Spring Layers

 


  

It's official, we are just six days away from Spring! Now if someone would just let the weather know, we Midwest folk would love some sunshine and green grass. (You guys, it's been snowing here the last two days!) ;) Regardless of the weather, I am already plotting the seasonal rotation of my closet, which takes me about two days now that I have it down to a science. I always take care of the clothes in my closet first (dresses, tops, skirts, etc.), then my dresser drawers, and lastly my shoes...it's a process. 

This outfit is a perfect example of what I will be rocking during the next few months as the weather catches up with the season. I love a classic denim skirt paired with a tank top. It's simple but seems effortless and put together, which is ideal. I added this beautiful cardigan because it is still breezy out and then my favorite faux leather jacket over that for some extra warmth. Layers really are key this time of year. To finish my outfit off I loaded up on the gold jewelry and added pops of coral in my lip color and bag. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

Cardigan: c/o J.Jill // Top: Nordstrom (similar) // Skirt: Topshop (similar) // Boots: Hautelook // Bag: Jessica Simpson // Jacket: Sheinside (similar) // Necklace: T+J Designs // Sunglasses: Ray-ban // Watch: c/o Aibi Watch // Rings: c/o Park Lane Jewelry // Cream Glaze Lip Crayon: Glo Minerals - Mimosa

Are you counting down the days to Spring?
 Do you maximize layering this time of year?

Bell Sleeves & Braids

I have to say, I am loving all the bell sleeve styles currently selling everywhere I look. I still can't get enough of my bell sleeve turtleneck, but I am happy to trade it in on these warmer days for a breezy blouse like the one I styled here. This outfit was perfect for a weekend brunch at my in-laws house. The blouse is so flowy and comfortable, I definitely had lots of room in case I wanted a bit more bacon or a second mimosa (OK, I'll admit it, I had both this day)! ;)

I wanted to style this blouse with black skinny jeans but then I felt like I was wearing too much black for a Sunday with the fam bam. So, I simply did what any fashion minded individual would do. I added lots of plum accessories and gold jewelry of course! Seriously though, is plum not the best color ever right now? I'm still lusting over these boots and I've had them since Fall. The chains on the heel though....swoon!

Top: c/o Style & Co. // Jacket: Sheinside (similar) // Jeans: Gap // Boots: Michael Kors (similar)  Bag: c/o Sole Society // Sunglasses: Kate Spade // Moon Ring & Earrings: Express
Large Ring: c/o Park Lane Jewelry

Are you embracing the retro bell sleeve styles?  What do you think of this pairing?

Windy Wonderland

I've said it before and I will say it again, I am loving the beautiful season of Fall this year. The weather has been cooler lately (it is December after all... it was bound to happen), but we still had a few days before the snow where you could get away with a light jacket. On this day, it was super windy, but an utterly beautiful, sunny day. 

I decided to embrace the wind and wear something that would flow. This midi dress from J.Jill is another fast favorite. It is the most soft dress I own, making it feel like I am walking around in my PJ's (does it get any better then that?). I added a sheer plaid scarf, wrap belt, bucket bag, and wide brim hat to dress the look up a bit. To finish it off, I added my favorite faux leather jacket and a great pair of heels. Let's be honest, a great pair of heels can make me smile any day of the week. 

Dress: c/o J.Jill // Scarf & Bag: Nordstrom (similar) // Shoes: JustFab // Jacket: SheIn (similar) // Sunglasses: Coach (similar & only $32) // Hat: c/o Sole Society // Large Ring: c/o Park Lane Jewelry // Teal Ring: House of Harlow 1960 (similar) // Belt: Anthropologie // Lip Color: gloMinerals-Crimson

photos by Cecilia Jean

What have you been wearing during these transitional weather days? What do you think of my "windy wonderland" outfit?

How to Shorten a Dress Without Sewing

At a whopping five foot three (and 3/4's!), my torso is on the shorter side. This comes in handy when I want to wear a romper or jumpsuit (anyone else notice those are only made from shot torsos?!), but not so much when I want to wear a tunic or a knee-legnth dress. As you already know, Kaitlyn and I swap a lot, but what is a perfect fit on her is not always a perfect fit on me. For this I use an easy fix for shortening a dress without sewing, a belt! 

OK, I realize I am not reinventing the wheel here, but by realizing this simple trick you really can get more out of your wardrobe. Prior to belting this beauty, it was below my knees. Not the best length for my body type to be honest. By adding this gorgeous tassel belt and pulling the material up over it, the dress quickly took on a new look and shape. Which was better for my shape. ;)

Dress: c/o J.Jill // Jacket: Sheinside (similar) // Boots & Sunglasses: c/o Sole Society // Necklace: Baublebar // Bag: JustFab // Belt: B-Low the Belt via Box of Style // Ring: Vintage // Lip Color: gloMinerals-Sorbet

Do you ever belt a dress to shorten it? What are your favorite no sew hacks?

The Return of Corduroy

I loved Corduroy as a little girl. The texture, sure, but my mind automatically wanders to the book and the equally classic sequel, a Pocket for Corduroy. I remember reading it over and over with my Mom and loving the feeling of familiarity it gave me. It's one of those childhood memories that sticks with me and came back in a flash when I put on these ultra-soft corduroy pants. Much like the book, I haven't worn corduroy in years which I quickly discovered is a mistake because these are the softest things I have ever pulled on. That's right, pull...these babies go on like leggings but wear like nice pants, and did I mention they have pockets? I love it when comfort and functionality meet. 

When it came to styling these, I had no doubts about what to pair them with. I have been loving the return of matching sets which I first noticed this Summer and has continued well into the Fall with another luxurious trend, velvet pantsuits. My plaid sweater and corduroy leggings may not have been sold as a set but I was excited to create my own and mix rich, complimentary textures. And obviously I couldn't stop there...the matching booties just HAD to be included :) 

Wearing:

Jacket: Sheinside (similar)

Top: c/o J. Jill

Leggings: c/o Style & Co

Booties: Sole Society (similar)

Bag: E Street Denim

Necklace: T+J Designs (similar)

To Legging or Not to Legging: That is the Question...

Prior to a few years ago, I was never big on wearing leggings for my everyday wear. To me, it felt too much like active wear (or gym clothing) and as a mother-of-two, I assimilated wearing leggings with "not really" getting dressed for the day. Well, times they are a changing! Maybe eight years ago when I had this mindset, it may have been true for me. However, now leggings are not only cozy but darn cute and stylish to boot! I started wearing them a few years back, adding moto style and faux leather leggings to my collection. Not only have I warmed up to the idea that leggings are for everyday wear, I fully believe they are a wardrobe staple. (I have come a long way, no?) I have to say these plum corduroy leggings from Style & Co take the cake on comfort and style.

I wanted to play on some of the beautiful colors of Fall with this outfit so I paired bold solid pieces together. I'm not sure if I have ever styled plum, mustard, and teal together before, but I know I will again! How gorgeous are these colors? In the end I added a faux leather jacket, wool hat, gray heels, and gold jewelry. I have to say, this was one very comfortable outfit to wear. ;)

 

SHOP THE LOOK:

Top: c/o J.Jill // Corduroy Leggings: c/o Style & CO // Heels: JustFab // Bag: Nordstrom (similar) // Jacket: Sheinside (similar) // Hat: c/o Sole Society // Necklace & Large Ring: c/o Park Lane Jewelry // Teal Ring: House of Harlow 1960

What are your thoughts on leggings?
Are you like me and had to warm up to this style?