Wedded Bliss




Dress: Diane von Furstenberg | Shoes: Steven by Steve Madden

A good friend of mine had her wedding this weekend and of course it was beautiful. It was an intimate wedding in an old building from the 1800s, so there were rustic wood floors, authentic brick walls, and soft candlelight everywhere. She put together some great ideas that I wanted to share. When you walked into the room, there was an old china cabinet to bid your well wishes to the happy couple and on the cabinet she had their engagement photos along with all the wedding photos from their parents and grandparents. The wedding pictures were a great way of showing their family history but were also a special detail that added to the intimacy of the evening. The cake sat upon an old trunk with an elegant flower display. And then across from the bar, there was a treat table with different types of cookies and cake balls in glass jars. Her mom spent all week baking the assorted treats, and each one was delicious. There were little brown bags on the treat table as well so guests could take home their own assortment. 
The evening was full of dancing and socializing with wonderful friends. I'm so glad I got to share in their special day. 


The Wedge





Shirt: The Limited | Skirt: JCrew (old) | Denim Jacket: jcpenney (old, similar here and here) | Sneakers: Target | Jewelry: Jewel Mint, Michael Kors, F21

Another day...another pair of awesome sneakers! I'm telling you, the wedge sneaker is the best thing ever. Comfort...style...all in one. So since I loved my tan versions so much (shown here), I went out and got a pair in black as well. Girl's gotta have options. :)

But seriously, it is ok to buy something in multiple colors especially if it is a basic. i.e. solid t-shirts, woven shirts, denim. Finding something that fits well is always hard for me, so when I do find something great, I like to pick up multiples. Basic items hardly go out of style, and they are great for mixing and layering. I'm glad it is finally Friday...ready to relax. Hope you have a great weekend!

Sporty Chic





Dress: JCrew (old, similar here) | Cardigan: Gap (old, similar here) | Necklace: Target | Belt: JCrew (old, similar here) | Shoes: Steve Madden

I"m usually a creature of habit and stick to heels everyday...especially for work. Heels can help make your legs seem slimmer, and honestly I just like to appear taller than I am. But sometimes my feet kill by the end of the week, and I am ready for something comfortable and relaxing. Wedge kicks are a great way to get the height and the comfort. I had been eyeing a few pairs from Isabel Marant and Ash for years, but honestly, the price was way out of my price range. When I saw these Steve Madden options this spring, I knew I had to make them mine. Don't feel like because they are a sneaker that you have to wear them casually. I love to dress them up as shown above just as much as wearing them with shorts and a top. Be daring and adventurous with what you wear!

Reading Corner


Since reading is one of my favorite things to do, I am going to try and post an update on what I am reading each week. Hopefully this will give you ideas on what to read or even inspire you to start reading. Last time I posted about Frozen Heat by Richard Castle. (see here) I finished it late last week, and it truly was a quick and entertaining read. For those of you who like murder mystery books, this series is a must read. The characters are loveable and the plot will keep you turning the pages for more. I would give it 5 stars!


This week I started reading The Innocents by Francesca Segal. I love getting recommendations from other readers, and this is a book a friend from work lent me. Stay tuned to see how it rates!


Nautical Inspiration






Shirt: JCrew (old) | Skirt: JCrew (old) | Belt: Target (old) | Shoes: Steve Madden (old) | Jewelry: Jewel Mint, The Limited, Kenneth Cole watch

I can't believe that September is almost over! This weekend started our Oktoberfest activities, and my husband and I spent Saturday at the festival with some friends. It was great catching up and watching all the people dressed up in their finest Oktoberfest gear. I have to say my favorite thing from the event is the apple strudel. This vendor seriously makes the best strudel I have ever had, and I look forward to it every year. YUM! Unfortunately the weather here is still pretty warm, so I am trying to re-imagine my wardrobe and try not to purchase all the fun fall clothes. In case you hadn't noticed, I am obsessed with stripes and love to pair them with everything. I pulled together this nautical inspired look using yellow as my pop of color. This too can be a very transitional outfit...pair it with boots and layer with a jacket. Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend as well!



Transitions




Shirt: Vince Camuto | Skirt: The Limited | Shoes: Nine West (old)

September is a confusing month for fashion because stores have all these great fall pieces, but the weather hasn't quite caught up to that point yet. I love to purchase transitional pieces that you can wear now and later depending on what you pair it with. This tweed skirt was a great find that fits within that realm. I am able to wear it now as shown above, but then I can easily transition once it gets colder by adding tights with boots/booties.

While we were taking photos, my lovely dog Dolce wanted to join in the action through the window. Isn't she beautiful?!



