Stand Out

Every gal needs a statement pair (or two) of shoes in her closet. And if bags are your thing (like they happen to be mine), then a statement bag is a great investment piece as well. Because on those days when you don’t feel like putting much in effort, accessories are the best (not to mention easiest) way to dress up an otherwise simple outfit…

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Instagram Filter: Hudson

Vest: H&M, similar, similar | Tank: H&M (old) | Skinnies: American Eagle | Necklace: Stella & Dot | Cuff: H&M (old), similar | Sunnies: Ray Ban | Bag: Michael Kors | Pumps:  Steve Maddensimilar, similar

If you are shopping for your first pair of statement shoes, or looking to add another pair to your collection, I highly recommend a good leopard print shoe.  While they are still the perfect stand out piece in an outfit, leopard also works as a neutral and goes back to just about anything!

Thanks for stopping by!

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Archive Brights

Ok, ok so even though it’s been really cold and rainy here, don’t mind the background of these photos, because we don’t actually have any snow on the ground here in the SLC (well at least in the valley!). But rather, I was going through my outfit archives and realized that I never shared this little gem of an outfit with you all! And something about the combo of neon purple and rich, cobalt blue made me want to blog about it. I absolutely love mixing two bold colors together-especially these two colors.  They are the perfect pairing to brighten those sometimes dreary spring days…20130520-231232.jpg

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Instagram Filter: Walden

Boyfriend Shirt: Gap (old), same shirt in new colors | Skinnies: American Eagle | Necklaces: JCrew, Francesca’s, similar | Bracelets: JCrew, Stella & Dot | Watch: Michael Kors | Leopard Belt: Express, similar | Sunnies: House of Harlow | Bag: Kate Spade, similar | Pumps: Nine West

I woke up with a heavy heart this morning thinking about the lives lost and all of those affected by the tornadoes in Oklahoma.  Life is so fleeting and so incredibly precious.  And tragedies like these are a good reminder to treasure your loved ones and appreciate each and every day to the fullest, because really, we never know what tomorrow might bring.  Sending my love, thoughts, and prayers to the Midwest.

xx

Arm Candy

I love me some arm candy, or an arm party, or a little wrist bling-whatever you want to call it. It’s such a fun (and affordable!) way to change up an outfit. And while of course anything goes, I am definitely finding myself gravitating towards the mix of girly and edgy. Specifically, bows and spikes paired together in perfect harmony. I mean really, where else can you get away with a combination like that?

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Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

Striped Popover: JCrew (on sale!) | Vest: H&M, similar, similar | Skinnies: 7 for All Mankind | Bracelets: Francesca’s (similar, similar), Aldo (similar), Kate Spade (similar) | Watch: Michael Kors | Necklace: JCrew, similar | Sunnies: Gap | Pumps: Aldo

I also wanted to take a minute and thank everyone who entered the Stella & Dot giveaway! I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to share one of my favorite pieces with one of my readers.   Click here to see if you are the lucky winner! 

Happy Thursday!

xx

Butterfly In the Sky

I post a lot of dressy looks on this blog, but today I wanted to share a more casual look with you all. And truth be told, it’s probably a pretty accurate depiction of what I would most likely be wearing if you were to bump into me out running errands on a random weekend…

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Instagram Filter:  Nashville

Butterfly Popover:  Gap, similar | Jeans:  Gap | Necklaces:  Kraft Shop, Tiffany, My Personal Charm Collection | Bracelets:  Stella and Dot, Juicy Couture (via Nordstrom Rack) | Watch:  Michael Kors | Sunnies:  Marc Jacobs | Shoes:  Nine west

I am so enamored with the cute butterfly print on this shirt.  It is fun, kitschy, and absolutely perfect for spring.  Even if it hasn’t been so spring-like the last few days here in Utah.

