

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Instagram Filter:  Walden

Green Lace Dress:  H&M, similar, similar | Polka Dot Button Down:  JCrew | Leggings:  American Apparel | Leopard Belt: Express |  Earrings:  INC (sold out), similar, similar | Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Gold Braceltes:  BCBG, Forever21 | Watch:  Michael Kors | Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff 5 Zip | Boots:  Jessica Simpson, similar

I love mixing prints, but I also love mixing different patterns.  And this outfit is a great example of both-with all of the pieces working together to create a look that is not only eclectic, but perfect for a vast array of activities and events.   Can’t beat that!

Thanks for reading!

xx

In Spades

I have such a sweet husband. So sweet in fact, that he got me a gorgeous, bright pink Kate Spade bag for Christmas. I had been eyeing it for quite some time, but couldn’t decide if I should buy a shocking pink bag in the dead of winter. So I was absolutely thrilled that he made the decision for me. And I must say, I really love carrying such a vibrant bag this time of year.  It is the perfect punch of color on dreary days and will transition perfectly into spring and summer weather!

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Instagram Filter:  Amaro

Silk Heart Blouse:  JCrew (sold out), similar | Denim Vest:  Macy’s, similar, similar | Black Pants:  Gap | Necklaces:  Tiffany and Co., JCrew, TJMaxx | Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Silver Watch:  Michael Kors | Sunnies:  Target | Bag:  Kate Spade Georgina (sold out in pink, but available in other colors); on sale here, and here | Shoes:  Jessica Simpson Waleo

This denim vest was one of my favorite pieces over the summer.  And when I pulled it out to pack for our trip to Nicaragua, I thought I might try styling it back to a silk blouse to change things up a bit.  And I must say I love the element of casual cool that it brings to this outfit.  So much so, that I am looking forward to styling it other ways this winter.  I love versatility!

xx

Resolutions

I don’t typically make New Year’s resolutions.  Instead, I try to continually find things I can work on and improve throughout the year-always striving to make myself better.  But this year, silly as it is, there is actually a resolution that I would like to make.  And that, my friends, is to wear more skirts. I always gravitate towards wearing skinnies, no matter the season, so this year I want to push myself out of my comfort zone and add more skirts and dresses to my life.

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Instagram Filter:  Valencia

Polka Dot Sweater:  Forever21 | Chambray Shirt: Forever21 | Leggings:  American Apparel | Lace Skirt:  American Eagle (on sale!) | Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Silver Watch:  Michael Kors | Sunnies:  House of Harlow Chelsea | Boots:  Jessica Simpson, similar

Truth be told, I had originally planned to wear my polka dot sweater and chambray shirt with black skinnies.  Which of course shouldn’t come as a surprise.  But instead, in an effort to stay true to my resolution (really, it’s only the second week of the year), I left my skinnies in the closet and pulled out an old favorite skirt instead.  And I must say I am very pleased with the result.  Maybe resolutions aren’t so bad after all…

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

 

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

The One That Got Away

I have been on the hunt for a great leopard bag for quite some time now-ever since I fell in love with one and made the mistake of not buying it. And while I thought my wish list was pretty simple (nothing too expensive, versatile animal print, and big enough to schlep all of my stuff to and from the office and on errands around town), apparently I was wrong. And so, after looking high and low with absolutely no luck, I had all but given up. That is until I spotted it during a recent store visit-the one that got away.

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20121015-225201.jpgInstagram Filter:  Earlybird

Polka Dot Tie Top:  Macy’s (on sale!!!)

Grey Tank:  ArdenB (old)

Skinny Jeans:  The Gap, similar

Sunnies:  Jessica Simpson

Heart Necklace:  Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace:  My personal collection of charms

Watch:  Michael Kors

Leopard Bag:  Steven by Steve Madden (on sale at 6pm!)

Cognac Boots:  Aldo Farmar, similar

I think perhaps what originally drew me to this bag, and ultimately led me to purchase it is its coloring.  Because it has a lighter base and lots of different shades of tan, cognac, and brown, not to mention some very subtle black detailing, it is one of those pieces that will go with just about anything in my closet.  I couldn’t be more excited to have found it again (and for such a great bargain!), and know that I am going to get a lot of use out of it this season!!

xx

 

Giddyup

I LOVE a great chambray shirt. And perhaps even one step better is a great chambray shirt with a western flare. Maybe it’s my Montana roots that draw to me to this particular trend, or maybe it’s my current obsession with button-downs, but I can’t stop wearing them. Plus it doesn’t hurt that it’s one of those on-trend items that is a hybrid of fashion and comfort-something that doesn’t happen nearly as often as it should!

