Dressy...

Dress: H&M, similar here and love this | Pumps: C. Wonder, similar here | Bag: BCBG, similar here | Necklace: J.Crew Factory (sold out), obsessed with this | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: stella & dot, kate spade | Earrings: Nadri | Ring: Baublebar | Lipstick: YSL - Lingerie Pink 

So before we talk about the clothes, can we just take a moment to admire the beautiful backdrop?? Chris, my photographer, and I received permission to take pictures at a colleague's house, and it made for the most gorgeous backdrop. The mansion is extremely historic in Spencer (the town where I work), and it's been restored and beautifully maintained. The grounds are just as breathtaking, with gorgeous pink flowers and garden pillars. I wish I would've taken more pictures on my phone - I felt like I was in a different world (ok maybe just not in small town Iowa!). 

So I've worn this dress multiple times in the last few weeks, simply because it's comfortable and the length is perfect for multiple occasions. The material is jersey, so it's stretchy and soft, but still keeps it's structure. Although it's an animal print and the pattern is detailed, the color scheme is kept to three shades. By keeping the pattern colors simple, it creates more balance in the print. I've also noticed I'm less concerned about mixing metals lately... I try not to break this "rule", but I've actually found more jewelry pieces online that mix silver and gold. Considering I throw on jewelry at the last minute each morning and usually end up accidentally mixing metals anyways, I'm totally in support of this trend!

Have a great day! 

photos by f8 creative 

Shirttail...

Sweater: J.Crew (on sale!!!) | Pants: Calvin Klein, similar here | Boots: old, similar here and love these | Bag: J.Crew (similar), love this | Sunnies: Amazon, Prada version here | Necklace: J.Crew Factory (sold out), similar here | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelet: stella & dot | Ring: Baublebar | Lipstick: Estee Lauder - Beige 

I've been seeing more shirttail sweaters available online lately, and I for one am very excited about this trend! I mostly love it because it creates the look of two layers without actually wearing two separate pieces. During the fall and winter months, I seem to either be extremely hot or very cold, barely ever feeling comfortable because of the amount of layers I wear. This top definitely solves that problem for me! Plus, the material of this sweater is lambswool, giving it an ultra-luxe softness. I found a couple other favorite shirttail sweaters and linked them below! 

PS - how was every one's weekend?? I celebrated my cousin's wedding and enjoyed lots of family time! The wedding came at the perfect time right now... if you think of it, please say a prayer for my family as it has been a tough October for us Glasers. 

Have a great day! Thanks for reading. 

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photos by f8 creative 

Handbag Help...

(1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5) 

So remember earlier this season when I was trying to decide which fall tote to get? Well I still haven't gotten a new one yet, but I have the best little helper to assist me in finding the perfect bag for next season! First off, I am a frequent at Rue La La - it's an online shopping destination that offers great prices for it's members. Plus, they offer designer pieces at discounted prices. Looooove it. Not only do they offer great clothes, handbags and jewelry, but they now have a Premier Handbag Guide! The Handbag Guide is extremely detailed to give you a thorough look into shapes, sizes and quality of designer handbags. Not only that, but it also gives you step-by-step instructions on how to care for your bags and also a little history on some of your favorite designers. Be sure to check it out for help in finding the perfect bag! 

Have a great weekend! 

Thank you to Rue La La for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own. 

Mixed Prints...

Sweater: old, similar here and here | Skirt: J.Crew Factory, similar here | Boots: Ecco, similar here and love these | Boot Socks: Spotlight Boutique (call to order) | Belt: J.Crew | Purse: vintage Celine, similar here and here | Necklace: Groopdealz (old), similar here | Watch: Michael Kors | Earrings: Nadri | Ring: Baublebar | Sunnies: Amazon, Prada version here | Lip Liner: Revlon - Nude | Lipstick: Estee Lauder - Beige

Pattern mixing is a fun challenge for me each morning. I've found that by mixing larger prints with smaller ones, the prints will most likely go well together. Stripes and animal print is a pairing that may seem difficult at first, but they compliment each other well, making it a go-to combo that you can trust will look great for when you're rushed in the morning. We've had 75 degree weather lately (unheard of in late October!) so I've been gravitating towards my summer wardrobe again. This skirt and sweater I've worn in multiple other looks in many different seasons, so don't feel like you can't wear pieces from the back of your closet! 

Have a great day! Thanks so much for reading. 

photos by f8 creative 

Harvest Gold...

Dress: H&M, similar here and here | Vest: Forever 21, similar here | Booties: Francesca's (not available), similar here and here | Bag: Dolce and Gabbana, similar here | Necklace: old, similar here and here | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: stella & dot, kate spade | Ring: Baublebar | Earrings: Nadri | Sunnies: Ray-Ban | Lip Liner: NYX - Plum, Lipstick: MAC - Rebel 

How amazing are these photos from f8 creative?? My photographer Chris and I set out to find some locations to shoot at last week and luckily a colleague of mine allowed us to use his house as a backdrop. You'll see more of where we shot photos throughout the next two weeks, but my goodness the grounds around this house are absolutely breathtaking. Chris is an amazing photographer, as is the rest of the f8 crew, so be sure to check out their site (also linked below!). 

