Better (Black) Basics

All black doesn't have to be dreary! Try finding basic pieces that have a slight....edge to them. These faux-leather leggings from Mint LA Boutique are easy to pair with casual and dressy pieces! I actually wore these leggings on NYE with a silk blouse and it totally dressed up my look (outfit to come on the blog). Adding dressy pieces like pointed flats, faux-leather leggings or even bright lipstick to an outfit can make a simple look turn unique and chic!

How was everyone's weekend? I visited my boyfriend Joe and his family in the Iowa Falls area. I had a quick dose of reality when driving over here; I encountered an ice storm on my way! Cars on the highway were going only 35mph and eventually my car started sliding around. Long story short, I had to park my car at a friend's house while Joe drove over in his truck to come get me! Learned my lesson on that one...

Joe and I are going to the ISU vs. KU basketball game in Ames tonight.. who's going?? Hoping for a big W against the Jayhawks! 

Thanks for reading! See you Wednesday.

Vest: The North Face
T-Shirt: J.Crew
Faux Leather Leggings: Mint LA Boutique, not online, purchased at W. Des Moines location
Flats: Ann Taylor, not online, similar here 
Earrings: Vince Camuto, not online, similar here 
Lips: Stila "Fiore"

Jeweled Navy

Happy Friday! Today's weather definitely calls for some layering, as it is freezing outside as well as drizzling/sleeting in our area. These turtlenecks from J.Crew are becoming another favorite of mine. They go so well with vests, blazers, or just alone. Plus they're the "tissue cotton", so they're lightweight and will transition nicely into the spring months. I have my eye on a coral one from J.Crew Factory (linked below). Vests go well with turtlenecks because you can easily take them off when you're inside without losing some of the cuteness factor :) I could go on and on about how much I love these turtlenecks but I don't want to bore you so JUST GO BUY ONE!

I'm also finding a lot of great online deals recently that I have to share with all of you. J.Crew Factory is having an additional 40% off all of their clearance items. They have a lot of spring/summer shorts for cheap available - a great opportunity to stock up before Spring Break. Nordstom also put a ton of their winter items on sale at up to 50% off! And who could forget the VS Semi-Annual Sale?? Lord knows I didn't... Happy shopping! Thanks for reading!

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Vest: Gap, old, similar here in black  

Turtleneck: J.Crew (Factory has them on sale for $7!! GO NOW!)

Jeans: Hudson

Boots: Ecco

Necklace: J.Crew Factory 

Bracelets: Forever 21

Lipstick: MAC Divine Choice 

Neon

Ok so let me tell you a funny story about this beautiful blue coat of mine. This fall I went shopping with a friend at J. Crew Factory and fell head-over-heels in love with this coat. I needed a new pea coat that was longer (I only had a short one), it was a stand-out color that I loved, AND it was on major clearance. Impossible to pass up, right??? I texted my mom and sister, Emily, a picture of the coat asking what they thought, but unfortunately my phone died soon after, so I didn't see their responses in time. I ended up buying the coat that day and taking it home. As soon as I plugged in my phone, I found almost 50 text messages waiting from my sister.....turns out, she too had bought THE SAME COAT in the same beautiful blue color earlier that morning! I ended up calling her right away and we both started hysterically laughing.... we've both grown up but we still wear matching outfits! 

Anyways, I'm starting to embrace neons and bright colors! I have always struggled with wearing colors, however my blue coat and lime green sweater pair quite nicely together, and I'm not having that hard of a time finding more things for my coat and sweater to go with either. Also, my mom got both my sister and I these fun houndstooth infinity scarves for Christmas (see....still matching all the time!), and it's soooo warm and HUGE! Nothing like a warm and soft scarf on a very chilly day!

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Thanks for reading! See you Friday...

Coat: J.Crew Factory, no longer available, similar here 
Sweater: J.Crew
Scarf: Dornink
Jeans: BCBGeneration, similar here 
Purse: Aldo, similar here  
Lipstick: MAC Devine Choice 

Flushed in Blush

I've missed you all! After a very long break from blogging, I'm finally back to some fun outfit posts! One of my New Year's resolutions is to be more consistent with blogging, so I will be sharing a lot more of my life with all of you, and I'm excited to hear more from you all as well. Back to my outfit...

I am definitely becoming more comfortable with wearing colors other than white and black (I know those aren't really colors..). After purchasing this sweater at Forever 21, I am now becoming obsessed with cable knit sweaters. They're comfortable and easy to pair with collared shirts, belts, and lots of sparkly necklaces! 

Thanks so much for reading. Have a great day!

Sweater: Forever 21, similar here 
Jeans: BCBGeneration, similar here 
Shoes: J.Crew Factory ON SALE!!
Clutch: J.Crew, similar here  
Necklace: J.Crew Factory, similar here 
Bracelets: Forever 21
Ring: vintage (gifted)