Feeling Fancy

Blouse (Gap); Sweater (Marshalls); Jeans (Express); Earrings (Nordstrom); Pearls (JCPenney); Bangles (Banana Republic Outlet)

We all have those pieces in our closets reserved for special occasions.  Maybe they have some sparkle, are covered in sequins, or are just fancier than what you'd typically wear on a given weekday...  And usually these items sit in our closets until there is a party, wedding, or "event".  Seriously what are we saving these things for?!  You can dress down these items by pairing them with jeans, a denim vest, T-shirt, etc - and  easily expand your wardrobe by rotating these special occasion pieces into everyday wear.  That's the story of my black sequin sweater, formerly only worn once on New Year's Eve... which I solemnly swear won't happen again!

Shoe Fairy

Dress (Banana Republic Outlet); Sweater (Gap); Vest (Macy's); Tights (Kohls); Shoes (Naughty Monkey); Sunglasses (Kohls); Bracelets (JCPenny): Watch (Fossil)

My friend Tenille came into work wearing these fierce and fabulous shoes, and after gushing over them the second I saw them, she told me they were mine!  After having these beauties in her closet with little wear, she said I'd get much more use out of them...  forget Santa Claus!  I have a Shoe Fairy - and there is nothing better than that!  Thank you Tenille, these heels already have a very special place in my heart and closet ;)

Friday Find



Philosophy: Purity One-Step Facial Cleanser (Sephora)



The best way to describe this product is it's like cashmere for your face... It has a clean and fresh smell and leaves your skin feeling like you just put on moisturizer.  Instead of using a ton of cleansing and toning products - all you need is this one!  Seriously your face feels so clean, glowing, and soft after using this cleanser.  It's definitely more of a splurge at around $20 for 8 oz... so put it on your Christmas list, and your face will thank you!

Night Lights

Sweater (Marshalls); Tank (H&M); Jacket (Marshalls); Scarf (H&M); Jeans (Nordstrom); Boots (Nine West); Bag (TJ Maxx); Watch (Fossil); Bangles (JC Penny); Zorbitz Karma Bracelet (LuckyVitamin.com);

Even thought this picture was taken before 5PM, it looks like a night time shot. Daylight Savings is robbing me of my evenings!  I'm literally ready for bed by 8PM these days...  This outfit is one of my go to looks for happy hour - skinny jeans, boots, sweater, scarf & jacket.  If you haven't noticed, scarves are a staple in my wardrobe. They add an easy polish to any outfit, and are a great way to add color, texture and pattern.  Not to mention their functionality of warmth... which is an added bonus since function in fashion has never been my main concern :)

Vintage

Jacket (Grandma's); Dress (Chill/NY); Leggings (Vera for Kohls); Shoes (Nine West); Sunglasses (JCPenney); Watch (Fossil)

This old jacket of my Grandma's is such a lovely piece...  The gold tones, floral pattern, and cropped elements keep it dressy while still casual, and so timeless! This jacket has literally been worn in every decade for the past 50 years - talk about a return on investment! I love how easily it transitions from an outfit my Mom (pictured above) wore for a wedding, to a fun look I would wear for meeting friends...  But seriously, how cute is my Mom :)

Struttin Boots

Shirt (The Limited); Vest (Marshalls); Jeans (Express); Boots (Impo find at Marshalls); Sunglasses (JCPenney); Pendant (Vintage)

These boots certainly were made for struttin!  And not only because they were total steal at under $50 from Marshalls...  They also do the impossible of making my size 9 and a half clown feet look like a respectable size 7, and for that I cannot thank them enough :)  The faux fur is so fun and has an element of luxe that only a fur look at accomplish.  I'm not sure Rex likes them though - he is very confused by the furry things on my feet!

Rule Breaker

Jacket (Kohls); Sweater (Macy's); Pants (Gap); Belt (Kohls); Scarf (The Limited); Shoes (Naturalizer Outlet); Sunglasses (JC Penney); Earrings (Nordstrom)

 So I know we're all aware that the "rule" against wearing white after Labor Day is long gone - but somehow I still feel like a rebel doing it.  I absolutely love these winter white pants - the only drawbacks is that their length prohibits any heel wearing, and they are never quite as white at the end of the day (no matter how careful I am!)  And I wish this jacket could be worn inside out, because it's just as cute on the inside as it is on the outside :)



Friday Find

Cyber Monday is almost here!  The Monday after Black Friday has become one of the biggest online shopping days of the year - and there is even an official Cyber Monday website!  CyberMonday.com highlights the best deals from over 700 online retailers.  There are featured deals, you can shop by category, store, and free shipping.  If you plan to join the 106 million plus Americans that will be online shopping this Monday - CyberMonday.com is a great resource to bring some method to the madness.

