Paradise Valley

Do you ever get dressed for the day and suddenly feel reminded of a certain song or artist? I know Lisa does from her dressing to music posts and on this particular day, I couldn't stop thinking of John Mayer's album, Paradise Valley. Whether it was the wide-brimmed hat or the wide open field that triggered my mind, it definitely became a point of inspiration for the photos...

On that same musical note, my Dad, brother and I recently had a conversation about all of the (negative) changes the music industry has seen over the past few decades and how difficult it is these days to find an artist you truly admire...someone whose album you buy just because it's them (buying music, what?) or a concert you would actually pay good money to see. 

I was hard pressed to think of many in these categories (other than T Swift, of course...the only album I've purchased in the last 10 years), but as for live music, I would definitely purchase tickets to see John Mayer...he's my go-to in the office, as I can put on any of his albums and listen straight through without feeling compelled to change the song (as I typically do...just ask my husband how much fun I am to ride with in the car). There may be some tabloid drama that doesn't always seem the most tasteful, but I've always thought he was extremely talented both lyrically and musically...listen to the Heart of Life...I love the words :) 

Shirt: Old Navy | Vest: Swap w/Lisa (Forever 21) | Jeans; Old Navy | Booties: Target (love these too!) Hat: GAP (similar) | Bag: Swap w/Lisa (Sole Society) | Sunnies: Old Navy

Who are your current favorite artists? Do they ever inspire your style?

Beauty & the Blog: Lisa's OOTD

We recently shared two blog posts (here & here) about shooting for the Spring issue of Lake & Country Magazine.
During our first photo shoot, we each wore two outfits. We were all asked to bring one look that was white, cream, or blush tones and the second was one that we felt defined our style as bloggers.
My first outfit I highlighted over on Stilettos and Diaper Bags, and my second outfit is what I'm sharing with you today! I feel like this outfit is very me. I love a great jumpsuit, hat, and heels so why not wear all three to showcase a few of my favorite things?!

All photos below were taken by the very talented Anna of Anna Urban Photography. The first photo is my favorite and it is one of the photos that made it into the 6 page feature spread in Lake & Country magazine!

Jumpsuit: Piperlime // Hat: Gap // Shoes: c/o JustFab // Cuff & Midi Ring: c/o Shop Lately // S Shaped Ring & Necklace: T+J Designs // Watch: Fossil // Bracelet: Lokai 

The entire experience was one I will never forget. I loved shooting with Anna as she has a way of making you feel beautiful and confident even though there were quite a few others in the room watching. I would highly recommend using her as a photographer!

What do you think of this outfit?
What outfit would you put together if asked to encompass your signature style?

Valentine's Pin-Up Glam

"I can't even stand it...literally, I can't even! 

You're like Jessica Rabbit meets pin-up poster girl meets...amazing." - Lisa 

My sister (in-law) is not only a talented photographer but also great at making me feel good, especially when we're blogging outfits and I'm dressed slightly outside of my comfort zone. I don't follow strict style guidelines by any means, but a plaid pencil skirt + a form fitting sweater (topped off with a winter muff) is a retro look I don't sport too often but I can tell you this...it felt pretty good.

I love this look for Valentine's Day/any date night - the combination has an aura of decades past that makes it feel timeless. I put this on and imagined ordering an Old Fashioned while eating a candlelit dinner with my husband, complete with a side of the Rat Pack on the radio. 

To keep things modern, I added a leopard heel...there's just something about mixing animal print and plaid that catches my eye every time.

Do you ever channel a different time through your style?

Top: LOFT // similar

Skirt: Old Navy // splurge, save

Shoes: Target // similar here, here

Muff: Gift // similar 

Hat: Gap // similar

Patch it Up

I love love love feminine pieces with a masculine touch - These hiking boots and an over sized knit or these military style boots (the flannel detail, i can't even) with black tights and a winter appropriate dress...these are a few of my favorite things / items on my holiday wish list (hint hint friends + fam!) 