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Instagram Filter:  Amaro

Cowboy Chambray Shirt:  Forever21

Black Skinnies:  Clavin Klein

Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Necklaces:  Tiffany and Co., personal collection of charms

Silver Watch:  Michael Kors

Aviators:  Jessica Simpson via TJMAxx

Bag:  Steven by Steve Madden Bluuna

Animal Print Pumps:  Jessica Simpson (same shoe but solid color)

Another great thing about chambray shirts is that you can style them a multitude of different ways.  Not only do they look great back to black and animal print, but they also look great with cognac boots and accessories, colored denim (I especially love them with red skinnies), and, of course, tucked into sweet skirts for a flirty and edgy feel.  They are a great fall staple and I highly recommend adding one to your closet if you haven’t already.

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

xx 

Pumpkin Spice

I love all things fall, and I especially love all things pumpkin. In fact, I finally caved and had my first pumpkin spice latte of the season last week, which always signifies the “official” start of fall for me. And while it’s still too warm for cozy sweaters and boots, it is just cool enough in the evenings that lightweight sweaters and pumps will suffice. So when I was recently perusing my closet for something to wear, I couldn’t help but to put the below outfit together in honor of my declaration of the beginning of fall…

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Instagram Filter:  Valencia

Sweater:  JCrew

Skinny Jeans:  Gap

Chain Necklace:  ArdenB (similar, similar)

Earrings:  The Icing

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Gold Watch:  Michael Kors

Clutch:  Frye (similar)

Pumps:  Jessica Simpson Waleo

So while a colored blazer should be at the top of your fall wish list, an embellished pair of pumps or flats should also be pretty darn close to the top.  There are so many fun shoes out there this season from fun animal prints, to  jewel encrusted detailing, to spikes (my favorite!),  to florlas-lots, and lots to choose from.  So just be sure and choose something!  An interesting pair of shoes is not only fun, but also a great way to add interest to an old or simple outfit!! 

xx

Three’s Company

When I was decorating my house (the fun part that finally came after the intense remodel), my mom shared the wisdom with me that everything looks better in sets of three. And, of course, through trial and error, I found that she is right (which of course she always is). So if you have the chance to come to my house, or check out posts I have done on home projects, take a look and you will find that all of my decor is done in sets of three, or in odd numbers-a terrific little secret to decorating that I have not only applied in my home, but also to fashion. Which of course brings me to the point of today’s post-color blocking.

Color blocking was HUGE this spring and summer and the trend is going to keep going strong into Fall. Hooray!!! Being the color person that I am, that makes me oh-so-very-happy. But one of the questions I am asked the most often is how to put together a color blocked look. And fortunately, the answer is pretty easy. Just like decorating, all you need to do is keep in mind the number three. I think most people gravitate towards putting together two colors when creating one of these looks, but three is really the way to go. And the easiest way to put together three colors (which anyone can do!) is to pick a solid color top, a different color solid bottom, and yet a different color solid shoe. Just make sure the tones of the color compliment each other and you will be set. And as you get more comfortable with color blocking you can also use your three colors in different ways, like I did below…

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Instagram Filter:  Amaro

Neon Purple Top:  American Eagle (recent)

Blue Skirt:  H&M (recent)

Neon Pink Belt:  Macy’s

Neon Pink Chain Earrings:  H&M

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Gold Chain Bracelets:  Oia Jules, Macy’s

Gold Watch:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Cocktail Ring:  House of Harlow via Nordstrom

Neon Pink Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff via Bloomingdales

Nude Patent Shoes:  Jessica Simpson via Nordstrom Rack

One of the things I love the most about this color blocked look is the mix of warm and cool tones.  I love the coolness of the blue skirt and purple top back to the pop of a warmer neon pink.  This outfit would also be great with yellow accessories, or neutral accessories and neon yellow shoes.  And not only is this a look that just about anyone can put together and with pieces you most likely already own, it’s also going to be a great way to sneak those neons and bright colors that we all love into the fall season!

xx