An Unexpected Fall

This has been one of my favorite Fall seasons to date. We have been blessed with endless sunshine, unseasonably warm temperatures and foliage colors only otherwise seen in our dreams (as seen here). Is it so wrong to wish this current state of bliss would stay forever? I'll even settle for just a little bit longer, I'm just not ready to say goodbye and start wearing a winter coat...

Maybe it's the weather or maybe it's just expanding horizons, but the season has felt different for a few other reasons: 1) I trained for a half-marathon and against all my negative thoughts about it (you're not ready, you haven't trained enough, etc.), I happily crossed the finish line with my co-workers and felt an immense sense of pride. After (A LOT) of brunch pizza and mimosas, I even thought about doing it again someday ;) When I got home that afternoon, I was more sore than I have ever experienced...I couldn't even move and fell asleep almost immediately. But in the days that followed, I just kept thinking -- the way my body feels is just a reminder that I did it.

2) I spent time actually watching baseball on TV and haven't dedicated a second to the Bears. In years past, we used to join my Family for Sunday football and extreme amounts of comfort food which I always enjoyed...but it's just felt too nice to sit inside for hours upon end in this extended Summer. Even stranger, as a Sox fan, I even began to root for the Cubs, so thrilled with the excitement and passion that united Chicago, as we're dealing with doom and gloom all too often. It was a really nice, welcome distraction.

3) I started to indulge in a longtime love for graphic design. I've always been a font-obsessed nazi who believes an entire poster or invitation can be changed with one click of the mouse but only now, am I taking action to make those feelings productive and enhance my responsibilities at work through training and daily practice. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

But there's a few things that haven't changed at all...indulging in pumpkin spice everything, a love for army green accents, snapping (way too many) photos of the magical leaves and feeling thrilled when 93.9 flips the Christmas switch. After all, there's still so much joy to come...

What has made this Fall memorable for you?  Wearing:
Top: Nordstrom Rack Jeans: J Brand Jeans Jacket: Old Navy Booties: Just Fab (similar) Bag: c/o Sole Society (similar) Hat: Target (similar) Necklace: House of Gemmes (similar)

A French Connection

The second I got dressed in this outfit, I felt like I should be walking the streets of Pairs, not the suburbs of Chicago ;) We all know about my love for stripes (seen here, here and here) but what I DIDN'T know is, what actually makes a striped shirt feel so french? 

The striped shirt was originally a naval sailor’s uniform, designed to help distinguish the sailors from the waves so you could find them more easily when they fell overboard. At the time, all the French navy hailed from Brittany, so the shirt was named the “Breton” shirt and displayed 21 stripes – one for each of Napoleon’s victories against the British.

Did you guys know this backstory? I love how the number of stripes represented each success and it's pretty cool how this staple has pretty much remained unchanged over the years...how you wear it is up to you, but this Parisian classic will never go out of style ;)

Speaking of my love for stripes, a quick letter to my sister-in-law...

Dear, Lisa: I have fallen in love with your striped turtleneck so if it doesn't make it back into your swap bag, please understand -- I've decided to keep it until further notice :) No, but seriously...this is one of those pieces that goes with EVERYTHING. The same weekend as these photos were taken, I also wore it with distressed skinnies and coral flats -- dress it up or down, tuck it in or not...either way, it's a must-have. Fine, I get it...you want your shirt back. Makes sense. I never had a sister growing up but I heard trading clothes for keeps is a real thing...Just saying

Okay, I can tell this is going to be harder than I thought so I started searching for a similar piece to add to my closet. 

Here are a few I have my eye on:

Wearing:
Top: Loft (old but very similar here) Jeans: Shopbop - My FAVORITE flares! Hat: Target (I love this similar one for Spring - It's on sale for under $20!) Bag: Kate Spade (Also need this red one in my life) Booties: Just Fab Sunnies: Old Navy Lipstick: Glominerals

A Flare for Lake Living

It's funny how tastes change as you get older -- When my family bought our lake house, I was 9 years old and felt like Wisconsin was another world, one that was SO far away from my friends and "the real world" (So, no mall in sight? How do these people live?) 

On a (somewhat) similar note, I had become accustomed to skinny and straight leg denim, because I always felt more comfortable in something fitted and close to my body. Fast forward a few years in my life and both of these things have changed for the better...

Our lake house is now my favorite destination, one filled with memories and the promise of an escape from everyday stress, while my jean collection has grown exponentially in style, because really...what is life without a little flare?

Sweater: Old Navy | Jeans: c/o Shopbop | Hat (similar) & Sunnies: Target

Bag: Sole Society (swap w/Lisa) | Shoes: DSW | Necklace: Xo Veronika (old)

Because Lisa Loves Peter Pilotto for Target

Did anyone else run out on February 9th and buy pieces from the Peter Pilotto for Target collection? I did! And I had to stop myself at the four items I got. I actually wanted more but they sold out of the dresses on my wish list. Thankfully, they have restocked and you can find most items now.

I got this blouse with the matching skirt, but wanted to style it a bit more casual for this Sunday afternoon. And can we talk about my hubby's new Ray Bans? Since I gave them to him for his b-day, I feel like I can borrow then whenever I want. Wait, isn't that how marriage works? What's mine is yours! ;)

Top: Peter Pilotto for Target // Jeans: J Brand // Boots: c/o Just Fab // Sunnies: Ray Ban // Bag: Forever 21 // Bracelet: c/o Sole Society // Watch: Fossil // Ball Ring & Necklace: House of Gemmes // Stackable Rings: Stella & Dot // Diamond & Black Diamond Ring: Jared // Hair Extensions: Hair by Suzie  

What do you think of the Peter Pilotto collection? Did you buy any pieces yet?

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

Dream Shopping: Lisa

On a daily basis I find clothing, shoes, and accessories and fall madly in love with them. Then I get real and realize these are dream items for me at this point in my life. ;) But, you can find alternatives! Here's how...

Here are my dream items:

A.L.C Shay Top $260

J Brand Jeans $196

Tom Ford Sunglasses $425

Vintage Chanel bag $3552.00

LAMB heels $379.99

Here are my girl on a budget items:

White House Black Market $49.99

Gap Jeans $59.95

SW Global Sunglasses $20.79

Dorthy Perkins Purse $25.00

Luichiny Heels $79.99

What do you think? Do you ever see an item you are lusting over and then search for a more resonablely priced alternative?

#Lisa