Monday, March 31, 2014

Kaitlyn's Spring Wish List

Living in Chicago means we always count down to green grass and the smell of lilacs but this year, I say we deserve a Spring awakening even more. It's late March and we're expecting another round of snow this week (cue swearing and fist shaking)…with that said, all we can think about is what life used to be like without a puffy coat. 

I can't wait until I can leave the house in jeans, a graphic t, a bright colored bag and a mix of cute flats/booties/sneakers.

So what's on my much anticipated Spring wish list?

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What items are you excited to debut when the flowers bloom?

Friday, March 28, 2014

Recipe: Slow Cooker Cowboy Chicken

There is nothing easier then a great slow cooker recipe. In fact, my husband has taken to the crock pot and now it's his go-to for cooking lately. He stumbled upon this yummy recipe on the Moms Who Think website and decided to make it that night.

Here is what you need to make slow cooker cowboy chicken:

Ingredients:
4-6 Chicken Breasts
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
2 Cups Salsa (any type)
1 (15 oz.) can corn, drained (we used frozen)
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drain and rinsed
1/2 cup sour cream (plus extra for serving)

Directions:
1. Place chicken in a slow cooker.
2. In medium bowl mix brown sugar, mustard, and salsa.
3. Pour mixture over chicken. Add water to cover chicken if needed. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. 
4. With 30 minutes of cook time remaining remove the lid and shred the chicken using two forks. 
5. Add the beans, corn, and sour cream to the slow cooker and mix together with the chicken. Replace lid and cook for remaining 30 minutes. 
6. Serve over rice with sour cream. (we used minute rice)

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This was delicious gluten free meal. The kids loved it, we loved it and that makes for one successful dinner. 

Are you a fan of slow cooker meals? What's your favorite recipe?

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Rocked it & Swapped it (Twice!)

I bought this scarf a few years back and it has become one of Lisa's and my favorites. As you can see, even though it's a maroon tie dye design, it styles well with so many looks including chambray, leather, knits and pattern mixing. Unfortunately, I can't recall where it's from but luckily, there are many other great options to replicate this look. 


Shop the scarf:


Which scarf look is your favorite? 

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Because Kaitlyn Loves Sunday Brunch!


 Out of all the meals you can eat out, I think brunch is my favorite (next to fro-yo dessert, that is). Last weekend, we indulged on both days --  My husband and I enjoyed a delicious meal with friends at Brunch on Saturday (if you go, the breakfast nachos are a must) followed by my Mom's birthday brunch at Redstone on Sunday (P.S. it is her actual birthday today -- stop by Lake House Lyn to wish her well. Love you, Mom!) 

Needless to say, I skipped my skinny jeans and opted for my new pixie pants from Old Navy instead. They are SU-PER comfortable and I have a hard time passing up anything in an anchor print. Even my husband noticed: "I like your pants! You own a shirt like that too, right?" (and a tank top, a sweater, etc etc) What can I say, I'm a sailor at heart :)
Sweater: Old Navy // Pants: Old Navy // Booties: Just Fab (similar)  // Bag: Just Fab 
Watch: T+J Designs // Sunnies: Target (similar)





Do you love brunch too? Share your favorite place with us in the comments!

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Because Lisa Loves Casual Boho!

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I was so excited when I found this blouse on Because I Shop Too Much! I'm not joking when I say I stalk the site...if you want first dibs on an item, you have to beat me to it! ;)

There is something so boho and casual about a light-wash flare jean paired with an over sized white top. Since I was attending a birthday party with my son, I kept the look simple with an ankle boot, delicate jewelry, and a pop of color with the bag.
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Jacket: Target // Top: BISTM- Mary's Closet (Banana Republic)  // Jeans: American Eagle // Boots: c/o Just Fab // Bag: Jessica Simpson // Love Necklace: XO Veronika // Bar Necklace: Just Fab // Watch: Fossil 

What do you think of my newest BISTM find?

Monday, March 24, 2014

The Liebster Awards: Our Answers!

We were so happy to find out the Lisa from Double Door Ranch nominated us for a Liebster Award! 

Here are our answers to the questions from Lisa:

How long have you been blogging?
K: Almost two years with Sisters Marie -- the closest thing I had before that was a Livejournal in high school, Good Lord that was embarrassing.

