Monday, December 31, 2012

2012: My Favorite Fashion Purchases and my New Year's Eve outfit!

And just like that it's the last day of the year...CRAZY!!!

We're ringing in the new year tonight with good food and good friends at our house...it's game night!  We've got some games and three fondue pots ready (think Melting Pot) and lots of dippers to go into the cheese, broth and chocolate.  I'll need a good New Years Day run to make-up for it all, I'm sure! =)   What are your big New Year's Eve plans?  And more importantly, what are you wearing???  (this is a fashion blog after all...you know I had to ask)

Here's what I'm thinking about wearing tonight:


So as the year comes to an end I thought I'd share some of my favorite purchases of 2012...these are items I use over and over and again and truly LOVE!  Here they are in no particular order:

1. Colored Denim/Colored Cords




(Top: Both AG Stevie Ankle Color Denim-Anthropologie/ Bottom: Both Mossimo Skinny Cords-Target)

I can't even tell you how often I have worn colored bottoms this year.  It has made getting dressed in the morning so much more fun!  I own the entire rainbow's worth of jeans and/or cords at this point...some pairs have been more pricey than others but some have been amazing deals, too good to pass up.  My favorite colored denim continues to be AG Stevie Ankle denim from Anthropologie. The fit is flattering and the comfort level is AMAZE!  I've been lucky to be able to pick up a few different colors this year, most all on sale.  My favorite colored cords this year came from Target...the Mossimo Skinny Cords are the best!!!  And for only $22 a pop, these were total steals!

2. The Statement Necklace



(Left to Right: Kulfi Strands Necklace, Rotary Dial Necklace , Drawing Room Necklace--all from Anthropologie)

This year I have truly fallen in love with big, chunky, statement necklaces.  I love them all!  I wear them constantly and don't foresee stopping anytime soon.  I do still like to wear daintier pieces from time to time, but when push comes to shove, statement necklaces will always win out in my world!  I have found most of my favorites this year from Anthropologie and J Crew.

3. Boots/Booties



(Top--left to right: Miz Mooz "Kelsey" Boots and DV by Dolce Vita "Lujan" Boots / Bottom: DV by Dolce Vita "Pilar" Bootie--same in both pictures)


Moving to the mid-west literally forced me to revamp my winter shoe selection. It wasn't until about a month ago that I really realized that the boots and booties are really my only option for day-to-day wear through the winter.  I thought maybe I could sneak some ballet flat in here and there during the winter months but no, I was proven wrong.  I tried to wear them one afternoon when it was about 36 degrees out and I didn't last an hour.  I'm not built for this!  But, I'm trying to adapt.  And that means learning to work with boots and booties on a daily basis.  I wear my rain boots quite often and am about to pull the trigger on some Sorel snow boots for the crazy snow we've been having lately.  I also decided to grab these to give myself another option besides full knee-high boots:



We'll see how they fit.  Crossing my fingers they work out!

Winter just started so we've got at least three-four months ahead...gotta be prepared!

4. Sunday Dress



(Left to right: Diamond Kite Dress, Corded Dots Pencil Skirt, Given Then Gathered Column Dress--all from Anthropologie)

As most have probably figured out, I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which means I go to church every Sunday where we wear our Sunday best.  This year I focused a lot on getting some great dressy staple pieces to expand my choices...I picked up quite a few pencil skirts and stand alone dresses.  I won't focus nearly as much on these types of clothes in 2012 because I'm well stocked.  I'm sure there will be the occasional "must have" here and there though...there always is! =)

5. Coats



(Top--left to right:  Judith Collar Coat-Anthropologie and Corded Dobby Striped Trench-Loft/ Bottom--left to right: Puffer Jacket-Banana Republic and Ruffle Trench-Anthropologie)

Again, moving to the land of colder weather has turned my focus to purchasing warm outerwear.  A few years back I started really treating coats as another accessory...I now really have fun picking out different colors and patterns.  I continue to love adding coats to my every day outfits, although I still often leave the house without one because I forget I don't live in CA anymore where I could leave the house on a cold day (or what I thought was cold) in just a long-sleeved cardigan and be ok.  Those days are gone.  I purchased a handful of coats this year, but every one of them is getting great use and I don't regret a single one.  That being said, I should be good for a while, hopefully!

6. Cardigans




(Top--left to right:  Watercolor Floral Cardi-J Crew Factory and Eunice Cashmere Cardi-Anthropologie/ Bottom--left to right: Blanched & Buckled Cardigan and Highlighted Frequencies Cardigan-both Anthropologie)

If you've been reading my blog for even just a little while, you've probably picked up on the fact that I love cardigans.  I collect them.  There, I said it. =)  I wear them ALL THE TIME though!  I have picked up some super cute cardis this year and keep them in a constant rotation.  The ones above are just a few of my favorites from 2012.

