Rocked it & Swapped it

I like to call this swap, "twinning moment, two years apart"! 

When I styled my Lauren Conrad for Kohl's sweater the first time back in 2013, I kept the style very simple. Skinny jeans, riding boots, and a few layers over (not shown in below photo) made the perfect style for a night out with the girls. I even wore a knit hat too (you can click through to see my full outfit post).   

Fast forward to early 2015 when Kaitlyn rocked the knit. She just so happened to style it almost identical to my look. The best part is, Kaitlyn went back to look for my first outfit post after styling her own...aka, this look wasn't styled the same way twice on purpose. We both just felt this sweater looked best with gray boots, the same Loft skinny jeans, and a knit hat! I think we are beginning to share a fashion brain! ;)

Here is how we both styled the Lauren Conrad top: 

P.S. you can still find this sweater online here!

Have you ever had an accidental "twinning moment" with your friend or family member?
How would you style this polka dot sweater?

Let's chat below in the comment section!

Rocked it & Swapped it

When it comes to winter fashion here in the Midwest, layers are key. This winter has been particularly harsh with more subzero days then I want to count. When I came across this plaid drape front cardigan, I knew it would be a perfect addition to my ever-growing winter wardrobe. 

It's versatile enough to wear with anything from date night out to everyday wear and even paired perfectly with a moto jacket and crop boots. 

Here are a few ways we have styled this great Mudd brand cardigan from Kohls:

How would you style this cardigan?

Are you finding creative ways to layer up during this harsh winter?

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?

New Hair & Pattern Mixing

I finally took my extensions out this past week and I was both happy and sad to do so. It's always bittersweet as I love having think hair down to my waist, but it's so much lighter and healthy feeling when you get a great haircut and style eight weeks later. 

I kept the length longer by only taking off 1-2 inches and had my stylist add tons of layers and a feather type front. I mean, I did say give me and updated Farah Fawcett look. I am super happy with how it turned out! 

This day I layered a print button up under a crop knit and simply added boyfriend jeans and tons of amazing gold jewelry. To finish the look off, I added a plaid shoe to pattern mix (but kept the colors in the same family), a camel colored wool coat, and my emerald bag. 

Top: Peter Pilotto for Target // Knit & Coat: Victoria's Secret // Jeans & Ring: Kohls // Shoes: Old Navy // Bag: c/o Just Fab // Necklace & Bracelet: T+J Designs // Watch: Fossil // Earrings: House of Harlow 1960

In the end I think my looked turned out more preppy then I had intended, but why not have a preppy day? I actually was wearing a top knot when I got dressed in this outfit, but after my hair cut it took on a whole new look...In a good way I think. 

What do you think of my new hair style? 

Do you pattern mix using the same color palette?

Lisa 's Spring Wish List

We are finally feeling some spring temperatures here in the Midwest. Yes, they only last a day and then it's back to the 30's and 40's, but I think the worst is behind us now. (Come on sun, it's April and we NEED you!)

I can't wait to rotate my closet and get ready for some spring fashion! 

Here are a few looks and items I am currently lusting over:

Jumper // Vest // Shoes // Bag

Silk Blouse // Shorts // Shoes // Tote Bag

Top Left // Top Right
Bottom Left // Bottom Right

Like every year in the fashion world, there are many new trends presented to us, and I always try to give one or two a try. Don't fill your closet up with pieces that will only be in style for one season, but collect items over the years that you can mix and match with new ones you pick up! That's what I do anyway ;)

What are some items you can't wait to wear this season?

Rocked it & Swapped it

Lisa and I both jump at the chance to wear sequins so her skirt from Lauren Conrad's line for Kohls is a favorite of ours and the quintessential winter piece. Whether it's worn with neutrals like a cream turtleneck and taupe mary jane pumps or black tights and knee-high wedge boots, it's great for all the festivities and decking the halls that the holidays bring. 

How would you style the skirt?  

Because Lisa Loves "Fake" Layers Too!

 

I love layering in the fall and winter months, but sometimes it takes me a few minutes to figure out what layers to wear with what outfit.

When I saw this top at Kohl's, I immediately fell in love! Not only is it an adorable crop sweater, but it comes with an attached blouse bottom! How perfect is that? 

Top: Kohls // Jeans: American Eagle // Boots & Bag: c/o Just Fab // Watch: Fossil // Bracelet: swap w/ Kaitlyn // Rings: T+J Designs // Hat: Target // Necklace: House of Gemmes 

I paired my layered top with skinny jeans, boots, and a knit hat for my on-the-go day of errands and shopping. 

Do you own any "fake" layer type tops? 

