Green & Gold

Blouse (Banana Republic); Sweater (The Limited); Jeans (Express); Shoes (Payless); Bag (Nine West); Watch (Fossil); Bracelet (Gifts and The Limited); Sunglasses (Elle for Kohls); Necklace (Karma from Dogeared)


This is a perfect casual Friday look for the office...  I typically don't pair green and gold together unless it's Sunday and I'm cheering for my favorite football team, but this pop of mustard yellow is the perfect fall color.  And these shoes are cute and comfy - and from Payless!  If you haven't checked out the Payless lineup in some time, it's worth a look... lots of designer shoes at great prices!

Cozy

Sweater (Gap); Tank (H&M); Pants (Victoria's Secret); Scarf (Loft); Shoes (Nordstrom); Ring (The Limited); Necklace (Cherie Consignment Boutique)

Anything cable knit (especially sweaters) just makes me feel cozy. I think everyone should own one cable knit sweater - whether fitted, slouchy, cropped, or oversized. It's classic, comfortable, warm, and reminiscent of being a kid around the holidays (and if your parents didn't put you in a chunky holiday sweater, you should consider yourself lucky).  And no need to adjust your computer screen... my giant feet really do look like a pair of skis in pointy heels, but I love these shoes too much to care!

Denim & Leather

Sweater (Marshalls); Vest (Macy's); Skirt (Stolen from my Mom); Tights (Kohls); Boots (Nine West find at Marshalls); Earrings (Kohls); Sunglasses (Kohls)

If I could wear this leather skirt every day I would... It's one of my favorite things - not only because it's utterly fabulous, but because my Mom used to rock it back it in the day.  Brown and black is such a great combo, and adding the blue in the vest and earrings brings in some nice color.  Not sure I'm biker rally ready, but I certainly feel tough in this denim and leather look :)

Shark Bait

Shark costume (Target)

I'm not big on dressing up for Halloween - but dressing up Rex?  Now that's a different story!  This year he is shark bait... and I'm not sure what embarrasses him more - his Halloween costume or his super masculine leopard bed (it's likely the combination of the two).  When you're only 7 pounds, you unfortunately don't get to call many shots in life.  But don't worry too much about Rex, he has a very good life :)  Happy Halloween everyone!

Friday Find



NailTek II Intensive Therapy (Ulta)



This find was recommended to me by a friend who swore by it... and now I'm doing the same!  I was not blessed with nice nails... they peel, they crack, they're dry and brittle - the list goes on.  You are supposed to use this as a base and top coat, and reapply as a top coat each day of a 7 day manicure.  I just use it every day on it's own, and I even get compliments on my "professionally manicured" nails!  My nails are stronger, no more peeling, and they look professionally maintained...  For $9, it's so worth it!

Life Imitating T-shirt



Jacket (H&M); Girl T-shirt (Gift - Kohls); Layering T-shirt (Old Navy); Jeans (Express); Shoes (Nine West); Watch (Fossil); Necklace (Gifts); Bracelet (Gift)



This T-shirt is in support of fighting breast cancer, and was a gift from my Grandma - who fought and won the battle against the disease.   So this shirt means a lot to me for many reasons, and influenced my look for today.  What you see in the last picture is my terrified little Rex, who is apparently deathly afraid of walking on bridges (that was actually his least pathetic looking picture if you can believe it).  Here's to my Grandma, and the millions of other breast cancer survivors, you are an inspiration to us all!

Welcome Wagon

Jacket (Nordstrom); Shirt (H&M); Scarf (The Loft); Pants (Express); Shoes (Nine West); Sunglasses (Target); Watch (Fossil)

After a couple of days traveling for work, this was my look after I updated my jacket and shoes for a quick transformation from my airport attire.  I love this jean blazer - it has a casual jean vibe with a more tailored look.  And this scarf just makes me happy every time I wear it - the bright color/floral combination is an instant mood booster!  Lastly, I added green suede shoes to liven up the black.  I couldn't wait to get back from my trip to see Rex - doesn't he look just thrilled to welcome me home? :)

Tickled Pink



Jacket (Target); Dress (JCPenney); Shoes (Naturalizer Outlet); Sunglasses (JCPenney); Watch (Fossil); Bracelet (Gift); Necklaces (Gifts); Belt (Stolen from another dress); Earrings (Nordstrom)



I'm quite proud of this pink number because it defies an Urban Shopping Myth (the myth of the fabulous magazine find that is no where to be found).  I found this dress flipping through an Oprah magazine, and it was featured in the "Great Buys Under $100" section.  It's Nicole by Nicole Miller and one of the most wonderful things I had ever seen.  So I went to JCPenney hopeful to find it (which is nearly impossible with an item featured by Oprah)... and lo and behold, it was in the clearance section AND in my size - done and done! 



