Lisa's Top 10 Looks of 2013

Looking back over the past year in outfit posts was so much fun. I actually had a hard time narrowing it down, but here they are! 

I give you my top ten looks from 2013.

Casual Outfits:

 

Going out or Event Looks

2013 Trends I wore: 

And my favorite look of the year: 

What do you think? 

Which is your favorite look?

#Lisa

Because Kaitlyn Loves Dressing for the Holidays

I've always loved dressing up on Christmas Eve…it probably stems from my Mom picking out the most gorgeous red dresses with matching mary janes for me from the time I was born. 

I enjoy going to Christmas mass at church with my family each year and seeing all the kids in their holiday best but I've been seeing it less and less as I get older. There were so many people in jeans sweaters and boots this year…if you don't dress up on the most festive day of the year, when do you? I would have thrived in the 50's when a hat, gloves and overcoat were standard attire. 

Blazer: Forever 21 (similar) // Top: Target // Skirt: Forever 21 (similar) // Tights: Von Maur // Flats: Target

Necklace: T+J Designs // Sunglasses: Nordstrom

Hope you all had a wonderful Holiday!

Because Kaitlyn Loves "Ugly" Sweaters

We all know ugly Christmas sweater parties are popular this time of year but to make it clear, there are two different types of ugly sweaters: 1) the sinfully bad one adorned with bells that are glued on and puffy paint that you find in the back of your Grandma's closet and 2) the really cute with one reindeers, snowflakes and fair isle print (click to see how even men can rock it!)

Note that #1 is the perfect choice for that party but #2 is too cute to be considered. #2 is actually socially acceptable and looks great when paired with boots and a 9 ft Christmas tree. See examples below ;)

Sweater: ℅ Sammy Dress // Jeans: LOFT // Boots: ℅ Just Fab // T-shirt: Victoria's Secret // Necklace: Rachel Roy

Scaf: Target

What is your opinion on "ugly" sweaters? Do you agree with my distinction between the two?

Rocked it & Swapped it

There is something about a killer blazer that just takes a look from good to great. 

Kaitlyn has this amazing faux leather sleeved H&M blazer & the mixed materials are perfect to give any look an extra pop!

She wore it in our Because I Shop Too Much fall photo shoot back in September. 

I was in love with how she kept the look all black and white & then added a pop of color in the bag. And just to mix her neutrals, she finished the look off with a brown Just Fab boot. Genius. 

When I got my hands on it in November, I decided to pair it with a high waisted skirt & I kept the look all black & white still (hey, if it's not broken, don't fix it). 

I added my pop of color with blue mirror Ray Bans and lots of gold jewelry. 

Here is how we styled the blazer:

Truth be told, this was a hard one to give back. 

Let's not forget, the best part about swapping with a sister/friend is that you could always ask to borrow it again down the road (or better yet snag it once it is listed on BISTM). ;)

Do you own a mix material blazer?

#Lisa 

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Have a wonderful Holiday with family and friends! 

We'll be back on Thursday :)

Coat Obsession: Ever Buying

I would like to introduce you to our newest sponsor, Ever Buying. Prior to a few weeks ago, I was not aware of their site, but what a gem we have discovered! They have a very wide variety of everything from men's and women's apparel to watches and jewelry. And of course, we can't resist the urge to shop their selection of shoes! Yes, we have found a winner, folks! 

The prices across the board are very reasonable. A lot in the $20-$50 range and honestly most items even under the $20 mark (watches, jewelry, some clothing, etc) which is very desirable.
Just as our mission is with BISTM, you can shop for style without breaking the bank.

My favorite of all is their selection in jacket and coats. There are so many to choose from and again, the price points are so amazing you could buy one of each if you wanted. ;)

Here my top 8 jackets from the site:

Vintage Style Cloak $22.49 // Color block coat $33.99 

Stripe Cardigan Coat $10.99 // Stand Collar Coat $23.99

1) I have never owned a cloak or cape type jacket but have secretly always wanted to. I think this black one would be perfect and at under $25 why not try it out?

2) The color block coat is just plain gorgeous. Great fall wear for sure. I am a sucker for mixing materials so this one was love at first sight!

3) I want to bundle up in that cardigan coat so bad. The stripes are so pretty and I love how it drapes in the front. Great layering piece for sure.

4) The stand collar coat is so pretty. It's a statement piece and would totally turn heads. I secretly want an orange moment in this one for sure.


