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?

Winter Weekend Essentials

When packing for a winter weekend at the lake house, there are a few items I can't leave home without. We usually have a good mix of downtime and activities on the schedule so I like to bring pieces that can be used for both...whether we're going sledding and making indoor s'mores or sitting by the fire (competitively) playing 2048, I like to be comfortable but stylish at the same time. 

7 things to pack for the weekend:

1. A cozy sweater you can dress up or down

2. A blanket scarf for chilly nights

3. Leggings (to go with the cozy sweater, of course)

4. A beanie that goes with everything (and masks your bad hair on day 3)
5. Winter-proof boots...This Sperry pair has been on my wishlist for months, they are perfect!
6. A travel bag for books, magazines and my computer (complete with a shoe compartment)
7. A good pair of sunglasses...I like the way the colored lenses stand out against the snow

What are your weekend wear essentials?

Wearing:
Sweater: Old Navy Scarf: Target (almost identical under $20) Leggings: JC Penney (similar) Boots: Sperry Bag: Sole Society Hat: Purchased in Ireland (similar) Necklace: LOFT Sunnies/Gloves: Old Navy

The Vest Intentions

I'm not a huge fan of dusting unless it’s in the form of a long vest that almost sweeps the floor. A sheer white blouse and strappy sandals are a classic combination that never goes out of style but add a geometric sleeveless vest and it instantly becomes just a little more chic. 

I feel like the entire outfit changed once I added the vest and that's what I love most...one simple piece can change how you present yourself both in your appearance and confidence. With this piece in tow, I felt a little more put together and ready to go from the office to an event, namely the T+JDesigns Fall look book party, held at the gorgeous home of interior designer, Donna Hall.

Residing in the suburbs, we don't always make it to the city events...working full time followed by sitting in traffic for 2+ hours gets rather tiring (though it slightly improves with the help of Uber!), but when we do make it out, it's always so wonderful to catch up with our fellow blogging ladies. If you haven't checked out T+J in awhile, you don't want to miss their new arrivals...there may or may not be a coat that Lisa and I were actually drooling over (stay tuned!) Lisa also walked out with this 3 piece set...to die.

Vest: Forever 21 (Love this one too!) Blouse: JC Penney Jeans: Old Navy (Similar) Shoes: ASOS Bag: Shoplately (Similar for $30!) Lip color: Kate Spade Watch: c/o Aibi What do you think of the long vest trend? 

Relaxed Weekend Wear

 

I don't know about you guys and your schedules, but life on this end is crazy lately. Every weekend (heck, every weekday!) is filled with events, parties, meetings, my kid's sports, and appointments. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, but I do miss days lounging around my home in a cozy outfit. The only solution is to dress super comfortably when I am out on my weekends. This jumpsuit beyond did the trick. I never style it too different, but I always feel like I have snuck out of my home in my pj's when I wear this jumpsuit. 

 

By adding a statement necklace, a pair of gorgeous sunglasses, and a bright lip, it gives the allusion that I'm all dolled up. The truth is, I got ready in 15 minutes and this is day three hair (yes, I only wash my hair every three days)! A little bit of my favorite dry shampoo and a half-up top knot is the perfect hair for low maintenance days. Want to see a tutorial of my hair style? Just say so in the comment section below! 

 

OK, can we talk about this lip color? I recently picked up this four pack of suede matte colors, and the one I wore this day is so bright and pretty. I honestly love all four and plan to wear the heck of them in the coming months. When you buy the box of four it's like getting two crayons for free. Got to love limited time items & sale prices! 

Jumpsuit: JC Penny (similar) (similar) // Shoes: JustFab // Bag: Nordstrom // Sunglasses: Ditto (use code SADB for 1st month FREE!) // Necklace: Rocksbox // Watch: Movado // Lip Color: GloMinerals  What is your go-to style when you'd rather be in your pj's?  What's your go-to hair style for on-the-go days?

Remix & Shop!

