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)

Make a Statement with Sparkle

Top: Express | Necklace: House of Gemmes

So much of my every day outfit selections are based on accessorizing. I feel naked if I leave the house without (at a minimum) my stud earrings and one other piece of jewelry, typically a statement necklace. Over the years, I have accumulated quite a large collection in order to complete any outfit...oh, and because I'm like a kid in a sparkly candy store when surrounded by jewels. 

With the holidays right around the corner, I wanted to share a few of my favorite wardrobe and necklace pairings that are perfect for any occasion.

Top: Forever 21 (similar) | Necklace: T+J Designs (similar)

I am as they say "mad for plaid," especially this season because it's everywhere and I LOVE to see it dressed up. As mentioned many times, I gravitate towards fashion that mixes feminine and masculine pieces so this lumberjack gone black tie affair look is my ultimate mix.

Blazer: Piperlime (similar) | Necklace: Forever 21 (similar)

Much like my anchor print collection, the amount of leopard print items in my closet is getting slightly out of the control and this blazer is queen of them all. The leather lapel detail gives it an extra edge so I like pairing it with an equally gritty piece of jewelry. With flared denim and a heeled bootie, this look exudes confidence.

Dress: LOFT (similar) | Necklace: T+J Designs (on sale!)

There are statement necklaces and then are STATEMENT necklaces and this is my go-to. I knew we would be a perfect match from the first time I laid eyes on the gold and lucite design. This piece always makes any outfit feel more special whether it's a basic white blouse or a festive red dress and I (don't) apologize for being a repeat offender because isn't going out of style any time soon ;)

Jacket: Buffalo Jeans (similar) | T: House of Gemmes | Necklace: LOFT (similar)

If I was asked to describe my favorite outfit, I would likely mention the graphic T and leather jacket combo. I am by definition a jeans and T girl but I do enjoy spicing things up with a unique accessory. I think the pink in the necklace compliments the red jacket nicely and makes an otherwise edgy outfit feel a little more girly. 

Shirt: H&M (similar) | Necklace: T+J Designs

Oh chambray, how I love you so. In my mind, it's one of the most versatile pieces you can own - pair it with a pencil skirt, leather skirt, opposite wash jeans (hello Canadian tuxedo!), printed pants, shorts, layered with a knit or flannel, and the list goes on. I like the blue on blue pairing here and love when the statement necklace fits perfectly under the collar, making for the perfect peek of sparkle.

How do you make a statement with your jewelry? 

What is your favorite of these combinations?

Pattern Mixing While Getting Blown Away

I love pattern mixing! I think my favorite part is unexpected pairings gone so right. I was wearing my polka dot blouse and skinny jeans when I walked outside and all of a sudden, the wind hit and I was so cold...I mean, "lets hope I can keep my feet on the ground" type of windy and cold out. I quickly grabbed the closest coat I could find and it happened to be the plaid one Kaitlyn and I share.

It was pattern mixing love at first sight! I went to the local park to take photos and the wind just got worse and worse as you can see below...

Jacket: c/o Sheinside // Blouse: c/o Oasap // Jeans: Old Navy // Boots: c/o Sole Society // Necklace & Earrings: House of Gemmes // Sunnies: Ray Ban 

Right after these shots, I ran to my tripod as it was falling over and thank goodness I caught my camera! No more windy photo shoots with a tripod (note to self)! ;)

What do you think of this pairing? How do you mix patterns?

Peaked My Pinterest: Leather Leggings Style

I love leather - jackets, purses, pants, you name it. I bought this pair of leather leggings at Express after Thanksgiving and they have been a staple in my wardrobe ever since. They fit like a glove and look great with everything from a flowing blouse to a casual t-shirt. 

Top: Loft (swap w/Lisa) // Pants: Express // Bag: Just Fab // Shoes: Just Fab // Necklace: House of Gemmes (swap w/Lisa)

Here are a few other #fbloggers whose leather looks we love:

(Atlantic-Pacific)

(Sophistifunk)

(the daybook)

(gal meets glam)

Do you have a unique way to style leather leggings and transition them into Spring? 

Because We Attended the Silver Jeans Grand Opening! (Part 2)

Yesterday you saw photos from the Silver Jeans Co. grand opening at Woodfield Mall. Here is what we wore to the event:

Kaitlyn: This was a rare day where the sun was out and it reached 70's so I went with a breezy blouse, my favorite distressed denim and flats. I think I was inspired by weather to mix bright gold and royal blue and my husband even told me, "you look like the sun." I definitely took this as a compliment :)

Top: Loft // Jeans: Old Navy // Bag: Just Fab (swap w/Lisa) // Flats: Target // Necklace: ℅ It's a Bling Thing 

Lisa: I decided I wanted to keep it comfortable and chic and found myself in my favorite peplum from last year. Rolled up my denim, added my favorite plaid flats, a great hot pink lip, and I was good to go!

I am so in love with this necklace right now.
It is super light weight and I think the length is just perfect for some many different outfits and tops.

Top: Express // Jeans: c/o Silver Jeans // Bag: Rachel Zoe // Shoes: c/o Sole Society // Necklace: XO Veronika 
Bracelet: c/o House of Gemmes // Watch: Movado // Lip Color: Candy Yum Yum by MAC

What do you think of our casual weekend looks?
Do you own Silver Jeans?

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?

Giveaway: House of Gemmes!

Start building your 2014 jewelry collection with this gorgeous pendant from House of Gemmes! The Diamante Triangle Pendant is an exclusive from their Signature Jewelry Collection and features a gold chain with crystal triangle, lobster clasp closure, rose gold color and is 20"in length.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rocked it & Swapped it

We typically try to mix things up when we swap items in order to show the versatility, but as I was looking at these photos, I see how similarly we styled the piece. I don't think either of us realized that earth tones were the name of the game when it came to a pallate for this gorgeous House of Gemmes necklace. 

Though I love both outfits, I would like to see these jewels compliment a bright pink top or a chambray shirt under a polka dot sweater. Guess it's time to request another swap with Lisa... ;)

Have you signed up for your gemmebox yet? A jewelry subscription is the perfect Christmas gift!

How do you make a statement?