Styling a Button Down Denim Skirt

Sometimes trends from your past make a comeback and you cringe: First things that come to mind are birken stocks and platform sandals - Not to offend anyone who is rocking their comeback, I just can't support much of anything worn during the Spice Girls era.

On the other hand, some things you wore years ago return in a fresh, modern way. I remember a mini jean skirt I wore weekly in the Summer during high school. It had the perfect amount of stretch and uneven frayed edges, making me feel super cute on Summer nights (especially when paired with puka shells & halter tops...guys, that milkshake totally brought all the boys to my yard). 

However, as with many trends, that one eventually faded out and I hadn't worn a jean skirt since...until now, that is. I have been loving the look of midi jean skirts for Fall. This length is only awesome for cooler temperatures but also feels much more modern (and age-appropriate) than the jean mini (sorry A&F). I like the gold buttons and darker denim stripe on the bottom because it keeps it unique in a sea of similar styles. And P.S. the material is as soft as wearing pj’s instead of structured and rigid like so many styles of denim. 

SHOP THE POST!

Wearing:

Top: Old Navy (old but similar here)

Skirt: Jag Jeans

Shoes: Nine West via TJ Maxx (identical pair here)

Bag: c/o Sole Society (sold out but similar here)

Belt: Old

Sunnies: H&M

Lipstick: Glo Minerals -"Crimson"

The Year of the Jumpsuit Comeback

Let's face it, jumpsuits are back in a big way. I  am clearly obsessed and have shifted from buying up all the maxi dresses to stocking up on jumpsuits. I can't wait to see what styles come out this coming fall and winter!

This beautiful black number was in my latest swap bag from Kaitlyn and I was over the moon.
It's such a great basic piece and can be dressed up or down and even worn year round.
I call dibs on this one Katie is you ever plan to add it to your Because I Shop Too Much closet!

Jumpsuit: TJMaxx (Swap w/ Kaitlyn) // Shoes: Victoria's Secret // Charm Bracelet: Alex and Ani // Watch: Fossil // Initial Necklace: House of Gemmes 

I kept the styling super simple by adding black flats and delicate gold jewelry.

Are you a big fan of jumpsuits? What do you think of this one?

A Passion for Pixie Pants

Every once in a while, you stumble across the perfect pair of pants and wonder how you have been able to make it this far without them. Enter the Old Navy pixie pants – I impulsively picked up a pair while standing in the checkout line a few weeks ago (navy with an anchor print, obviously) and I instantly fell in love. 

2 days later, I went back for a white pair (which I now wear with EVERYTHING) and most recently, I put my rewards points to good use for a pair in black. I cannot be stopped...

Shirt: Old Navy // Vest: TJ Maxx (similar) // Pants: Old Navy // Shoes: Sole Society 

Clutch: Threadsence // Belt: Target // Rings: Francesca's // Sunglasses: Old Navy

It’s safe to say I officially have an obsession because I frequently scan the website to see if they introduced any new prints. I have a strong feeling that floral, neon and MORE anchor designs would secure a spot in my closet with no questions asked…just sayin’ ;) 

Because Kaitlyn Hosted Mother's Day Brunch!

My husband and I hosted Mother’s Day brunch at our house on Sunday. After a week of family group MMS texts spent trying to coordinate 13 people’s schedules and restaurant reservation times, I suggested we do a meal at home, just the way my Mom has always beautifully done for us. We have all been very busy lately so she wanted something low-key that enabled us all just to be together and talk so I thought this was the perfect solution.

sign, tablecloth & runner 

Can we talk about the donut tree? I have seen it on Pinterest so many times and decided it was time for one of my own ;)

It was a beautiful day in Chicago (a rare gem lately!) so we took advantage and had the party outside. My husband tore down our old deck last summer after our wedding and just finished re-building when Fall was approaching, so we were excited to show it off. 

I baked homemade banana bread and made individual Greek yogurt cups with a granola and fruit topping station and everybody brought something special ranging from a hash brown/egg casserole, these AMAZING Italian sandwiches and gluten-free muffins.

I feel extremely proud and honored to be the daughter of such an amazing woman and aspire to follow in her footsteps with every move I make. Nobody is a better example of a Mom or best friend. 

Jumpsuit: TJ Maxx (similar) // Sandals: Piperlime // Sunnies: Old Navy // Bracelets: Forever 21 // Ring: Francesca's 

The family had a great time running around with the kids, getting some sun and stuffing ourselves silly. 

How did you spend Mother's Day?

Happy Halloween: DIY Costume Style

My husband put it best: "Nobody has as much fun around the holidays as you do." And he's right. I love celebrating everything to the fullest no matter how much time it takes or planning it involves and Halloween is no exception. 

As my second favorite holiday, I take it very seriously ;) The hubby and I tried to agreed on a couples costume for weeks (sadly, he wasn't as fond as my Gatsby + Daisy idea as I was). But when he mentioned Calvin + Hobbes, I smiled at the thought of it -- it was cute & clever so I got right to work on my costume...

The stenciling took way more time than I planned on, but I was pretty happy with it in the end -- there were plenty of "tiger" costumes that I saw online which would have made it easier, but I wasn't sweet on the idea of turning Hobbes into a Lover's Lane sex symbol (really guys?) 

Top: TJ Maxx // Tights: D+K Seamless Leggings // Felt: Hobby Lobby // Boots: c/o Just Fab

Presenting...a modern female version of Hobbes!

 

And of course, my partner in crime: Calvin (trust us, the can of hair dye SAID yellow). So, we'll go with punk rock Calvin?

Shirt: Haggar // Jeans: Wrangler // Shoes: Vans

Calvin's thought bubble (conveniently left behind) was the starter to our conversation. Don't worry, I still shared mine proudly ;) 

Though there were a few hiccups on our presentation, it was fun to pay homage to one of the greatest comic strips (and to another pair of best friends)

What do you think of our costume? Did you dress up this year?

Because Kaitlyn Loves Layering

Top: Target (similar) // Vest: TJ Maxx (similar under $20!) // Jeans: H&M // Flats: Forever 21 (similar) // Bag: c/o Just Fab

Necklace: House of Gemmes // Bracelets: Forever 21

What is your go-to layers look?