Happy Halloween: DIY Costume Style

My husband put it best: "Nobody has as much fun around the holidays as you do." And he's right. I love celebrating everything to the fullest no matter how much time it takes or planning it involves and Halloween is no exception. 

As my second favorite holiday, I take it very seriously ;) The hubby and I tried to agreed on a couples costume for weeks (sadly, he wasn't as fond as my Gatsby + Daisy idea as I was). But when he mentioned Calvin + Hobbes, I smiled at the thought of it -- it was cute & clever so I got right to work on my costume...

The stenciling took way more time than I planned on, but I was pretty happy with it in the end -- there were plenty of "tiger" costumes that I saw online which would have made it easier, but I wasn't sweet on the idea of turning Hobbes into a Lover's Lane sex symbol (really guys?) 

Top: TJ Maxx // Tights: D+K Seamless Leggings // Felt: Hobby Lobby // Boots: c/o Just Fab

Presenting...a modern female version of Hobbes!

 

And of course, my partner in crime: Calvin (trust us, the can of hair dye SAID yellow). So, we'll go with punk rock Calvin?

Shirt: Haggar // Jeans: Wrangler // Shoes: Vans

Calvin's thought bubble (conveniently left behind) was the starter to our conversation. Don't worry, I still shared mine proudly ;) 

Though there were a few hiccups on our presentation, it was fun to pay homage to one of the greatest comic strips (and to another pair of best friends)

What do you think of our costume? Did you dress up this year?

Rocked it & Swapped it

By now you guys know our amazing intern Rebecca of the blog [oomph.] (if you haven't yet, make sure to follow her...she has amazing style!) In August, I bought this beautiful necklace for her at Charming Charlie and decided that the "one for you, one for me" rule would work here just fine ;) 

We've watched her style the necklace a few times, but this leopard look was my favorite. I finally wore mine to the designer pop-up shop a few weeks ago and don't know how I haven't worn it 10 times by now! ;) 

Here is how we both styled our emerald statement necklace:

I just love how a great necklace can make the look!

Because Kaitlyn Loves Layering

Top: Target (similar) // Vest: TJ Maxx (similar under $20!) // Jeans: H&M // Flats: Forever 21 (similar) // Bag: c/o Just Fab

Necklace: House of Gemmes // Bracelets: Forever 21

What is your go-to layers look?

Because Lisa Broke out the Tights!

 

 

It's tight weather again....YES! ;)

I enjoy wearing tights in the fall and winter to transition some of my dresses into year round wear. I recently picked up this Blank Nation Dress at the pop-up shop we worked at and I really like that I can rock it anytime of year.

I love the bright blue mixed with the neutral stripes in this pattern. It was a no brainier to pair it with my oxblood faux leather, an emerald colored bag, and some great jewelry. 

Dress: Blank Nation Apparel // Jacket: Buffalo Jeans (similar)  // Tights: Target // Shoes: c/o Sole Society // Necklace & Chain Bracelet: House of Gemmes // Ring: Elephant Gypsy // Sunnies: Prada // Bag: Just Fab // Watch: Fossil 

Do you ever wear tights with some of your summer dresses to get more wear out of them?

Because Lisa Believes, "No Guts, No Glory"

I can't even tell you how many times my parents told me "no guts, no glory" growing up. Well, now as an adult, I not only find  myself saying it to my kids, but sometimes to myself when I'm on the fence about a decision.  

On this day, I was so torn. The weather was on the cooler side, but not freezing so I stood at my coat closet trying to figure out how to finish the outfit off. In the end I heard "no guts, no glory" in my head and grabbed my fur vest. 

Here is the outfit I styled around my longtime motto:

Top & Necklace: Swap w/ Kaitlyn // Jeans: Old Navy // Shoes: c/o Sole Society // Hat & Vest: Nordstrom // Watch: Fossil // Ring: T+J Designs (coming soon) // Bag: Michael Kors 

What is your motto when it comes to your style?

Rocked it & Swapped it

Among many things, Lisa and I both share a love for graphic tee's -- Kimora wore one weekly under an embellished blazer with a pair of printed jeans on House of Fab and I thought it was the best combination of chic and comfortable I had seen. 

While similar, these are two different ways to style a basic tee: While I chose a very casual look for a summer weekend by the lake, Lisa's look is a little more fall...floral shorts, flats and a chain strap bag -- add a blazer and booties and she's ready for an October date night.