But for now, I have been living in these dressed up construction style booties and this super soft sweater complete with elbow patches which gives off an old time equestrian style vibe. It's subtle details like these which make a piece unique, therefore a must in my closet. 

Sweater: Gap (similar spluge / save)  // Jeans: LOFT (similar) // Tank: Target // Booties: LOFT // Bag: Old Navy

Sunnies: Old Navy // Necklace: Rachel Roy // Ring: Forever 21

P.S. Can we talk about my excitement for this Bucket Bag? I've been craving this style in my collection for awhile now and Old Navy has been SO on point these last few months with affordable trends. Ugh, opening a credit card there was a horrible awesome decision ;)

Because We Enjoyed Blogger Brunch (Part 1)

We recently attended a lovely Sunday brunch (#bloggerbrunch, that is) hosted by Mary of Sportsanista. She said the idea came to her after she thought about how often we all converse regularly via Instagram, our Blogs, Twitter, etc but don't see each other nearly enough in real life and we couldn't agree more. 

It's so easy to leave a complimentary comment or send an e-vite for an event, but it's important to find the time to slow down and chat about the world outside of our digital footprints…we quickly realized how much we all have in common (besides a passion for fashion) such as the men in our lives rolling their eyes when we ask them to take ANOTHER outfit photo or hope they can see the need for that non-functional sequin pillow (yes, NEED). 

Blazer: Target (Swap w/ Lisa) // Shirt: JC Penney // Jeans: Old Navy // Belt: GAP // Shoes: Converse
 Bag: Windsor (Swap w/ Lisa) // Bracelets: c/o It's a Bling Thing // Sunnies: Target // Rings: Francescas,  Lili Claspe

We are already looking forward to the next get together…There was mention of pasta + wine, so I'm pretty sure we won't have trouble finding room in our schedule :)

Dress: Because I Shop Too Much // Jacket: c/o Just Fab // Boots: c/o Sole Society // Necklace & Rings: T+J Designs 
Bag: c/o Funky Pretty by Design Dahl // Sunnies: Prada 

Check back on Monday for photos of the "could this be any cuter" brunch set-up Mary created just for us!

Because Kaitlyn Loves Blazer Season!

I feel very lucky to work at a place where every day is casual Friday, especially after the few years I spent working insurance in slacks (do people still say slacks?) and let's not forget the matching separates that retail stores can't seem to stray from. I never felt comfortable in those pieces (physically or mentally) because it was very stuffy, confined, and limiting -- I need a splash of color in life.

I feel most comfortable expressing my personality through clothes and this outfit is a good representation of that: classic with a modern/fun twist. I've always loved blazers which I have Blair Waldorf to thank (could anyone else make such an obnoxious headband and schoolgirl get up look so perfect?)

Blazer: LOFT (similar) // Top: Forever 21 // Jeans: GAP // Booties: c/o Just Fab // Bag: c/o Just Fab

Bracelets: Forever 21, T+J Designs, House of Gemmes

How do you dress for your job?

Shop my look: 

Because we went to Bottles & Bottega!

We finally put one of our (last years) Christmas gifts to good use and went out for a sister night at Bottles and Bottega. No business - just wine, painting and of course, gossip. This was an amazing outlet for our creative sides and even though we were following along with the rest of the class, they urge you to add your own personal touch and inspiration, so it was very cool to see how different everyone's final product turned out.

Here is what we wore:

Top: Urban Outfitters (similar)  // Shorts: Old Navy (similar) // Sandals: DSW // Bag: c/o Just Fab // Sunnies: Nordstrom

Top: Urban Outfitters  // Shorts: Gap // Bag: Rachel Zoe (similar) (similar)  // Booties: c/o Just Fab  // Bracelet: Baublebar // Stackable Rings: Shop Jules // Opal Ring: Jared (similar) // Watch: Fossil

 Have you ever been to a wine & painting class? 

We can't wait to bring our husbands back on a Friday for couples night!