And just for good measure, here are a few other random purchases I made this year that I LOVE:

J Crew Classic Link Pave Bracelet

Anthropologie Split Surface Belt

Anthropologie belt


Coach Large Hobo Handbag
HANDBAGS - The Cold Weather Event





There are many other items I've grabbed this year that have become staples in my closet but I think I'll stop while I'm ahead. =)  What have been some of your favorite purchases this year??  Do tell!!!  I'd love to hear!

So farewell to 2012...it was a great year.  Here's to hoping 2013 is even better!  Thanks for reading and sticking with my little fashion blog...it's been fun and I look forward to continuing on next year!

Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Let it Snow!

So we were hoping to wake up to snow on Christmas morning but I guess a day late will do.


Yup, this is what we've been living in for the past two days.  It is beautiful!  The boys are in love with living where it snows.  They love throwing on their snow clothes over their pj's (because showers and getting dressed are optional on Christmas vacation, of course) and walking right out into it.  No car ride to get there or anything.  Bliss in a boy's world!

Christmas was fabulous and we enjoyed spending it at home with just the five of us (although we missed our families, of course).  Santa came and all were excited with what he brought.  We had four other families over for Christmas dinner which was so much fun.  It also put me on the fast track to getting my house cleaned up...all toys, wrapping paper, packaging and presents of any kind were put away by noon so we could prep for company.  Dinner was yummy and the company was great.  We are so blessed to have such great friends here in Ohio.

So did Santa bring you everything you hoped for??  I didn't have a big long list of wants this year, but Santa, my family and hubby came through pretty good regardless!  A few of my favorite gifts were a gift certificate for a massage, new head phones for working out and this:



Now that I'm in my 30's I thought my skin would magically be fabulous...you know, no more break-outs or anything like that.  Well, I was wrong.  Some days I still have the skin of a 16 year old.  Please tell me I'm not the only one!  After hearing a few people rave about the Mia2 I decided it would be a great gift to ask for.  I've been using it the past few days and so far I really like it!  Here's to good skin (hopefully)!

Last night hubby and I went out to dinner and then met up with friends to see the new movie Les Miserables.  I have been so excited to see it!  I have to say, it was fabulous, I highly recommend it!  The whole cast (accept maybe Russell Crowe) impressed me.  And the music....oh, the music.  I've been singing it to myself all day!  Anyhow, I didn't snap a picture of my whole outfit but here's what I wore:

Date Night!


 I did remember to snap one of what I looked like as I was walking out the door with my coat on:


LOVE LOVE LOVE this coat!  Shout out to my BFF for directing my attention to this lovely.  The high, cozy neckline is perfect for cold weather!  

We are off to Target today for a little post-Christmas gift card spending.  My boys all received generous gift cards from family members and they are just a little bit excited about picking out some fun items.  =)

Hope you are enjoying the holiday break!

Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas Eve!

It's Christmas Eve!!

Wanna know a secret?  I actually love Christmas Eve just a little more than Christmas morning.  The anticipation of it is all is so fun!  Watching my kids track Santa on Norad, delivering last minute goodies, playing Christmas music all day long...it's my favorite.  Not that Christmas morning doesn't have it's perks too!  I can't wait to see my boys' faces when they wake up and see what Santa brought them.  It's so much fun!

We have a full agenda today...I was up early to run, we're headed out to go bowling with friends this morning, I have a few last minute items to pick up at the store for Christmas dinner tomorrow...lots to do! We're hosting Christmas dinner tomorrow night so I have some cleaning to do too...tomorrow night it'll be us and four other families who are all away from family this Christmas.  We figured we might as well all celebrate together!  10 adults and 17 children total...wish me luck!  We're all bringing part of the menu so thankfully I'm not actually cooking for everyone on my own. =)

Yesterday was Christmas Sunday at church...we enjoyed great Christmas messages and music and it really brought out the spirit of Christmas.  I went traditional with a twist with my Christmas Sunday look:


Polyvore Set for this look can be found HERE

Chiffon Top in Hothouse Floral-J Crew (picked this up on sale PLUS 30% off!!!)
Firelight Skirt-Anthropologie
Slinking Frills Heels-Anthropologie
Tights-Kohl's (other tights from Kohl's can be found HERE)
Byzantine Floral Choker (with an extender to make it longer)-Anthropologie
Crystal Pave Link Bracelet-J Crew
Double Hoop Earrings-Banana Republic
Flower Bud Ring-J Crew

I got my red and green in there and mixed it up with some floral, navy and purple. 

