The Best Basic Tee

You can go anywhere and buy a t-shirt. I think any big box store, chain store in the mall, and locally-owned boutique in small-town America will have some sort of t-shirt that you can purchase and they'll tout that it's the "best basic".

Saturday Deals: Best Tunic Sweaters All Under $100

Happy Saturday! What is it about cozy tunic sweaters that you just can't have enough of? Each year I think I buy more tunic sweaters than anything else. They're cute, they keep you super warm and they're easy to style with jeans, leggings, skirts, you name it! This time of year tunic sweaters usually go on sale, so I rounded up a few of my favorites all under $100. 

Saturday Deals - Cozy Finds on Sale

Happy Saturday from wintery northwest Iowa! We woke up to an ice storm this morning, and all the trees and plants look so pretty. Can't say the same for the roads though! Luckily for us, we don't have to go anywhere today so we're good to celebrate Thanksgiving early and watch big college football games today. 

I found a few items on sale this morning that I think you might be interested in. This sweater is only $6.59 and this blazer is my favorite (I have it in fuchsia and robin's egg blue) and on sale for $49. I'll also list a few sales going on this weekend in case you're looking to get some Black Friday shopping done early. There are so many good sales happening right before the holidays! I typically try to get a lot of online shopping done before Black Friday so that I'm not having to fight lines in store or low inventory online. 

Have a great day babes! See you on Monday. 

Holiday Sales This Weekend: 

ULTA Beauty: Take $10 off your online purchase of $60+ with code CYBERFUN18. Some exclusions apply. 

Nordstrom: Up to 40% off fall inventory. No code needed. 

J.Crew: Take 35% off dressed-up styles with code READYTOPARTY

Overstock: Up to 70% off early Black Friday sales. No code needed.

Victoria's Secret: 40% off sleep tops and bottoms with code SLEEP40. 

Macy's: Extra 20% off with code SCORE. Also $10 off your purchase of $25 or more with code SCORE25. 

Tips for Avoiding the Winter Blues

My Look:

Sweater, similar & similar | Denim | Mules, similar | Necklace | Earrings | Lip Liner | Lipstick - Pure Hollywood

Happy Monday friends! Is anyone else freezing in these cold temps? It was a -40 wind chill  in northwest Iowa last week. Apparently it was colder here than it was in Antarctica... I don't think that's normal! At least its a good excuse to put on some comfy clothes and curl up with a good book. Speaking of that, I think most of us tend to feel a little more like homebodies during this time of year. It's freezing out, the snow gets into everything, and soon enough winter has me feeling like I'm living in the pit of misery. Anyone relate?? 

A friend of mine recently told me about "the winter blues" and I definitely think this happens to more of us than we realize! After a few years of living in the tundra northwest Iowa, I've come up with a few ways to help me get through the winter months without feeling like a hermit. I know a lot of people reading here may not live in my area or even in the midwest, but these ideas could be used in any climate. Winter is winter wherever you live!

1. Practice Spontaneity

Now I'll be honest, being spontaneous is NOT in my nature! I plan out just about everything during the weekdays. However being spontaneous every once in awhile has proven to be a fun change. A few weeks ago my boyfriend and I were feeling stir-crazy. We had two friends bail on Saturday night plans (not a huge deal, both were for understandable reasons!) and we were stuck with nothing to do on a Saturday night. After going to dinner and seriously debating heading home for a Netflix bing, we came across an email I had for some unused hotel points that were about to expire. It was perfect timing - we already had plans to head to Sioux Falls the next day to finish Christmas shopping, our plans cancelled for the night and we had nowhere to be. How fun would it be to grab a hotel on the drive over and indulge in a little bit of luxury, even for just a night? We decided to pack our bags, grab some coffees to-go and drive up to Sioux Falls at 9pm! The hotel we chose had a hotel bar that was open late, so we enjoyed a few cocktails once we got there and were up early enough the next morning to get a head-start on shopping. All of that to say, being spontaneous for us was a nice change. Even if it's just grabbing a hotel downtown for a stay-cation or maybe heading to that up and coming restaurant you've been dying to try for a late-night treat, I've found that practicing a little spontaneity can prove to boost your mood, and make a fun story!

2. Indulge Your Loved Ones

This is something I want to practice more in 2018! My friends and I are pretty good about keeping in contact via text, but to me there's nothing better than receiving a hand-written letter from a loved one. I have an old envelope where I keep all the letters and notes from friends and family I've received over the years, and whenever I'm having a bad day I take a few out and read them just to boost my mood. Receiving these are wonderful, but writing them are even better. Even if you don't have a reason, sending a quick note expressing your gratitude for your bestie's friendship or leaving a little post-it note in your boyfriend's briefcase can make both you and your loved one feel a little extra special. I made up a little list of friends and family who I want to reach out to, and my goal is to write a quick note to one of them each week!