L: I have been blogging for four years over on Stilettos and Diaper Bags, Sisters Marie is about to turn two this May! 

Do you have a day job in addition to your blog?
L: I have a few! I am a stay-at-home mother to two children. On top of caring for my kids (and being room mother at school) I am also in charge of running my home (bills, cleaning, laundry and cooking for 4 people, etc.) I co-own our LLC (Sisters Marie) which currently runs two websites, Because I Shop Too Much & Because They Grow Too Fast. And as I stated in the last question, I have a second blog as well. As you can imagine I don't have too much down time. I wouldn't have it any other way! 

K: In addition to two sites Lisa mentioned, I have a full time job as a Marketing and Communications Coordinator for a Creative Agency. We specialize in exhibit design and event management so it's a fun, unique and at many times, chaotic, environment which I enjoy.

Kids: have ‘em, want ‘em?
L: I have two kids, one 5 year old boy and a 3 year old girl. They are the best things to ever happen to me. Having said that, two is good for me and my hubby, we are officially done. Your turn, Kaitlyn! ;) 

K: I just got married a little over 6 months ago so while I know kids are definitely in our future plans, our sights are currently set on picking out the perfect furry friend. We're both huge dog people so I can't wait until we have one of our own. 

Geometric or floral? (context: anything)
L: Geometric. I love geometric patterns in both fashion and home decor. 

K: My first inclination is to say floral but if I think about it, I don't really own many floral patterns except for a few items so I'd have to say geometric….I love mixing modern and classic style, especially when it comes to interior decorating and various geo patterns are great to work with.

What have your most popular post topics been?
L: I think our Rocked it and Swapped it posts set us apart from other bloggers. It's always fun to see how other people style the same item(s) of clothing as you have. It's great for style inspiration and also I just find it fun to see how others wear my clothes! 

K: In addition to R&S, I enjoy our "Peaked my Pinterest" theme where we take an idea from Pinterest and actually put it to the test. SO much time is spent pinning gorgeous images and "saving for later" but you feel accomplished when you take it a step further and try it yourself, whether it's a recipe, hairstyle or DIY project.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?
K: I'm proud of many things about my life thus far - All the years I worked with Special Ed children (one of my favorite memories), working my up in field I initially knew nothing about, starting a company with Lisa that we are passionate about.but more than anything, I think it's the relationships in my life. I feel quite lucky to consider both my parents and my husband my best friends. Solid relationships take work and we all do our fair share to ensure that they stay strong. 

L: In life, my children. In marriage, being very much in love with my husband of 6 years. In education, getting my bachelors degree in business. In blogging, hitting over 1 million views on Stilettos and Diaper Bags. Personally, making myself a priority in my life and not feeling guilty about it. That last one took me many years to do! 

Heels, flats, workboots?
K: 80 flats, 20 heels. I am 5'9" so I've never "needed heels" in that regard (though we all know a gorgeous pair of shoes is never about need) but I also like to mix it up with wedges, ankle booties, and a great pair of sneakers…comfort can be attractive, females are not just limited to 6 inches of pain. 

L: Heels. Always heels.

What is your most prized possession?
K: Two things come to mind: My computer (solely because it houses all of my photos) and a blanket that I've had since I was born. It still sits on our bed to this day and has traveled all over the world with me. It's my ultimate comfort zone. 

L: Ahh, this is hard! I'm trying to think of what I would try to grab if there was a fire and I had to only take 1 item. I can think of about 20 things that pertain to my kids (baby books, 1st hair cut, etc) or my husbands things. If it had to be truly mine and a possession (not a living thing ie. members of my family, pets) it would be a vintage cardigan with fur neck passed down from my late grandmother. I love that she wore it when my mom was a kid. I love that I had it repaired and own something of hers. She was a true fashion mavin! 

If you could pick another city to live in, what would it be?
K: I LOVE Scottsdale, AZ and everything about California but I've always wanted to be where my family is, so that would be a determining factor. If everyone wanted to pick up and move to Montana tomorrow, it wouldn't be as much as about the place but whether or not we're all going together. 

L: This is a hard one. I love it in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The air is so fresh, the pace is slower, and I just seem more relaxed when I'm there. I also love San Diego, California. I mean, what's not to like about southern California?

