Back At It

Well hello there, my lovely readers! After a brief little blogging hiatus, I am back! And can I just say that last week was an absolutely crazy (and wonderful) one for me? Between a work trip to San Francisco for our Vendor Summit, a birthday celebration, and a nice long weekend spent in my favorite city by the bay (packed full of my favorite activities), I think my head is still spinning!! So since I’m slowly, but surely, getting back into the swing of things, I thought today was the perfect opportunity to keep it short and sweet and share with you one of my favorite color combinations ever-pink and navy.

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Instagram Filter: Valencia

Dress:  BCBG (old), similar, similar, similar | Blazer: H&M (old), similar | Bracelets: Kate Spade, Francesca’s, JCrew, Stella & Dot | Watch: Michael Kors | Belt: Cotton On (old) similar | Sunnies: House of Harlow Chelsea | Wedges: Worthington

Can you believe that I stumbled upon these darling wedges at JCP of all places?  I had actually seen them in a magazine and wanted to check them out in person since I was a little unsure about buying a pair of shoes from Penny’s.  And while I have to say that I wasn’t expecting much, I was pleasantly surprised by just how cute they are in person, the quality, and the amazing price (under $40!!).  They are definitely going to be a staple in my wardrobe this summer.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

xx

Flower Power

Last weekend I got to spend an evening in Park City with some of my favorite girlfriends. And what better outfit to wear for a night with the girls than my favorite boyfriend jeans paired back to my current fashion crush-a pretty water colored floral blazer. I am absolutely loving the floral trend this season-especially back to torn-up, light wash denim. That mix of sassy and sweet-I swear it gets me every time…

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Instagram Filter: Valencia

Floral Blazer: BarIII (sold out online), similar, similar | T-Shirt: Victoria’s Secret Pink | Ripped Jeans: American Eagle | Bracelets: Juicy Couture, Tiffany and Co., Stella & Dot | Necklaces: Tiffany and Co., My Personal Collection of Charms | Watch:  Michael Kors | Sunnies: Gap | Pumps: Nine West, similar

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Thanks for reading.

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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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20121217-231422.jpgInstagram Filter:  Earlybird

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

Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree…

I love attending Christmas parties. The festivities and spreading of cheer create such a palpable joy in the air and there is so much to celebrate and be thankful for. But I also love Christmas parties because they give me the perfect excuse to wear…SEQUINS!! And while I think sequins are acceptable all year round, there is just something that makes them extra special during the holiday season…

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Instagram Filter:  Walden

Striped Buttondown:  JCrew, similar

Sequin Skirt:  American Rag  for Macy’s (check in store), similar, similar, similar

Leopard Belt:  Express

Tights:  Hue

Jeweled Earrings:  INC for Macy’s (check in store!), similar

Monogram Necklace:  Keti Sorely Designs

Watch:  Michael Kors

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Pumps:  Nine West

J and I attended a White Elephant party this weekend and had a fabulous time.  It was nice to share an evening of laughter with friends that are very dear to us.  With the unimaginable events that unfolded in Newtown, CT on Friday, I am reminded more than ever this holiday season to be grateful for the abundant blessings in my life and to hold to tightly to the ones I love.  My heart and thoughts and prayers are with the heroes and angels who lost their precious lives that day, and also with all of those who survived or have been touched in one way or another by this horrendous tragedy.

   God bless you Newtown, Connecticut.

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

 

Afro Circus

Whenever I put on polka dots, which seems to be pretty frequent these days, the Afro Circus song from Madagascar always seems to pop into my head. And if you’ve ever heard that song before, you’ll understand why I think it’s safe to say I’m as crazy about polka dots as Chris Rock.

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20121210-230021.jpgInstagram Filter:  Hudson

Chambray Shirt:  American Eagle, similar

Long Sleeved Stripe Shirt:  Macy’s, similar

Black Vest:  Old Navy, similar

Black Skinnies:  American Eagle Hi-Rise Skinny

Pearl Necklace:  JCrew

Polka Dot Gloves:  Target

Boots:  Aldo Farmar, similar

I’ve always been a glove girl.  But when I was doing some Christmas shopping  at Target a couple of weeks ago and spotted these adorable polka dot mittens, I knew I needed to give them a try.  And boy am I glad that I did!  Not only are they incredibly comfy and cozy, but their sherpa lining kept my hands surprisingly warm at J’s final Cross race of the season on Saturday.  Which also proved to be a very snowy and blustery day.  I think it’s finally safe to say that winter has officially arrived in the SLC!!

xx

Mix Master

I saw a segment on Good Morning America last week about mixing prints and it left me feeling totally and completely confused. And in addition to feeling confused about the general purpose of the message, it also left me feeling sad because mixing prints can be oh-so-fun and easy too. If you just stick to a few basic rules, mixing prints is something anyone can do!