3. Stay Active

I know, this one is so cliche! But like Elle Woods says, "Exercise gives you endorphins, and endorphins make you happy!". I started taking my heath and fitness more seriously last year after a particularly stressful couple months, and working out has helped my mood significantly in the colder months. What's helped for me has been using at-home workouts. I don't know anyone who really enjoys heading to the gym when there's a negative wind chill at 5:00am, and luckily my at-home workouts allow me to workout without the commute. Personally, I use Beachbody DVDs and their on-demand program, however you can find tons of free workout videos on YouTube!

4. Make plans... and stick to them! 

How often do we make plans with our girlfriends 10:00am to go out that night, and then by 5:00pm everyone bails because #sweatpantsandtakeout ? As much as I love to go out, sometimes it's hard to stick to plans, especially when its freezing outside. Speaking from personal experience, sticking to your plans no matter how you feel is typically the route to go! Even if it's just for wine night at your bestie's place down the road, keeping to your plans will have you looking forward to something to do and will also show that you're accountable to your friends. Wine nights with my friends have been a monthly staple, and I like to pair a cozy sweater with my most comfortable jeans. I recently bought these jeans for a steal of a deal, and they have just the right amount of stretch without losing their shape. 

5. Invest in a supplement regiment

Let me preface this by saying you should always speak to your doctor first before taking new supplements. Like I said before, I really started paying more attention to my health last year, and with working out and eating healthier comes investing in supplements. Vitamin D supplements have become a staple in my morning routine. You typically receive vitamin D from natural sunlight, as well as from foods like milk, eggs, and mushrooms. Vitamin D also helps in boosting your immune system and has been shown to ease seasonal depression!  I'm not much of a dairy person and I don't have time to make eggs every morning. I've noticed that Vitamin D supplements help make up for what I'm missing. Additionally, I like to take Emergen-C packets once a week as an extra boost for my immune system. I also use protein shakes like Shakeology to help me get a healthy dose of super-foods to keep me healthy during cold and flu season. Again, if you're interested in switching up your supplement rotation, consult your doctor first.

How do you avoid the winter blues? 

My Look:

Sweater, similar & similar | Denim | Mules, similar | Necklace | Earrings | Lip Liner | Lipstick - Pure Hollywood

A Pink Winter...

Sweater: J.Crew | Denim: Paige | Booties: Sam Edelman | Bag: Tory Burch, similar under $70 | Earrings: similar | Lipstick: MAC - Snob 

I've been helping my parents with their home reno project in Okoboji and this was the outfit I wore to shop for flooring and cabinets! Don't mind the minimal makeup look - I was in a construction zone all day :) I love tunic sweaters because they are easy to throw on with leggings for running errands, but they are really cute tucked into jeans too! To dress this look up, you could add nude heels or wedges, and these earrings add some much needed bling to an otherwise basic outfit. 

Speaking of minimal makeup - I have one trick that I ALWAYS do every day, whether I'm in full makeup or none at all. Even though I have naturally dark and thick eyebrows, I will always fill them in with THIS powder. A little of this goes a LONG way - I swear it instantly makes you look more youthful and you'll have beautiful brows like Brooke Shields!

Weekend Greys...

T-Shirt: Very similar  | Denim: Articles of Society | Shoes: Steve Madden | Bag: Daily Look, similar here | Watch: JORD in Fieldcrest c/o | Bracelet: similar | Lipgloss: Dior | Sunnies: Ray-Ban

I'm loving easy weekend outfits, and this swingy tee was perfect for walking around town and enjoying a few brews with friends. I've been gravitating towards grey shades lately and this striped white and grey top from Nordstrom is so soft! Unfortunately this specific tee already sold out, however I found one that is almost identical and it's cheaper than what I paid for this one! 

I paired this tee with my grey lace up flats that I'm literally obsessed with! Normally with this brand of shoes I have to go a size up, however these fit like a glove and are SO comfortable. I was worried they would give me blisters or be too narrow, but they are actually very comfortable and are easy to walk around in all day. They look adorable with lightweight dresses too! They come in a few different colors - the dove blue is gorgeous and the black version are on sale!

How was everyone's weekend? I spent some time in southern Minnesota with some friends Saturday night and Sunday I had a horrible headache...if anyone has some remedies for chronic headaches please let me know! I swear I get them more and more as I get older!

Over-the-knee...

Cardigan: old, very similar & love this under $50 option  | Denim: Paige | Boots: Franco Sarto (under $100!!!!!!) | Bag: Tory Burch | Sunnies: Nasty Gal (sold out), exact version for $22 here | Watch: JORD c/o | Bracelet: Alex & Ani | Lipstick: MAC - Up the Amp

I could list a thousand different things I love about over-the-knee (OTK) boots. Seriously you guys, wearing OTK boots is such an easy way to add a bold statement to your look. First off, lazy girl fashion tip: when all your leggings are in the hamper, put on your favorite workout crops with some OTK boots and BAM! You have yourself some long and lean legs thanks to your sexy boots, and no one will even know you're wearing workout crops. Speaking of sexy, OTK boots will add just the right amount of spice to your Friday night outfit! I love wearing mine with leggings and jeans, and they can even look great with flirty skirts if done right (not going to lie, still trying to achieve that look "done right" :/). These boots from Franco Sarto are from last season, but I found them at Nordstrom Rack for under $100 - that's the cheapest, cute option I've found in stores this season!

