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)

Ann Blanche New Year's Giveaway!-CLOSED.

Usually I'm not a big proponent of of New Year's resolutions. I think making big life changes should happen when you're ready and not necessarily because it's the turn of the calendar year. But, something feels different this year. 
I'm excited about turning over a new leaf and I actually have a whole list of resolutions. Most of them are uber exciting things like: be more organized, don't save a task for tomorrow when you could do it today. And the always popular: get back in shape. 

(Although, to my defense on the last point, my gym unexpectedly closed this past Fall. Not being able to lift and do BodyPump anymore was absolutely devastating. But, one of the gym owners just opened a brand spanking new gym. So, I can't wait to get back into the game and regain the tone and muscle that I've lost!)

Like many, one of my other resolutions has to do with personal style. In 2015, I want to continue having fun and experimenting with fashion and my everyday style. And what better way to kick off this particular resolution than by giving away a pair of gorgeous ballet flats from Ann Blanche?! 

One lucky winner will be able to *step* into the new year with a pair of these fabulous flats! (Seriously, they are SO cute & versatile.) Just use the Rafflecopter app below to enter. 

Good luck and Happy New Year, Loves! Here's to an amazing 2015!

(P.S. I will be back to regular outfit posts soon!)

The small print: Giveaway ends on Friday, January 9th, and is open to U.S. and Canada residents only. Winner will be announced on the Hello Gorgeous Facebook page and must claim prize within 48 hours. If prize is left unclaimed within this time, a new winner will be chosen.

Angel Reinares Handbag Giveaway (and $150 coupon code)!!-CLOSED.

So.... remember this incredible, beautiful, gorgeous, amaaaaahzing Angel Reinares handbag that I reviewed in this post?

Well, you can WIN IT and make this baby your own. (Say whaaaat?!!)

Just enter the Angel Reinares Santa Angel Giveaway here in the next 2 days and enter to win your choice of any of these three luxury handbags:

One Angel Reinares "Bobal Satchel ": Approximate Value USD $585.00

One Angel Reinares "Macabeo Tote ": Approximate Value USD $615.00

One Angel Reinares "Cabernet Tote ": Approximate Value USD $605.00

And what's even better?! An exclusive coupon code ("angelsanta150") for $150 OFF any purchase over $300. Amazing!

So, if you like chic luxury handbags, do your closet a favor and enter the Angel Reinares handbag giveaway here. 

(But, hurry, the winner will be chosen this Saturday, December 20th!)

Good luck, Loves!!

...
The winner of this fabulous contest is Jessica Westfall of Elkview, WV. 
Congrats, Jessica!!

(Click here for the original announcement)

Work & Play.

It's been years since I have bought more than a handful of clothing items that were strictly for "play". Due to my very exciting night life (or lack thereof), almost everything in my wardrobe tends to pull double duty. If I can't use a piece as part of my work wardrobe, it's very likely that it will hang out in the back of my closet for a very long time.

However, with a little creativity, many things can be fashioned into workwear.
A chiffon dress? Great! Let's put a sweater over it and make it work appropriate. 
A fitted pencil dress? Let's put an oversized cardi over it and belt it.

I guess it must also be said that my office environment is pretty casual. So, I often use the term "work wear" loosely. Regardless, the idea still holds true. Pieces that can be used in different situations often give the best bang for your buck--easy peasy day to night transition is where it's at!

Here's what I've been wearing lately--

Polka dot blouse (Similar here & here)//
Black and white sweater (Almost exact here; Similar here)//
Red ankle pants (Similar here, here & here)//
Pearl necklace c/o Avery Lane Boutique (Exact Sold Out; Cute versions here, here, & here)//
Skinny black watch (Similar here & here)//
Black (patent leather) flats (Similar here & here;Not patent, but love these here)

"Striped Sensation" tunic dress c/o Flourish Boutique (Exact here)//
Opaque black tights (Exact here)//
Black wedge boots (Exact here; Similar here & here)//
Black and silver chainmaille bracelet c/o Blossom Jewelry Design (Exact here; Love this one here)

Black turtleneck (Similar here, here, & here)//
Oversized burgundy sweater & faux leather pencil skirt c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here & here)//
Leopard print cuff c/o Sira & Mara (Exact no longer available; Love this bracelet in similar colors here)//
Sheer black tights (Exact here)//
Black wedge boot (Exact here; Similar here & here)

