Perfect Harmony

I am loving the sneak peeks I am getting through social media from all of the happenings in NYC for Fashion Week.  And I have to say that one trend I am happy to see will be continuing into the Spring 2014 season is black and white.  In my opinion, no other color combo creates such perfect harmony while being so chic and effortless at the same time.  Plus it creates the ideal canvas to add a pop of color, or a pretty metallic.

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Instagram Filter: Valencia

Dress: Forever21 Vest: Target | Belt: Forever21 (old), LOVE this one| Bracelet: Juicy Couture | Watch: Michael Kors | Clutch: American Eagle |  Sunnies: Target (old) | Pumps: Marc Fisher 

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend!  Ours was packed with fun events-so of course it went by way too fast.  But fortunately, we’ve got a lot of fun things on the horizon to look forward to, including a mini Vegas vacay and a trip back to Nashville for my 10 year Vanderbilt reunion.  And believe me, I’m already planning my outfits for both trips and can’t wait to share them with all of you!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hooray For Chambray!

Oh how I love me some denim. Whether it’s a great pair of jeans, a denim jacket, a go-to pair of shorts, or a chambray shirt, I am a fan of it all. Maybe it’s my Montana roots, or maybe it’s just because denim is something everyone can wear. Either way, if you haven’t added a chambray shirt to your wardrobe yet this season, then it’s high time you took the plunge.

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Instagram Filter: Walden

Chambray Shirt: Guess | Skinnies: American Eagle | Necklace: Tiffany and Co. | Bracelets: Juicy Couture, Tiffany and Co. | Watch: Michael Kors | Belt: American Eagle (old), similar | Bag: Michael Kors | Pumps: Aldo (old), similar

Now the key to wearing denim well is to select ONE piece of denim for your ensemble.  Unless of course they are contrasting shades of denim, and then it’s ok to do some layering. But I definitely prefer to pair mine back to black, white, or bright colors.

Don’t forget to enter the JCrew gift card giveaway and stop by Groop Dealz to see all of their darling daily deals!

Thanks for reading!

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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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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!

Pencil Me In

I love a great pencil skirt-perfect for the office and super flattering. I would even go as far as to wear one for an evening out on the town with a cute strapless top, graphic tee, or one shoulder blouse-it really is one of those universal styles that just about anyone can wear. But one thing I’ve not ever really given a lot of thought to is the pencil dress-equally as flattering and easy to wear, and even perhaps a bit more versatile. And with dresses currently being my favorite go-to pieces in my closet this summer, this silhouette has suddenly found its way to the top of my “love” list.

And it was all inspired by this dress that I found at the JCrew Factory store in Park City earlier this summer. As soon as I saw it, I immediately knew it would be the perfect day-to-night piece to add to my closet. Because of the pencil styling, long length, and black and white stripes, it is perfectly appropriate to wear work with a cardi or blazer (even on days when I have to wear all black!), but also transitions seamlessly into an evening look with some fun accessories and bare shoulders. This is one of those pieces where I would definitely buy it in multiple colors if I could. Too bad that isn’t an option…

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Instagram Filter:  Valencia

Dress:  JCrew Factory

Black Cardi:  Nordstrom (recent)

Pink Necklace:  Thia Pan Trading Company (local Utah store)

Skinny Belt:  Cotton On

Gold Bracelets:  Forever21, Oia Jules

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Watch:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Sunglasses:  Steve Madden via TJMaxx

Shoes:  Steve Madden via Overstock.com Outlet Store

Truth be told, I was originally drawn to this dress in neon pink-the only other color they had available.  But unfortunately, they were sold out in my size. *sigh* And search as I may, I haven’t been able to find it anywhere-leading me to believe that perhaps it just wasn’t meant to be.  But because I can’t quite get the other color version out of the back of my mind, it felt only natural to accessorize my black and white version with pink accessories. As close as I’m going to get, so I guess I’ll take it.  😉

Happy Thursday-the end is in sight! 

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

Favorite Product Friday: Skinny Belts!!!!

Since this was a short week (which by the way felt like one of the longest weeks EVER), and I only got around to one true outfit post, I thought I would make this Friday’s Favorite Product post a bit of a hybrid.  That said, today I want to talk about skinny belts. 

I have never been a huge belt person, but because of my obsession with TLC’s What Not to Wear, Clinton Kelly planted a little bug in my ear many years ago:  you always want to accentuate the smallest part of your waist.  Seemingly a no brainer, but tougher than you would think given the current trends-all those long, flowy tops which are not particularly easy to wear.  But about a year and a half ago, I discovered J’s Everyday Fashion and noticed she was putting belts back to just about every outfit and a little light went off in my head.  What better way to accentuate the smallest part of your waist than with a belt???  Duh!!  At that moment, I started collecting belts here and there and find that I now wear them all the time.   And not only are they a great way to feel thinner by accentuating your waist, but because they are available in so many colors and styles, they are a fabulous accessory and a great way to add a pop of color to any outfit. 

Striped Top:  H&M (recent)

Skirt:  BCBGMaxazria (last summer)

Sunnies:  Guess via TJMaxx

Earrings:  The Icing (recent)

Necklace:  Basil the Cat via Etsy

Pink Skinny Belt:  Cotton On (recent)

Watch:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Shoes:  Overstock.com (old and cute, but horribly uncomfortable) 😦

You can also check out some other examples of how to wear skinny belts here, here, here, here, and here

One word of caution.  Be careful of the width of the belt.  Sometimes the wider the belt, the less it does for your figure.  I find that skinnier belts seem to work better and be more flattering.  But have fun and play around with them to figure out how to make belts best work for you.  Just remember to make sure you accentuate the smallest part of your waist to achieve the most flattering look!! 

Happy weekend and Happy June!!!!

xx