Spring Layers

 


  

It's official, we are just six days away from Spring! Now if someone would just let the weather know, we Midwest folk would love some sunshine and green grass. (You guys, it's been snowing here the last two days!) ;) Regardless of the weather, I am already plotting the seasonal rotation of my closet, which takes me about two days now that I have it down to a science. I always take care of the clothes in my closet first (dresses, tops, skirts, etc.), then my dresser drawers, and lastly my shoes...it's a process. 

This outfit is a perfect example of what I will be rocking during the next few months as the weather catches up with the season. I love a classic denim skirt paired with a tank top. It's simple but seems effortless and put together, which is ideal. I added this beautiful cardigan because it is still breezy out and then my favorite faux leather jacket over that for some extra warmth. Layers really are key this time of year. To finish my outfit off I loaded up on the gold jewelry and added pops of coral in my lip color and bag. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

Cardigan: c/o J.Jill // Top: Nordstrom (similar) // Skirt: Topshop (similar) // Boots: Hautelook // Bag: Jessica Simpson // Jacket: Sheinside (similar) // Necklace: T+J Designs // Sunglasses: Ray-ban // Watch: c/o Aibi Watch // Rings: c/o Park Lane Jewelry // Cream Glaze Lip Crayon: Glo Minerals - Mimosa

Are you counting down the days to Spring?
 Do you maximize layering this time of year?

Fall-ing for Denim

As a girl from the Midwest, I am such a fan of denim...I mean who isn't right? I am also a fan of trying out new kinds of denim. In my mind, there is no such thing as owning too many pairs of jeans. Different shades, rises, ankle types, and distressed, I have and love them all! Plus it's always fun to mix up your style and you can do just that with the right pair of jeans.

 I have teamed up with Fitcode in the past (check out my post about their amazing service), and this time around I snagged a pair of JAG Jeans. What makes this pair so unique is the pull on style I am wearing. With no button and zipper, the denim lays flat at your waist leaving it perfect for wearing your favorite tops without that pesky budge the button can add. I know I will be wearing this pair tons with my tunic and slimmer fitting tops!

    Jeans: c/o JAG Jeans via Fitcode // Boots: JustFab // Top: JC Penny // Rings: c/o Park Lane Jewelry // Watch: c/o Aibi Watch // Bracelet: Rachel Zoe via Box of Style

Photos by Cecilia Jean

Have you ever tired out Fitcode or JAG Jeans? What is your favorite kind of denim?

The Faux Fur that "Stole" the Show

I am such a sucker for a great faux fur stole. I have multiple coats and vests with faux fur collars, but I also have two stoles (the one shown here and a vintage one from my grandmother). These great pieces can be mixed and matched with outerwear or worn over any dress or sweater all by itself. The styling options are truly endless! 

Now let's talk about this stunning midi dress. I have been a fan of Lara Miller for years now (I even modeled for her 2012 collection), so when she recently discounted this dress, I was very quick to reach out and see if she had it left in my size. I was in luck and I am so happy to have it in my wardrobe! I kept the styling very fall by adding brown in the stole, shoes, and necklace, and then added a pop of blue with my bag...I loved wearing this outfit! 

Dress: Lara Miller // Shoes: c/o Sole Society // Bag: c/o Shopbop (Rebecca Minkoff)
Stole: Nordtrom (similar) // Sunglasses: T&J Designs // Necklace: Free People // Watch: c/o Aibi Watch // Bracelet: Rachel Zoe via Box of Style // Rings: c/o Park Lane Jewelry

Photos by Cecilia Jean

Are you a fan of this look?
Shop for your very own stole below! 

Gonna Wrap You Up in my Love

Are we 100% that Madonna wasn't singing about a blanket scarf in that song? Just saying...it kind of goes flawlessly! That is how I feel when I see a great scarf like this one. You can wrap it around you so many different ways and in the end you are cozy and well, wrapped up in it's love! 