What do you think of this outfit?

Because Lisa Had a Two-Part NYE

Yesterday on Stilettos and Diaper Bags I showed off my NYE outfit. Today, I want to show you what I wore on new years eve, earlier that day. Since my hubby had a show at House of Blues Chicago we headed into the city around 2:00pm so we could check in at the SAX hotel and he could make it on time for sound check. 

The plan was to have dinner with the band and crew at 5:30pm, head to the hotel for naps shortly after, then head over to watch The Smoking Popes, Swizzle Tree, and (of course) Lucky Boys Confusion around 10:00pm.

Here is what I wore:

Knit: Old Navy // Jeans: Express // Boots: c/o Sole Society // Scarf: Kohls // Watch: Fossil // Bow Bracelet: T+J Designs 

This was such a fun way to start NYE. House of Blues was awesome and let us order whatever we wanted. I went with the shrimp po' boy and fries (YUM!) while the hubby got an amazing steak. 

Here are some shots of our dinner backstage and me with my hubby:

What a fun start to my NYE shenanigans! ;) 

What did you do on NYE? Do you ever make it into two parts like we did this year?

Because Kaitlyn Hosted a Bridal Shower!

Along with my Mom & cousins, I recently hosted a holiday themed bridal shower for my cousin who is getting married in a few weeks. The shower was at the Grotto which had just been decked out in red and gold that morning so the backdrop was perfect and the food was absolutely amazing.

I am not exaggerating when I say it may have been the best chicken I've ever had...not to mention the tiramisu (which rarely isn't high on my list) but this one had even me asking for seconds. Is your mouth watering yet?

Sweater: Target (similar) // Skirt: Swap w/Lisa (Lauren Conrad) (similar) // Boots: DSW  (similar)// Tights: Von Maur 

Necklace: T+J Designs // Ring: Forever 21 (similar)

 The shower was a success and now begins the wedding countdown. The bride has picked gorgeous apple red dresses for us bridesmaids to wear, so I hope there's a dusting of snow on the ground...can you imagine those photos? :)

The hosts & MOB

Red velvet cake pops for the red inspired wedding

PS, can we talk about my necklace? GUSH. Lisa got it for me for my birthday after she me drooling over it at the T+J preview a few weeks ago (and loved it so much, she bought one too!) I got so many compliments on it and can't wait to wear it for all the festive events coming up!

The LC Holiday Collection

As you know, I am a big Lauren Conrad fan and my love for her only grew stronger when I saw the look book for her new 2013 Holiday Collection for Kohls. (By the way, can we talk about how much street cred she has brought to that store?) The line covers a range of styles, including everything from sequins to polka dots and colored velvet to lace and shimmer. 

These are my top four favorite styles from the collection:

Sweater & Sequin Skirt / Heart Sweater & Velvet Pants

Crochet Top / Fit & Flare Dress

And the cute pup is a nice addition ;) What is your favorite piece?

#Kaitlyn

Because We Got Dressy at the Lake

Weekends at the lake generally consist of eating, boating, golf cart rides, game playing (block head anyone?), smores by the fire, and lots of relaxing. This time around we switched things up and had a dressy day:

Top: H&M , Shorts: Kohls (Lauren Conrad) (similar) (similar), Necklace: Pree Brulee (similar), Shoes: LuLu's (similar), Hat: Target

 Dress: Target, Earrings: Kristin Hassan, Shoes: C/O Sole Society, Lip color: Blue Raspberry by Bobbi Brown

#SistersMarie

Show Me The Swaps!

The idea behind "Because I Shop Too Much" was born from Lisa and I constantly swapping clothes to save money on new outfits. SO, we felt it was only appropriate that we document what one of these fun trades looks like. We always swap the same amount of items so it's fair and it helps us to remember which items we have when the sad day of switching back arrives. We often go through each other's recent Facebook photos or blog posts to spot items we'd like to wear and this round, I am very excited to don Lisa's polka dot blouse which I first spotted here.

1.Crochet tunic via ThirtySomethingFashin Box Service  2.Blazer: JC Penny  3.Bouse: Zara 4.Tank: Lauren Conrad via Kohls 5.Skirt: H&M

1. JC Penney mango dress, 2. Express jersey shirt, 3. Love 21 striped tank top, 4. Target lace camisole, 5. BCBG tank top

The famous "great minds think alike" motto must be true because Lisa and I both picked out some beautiful blue hues for each other ;) Do you see any items in these photos you'd like to swap with us once they go up on becauseishoptoomuch.com?

Have you picked up a set of FriendSwap Bags yet?

#Kaitlyn