COLD SHOULDER SWEATER

Moving is a piece of cake, said no one ever. As you can probably tell, life has been a little crazy for us the past few weeks. Our moving plans have changed approximately 572 times and we've had enough back and forths to last us all the way through 2017.

Even so, we've been trying to stay positive about all the changes. But I will admit it was a little tough after the second rental home fell through. Who knew the rental home market in Charlotte was so hot?!
Since John starts his new position in the beginning of January, we are trying our hardest to set a plan that we think will stick. The new-new plan is to stay in a furnished temporary apartment (NOT ideal with two dogs and a cat!) outside of Charlotte and put most of our things in storage for a couple of months until we buy a home down there. So friends, if you have any extra prayers and good joojoo in you, please send them our way in hopes that we quickly find a home that we like near John's workplace. Apparently traffic in Charlotte is awful, so finding a home that we like close to his work is key.

But onto the good stuff... the outfit below! Confession: I wore this outfit on Thanksgiving Day and a few times after that too. Hey, when you find a sweater that you absolutely love, you gotta get the most out of it, right?! And when I say that this sweater is EVERYTHING, it really is. I love the peekaboo shoulders, the vibrant color, and I especially love the way that it hangs. Love love LOVE. If you want to check it out, you can shop it directly on Catch Bliss's website. For reference, I'm wearing a small. But it comes in small, medium, and large. Happy shopping! <3

OUTFIT DETAILS below //

SWEATER c/o Catch Bliss Boutique [Exact]

JEANS [Forever 21] // Similar here / Great pairs here & here (Both on sale!)

BOOTS [Etienne Aigner] // Similar here, here, & here / OTK versions here & here / LOVE this bootie here

EARRINGS + CUFF [Hello Gorgeous Boutique] // Exact earrings here / Exact cuff here

STRIPED SWEATER DRESS

Just a few short years ago, I avoided sweater dresses like the plague. I hated how tight they were and how they clung to every part of the body. And then there was always the question of how appropriate they would look with just tights. You know, the age old "does it cover your butt?" rule. 

Well, sweater dresses have come a long way since then. Case and point, this light and cozy shift dress from Catch Bliss. I knew I was in for a treat the second I pulled it out of the bag. See that shit grin on my face in the pic below? It's because I was so excited that I couldn't stop smiling about it all day. I had a super busy day and this dress let me move and be comfortable without getting overheated. It's warm, but not too warm-- and not one bit clingy. And I don't want to spoil the surprise for you, but I can't help myself. IT. HAS. POCKETS!! All my sweater dress fears have now been put to rest. Check out the dress for yourself here. I guarantee you'll love it just as much as I do!

{For reference, I'm wearing a small. But it comes is sizes S-XL.}

OUTFIT DETAILS below //

DRESS // c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (exact)
DENIM JACKET [Forever21] // Almost exact here / Cute one here / Budget-friendly here: dark denim & distressed denim / Cute Plus size here
BOOTIES [Clarks (exact)] // Love these Clarks here and this more affordable pair here
NECKLACE // Exact here
TIGHTS [Target (exact)] // Similar here & here 

GINGHAM VEST

If you've noticed that I've been MIA the past few weeks it's because I WAS IN PARIS AND ITALY.

WHAT?! Long story short, my sister-in-law got married in Positano, Italy (so cool!). So John and I decided to visit a couple of other places along the way.  First, Paris, a total bucket list trip for me. Then, Florence, which we've been to before.

And it.was.AMAZING!! I really can't even begin to summarize how incredible the whole experience was. It really deserves its own series of posts. But, two things have to be said: 

1. For those who follow me on Instagram, I decided to wear the yellow fascinator to the wedding reception! I wore a big red hat to the actual wedding, but that's a whole another story.  
2.This was one of the first long trips that I was truly sad to come home from. The only thing I really couldn't wait to get back to were our dogs. :)

Other than getting to shower our pups with hugs and kisses, it's also awesome to come home to my favorite month-- October!  Bring on the fall weather, boots, and lots of vests! 

I've talked about my love for vests before and this one is no exception. I'm absolutely head over heels in love with this navy and white gingham vest from Catch Bliss. Why wear a plain vest when you can wear one with an chic pattern that will go with just about anything?! 

It's a great piece to throw on over a light sweater on chilly fall days, but it's also perfect for lots of layering in the winter.  This vest is so cute that I've already had a couple of friends threaten to borrow/steal it from me. ;) But since most of you don't live in "borrowing" distance from me, you can get your own here!

Gingham vest c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact)
Striped sweater- TJMaxx | Similar here, here, and here
Chambray button-up | Similar here & here
Skinny jeans- Express | Similar here & here
Brown booties- Clarks (Exact) | Loves these others here, here, here & here
Necklace- Exact here

Scalloped Shorts.

I know it's cliché, but I honestly can't believe we're at the tail end of August already.

