IG Lately

Here's a little round-up of some of my recent-ish IG posts. Enjoy!

shirt | skirt | sandals | bag | necklace - old (similar)

shoes | clutch | skirt - old (similar) | shirt - old (similar) | necklace - old (similar)

t-shirt | skirt | shoes | necklace | tote

crop pants | hooded shirt | shoes | purse (sale option here) | scarf - old (similar) | sunnies

sweater | leggings | boots | bag (in black here) | scarf - old (similar)

couch | pillow covers | bunny cookie jar | gold spike urchin | gold turtle | coffee tray - old (similar) | coffee table books (1)(2)(3)(4)(5) 

nail color: essie 'tuck it in my tux'

skirt | sandals | bag | bangles (similar) | tank - old (similar) | necklace - old (similar)

tank top | shorts | kimono (sold out, similar here & here) | sandals (sold out, similar here) | tote | necklace - old (similar) | sunnies

coffee cozy | tote

swim cover-up | sandals | hat

t-shirt | skirt | sandals | bag | fedora | sunnies

tank top | skirt | bag (sold out, similar here and here) | wedges - old (nearly identical here) | necklace - old (similar)

Still playing a little catch-up, this summer has been crazy busy! This weekend will be the first we've been home since the first weekend in May. Looking forward to catching up on house work, blogging, shopping, and hanging with our local friends and family.Tune in tomorrow for my top Nordstrom sale picks!

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Transitioning to Spring

I'm not going to lie, this relentless winter has had me down for a while. I've been whiny, tired, cold, and most annoyingly, wandering in a creative drought; feeling uninspired and unmotivated. Sadly for my blog, this has meant infrequent posts. I just haven't been feeling it, and I would rather not post than post below my own standards, ya know? Well, luckily, the past two or three weeks we've witnessed a glimmer of spring here as the temperatures have hoovered above freezing enough to begin a thaw in the metro Detroit area {insert happy dance here}. With the withering snow and ice piles, the first day of spring under our belts, and a renewed sense of optimism, I am excited to return to blogging refreshed and rejuvenated.

Today I'm sharing some of my most loved pieces while in hibernation, and the various ways I have styled them throughout this past season. They are all pieces that can be used as the weather reluctantly transitions back to warmer temps as well. I did a similar blog to this last winter when I was embarking on a closet remix challenge (here), so I wanted to do a follow-up this year to help out anyone else who is in a bit of a closet inspiration rut. While I am not currently swearing off shopping, I do try to maximize how I style my closet and have become much choosier in adding new pieces.

red bow bag (budget option here)

This red bow bag has been a staple in my closet for over a year now. When you think of spring fashion and style, you may not immediately think red, I don't either. I think mint, blush, lavender, and other pastel hues. However, nautically inspired clothing has been a pretty consistent warm weather trend and one of the ways I love to add a punch to my maritime inspired ensembles is with some pink or red accessories; cue this bag - the perfect contrasting pop to crisp white and navy outfits. Plus, it will add to a patriotic pallet around Memorial Day and the 4th. 

cargo vest (old, options here and here)

One of the most used and versatile pieces in my closet is my trusty cargo vest. Its olive green color is the perfect neutral that goes with many brights, other neutrals, and pastels, making it a great year-round staple. I am looking forward to styling it with floral and lace dresses, to add a little edge to my feminine spring attire.

 mint flats

As a self-professed shoeaholic, I often go through cycles of my favorite shoes "of the moment." Having over 100 pairs makes it hard to give each their deserved attention without them taking shifts for my affection. Currently on repeat are these mint flats from last year that Target so wonderfully brought back again for this spring. I love the pop of color these give an outfit and love pairing them with feminine scarves on an otherwise neutral ensemble.

light pink gingham shirt (old, nearly identical versions here and here)

This little number is definitely my MVP for springtime layering. The pretty pastel pairs perfectly with so many other colors and patterns, while providing an additional thin layer for warmth on those "between seasons" kinda days. Plus gingham is right on trend this season. I can't stop wearing it!

patterned pants (all old, love these or splurge on these)

Confession, I am a tiny bit obsessed with patterned denim. I have these two floral pairs and two polka dot pairs, and am always on the look out for versatile pants with a touch of something special. I love the subtle, or sometimes not so subtle, print mix they add to an outfit. One of my favorite ways to transition denim is by rolling the hem and slipping on a pair of flats. I am especially loving this pair of floral pixie pants, and am thinking of jumping on the drapey pants bandwagon with these. 

khaki mini skirt (striped one here) and leopard shoes (pumps, flats, love these)

I didn't realize until I started compiling photos that I almost exclusively pair this skirt with a leopard shoe. Crazy coincidence or the perfect pairing? I'll let you decide. Either way, I am obviously obsessed with this skirt, I have it in like 6 colors and between them, I wear one at least once a week (sometimes more!). They are comfy, have pockets (winner, winner) and are a good length for work or a casual lunch with friends. I like that this khaki one provides a simple neutral base and will be pairing it with pastels and fun prints as the weather warms. As for leopard shoes...I just keep adding to my collection each season - heels, booties, flats, sneakers, the list goes on and on. They go with almost everything in my closet and are a quintessential pattern for mixing. I have been eyeing this chic pair for spring. 