So with that said, if it’s your first time mixing prints or you consider yourself a beginner, try starting off with just two. Polka dots and stripes are a great compliment to each other and a simple place to start. Also consider the ground color of each print. A black base goes well back to a print with a white or brighter base, and smaller prints go well with larger prints. Contrast that complements, if you will.  And if you are feeling unsure about mixing colors, a concoction of simple black and white always does the trick…

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Instagram Filter:  Lo-Fi

Blazer:  H&M, similar, similar

Striped Top:  BarIII, similar, similar

Polka Dot Skirt:  Cotton On, similar, similar, similar 

Leggings:  American Apparel

Leopard Belt:  Express

Chain Necklace:  Macy’s, similar, similar

Rhinestone Necklace:  JCrew

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Gold Bracelets:  Aldo

Gold Watch:  Michael Kors

Boots:  BCBG, similar

Leopard is another easy print to mix.  In fact, I consider leopard to be somewhat of a neutral and find it goes back to just about anything-especially polka dots and stripes.  And of course because I have a hard time going without any color, I paired this look with a bold burgundy lip to add that little extra pop.

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

xx

Walking In Memphis

I have always wanted a pair of blue suede shoes. Maybe it’s because I lived in Tennessee and have a deep love for the south, or maybe it’s my adoration for Marc Cohn, but for years they have been at the top of my wish list. So needless to say, I was absolutely thrilled when I stumbled upon this perfect pair. And I swear they make me extra happy every time I wear them. The only thing that could make them any better is if they were on my feet ten feet off of Beale.

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Instagram Filter:  Amaro

Moto Jacket:  BarIII, similar

Neon Buttondown:  Gap

Jeans:  American Eagle

Large Chain Necklace:  Macy’s

Crystal Necklace:  JCrew Factory

Long Chain Necklace:  Macy’s

Watch:  Michael Kors

Handbag:  Olivia+Joy

Blue Suede Shoes:  Nine West, similar, similar

I hope you all are having a fabulous week.  I feel like I blinked and it’s Thursday already.  Working in the fashion industry, this time of the year is especially crazy for me.  And all I know is my feet are more anxious for the weekend than I am at this point.  Maybe this holiday season will drive me to wear flats.  Maybe.  😉

xx

 

Fringe Benefits

One of my favorite positions that I’ve ever held was when I managed the buying and product development for the Footwear and Accessories department at Sundance Catalog. It was my first big job in the fashion industry and I have been hooked ever since. And not only did it reassure me that I was meant to have a career in the retail world, but it also instilled in me a deep love for handbags (which I’m sure my hubby is especially grateful for). 😉

That said, I designed the below bag with my agent partner in Italy a couple of years ago. And of course since the Italians are much more fashion forward than we are, we were a little too far ahead of the fringe curve. So while it was always one of my favorite designs, it wasn’t featured in the catalog until after I’d departed.  But with fringe popping up all over the place this season, I was happy I held onto my original sample. So while I’m still on the fence about fringed boots (and sweaters, for that matter), I can definitely rock a fringed bag.

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Instagram Filter:  Nashville

Faux Leather Jacket:  BarIII for Macy’s, similar, similar, similar

Grey V-Neck:  Victoria’s Secret Pink (best t’s ever)

Jeans:  Gap

Pink Necklace:  TJMaxx (old), similar

Sterling Monogram Necklace:  Birthday Gift

Watch:  Michael Kors

Sunnies:  Target

Fringed Bag:  my design for Sundance, similar, similar

Pointed Toe Pumps:  Nine West

Another thing I should note in this post  is the importance of owning a great biker jacket.  They are a perfect fall staple and a simple way to dress up a t-shirt, a great piece to throw on when running out the door, and an easy way to sass up an otherwise sweet outfit.  Leather or vegan, depending on your personal preference and price range, there is sure to be a style just right for everyone this fall.  And with the progression of man-made materials, the faux options available this season are better than ever with many that could pretty much pass for the real thing.  Fantastic style without breaking the bank?  Count me in!

Happy Hump 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