Brooch Love




Shirt: The Limited (old) | Sweater: JCrew (old, similar here) | Jeans: JCrew (old) | Shoes: Nine West | Purse: Steven by Steve Madden (old, similar here) | Brooch: Givenchy

Today I want to talk about one of my new obsessions...BROOCHES. I was perusing through the mall this past weekend and came across this fantastic display at Nordstrom, and my heart swooned. I love this lady-like detail that is coming back into fashion. It is a great way to dress up any basic outfit and show your personality. Check out some of the below shots from Nordstrom's lookbook. I love the different ways they utilize a brooch, and it has inspired me to re-think how I will style my new accessory.





Pattern on Pattern




Shirt: F21 (old, similar here) | Skirt: JCrew (old) | Shoes: Steve Madden (old) | Purse: Steven by Steve Madden (old, similar here) | Jewelry: Jewel Mint and Michael Kors

Another busy day...was really glad to get home and get my feet up. Today I attempted another fun pattern on pattern look. I felt this worked because the top had a similar color story to the skirt. I love anything in stripes and try to mix and match it up as much as possible. How do you mix up your stripes to make a new look?



Bright Floral






Shirt: JCrew (old) | Corduroy Pants: JCrew (old, similar here) | Ballet Flats: Banana Republic (old, similar here and here) | Bag: Steven by Steve Madden (old, similar here) | Jewelry: Jewel Mint and Michael Kors

I started a new job today at work, and my brain is on overload with all the new information. Because I knew I would be walking around a lot, I decided to be smart and wear ballet flats. Cap toe shoes are a new trend for this year, and there are a lot of great options in stores right now that have interesting color blocking details. If you tend to wear more basic driven clothing, this is definitely a trend you should check out to add spice to your outfit.


Pattern Play





Dress: Urban Outfitters (old) | Shirt: Zara | Leggings: F21 (old, similar here) | Shoes: Target (old, similar here and here) | Clutch: Aldo (old similar here and here) | Jewelry: Michael Kors and Jewel Mint

Today I tried to do a little pattern mixing. It is probably not an outfit most would wear, but I like to change up how I wear my clothes from time to time. Stripes in all colors and sizes are really popular this year. The blue nautical stripe top I am wearing is something you should incorporate into your wardrobe. This shirt can be worn casually with jeans, tucked into a pencil skirt for a great work outfit, or use it as a layering piece once the weather gets colder. It is extremely versatile and comfortable.

Reading Rainbow

 
 
Even before my love of fashion, there were books. I have a crazy obsession for reading and could probably go through a book a week if I had the time. (Which sadly sometimes I do.) I remember when I was little, my parents would take my sister and me to the library every weekend to pick out books. It was the most magical experience sifting through the piles trying to find the perfect options. I am not a picky reader and therefore read anything and everything. I love being transported into another world and seeing life through other people's eyes. My sister introduced me to this great website called www.goodreads.com. You can document what you have read, want to read or are currently reading. You can also reach out to other readers and create book clubs or get recommendations. One of my favorite options on the site is the reading challenge. Each year you can challenge yourself to read a certain number of books. My current goal is 55 books, and I am on track so far with having read 38 books this year.


Frozen Heat by Richard Castle is one of my guilty pleasures I picked up this week. Castle is a TV show on ABC, and they have incorporated the storyline into a book series that goes along with the show. This is the fourth book in the series, and I can't wait to get started on it. What are some of your favorite books? I am always looking for recommendations!

Floral Garden




Dress: JCrew | Shirt: Michael Kors (old) | Jewelry: Jewel Mint, JCrew, Nordstrom, F21 (similar here) | Shoes: Steve Madden (old)

The weather warmed back up, so my creative juices were flowing to put together a fun layered look. I've had this woven shirt forever, and I thought it added a nice safari feel to my bright dress. Tying at the waist, whether with a woven shirt or with a shirt cut that way, is a mini-trend that was introduced in spring. I thought this was a great way to incorporate that look and still be work appropriate. Printed dresses are a wonderful item to have in your wardrobe because they are very universal. You can wear them alone, layer them up with a cardigan or jacket, or even put a top over them to create a separates look.

Spikes & Leather






Top: Vegan Leather Peplum (Tinley Road) | Skirt: JCrew (old but similar here and here) | Shoes: Steve Madden

Anything that seems special and has interesting details has really caught my eye so far this season. This vegan leather peplum top was something I searched endlessly for, and I was excited when I finally found one that I loved and could afford. I love this piece because it pulls together two major trends; leather and peplum. It can also be worn day-to-night which is great for after work activities. The spiked shoes were also something that I was crushing on for months. They are a little over the top, but I love how they make any outfit pop. What interesting pieces will you be adding to your wardrobe this season?

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