Giving Thanks

Image taken by Jessica Barker Photography

The holiday season officially begins with Thanksgiving and hopefully wherever you are, you are celebrating with the people (and pets!) who mean the most to you.  It's easy to get caught up in trivial nonsense, so remember that this time of year is about making memories with those you love. Which means even if you just got the worst hair cut, are late to dinner, or forget the cranberries... everything you need is around the dinner table (and under the table in Rex's case!)  Happy Thanksgiving and special shout out to my brother in Colorado - we miss you!  But that means the only competition for the wishbone is myself :)

Simple

Dress (H&M); Tank (Target); Shoes (Nine West); Necklace (Gift); Sunglasses (Kohls)

 I love a versatile black dress... this one is a great fall to winter transition piece with the longer sleeves and heavier cotton - it's easy to winterize with boots and a scarf, but also works for those coveted 50 something degree days in November (we've been spoiled with those here in MN, although those days may be sadly behind us).  The top has some personality with the pockets, wrap style, and collar - but really this look couldn't be more simple.  Gotta love an outfit that consists basically of one piece!

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

The most beautiful tree in NYC on a rainy day

Times Square

Tree Lights at Rockerfeller Center

Empire State view at the Top of the Rock

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is my favorite book because it so beautifully captures the things in life I never want to lose sight of: innocence, honesty, and hope.  And even though my favorite tree (pic 1) is not in Brooklyn, it's still in New York and it's all the same to a Midwesterner like me!  I got to go to New York for a couple days for work, and these pictures are my favorite moments.  There is nothing that can compare to the sights, sounds, and energy of New York - it's a place like no other, and it was so much fun to experience the magic firsthand!

Sponsored By

Jacket (Stolen from my mom); Scarf (Cynthia Rae); Shirt (Gift from The Loft); Jeans (Express); Shoes (Nine West); Earrings (Stolen from my mom); Watch (Fossil)

Between the earrings, jacket, and sequin tank - this look is proudly sponsored by my Mom :)  For anyone who hasn't raided their mother's closet lately, I highly recommend it!  There are decades of great finds that probably haven't been worn in a while that can easily be updated.  So, Mom hide your favorites - because the next time I'm home I plan on going on a shopping spree!  Not joking by the way...

Friday Find

Boots No7 Highlights Illuminating Lotion &  Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Eye Cream (Target)

Boots No7 is the UK’s best-selling make up and skin care brand, with a range of quality and affordable products from cleansers to beauty serum. I have tried the Protect & Perfect eye cream ($19.99) - which is the perfect lightweight eye cream that helps to brighten the eye area and reduce the look of dark circles. I've also used the Highlights Illuminating Lotion ($12.99), which is a pearly pink light reflecting lotion that works to illuminate your skin and highlight cheek bones. You can certainly spend much more on quality skin care - but there's no need...  The next time you are in Target, check this line out!

Weekend Favorite

Sweater (Loft); Layering T-Shirt (Old Navy); Leggings (Victoria's Secret); Socks (Kohls); Shoes (Macy's); Belt (Target); Sunglasses (Target)



A sweater over leggings with boots is a weekend favorite for me... it's simple, comfortable, and still looks pulled together. Pairing knee high socks with boots is a great way to stay warm, and it's an easy update to your boots without spending a lot of money.  Plus it works with leggings, skinny jeans, skirts, dresses, and tights.   Is it Friday yet???

Red Scarves for Everyone!