July and August are always busy months for John and I. With both of our birthdays, our anniversary, and lots of other little events thrown in, summer's end always comes much sooner than we think it will. So when people start posting about the number of days left until pumpkin spice lattes, I'm looking around like "What? What month is it even?!" 

But I have done my research, and it is in fact August 23rd. And we still have one whole month of summer left. The weather is warm, but a slightly cooler breeze rolls around at night--perfect for a pair of cute scalloped shorts and a light sweater!

Bonus: the adorable high-waist shorts I have on below are on SALE for $9.99. Say what?! YES, $9.99.

They fit perfectly and I love the gold button detail as a simple, but classy finishing touch. 
(For size reference, I'm wearing a small.)  

Check the scalloped shorts out here and the rest of the outfit details below.

Hope your summer's been lovely, friends! :)

Scalloped "Claire" shorts c/o Catch Bliss (exact)
Grey open-stitch sweater- Banana Republic (exact) | Love this other one from BR | More budget-friendly versions: cute boat neck, LOVE this off-the shoulder
Nude ballet flats- Target | Similar NY&Co pair and Sam Edelman pair | Obsessed with these sparkly bow flats here
Necklace c/o Sira & Mara | Similar version here



Stripes + Florals.

Why do I keep adding more stripes to my closet when I have more than enough to go around?

Because there is no such thing as 'too many' stripes; especially when they come in the shape of a versatile cardi!

Stripes are great for adding pizzazz to a plain outfit, but they're also perfect for pattern-mixing. Just make sure that:

1. The colors in your other pattern 'go' with the colors of your stripes.

2. The sizes of your two patterns play well together. Thinner stripes look better with larger florals and vice versa. 

The striped cardi I'm wearing below is from the ever-fab Catch Bliss Boutique-- and you'll probably want to get your hands on it ASAP because the last lightweight cardi that I posted sold out immediately.

So if you're considering buying it, hurry! :)

Striped cardi c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)
Floral top- The Limited | Green/blue versions here, here, here | Pink versions here, here, here, & here
White pencil skirt- The Limited (exact) | Similar here, here, here, & here
Black flats with gold chain- Target | Almost exact | Super chic pair with a bold knot and with gold hardware
Skinny black belt with gold accents | Love this unique knotted one here and this simple one here

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Flirting with Pink.

As with other fashion trends, I found my way to flirty off-the-shoulder tops much later than most.
But you know what they say... Better late than never!
The first time I laid eyes on this gorgeous fuchsia off-the-shoulder top, I knew I had to have it. It looked so fun and happy; great for a mood pick-me-up. Also great for those days when you want to look cute and sassy, but you could use some room in the tummy area. Hey, we've all been there. I'm currently feeling that way after some weekend fun. 

I was a little nervous about how the elastic would "sit" on the body of a normal non-model gal, but my worries were for naught as I found that it looked and felt great. No pinching or squeezing. I wore it to a barbeque and was comfortable all day. And it turns out that my sister-in-law was just as in love with this top as I was. Instead of welcoming me with "Hi!", she exclaimed "CUTE top!" 
Love it. :)

Shop this darling top on Catch Bliss's website here.

Pink Off-The Shoulder Top c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (exact here)
Black camisole- The Limited (exact here)
Dark wash skinny jeans- Forever 21 | Almost exact here | Similar here and here
Tory Burch inspired sandals | The real deal here and here | Love these versions here, here, and here    
Clover necklace c/o Regina Pierallini (no longer available) | Super cute look-a-like here
Pyramid cuff c/o Erika Lehman for Stella & Dot | Adore these similar ones here and here

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The Perfect Summer Cardi.

The outfit below was brought to you by a 20 degree drop in temperature overnight.

One second it was 80 degrees and the next it was 60. I realized that I needed to dress accordingly if I had any hope of being comfortable all day.

Adding this cute plaid Catch Bliss cardi to my outfit totally did the trick. It's amazingly soft, the print is chic, and it's lightweight-- the perfect spring/summer cardigan to have on hand! And I have to give it bonus points for the compliments it received from my co-workers. :)

Beige top- Forever 21 | Similar 1, 2, 3
Cami- The Limited (exact) <-my all-time favorite cami!
Lightweight plaid "Katelyn" cardi c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (exact)
Pants- NY& CO | Similar 1, 2, 3
Belt- Forever21 | Similar 1, 2, 3
Watch- Anne Klein | Almost exact  | Similar | Love this version
Pyramid cuff c/o Erika Lehman for Stella & Dot | Super cute look-a-like
Pearl Necklace c/o Blossom Jewelry Design on Etsy
Pumps- Target | Similar 1, 2, 3

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Pocketed Perfection.

Have you ever tried on a dress and realized that it has pockets, and when you found them it makes you love the dress even more?

