(Moda) Prints Inspired

Let me be real here: I have a girl crush and this post is a direct result. Well, I have a lot of them. In the celebrity world, Mila Kunis and Rachel McAdams top my list followed by Amanda Seyfried, Lea Michele (and T Swift, she's pretty much a given). All of these ladies hold spots on my "we should be best friends" list and said list has grown significantly since entering the world of blogging. There are so many girl bosses (as we routinely say) doing amazing things and serving up daily inspiration in the female world.

Speaking of adorable, this particular look was inspired by Alena. As much as I love fashion, I (like everyone) feel stuck sometimes, as if I've worn everything in my closet and come up with every combination possible. Then, I see someone like Alena and feel immediate motivation to create something new. As mentioned when she was our blogger of the month, she constantly amazes me with her ability to pull together complete opposite prints, materials and color patterns and end up with a beautifully unique combination you wouldn't see anywhere else. Her outfits are quirky, playful, vibrant and full of confidence, each one seemingly more fun than the last.

While I adore them all, this look is one of my favorites. Had I not seen this photo, I would have never  considered pairing these pieces together...even when I pulled them out of my closet as a possible option, I thought, yep, I'm not going to pull this off. But once it all came together with tights and a beanie for the finishing touch, I really liked it and felt excited to be wearing something outside of my regular style. 

Let this be a good lesson that you don't always have to go shopping to have new clothes...you just have to look a little harder for some inspiration. Thanks for the confidence boost, Alena ;) P.S. See how I styled this dress for Summer - Love transitioning pieces from season to season!

Do other bloggers or certain people of interest inspire your style? 

Let me know who and why!

Wearing:

Dress: LOFT (old but similar)

Blouse: LOFT (similar)

Booties: Just Fab (in love with these too)

Beanie: Target (old but very similar)

Bag: Nordstrom (similar in red)

Tights: Von Maur (They are fleece-lined! – old pair but similar here)

Necklace: Gifted to me by another favorite blogger!

Sunnies: Ray-Ban - Get your first designer pair FREE from Ditto with code "sisters20"

Mug: Starbucks (2015 collection but I love this one from 2016!)

Heartbeat Ring: T+J Designs

Lip color: GloMinerals (color is Sorbet - currently sold out)

Making Note of the Little Things

Now that we are 3 weeks into 2015, I am still feeling inspired and motivated by the fresh start - Much like Hallie, I don't really believe in making resolutions as much as I do setting reasonable goals, both personal and professional, that I may not have gotten to the previous year. There's no reason to punish yourself if you miss the mark or even change your mind...that's what a blank slate is for. 

I am an obsessive list maker - I have post-it notes all over my desk at work, notepad lists in my phone, email reminders sent to myself, etc. It's what helps me stay organized and feel on top of my game but this year, I am looking to do a more personal kind of note taking. We encounter so many memorable moments, even in our day to day lives, and not even compulsive Instagramming will ensure that you remember the fine details and that's most important to me. So, I am looking to actually KEEP a journal (and not just for a week!) of the little things that make an impact. 

Example: One night last week I set out to jot down a few notes about our Christmas holiday and ended up with 9.5 pages. Guess it was a good one? ;) 

Sweater: Swap w/Lisa | Long-sleeved top: Forever 21 | Jeans: LOFT | Boots: Shopbop (similar) 

Bag: Sole Society | Necklace: Forever 21 | Mug: Starbucks | Journal & Pen: Z Gallerie

What are your goals this year? How do you stick to them?

The Mad Plaidder

I'm lucky plaid is everywhere this fall because it's always been one of my favorite prints - from the Britney to the Serena (not so Catholic) school girl days, I love how preppy and classic it feels. 

Still to this day, I swoon for knee-high socks, a plaid skirt and loafers but these days, plaid has become much more versatile, showing up in scarves, shoes (my favorite pair!) and of course, jackets. When I spotted this coat, I figured it would be ultimate addition to my fall wardrobe and it's a great layering piece!

Jacket: c/o Sheinside (similar)  // Sweater: H&M (similar) // Jeans: LOFT (similar) // Boots: Just Fab

Bag: Just Fab (Swap w/Lisa) // Beanie: Forever 21

P.S. In case you're questioning my drink of choice, let me be clear: I am an iced coffee girl year round and this particular concoction (the Honey Bee) is from the Coffee Mill in Wisconsin, where I would spend all day if I could. There's something about small town coffee shops that can't compete with Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts...Maybe it's the charm, maybe it's the generosity, but either way, it always makes for a special visit.

How are you wearing plaid this fall?

Kaitlyn's NYFW Inspiration

With all the social media buzz about New York Fashion Week, it's hard not to get excited about fall styles. Even though it's 90 degrees in Chicago, falling leaves and dew on our windows will be here before you know it so I have been spending all my Pinterest time on the company's newly launched hub for all the behind the scenes looks at NYFW. 

There are so many great photos of women who dare to step outside the box, cross the line and break the rules of fashion so here are a few looks I look forward to trying this season (though most of mine will be accompanied by a Pumpkin Spice Latte...eek!)

If you weren't excited already...

What looks are you going to try? What NYFW collection is on your mind?