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 ;)

Going to Great Lengths

I remember the day I went to my hair dresser and told her I wanted to dye my hair black - I brought in an "inspirational" photo of Ashlee Simpson circa 'Pieces of Me.' My hair girl pretty much had the same response my Mom did when I told her the idea: Hell no. Thank God that phase was short-lived and I moved on... Once I remembered that whole "I'm Irish with pale skin and freckles" thing, jet black hair seemed a little out of the question. 

11 years later and I still have not touched these locks - no dye, high lights or cuts that would make me cry (like a few of those dance up-do's back in the day). I love my natural color, especially after sun time in the summer, and I'm afraid I would never get it back. 

But like most, I do get the itch to mix things up now and then so I was excited when I heard Lisa's contact for extensions was coming back in town. I have always been a fan of long flowing hair (Blake Lively is my ultimate #WCW) and since I had recently chopped my hair after my wedding, I figured this was a great way to get a new (non-permanent) look.

Sweater: BISTM (Lisa's closet) (similar) // T-shirt: Victoria's Secret // Jeans: Old Navy // Bag: Just Fab

Shoes: Just Fab (similar) // Necklace: Rachel Roy // Sunglasses: Old Navy

What do you think of extensions? How do you keep your look fresh?

P.S. Speaking of keeping things fresh, do the same for your wardrobe with this exclusive Shopbop sale for friends + family:

Fall Wish List: Lisa

I am so excited for fall fashion this year! Fall is my favorite season, so it only makes sense that I am obsessed with all the trends that we are all about to start wearing. I love buying a few trend pieces each year to mix and match with my current wardrobe. I mean, who can afford to buy a new entire closet each season? Not me! 

Quite a few trends are rolling over from last year but being revamped in a more updated way.
Hello plaid crop tops and kitten heels, swoon!  

Here are three of my favorite fall trends that I can't wait to shop:

Mad for Plaid

Joa // Sole Society // Tommy Hilfiger // ASOS 

Animal Print 

Elkin // Just Fab // Old Navy // Rachel Roy 

The Color Wine

Rag & Bone // Sole Society // Hilfiger via ASOS // ASOS 

What trends are you looking forward to this fall? See any items above that you have to have?

It IS Easy Being Green

This is one of those days where I was pretty much decked out in "Lisa" from head to toe - I found this great sheer midi dress in my most recent #swap bag and it was perfect for our al fresco dining experience at the lake and I chose to pair it with her gold belt and blue sunnies for a few photos. I love this dress length because it's appropriate enough for work with a jacket or blazer but also just right for the beach. 

The night before this, we had some fun with hair chalk by testing out different hues in our hair. I've always wanted to dye my hair a different color but I will never let myself because I'm too afraid I'll never get my original color back -- my hair stylist  (slash amazing photographer) pretty much refuses to let me touch it so the temporary chalk is a great way to mix it up when you're bored. 

I think the pink was a good choice for me though I'm tempted to try the purple next ;)

Dress: Shop Frankies // Sandals: Old Navy // Purse: Persunmall // Belt: ASOS (similar) // Bracelets: It's a Bling Thing  Jacket: J. Crew // Brown sunnies: Old Navy // Blue sunnies: Ray Ban // Necklace: Rachel Roy// Hair chalk: Amazon (similar)

Which sunglasses look do you prefer on me? I like both styles, depending what outfit I'm wearing.

Have you ever tried hair chalk?

Because Kaitlyn Loves Nashville (Part 1)

We just got back from our girls weekend in Nashville and to say I am missing it would be an understatement. We have been back for three days yet my mind is still consumed by all the sights, smells, tastes and memories of the south. One of my favorite things about the town is that you can find great live music no matter what day or time it is – no matter how crowded, there is always an open door and a welcome invitation to join all the other folks who have come to enjoy a beer, comfort food and song that will inevitably be in your head for days. 

Speaking of food, we actually ate our way through Nashville, stopping for Fried pickles (3 variations at that!), BBQ and salted-caramel gelato on every corner. If we weren’t eating or listening to music at any point, it’s because we were busy laughing so hard – I will always remember this trip with four of my favorite family girls.

Dress: Target // Jacket: J. Crew (similar) // Boots: Go Jane (similar) // Bag: Tignanello (similar) // Necklace: Rachel Roy 

Sunnies: Target // Watch: T+J Designs // Camera: Canon Rebel XS

Check back on Friday to see some photos from our trip and hear how we spent the night with the cast of our favorite TV show!

I mean...

Peaked My Pinterest: Because Kaitlyn Styled a Midi Skirt

I've been admiring some great midi skirt styling on Pinterest for awhile so when Lisa was selling one in her closet, I jumped at the chance to hang it up in mine. I love this length because it still shows a hint of skin and allows for some great shoe action. 

Now that it's middle of February after one of the worst winters ever, I'm more than ready to let my legs breathe and wear something other than my classic skinny jean/riding boot combo so this skirt is a huge breath of fresh air.

Top: LOFT // Skirt: BISTM- Lisa's Closet (similar) // Jacket: Forever 21 (similar) // Booties: Just Fab (similar) // Bag: Just Fab 

Necklace: Macy's (Rachel Roy) // Bracelet: LOFT // Hat: My Mom's Closet (similar under $5!) // Sunnies: Nordstorm

What do you think of midi skirt's? How would you style this piece?

Rocked it & Swapped it

Whether you’re enjoying a weekend by the fireplace in snowy Wisconsin or running through your daily errands and regular routine, the quote on this gorgeous Rachel Roy necklace rings true: La Vie est Belle which translates to “Life is Beautiful.” 

I purchased this necklace the second I saw it because I liked the saying and it’s a mantra I felt good about wearing close to my heart each day. With the recent loss of a family member still fresh in our minds, Lisa and I are doing our best to live by these words, no matter how crazy, stressful, overwhelming, etc. we think our life is.

Do you have any inspirational quotes you like to live by?

Because Kaitlyn Loves Wisco Winters

While Chicago has been experiencing some of the coldest temperatures ever, it's usually even more frigid when you cross the Wisconsin border. That being said, our surroundings there somehow make winter feel more like a beautiful dream than a tiring routine. Our lake house is engulfed by beautiful scenery - icy bare branches, snow covered evergreens and a blanket of white diamonds…

Perfect for baileys on ice and comfort foods with the family ;)

P.S. if you would take 5 minute to fill out our Sisters Marie Survey, we would greatly appreciate it! (We promise it will not take you any longer -- we kept it short + sweet!) 

Sweater: LOFT // Leggings: JC Penney (similar) // Boots: Target // Hat: Forever 21

Sunglasses: Nordstrom // Necklace: Macy's (Rachel Roy) // Lipstick: Milani