A great solid colored blazer is a staple piece everyone should have in their wardrobe. I have lots of blazers (both solid and prints) as they mix and match with almost anything I want to wear year-round. I don't care if you don't have a regular 9-5 job or not, everyone over 25 should have quite a few blazers in rotation...just saying ;) 

I love my blue blazer for many reasons, but when I found it 2 years ago at JC Penney, the price tag & vibrant color where what drew me in. The blazer dressed up a graphic tee and boyfriend denim, made my LBD pop by tossing it over and adding a scarf, and matched effortlessly with a tank and print heels as well.

You really can't go wrong when styling this beauty...

1 // 2 // 3

Do you have a lot of blazers in your wardrobe? Which of the styles above do you like best?

Need a blue blazer? I've got you covered. I searched all over the web for great blue blazers at every price point.

Simply click on the photos below to shop! 

Classic Look with a Print Twist

There is nothing more classic then pairing a blazer with jeans and a top. By adding a print shoe, it takes this basic look up a few notches. This look is so easy and can be recreated hundreds of times by adding different color blazers and different printed heels or flats. You can even reverse it and style a print blazer with an unexpected color of shoe to make the look pop. By adding jewelry, you can really make the outfit your own. I'm a huge fan of gold jewelry and love items that feel a bit more on the boho side...Rocksbox had me covered this month. ;)



These black and white shoes are everything! To me, they are a kitten heel measuring in at only three inches. I generally wear flats or six to seven inches so they are out of my box a bit but with a print like this, I could not resist.


Blazer: JC Penny // Tank: Target // Jeans: Old Navy // Shoes: JustFab // Purse: Rebecca Minkoff // Cuff & Necklace: Rocksbox (use code sistersmariexoxo to get your 1st month FREE!) // Ring: House of Harlow 1960 // Sunglasses: MNG by Mango // Watch: Fossil // Bracelet: Lokai 

Do you ever put a twist on a classic look to make it your own?

What do you think of this pairing?

Shop, Lately?

1. "Wait, what is the hash tag?!"
2. "We gotta do the Ellen selfie! .... "Yes! I love that everybody calls it that!"
3. "What's your phone number? I only have your social media handle in my phone..."

Conversations like these are just routine when #ChicagoBloggers get together for a photo shoot. These fun opportunities are just one of many reasons why we feel so lucky to be part of such a supportive blogging community. We have met so many sweet girls and it's like worlds collide when we can collaborate together in order to blend everyone's unique style and ideas. 

We were really excited to team up with ShopLately to showcase a few must-have wardrobe staples for all the festivities over the next few months. ShopLately is a marketplace that gives designers and brands the opportunity to showcase their products to an audience, so it's similar to Etsy but specifically fashion focused...Yes please!?

Here is my holiday look (perfect for NYE or cocktails with the girls):

Dress: JC Penney (similar) | Blazer: Piperlime (similar on sale!) | Boots: GILT | Purse: BISTM 

Necklace: Shop Lately | Rings: c/o Shop Lately | Bracelet: LOFT | Lipstick: Kate Spade

Back Row: Love Zahra, Myself, Stilettos & Diaper Bags

Front Row: Defining Tabitha, Hallways are my Runways, The Naked Canvas, 101 Things I Love

Let's take a much deserved moment to address this necklace from Lily Wang (currently sold out, but here is a very similar piece). I have a vast collection of neck wear but this one was placed in my regular rotation immediately, especially with holidays coming up. I think it works great with this dress for an evening look but I also love the idea of wearing it with a simple white t or knit, taking something from very basic to super chic...they don't call them statements for nothin' ;) 

You can shop more of our holiday picks here...it's refreshing to find a selection so unique and it makes me feel good to know everything is coming from entrepreneurs fulfilling their passion.

Have you browsed Shop Lately? Let us know what you think!

P.S. The answer to number 1 is #ShopLatelyBloggerHoliday...now you can see all of our Instagram posts!