As you can see from the collages above, a lot of the featured pieces show up in outfits for other featured pieces, because I really do try to work and re-work my closet to get the most bang for my buck. Transitioning my winter pieces to spring also saves me money by not having to buy a new wardrobe every season, ain't nobody got time for that. 

What winter pieces are you keeping around for spring?

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

In(sta)vested

So in yesterday's post I wrote about my favorite things and I realized I haven't posted any outfit pictures featuring my beloved herringbone vest, which is seriously crazy because I wear it ALL.THE.TIME. Today is the day I correct this grave travesty! For today's post, I wanted to do a quick compilation of photos from my iPhone and instagram showing how I have style this amazing piece so far and tomorrow I will have a full outfit post featuring the vest.

As you can probably tell from these photos, I am a huge fan of layering and mixing patterns, which is why this vest is so perfect for my personal style! You can also see that I definitely re-wear my clothing and accessories, I just can't afford to buy new outfits every week, so I try to be creative and resourceful with what I have and the selective new pieces I add. Getting the most out of my wardrobe is important to me and I hope I have inspired you to combine some pieces you may have otherwise thought not to. For more details on the items in these pictures, please check them out on instagram!

What's your favorite way to style a vest this fall?
Do you pattern mix?

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Dots on Dots + an Instagram Giveaway!

I'm taking a brief vacation from plaid today to share with you one of my favorite other patterns, polka dots (and I'm sure its one of yours too). I cannot help but fall head over heels in love with anything and everything covered in cute little dots! I have at least a half a dozen shirts, numerous skirts, a few pairs of pants, and even this amazing cardi, all adorned with the beloved dots. I have even declared freckles to be polka dots and frequently tell my adorable bf that his "polka dots" are my favorite thing about him, well in addition to many other things of course ;-) So when this shirt from J.Crew Factory finally came, after the month delay in shipping, I could not have been more ecstatic!

Shirt - J.Crew Factory (similar) / Cardigan - Forever 21 (similar) (similar) / Denim - Old Navy

Purse - Phillip Lim for Target (similar) / Necklace - Our World Boutique (coming 10/11/13)

Purple Bracelet - gift / Spike Bracelet - Urban Peach Boutique / Bangles - Rue 21 (similar) 

Shoes - Mix No. 6 via DSW (similar)(similar)(similar)

I chose to add my polka dot cardi from Forever 21 a few seasons ago to wear with this button up. I am not a fan of wearing a button-up without another layer; over or under a tee, with a cardi, sweater, or vest, it doesn't really matter, I just prefer to have another dimension to my tops. Plus, I am almost always cold, so having additional layers never hurts! 

<<I am 100% addicted to watermelon bubble gum >>

Since I wore this outfit to class, out for a walk, and then on a dinner date with my polka dotted bf, I chose to wear jeans with it to maximize my comfort. However, it could easily be worn with a skirt or dress pants, and certainly a colored bottom would work well with the black and white up top. Since the basis of this outfit is fairly neutral, I added my favorites yellow wedges and fan fringe necklace to add some pops of color.

I found these shoes on the mark down over the summer at DSW, and I must admit, they are one of the most comfortable and cute pairs of shoes I own. I have never been much of a "yellow person," but in the spirit of summer, I decided to get them. No regrets. They instantly elevate an outfit, plus they have allowed me to think and dress outside my comfort zone, AND I have had so many complements on them, which never hurts either ;-)

This fan fringe is one of my favorite pieces I have ever gotten from Our World Boutique. I love that the colors are unique and that they are bright, cheery colors. I have included some additional ways I have styled this necklace from my instagram feed at the bottom of this post. Since I love my fan fringe necklace so much, Our World Boutique has graciously offered to give away one of their fan fringe necklaces to two of my instagram followers! Today is the last chance to enter, so be sure to hope over to my instagram account to see how to enter. All entries are due by 11:59pm EST on Thursday, October 10th. Winners will be announced Friday morning, and the winners will have a choice from all of the new fall colored fan fringes before they hit the Our World Boutique website! Such an amazing exclusive, please don't miss out, head over to IG and enter now =)

Additional ways I have worn my gorgeous fan fringe necklace:

(visit my instagram for details on pieces in each picture)

How do you love to wear your polka dots?

What is your favorite statement necklace?

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!