Funky Zebras Try-On Haul + Discount

If you missed it last week, I did a try-on haul at one of my favorite stores, The Funky Zebras - Clive, on my Instagram. It was such a fun time and I enjoyed putting together so many cute and affordable looks that I think you'll love. The Funky Zebras - Clive carries young women's and missy clothing, jewelry, shoes, and even some home decor items like candles, soaps, etc! 

Best Purchases in 2018

^^ this is all from my Instagram feed. You can follow me on Instagram here. 

My first blog post in 2019! Although it's a new year and we're all looking ahead to new goals and resolutions to better ourselves, I wanted to take a minute to reflect and pay homage to some of the best products I purchased in 2018! These are the items that I re-purchased multiple times, or I wore these items over and over again (I'm sure you could tell from my instagram, some of these I wore literally all.the.time!). As a blogger, I like to try new products and really only give a review unless I find something that I think should be in your holy grail. I started with makeup and skincare first before diving into my favorite clothing items... let's get started! 

Make Your Moment...

Sweater: Dillard's | Jeans: similar and similar | Boot Socks: Grace and Lace c/o Spotlight Style Boutique | Boots: Ecco | Bag: similar | Earrings: old, similar | Necklace: BaubleBar (similar) | Bracelet: kate spade | Lipstick: MAC - Creme Cup (obsessed!)  

photography c/o f8 creative

So last night I was preparing this post during the E! Countdown to the Oscar Red Carpet show, and I couldn't help but write down a great quote from Kelly Osborne - it totally reminded me why so many of us love fashion and also why I love blogging about my personal style. Trying out new styles and trends is definitely fun, but for me, I use fashion as a platform to feel my very best! I love that a special piece of jewelry or a simple LBD can be my secret armor when I need a boost of confidence or just want to feel amazing! There is so much more to fashion than just the pretty pieces and the expensive labels (or inexpensive!). I leave you today with the quote I'm referring to from Kelly Osborne: 

"We don't look for people who are wearing the most on-trend pieces right now, we look for those moments where people are looking and feeling their best. That's what makes a true fashion moment." - Kelly Osborne 

Make your moment today! Thanks for reading!

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. 

By The Lake...

Dress: J.Crew Factory | Sandals: Target | Necklace: old, similar here | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelet: kate spade | Sunnies: Amazon, real deals here | Lips: YSL Rouge Volupte #7

I'm starting to think I should change the name of my blog to "Libby by the Lake" considering all of my photos have been taken by the water! It makes for the perfect backdrop :)

How was everyone's Fourth of July?? I spent the day cleaning for a party during the day, but I had a blast enjoying the beautiful weather with friends later in the night. I actually wore this dress to a party earlier in the week with bright red lips to give it a more patriotic look! This dress is so comfortable, and it's a great length making it work-appropriate. It's on sale now on J.Crew Factory's website! 

Violet...

Dress: J.Crew Factory | Clutch: BCBGMaxaria, similar here | Necklace: J.Crew, similar here, here and here | Bracelet: old, similar here | Pumps: C. Wonder, similar here | Nails: Essie - Forever Yummy

Good morning! How was everyone's weekend?? I spent the weekend with family and friends.. pretty low key. I've been enjoying chill nights lately because I'm still adjusting to working full time, however I'm loving my job! 

I wore this dress to my college graduation and am just getting around to putting it up on the blog. I love dresses with a cinched waist - it creates a pretty silhouette and it makes it easier to belt if you wish. This fun violet color is perfect for the spring and summer months! Also, how adorable are these C. Wonder heels?? They're soooo comfortable! I can barely walk in heels that are over 4 inches, and these are perfect at 2 3/4 inches. 

Have a great day! Thanks for stopping by :)

Paisley..

 Dress: J.Crew, similar here, here and here | Pumps: J.Crew Factory | Sunnies: Ray-Ban | Clutch: The Limited, similar here | Earrings: unknown, similar here | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: gigglosophy, kate spade | Ring: gigglosophy | Lips: Estee Lauder in Blushing

TGIF! I love wearing all different kinds of prints because they can usually be paired with most colors, however paisley is one that should really stand alone. Paisley is not typically my favorite print, however I made an exception with this dress. The navy and gold details in the pattern are stunning, and the A-line style with pleating in the skirt creates a beautiful silhouette. I've worn this dress to church and weddings many times, and it always seems to be an eye catcher! I've linked a couple paisley dress options above that I also adore!! 

