Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Happy Thanksgiving! Today, I'm taking a moment to share some of the family photos we took this fall. Family is everything to me and as we reflect on what we are grateful for today, I can't help but feel profoundly blessed to call this amazing group of people my family. I'm so lucky to have not one, but three amazing sisters, a mom who is also the best friend, and the cutest, sassiest little grandma on the planet! And the guys? They are just the best and are seriously troopers for putting up with all our craziness. Plus, look at how good everyone looks! #blessed

SHOP MY OUTFIT:

 

Hope you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Hot Cider & Sweater Weather

Can you ever go wrong with hot cider and a stroll through fall foliage? No. The answer is always no. There's just nothing better in my book! Every year we make the trip to Yates Cider Mill which is a historic mill along the Clinton River north of metro-Detroit. They press cider on site with locally grown apples and make a variety of baked goods. Our favorites are the cinnamon sugar coated donuts, so good!

SWEATER | DISTRESSED JEANS (more affordable option here) | BOOTS (regular and wide calf) | SUNNIES | FLOPPY HAT | PURSE (similar, mine is sold out) | EARRINGS 

Along with hot cider and treats, our trips to Yates always include a walk on the nature trial along the river. Its usually a quite trip down a winding footpath through the trees and brush. K and I have been coming here since we started dating, at least once every fall. This trip we were able to stop by the spot where he proposed to me earlier this year. It brought back so many memories and will always hold an extra special place in my heart.

Even though it was a pretty warm October, the shade along the path made wearing this gorgeous pumpkin-y colored, bell-sleeve sweater perfectly comfortable. The wide scoop neck can also be worn off the shoulder, giving the sweater more versatility in styling. And, it comes in FIVE colors, including a bright red that would be so pretty for the holidays! Plus, its a total steal at only $39. I mean, how perfect would it be for Thanksgiving?!

My ripped jeans and knee-high suede boots are both worth investing in. The jeans are by Good American and hold everything in. The material is sturdy and thick, but not scratchy or uncomfortable. They have held up well to a wash and dry too. I can't recommend them enough!

In my hunt to find good knee-high boots that would last (I could only go through cheap boots that barely lasted one season for so long) I found the ones I was raving about earlier this week, posted here, as well as these ones. I wasn't planning on keeping them both, but the colors were different enough and they were both so comfortable and fit my wide calves perfectly, I kept them both. The tie detail on the back gives them that extra little spark and they are lined with super soft and warm material. I took my normal size and they fit perfectly. They are currently on sale for 25% off too, so that never hurts.

Hope you all enjoy your Thursday!

SHOP MY OUTFIT:

What to Wear to Thanksgiving

Today I'm sharing 6 different outfit ideas for you to wear to Thanksgiving dinner this week. The great news about all of them is that they can probably be created or re-imagined with pieces you already have in your closet! I have included links too just in case you want to ask Santa for any of these versatile pieces.

The first two options are variations of what I would call casual, preppy, and easy to wear outfits. I love this style of dressing, it's very fresh and clean in my opinion. Most of you probably have a pair of dark skinnies, brown boots or booties (depending on the temps of where you are at), a plaid shirt, sweater (again, depending on how cold your Thanksgiving weather is) and a quilted vest in your closet. I love mixing patterns with plaid, or don't be afraid to grab a leopard print scarf or fair isle sweater to pair with your plaid. Lastly, throw on one or two statement pieces of jewelry and you are good to go!

outfit on right

check shirt | cream vest | fair isle sweater | skinny jeans | bag | riding boots | necklace | earrings

outfit on left

plaid shirt | red vest | skinny jeans | leopard scarf | booties | red bag | monogram necklace | statement necklace

The next two outfits revolve around leggings, which I am convinced were created for Thanksgiving, so that we can comfortably eat our weight in turkey and pumpkin pie. One of my favorite things about leggings is how easy they are to style; they can be dressed up or down, with pretty much any shoe or boot, and with a dress, tunic, or any over-sized shirt that covers your bum. To create a more dressed down look, I paired leggings with a striped turtleneck & knit poncho, easy flats, and simple jewels all in a neutral palette. I added some visual interest with pop or red with a cozy beanie, tote, and plaid red with hints of red to tie everything together. This same strategy can be used with any color. To dress up leggings, I focused less on that pop of color, and more on playing with different textures; like a big knit turtleneck, floppy felt hat, faux fur vest, and suede over-the-knee boots, keeping the jewelry simple again, and the palette much more subtle. 

