Tuesday Deals all under $100

Good Morning! There are a lot of good sales this morning that I'm already taking advantage of - Loft had another mark-down of all their regular priced items.  A lot of their items are marked down an extra 40%-50% at checkout (yay!). I personally already own the double breasted blazer that's currently on sale and it's a must for anyone working in a professional setting. It's very comfortable with just a little bit of stretch, but it holds its shape well and looks great with pants, skirts, you name it! 

On another note - if all the political ads didn't give it away, today is finally Election Day! Make sure to get out there and VOTE for whatever cause you feel strongly about. Did you know your employer is required by law to allow you 3 hours to vote? I voted absentee this year so I won't be going to the polls today, but I'm excited to watch the results all day!

Have a great Tuesday and thanks for reading!

Classy Houndstooth Poncho...

Poncho: Forever 21 | Sweater: Forever 21 | Denim: 7FAM | Booties: old, similar | Bag: Tory Burch | Sunnies: Ray-Ban | Necklace: J.Crew Factory | Watch: Michael Kors | Lipstick: Bobbi Brown - Soft Rose

When I was a young girl, my mom bought me a beautiful houndstooth coat to wear to nice functions. It was a gorgeous coat, and as a rambunctious pony-tailed girl who only wanted to play soccer, I think it was my first, undeserved taste of classic style (the amount of ranch dressing that was spilled on that coat was pitiful). Although I was the opposite of a budding micro-fashionista, I did develop a love for houndstooth. 

Fast forward 15 years...

Ok so I still want to dress in soccer shorts 80% of the time, however this poncho feels so much like a blanket, it's that comfortable (and flattering!).  It's perfect for those days where you just want to curl up in a blanket, but this poncho lets you do that without having to play hooky! I love that the print isn't too tight, so the pattern isn't harsh looking. I wore this to work the other day with a black long sleeve tee, ponte pants and these bow flats, and it was a comfy but classy work look.  

On another note - it's become clear to me that I need a black handbag. Seriously, how have I gone this long without one?? If you have any handbags that you love and want to share, please let me know! I'm thinking slightly smaller in size than my Tory Burch tote. 

Have a great day! xoxo

Dressed Up Flannel...

Dress: TJ Maxx, similar here & here (love this option!) | Pumps: BCBGeneration (on sale!) | Bag: vintage Marc Jacobs, similar under $60 | Sunnies: Ray-Ban | Earrings: Chloe + Isabel c/o | Watch: Michael Kors | Lips: Liner - MAC Cherry, Lipstick - MAC Rebel

When Monday morning rolls around, all I want to do is wake up, go to spin, come back home and crawl back into my flannel pjs... can we all relate? There's something about Mondays that make me instantly tired no matter how lazy I was watching Netflix and eating popcorn in bed the day before. Sometimes I wish I could just wear my PJs to work and somehow that would make my Monday's 20 times more bearable...

Insert flannel shirt dress here.

When I'm working, I need to feel comfortable but also put together so that I don't feel like a total slob-kabob while running to meetings! That's why I'm a little obsessed with flannel shirt dresses as of late. First of all - they are the most mindless things to style! I swear all you have to do is add your favorite pumps or leather riding boots and some statement earrings and voila! A chic fall outfit that took you three minutes to throw together. Secondly, they're pretty darn warm when running from the office to happy hour. Now that it's getting frigid again in Iowa, I'm loving this comfy & cozy piece that transitions perfectly into different occasions. 

So basically, the flannel shirt dress has now made it semi-acceptable to wear pjs to work. 
I'm not mad about it.

Have a great Monday! xo!

