short skirt and a looong jacket.

10 brownie points for anyone who recognizes the song I referenced in the title of this post!

Other than my loving the song that this title is taken from, I have been absolutely LOVING jackets lately.  I'm talking real, deep, commitment here people!  I swear I've only worn one outfit without a jacket in the past week.  It does also help that the weather has significantly cooled down and has been perfect for jacket-wear.  Anyway, enough about my jacket-overdose.  This post is to show-case what I've been wearing the past week.  

Oh, and before I forget, prepare yourselves for an incredible upcoming giveaway from the one and only Flourish Boutique!  I don't think any of us are ready for this jelly. ;)

F21 polka dot blouse (in tan), F21 tuxedo jacket, The Limited skinny ankle stretch pants (in black), Prabal Gurung for Target pumps, F21 chunky pearl necklace

F21 polka dot blouse (in tan), F21 tuxedo jacket, The Limited skinny ankle stretch pants (in black), Prabal Gurung for Target pumps, F21 chunky pearl necklace

The Limited top (in mustard), H&M blazer, White House|Black Market jeans, Target Mossimo Vivian Pointy Heel Leopard Pumps, Designer Inspired Jewel Necklace c/o Style Lately, Renegade bracelet c/o Erika Lehman for Stella & Dot 

The Limited top (in mustard), H&M blazer, White House|Black Market jeans, Target Mossimo Vivian Pointy Heel Leopard Pumps, Designer Inspired Jewel Necklace c/o Style Lately, Renegade bracelet c/o Erika Lehman for Stella & Dot 

Banana Republic top, H&M pencil skirt, H&M peplum jacket, Prabal Gurung for Target pumps, NY&Co zebra print belt  

Banana Republic top, H&M pencil skirt, H&M peplum jacket, Prabal Gurung for Target pumps, NY&Co zebra print belt  

JCP top, H&M blazer, Express pencil,  Apt. 9 Gold Tone Square Hoop Earrings via Kohl's, Renegade bracelet c/o Erika Lehman for Stella & Dot, Prabal Gurung for Target pumps, F21 belt

JCP top, H&M blazer, Express pencil,  Apt. 9 Gold Tone Square Hoop Earrings via Kohl's, Renegade bracelet c/o Erika Lehman for Stella & Dot, Prabal Gurung for Target pumps, F21 belt

Greener on The Other Side of Chevron dress via Flourish Boutique, F21 belt,  necklace c/o Accessory Mercado, Target Mossimo Pearce Pumps (in camel), Renegade bracelet c/o Erika Lehman for Stella & Dot  

Greener on The Other Side of Chevron dress via Flourish Boutique, F21 belt,  necklace c/o Accessory Mercado, Target Mossimo Pearce Pumps (in camel), Renegade bracelet c/o Erika Lehman for Stella & Dot 

H&M sleeveless top, H&M jacket, Express pencil skirt, Forever21 belt, Prabal Gurung for Target pumps 

H&M sleeveless top, H&M jacket, Express pencil skirt, Forever21 belt, Prabal Gurung for Target pumps 

work-look bonanza!

Hi Lovelies!  Hows was your weekend?  Mine was spent dancing the night away at a friend's casual outdoor wedding reception.  And now that I'm home I'm just taking a few moment to wind down before the work week starts back up.  But, I wanted to get caught up on outfit pics and share some of the recent H&M goodies that I purchased on my LA trip--I'm absolutely in love with all of the pieces!

I'm also totally digging this amazing Designer Inspired Jewel Necklace C/O Style Lately.  It's so cute by itself, but it also pairs brilliantly with other necklaces.  Fabulous!  Thanks, Style Lately! :)

H&M blazer (in Navy), H&M chinos (in gray),  Banana Republic tank, Target Mossimo Ona Flats (in leopard print), watch via NY&CO, F21 chunky pearl necklace,  Designer Inspired Jewel Necklace c/o Style Lately

H&M blazer (in Navy), H&M chinos (in gray),  Banana Republic tank, Target Mossimo Ona Flats (in leopard print), watch via NY&CO, F21 chunky pearl necklace,  Designer Inspired Jewel Necklace c/o Style Lately

H&M blouse, H&M Stretch Pencil Skirt, H&M bangles, Swarovski necklace, heels via Kohl's

H&M blouse, H&M Stretch Pencil Skirt, H&M bangles, Swarovski necklace, Kohl's pumps

JCP top (in yellow), F21 polka dot skirt, Jessica Simpson pumps, necklace via Burlington Coat Factory

JCP top (in yellow), F21 polka dot skirt, Jessica Simpson pumps, necklace via Burlington Coat Factory

F21 top, LOFT skirt, necklace and bracelet via JCP,  Target Mossimo Pearce Pumps (in camel)

F21 top, LOFT skirt, necklace and bracelet via JCP,  Target Mossimo Pearce Pumps (in camel)

Q&A session-- I mustache you a question!

