What I've Been Up To

August has been a busy travel month as I've accomplished a lot of networking, and I have learned so much about myself and met many incredible mentors. One of the highlights of my summer was attending the Midwest Style Bloggers brunch this past Saturday in Des Moines (my home town!), and the experience was informative and fun! I had a blast hanging out and drinking mimosas with so many Iowa style bloggers that are happy to offer advice and tips. Knowing that a new blogger like myself is surrounded by a supportive network all centered around empowering each other and women is pretty incredible. I can't help but feel very fortunate to be a Midwest Style Blogger!

Part of our MSB brunch included receiving a "swag bag" full of goodies (pictured top right) from our fabulous sponsors! I'm excited to start blogging about all my new digs, including my new black and gold BaubleBar bracelet in the bottom right picture. I now wear it everyday and it goes with almost every outfit. Thank you BaubleBar!

Since our MSB brunch, I've become even more excited to continue blogging for Stylin' Iowan and inspired to experiment with new trends as they happen in the fashion world.  Make sure to check out my Twitter and Instagram pages to see my life in tweets and pictures, and also visit the Midwest Style Bloggers website here!

Top Left Picture:  
Top and Necklace - Forever 21

Bottom Right Picture (from left):
Black Bracelet - BaubleBar
Gold Spiked Bracelet - Forever 21
Gold Bangle - Vintage
Love Bracelet - Forever 21

Casual Date Night: Part 2

Last week I had my first ever men's post on the blog, so today I'm having Blake's girlfriend Mara create an outfit for Stylin' Iowan! Mara and I are not only best friends and roommates, but we're also kind-of related. In high school our cousins got married although we didn't know each other at the time. Now we're good friends! How crazy is that? 

Below is a message from Mara describing her outfit and personal style: 

"Hola! My name is Mara and I am an incoming senior who is majoring in Spanish. I recently went on a trip to Spain for six weeks and due to that, and having Libby as a roommate, I have been working towards being more fashion forward. During the rebajas (majors sale) in Spain, I focused on buying things that were a little out of my comfort zone and have been making an effort to wear them now that I am home! My usual style is to go for comfort, so I am trying to find the perfect balance."

From the pictures below, it looks like Mara and Blake are ready for date night! 

There are so many exciting things I can't wait to blog about, especially the Midwest Style Bloggers IA brunch I attended this past weekend. Check back tomorrow and I'll tell you alllllll about it! 

Twitter: @StylinIowan            Instagram: @styliniowan

Tank: American Eagle

Shorts: a store called Blanco (purchased in Spain)

Shoes: Gianni Binni from Dillards 

Casual Date Night: Part 1

Cheers to my first men's post! I somehow conned my best friend's boyfriend, Blake, into putting together an outfit, and along with that came an idea of doing a casual date night double-post. Men's style can be tricky (depending on the guy), however Blake's polo-shorts-Sperry's combo is a definite go-to outfit for college guys. Trust me, put on any button-down shirt with a collar and the ladies will love it. 

Below is a message from Blake describing his personal style:

"I'm pretty tall and thin, so I have to look around to find the right fitting clothes. When I find a brand/style that fits well, I'm pretty loyal to it.  In terms of colors and things, I usually stick to solids and maybe subtle patterns."

Check back to see Casual Date Night: Part 2 with my friend and Blake's girlfriend Mara! Happy Thursday! 



Shirt: Banana Republic

Shorts: J. Crew Factory

Shoes: Nordstrom Rack



Black Out

Lately I've been receiving comments that I wear a lot of black, and I would have to agree. I love neutrals - black, white, gray, tans - simply because they're easy to add on color with jewelry and cute shoes. I love having a blank canvas to spice up with jewelry! Most people have heard the saying that before you leave the house you should take off one item of jewelry, but I live by the opposite! Throw on some crazy sunglasses or an extra bracelet and rock the town. 

In my previous post, I had mentioned that I would be featuring a men's post. I apologize for not getting it up! I spent a week in beautiful Okoboji, IA for an entrepreneurial institute, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had while in college. I'll be blogging about it for my internship, so once the post is up I'll be sure to give you the link! Look out for a men's post on Thursday (I promise!).

Shirt: TJ Maxx
Jeans: TJ Maxx
Flats: Vera Wang for Kohl's
Bracelet: Forever 21
Necklace: Forever 21
Earrings: Charming Charlie's 
Ring: Sorority Ring
Purse: Target