3 Tips to Make Your Legs Look Long and Lean...

Sweater: Brooks Brother (similar), similar here, here & here (under $80!) | Pants: Nordstrom | Boots: Forever 21 | Bag: Tory Burch | Hat: Nordstrom | Sunnies: Nasty Gal (look exactly like Prada's but only $20!) | Watch: JORD c/o | Bracelets: J.Crew Factory, Alex & Ani | Lips: Liner - MAC Cherry, Lipstick - MAC Rebel

I'm always looking for ways to make my legs look longer! I'm just under 5'6" so I'm not really short or tall, but I do think my legs are probably one of my favorite thing to accentuate! Over the years I've discovered a few tricks to help me achieve a long and lean look, so today I'm sharing with you a few tips that I think you will enjoy:

1. Matching your shoes to your pants can definitely create a streamlined look! This works especially well when you're wearing black pants and black boots/heels like I did in today's outfit. Additionally when you're wearing skirts or dresses sans tights, it's important to wear nude pumps or sandals to not create a break in your legs! This will help make them look super long and lean.

2. Anytime you add heeled pumps or boots will give you more length, but the pumps/boots you're wearing should definitely have a round or pointed toe! The pointed toe will give the appearance of more length and will also draw the eye upward!

3. Your shoes and pants aren't the only pieces that can match - try wearing a monochrome look! Wearing only one color from head to toe will help make your entire body look more lean and long. 

On another note, I'm a little obsessed with this sweater poncho! I love how soft it is and there are so many ponchos out in stores/online at almost any price point. I've found some amazing options for fall and winter in the widget below! Have a great day! Thanks for reading.

Stripes and Leopard...

Dress: J.Crew Factory | Vest: old, similar and love this | Flats: J.Crew Factory | Sunnies: Ray-Ban 

| Watch: JORD c/o | Necklace: Kate Spade | Lips: MAC - Rebel

...the perfect fall combo! We all know that I'm a fan of pattern mixing, but these two seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly!  My striped dress is definitely a staple item in my "work wardrobe". It's a lightweight t-shirt material that you can wear all season long without getting too hot outside in the summer or hot inside during the winter. I'm also looooving fall lipsticks right now, and MAC's fall staple shade is definitely Rebel. I'm wearing it with a berry lip liner and it gives it a jewel toned look, but the lipstick alone is a bit darker but a pretty burgundy shade. I'm kinda loving this blue/grey/berry color combo right now! 

Is it just me or did the weekend fly by way too fast? I hosted a bachelorette party at my condo for a friend this weekend, so my lack of sleep probably has something to do with that! :) Have a great day! Thanks so much for reading.

Photos by Jordan Stumbo.

Bow Tied...

Dress: Nordstrom (under $60!) | Pumps: J.Crew Factory | Bag: Tory Burch, very similar under $70 here | Sunnies: Madewell | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: J.Crew Factory, Alex & Ani | Ring: Madewell 

Anything with a bow is a "win" in my opinion - bows add a nice touch of class and they also pull together an outfit and keep it clean. I love how the white bow is so striking against the black dress. I gravitate towards pieces that have a unique neckline or a collar (I blame the Catholic school uniforms in grade school!) and the bow on this dress brings all of the attention upwards towards my face. Its an easy dress to wear too - I feel like doing twirls in it, so girly! Ha!

I've been told that a bow-tie collar on women's clothing has another name... I won't even say it because I HATE the name (check out this article to see what I'm talking about). Personally, I think it should be called a "boss bow" because I think of myself (and my readers!) as total girl bosses. So from now on I'll just refer to it as that! :)

Photos by Jordan Stumbo.

The Must-Have Cardigan...

Cardigan: J.Crew | Tank: Topshop | Skirt: old, similar here and love this solid navy version | Pumps: J.Crew Factory | Bag: Tory Burch, similar under $60 | Sunnies: Madewell | Necklace: Kate Spade | Bracelets: J.Crew Factory, Alex & Ani | Ring: Madewell | Earrings: Nordstrom (only $10!) | Lipstick: MAC - Creme Cup + NARS Turkish Delight lipgloss

If you want to know what a staple cardigan looks like then this is it ladies!!!! I've had a Jackie cardigan from J.Crew in my closet ever since probably 6th grade and it's shocking/kinda sad how often I use mine. I think I own this cardigan in almost every color but they are that good and are so versatile, not to mention at a great price point. Not only is it a great cardigan for work outfits like today's outfit, but they're also adorable paired with jeans and a tank for casual outings with friends or for walking to class. I know long, chunky cardigans are very "in" for fall, but having a shorter, less slouchy option is always a good staple item and it will never go out of style! Plus it's easy to stash in your purse when on the go! For sizing, I got a medium. 