Also, I'm loving this marled sweater - it's so lightweight and adds just the right amount of sophistication. I love how it drapes in front and isn't too slouchy. It would be adorable with a button down shirt or nice silk cami at the office! Mine is super old, but I found two very similar options and one is under$50!

Hope you're all having a great day! My mom came into town last night, so we had a fun night catching up and eating pasta! So worth the necessary spin class tomorrow morning! :)

Fine China...

Vest: J.Crew (color no longer available) | Blouse: H&M | Denim: Paige | Pumps: J.Crew Factory | Bag: Tory Burch | Sunnies: Nasty Gal - only $20! | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: J.Crew Factory, Alex & Ani | Lipstick: Bobbi Brown - Pale Mauve 

I love the look of blue and white china. When I was growing up, my grandparents' kitchen was decorated in blue and white tiles that looked exactly like the fine china you see in department stores, so every time I see a blue and white print is brings me back in time! This top from H&M definitely gives off that vibe and is an easy shirt to wear either at work with a pencil skirt or with jeans on the weekend. I think I like this look even better without the pink vest, but I had to include those pictures because I love the vest by itself! I got the vest in the pink color a few years back, however J.Crew has a ton of other fun colors. I love the olive green color for fall!

Hope you all had a great weekend! I was celebrating a wedding on Saturday and slept in on Sunday/worked on projects. After a week-long break from work, I think I'm ready to get back to the office and to my normal routine (including 5:45am spin...never thought I'd see the day!)

xoxo

Friday Night Inspo...

 

Vest: Forever 21 | Shirt: old, similar HERE, HERE & HERE | Pants: Nordstrom (no longer available), very similar | Heels: Banana Republic (obsessed!) | Clutch: Betsey Johnson | Earrings: Nordstrom | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: J.Crew Factory, Alex & Ani | Lipstick: Bobbi Brown - Soft Rose 

My Friday and Saturday nights usually consist of two things: good friends and drinks downtown. Hanging out with friends is always a fun time, however I hate how hot I get in the bars! That's why I LOVE faux fur vests - they're easy to throw on over a blouse or lightweight sweater but they're not too bulky or hot when you're stuck in a corner booth. Plus they're so chic for the colder months! I bought mine from Forever 21 I think a year ago,  but I'm obsessing over a lot of their faux fur vests from this season too. I really like this shorter version too - it's on my wish list for Christmas! Yes I've already made my wish list... 

On another note, I'm now on day 4 of my "stay-cation" and I've actually been quite productive! My mom was in town most of the week, so we spent a lot of time shooting blog posts and running errands for our weekend plans. I'm a personal attendant in a wedding this weekend so I've been prepping for that! Woohoo for, yet again, another wedding! I think this is my last one until next spring... but we'll see!

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.

Boyfriend Blazer...

Blazer: Mural | Tee: Halogen | Denim: Paige, similar under $100 | Pumps: J.Crew Factory | Sunnies: Ray-Ban | Bag: Tory Burch, similar under $100 | Necklace: Kate Spade | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: J.Crew Factory, Alex & Ani | Ring: Madewell | Lipgloss: NARS - Turkish Delight

What's better than a boyfriend blazer? A pink boyfriend blazer! One reason I prefer boyfriend blazers over structured ones is because they are usually longer in length and in the sleeves. I usually roll my sleeves anyways, but this blazer has extra long sleeves and it would be perfect for those of you with longer arms! I recently wore this out to dinner and I received quite a few compliments on the color! If you're not into bright pink, it comes in a lot of other colors (black, pastel pink, sherbet, teal and white!!) and I'm also obsessing over this adorable blazer with a cape - it would be perfect for date night or girls night out this fall and winter! I ordered it in a small and it gave me the slouchy look I was hoping for. 

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On to something a little deeper... I want to leave you today with a quote from the Facebook page ProThirtyOne (written by Samantha Ponder): "Happiness, in my opinion, isn't a worthwhile ultimate goal. There is no happy without sad, no rejoicing without mourning. I want peace. Peace in struggle and triumph, loss and victory. Happiness is free, and it's available everywhere..."

Although buying a new boyfriend blazer might give you initial happiness, I hope you find peace in the confidence you'll receive from my blog's uplifting messaging. And that, my friends, is one of the few things you'll find on here that's FREE! Have a great Wednesday and thanks so much for reading :)

Photos by Jordan Stumbo.