Left, Right, Left

An army surplus jacket is a fantastic staple to add to any wardrobe-and for an abundance of reasons. The first being that they go with just about anything from jeans and boots, to frilly dresses, to skirts with heels. They also make for the perfect layering piece this time of year when it’s too warm for a heavier coat, but too cool to go without. Plus they are just down right cute, which is obviously what really counts. 😉

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Instagram Filter: XProIII
Army Surplus Jacket: Forever21
Apple Button-down: The Gap
Skinny Jean:The Gap Legging Jean
Sunnies: Calvin Klein
Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.
Watch: Michael Kors
Long Gold Necklace: Macy’s
Tooth Charm: Stella and Dot
Monogram Necklace:
Handbag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Boots: Aldo Farmar

This past weekend marked 6 years to the day that J asked me to marry him. And oh what an amazing engagement weekend it was. So in honor of such an important day in our lives we decided to spend the day up in Park City to celebrate, enjoy the gorgeous fall weather, and take a little stroll down memory lane. And not only did we have a fabulous time, but it was the first time I have worn boots all season. Now don’t get me wrong, I adore boot season and was happy to pull my favorite pair out of summer storage, but I have to admit it felt a bit strange to put socks on with anything other than tennis shoes. Guess I better get used to it.

xx

Back in the Saddle

I am finally back from vacation, and boy was it an amazing one. J and I headed up to my hometown in Montana to spend a week-a tradition we have kept since we first started dating 7 years ago. We so look forward to it every summer and this year definitely did not disappoint. We spent the week biking and boating and floating and fishing and laughing with family and friends. In fact, it seems like it all went by in the blink of an eye and I hate that it’s over.  So to drown my sorrows, today I will share a glimpse of one of our vacation days.

One of our favorite things to do every year when we go back to Montana is to spend time in Whitefish. It’s a cute little resort town at the base of Big Mountain and the head of Whitefish Lake. Not only is it quaint and loaded with good restaurants, bars, and shops, but it’s where we got married and will always hold a special place in our hearts (plus it’s always just plain fun). So on the only day of our vacation where it was too cool to be out on the water, J and I decided to go on a lunch date in Whitefish and walk around the cute downtown. And what better outfit to put together than my favorite JCrew shorts and new JCrew mini gingham button down-a preppy look that was just summery enough, while keeping me warm and colorful on a cool summer day…

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Instagram filter: Hefe

Hot Pink Mini Gingham:  JCrew Factory (recent)

Purple Shorts:  JCrew Factory

Neon Belt:  Macy’s

Yellow Bubble Necklace:  JCrew via eBay (be careful buying these on eBay!!!)

Earrings:  The Icing

Neon Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac

Sunglasses:  Marc Jacobs via Nordstrom Rack

Gold Watch:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Gold Bracelets:  Oia Jules via Etsy

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Gold Flats:  Target (old)

With so  many trends to love this summer, one in particular that I have been really drawn to lately is tying my shirts.  While I always love a tunic, tying a shirt gives you another way to wear the items in your closet and is a great way to change up your look.   And since this was a daytime outfit, I did layer a tank under my button down so that I wasn’t showing any skin.  For an evening look however, I would definitely tie my shirt without a layer underneath so that I am showing just a sliver of skin.  But the good news is, either way of wearing this trend is perfectly acceptable.  So if you haven’t tried trying one of your shirts yet, think about testing it out this week.  I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Hope you are all having a wonderful week!!

xx

 

Pops of Neon

I LOVE adding pops of neon to an outfit (you can see some examples here, here, here, and here)-such a great way to add a little interest to an otherwise simple ensemble.  I am also finding that I am loving adding pops of neon back to prints.  And even though prints are fun on their own, those little neon accents just take them to the next level-an instance where more is more and not less. 

That said, I recently purchased the below dress for three reasons:  1.  It reminds me of this Marc Jacobs dress that I LOVE, 2.  It is black so I can wear it to work with a cardi or blazer, 3.  The cute little heart print is just begging to be paired back to a little neon and some fun accessories. 

Dress:  Macy’s Junior’s Department (recent)

Vest:  Macy’s Junior’s Department (recent)

Neon Pink Belt:  Macy’s

Necklaces:  Tiffany, My collection of charms, Forever21

Bracelets:  H&M, Forever21, Tiffany, Macy’s

Watch:  Michael Kors via Macy’s

Hot Pink Druzy Ring:  Amanda Lynne Luxe (etsy)

Sunglasses:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Shoes:  Aldo via Nordstrom (sold out)

The first time I wore this dress to work, I literally had people stopping me to ask where I found it.  And of course everyone was surprised when I told them I found it in the junior’s department at Macy’s (and for only $18!!!).  And while I don’t always shop in the Junior’s section, I do think it is worth checking out now and again.  A lot of companies are now targeting the “millenial” customer who they see as a shopper between the ages of 16-31.  So the breadth of assortment is slowly but surely imporving to garner a larger target audience who is on the hunt for more affordable and fashion forward pieces. 

Hooray!

xx

Nautical Inspiration

I have always been a fan of all things nautical and generally find that the looks inspired by this fun fashion trend tend to be timeless and easy to recreate.  I mean seriously, what’s not to love about Sperry Topsiders, stripes, stripes, and more stripes, preppy sweaters, white pants, the liberty to mix red, white, and navy (without feeling like you’re dressing for the 4th of July), and how about all of those adorable  little anchor embellished polos and shorts?  Nautical inspired looks are not only easy (try mixing a navy and white stripe back to a red or white base), but always a winner in my book (as long as you don’t go too overboard-no pun intended!). 😉

So when the thermometers hit 80 degrees the afternoon I was headed out to see the famed Clinton Kelly do a presentation at our new Macy’s store in the downtown City Creek Center, I had the perfect outfit in mind to tackle both a warm afternoon in the city, and hopefully impress one of my favorite fashion icons (if our paths were to cross-which they did!!).  Inspired by JCrew (of course!!) and my new favorite striped skirt that I picked up at the H&M in Seattle a couple of weeks ago, this is what I wore…

Cardigan: JCrew

Red Silk Shirt:  Forever21

Striped Skirt:  H&M (recent)

Belt: Mossimo for Target (recent)

Shoes: Chinese Laundry Love Me

Sunglasses:  Calvin Klein c/o Macy’s Sunglass Hut

Monogram Necklace:  Keti Sorely Designs (Etsy)

Watch:  Michael Kors c/o Nordstrom Rack

Gold Bracelets:  Macy’s and H&M

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany

Handbag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier

There is nothing better than feeling confident in an outfit, and while I wish I had that feeling every day, that is not always the case.  BUT, despite showing my legs and bare toes in public for the first time this year, I felt pretty darn confident in this selection.  So when Clinton and I walked past each other in the Impulse department at Macy’s and he smiled approvingly and said  “hello” to me, I managed to give him a huge smile, but couldn’t get a single word to come out of my mouth.  It was an awkward moment, no doubt, but at least my outfit was fantastic-and I feel pretty happy about that. 

xx