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!

Favorite Versatile Pieces...

If you're a longtime follower of this blog, you've probably noticed that I like to rotate items in my closet every season. Like every 23 year old, I live on a budget, so it's important for me to invest in pieces that I can re-wear in different ways! Today I'm excited to share 8 different ways I re-wear some of my most favorite, versatile pieces in my closet!

   ^^^sneak peak of next week's outfit!  

Item #1: Quality Denim 

Every girl NEEDS a pair of quality denim jeans because it's a sure thing that you'll wear them over and over again. Jeans are so versatile to wear; they can be dressed down to run errands or they can be dressed up with a blazer for the office (like above!). I'm a firm believer that if you invest in one nice pair of flattering jeans, you'll find that's the only pair you'll need. I love this pair that I bought during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale because they fit true to size and they hug my figure without losing shape like a "jegging" would. They are a true denim pant in every aspect. 

Favorite denim brands: Paige, 7FAM, J Brand

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Item #2: Floppy Hat

Floppy hats are my new favorite piece for fall - they add an instant chic-factor to almost any outfit! I love wearing mine while wrapped up in slouchy sweaters and turtlenecks. They definitely give off a 70's vibe that's very "in" this season! What's even better is the price point for my hat - $28! There are a ton of hat options at affordable price points, and they are easy to find at your local department store. 

Favorite fall hats: HERE, HERE & HERE

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Item #3: Investment Bag

So I went back and forth for 2 years before I decided to pull the trigger on this bag. I do not regret this purchase one bit! This bag is so superior to all the other bags I've ever owned. The leather is so soft and it's roomy enough for a wallet, laptop, cell phone, coin purse, etc. It was definitely an investment that I saved up for, but I know it's something that I will carry for years to come. If it's been on your wish lists for months (or in my case, years) and you can swing it, you will not regret investing in one of these bags!

Favorite designer bag brands: Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Michael Kors

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Item #4: Animal Print Pumps 

You'd be surprised, but I wear these pumps more often than not! To me, animal print pieces can be considered a neutral in your closet, so I tend to wear these pumps with solid color dresses for special occasions, black ponte pants for at work and with my favorite jeans for a fun night out with friends. They are seriously beautiful and not to mention versatile!

Favorite animal print pumps: HERE, HERE & HERE

Thanks so much for reading! xoxo

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.

Monday blues...

Denim Jacket: Old Navy | Tank: Topshop | Jeans: 7FAM | Pumps: old, Sam Edelman option | Bag: Tory Burch | Sunnies: Madewell | Watch: Michael Kors on sale! | Bracelets: Alex & Ani, J.Crew Factory | Ring: Madewell | Necklace: Kate Spade | Lipstick: MAC - Patisserie 

No Monday blues here! After working a lot of long hours and running around non stop on the weekends I finally decided to take a weeklong stay-cation! I don't normally take this much time off but I think it was long overdue... I have empty pictures frames all around my apartment that I bought this spring! Oops! But in all reality, I'm just fortunate that I can get a little me-time during this gorgeous fall weather. I mean really, October in Iowa is seriously gorgeous!

Speaking of weather, this outfit would be perfect for a cool fall day. My light wash denim jacket is a staple for me during the summer, but it would look adorable with a blanket scarf over this Topshop tank. I just bought one that would look perfect with this outfit but I didn't want to wait to snap these photos! Also this tank is so versatile and I'm pretty sure it's shown up in a few other outfits on my Instagram. I have a hard time resisting anything pink so obviously this tank ended up in my shopping cart! But it's a steal at $28 so it was a guilt-free purchase :) 

Hope you're not dealing with the Monday blues! Thanks for reading, xoxo!

Photos by Jordan Stumbo.