Thursday, February 27, 2014

Spring Fever


12 / 3 / 4 / 5

Just a couple fun ideas (all $100 or less!) to help you get ready for spring break! Shopbop is having an awesome sale until midnight tonight, and they have a ton of fun pieces that are perfect for spring break and summer. If you've never shopped from their site before, you'll be happy to know that they carry some of the best designers, offer free 3-day delivery AND offer free returns! It doesn't get much better than that :) Enter BIGEVENT14 at checkout. Happy shopping! 


Monday, February 24, 2014

Sunday Uniform






Sweater: Chicos, similarsimilar and similar | Vest: Forever 21 | Leggings: Ann Taylor LOFT | Shoes: Ann Taylor, similar | Necklace: J.Crew Factory, similar | Bracelets: Francesca's Collections and Giggleosophy, similar and similar | Sunnies: old, similar and similar | Purse: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target (sold out), similar and swooning for this     

Good morning! This weekend I was home enjoying Des Moines and tending to blogging meetings. I love coming home -  I feel so refreshed and ready to conquer school and work in Iowa City!

I've owned this sweater for 3 years and I frequently get asked where I purchased it. The answer may surprise you! My mom and I went shopping together and we stopped into Chicos...yes, Chicos. I had always thought this store was for women in their 30s and onward, not for a 18 year old. This is one of my mom's favorite places to shop, so when we stopped in I wasn't expecting to find something for myself. When I found this sweater, I couldn't help but try it on and I'm so happy I did! I still go in there with or without my mom on occasion and find lots of good pieces for my wardrobe, so ladies, don't always judge a store by what age you think is appropriate!

Have a great day! You can also follow me on Twitter - Facebook - Instagram. Thanks for reading!

Friday, February 21, 2014

Velvet...










Dress: Banana Republic, similar & similar, Tights: Target, Pumps: Madden Girl, Necklace: J.Crew, similar & similar, Bracelets: Francesca's Collections, similar & similar      

Sometimes it just feels good to get dressed up! I had the best time last week with Justin at the Old Capitol Museum snapping photos and taking in all the sights. The building is so breathtaking and is full of history, it felt only natural to be a little more formally dressed in such a beautiful place. 

I love a good LDB. My velvet dress from Banana Republic is a staple in my closet, and I may or may not have worn this dress two years in a row for Christmas Eve mass! When shopping for an LBD, look for quality stitching, fabrics and thickness. I always run my hands through the material to really make sure it's not too sheer or see-through. Black is surprisingly sheer in almost all materials, so keep that in mind when shopping! This dress is definitely my winter LBD given that it's velvet, but it's one of two LBD's that I own, and I wear both of them on repeat because they are quality, timeless pieces.

Thanks for reading! See you Monday :)

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Happy 1st Birthday, Stylin' Iowan Blog!








Dress: similar & similar, Coat: J.Crew Factory, similar & similar, Necklace: J.Crew, Pumps: Madden Girl, Bracelets: Francesca's Collections, GroopDealz 

One year ago today I started this little blog, and every day I am amazed at how far it has come. A year ago, I had no idea what HTML was, the difference between a Nikon and a Canon, what affiliates programs were, or what the heck #OOTD meant. I am shocked and humbled that I have readers who come to my blog every day to see what's going on in my life here in Iowa, and I couldn't have asked for a better first year as a style blogger. 

Thank you to my loving family, my supportive friends, and to all of YOU reading out there. You give me the confidence to keep blogging, but most importantly, to keep growing as a person.

--

Now, to a less sappy topic: notice anything different about SI today? Last year I contacted Aubrey Kinch, a super talented graphic designer, about redesigning my blog for it's first birthday, and after a couple brainstorming sessions, Aubrey brought my idea to life. I am so happy with how the blog looks, and am so impressed by her work! I highly recommend her if you're looking for a new website/blog design. Thank you Aubrey!

Last but certainly not least, thank you to Justin Torner for taking these photos for me. Justin and I met at Creative Week last fall, and I am so happy we were able to collaborate. Justin is a very talented, local photographer that I highly suggest! Look out for more photos from him on Friday!

In terms of dressing for special occasions, there's only one way to go, and that's to sparkle and shine. "Soft" sequins are fun and festive, and you'll easily own any room. I can't wait to show you the photos Justin took for Friday! See you then. Thanks for reading!

Photography by Justin Torner Photography  

Monday, February 17, 2014

Instagram Lately...

Good morning! This is a HUGE week for my little blog, and I can't wait to share some things with you on Wednesday. In the mean time, I've found a couple photos from my phone I thought would be fun to share. Let's just say senior year has been very good to me and I'm having the time of my life. Enjoy!