We had such odd weather on Monday, so layers and knits were really my only option. As you can see, the sky behind me was dark. However, the sky to my front was sunny and blue! Then every hour or so it would go all cloudy and snow. It did this pattern about 3 times all day. The only constant was that is was darn cold. 

Now lets talk boots. These bad boys take the cake. They are heavy, warm, and really perfect for not slipping on ice or having cold toes. So when your day calls for carting kids to and from school (and walking them to the door...not a drive-up situation!), while braving the on & off snow storms, you need a reliable boot. I would highly recommend these to anyone who has lots of snow in their winter months. Warm like UGGS, dry like Hunter Boots and I can say that because I own the other two and these are their love child! ;) 

Top: Old Navy (similar) // Jeans // Boots // Scarf (similar) // Hat
Necklace & Cuff: Coach (sold out) // Necklace: Forever 21 (swap w/ Kaitlyn)
Watch: c/o Aibi Watch (get $20 off using code "sistersma") // Fitbit

What are your winter staples?

Are you a fan of blanket scarves?

From Hair Ribbons to Heirlooms

A 3rd year as Thanksgiving hosts has come and gone and it was wonderful...It may be a lot of work, but I love preparing our home to share with Family and we have a great space with a built in bar for entertaining so we're happy to have the chance to utilize it.

In addition to all the food and decor prep, I of course also thought about what I was going to wear and all I knew was, I wanted to plan my look around the ribbon in my hair. For some reason, I had this Brigitte Bardot half-up ponytail vision in mind, tied with a dainty suede bow. By adding knee socks and printed blouse, it seemed like just the right amount of precious. 

What's more important than any pair of socks or re-purposed ribbon is this gorgeous silver ring. It was my dear Grandmother's favorite piece of jewelry, as she was rarely seen without it on, even if she was just sitting in her corner chair watching Andy Griffith in her pajama's. Our family lost her this past June and I miss her more every single day...I felt a large hole on my birthday, as she would have been the first one to call and wish me the happiest of days. I missed her sitting at the head of the table on Thanksgiving and the abundant noise from her laughter when our Dog bounded towards her. 

But most of all, I will miss her this Christmas...My Parents, Grandma and I always shared a few special Christmas Eve traditions together... After the children's mass (which she absolutely adored), we'd head back to the house for a quick sandwich, followed by an evening at my Grandpa's with all the cousins (where she got a chance to watch all the children wait for Santa's arrival) and then back to Mom and Dad's house to finish the night off with chats by the tree and a warm cup of hot chocolate. No matter how obvious it was that she was fading over the years, she always seemed so much more present and spry in these moments because I think she cherished them so much, as did I. Her presence will be greatly missed this year and I will be wearing her ring all season long, which she had been saving for me until the end. When the single diamond shines extra bright in church this year, only she and I will know why. 

Wearing: 

Top: LOFT

Skirt: Old Navy

Knee Socks: Old Navy (Just $5!)

Shoes: Sole Society
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (Love the red too!)

Ring: My Grandmother's

Bow: Ribbon from home 

Watch: c/o Aibi

No Fear of Fringe

Ladies, I'm coming at you today with a perfect example of "don't knock it until you try it." I know fringe details are everywhere this season, but it hasn't always been my favorite look...Even when I see other women pulling it off with great success, part of me still thinks you run the risk of looking a little more Pocahontas than fashion forward. But as with some other trends, I tend to wait a little while before diving in and then sometimes, a fellow fashionable sister-in-law comes along and makes you realize it's worth giving it a shot ;) So alas, my first date with fringe...

Any trends you're thinking of trying? 

How do you wear fringe?

Top: Old Navy (On sale for $10!)

Skirt: Swap with Lisa (Love this style too)

Hat: Target (similar)

Backpack: Target

Shoes: Sole Society

Watch: Aibi c/o

Necklace: T+J Designs

Sunnies: Elizabeth & James - USE CODE "SISTERSMARIE" to get your first pair free!