A little bit of different take on a Christmas look! =)


I'm off to get my day going!  I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!  I hope Santa brings you exactly what you're wishing for! =)

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Wrapped with a Bow

Happy Thursday!!!  Or if you live in our house, we say happy last day of school!!  Winter Break officially starts this afternoon at 3:15pm...first though we have to get through a play date, a trip to the hospital and 2 class parties.  No biggie.

I've been a little absent this week due to the craziness of the holidays as well as my husband's newly broken foot.  (Insert sad face).  Hubby came hobbling in the door with the help of a friend late Tuesday night after playing a little "church ball" (basketball).  There was a landing issue after going up for a shot apparently.  We spent a good amount of time at the hospital yesterday seeing the doctor, getting fitted for air casts and crutches, and getting an x-ray.   Then last night after his x-ray was looked at he got the call from the doctor that his foot is broken in two places.  Poor guy.  We'll be back at the hospital today getting his new fashion accessory...the boot.  All I can say is how grateful I am we had no plans to travel this year!  Hopefully he heals soon and all can return to normal!  

Last week I attended a Christmas get together at church and decided to wear my Intarsia Bow Cardigan...it looks so holiday-ish with the bow and all!


Polyvore Set for this look can be found HERE

Intarsia Bow Cardigan-Anthropologie
Scalloped Hem Top-Roxy (Super old)
Always Skinny Jeans-Gap
Anticipation Heels-Anthropologie
Small Open Circle Necklace-Shabby Apple
Gold Rung Earrings-Anthropologie
Bracelet-Twisted Silver
Sparkle Flower Ring-Banana Republic

It seemed like the perfect cardigan to wear during the holidays...I love it! =)

This will have to be short and sweet today...I'm off to get my crazy day started.  

Hope you have a great day!

Monday, December 17, 2012

Preppy Plaid

Happy Monday!

It's the last week of school before winter break and I am SOOOO ready!  Over the weekend I wrapped all the Christmas presents and they are now sitting pretty under the tree waiting to be torn into.  My three year old asks every morning if it's time to unwrap yet.  He was not blessed with patience (just like his mother).  =)  We had a great weekend and enjoyed our North Pole Express train ride on Saturday...the kids are especially anxious for Santa's arrival now!

Last Sunday I broke out one of my very favorite skirts for church and paired it with my new Seychelles heels.  Plaid has stood the test of time...I loved it as a kid, wore it a ton as a teen, and now as an adult, I'll still break it out in small doses.  This is perhaps my favorite way to wear plaid:


Polyvore set for this look can be found HERE

Floral Frappe Top-Anthropologie
Easy Keeper Skirt-Anthropologie
Zig-Zag Navy blue tights-Gap
Papaya Pebbles Necklace-Anthropologie
Flower Bud Ring-J Crew

A few years ago I never would have worn tights with open toed sandals...it just seemed so against the "rules" of fashion to do so.   Now that I've kind of stepped away from any sort of rule following when it comes to fashion I absolutely love the way it looks!  It makes my summer sandals so much more versatile now that I can wear them all year long! Plus now that I live in the mid-west, and winter weather has arrived, bare legs just won't cut it so I have to find ways to make tights work no matter what.

Before I go, I just wanted to acknowledge the terrible tragedy that happened on Friday.  It's been a solemn weekend  across the country...my thoughts and prayers have been with Newtown, CT and my heart aches for those who lost loved ones. I simply can't even imagine the pain and grief that town and those families are going through.  I certainly took a few extra minutes each day to hug my boys and tell them I loved them as I'm sure every parent did.  I try to count my blessings each day but this week, I feel especially grateful for my boys and my family. 

May we all remember.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Friday Fashion: Cap-toe Flats

Happy Friday to you!

I'm so happy the weekend is here...we once again have lots going on but I'm excited!  Today I'm headed down to Cincinnati to do some Anthro returns (and some fitting room try-ons!!!) and a little last minute Christmas shopping/browsing for anything I may have missed, tomorrow morning I have a hair appointment for highlights and a trim, and then tomorrow afternoon we are taking our kids on a train ride to "The North Pole"!  We're going with a bunch of friends so it should be a lot of fun.  We haven't even told the kids we're going yet...I can't wait to see their excitement!  

