Layers of Love

This is one of those moments where I feel a little late to the party. I recently visited Nordstrom Rack for the first time in years...I was doing some last minute dress hunting for a friend's wedding and the store is close to my work so I figured I would give it a shot. Not only did I leave with a dress but the second I walked in, I asked myself why I had been wasting so much time shopping elsewhere. I love Nordstrom (who doesn't?), but I'm not always willing to spend $60-70 on a shirt so I was pretty pumped to see a lot of the same styles and trends for around half the price. 

I left with a few blouses which will be considered staple pieces for years to come and my favorite purchase of the day, this Free People turtleneck. Lisa wore something similar last year and when we swapped it, I fell in love so I jumped at the chance to secure my own. I like how much warmth a piece like this can provide without feeling overly bulky or stuffy. Plus, no sleeves means you can layer a jacket over this too for a triple layered look, much like Jessica did here...Fall is the ultimate time to combine textures like leather and knits.

Also, I get really excited to pull these LOFT boots out year after year...I had them on a birthday wish list a few years ago and I was so excited when they were given to me as a gift. If I can toughen up any feminine style just a bit, I'm a happy girl. How can you not love what is essentially a hiking/construction boot turned lace up heel? These are definitely my "I do what I want" themed shoes ;) Seriously, I'm obsessed BUT one downside -- the heel is SUPER high on these and at 5'9", I do not need any help with height so unfortunately, they only come out to play on seldom occasions. 

By the way, this post is in no way sponsored...I just felt compelled to share my excitement about reigniting this NR retail relationship and wondered, who else shops there on a regular basis?

I feel like it may be very similar to TJ Maxx where it's hit or miss and you have to be willing to put in a little time to find the hidden gems. Thoughts?

Wearing: 

Turtleneck: Free People via Nordstrom Rack 

Jeans: Forever 21 (old but similar pair here)

Boots: LOFT (old but they are currently selling a very similar style!)

Long sleeve shirt: Francesca's

Clutch: Just Fab (love this style in red too)

Layers of Knits

When I recently saw this back-slit sweater on cyber Monday, I knew it needed to be in my closet. The styling possibilities are endless and I was all too excited to wear it on this day of errands and helping at the school. For my first time wearing the top, I decided to keep it all black under by adding leggings and a mesh knit sweater. To break up the color a bit I added my wool trench, gray hat, and olive cross body bag.

Top: Express (similar) // Turtleneck // Pants // Boots // Coat: Victoria's Secret (similar) // Bag // Hat // Sunglasses & Cuff: Coach // Watch 
I loved wearing this outfit. It felt very put-together but also had lots of movement for when I was sitting on the floor reading to the kids as well. That, my friends, is an outfit win in my book. 
What do you think of this style sweater? What would you pair it with?

Sushi Sunday

Call me crazy for going exposing my legs in negative Chicago temps (because you'd be right) but I am OVER sweaters, skinny jeans & boots. Seriously, DONE. Every year I reach this breaking point (much like this) where our hometown weather suddenly seems unbearable and all I can think of are those endless summer days where the most clothing I have to wear is a swimsuit and cover up.

With that said, it's good to make sure you have things to look forward to on the calendar during these months...that's always what makes the time go faster for me. We recently celebrated my brother and Lisa's birthday (happy bday again, sister!) at Kona Grill, one of our favorites. Lisa and I ordered a few of our favorite sushi rolls and added avocado to each because it automatically makes everything more delicious ;)

Jacket: J.Crew (similar) | Blouse: Target (similar) | Skirt: Target (similar)

Booties: c/o Just Fab (almost identical!) | Bag: c/o Shopbop | Sunnies: Target

Gold bangle: Rocksbox | Red bracelet: Gift from Lisa | Lip color: Butter London

How do you make the last few months of winter more bearable?

Plaid Layered on Plaid

I am so obsessed with winter layers lately. I feel like once you get the hang of layering, the options are endless. You begin finding yourself pairing items you never thought you'd put together before. Take these two plaid items for example. They are both in high rotation currently, but I would have never thought to pair them. I was all dressed, minus the scarf and when I was putting my coat on I tossed it on just to see what it would look like. Another happy fashion accident that went oh so right!

Now can we discuss how in love I am with this amazing olive colored cross-body Botkier Bag? It is the perfect color for everyday wear and I just love all the zippers and chain details. You can bet you will be seeing this beauty quite a bit here on Sisters Marie between myself and Kaitlyn!

Coat: Victoria's Secret // Cardigan: Kohls // Top: H&M // Jeans: 7 for all Mankind // Scarf: Nordstrom // Bag: c/o Shopbop // Ring, Necklace & Boots: c/o Just Fab // Earrings: House of Harlow 1960

How do you feel about layering?

Have you ever layered plaid on plaid?