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Hello, Gorgeous(es)!  

After an amazing vacation in LA to celebrate my brother's engagement I'm back at it and ready to do some exciting things on the blog!  And what better way to start things off than with a fun Q&A session?  So, without further ado, here we go!

1.  _kikis_ from IG was curious about what mascara I use.

I use L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Blackest Black.  I've tried every mascara under the sun and have always come back to this one.  Its brush has just the right number of bristles and it just WORKS.  You know what I mean?  This baby's a keeper!  Also, I "build" my mascara by applying ~3 coats, but allowing each coat to dry for a minute or two.

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2.  nlouzon97 from IG wanted to know what moisturizer and foundation I apply.

Every morning before I put on my makeup I apply Clinique's All About Eyes cream under my eyes and Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 50 Moisturizer all over my face .  I try hard to take good care of my skin because I want to avoid having to pay for it later.  This sunscreen is great because it's not greasy at all.  And I know most moisturizers say that.  But, this one is really true to its word.  

As for foundation, I don't use any.  I have never been a huge fan of foundation because it just feels too heavy to me and unless I'm having really bad skin issues (I have/had acne for many years and control it with the help of my trusted dermatologist) I prefer to go without.  Instead, I just dab a little bit of MAC Studio Finish Concealer (in NC35) under my eyes and powder my face with MAC Pressed Blot Powder (Medium in the Winter and Medium-Dark in the Summer).  This blotting powder has been life changing.  Probably my #1 favorite beauty product. I have skin that tends to get oily and this blotting powder can be used several times a day without making your face look cakey.  I highly, highly, recommend it! 

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3.  snowwegian from IG asked if I plan my daily outfits in advance.

This totally depends on my mood.  As if you couldn't tell already, coming up with different looks is very exciting for me. It sounds a little corny, but, I'm really passionate about approachable fashion!  Coming up with an outfit is like art to me and so I go with where my inspiration takes me.  Some mornings I will stand in front of my closet and be able to immediately pull something together.  However, I think about outfits ALL THE TIME.  Embarrassing confessions, anyone?  And when I come up with cute looks or ideas, I make a note of it in my phone and refer to it later.  That being said, I know my closet like the back of my hand so I can literally see all my pieces in the back of my brain at all times.  Kind of like Cher in Clueless.  But, not as ditzy.  As if!

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4.  Sarah B. from FB asked for some pointers on building a more complete wardrobe and how/where to start. 
This question is probably the #1 question that I get asked.  Building a wardrobe is difficult with the massive amount of choices that we have.  My best piece of advice is to shop for really great basics and use bold accessories to make them more fun and versatile.  And by basics, I mean really classic pieces that can transition across seasons and last you years.  This doesn't mean they have to be expensive.  Just make sure you're buying pieces that fit well.  And if they don't, find a good tailor.  (I tailor 60% of my skirts/dresses.)  Also, when first starting a good wardrobe, stick to neutral colors that you can play with.  I have a lot of black/khaki/navy/white in my wardrobe--I have found that they create endless possibilities for easy mix and matching.  For more pointers check out this post on 50 wardrobe classics. 

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5.  Kristen H. from FB wanted some ideas for quick and cute styles for college students. 

Ahhh the good old days of college and going to class in sweatpants... yes, yours truly did that!

College style can be challenging because you may not be in the workforce yet, and you want to look mature but fun at the same time.  My favorite looks for college students are classic pieces that can be mixed and matched (BIG surprise!).  Lets be honest- most of us are not loaded during our college years and we'd rather spend our money on things like Friday night drinks.  I mean, TUITION.  WE WANT TO SAVE MONEY FOR TUITION.  Ehem. 

Dark washed skinnies can be easily dressed up or down.  And cute flats are great for hurrying across campus wearing something other than tennis shoes.  Unless you're wearing UGGS.  In which case you get a free pass.  I love my UGGS.  

Also, embrace real tops.  And by 'real tops' I mean blouses and shirts that have a chic shape.  Tank tops are cute.  But, I wish I would have graduated to blouses way sooner than I actually did.  Finally, accessorize!  You can find cheap, but chic, jewelry anywhere now.  Take advantage of it and find some killer pieces.

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Well, that was fun!  Thank you all for submitting your questions!  

I know I didn't get to some of them.  So, I will do a follow-up post with more Q&As!

light & breezy!

Hey there!  How's your week going?  Do you have big plans for the 4th?  

I would love to be able to grill out and spend some time outside and celebrate.  (Maybe with a couple of beers!)  

We actually attempted to go boating last weekend.  But, it was way too cold to go on the water.  Fingers crossed, it will warm up and we'll be able to get some time outdoors soon!  

Happy almost 4th, Loves! :)

Dress (unknown), Target Mossimo Pearce Pumps (in camel), F21 pearl necklace

Express top, LOFT skirt, necklace via Burlington Coat Factory, Francesca's cuff, pumps via Kohl's

Joe Fresh Denim Jegging via JCP (in white), heels via Kohl's, F21 pearl necklace, NY&CO watch, LV purse, Target aviators

F21 mint blouse/skirt/necklace, Jessica Simpson pumps

work-wear overload!

Hi Loves!  How's your week going?  Mine has been jam-packed.  I have a couple of great posts coming up for you-- one on Flourish Boutique (and their awesome fashion show!) and another on Accessory Mercado (such an amazing new way to buy accessories!).  But, I wanted to get caught up and share my latest outfits with you.
Enjoy the rest of your week! :)

White House|Black Market dress, Old Navy cardi (in red), Target Mossimo Pearce Pumps (in camel), F21 pearl necklace 

White House|Black Market dress, Old Navy cardi (in red), Target Mossimo Pearce Pumps (in camel), F21 pearl necklace 

Pink Owl Chevron dress via Flourish Boutique, Target Mossimo Pearce Pumps (in camel), pink belt via Kohl's

Pink Owl Chevron dress via Flourish Boutique, Target Mossimo Pearce Pumps (in camel), pink belt via Kohl's

Top via TJMAXX, pencil skirt via Zara, pumps via Kohl's, bracelet via Fracesca's, necklace c/o Accessory Mercado 

Top via TJMAXX, pencil skirt via Zara, pumps via Kohl's, bracelet via Fracesca's, necklace c/o Accessory Mercado 

Top via GAP, skirt via LOFT, pumps via Kohl's, necklace via Burlington Coat Factory, bracelet via Francesca's

Top via GAP, skirt via LOFT, pumps via Kohl's, necklace via Burlington Coat Factory, bracelet via Francesca's

T-shirt via Banana Republic Outlet, LOFT skirt, Jessica Simpson pumps, F21 earrings,  F21 Geo Cutout Cuff

T-shirt via Banana Republic Outlet, LOFT skirt, Jessica Simpson pumps, F21 earrings,  F21 Geo Cutout Cuff

LOFT top, Mango by JCP blazer, F21 jeans, Target loafers, F21 pearl necklace

YOU'RE invited to Flourish Boutique's 5th Birthday Party!

Recently, I was contacted by a fabulous clothing boutique located in Granger, Indiana and invited to attend their 5th birthday party as a VIP guest.  As soon as I saw the name of the boutique, "Flourish", I knew I was going to like it.  And as soon as I clicked on their website, I fell head over heels in LOVE!    

So, really, it took about 30 seconds to decide that OF COURSE I would attend their party!  From the sounds of it, this party will be ROCKIN- a live DJ, tons of beautiful clothes, and a FASHION SHOW-- I've died and gone to heaven! 

That is great, in and of itself, but what's even better is that I want to  INVITE YOU!!

Any of my lovely readers that would like to attend the event is invited to come out and enjoy the incredible bash with me.  

Details:

Flourish Boutique

16021 Cleveland Rd.

Granger, IN 46530 

   

5th Birthday Celebration!

Thursday June 20th, 2013

4-8 pm 

I am so honored to be a VIP guest and seriously excited to check out this fabulous boutique!  I will, of course, give you all complete coverage of the event afterwards (and I'll probably be instagraming throughout!).

So, who's ready to celebrate Flourish's 5th Birthday with me?! ;)

>Check out Flourish Boutique's Website (and shop online!)<

>*LIKE* Flourish Boutique's Facebook page<

summer brights!

When you live in the Mid-West like I do you look forward to warm weather for what seems like an eternity.  Because of this, I have been taking absolute advantage of this beautiful weather and mixing up tons of fun bright colors!

So, here's to a long, colorful, Summer!

F21 BLOUSE,  LOFT Doubleface Shift Skirt (in buttercup), F21 pearl necklace, Target Mossimo Pearce Pumps (in camel)

F21 BLOUSE,  LOFT Doubleface Shift Skirt (in buttercup), F21 pearl necklace, Target Mossimo Pearce Pumps (in camel)

Dress/necklace/bracelet via JCP, Target Mossimo Pearce Pumps (in camel)

Dress/necklace/bracelet via JCP, Target Mossimo Pearce Pumps (in camel) 

Top via TJMaxx, skirt (unknown), Jessica Simpson pumps, F21 earrings, H&M bangles  

Express top, LOFT skirt, Jessica Simpson pumps, Charlotte Russe necklace

Express top, LOFT skirt, Jessica Simpson pumps, Charlotte Russe necklace

Old Navy Blouse, LOFT Candy Dot Shift Skirt, Target Mossimo Pearce Pumps (in camel), necklace via Burlington 

Old Navy Blouse, LOFT Candy Dot Shift Skirt, Target Mossimo Pearce Pumps (in camel), necklace via Burlington