"Cayla" dress c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Black crew neck sweater (Similar here, here, & here)//
Fringe tribal scarf c/o Sira & Mara (Exact here)
Opaque black tights (Exact here)//
Black booties (Similar here, here, here, here, & here)//
Skinny black belt (Similar here & here)
Black and silver chainmaille bracelet c/o Blossom Jewelry Design (Exact here; Love this one here)



Maci dress c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Rosa cardi c/o Sugar Love Boutique (Exact here)
Black wide stretchy belt (Similar here, here, here, & here)
Opaque black tights (Exact here)//
Black booties (Similar here, here, here, here, & here)//
Pearl dangle earrings c/o Blossom Jewelry Design (Exact here)



Bauble Boutique Holiday Giveaway-- CLOSED.

I absolutely love Christmas time. LOVE.

Do you know what else I love? Giving away gorgeous jewels from the lovely Bauble Boutique, a fabulous online jewelry shop.  

So, while I decorate my house and falalalala my way through my Christmas shopping, you lovelies can enter to win all the goodies above from Bauble Boutique!

Winner will be announced next Friday (12/12) on the Hello Gorgeous Facebook page. Just use the Rafflecopter app below to enter! (Remember, the more points you complete using the app, the more times your name will be entered into the drawing.)

GOOD LUCK, girls!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The small print: Giveaway ends on Friday, December 12th, and is open to U.S. and Canada residents only. Winner will be announced on the Hello Gorgeous Facebook page and must claim prize within 48 hours. If prize is left unclaimed within this time, a new winner will be chosen.

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!   

Winter Survival 101.

___________________________________________________________________________
Wool coat/parka (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, here, & here)//

Mittens (Exact here; Similar here; LOVE these patterned mittens here and here)//

Earmuffs (Similar here, here, here, & here (the earbuds detach!)//

UGG boots (Exact here; Similar here & here)// 

Hunter wellies (Exact here; A wider fit here)//

Hunter Brit Cuff boot socks (Exact here; Love these here & here)//

Sorel Joan of Arctic boots (Exact here; Similar without fur here)

Generally, I don't claim to be an expert in any particular area (except my job!). Sure, I know a number of things. But, there are many things that I don't know and I'm okay with that. And what I do not know, I can always learn, right?
 However, I am here today to proclaim myself an absolute EXPERT in dressing for frigid temperatures. 
If there was a PhD in dressing for warmth, I would have received it (with high honors!).
...
Having lived in Michigan most of my life, I have learned that in order to stay alive and functioning from November through April, I have to dress for the weather. As a blogger, I would love to wear something other than boots and sweaters for those six long months. But, in reality, I'm a total wuss in the cold. And I'm fully convinced that when I'm cold my body goes into hibernation mode. (Let's not even talk about how unpleasant I am when I'm freezing.) So, out of basic necessity, I've learned to bundle up and just get on with it. 

So, above, I've linked my favorite (fashionable!) cold-weather accessories. Seriously, if you know me in real life, you know that I wear these exact pieces every single day for months on end. But, they are tried and true items that I recommend from my own personal experience in surviving the Polar Vortex. ;)
Stay warm, friends!
...

A few afterthoughts:

-A wool coat or a parka is a MUST in cold temps. I really like versions with faux fur because they are especially cozy and help insulate your entire neck and face.

-Faux fur earmuffs are fantastic-- they're warm, cover your ears (which are bound to get cold faster than your head), and they save you from having crazy hat hair all day.

-UGGs-- the warmest boots I have ever owned. However, they are NOT waterproof (even with the waterproof spray). 

-Hunter rain boots-- I didn't own a pair of Hunters until last year. Apparently, I lived under a rock. But, these boots are LIFE CHANGING. They are completely waterproof. However, they are not warm. If you want to "winterize" them, get some Hunter boot socks. They don't make the boots super warm, but they are pretty good.

-SOREL Joan of Arctic boots-- if you live in a snowy climate, do yourself a favor and buy these boots. They are the most important winter boots you'll ever buy and you will thank yourself for the rest of time. They are REALLY warm (too warm for Fall) and completely waterproof.