Leisure Knit Coat $11.65 // Double Breasted Scoop Neck Coat $29.93 
Tailored Collar Color block Coat $31.49 // Hooded Cotton Coat $29.99

5) OK, I'd live in this first one. How cozy does that beauty look? It would be perfect for my mom-on-the-go days and just as perfect for getting all cozy around the house.

6) The double breasted scoop neck coat is amazing. I already have a wool trench and i feel like I need this jacket! It also comes in reverse (black with camel inside). Both amazing.

7) Now let's talk the tailored collar color block coat. This coat belongs in my closet! I may need to spend some holiday cash and get me this one. This price is right too so why not?!

8) Last but not least, the hooded cotton coat. I don't currently own a faux fur hooded jacket if you can believe that. As a women who lives in the Midwest I feel like it's a must! Plus its a puffer type jacket so it looks super warm to boot!

Have you ever shopped at Ever Buying?

Which one is your favorite coat?

Dressing to Impress

With the two most decadent holiday's right around the corner, we have opulence and luxury on the mind. Whether it's a fashion blogger event or New Years Eve, a beautiful dress is a necessity and like any woman looking for a dress, it should be one that nobody else owns.

So, we decided to take a trip over the river, through the woods (and over the pond) to 1dress. This UK based site has a wide range of dresses for any special occasion including weddings, prom, cocktail, evening, or just a memorable date night with Mr. Right ;) 

For my prom night (in 2005), the larger than life, long poofy style dress was popular so I wore a black and pink tulle dress. I had never seen a similar style and I liked that it was mostly black with just a pop of color as opposed to many of the bubblegum and pastel colors that were trendy then. It made me feel like a princess and was a perfect choice for the time. 

However, if I was going to prom today, I would definitely choose a more A-line style such as the gorgeous fitted pink mermaid dress below. I'm glad that I got to wear the ball gown style for prom because I chose a very fitted dress for my wedding so that way, all style dreams were fulfilled :)

A unique service from the 1dress is the opportunity to make your dream dress fit you perfectly, as they have an option of custom made! Aren't us ladies always on the hunt for a dress that feels like it was made for us? Even with alterations, sometimes you still can't achieve that "fits like a glove" feeling so this is a great alternative. 

Prom) This is one of my favorite dresses on the site - Not only am I a huge fan of this color (shout out to my J. Crew bridesmaid dresses!) but the sequin detailing and chiffon bottom are a beautiful combination

Evening) I love the shape of this dress - because I am tall with a long torso, this is a flattering fit on my frame. This is perfect for an outdoor black tie affair but also works well for prom

Wedding) This dress caught my eye immediately, probably because it's a very similar look to my wedding dress which of course, is very close to my heart. When I was shopping for "the dress," I had an image in my mind but I ended up going with a style that I never even imagined taking off the hanger. It was a lace a-line gown with a keyhole back and a sequin bust line...very romantic and vintage, just like this beauty. The belt on this dress provides great shape for any body type and the scalloped edges are the perfect detail.

LBD) Every girl should have a staple black dress in their closet and this shift dress is great because it can be worn casually with flats or dressed up with heels. You can belt it for added definition to your waist and the lace sleeves give it an extra feminine touch so I think it would look really cute with a top knot and red lip.

Which dress is your favorite? Where do you shop for special occasion's?

Rocked it & Swapped it

I bought this blue blazer last fall from JC Penney (similar) and I have worn it a handful of times to date. I know emerald green is the pantone color of the year but both Kaitlyn and I can't seem to stop wearing this shade of cobalt (her bridesmaid dresses were just the start!)

When I wore the blazer most recently, I layered it up for a cool fall night over a dress and added the scarf for a pop of print. My cousin Teresa borrowed styled it with her leopard print top and I LOVE the combination.

Shop the look:

Lisa's Holiday Wish List

There are so many amazing items I am swooning over this month. Tis the season for pretty, sparkly things!

Here are a few items on my holiday wish list from some of our favorite places to shop:

T+J Designs $68 // House of Gemmes $38 // T+J Designs: Pave Bracelet $48, Watch $36
Bow Bracelet $24 // Shop Jules $150-$160 (depending on silver or gold)

Because I Shop Too Much $30 // Just Fab 39.95 // Sole Society $39.95 // Because I Shop Too Much $15

House of Gemmes $14.70 // Sole Society $29.95 // Persun $104.99 // Sammy Dress $10.89

What item is your favorite?