{wine and cheese night with good friends: top-J.Crew (similar), lips-MAC Rebel}   

{bathroom selfie at the hawks game.... scarf-Dormink, vest-Northface, flats-J.Crew Factory} 

{a special photo shoot..this will make more sense on Wednesday!} 

{trying to outdo Herky at the Hawks game: flannel-TJMaxx, vest-Northface, bracelet-gigglosophy

 
{celebrating Valentines Day with the girls: shirt-Ann Taylor LOFT, similar}

{wishing it was spring during class: sunnies-Sunglass Warehouse c/o, rings-Forever 21, bracelets-Francesca's Collections} 

{Friday Nights with gigglosophy (ring)}

{out and about with good friends: shirt-Ann Taylor LOFT, similar, necklace-J.Crew, similar, lips-Stila Fiore}

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Blues and Brights










Coat: Penguin, similar  | Shirt: Pronot Uomo via Men's Wearhouse, similar   and similar | Pants: Bonobos, similar   and similar | Shoes: Kenneth Cole via DSW, similar | Tie: Express | Tie Clip: Jackthreads, similar   



Hi guys! My friend Beau is taking over the blog today to discuss men's style. Beau is such a good sport for taking these photos in the freezing cold and snow! Take it away Beau!

"Hey, I'm Beau Riebe, a senior at the University of Iowa about to graduate in Economics! I've ventured all over the country, lived in a handful of places, but will always call Seattle my home. With spring *hopefully* coming around, I have been stocking my wardrobe with warmer spring colors. I shop Jackthreads a lot for essentials because of their low prices, which is something everybody can take advantage of. I think one of the most important pieces of fashion advice I can give other men is to buy something that fits - really fits. Don't let your t-shirt be a bra or your pants sag on the floor. Also, be confident in what you own. If you feel good, you look good, and that's huge! Lastly, don't be afraid to stand out. Trust me, the elephant in the room is not why you look so sharp, it's why everybody else doesn't. Show your swag."


I'm really digging the patterned pocket fabric that peeks out! The unexpected touches in outfits are what others will remember. I also agree with Beau on making sure things fit. I'm lucky enough that my mom is a great tailor (I've been to others and she's the best!), but by investing in a tailor, you'll notice a huge difference in the way you look and feel in your outfits. 

Thanks for reading, see you tomorrow :)


Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Rebel...






T-Shirt: Forever 21 | Cardigan: Kersh via Costco | Jeans: BCBGeneration, loving these for spring  | Boots: Ecco | Sunnies: c/o Sunglass Warehouse, craving these | Lips: Revlon 

A quick hello today! Last night I had an event for my internship and today I have my busiest day in terms of classes. I wore this t-shirt last week when I was feeling a little under the weather, and it helped add some pep in my step :) This shirt makes a serious statement, and I can't help but feel like it's a reflection of my mood as of late... 

In terms of being rebellious in fashion, I like to add a pop of bright color on my lips! I'm wearing Revlon's Color Burst Balm in this outfit. 

WHO'S READY FOR A MEN'S POST TOMORROW??? Get ready! Thanks for reading :)

*all items marked with c/o represent courtesy of 

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

College Girl Entertaining: Cheese Board


Happy Tuesday everyone! My sister Emily created this awesome appetizer that I thought would be something great to share today. Emily usually makes one of these for each of our family gatherings, and it's the easiest appetizer to make. Perfect for a wine night with the girls or a fun night-in with your valentine! Below is what you'll need: 

Cutting Board
A good knife 
3 small dishes
Small refrigerator  
Plastic wrap 

Two bricks of cheese (your choice)
1.5 Granny Smith Apples
1 cup of caramel 
1 cup of spread or dip (your choice)
Crackers (optional)
*you can add whatever you want to your board! In the past, I've added kalamata olives, blue cheese stuffed olives, as well as dates wrapped in bacon, etc. 





1. Find a large cutting board - this is what all of your cheese board items will be presented on. 



2. Cut the cheese in squares. I like to make many different cuts and sizes, they don't have to be equal in size!


3. Start cutting up the apples into slices. I like to make these as equal in size as possible because you'll be putting them in a dish (so much easier if they're all the same)


4. Put the apple slices in a dish - by putting them in a dish, it leaves more room on the cutting board!


5. Find your favorite spread or dip to compliment your cheeses. I recently bought this Bacon Marmalade and was at first a little hesitant....bacon doesn't sound all that great as a marmalade. However, it actually tastes more like orange marmalade with just the perfect hint of bacon. It's surprisingly delicious and tastes amazing with aged cheddar cheese or havarti with dill. 



Your finished product!








Once you're done, put some plastic wrap over the top and keep it in the refrigerator until your company arrives. Be aware that if you're traveling the dishes might fall off the board when you're walking (learn from my mistake - caramel is hard to get out of coats!). I usually put the crackers in their own container/basket to make things easier. My friends and I substitute crackers for apples and its soooo good with the cheese and marmalade. This appetizer is really easy to modify to your taste, and NO STOVE OR OVEN NEEDED. Enjoy!

Shirt: TJ Maxx, similar  | Necklace: Francesca's Collections, similar