Milk chocolate or dark chocolate?
K: All chocolate -- there is no right or wrong. No matter what form, color, texture, temperature, or substance it comes in, I'm not going to be picky. 

L: Dark Chocolate. 

What is your favorite season?
K: It has always been summer for many reasons...To start, I'm always cold, so I count down the days until Chicago turns warm again but it's also because everything during those 3 months makes me feel so alive - swimming, boating, running, eating every meal outside, walking barefoot in the grass, driving with the top down, festivals, nighttime walks, etc. My husband will tell you, "she's in a much better mood when it's warm outside" :) 

L: Fall is hands down my favorite season. I am a sucker for the smells, colors, and temperatures. 

Thanks for nominating us, Lisa

Friday, March 21, 2014

Because Kaitlyn Mixes Casual + Chic


I've always been a fan of the white oxford shirt -- it's always classy and looks good with almost anything. Whether you're dressing for the office with a pencil skirt and pumps or for a casual Saturday around town in jeans...60% of the time, it works every time ;) 

I found this version at JC Penney and I really liked the addition of the black lining down the side and beneath the buttons. It reminds me of a tuxedo and gives it a more playful feel, so I dressed it down with distressed jeans and ankle booties with a fun detail to match.

Top: JC Penney (similar) // Jeans: Old Navy // Booties: Old Navy // Purse: Persunmall (similar)
Sunnies: Nordstrom  // Bracelet: Forever 21(similar// Ring: Francesca's




What are the staple pieces in your closet?

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Rocked it & Swapped it

I found this adorable crop knit from Loft in my swap bag from Kaitlyn in early January and couldn't wait to wear it. I have a short torso so crop knits generally end up looking like regular knits on me and tunics end up being dresses, but I digress ;)

When I wore this top out for my anniversary dinner I paired it with high-waisted denim jeans and a cute bag.When Kaitlyn wore the sweater to an event, she styled it tucked into her faux leather skirt. 

Here is how we both styled the Loft top:
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A basic cream knit is a great item to have in your wardrobe. It can be dressed up or dressed down, layered up over, or styled with a giant statement necklace. It really is a great functional piece that can be worn year round. 

What do you think of how we styled the top?

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

It's T-Shirt Time!

We love making a statement in graphic t's…from layering under outerwear, dressing up with a blazer or tucking into a pencil skirt, we can't get enough of these sharp and stylish combinations.

Simply stated, we love them, live in them, and want to share them with you. Today begins the pre-sale for these soft vintage wash t's! There is a limited number in stock so shop sisters now! 

T-shirt 1:



Tee: Sisters Marie (wearing size M) // Blazer: Urban Outfitters (similar) // Jeans: Old Navy // Shoes: Old Navy
Bag: Persunmall (similar) // Hat: My Mom's closet // Sunnies: Nordstrom (similar)

T-Shirt 2:
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Tee: Sisters Marie (wearing size M) // Blazer: BISTM- Mary's Closet // Jeans: 7 for all Mankind // Bag: c/o Just Fab 
Sunnies: Prada // Necklace & Bangles: c/o It's a Bling Thing // Watch: Fossil 

…Because we wear love graphic t's too much! ;)

How will you style yours?

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Blogger Style Inspiration: Sincerely Jules


As business owners and fashion bloggers in world full of creativity, we are influenced by others every single day. An endless Instagram feed of current trends and timeless style invade our mind, sometimes so rapidly that it's hard to process a single image. With that said, I think it's important to slow down and take the time to give credit to those photos that impact us so much, that we aspire to turn adoration into imitation. 

For as long as I have been following Sincerely Jules, I have been a fan of her effortless style. She always manages to find the perfect mix of looking laid back yet 100% pulled together. 

Here's a few examples of why she is my latest #WCW:





And my favorite part about this lovely ladies' style? Mixing...





There is something I absolutely love about mixing a chic look on top with a casual look on bottom and Jules is a great example of making this look effortless. She is often wearing a dress with sneakers or leather pants with retro Nike’s (my favorite pair here). 

As much as I love a good night out in heels, I already stand tall at 5’9” and usually end up taking them off within hours to walk barefoot anyway, so I can’t help but gravitate towards a style that allows you to be comfortable and polished at the same time.


Who are your fashion blogger inspirations?

Shop the Chic & Sneak look: