SEQUINS & PLAID

HEY Y'ALL! It's been a minute. Since I'm moving to the South I can start saying "y'all" and "bless your heart", right? ;) So much has happened the last few weeks that I haven't had much time to write. But everything seems to be falling into place and we are so thankful.

First piece of big news, we sold our house!! It was such a relief to have the showings over with. Honestly, being on the other side of the house buying/selling situation, it really makes you appreciate everything the seller has to go through to keep the house looking tidy at the whim of buyers who need you to drop everything and leave the house.

Second piece of big news, we bought a house in Charlotte! Since our plans for renting fell through a few times, we decided to entertain the idea of buying instead. And while visiting Charlotte a couple of weeks ago, we found a house that we fell in love with. It's Charleston style, has a big red front door, and a porch with two gorgeous fans. Be still, my heart. We close in the middle of February and we couldn't be more excited. The house is pretty much ready to go, all we really have to do is install a fence for the dogs and move our furniture in.  I can't believe this is really happening!

OUTFIT DETAILS below //

NECKLACE [Hello Gorgeous Boutique] // Exact here

SEQUIN TOP // Similar here, here, here

PLAID BUTTON-UP [Old Navy] // Similar here, here, here, here, & here

RED ANKLE PANTS [The Limited] // Similar here, here, here, here, & here

NAVY BLAZER [UNIQLO] // Almost exact here & here / Similar here, here, & here

NAVY PUMPS [Target] // Similar here, here, & here / Love this ankle strap pair & this chunky heel pair

Khaki + Blue.

We spend every Labor Day weekend at our friend's cottage on Lake Michigan-- hanging out with a group of our close friends, playing in the sun, and eating as much grilled food as we can handle. Needless to say, going back to work the Tuesday after Labor Day weekend is always a challenge, fashionably speaking.

I woke up this morning in a tizzy (having overslept my alarm by an hour) with horrible face bloat from all the salty chips and s'mores. You know what I'm talking about, the bloat where even your eyelids are puffy? Yup. That's the one. Sexy. So I threw on an easy dress and a cardigan and booked it out the door. No time for outfit pics. (Although I do have plans for a post on dressing well, even when you don't feel like it.)

I originally wore the light blue blouse and khaki skirt below two weeks ago. The blouse is from a Forever 21 shopping trip in February- I loved it so much that I bought it in a couple of different colors. They don't have the same one available anymore, but I linked to a few of my favorite look-a-like items below.

Blue Blouse- Forever21 | Similar with adorable neckline | Great V-Neck version | Love this high neck one
Khaki pencil skirt- H&M | Very similar from The Limited | In love with this midi pencil skirt
Silver and black bow flats- Nine West | Amazing black pair with rhinestone bow | Pretty silver/grey versions here and here
Watch- Tissot (Exact)
Necklace- Charlotte Russe | Love these black & white statement necklaces here & here

...
Just for funsies, here's a pic of the whole fam this weekend. The pups are totally smiling, right?!

So how was your Labor Day weekend?
Did you have to go back to work today? Did you have kiddos to get off to school?

Khaki Blazer.

Truth be told, I have been looking for an affordable classic khaki blazer for as long as I can remember. I just never seemed to be able to find the perfect one. So when I came across this Forever21 blazer this past August, it was love at first sight. I loved that the color was a darker, richer khaki, and I couldn't wait to wear it in the Fall. 
Well, my friends, Fall is finally here! So, be prepared to see lots of this little number in the coming weeks. 
Since I bought it quite a few months ago, the exact one was no longer available. But, I did find a few similar ones that are equally fabulous (linked below).
Happy shopping!

Top: JCP | Similar 1, 2, 3 | Love this version here
Blazer: Forever21 | Similar 1, 2, 3, 4
Skinny pants: The Limited (exact) | Similar 1, 2, 3
Booties: Target | Similar 1, 2, 3
Necklace: eBay | Almost exact here | Love these ones here 1, 2, 3
Spike bracelet: Stella & Dot (exact) | Another cute option here
Watch c/o Wristology | Use code GORGEOUS20 for 20% off

Shop The Look:

Lace & Cargo.

It's amazing what outfit combinations you can come up with when you're behind on laundry. 

Case and point: a rugged cargo vest paired with a dainty lace dress. It's like they were meant to be together, no?!

Check out the details, below:

Lace shift dress c/o Flourish Boutique (Exact no longer available; Cute versions here, here, here, & here)//Cargo vest c/o Avery Lane Boutique (Exact sold out; Similar here, here, & here)//Skinny brown braided belt-Forever 21 (Similar here, here, & here)//Brown ballet flats-Target (Similar here, here, & here; Love this pair with a gold toe here)//White watch c/o Wristology (Exact here; Use code GORGEOUS20 for 20% off orders over $30)

Pattern Play & Current Obsession With Flats.

The title of this post says it all.

Have a great week, Loves!!

:)

Plaid dress c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Cargo vest c/o Avery Lane Boutique (Exact here)//
Patterned tights (Similar here, here, & here)//
Red plaid scarf (Love these options here, here,& here)//
Brown riding boots (Similar here, here, here, & here)//
Brown braided belt (Similar here, here, & here)//
Glasses c/o Firmoo (Exact here)//
Wonka bar necklace c/o Accessory Mercado (Exact here; Use discount code YASI to get 15% off)

Black and white polka dot sweater c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
White ankle pants (Almost exact here; Similar here, here, & here)//
Black jeweled flats (Exact here; Love these ones here & here)//
Black and white chunky pearl necklace c/o Blossom Jewelry Design (Exact here)

Mint green blouse (Similar here)//
Light grey sweater (Similar here, here,& here)//
Skinny black dress pants (Exact here; Similar here and here)//
Grey smoking flats (Exact here; Other cute grey flats here, here, here, & here)//
Necklace and bracelet c/o Sira & Mara (Exact here & here)//
Oversized brown watch (Exact here; Love these ones here & here)

Satchel up.

Plaid flannel button-up shirt (Similar here, here, here, here, & here)//
Ivory cable knit sweater (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, here, & here)//
Skinny dress pants (Exact here; Similar here and here)//
Burgundy riding boots (Almost exact here; Similar here & here)//
Bobal satchel c/o Angel Reinares (Exact here)//
Champagne pearl cluster necklace c/o T+J Designs (Exact here)//
Pyramid stud cuff ℅ Stella & Dot stylist Erika Lehman (Exact here)//
Belt buckle bracelet (Similar here)

Plaid flannel button-up shirt (Similar here, here, here, here, & here)//
Ivory cable knit sweater (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, here, & here)//
Skinny dress pants (Exact here; Similar here and here)//
Burgundy riding boots (Almost exact here; Similar here & here)//
Bobal satchel c/o Angel Reinares (Exact here)//
Champagne pearl cluster necklace c/o T+J Designs (Exact here)//
Pyramid stud cuff ℅ Stella & Dot stylist Erika Lehman (Exact here)//
Belt buckle bracelet (Similar here)

...

I’ve said it many times before—but, if I had to pick just a few wardrobe pieces to invest in, I would always choose staple accessories: a chic coat, great boots, and a well-made, beautifully constructed bag. The first two are pretty self-explanatory (see this post)-- especially for someone living in the North Pole. 

Just kidding, I live in Michigan. But, that’s kind of the same thing, right? Only minus Santa and cute little elves? =P

But, I digress.

 A gorgeous bag will last for years and become a staple in a wardrobe that’s bound to change with time. I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for bag-investment—first, because I love beautiful bags. (Who doesn't?!) But, mostly because I am really tough on bags and if it’s not a quality piece, it's guaranteed to fall apart in a couple of short months. I’ve literally had a cheap-o bag rip with all of my work materials in it (in a parking lot). It was not fun. To put it into perspective, I’ve had the same Louis Vuitton bag for 11 years and it’s still in great condition. And my relatively new Michael Kors bag (which I had longingly saved for) still looks brand new after months of daily wear. And as with most things, quality matters. But, I think this concept is most important with core pieces and accessories.

So, when I was asked to review a bag from Angel Reinares, a Spanish handbag company, I was more than happy to do so. I’m always up for discovering new brands—especially those who feature classic, quality pieces. After some back and forth, I ordered the Bobal satchel in the cognac color (called Lion on the site) instead of the Cabernet tote in Brandy. I think my indecision was due to the fact that I couldn’t decide if I wanted a tote or a satchel, and I was lusting after both bags equally. Generally, a tote or purse with a long strap is more convenient for me because most of my week is spent at work. So, I just cram all of my things into it, hang it over my shoulder, and go. But, I figured since I had just bought the MK Hamilton tote, I should venture out and get the Bobal satchel. And boy, am I glad I did! 

This bag is seriously beautiful. Soft, luxurious leather. Great construction and color. Lots of room for all of my things. And wait for it… a detachable strap! Boom. 

So, if you’re looking for a new bag or a great piece to pop on your Christmas wish list, check out Angel Reinares. They have so many drool-worthy pieces that are truly well worth it!   

Forever 21, plus a few.

Holy guacamole! Two posts within two days? What's going on?!

I'll tell you what's going on-- you need to get yourselves over to Forever21 right now. They have their Fall/Winter stuff out and so many of their pieces are absolutely phenomenal. I especially like their new fur vests, sweaters, and their plaid tops.
But, shhhhh. Because I didn't just buy any of those things yesterday or anything. ;)

It's not as if it's not obvious. But, I'll just put it right out there and say that I'm a huge F21 fan. I love that I can find such a great variety of things at prices that don't make my husband freak out when he looks at our credit card bill. (Love you, babe!) 

But, back to the point. People are often surprised that I find so many of my wardrobe pieces at Forever21. But, it's true-- I have everything from blazers to skinny jeans and scarves that I bought there. And I will tell you-- sometimes I feel a little weird going into the store dressed in my work outfits and my badge and definitely NOT feeling like I'm 'forever 21'. (Let's just say that I've gotten referred to as "ma'am" more than once.) But, I keep going back (or going online. Lol.) because I genuinely like a lot of their pieces and I feel like I can find and afford so many trendy or work-appropriate things there.  