outfit on right
stripe turtleneck | poncho | beanie | statement earrings | leggings | double sided plaid scarf | red tote | flats

outfit on left
faux fur vest | felt floppy hat | pendant necklace | over-sized turtleneck sweater | leggings | black handbag | otk boots | watch

The final two outfit ideas I am sharing are for dresses. While my family's Thanksgiving is more on the casual side, I know that some of you might be attending a dressier dinner or just prefer to dress up a little more for the holiday. One great thing about throwing on a dress is that in one piece you have an outfit, and pretty much anything goes with accessories. This time of year is perfect for wearing sweater dresses, they are super cozy and it's cold enough to wear tights with either a great pair of boots or booties (wear black tights and heeled black booties to give the illusion of super long stems). And of course, I am loving plaid shirt dresses, they are the perfect casual option and can be easily dressed up or down. Since my sweater dress option is a little dressier I opted to show a more casual styling of the plaid dress. 

outfit on right
faux fur vest | sweater dress | booties | tights | statement earrings | scarf | leopard clutch

outfit on left
sherpa vest | plaid dress | red earrings | slouchy knit hat | fringe booties | bangle | red handbag

Hopefully this gives you some ideas of what to wear for Thanksgiving if you are looking for some outfit inspiration! 

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Back to School

This is only the second year where the end of August hasn't ushered in the beginning of school for me, but that doesn't mean I'm not taking advantage of all the wonderful sales and new lines of clothing out in preparation for all those who are. Moving into September not only signals a seasonal transition from summer to fall and from vacation to school, but also a change in my closet. We all know what I am getting at - the colors, the textures, the types of pieces in your wardrobe slowly change to prepare for shorter, cooler days. 

There's something in the air about students heading back to class, from the blank pages in their notebooks to the new bags over their shoulders, that seems to indicate its a season for change and fresh starts. Or at least that is how I shall justify my obsessive desire to reinvent my wardrobe as soon as September 1st hits (and maybe a little before!).

I always seem to fall in love with more new pieces during this time of year than any other, so I am always on the look out for a bargain. I have been playing the 'cart game' with many of the pieces above (you know the one where you load up your online shopping cart and pretend you can buy everything you want and then close your browser with your bank account in tact) just waiting for a good sale so I could gleefully log-in and finally check my cart out. And that is definitely what I did with this beauty, that plaid, and this dress (and maybe a few more...oops). So, while this sale lasts, be sure to take advantage of the amazing discounts on many steals and deals, as well as an additional 40% off all other styles.

Shop my favorites, which are on sale with code WEEKEND through the end of today (8/31), by clicking on the photos below:

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Linking up: Hello Monday, How I Summer, Mix it Mondays

Fall Essentials: Shirts & Sweaters

Today I am sharing the 8 shirts that every closet needs this season. I wanted to focus on the types of clothing I like to layer; button-ups, sweaters, and cardigans, as well as a variety of textures and prints that can be mixed and matched with each other.

1.) Chambray Shirt. This one's pretty much a no brainer, but an essential nonetheless. It can be worn under cardigans and sweaters or open over a graphic or embellished tee. Throw it on over your favorite summer dress and tie at the waist to transition you warm weather favorites into the fall.

2.) Leopard Print Sweater. My love of leopard print meets a new point of obsession with this leopard cardigan from Target. It's perfect for layering over a chambray shirt, plaid shirt, or turtleneck. Since leopard has been declared a neutral, the possibilities are nearly endless!

3.) Graphic or Embellished T-shirt. My pick for this season is this gorgeous gold block/stripe tee, which will transition through the holidays nicely as well. It's perfect for wearing under an open-front cardigan or jazzing up a blazer.

4.) Fair Isle Sweater. I love a good fair isle print, I mean, seriously, who doesn't? But this little sweater in particular has stolen my heart. Whether on its own, or over the chambray, a plaid shirt, or a turtleneck, this black and white sweater would be wonderful!