This weekend I have family in town, so I'm excited to spend some time with them. Hopefully I can catch a few rays outside too, but we'll see if this weather holds up. Since moving to NW Iowa, I've been living in my parents place temporarily, so my next weekend project is finding an apartment! Let the searching begin! :)

Golden..

Tank: J.Crew Factory | Skirt: Francesca's, really old, similar here and love this | Wedges: Michael Kors, similar and similar | Wallet: kate spade | Sunnies: House of Harlow | Necklace: Charming Charlie | Watch: Michael Kors, 25% OFF!! | Bracelets: kate spade, gigglosophy | Lips: Revlon Colorburst "Strawberry Fraise"

Gold and black together is one of my favorite color combos - most definitely because they are the colors of my Alma Mater :) OMG it's so crazy to call it that! 

I wore this outfit to work yesterday in an effort to stay comfortable but also professional. Bubble skirts can be fun, but also tricky. They're either very flattering or very...not. One thing I look for is a wider waist band. This creates a defined waist so that your actual waist doesn't get lost in the bubble of the skirt. Waist bands that are about 1 inch in height are what I typically shoot for. I originally wore a black Clare cardigan from J.Crew Factory with my outfit, but it was so hot yesterday afternoon I had to ditch it to take photos! Finally a sunny day! 

Wish List...

A few of my favorite things from Nordstrom that are on my wishlist! It's been raining a lot here, so taking pictures outside has been close to impossible. Have a great Wednesday! 

PS: I'm noticing on the widget some of the prices are incorrect when you go to the link, so make sure to double check the price before purchasing! I have no idea why it's doing that... 

Merci..

Shirt: J.Crew (similar, on sale!) | Skirt: J.Crew Factory | Wedges: Aldo, similar and love these | Purse: Target | Sunnies: Ray Ban | Bracelets: Francesca's (similar), gigglosophy | Rings: gigglosophy, old (similar)

Good morning everyone! I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. Stripes are a serious obsession of mine and I can't get enough (I'm sure you all have caught on by now!). Throwing on a cute graphic t-shirt with a skirt can be a great way to create a put-together but effortless look. Perfect for date night, or you could ditch the wedges for flats to create a cute outfit for running errands!  

 Things are a little different in my world and I'm so excited to share all the many changes I'm experiencing. First off, I graduated college! It was quite the celebration - full of fun and family. I was lucky enough to have both sets of grandparents come, as well as my sister and parents. It was fun celebrating with all of my family and friends, but the next day I had to move to Spirit Lake, IA to start my new job! CRAZY! Within four days I graduated college, packed all my belongings, moved 5 hours away and started a new job. I'm exhausted just thinking about it. However, I'm LOVING my new job. I am now a Communications and Events Coordinator, and everyone has been so welcoming in the Iowa Lakes area. I couldn't be happier! 

If you're reading from NW Iowa and you have a minute, please feel free to shoot me a quick email to say hi! I'm so excited to meet new people in this area. You can email me here - styliniowan@gmail.com

Have a great day! Thanks for reading!

Wednesday Cravings

Just a couple things I've had my eye on this week. It's finals-grind time here in Iowa City, so finding time to take outfits pics has been hard, however you can follow along on my Instagram to see some of my looks and daily musings. I have some very exciting news that I've been waiting to share with all of you. Be sure to check back Monday!! 

Old Favorites...

Dress: old, similar, similar, similar and love this, Vest: J.Crew (similar), Necklace: J.Crew Factory (similar), Flats: J.Crew Factory, Bag: Target, Sunnies: Target, Watch: Michael Kors, Bracelets: Francesca's (similar), gigglosophy (similar), Lips: YSL Rouge Volupte #7  

On Wednesday's we wear pink! Sorry, I had to....

I decided to go shopping in my closet this week. As much as I would love to hit the shops, it's easier and much more cost effective to look in my closet and pull pieces I haven't worn in awhile. When I pulled this dress out of my closet, I think my heart may have skipped a beat. I totally forgot I had this in my closet and it was exactly the kind of dress I was envisioning for a chilly morning! Long sleeve dresses with a fun print will definitely be a go-to during chilly morning walks to work. Additionally, cotton dresses can be easily dressed up or down. I would pair this dress with some white Chuck Taylors for a laid-back look or some awesome wedges to dress it up. My bow flats have been on-repeat lately and were super functional for a busy day. My pink vest also helped keep we warm, added a pop of brightness to my ensemble, and it didn't seem out of place even though it's my favorite winter accessory!

Have a great day! Thanks for stopping by.