The Vest Intentions

I'm not a huge fan of dusting unless it’s in the form of a long vest that almost sweeps the floor. A sheer white blouse and strappy sandals are a classic combination that never goes out of style but add a geometric sleeveless vest and it instantly becomes just a little more chic. 

I feel like the entire outfit changed once I added the vest and that's what I love most...one simple piece can change how you present yourself both in your appearance and confidence. With this piece in tow, I felt a little more put together and ready to go from the office to an event, namely the T+JDesigns Fall look book party, held at the gorgeous home of interior designer, Donna Hall.

Residing in the suburbs, we don't always make it to the city events...working full time followed by sitting in traffic for 2+ hours gets rather tiring (though it slightly improves with the help of Uber!), but when we do make it out, it's always so wonderful to catch up with our fellow blogging ladies. If you haven't checked out T+J in awhile, you don't want to miss their new arrivals...there may or may not be a coat that Lisa and I were actually drooling over (stay tuned!) Lisa also walked out with this 3 piece set...to die.

Vest: Forever 21 (Love this one too!) Blouse: JC Penney Jeans: Old Navy (Similar) Shoes: ASOS Bag: Shoplately (Similar for $30!) Lip color: Kate Spade Watch: c/o Aibi What do you think of the long vest trend? 

The Return of White Denim

The first day you wear your favorite white jeans after a long winter of hibernation in leggings is like breathing fresh air for the first time. It's an official sign that warm weather is (hopefully) here to stay and the best days are yet to come. I have 2 pairs of white denim and one pair of white cropped pants, all 3 which have now become part of my regular rotation. They feel so fresh compared to the dark denim I lived in this winter and will (eventually) look great against a tan. 

This gorgeous weekend day, we surprised my Mom with a family photo shoot in the park. We told her that we were doing a post about how to work navy into your wardrobe so she was excited and dressed for the part...However, she was shocked to find the whole family standing there upon our arrival, dressed and ready for pictures...I'd say that's even better than a blog post ;)

Top: Old Navy | Jeans: H&M (similar) | Shoes: Just Fab | Bag & Sunnies (similar): Target

Earrings & Necklace: Rocksbox | Bracelet: Shoplately

But first, Florals

It's been said many times before, but it really is the little things in life. My team at work is lucky to be joined by a special needs employee who helps us out in the office once a week who is full of quirks and quips that continuously make me smile. 

I wore a similar version of this outfit to the office and he said, "Kaitlyn...you look really pretty today" (pauses for a few seconds) "What made you decide to wear florals?" First of all, I couldn't even contain my giggling with the way he phrased that question -- the day my husband references flowers as "florals" is the day I realize I've officially done a number on him. 

But more importantly, that small comment made my day - it was so genuine and made me realize how much impact a small and random act of kindness can have.

Top: Nordstrom (Swap w/ Lisa) | Jeans: Old Navy | Heels: c/o Just Fab (similar) | Bag: c/o Just Fab (similar)

Sunnies: Target | Cuff: Shoplately | Earrings: Lisi Lerch 

If only we all paid it forward just a little bit every day...even if it's just putting a tip in the tip jar or any one of these simple acts.

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?

Staying Natural Up North

\

Winter in Wisconsin checklist:

Flannel: Check

Distressed Denim: Check

Warm Boots: Check

Easy Hair: Check

No Makeup: Check
If only we could check this off our list...

Up north, style is spelled c-o-m-f-o-r-t...not that we needed another reason to enjoy sneaking away for a weekend, but that one certainly tops our list. As much as we look forward to playing dress up, it can feel so good to let your makeup bag take a breather and spend quality time with the sheepskin of your Uggs. 

Whether we're heading to our favorite spot for coffee or even going out to dinner, there is no pressure to look any other way than natural. This weekend, I spent most of the day like this until Lisa and I headed off to our photo shoot for Lake & Country Magazine (more to come on that!) and it felt glorious!

Wrap: Swap w/Lisa (similar) | Tank + Sunnies: Target | Jeans: Old Navy | Bag: c/o Shoplately | Boots: Ugg

What are you favorite comfort pieces?

J'Adore Plaid

Hi, my name is Kaitlyn and my 2015 resolution is to wear less more plaid...Let's be honest, owning too much of this print is not a problem that needs solving. So far, this winter has been dedicated to cozy knits, over sized coats and great layering pieces, all in the form of our favorite textile pattern so why stop now? To this sweater, I say "Hello, lover"...if only I had that penthouse suite that begged the next best SATC line, "I live here." 

Sweater: Sheinside | Top (similar) & Jeans: Old Navy | Booties: Just Fab (similar)

Bag: c/o ShopLately | Sunnies: Target