Just a quick outfit post today before I head off to the gym..gotta keep up with my runs and workouts so I can keep enjoying holiday goodies!  Last week I broke out my new Vince Camuto flats I scored on sale.  They are fab and really are like walking on butter (you were totally right, Hailey!!!)  They're THAT comfortable!  I did have a sizing issue...I originally ordered an 8.5 but returned them for a size 9 because I needed the extra length for my toes.  They are on the narrow side so keep that in mind too if you are interested.  


Brushed Lace Pullover-Anthropologie
Cap Sleeve Tee-Shade Clothing
Always Skinny Jeans-Gap
Vince Camuto "Fawna" Flats-Shoebox/Nordstrom
Kulfi Strands Necklace-Anthropologie
Marc by Marc Jacobs "Henry Chrono" Watch-Piperlime
Bardot Spiral Bracelet-Stella & Dot
Ring-Forever 21

Here's a few other looks I put together using things from my closet that I plan to wear these flat with:

#1

BR Basket Weave Draped Sweater/ J Crew WIldcat Blouse/ AG Stevie Ankle Color Denim


#2

Black and White Stripes




#3

Poppy Peasant Top/Gap Always Skinny jeans/ Vince Camuto "Fawna Flat"


I love the cap toes on these shoes...the little bit of sparkle with the glittery sequins is so much fun! =)

I hope you have a fabulous weekend, whatever you're up to!

Enjoy!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Sparkly Shoes

Something about it being December and the holidays makes me want to bust out some sparkle.  Right before Thanksgiving I saw a fellow blogger wearing the cutest pair of sparkly ballet flats from Sole Society and I was smitten.  They were the perfect rose gold/almond color and looked so cute paired with anything she wore them with.  With a coupon code in hand I took the plunge...for just $29.99 these sparkly gems became mine.

And here's how I wore them last week on a day when it was warm enough to wear flats:


Polyvore set for this look can be found HERE.

Volante Tee-Anthropologie
Gold Rung Earrings-Anthropologie
Squared Enamel Link Bracelet-J Crew
Ring-Forever 21

The lighting in the picture is making them look a little yellowish, pay no attention.  

I'm linking up to The Pleated Poppy for WWIW...check it out to find outfit inspiration galore!

Happy Wednesday!

Monday, December 10, 2012

Monday Blues

Happy Monday!  

Only two more weeks of school until winter break and I can't wait!  I still have some Christmas shopping to get done this week so it's go-time.  Me, the mall, Amazon.com...we're gonna be besties this week.  Are you already done Christmas shopping?  If you are I'm super jealous.  I'm THIS close to being done with my Christmas cards at least...I can almost check that off my to-do list!  

So yes, it's Monday, but no, I'm not really feeling the blues...I'm just wearing them.  At least I did in this outfit I wore last week:


Polyvore Set for this look can be found HERE

Soca Flutter Blouse-Anthropologie
Open Cardigan-Shade Clothing (last year)
Skinny Jeans-Banana Republic
Miz Mooz "Siri" Knee-High Boots-Endless (now Amazon)
Necklace-Loft Factory
Triptych Hoop Earrings-Anthropologie
Bracelets-Tiffany
Sparkle Flower Ring-Banana Republic

This may be my most cozy cardigan ever...it's a little more voluminous than any other open cardigan I own, but it's arguably my most comfortable.  I love it and it's perfect for these cold, wet days we've been having here.  It's definitely feeling like winter is almost here!

Hope you have a fabulous day!

Friday, December 7, 2012

Friday Fashion: OOTD

It's a cold, dreary Friday morning here in the mid-west...a little mist, a little fog...it all kind of makes me want to go back to bed, honestly, but I think I'll power through it and get on with my day.  Off to the gym I say!  Before I head, I thought I'd share an outfit I wore this week:


Floral Still Life Pullover-Anthropologie
Mossimo Skinny Cords-Target
Miz Mooz "Siri" Knee-High Boots-Endless (now Amazon)
Mixed Spectra Necklace-Anthropologie
Bracelet-Twisted Silver
"Leafing So Soon?" Earrings-ModCloth
Marc by Marc Jacobs "Henry Chrono" Watch
Ring-Forever 21


I'm completely in love with this top...it is SO crazy soft and comfortable and it goes with anything.  Seriously, it will match every color under the rainbow.  

Anything exciting going on this weekend?  We're having a Christmas movie night tonight at home, and then tomorrow I'm headed to the movies with friends to see the latest Twilight movie.  Hubs was out of town when it came out so I'm excited there were others who hadn't seen it yet too to go with!  I didn't read any of the books, but after watching all the other movies I've been sucked in and NEED to see how it all ends.  I hear it's pretty good so we'll see.  

Hope you have a great weekend! 