I know that to some, the store can feel a little overwhelming at first because there are just so many options. But, I guess it doesn't bother me. I have a strange laser-like focus when it comes to shopping. It must be an awesome gene that I inherited from my mother. For us, shopping is an extreme sport with one goal in mind: to WIN. 
To win at buying all of the things (without breaking the bank!). 

And now that you know about my secret shopping superpowers, here are a couple of outfits from this past week. (See how many are Forever21 pieces?!) 

Plaid Top (Exact here; Similar here and here; LOVE this version here)//
Collared button-down shirt (Great options here & here)//
Red ankle pants (Similar here & here)//
Bonded Glam Necklace c/o Sira & Mara (Exact here)//
Skinny black watch (Similar here & here)//
Black flats (Cute versions here, here, here) 

Black and white contrast trim blouse (Similar here & here; Cute sleeveless version here)//
Seamless cami (Exact here; Similar here)//
Tweed pencil skirt (Exact here; Love these pencil skirts here and here)//
Pearl necklace c/o Avery Lane Boutique (Exact Sold Out; Cute versions here, here, & here)//
Leopard print flats (Great options here, here, here. & here)

Black and white plaid button-up (Almost exact here; Similar here & here)//
Denim jacket (Exact here; Similar here and here)//
Dark washed women's skinny jeans (Similar here & here)//
Red plaid scarf (Exact here; Love these options here, here, here and here)//
Two-tone riding boots (Similar here & here)//
Skinny brown belt (Similar here & here)//
Oversized grey watch (Cute options here, here, here, here)//
Stella & Dot Renegade bracelet ℅ Erika Lehman

The Only Constant.

Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, wrote the following sometime around 500BC:
"the only thing that is constant is change."  

Well, Heraclitus, you did it. You hit the nail right on the head. And I can personally attest that your philosophy still holds true because the only constant thing that I have experienced in the past couple months is change.  But, that's not necessarily a bad thing. After 3 years of having a two hour commute to work (one hour each way), I was recently offered and accepted a new position in my own city!! I'm doing pretty much the same thing, but now I am the Epidemiologist for the county that I live in.  I can't even describe to you how excited I am to not have to drive in horrendous conditions on the highway in the winter.  Just thinking about it makes me giddy!

So, here's to change being a constant, and here's to y'all having a great week!
<3

Polka dot blouse (Similar here and here; Love these long sleeved option here and here)//
Yellow cardigan (Similar here and here)
Striped skirt c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Red pumps (Similar here. here, here, & here)//
Red belt (Similar here and here)//
Pearl necklace c/o Avery Lane Boutique (Exact Sold Out; Cute versions here, here)

Gingham shirt (Exact here; Similar here & here)//
Red blazer (Cute versions here, here, & here)//
White ankle pants (Similar here & here; Love these bootcut options here & here)//
Leopard print belt (Similar here & here)//
Leopard print flats (Great options here & here)//
Pearl necklace c/o Avery Lane Boutique (Exact Sold Out; Cute versions here, here)//
Tortoise shell watch c/o Wristology Watches (Exact here)

White button-up shirt (Exact here; Similar here, here, & here)//
Red midi skirt (Great options here, here, & here)//
Skinny black belt (Exact old; Similar here, here, & here)//
Patterned satin scarf (Exact here; Similar here, here, & here)//
Skinny black watch (Similar here & here)//
Leopard print pumps (Love these styles here, & here, here, & here)

Striped dress worn as top (Cute striped tops here, here, & here)//
Layered tulle skirt c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Leopard print scarf (Similar here, here, here, & here)//
Red belt (Similar here and here)//
Red flats (Exact here; Love these here & here)

Plaid button up (Similar here, here, & here)//
"Presley" skirt c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Pearl necklace c/o Accessory Mercado (Exact no longer available)//
Burgundy riding boots (Similar here & here)

"Veronica" top c/o Sugar Love Boutique (Exact here)//
Yellow blazer c/o TeodoraB (Exact sold out; Similar here, here, & here)//
Skinny dress pants (Exact here; Similar here, here, & here)//
Multi-color pointy toe pumps (Cute version here; Same here and here on eBay)//
Somervell necklace ℅ Stella & Dot stylist Erika Lehman//
Skinny black watch (Similar here & here)

Mint blouse c/o Flourish Boutique (Exact not available; Similar here & here)//
Seamless cami (Exact here)//
Purple cardi (Similar here and here)
Multi color pencil skirt (Similar here, here, here and LOVE this one here)//
Necklace (Similar here)//
Petite bloom cuff c/o Sira Mara (Exact here)//
Nude pointy toe pumps (Almost exact here; Similar here, and love this pair with ankle straps here)

White sleeveless top (Exact here; Similar here (love!), here, & here)
Seamless cami (Exact here)//
"Kelsi" blazer c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Dark-wash skinny jeans (Similar here, here, here, & here)//
Leopard print booties (Similar here, here, & here)//
Resin statement necklace (Exact here)