Sunshine On My Shoulder

It finally happened this weekend-the sun came out. We have had such a cold spring here in the SLC, it really feels like it has been forever since that’ s happened. Between all of the rain, and snow, and cold we have been having, I couldn’t have been happier that big, beautiful, ball of fire in the sky finally decided to shine down us. And even though it was a little chilly, it still seemed appropriate to wear a dress for the occasion…

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Instagram Filter: Valencia

Jean Jacket: Else by Joe’s Jeans (old), similar, similar | Dress: Francesca’s (sold out), similar, similar |  Necklace: Tiffany and Co., my personal collection of charms | Bracelet: Stella & Dot | Watch: Michael Kors | Belt: American Eagle (old), similar | Clutch: Hobo International Lauren | Pumps: Aldo

There are two items that I am wearing in this outfit that are absolute staples in my wardrobe.  And on top of that, they are two things that I think every gal should own.  The first is a great jean jacket.  Perfection to throw on in the spring time over dresses or sleeveless tops when the weather is still a touch chilly, and also ideal for cool summer nights.  And then of course, my tried and true favorite cognac pumps.  Even though they are heels, the neutral color makes them feel a touch more casual, the color goes with everything, and the heel height on this particular pair lets me walk around all day in long in them.  So if you are looking to purchase a couple of staples this spring, these are both items that should definitely be considered!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

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P.S.  It’s not too late too late to shop my Stella & Dot trunk show!  Just click here to check out so many amazing things-including my favorite Renegade bracelet featured in today’s post!

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Leather and Lace

There is just something about the combination of leather and lace. It’s tough, yet sweet, rock and roll, yet sophisticated. Really, I could go on. And while it’s a pairing that works for a multitude of occasions, I have to say it feels pretty darn perfect for a cool, rainy day…

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Instagram Filter: Valencia

Jacket: H&M (old) similar, similar | Lace Peplum: American Rag(old), similar | Black Skinnies: Else by Joe’s Jeans | Necklaces: Tiffany and Co., Forever21 (similar), JCrew | Watch: Michael Kors | Sunnies: House of Harlow | Bag: Michael Kors | Leopard Wedges: Aldo (old) similar, similar

If you haven’t had a chance to check out Stella & Dot’s new summer line (including their new handbags!!) be sure to click on the link below. Lot’s of goodies and sparkles to add to your spring and summer wardrobe!

http://www.stelladot.com/ts/ogpo5

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My Vest Accessory

If you follow this blog, then you know how obsessed I have been with my denim vest over the span of the last year. And to be totally honest, I don’t see my love affair with denim vests dying out anytime soon. But when I was in H&M recently and spotted this long, lean, surplus vest complete with a little sparkle, I knew my favorite denim version might finally have met its match.

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Instagram Filter:  Rise

Striped Dress:  H&M (old), similar, similar | Vest:  H&M (recent), similar, similar | Long Necklaces:  Kenneth Cole, my personal collection of charms | Bracelets:  Juicy Couture, Stella and Dot | Watch:  Michael Kors | Sunnies:  Target (old) | Clutch:  Hobo International Zoe (gift) | Pumps:  Aldo (on sale and the most comfortable pair of heels I own!)

If you haven’t caved and tried the vest trend  yet, I highly recommend giving one a whirl.  Not only are they fresh and fun, but they a perfect accessory to change up your look without breaking the bank!

Happy Tuesday!

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

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

I Heart Sequins

This sparkly little number from Forever21 has my name all over it. It is the culmination of so many of my current favorite things: hearts, sequins, the perfect shade of gray, and it’s a sweatshirt to boot! And because this little pullover has so many great features, it’s an easy piece to dress up or dress down. For this particular outfit though, I opted to dress it down-pairing a new favorite back to a some old…

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Instagram Filter:  Sierra

Heart Pullover:  Forever21 | Chambray Shirt:  Forever21 | Puffy Vest:  Old Navy (old) similar, similar | Black Skinnies:  7 For All Mankind The Skinny | Watch:  Michael Kors | Black Quilted Bag:  Kate Spade, similar | Boots:  Aldo Farmar, similar

Can you believe the fog in the backdrop of these photos?  As if getting back into the swing of things after an incredible vacation hasn’t been hard enough, the weather in the SLC has been absolutely crazy!  From smog to freezing rain to dense fog and now major snow storms, I think I’m about ready to hightail it back to the tropics!

Hope you are all having a great week!

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

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

 

Lip Service

As much as I love color, sometimes I just want to wear something neutral that doesn’t require much effort or coordination. But because I love color so much, those types of outfits always feel slightly boring to me. Well thank goodness for bright lips and nails to solve that dilemma!! In addition to accessories (of course), one of my favorite ways to add a pop of color to an outfit is either on my nails or on my lips. And while pretty, polished nails are always a staple for me,  lately I have found that a swipe of bright lipstick not only adds interest, but brightens the face making me look and feel younger, and maybe even a teeny, tiny bit (gasp!) sexy.  And come on, who doesn’t want to look and feel young and sexy???

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Instagram Filter:  Lo-Fi

Printed Blouse:  The Limited (on sale!!!)

Skinny Jeans:  The Gap

Watch:  Michael Kors

Heart Necklace:  Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace:  Personal Collection of Charms

Sunglasses:  House of Harlow

Cocktail Ring:  Gift from my J

Studded Pumps:  Vera Wang for Kohl’s (sold out) similar

Orange Lipstick:  MAC Morange

I think I will always be more of a lip gloss girl, but am finding that I’m wearing lipstick more and more frequently.  And while these are still far and away my favorite, MAC has some fantastic colors and I find their lipsticks to be very comfortable when layered with a chapstick or a lip gloss.  And while I’ve been bold and tried everything from hot pink, to orange, to bright red, one trend I haven’t tried yet is a burgundy lip. Oh the drama!!!  But I think I’m ready to give it a go.  Stay tuned…

xx

Watercolors

It’s no secret I love prints of all colors, patterns, and variations. They are such a fun and easy way to add interest to any outfit. Plus, with the recent acceptability to mix prints of all kinds, they lend to creating endless outfit combinations in your closet.

One of my favorite places to find a good print is at H&M. Since specific patterns don’t tend to stay on trend for very long periods of time, I don’t typically like to invest in them, but rather prefer to pick up inexpensive and fun prints that I can play with for a time and easily let go when they have run their course. Such is the case with the below top. While I have lots of great prints in my closet, I don’t have any watercolor prints, so knew it was a perfect addition to my closet the moment I saw it. I love how feminine this top is and that it is one of those great hybrids that I can wear for work or play. Plus, it’s just long enough that I can tie it at the waist if I so desire!

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Instagram Filter:  Earlybird

Watercolor Top:  H&M (recent)

Black Ankle Skinnies:  Gap

Neon Yellow Necklace:  Forever21 (recent)

Charm Necklace:  Personal Collection

Silver Watch:  Michael Kors via Macy’s

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Earrings:  The Icing

Pink Studded Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff

Pink Shoes:  Jessica Simpson Waleo via Macy’s

In addition to being pretty, and feminine, and versatile, I also love that this top is a very unique multi-color ombre-essentially it goes with just about everything.  So when you are out shopping for prints, try to look for something similar to this top that will not only allow you to be creative, but will also function as an easy piece to accessorize and pair with multiple items in your closet.

Happy Wednesday!

xx