PS--Anthropologie is feeling the Christmas cheer and decided to celebrate with a 30% off all full-price sweaters promotion this morning it seems!  I'm tempted by THIS in the orange colorway and THIS in the light grey, among other things.  I haven't tried on the grey one on yet...it may be worth a try.  It's so cute in the pictures!

Did you pick anything up with the promo??

Thursday, December 6, 2012

When Pigs Fly...

I have really jumped on this denim bandwagon it seems.  Not only do I wear it shirt-style, but I've accumulated not one, but two denim jackets since I've lived in the mid-west.  TWO!  Who would have thunk-it?   Certainly not me.  Somewhere over California right now pigs are flying.  But you know what?  That's ok.  There's no rules in fashion and there's no rules saying we can't all try news things sometimes, even if we thought we'd never put a denim anything on above the waist again.  

 Case in point:


Perfect Fit Stripe Boatneck Tee-J Crew (from a few years ago)
Mossimo Skinny Cords-Target
Jessica Simpson "Lex" Flat-Nordstrom (last year)
Mixed Spectra Necklace-Anthropologie
Turquoise Earrings-Stella & Dot
Ring-Forever 21

I found this denim jacket while browsing J Crew Factory and LOVED how soft it was.  It's a lighter denim color, much lighter than my Gap dark denim jacket.  It ran a bit big so I took it in an XXS.  It's the perfect cropped light-weight jacket to throw on over a tee when the weather isn't too cold and looks great with colored jeans or cords.  I got a great deal on it with the sale that was going on so it was just too good to pass up.  

So the moral of the story is never say never.  Did I think I'd own and now wear neon denim, booties or denim jackets?  NO way.  But I do.  And I like it. =)

Do you now wear any styles you swore you'd never wear?  Do tell!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Chambray Love-OOTD

It's funny...moving to a new part of the country opens up your eyes to a wider range of style.  I still have the same love of color, wedge heels and pattern mixing, but a few more styles have entered into my rotation of looks as of late I've noticed.  For instance, suddenly I'm finding ways to wear denim in different ways other than just on my legs!  I picked up this Chambray button-up shirt a few months back at J Crew Factory and really love how versatile it can be.  I first wore it with a skirt HERE but this past weekend I decided to style it a little more casually...with a cardi, jeans and a fun statement necklace:


My polyvore set for this look can be found HERE

J Crew Factory Camp Shirt
J Crew Factory Linen-Cotton Camp Cardigan
AG Ankle Denim-Anthropologie
DV by Dolce Vita "Pilar" Booties-Amazon
Papaya Pebbles Necklace-Anthropologie
Strung Hoop Earrings-Anthropologie
Flower Bud Ring-J Crew

Have you jumped on the Chambray/denim shirt bandwagon?  I'm thinking about grabbing a heavier weight denim shirt for the winter now...the one above is a little more lightweight for summer.  Where have you found a good winter denim shirt?  Do tell!  

Have a great day!

PS--I'm linking up to WWIW on The Pleated Poppy today...check out all the looks posted for some great outfit inspiration!

Monday, December 3, 2012

A little sparkle goes a long way

Happy December!  

Hope you had a great weekend!  We had a great time celebrating my oldest son's birthday on Saturday with his party and birthday dinner out and then just enjoyed some family time yesterday after church.  I am loving seeing all the holiday shows and movies on TV...so much fun!  Last night hubby and I watched "Four Christmases" after the kids went to bed...it was a fun little Christmas comedy to end the day with.

Speaking of the holidays, nothing shouts the holidays like a little sparkle so when I saw this sweater online at J Crew Factory I knew it was the perfect way to start ringing in the holidays...


I was a little excited and decided to start celebrating with sequins the last day of November.


Original idea for this look can be found on Polyvore HERE

Jeggings-American Eagle
DV by Dolce Vita "Lujan" Boots-Amazon
J Crew Factory Oval Crystal-Link Necklace
J Crew Factory Enameled Dot Bangle
Gold Bangles-Gap Outlet
Copper Cupchain Bracelet-Stella & Dot
Baroness Bliss Teardrop Earrings-Ruche
Marc by Marc Jacobs "Henry Chrono" Watch-Piperlime
Pop Stone Ring-Banana Republic

It looks like there's quite a good sale at Anthro today so if you're on the lookout for a Christmas gift for someone (or yourself, whatever...heehee) make sure to take a look!  Here's a few pretty things I was happy to see go on sale:



(speaking of sparkle!)




Did you find anything that you just had to have??  Do tell!

I'm off to get my day started...today's to-do list includes a stop at the gym, working on getting my Christmas card list finished and doing laundry.  Just your typical Monday!

Have a great day!