Triple Threat

Shirt (The Limited); Tank (H&M); Skirt (The Limited); Shoes (Nine West); Sunglasses (JCPenney); Watch (Fossil); Bracelets (JCPenney)

This is a triple threat skirt - it's short, high waisted, and creates curves (best threat of all!) I wanted to showcase the fun purple color so I kept my shirt and shoes black and white.  While the weather was nice enough for bare legs, I can't wait to "winterize" this skirt with tights and boots.  I am going to try and shop my closet this winter season to see how many outfits I can create with my spring/summer gear - and I challenge you to do the same :)

Friday Find

Aldo Terry Cloth Insoles

I looooove my high heels... and the higher the better.  Except for when it comes to walking in a few of them.  I definitely can relate to Oprah when she refers to her "sitting shoes" - I have more than a few pairs of those.  These Terry Cloth Insoles from Aldo are a tiny miracle.  Get them in a half size smaller than your shoe size, and they literally turn a painful walk in your cruelest heels into a cushioned stroll on cloud 9.  For $7.99 these are the best investments for your best investments :)  And just when you thought they couldn't get any better - they are washable!!! 

What's Your Color?



Trench Coat (Kenneth Cole): Dress (Target); Sunglasses (JCPenney); Tights (Kohls); Shoes (Kohls); Earrings (Gift)


Tights are an easy and inexpensive way to mix up your looks and add color to an outfit. And there are so many different options when it comes to colored tights! There's something for every style - whether you like bold hues, subtle color, or color patterns.  I opted for maroon, which seemed to go with mostly everything. I'm crazy about these shoes I recently picked up at Kohls - and to balance the tight/shoe combo which gives this look some personality, I kept the top half simple with a cream colored trench.  

In & Out



Hat (H&M); Shirt (The Limited); Sweater (Banana Republic Outlet); Skirt (The Limited); Shoes #1 (Naturalizer);  Shoes #2 (Payless); Watch (Fossil); Necklace (Cherie Consignment Boutique); Bracelets (JCPenney)

For some reason I keep forgetting it's late October and I live in Minnesota. I refuse to put away my open toe shoes and I'm not quite ready for tights... just a few more weeks, please?   While the first look works for inside the office, I had to add a bit more warmth for outside...  I love how a quick shoe change and hat addition can completely change your look!  Oh and my little Rex is wearing a leash and collar by Petsmart ;)

Cool Cat

Trench Coat (Gap Outlet); Scarf (Francesca's); Shirt (Target); Jeans (Express); Necklace (The Limited); Shoes (Franco Sarto find at Marshalls); Sunglasses (JCPenney); Earrings (Nordstrom)

There's just something about leopard print that is so effortlessly cool (in moderation of course). I love the contrast the shades of blue in the jeans, shirt, and necklace make with the bold leopard print.  And I've been looking for a pair of cat eye sunglasses, which I found at JCPenney for under $5... seriously!!!  I never spend more than $10 on sunglasses since you can always find them for less, and without fail I lose and/or break at least 2 pairs a year... Plus it's an easy and fun accessory that can change up any outfit!

Neutral Point of View



Dress (Gap); Scarf (Ann Taylor Loft); Shoes (Franco Sarto find at Marshalls); Sunglasses (Target); Watch (Fossil): Bracelet (The Limited); Bangles (Nordstrom)

The thought of combining various shades of brown, black, and gray makes me yawn - but put them together and the look results in simple sophistication.  Throwing together colors you typically wouldn't is a great way of making clothes seem new again, and it may surprise you! Worn on a Monday, this was a also somewhat of a mourning outfit of a fantastic weekend that I didn't want to end...   Curse you Monday!

Friday Find

I have to thank my mom for this Friday's Find... she encouraged me to read The Hunger Games-  and I literally couldn't put it down.  The Hunger Games trilogy is a young-adult adventure/science fiction series written by Suzanne Collins. I've only finished the first book (The Hunger Games) and I'm just dying to read the next two.  It's is one of the most captivating books I've read in a long time.... the kind that where you want so badly to find out what's going to happen next, yet at the same time you don't want the story to end.
You won't be disappointed!

Shine On

Sweater (The Limited); Tank (Ann Taylor Loft); Jeans (Levis); Purse (Urban Expressions find at Nordstrom Rack); Shoes (Tahari find at Marshalls); Watch (Fossil); Bracelets (Karma Bracelet and Gift); Necklace (Cherie Consignment Boutique)



Whenever I'm feeling less than shiny, I put on something with sequins and/or shine...  And I'm not sure what it is about the sparkle, but it does the trick!  Pretty soon my outward shine makes its way inside and I'm walking taller and feeling confident.  Who knew such power existed in a small shiny disc?  So whenever you are having one of those days - reach into your closet and grab the one thing that always makes you feel good... and feel better! 

