Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Gold Tones...








Sweater: Gap, similar here and here | Pants: Calvin Klein, similar here | Shoes: Gianni Bini, similar here and here | Scarf: Old Navy, similar here and love this | Hat: old (my dad's Lord Abbot hat from a work conference), love this | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelet: kate spade | Ring: Baublebar | Earrings: Nadri | Sunnies: Amazon, Prada version here | Lips: MAC - Rebel, Liner: NYX - Prune 

A sporty outfit for today... On Saturday I was cheering on my Iowa Hawkeyes from the lake. Although this weekend's weather was not typical for Iowa in the fall (it was 80 degrees!), I couldn't help but play the part when "tailgating" at my family's house. My tailgating uniform is as follows - a comfy sweater, jeans / ponte pants, and comfortable but stylish oxfords, all of which are black and gold!

Thanks so much for reading. Be sure to follow along with me on my social media accounts: 


Monday, September 29, 2014

Pretty in Pink...








Top: Francesca's (on sale for $24!), similar here and here | Skirt: old (bought at LOFT), similar here and loving this J.Crew option | Pumps: TJ Maxx, similar here, here, here and here | Bag: vintage Celine, similar here and lusting for this | Necklace: J.Crew Factory | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: kate spade, stella and dot, J.Crew Factory (no longer available) love this instead | Earrings: Nadri | Sunnies: Amazon, Prada version here | Lips: stila - fiore 

Neon pink anything is (and will always be) an obsession of mine! Most likely because it is "appropriate" for any season. It's definitely an overwhelming shade, however it pairs nicely with my striped skirt. Stripes can also be overwhelming at times, but this skirt from LOFT is equal parts neutral and flattering. One tip when wearing stripes is to find a piece that will become the focal point of the outfit. My neon pink shirt offsets the severeness of the stripes, bringing your eyes up towards my face. By adding in a bright pop of color, the stripes will become less severe and show off your shape! Just make sure the stripes are in a neutral shade (think black, creams, navy or grays), otherwise the entire outfit can be too overwhelming.

Have a great day! And HBD to my big sister Emily - she turns 25 today!


Friday, September 26, 2014

Spiked...






Dress: old, similar here and here | Heels: Target, similar here, here and here | Purse: Marc Jacobs, similar here and love this | Necklace: J.Crew Factory | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: kate spade, stella & dot | Earrings: Nordstrom | Sunnies: Ray-Ban, thinking about getting these | Nails: Essie - Fiji | Lips: Estee Lauder - Beige, Liner: Revlon - Nude 

There's just something about spiked-anything that vamps up an outfit! Or apple cider... 'tis the season! :) On another note, this dress is so comfortable! To change it up, pair this dress with a crisp button down underneath and simple pointed pumps for a more conservative look. 

What are your plans for the weekend? Mine consists of sleep, family, football and hanging with friends. It's supposed to be 80 degrees so I'll take any chance I can to soak up the last few days on the lake. Have a great weekend! 

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Pattern Mixing with Vanity..









Cardigan: Vanity c/o | Blouse: LOFT, similar herehere and here | Pants: J.Crew Factory, loving these for fall | Booties: Francesca's, similar here and here | Clutch: BCBG, similar here | Earrings: Vince Camuto (similar), loving these | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelet: stella & dot | Sunnies: Target, thinking about getting these | Nails: Essie - Fuji | Lips: YSL Rouge Volupte #7 

So over the weekend, I was with my family celebrating my grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary in Des Moines. Yes, 60 years! What an amazing accomplishment. Almost the entire family came into town, including cousins, great aunts and great uncles. I love when everyone gets together! We don't see each other very often, so it's nice to catch up on every one's lives. We're a pretty big family with lots of extended family members, so it's always a party! Anyways, my aunts and adult cousins kept telling me they wanted to see more outfits that they could wear to work, so ladies, this outfit is for YOU! 

When I got this lovely cardigan in the mail from Vanity, I originally imagined it with more casual pieces, like a loose tank, a scarf and a billowy hat. When I saw that my sister brought home this polka-dotted button down, I loved the idea of dressing up the cardigan and mixing up the patterns! Plus the fringe on the ends.. amazing! It definitely adds a little personality and fun to the outfit. 

What are your go-to work pieces? Thanks for reading!

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Mad for Plaid...