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

xx

London Calling

I love a good graphic tee back to jeans and a leather jacket. There is something super cool about it while still being totally chic at the same time. In fact, it might be one of my favorite looks ever-especially when paired with a great pair of heels…20130203-155325.jpg

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Instagram Filter: Rise

Vegan Jacket:  BarIII |  Union Jack Tee:  RACHEL Rachel Roy, similar, similar | Jeans:  Gap | Sunnies: House of Harlow | Charm Necklace:  Personal Collection | Crystal Necklace: Kenneth Cole | Watch:  Michael Kors | Bracelets:  Aldo, similar, similar |  Leopard Wedges:  Aldo, similar, similar (these are a steal!!!!)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Super Bowl weekend.  I was fortunate to spend mine in Sun Valley with best friends from college.  We had a fantastic time, but of course it all went by way too fast.  Sometimes I wish life had a pause button.

Happy Monday, dolls!

xx

Sugar and Spice

One thing I love about fashion right now is that just about anything goes. And one look that has particularly caught my eye as of late is mixing girly sequins back to rough and tumble boots (see this post) and plaids. I love the unexpected contrast and the mix of texture and styles. And of course it’s always fun to throw in a little print mixing to sweeten the pot.

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Instagram Filter:  Valencia

Sequin Polka Dot Top:  JCrew (on sale!) | Plaid Button-down:  JCrew Factory (sold out) similar | Black Skinnies:  Else by Joe’s Jeans | Monogram Necklace:  Keti Sorely Designs | Watch:  Michael Kors | Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Pumps: Nine West similar, similar

I knew I had to have this JCrew sequin shirt the minute I saw it.  But I could not bring myself to pay the full ticket price for it, so I had to wait, and wait, and then wait some more for it to go on sale.  But my patience paid off.  A piece I love for a fraction of the retail price?  Can’t beat that.  Hope you are all having a great week-thank goodness it’s a short one!

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

Gingham Style

Oh how I love to mix different textures and prints together. And currently topping my list right now are polka dots back to, well, pretty much anything. And while I have been trying to shield you all from my out-of-control addiction to polka dots, I think I may be on the verge of needing an intervention. Seriously. I am out of control.

But the good news about polka dots is that they play a very similar role to stripes. Meaning, you can pair them back to just about anything. And while polka dots and stripes are one of my all time favorite combos, lately I am becoming a huge fan of polka dots and plaids. Now normally when mixing prints a general rule of thumb is to mix something bigger with something smaller. But, of course, as you can see below, there are exceptions to every rule. And I have to say that I am loving my mini polka dot sweater back to my hot pink gingham button down…

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Instagram Filter:  Valencia

Mini Polka Dot Sweater:  Forever21

Pink Gingham shirt:  JCrew Factory

Skinny Jeans:  Gap

Heart Pendant:  Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace:  Personal Collection of Charms

Watch:  Michael Kors

bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Sunnies:  Calvin Klein

Neon Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

Wedges:  Aldo Terina (ON SALE!)

Our weekend went by so quickly.  Even though it was packed full of events and fun outings, I almost feel like I blinked and now it’s Monday again.   This time of the year always really flies by for me-I just wish the weekends would slow down a little.  Sheesh.

Here’s to an abbreviated work week!

xx

I Heart Shoes

It’s no secret that I love mustard and navy together.  A perfect combination, if you will (which you can read about here and here).   And on top of a great color combination, nothing makes me feel better when getting dressed in the morning than putting a few of my favorite things together-which of the moment are a great blazer, anything striped, and as always, a fantastic pair of shoes.  Because shoes, at least for me, make everything that much better. 

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Instagram Filter:  Hefe

Mustard Blazer:  INC via Macy’s

Striped Top:  H&M (old), similar

Skinny Jeans:  Gap

Earings:  Target

Watch:  Michael Kors

Spike Bracelets:  Aldo

Necklace:  Macy’s, similar

Bow Pumps:  Kelsi Dagger via TJmaxx, same shoe

I love shoes.  Nothing completes an outfit for me like a fabulous pair of kicks.  Maybe it’s because I have spent my career as a shoe buyer and designer, or maybe it’s my destiny, but shoes are and always will be my favorite fashion accessory.  And as crazy as it might make my husband (sorry J!), I just can’t help myself .  Pretty sure I’ll be a shoe collector for life. 

Hope everyone had a happy and safe Halloween!

xx