Girl Power

Blouse (The Limited); Necklace (Ann Taylor); Belt (Target); Skirt (The Limited); Shoes (Nine West); Watch (Fossil); Bracelets (JCPenney); Sunglasses (Elle for Kohls)

I always feel extra girly when wearing a full floral skirt - and with a tucked in blouse and belt the look has an updated 1950's silhouette.  And while I do enjoy 50's fashion and music, I'd fail miserably at being a diligent homemaker and obedient wife (cringe)... 
So instead, I'll look the part :)

Anchors Away



Blazer (H&M); Shirt (H&M); Black Jeans (Express); Shoes (Nine West); Sunglasses (Target); Watch (Fossil); Earrings (Gift)



When I saw this black sequin anchor T-shirt at H&M, I had to have it immediately.  It's the perfect combination of two of my favorite things; sparkle and anything nautical (not to mention the $11 price tag).  While I don't wear this fabulous shirt nearly as often as I should (is every day too much?), it's a great compliment to add some fun to an otherwise serious blazer.  The black on bottom keeps the look office appropriate, or add your favorite blue jeans for an easy put together weekend look.

Touch of Volume

Dress (Vera Wang for Kohls); Jacket (Vera Wang for Kohls); Scarf (Ann Taylor Loft); Belt (Stolen from another dress); Shoes (Nine West); Earrings (Gift); Watch (Fossil)

This is dress I think I wore to a wedding once, and it's just been sitting in my closet ever since...  Adding a cute short sleeve jacket (a sweater would work too), and a belt makes this dress less wedding and more casual.  And throwing on a scarf as a final touch transforms this into a fun look that works for pretty much any occasion.  You'd be surprised at how you can dress down your "special occasion" numbers - it's a great way to get more longevity out of those pieces and add variety to your wardrobe.

Friday Find

Rimmel Stay Glossy Lip Gloss in Non-Stop Glamour and Always Lovely

For under $5, Rimmel makes a fantastic lip gloss that doesn't feel sticky and lasts for about 2-3 hours (which is the longest I've experienced any lip gloss to actually "stay glossy").  My favorite color is the non-stop glamour which adds a golden sheen to bare lips, and a nice shine over any lipstick.  And for the low price, you can afford to experiment with lots of colors, and be glossy every day of the week!

Be Yourself

 



Tank (Marshalls); Shorts (The Limited); Scarf (The Limited); Earrings (Target); Shoes (Target); Watch (Fossil); Bracelets (JCPenney)



 Who would have thought October would still be shorts weather in Minnesota?  Certainly not me, but I'll take it!  Since the weather has been so bright and shiny, I thought my outfit should be too.  The floral scarf is a great fall transition piece (before we need to break out the heavy duty ones), and the leopard flats are a nice balance to the louder colors. 

One of my favorite quotes from Steve Jobs: "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice."

Bucket of Paws

Image by Jessica Barker Photography

If this doesn't make you smile I don't know what will... Any dog owner can attest to the power of four paws and a wagging tail at the end of a long day. Seeing how the most simple things bring them the most joy (a walk, a treat, a new squeak toy), helps put life into perspective.  My little bucket of Rex paws is what's making me happy today :)

The Higher the Heel...



Shirt (Target); Shorts (H&M); Shoes (Target); Bag (Bueno find from Amazon.com); Watch (Fossil); Earrings (The Limited); Sunglasses (Target)



Have you heard the phrase, "The higher the hair, the closer to God"?   Replace the "hair" with "heel" and I completely agree! As long as that higher heel is a wedge....which keeps the odds of avoiding a broken ankle in my favor. My outfit is dominated by fabulous Tarjay (yes the fancy Target) finds - and they are everywhere!  From shoes, to jewelry, to doggy Halloween costumes (oh just wait!!!) - Target has it all...

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Dress (Calvin Klein find at Marshalls); Belt (Target); Shoes (Elle for Kohls); Bag (Urban Expressions find at Nordstrom Rack); Sunglasses (Elle for Kohls); Watch (Fossil); Bangles (Nordstrom)



Whenever I wear this dress I feel very "Breakfast at Tiffany's" - this outfit is equal parts feminine, classic, and no nonsense business professional (no nonsense = no smiling).  The zipper detail bag (my new favorite) adds some edge, and I love these color block wedges.  The best part of about this outfit?  Not one piece cost more than $50... which means I can still afford breakfast :)