Happy Wednesday! We're halfway there...

Photos by Jordan Stumbo

That Fall Feeling...

Jacket: Forever 21 (under $50!) | Dress: J.Crew (no longer available), similar | Pumps: J.Crew Factory | Bag: Marc Jacobs (no longer available), similar under $100 | Hat: Nordstrom (under $30!) | Necklace: Kate Spade | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: Alex and Ani, J.Crew Factory | Ring: Madewell | Earrings: Nordstrom 

A little chill is in the air, and I couldn't be happier about it! Light jackets, scarves and floppy hats are all on my radar for the upcoming fall months, and why not add a few of them into the same outfit?? This jacket from Forever 21 looks so chic and is at a great price point. The blush shade is also one of my favorites, and it pairs nicely with maroon (another perfect fall color!). Also if you couldn't tell, the day these photos were taken it was super windy out, and my hat from Nordstrom definitely helped keep the hair out of my face! I'm finding more and more reasons to wear it now that fall is approaching! :)

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

Palm Trees and Ivory...

Tee: Halogen | Skirt: J.Crew Factory, love this option for fall | Pumps: J.Crew Factory | Clutch: Lilly Pulitzer c/o | Sunnies: Madewell | Necklace: Kate Spade | Bracelets: Kate Spade, Alex and Ani, J.Crew Factory | Watch: Michael Kors | Lips: Lipstick - MAC Creme Cup, Lipgloss - NARS Turkish Delight

An ivory, monochrome look for your Friday! I'm wearing all the ivory-on-ivory I can until fall hits (although I do like a good winter white look!). Have a great weekend! Thanks for reading. 

Photos by Jordan Stumbo.

Front Porch Loving...

Dress: Target | Sandals: old, similar | Bag: Tory Burch | Watch: JORD c/o | Bracelet: Alex & Ani 

This front porch reminds me of the song Mayberry from Rascal Flatts - any of you heard it?? If you haven't, go listen to it now and you'll know exactly what I'm talking about! :) Today's a quick one - happy Monday and have a great week!

Photos by Chris Baker.

Navy and Blush...

J.Crew sweater | J.Crew faux leather mini skirt | Pink BaubleBar earrings | Steve Madden Sandals | Kate Spade leather clutch | NARS Lip Gloss | Isaac Mizrahi Sunglasses | Michael Kors Watch | Essie Nail Polish

This time of year, I'm all about incorporating my summer staples with fall shades. I'm gravitating towards hues of navy for fall, and blush pink adds a nice feminine touch to the mix! This leather skirt is at the top of my fall wish list - it's seriously to die for! Have a great Wednesday :)

Transitioning into Fall...

Dress: J.Crew Factory | Sandals: Tommy Hilfiger | Bag: BCBG | Sunnies: Ray-Ban | Earrings: J.Crew Factory | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: J.Crew Factory, Kate Spade | Necklace: Kate Spade | Lipstick: MAC - Up the Amp

Is it just me or is this summer really hot and humid?? I've been ready for the fall months since July - riding boots, scarves and hot cocoa are calling my name - however the weather isn't cooperating with my fall daydreams right now. In the mean time, I'm incorporating my favorite bright colors with pops of fall shades to transition my wardrobe right into the new season! This dress from J.Crew Factory has a lot of bright colors, but I'm also loving the deep purple and navy shades that make this dress great for both summer and winter. It would be adorable with boots and a navy blazer in the fall! Another easy way to add fall shades into the mix is in your lipstick! I'm wearing MAC's Up the Amp, which is a buildable purple shade, and I wear this shade a ton in the fall months. I also wear MAC's Rebel, a burgundy shade, in the fall quite a bit, and it pairs nicely with all-white, monochrome looks.

 I am SO excited it's the weekend because today I'm traveling to Des Moines for my friend Mara's bachelorette party!! Bring on the champagne, games and fun times! Hope you all have fun plans for the weekend too!! 

Thanks for reading :)

Photos by Jordan Stumbo.