Well, the same thing happened to me with this fab sweater from Catch Bliss Boutique. Well, for one, it's the softest thing you've ever felt and it hangs really well. And, two, it has POCKETS! What's not to love?! 
I've already worn it twice and I'm seeing a lot more of this little number in my future. <3

Sweater c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (exact)
White skinny jeans- JCPenney | Similar 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Cognac ankle boots- Kohls | Love these styles 1, 2, 3, 4
Necklace c/o T& J Designs (exact) | Use code YASI20 for 20% off
Watch c/o Wristology  (exact)| Use code GORGEOUS20 for 20% off 



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Sequin Dress.

I'm a big advocate of sequins-- especially during the holidays!

Of course by "holidays" I mean anytime between November and March. ;)  

But, a dress covered in gold sequins? I die!

I've already gotten a couple of wears out of this gorgeous Catch Bliss sequin dress*. 

I may even pull it out for New Year's Eve!

*This dress also comes in blue and red!

Sequin dress c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (exact)
Red blazer- Forever 21 | Similar 1, 2, 3, 4
Faux fur stole- Forever 21 | Similar 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Black & gold belt | Similar 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Bow pumps- Shoe Dazzle | Similar 1, 2, 3, 4
Rhinestone watch- Fossil | Similar 1, 2, 3, 4

Scalloped Skirt.

The first time I saw a photo of this scalloped button-front skirt I knew I had to have it.
The most difficult decision then became "should I get it in navy or in camel?"
As shown below, I decided to go with the camel color; if only because I already own a navy skirt in a similar length and I wanted to change things up a bit. Well, friends, let me be the first to tell you that this skirt did not disappoint!  It is ridiculously soft and the color is even more beautiful in person. Because of the rich hue of the skirt, I decided to pair it with a striped sweater in a contrasting color to break things up and add depth to the look. Finally, I added a chunky cardigan, navy ankle boots, and a blinged out necklace.

Scalloped skirt, you had me at "hello". <3

Skirt c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (exact)
Striped Sweater: Forever21 | Similar 1, 2, 3
Cardigan: Forever21 | Similar 1, 2, 3, 4
Navy Ankle Boots: Kohl's (exact) | Love these options 1, 2, 3, 4
Necklace c/o T & J Designs (exact) ; Use code 'YASI20' for 20% off 

Pretty Little Layered Dress.

Even though I've been trying to hold off on my excitement for Fall, the weather this month has been all over the place. My favorite thing to do in shifting weather is to wear layers over a cute dress. That way I can pull the layers on and off as appropriate. 
And this particular dress was perfect for layering. I can't even lie to you, I have feelings for this dress that are usually reserved for shoes. It's so pretty, feminine, and fits like a glove. It will even be perfect in the Fall with boots. 

Dress c/o Catch Bliss Boutique
Navy Cardi: Target | Similar 1, 2, 3
Grey chunky knit cardi: Forever 21 | Similar 1, 2, 3, 4
Navy flats: DSW | Similar 1, 2, 3 | Love
Scarf: Forever21 | Similar | Love
Headband c/o Bauble Boutique

Shop the Look:

Classic Shirt Dress.

I can hardly believe how long I went without owning a classic sleeveless shirt dress. Shirt dresses are such great pieces to layer and build around. I have almost three layers on in the outfit below!

Shirt dress c/o Catch Bliss Boutique
Striped sweater: TJMaxx | Similar 1, 2, 3, 4
Cargo vest c/o Avery Lane | Similar 1, 2, 3, 4
Pencil skirt: Zara | Similar 1, 2, 3
Ivory belt: Target | Similar 1, 2, 3
Flats: Target | Similar 1, 2, 3, 4
Necklace c/o T+J Designs - use code YASI20 for 20% off

Shop the Look:

Catch Bliss Boutique Aztec Sweater Giveaway!!

As I mentioned in my last post, life has been a little hectic lately.  As I catch up on my outfit posts from the last week (which you can see in real time on my Instagram account!!), I am thrilled to host a fabulous giveaway from Catch Bliss Boutique!!  

A lot of you saw me wearing this gorgeous aztec sweater in my Instagram outfit photos last week and inquired where this delectable piece was from because you couldn't wait to get your hands on it.  Well, it's from Catch Bliss Boutique, and one lucky winner will win it in this amazing giveaway!!

Catch Bliss Boutique Aztec Open Sweater (Exact here)// 
JCrew Corduroy Skirt (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)// 
Banana Republic belt (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)// 
Target flats (Exact old; Similar here, here)// 
Necklace C/O Wild Butterfly Boutique (Exact here)  

So, lace up your boots and use the Rafflecopter app below to enter to win this eye-catching sweater.

Good luck, ladies!!! (And thank you Catch Bliss for hosting such an incredible giveaway!!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

The small print: Giveaway ends on Thursday October 3rd and is open to U.S. residents only. Winner must claim prize within 48 hours. If prize is left unclaimed within this time, a new winner will be chosen.