5.) Turtleneck. They aren't just for your granny or the 90's anymore. This updated striped turtleneck is so soft and cozy, you'll want to live in it til spring! It's been an instant favorite in my closet, perfect with a cardigan, vest, or button-up.

6.) Plaid Shirt. I "need" another plaid shirt like I need a hole in the head, but how can I resist this vibrant red buffalo check? It's the perfect transition piece from day to night! Dress it up with pearls, your leopard cardi, and a black pencil skirt for work, then swap the cardi for a cargo vest, and the skirt for leggings and boots to hit the local bar for happy hour.

7.) Aztec/Tribal Print Sweater. I bought my printed open front cardigan near the end of summer in preparation of the impending cooler temps and it may just be my favorite piece this fall. Since most of these types of sweaters are oversized, they are perfect to throw on over just about any solid shirt, embellished tee, or even a button-up - I thinking of you, chambray shirt.

8.) Burgundy Everything. You may remember it from last year's "oxblood" color trend and this year its back - pretty much a continuation of the same thing, but with a new name. These deep reds and berries have stolen my heart and taken over my closet. Make sure to snatch up a piece or two in this rich hue. 

chambray | burgundy | turtleneck | leopard | fair isle | buffalo plaid | tee | aztec cardigan

Here are some ways that I have styled my leopard cardigan this fall already, it mixes with lots of other items on the list too!

More fall shirts to love:

What shirts and sweaters are you reaching for this season?

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

In the Navy

Happy Friday lovelies!! Two posts in a row...that's crazy talk, right? Well, let's not get to use to this, the universe might find out and smite me ;-) It's hard for me to believe that January is almost over, 2014 is flying by already! How is everyone doing with their resolutions? I am doing well with some of my resolutions, and others are patiently waiting for more hours to miraculously be added to the day, AKA until graduation ;-) On their closet remix challenges? I am doing outstanding with the remix challenge, no purchases for me! Well, except one sweater with a gift card I received for Christmas, but I don't consider that a cheat! I will be posting soon about my 52 things in 52 weeks progress; I figured a monthly recap would be good to keep me on track. Did anyone else create a list for this year too?

Today's post is an outfit I wore to work this week. It's still ridiculously cold in Detroit, like negative temps plus the wind chill. I feel like my insides are permanently frozen. So, another sweater over collared shirt with skirt and tights outfit was a necessity, and is pretty much my work uniform, you can verify that via my instagram feed if you don't believe me ;-) Why tights in negative temps? you might be thinking....Well, I hate the white marks that creep up pant legs as salty snow water evaporates in the winter. I much prefer tights and skirts; no wet hemlines and no pesky white zigzags racing up my legs. If you are lucky enough to live where they don't salt the roads, I envy you. However, here in the mitten, we salt the roads and sidewalks, and call me crazy, but I hate that it gets everywhere including my clothing. Hence my aversion to pants =)

This year my work uniform has been painted navy blue. I have been wearing it a ton, like "I think I might need color rehab because I am addicted," wearing it. My apologies if you are sick of the color, but I can't help it. Last year I wore almost exclusively black, but this year I'm gravitating towards navy. This sweater, which I also wore here, was a birthday gift from Kevin, and although I basically picked it out, I love it nonetheless. Plus, with how cold it has been this year, I have added quite a few sweaters to my closet to keep warm and this is no exception, so cozy! Are you living in sweaters this winter too?

In addition to being painted in navy, my daily outfits have been featuring some serious bling as of late. I have been wearing a statement necklace almost every.single.day. I just can't seem to get enough! Today I'm wearing another fabulous and affordable piece from Purple Peridot. This necklace is ah-may-zing; it was seriously love at first sight! Plus, the colors are so vibrant they look spectacular against the stark white of winter AND will transition perfectly into the spring and summer (which can't get here soon enough!). Have you been reaching for some extra sparkle during this bleak winter?

skirt: old navy | sweater: old navy | shirt: jcrew factory | booties: old navy | purse: target | sunnies: forever 21 | tights: target

necklace: purple peridot | purple bracelet: c/o our world boutique | link bracelet: jcrew factory | bow bangle: old navy 

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!