Because Kaitlyn Christmas Shopped (Bonus Rock&Swap!)

I generally do most of my Christas shopping online, but there are still a few items I like to see and touch in person so I joined the masses at the mall over the weekend. A week before Christmas, you can either choose to be in the spirit despite the 10 layers you have on and the long line that awaits you or be that person who lays on your horn because someone took that great spot you were waiting for (to that guy, the walk will probably do you some good). 

Yes, the holidays have their fair share of challenges, but it really is a memorable time that just requires some patience and kindness. As for our beautiful snow covered landscape, it is a true winter wonderland -- It just wouldn't feel like the holiday season with green grass so for now, I will continue to happily deck the halls in my snow boots. 

But come January 1st, the summer countdown begins. Winter was only meant for Christmas ;)

Sweater: Piperlime (swap w/Lisa) (buy here!)  // Jeans: J Brand (similar) // Scarf: JC Penney // Boots: Target

Bag: ℅ Just Fab // Hat: Old (similar) // Glasses: Coach

Because Lisa Went to a Baby Shower

My roommate from college is having a baby! I am so excited as I have known Abbey for 14 years now and it's so cool to see her enter this next chapter in her life.

I wanted to dress dressy yet chic (which is how I picture Abbey & her family) for this shower and this outfit just kind of happened.
I was styling and went for an ombre type look. Black on the top half (earrings & top of knit), lighter in the middle including gray jewelry on my wrists and finger, and nude at the bottom.
I think I pulled it off! ;)

Top: Target // Skirt: Kristin Hassan // Shoes: Just Fab // Bag: c/o Persun // 

Ring & Square Bangle: c/o House of Gemmes // Cuff: Jewelmint // Mix Metal Bangle: House of Gemmes // 
Watch: Aldo // Earrings: White House Black Market 

The shower was beautiful and I can't wait to meet her little man in the new year!

What do you wear to baby showers?
Do you like my ombre inspired look?

#Lisa

Giveaway: T+J Designs!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
What's better than a vast collection of ornaments for your tree? Decorating with a gorgeous mint floral necklace and an orange enamel bracelet, of course. As Mariah wisely said, All I want for Christmas is you (and some fantastic jewels for the 12 days of social events on your calendar this month!)

Everything is better with a pop of color so style this necklace with a collared shirt, your favorite knit and don't forget to throw in the bracelet for some sparkle. The holidays just got a lot more festive!

Good luck, ladies! 

Rocked it & Swapped it

I love that Kaitlyn and myself swap more then just clothes. Some of my favorite items of hers are jewelry so I get super excited when I find a great necklace I've been eyeing in my swap bag.

Kaitlyn wore this super chic boho necklace from Forever 21 (similar) one weekend up at the lake house and I wore it for a family day at the forest preserve. 

This necklace is great because what worked for Kaitlyn in late summer still was in style when I wore it in late fall. Gotta love year round accessories! 

What do you think? Would you wear either or both looks?

Because Kaitlyn Loves Holiday Traditions

Before anything else, I am a product of my environment and that is most true during the holidays. I was raised in a family where togetherness comes first and traditions stand strong so it's no wonder I look forward to the same things each year during this time. 

Without any reasonable explanation available, my Mom and I are huge fans of the Home Alone movies...It's something we've watched since I was little so I think the nostalgia and comfort of it just makes us happy. 3 years ago, we started the tradition of visiting the house where it was shot each year at Christmas time.

We make a day of it, packing (my Mom's AMAZING) toffee bars for the car, movie soundtrack in the background and doing some shopping along the way...

Sweater: Old Navy // Leggings: JC Penney (similar, similar) // Boots: c/o Just Fab // Scarf: Target (similar)

Gloves: Forever 21 (similar) // Hat: Old (similar)

The north shore of Chicago is absolutely beautiful and where I want to live (should I ever grace the cover of Forbes). I mean...this horse & carriage just came out of nowhere while we were driving around town. Combined with the dusting of snow, could it be any more idyllic?

We met another family in front of the house who had driven in from IOWA to see it! Guess we're not the only ones with a soft spot for the McAllisters...

This year, we made a stop at the Chriskindlmarket afterwards...Picked up a few ornaments, drank spiced German wine (which I will not be buying at Binny's) and enjoyed being together. Not everyone loves the Holiday like we do, so it's nice to be able to share in our craziness together :)

What are your favorite Holiday traditions?

-K