Shirt: MintLA Boutique, similar here and here | Jeans: old, similar here and lusting for these | Pumps: J.Crew Factory, similar here | Purse: old (borrowed from mom), similar here and here | Necklace: J.Crew Factory | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: kate spade, stella & dot | Sunnies: Ray-Ban, thinking about getting these | Nails: Essie - Fiji | Lips: Estee Lauder in Beige 


The cool weather is starting to set-in, well in the morning and evening anyway. I always dress for brisk weather as I'm getting ready for work in the morning, but by the time I leave it's usually 75 degrees and I'm ditching my coat. This weekend I bought a few vests that I'm excited to try - they're perfect for when a coat is too hot but you need a little something extra! 

I found this silky blouse at MintLA Boutique a while back, but it just wasn't "fall" enough to wear until now. Plaid is definitely a staple this season, and the colors in this blouse will go well with red or nude lipsticks and pumps. When I was prepping this blog post, it reminded me of my parents' living room...yes, their living room. When I was growing up, my parents had green and red plaid furniture and even matching drapes. I think we have pictures to prove it so I might have to do some digging, but who knew that 20 year old furniture could come back "in"... let's hope plaid stays on shirts and not on furniture in 20 years :) 

Cheers to a good week! Thanks so much for reading. 

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Midnight Blue...




Tunic: Eileen Fisher, similar herehere and perfect for fall | Leggings: J.Crew Factory | Pumps: J.Crew Factory, loving these | Bag: old, similar here and here | Necklace: Francesca's, similar here | Bracelets: J.Crew Factory (similar), kate spade | Lips: MAC Lipglass - Pink Nouveau 

A breezy tunic and leggings dressed up with heels for dinner on the water... Now that the busy season has come to a close in Okoboji, the lake is so calm. It was the perfect night for a cruise around the lake! Silky tunics can be dressed up or down for your mood. Pair this tunic with skinny jeans or even a tight pencil skirt and heels for a glam look! Or you can ditch the pumps for leopard print flats and you'll have a cute and functional work outfit. I'm sure you can tell from yesterday's and today's post that I'm loving this color/pattern combo right now! Thanks for reading!


Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Currently...


Currently craving today... midnight blue and leopard. Have a great Wednesday!

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Color Blast...







Shirt: Gibson Latimer (no longer available), similar here | Jeans: BCBG, craving these for fall | Booties: Maurices, similar here (on sale!) | Purse: old, similar here | Necklace: J.Crew Factory | Bracelets: Charming Charlie, Stella and Dot, old (similar here) | Watch: Michael Kors | Earrings: Nadri | Sunnies: Target | Lips: Liner - Revlon in Nude, Lipstick - Estee Lauder in Beige 


I'm just not ready to give up summer colors yet - it still feels like summer to me! The last time I walked into a department store, they were already setting up decorations for Halloween! And that was maybe three weeks ago.. yikes. I may love fall trends and especially my pumpkin spice lattes, but not until it cools down a little. 

Although it's not officially fall yet, I do think fall colors and accessories are starting to be worn more and more. I'm slowing but surely jumping back into fall with two staples - booties and studded bags. I love these booties because not only are they a great neutral color, but they're also peep toe (great for wearing in the summer months in my humble opinion!). I'm also seeing a ton of studs again for fall, so I've added a cute, oversized bag with studs to make this outfit great for in-between seasons. What are your fall staples? 

Monday, September 1, 2014

Labor Day..





Dress: MintLA Boutique, similar here and here| Sandals: Nine West, similar here and here (perfect for fall!) | Necklace: J.Crew Factory (on sale!!!) | Bracelet: Stella and Dot | Clutch: BCBG, similar here | Sunnies: House of Harlow | Lips: Liner - Revlon in Nude, Lipstick - Estee Lauder in Beige 

Hope everyone is having a fun-filled Labor Day! I spent most of the holiday weekend in a bathing suit by the lake. This white and blue midi dress from MintLA Boutique was so fun to wear this weekend, and I can't wait to wear it to my grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary in a few weeks. Midi dresses and skirts are so easy to transition into chillier seasons, and the hemline on midi dresses are so classy, you'll be sure to please any crowd, especially grandparents :) You can pair midi dresses with a cute cardigan and heels, or even pair a midi skirt with a lightweight sweater and booties for a put-together fall look. I've linked a few of my favorite midi dresses below. Have a great day!