Falling for a Floral Jumpsuit

We may have overdosed on jumpsuits, rompers and all things floral this summer but there are worse things we could do...these are key necessities for feeling put together yet remaining comfortable. With how many outfits can you feel confident in going to work or to a night out with the ladies? I love this jumpsuit because it allows me to be ready for either...I wold just add a blazer and pumps for the office and a leather jacket with booties for #GNO.

Not to mention, August in Chicago has been pretty sweat-tastic (which I'll take any day over the white stuff) but even so, it can be stifling to wear pants on those days, so a lightweight jumpsuit made of breathable fabric is definitely the perfect fix. I've said it and I'll say it again...anything that feels like pajamas but is actually acceptable to wear in public, is right up there with dark chocolate, summer and the rest of my favorite things.

Jumpsuit: Swap w/Lisa (Piperlime) (Similar..LOVE this one!) | Heels: Just Fab | Bag: Just Fab (similar) | Jacket: J. Crew

Sunnies: Old Navy | Earrings: T+J Designs (on sale!) | Watch: JORD | Bracelets: Old Navy

I look forward to seeing how we transition this piece into fall... 

The right jacket and shoes can change the entire look. Stay tuned ;)

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?

It's all About the Accessories

This outfit is a look we all wear at some point in our lives. Jeans, a blouse, and a blazer, nothing crazy here, I'm not re-inventing the wheel folks and I know it! However, by adding the right accessories, the outfit takes on a new style all together.

I started with my hair and decided to go with a tight top knot to get it away from my face. Next, I went to jewelry and added two necklaces, a bracelet, watch, and tossed on a few gold rings. Sometimes less is more and sometimes more it more. I went with the latter! ;)

Now for the fun stuff; the shoes, sunglasses, and the bag! I pulled hues from my top and chose which ones I would wear from there. I used the blue from the top and paired it with bright blue shoes and sunglasses. I also used a different hue from the red palette when choosing my bag. In the end, my basic jeans, blouse, and blazer looked a lot less basic!

Blouse: Target // Blazer: Piperlime // Jeans: Express // Shoes & Necklace: Just Fab // Bag & Sunglasses: c/o Sole Society // Pendant Necklace: House of Gemmes // Bracelet & Rings: T+J Designs 

How do you style your jeans, blouse, and blazer looks?
It is all about the accessories in your everyday styling? 

The Theater, The Theater

Each year for Christmas, my Mom gets tickets to a play or event in the city for the whole family and this always gives us something to look forward to when winter turns from merry to miserable. Some of my favorite previous theater outings include the the Addams Family musical, Jersey Boys, the Lion King and the holiday Dave Koz jazz concert. 

This year, we switched things up a bit - We typically eat at Petterino's beforehand but my niece and nephew (Lisa's kids) joined us this year (which was SO much fun) so we decided to xnay brunch and "bring style back to travel" (famous words of Manny Delgado.) A limo picked us up for a day in the city which the kids absolutely loved..."Hey, we're riding backwards!"

We were so excited to see Blue Man Group (again for some of us, and first time for others) which was such a fun show. Lots of sensory effects to keep the kids entertained and subtle humor for the adults. Not to mention, my husband was 1 of 2 picked from the audience to participate on stage and this gave us all such enjoyment -- he's the last person that would ever volunteer, making it that much better ;) 

What do you wear for a day at the theater? Typically, we dress up a little bit more but this was an afternoon show for all ages so I kept it casual with jeans, a sheer blouse and my favorite leopard blazer.

Blazer: Piperlime (similar here, here) | Blouse: LOFT (similar) | Jeans: LOFT | Boots: DSW (similar)

Bag: c/o ShopLately | Hat: Target  | Sunnies: Target

What theater events have you enjoyed most over the years?

Pattern Mixing and Matching Add-on's

OK, so clearly I am in a phase of never ending pattern mixing. I find myself doing it daily and I don't see this trend stopping anytime soon. I did try to mix it up a bit by adding the cutest bag and matching shoes. They are from two different stores, but they go together like they were a pair!

On a regular day of mommy errands to the school and dance classes for the kids, I found myself in a very basic distressed skinny jean & polka dot knit. To kick it up a notch, I added the plaid scarf, matching shoes & bag, and a faux leather jacket. A few bracelets (that I never take off) and a watch later, I was ready to go.

Jacket: Target // Top: Piperlime // Jeans: Old Navy // Shoes: Just Fab // Bag & Scarf: c/o Sole Society // Sunnies: MNG by Mango // Beaded Bracelets: Infinite Warrior // Bracelet: Lokai // Watch: Fossil 

What do you think of pattern mixing? Do you ever try to make the patterns pop by adding matching accessories? 

Embellished Sweatshirt Gone Prep

I recently purchased this embellished sweatshirt on the Piperlime website during their big end of year sale. When it arrived, it was more of a crop top style then I had expected. The only solution, prep it up a bit with layers! 

By adding a basic white collar tee under, it definitely changed the style of the outfit, but in a great way. I added distressed denim, cut-out boots, and minimal jewelry to finish the look off. 

 

And below is how all us fashion bloggers actually feel during our winter photo shoots! I had snow in my shoes, it was windy & CURRENTLY snowing, plus my eyes were watering.

In the end...you get some honest photos like this one! ;)

Top: Piperlime // Collar Top: Express // Jeans: Old Navy // Shoes: c/o Just Fab // Bag: c/o Shop Lately (swap w/ Kaitlyn) Beaded Bracelets: Infinite Warrior // Watch: Movado // Ring: c/o Silver Speck

What's your solution to a top that might be a bit short on you?
Do you like my winter style?

Tut Tut, It Looks Like Rain

We are not having a very white winter here in the midwest. Sure, we've seen flurries but not anything to shovel or salt (as of yet). Now rain on the other hand, we've had lots of rain this winter. As far as I'm concerned, that just ends up being a great excuse to break out my orange Hunter boots!

I know I just recently wore this top, but why not get use out of it, right?  It was fun to style it differently then I did the first time by adding my mid-rise zipper pocket jeans and a statement necklace. To finish my outfit off, I added a bright lip color because I sure needed a bit of bright on this otherwise gray day. 

Top: MNG by Mango // Jeans: c/o Just Fab // Boots: Hunter Boots // Bag: Piperlime // Necklace & Ring: T+J Designs  

How long do you wait before you re-wear a sweater (Yes, I wore mine twice in 8 days!)?

What's your go-to rainy day style?