Winter Wonderland

I typically cringe when the forecast calls for snow but when it’s a rare Sunday that we have nowhere to be, it’s a whole different feeling. There’s no rush hour mess or a list of of errands to be ran, so it’s easy to remember how you felt about snow as a kid – beautiful and even magical while it silently coats your surroundings. Just stand outside, ankle deep in the fresh blanket, listening to the sound of stillness...No cars, no shoveling (just yet)…only large, stick-out-your-tongue kind of flakes, softly touching the ground. A real life winter wonderland.

It’s so peaceful, making it the perfect setting for a walk with my best four-legged friend...especially since we know there's a warm fire waiting for us at home! I don’t know about your dog but this guy thrives in the white stuff – the minute he's outside, he buries his face deep down and shakes it off, followed by running (more like prancing) around the yard. The joy is so visible in his face...it's as if he's been waiting for this exact moment. Perhaps we can all follow this lead...instead of constant complaining about the dreaded winter, maybe we should just take a moment to prance in it once in awhile ;)

P.S. I've fallen deeply in love with these sunnies. I realize the advantage of shopping on DITTO is the option to rent a new pair whenever you want but I can't seem to let these go. Aviators have always been my favorite style and the colored mirror lenses are so much fun, especially against a bright white background like this. It's the perfect pop of color...so in the classic words of Casper, "Can I keep you?"

If you're interested in falling for this pair or trying other designer frames, use our code SISTERSMARIE to get your first pair free! No obligation after your first pair...You can just try it out once to see what you think.

Wearing:

Sweater: Old Navy Leather leggings: Express Boots: Sperry Hat: Purchased in Ireland (similar under $15!) Necklace: T+J Designs (love this layered look too!) Sunnies: Ray-ban via DITTO  Lipcolor: Too Faced "tutu"

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 ;)

Because Kaitlyn Rented the Runway (part 2!)

As mentioned last week, I recently utilized Rent the Runway for a wedding but the dresses didn't make it to my house in time due to crazy winter weather (which actually worked out because alternative dress was uhhmazing). That said, my original order did show up a few days later so I couldn't resist playing dress up which inspired a fancy dinner at home with the husband. 

(P.S. This was during the negative double digit temperatures so I was not about to take these bare legs outside...inside shooting it is!)

Dress: Rent the Runway (Badgley Mischka) // Belt: Target // Heels: c/o Just Fab 

Earrings: Castellammare Designs // Clutch: Aldo 

Dress: Rent the Runway (Sachi + Babi) // Earrings: T+J Designs // Heels: DSW

Bracelet: Francesca's (similar) // Clutch: Francesca's

I'm sorry if you're tired of seeing these earrings posted all over the blog...

In the words of Miley, can't stop, won't stop.

Which RTR dress out of the 3 is your favorite?

Because Kaitlyn Loves Dressing for the Holidays

I've always loved dressing up on Christmas Eve…it probably stems from my Mom picking out the most gorgeous red dresses with matching mary janes for me from the time I was born. 

I enjoy going to Christmas mass at church with my family each year and seeing all the kids in their holiday best but I've been seeing it less and less as I get older. There were so many people in jeans sweaters and boots this year…if you don't dress up on the most festive day of the year, when do you? I would have thrived in the 50's when a hat, gloves and overcoat were standard attire. 

Blazer: Forever 21 (similar) // Top: Target // Skirt: Forever 21 (similar) // Tights: Von Maur // Flats: Target

Necklace: T+J Designs // Sunglasses: Nordstrom

Hope you all had a wonderful Holiday!

Giveaway: T+J Designs!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
What's better than a vast collection of ornaments for your tree? Decorating with a gorgeous mint floral necklace and an orange enamel bracelet, of course. As Mariah wisely said, All I want for Christmas is you (and some fantastic jewels for the 12 days of social events on your calendar this month!)

Everything is better with a pop of color so style this necklace with a collared shirt, your favorite knit and don't forget to throw in the bracelet for some sparkle. The holidays just got a lot more festive!

Good luck, ladies! 

Because Kaitlyn Hosted a Bridal Shower!

Along with my Mom & cousins, I recently hosted a holiday themed bridal shower for my cousin who is getting married in a few weeks. The shower was at the Grotto which had just been decked out in red and gold that morning so the backdrop was perfect and the food was absolutely amazing.

I am not exaggerating when I say it may have been the best chicken I've ever had...not to mention the tiramisu (which rarely isn't high on my list) but this one had even me asking for seconds. Is your mouth watering yet?

Sweater: Target (similar) // Skirt: Swap w/Lisa (Lauren Conrad) (similar) // Boots: DSW  (similar)// Tights: Von Maur 

Necklace: T+J Designs // Ring: Forever 21 (similar)

 The shower was a success and now begins the wedding countdown. The bride has picked gorgeous apple red dresses for us bridesmaids to wear, so I hope there's a dusting of snow on the ground...can you imagine those photos? :)

The hosts & MOB

Red velvet cake pops for the red inspired wedding

PS, can we talk about my necklace? GUSH. Lisa got it for me for my birthday after she me drooling over it at the T+J preview a few weeks ago (and loved it so much, she bought one too!) I got so many compliments on it and can't wait to wear it for all the festive events coming up!