As for this dress, I'm quite impressed by the length and feel of it. I typically expect shorter hemlines from H&M, however they've recently come out with longer skirts, conservative dresses and work-appropriate pieces. Sure they've always had pieces like those, but the quality of the clothing has gone up a notch (in my opinion). I definitely like to mix my investment pieces with more affordable pieces, and I think by doing that, the investment pieces add more value towards your affordable ones. Plus by saving my money on more affordable pieces, I can save up for investments that I'll keep forever! 

Thanks for stopping by... 

Photos by f8 Creative 

Fall Vests...

Vest: TJ Maxx, similar here and here | Tunic: Forever 21 (old), similar here | Leggings: J.Crew, loving these | Boots: Enzo Angiolini, similar here and here | Necklace: Francesca's (old), similar here | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: BCBG, kate spade, stella & dot | Ring: Baublebar | Earrings: Nadri | Sunnies: Ray-Ban | Lip Liner: Revlon - Nude | Lipstick: Estee Lauder - Beige 

Why are vests always so comfy?! What I love most about vests is that you can find so many different styles, ranging from casual/workout gear to ultra glam. Being that I live in a more casual atmosphere, I gravitate towards the outerwear and faux-fur styles because they are extremely versatile and warm (hello Iowa winters). When I shop for vests, I try to find styles that don't add too much bulk, especially because I like to pair them with flannels, sweaters and turtlenecks. If styled right, vests should actually compliment your shape, so although it might be tempting to purchase a vest to cover up, keep in mind what you'll be wearing under the vest. A favorite look of mine is a cropped vest styled with a long tunic or t-shirt; the contrast of the cropped vest with a long shirt will create balance while also elongating your shape.  

I've linked a few of my favorite fall vests below. Happy shopping!

MY LOOK

FALL VESTS

Photos courtesy of f8 creative

Silver...

Sweater: old, similar here and here | Pants: Calvin Klein | Purse: old, similar here and here | Pumps: C. Wonder, similar here | Necklace: J.Crew Factory (no longer available), similar here | Sunnies: Amazon, Prada version here | Bracelet: J.Crew Factory | Ring: Baublebar | Lips: Estee Lauder - Beige 

Have a great weekend... thanks for reading!

In the Kitchen: Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Happy Wednesday! Today I'm sharing with you my favorite pumpkin-spice recipe: my mom's Pumpkin Spice Muffins. These muffins have literally become a staple at my parents' house! In the fall, there's usually a batch stored in the kitchen pantry at all times! These muffins are so dense and they are easy enough to make up really fast before heading to a Sunday brunch or tailgate. And an added bonus: the recipe only calls for three ingredients! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I have... I can assure you the muffins you're looking at in these pictures are already gone! 

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

You Need: 

1 box of spice cake mix (any brand)

1 can of pure pumpkin 

1 egg 

Mix the ingredients all together until you get a thick, even consistency. Make sure it's mixed well! Grease your muffin tins and fill tins with batter until they are 3/4 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 - 17 minutes. 

Warm...

Vest: Steve Madden via TJ Maxx, similar here, here and love this | T-Shirt: Target | Leggings: J.Crew, lusting over these | Boots: old, similar here and here | Bag: Ivanka Trump, similar here and thinking about getting this | Necklace: J.Crew Factory (sold out), similar here | Ring: Baublebar | Earrings: Nadri | Sunnies: Amazon, Prada version here | Lips: Liner: NYX - Plum, Lipstick: MAC - Up the Amp

Good morning! How was every one's weekend? Mine was soooo low key (which was awesome). I got some much needed errands done and also did some decorating! I've been living in this vest ever since I got it; it's honestly one of the most comfortable things I own. I gravitate towards over sized vests and sweaters during the colder months, but I've also been using this vest as a coat during warmer days this fall. Given it's neutral colors, it has a tendency to go with everything (score!). Since this vest is over sized, I tend to wear leggings or skinny jeans with it to create some balance. You could also pair this with a form-fitting pencil skirt to transition this vest into a business-casual atmosphere. 

I've had some readers ask for my beauty routine in regards to how I take care of my skin... I can promise I'm no expert and I do NOT claim to have perfect skin in any regard, but I have created a good daily routine that has proven to keep my own skin clear. I might be putting a video together soon...I've never done a video before...is this something you all want to see??

Thank you so much for reading! Have a GREAT Monday! 

PS - happy birthday to my amazing mom! She takes my blog photos and puts up with me on blog shoots, and I can tell you with certainty that this blog wouldn't be possible without her. Love you mom!