Jacket (Kohls); Shirt (Francesca's); Jeans (Express); Scarf (Gift); Shoes (Kohls); Sunglasses (JCPenney)

Yes Rex and I are wearing matching red scarves :)  You can see just how thrilled he is about it in the second picture. I scored this lightweight motorcycle jacket from Kohls for next to nothing, and it's one of my favorite pieces to jazz up an outfit.  And pairing red, white, blue, and black is such a great classic color combo... Just ask Rex!  I know he loves the way it plays up his black and brown fur ;)

So 70's

Dress (Nine West find at Marshalls); Pants (Express); Necklace (The Limited); Shoes (Kohls); Sunglasses (JC Penney); Socks (Target); Watch (Fossil)

The bold and colorful flower print in this dress worn as a shirt has a great 70's vibe.  As long as you have a dress that isn't too bulky and pants that aren't too tight, you can tuck your dress in and create new looks with those summer dresses you thought you had to put away.  And adding fun printed dress socks are a great way to extend the life of your sandals and open toe heels as the weather gets colder.  It's fun getting style inspiration from the past... just tread lightly with the 80's :)

Crossroads

Sweater (Marshalls); Pants (The Limited); Belt (Old Navy); Necklace (The Limited); Shoes (Nine West); Watch (Fossil); Earrings (Norstrom)

Have you ever been at the point where you have no idea how your life is supposed to turn out... and you just want to hide from the world?  That's how today started (not to mention it's also a Monday), and this outfit was my attempt to "fake it till I make it".  If I was wearing what I was feeling like, I would have shown up to work in sweats with greasy hair and my dog.  Whoever says they don't believe in magic clearly has never owned red pants and a leopard belt :)

Friday Find

So I'm sure I'm the last one to get on the Zumba train - but I recently went to a class with my friend Sara and it was the most fun I've ever had working out.  Zumba is a Latin inspired dance fitness program - which basically means you dance to fun music (and can burn up to 900 calories in one hour!).  I'm uncoordinated, have little rhythm, and my booty shaking is just pathetic... but dancing to high energy music like no one was watching was the most empowering thing I've done in a long time.  If you haven't checked out this fitness craze, you have got to try it...  If I can do it - I promise you can too!

Basics



Shirt (Gap); Jeans (Express); Scarf (The Limited); Shoes (Franco Sarto find at Marshalls); Earrings (The Limited); Watch (Fossil); Sunglasses (Kohls)


Sometimes a shirt and jeans is just a shirt and jeans... add a scarf and heels and you're good to go!  A white button down shirt and jeans is such a simple and timeless look - and you can always dress it up or down with accessories... And when you want to frame up a great pair of shoes, cuff your jeans!  Yes your ankles may get a bit chilly, but heels should be celebrated, not hidden :)



Mix & Match

Shirt (Marshalls); Skirt (The Limited); Tights (JCPenney); Shoes (Nine West); Pendant (Vintage); Watch (Fossil); Earrings (Nordstrom)

Mixing patterns can be a fun way to create new looks with items you already own - and it works!  You may not think your striped top goes with your floral skirt or scarf, but you may be surprised to see that mixing actually matches... plus it's just fun to create new looks by pairing things you typically don't.  I know I get bored wearing the same outfits - and these were two pieces I ususally don't put together - but certainly will again!

Poncho Chic

Sweater (H&M); Layering T (Old Navy); Leggings (Victoria's Secret); Hat (Francesca's); Boots (Payless)

What's better than wearing a blanket all day? And when you add leggings, you really can't get much more comfortable!  And these gray boots from Payless are the perfect shopping boot. The importance of shopping in flats is something I realized the Black Friday I went shopping in Chicago in 4+ inch heeled boots...  By hour 5 I literally couldn't walk (oops!).  And the houndstooth fedora finishes off the black/white color contrast - plus it's just fun :)

Professional Edge

Shirt (Gap); Skirt (Banana Republic Outlet); Tights (Nordstrom); Necklace (The Limited); Sunglasses (Kohls); Watch (Fossil); Bracelet (Gift); Earrings (Nordstrom); Shoes (Kohls)


This oufit sort of reminds of a T-shirt tuxedo - formal, but ready to party.  That's how I feel in this look which I refer to as business professional with an edge.  While the button down shirt and skirt is pretty basic, the tights and shoes add a fun dynamic.  Sweater tights are such a great way to stay warm and integrate various designs/colors/textures to your outfits - and they're durable (I've had this pair for 2 years now)!

Friday Find

Leopard fleece gloves (Target)

So last week during a typical Target shopping trip (ya know - the kind where you need a box of kleenex and walk out of the store $60 later...) I found these leopard fleece gloves for $4.99.  They are going to be perfect to jazz up my winter coats, plus they are just too fun!  I have the same issue with gloves as I do with sunglasses - either one or both of the pair are always missing.  I'm so ready for when the trend of mismatch gloves comes around :)