Just a couple fun ideas (all $100 or less!) to help you get ready for spring break! Shopbop is having an awesome sale until midnight tonight, and they have a ton of fun pieces that are perfect for spring break and summer. If you've never shopped from their site before, you'll be happy to know that they carry some of the best designers, offer free 3-day delivery AND offer free returns! It doesn't get much better than that :) Enter BIGEVENT14 at checkout. Happy shopping!
Monday, February 24, 2014
Sunday Uniform
Sweater: Chicos, similar, similar and similar | Vest: Forever 21 | Leggings: Ann Taylor LOFT | Shoes: Ann Taylor, similar | Necklace: J.Crew Factory, similar | Bracelets: Francesca's Collections and Giggleosophy, similar and similar | Sunnies: old, similar and similar | Purse: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target (sold out), similar and swooning for this
Good morning! This weekend I was home enjoying Des Moines and tending to blogging meetings. I love coming home - I feel so refreshed and ready to conquer school and work in Iowa City!
I've owned this sweater for 3 years and I frequently get asked where I purchased it. The answer may surprise you! My mom and I went shopping together and we stopped into Chicos...yes, Chicos. I had always thought this store was for women in their 30s and onward, not for a 18 year old. This is one of my mom's favorite places to shop, so when we stopped in I wasn't expecting to find something for myself. When I found this sweater, I couldn't help but try it on and I'm so happy I did! I still go in there with or without my mom on occasion and find lots of good pieces for my wardrobe, so ladies, don't always judge a store by what age you think is appropriate!
Friday, February 21, 2014
Velvet...
Dress: Banana Republic, similar & similar, Tights: Target, Pumps: Madden Girl, Necklace: J.Crew, similar & similar, Bracelets: Francesca's Collections, similar & similar
Sometimes it just feels good to get dressed up! I had the best time last week with Justin at the Old Capitol Museum snapping photos and taking in all the sights. The building is so breathtaking and is full of history, it felt only natural to be a little more formally dressed in such a beautiful place.
I love a good LDB. My velvet dress from Banana Republic is a staple in my closet, and I may or may not have worn this dress two years in a row for Christmas Eve mass! When shopping for an LBD, look for quality stitching, fabrics and thickness. I always run my hands through the material to really make sure it's not too sheer or see-through. Black is surprisingly sheer in almost all materials, so keep that in mind when shopping! This dress is definitely my winter LBD given that it's velvet, but it's one of two LBD's that I own, and I wear both of them on repeat because they are quality, timeless pieces.
Thanks for reading! See you Monday :)
Photography by Justin Torner Photography
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Happy 1st Birthday, Stylin' Iowan Blog!
Dress: similar & similar, Coat: J.Crew Factory, similar & similar, Necklace: J.Crew, Pumps: Madden Girl, Bracelets: Francesca's Collections, GroopDealz
One year ago today I started this little blog, and every day I am amazed at how far it has come. A year ago, I had no idea what HTML was, the difference between a Nikon and a Canon, what affiliates programs were, or what the heck #OOTD meant. I am shocked and humbled that I have readers who come to my blog every day to see what's going on in my life here in Iowa, and I couldn't have asked for a better first year as a style blogger.
Thank you to my loving family, my supportive friends, and to all of YOU reading out there. You give me the confidence to keep blogging, but most importantly, to keep growing as a person.
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Now, to a less sappy topic: notice anything different about SI today? Last year I contacted Aubrey Kinch, a super talented graphic designer, about redesigning my blog for it's first birthday, and after a couple brainstorming sessions, Aubrey brought my idea to life. I am so happy with how the blog looks, and am so impressed by her work! I highly recommend her if you're looking for a new website/blog design. Thank you Aubrey!
Last but certainly not least, thank you to Justin Torner for taking these photos for me. Justin and I met at Creative Week last fall, and I am so happy we were able to collaborate. Justin is a very talented, local photographer that I highly suggest! Look out for more photos from him on Friday!
In terms of dressing for special occasions, there's only one way to go, and that's to sparkle and shine. "Soft" sequins are fun and festive, and you'll easily own any room. I can't wait to show you the photos Justin took for Friday! See you then. Thanks for reading!
Photography by Justin Torner Photography



