Like this look? You can purchase the shirt for just $5 in my closet!

How do you style graphic tee's?

Peaked My Pinterest: Half-up Crown Braid

I am so glad the braid trend continues to stick around -- It's a great way to add something to an an otherwise basic hairstyle. As soon as I saw this style on Pinterest, I got to work re-creating it. It's only two braids (so it's super easy to complete) and I love the boho flair that you end up with (we all know my love for 70's chic!)

What you will need:
- bobby pins (4-6)
- small clear elastic bands

I recommend you curl your hair first to get this look. 

1) Braid the top section on each side of your head leaving enough hair down to cover your ears. Use clear bands to tie off bottoms of braids.

2) Using 2-3 bobby pins, wrap one braid at a time around your crown and secure. The second braid can go over, under, or on-top of the first braid you secured...you can do no wrong here!

3) Tuck in the clear bands behind the braids.

That's it! Here is the finished product:

What do you think?

I think this is going to be my new go-to hair for fall! ;) 

Because Kaitlyn Loved the T+J Sample Sale!

Lisa and I recently attended the T+J Designs Sample Sale - It was hosted in Jennifer's gorgeous office and because it was just a select group of people, she made it feel very intimate and homey. Appetizers, champagne and endless accessories...that's my kind of Wednesday night.

Top: Thirty Something Fashion box service (swap w/Lisa) // Jeans: LOFT // Booties: c/o Just Fab // Bag: c/o Just Fab

Watch: T+J Designs // Bracelets: Forever 21 (similar)

Love this girl! Not only do we share the same name (with the same spelling which is very rare!) but she's so sweet and has great taste in jewelry...hence my decision to purchase these gorgeous earrings she was wearing...

Johanna of 101 Things I Love, Kaitlyn & Lisa of Sisters Marie, Jennifer of Red Soles Red Wine

One of the best parts about attending blogger/fashion events is meeting so many great girls! Johanna has had a closet on bistm.com for awhile now so I was glad to finally meet her in person. She is so easy to talk to and not to mention, we fell in love with her outfit - Chambray, fox sweater, leather leggings and a red lip -- the perfect combo of quirky and chic. 

And a huge thank you to Jennifer for including us in her special night! As big fans of T+J, we were like kids in a candy store shopping her sale. Let us be the first to say, the new line is amazing...Just look at this gem.

I love that it's timeless yet modern -- something you can wear with a t-shirt or a LBD.

And let me just mention that everything on this table was $5 -- practically free in my mind! ;) Needless to say our purses were much larger when we left...

What is your favorite place to buy jewelry?

 

Head over to Stilettos and Diaper Bags today to see Lisa's outfit details and more photos from the event!

Think Pink!

Because I Shop Too Much // Because They Grow Too Fast 

Lisa: Meet & Greet Outfit Details

I picked up this TopShop dress when I was at the Nordstrom YOUphoria event late last month. I have been waiting for our meet & greet to wear it because I thought it would be perfect with a crop boot and a blazer for a fall layered look. 

Well, on this day it ended up being on the warmer side so I ditched the blazer and just went with the dress then added killer accessories to get some color into it. 

Dress: TopShop via Nordstrom // Boots: c/o Sole Society // Bag: c/o Just Fab // Necklace: Charming Charlie // Cuff & Nail Ring: T+J Designs // Watch: Fossil // Chain Bracelet: House of Gemmes 

I love the black & white pattern and how it serves as a great canvas to add pops of color where you want. In this case, it was in my necklace and clutch. 

What do you think? Ever wear black & white and then add your color in the accessories?

Thanks to all who came out and shopped our closets!
For those of you who missed it, you can always shop my closet on Because I Shop Too Much and my kids closet on Because They Grow Too Fast! 

Rocked it & Swapped it

Button up blouse season is quickly approaching and Lisa and I are more than excited. Lisa rocked the dots with a great pair of cut off's while I chose to stay warm in jeans during our annual summer visit to Ravinia. Summer or fall, this top has you covered (Pun intended!)

(btw, we saw Tony Bennett and if you haven't, everything you've heard is true - he is a real legend and at 87 years old, that title is well deserved - what a voice!)

This is one of my favorite necklaces lately - I am a sucker for delicate gold pieces and the two linking circles is a perfect reminder that I am so lucky to be recently marred to my best friend.