Bag of the Week: Coach Factory Satchel

Happy Friday Everyone! I hope your weekends are filled with fun and holiday cheer!

I would like to start off today's post by first acknowledging a few things. 1). some may say I have too many purses, or that I have a purse addiction. I prefer to call it a collection of fine things. 2). it may be true that I have an addition to factory outlet stores and their sales--I fully acknowledge that such stores can often be hit or miss but when there's a hit and it's on sale, it's SUCH a good deal! 3). I know I don't neeeeeed a new purse. Now, with that out of the way I present to you this week's Bag of the Week: the Coach Factory, Peyton Leather Cora Domed Satchel. The shape/style/class/versatility of this bag make it stand out from all the other factory bags, and put it in the realm of a much more expensive tote. I've been eyeing it for weeks with every Coach Factory sale but with these new colors I don't know if I can say no to it anymore!

I find that I've been oddly attracted to the color brown lately. I say oddly because I'm usually a classic black or navy kind of girl but recently I've really been loving rich deep brown tones. I searched high and low to find a cozy brown infinity scarf or snood for winter and now this beauteous leather brown satchel is calling to me. 

But it's not just the brown! No, all the colors! I'm not even joking. I've seen bloggers and stylists using bright magenta bags like this for pops of color in outfits everywhere. And this satchel in red would be a classic for years to come. Not to mention that beautiful jade hue or classic black. I actually want all of them. 

And here is some more detail on the bag. The cross-body strap and roomy interior make this satchel totally practical,while the trimmings and that tan tag make it look super luxe. 

So, maybe don't be surprised if you see me toting this lovely tote around town sometime soon.

(a girl can dream, right?)

Happy Weekend, thanks for reading!

What I'm Loving: Capes!

If you've talked with me lately about winter fashions you may already know my obsession with capes. Really though...I'm not sure what it is about them exactly but I love the look of sweater capes and cape coats this season (I may have bought an ivory cape coat for the wedding shhhh!). I've been searching all around for a quality yet not too expensive sweater cape or two-I wanted something nice and warm but not too expensive since I've never had a sweater cape before and wasn't sure if I'd like it. There is just something about these capes that seem both effortless and put together, classic and modern. Needless to say, I ended up purchasing this Forever 21 Sweater Cape in camel when I wondered in the store this past weekend (shocker, I know! I was pretty much appalled at most other things in the store however) to my surprise, it actually seems well made and warm. 

Now that I've bit the bullet and purchased one sweater cape that I love, I'm already looking for more! Here are a few other options I've been considering, I love the idea of having another neutral cape, maybe in black or charcoal and I am also intrigued by the idea of this red cap-sleeve cape-ish sweater from Old Navy (it also comes in charcoal and cream). 

Then there is this more obvious cape sweater also from Old Navy, all in really great neutral color options. 

And there is this version from Ann Taylor, a bit pricier but most likely for a higher quality product (and pockets!)

What do you all think? Are you falling for this trend as much as I am? 

Or do you need some more convincing to jump on the cape-sweater trend? 

PS: if you're looking for some inspiration on how to style this cozy trend, check out Little Blonde Book's post here! she has adorable style and inspired me to make my first cape purchase.

image via Little Blonde Book

Wedding Wednesday: finishing the bridal look pt. II

Happy Wednesday!
I almost hate to admit this but I am totally that bride that is super indecisive and changes her mind at the last minute about things. Now I'm not talking about anything huge (like the dress or venues) but I did recently decide to explore some other options with my bridal look, specifically my hair and veil. I still love the ideas from this post (bridal look pt. I) but when I actually went in for my wedding hair practice (is that what you call these things?) I just wasn't sure if it really worked on me. And last weekend when I was home for my final dress fitting and I put all my accessories together with my dress I became even more sure of my not-so-sure about this feeling. I still have pretty strong opinions about veils--I do not want a blusher or something that covers my face. But when I tried on the birdcage veil I had ordered with my dress it felt fussy and I realized that what I wanted was something both effortless and beautifully bridal. I did some searching on Etsy and fell in love with this Swiss-Dot veil. And the seller, Tessa Kim was amazing to work with! Super sweet and willing to do a rush order, hopefully my new veil should be here soon!

I just really love the idea of a Swiss-Dot veil.
Classic yet unexpected. 

I plan on placing the veil at the nape of my neck so that it flows gracefully behind me as I walk (or at least that's how I imagine it in my head...) Which brings me to the second big dilemma of this post, the hair. 

 As a fairly young bride I sort of have this irrational worry of looking too young, when I look back on pictures of my wedding I don't really want to think 'oh I look so 22 there,' but instead want to look timeless and elegant. With that in mind, I think I should try out an updo. I still have a tiny fear of the updo but I think doing a second wedding hair practice should put me at ease and help me be confident in my styling decision. I find myself really gravitating towards the modern french twist in an updo. I love the idea of keeping my part and adding some volume then having the classic twist in the back. I can't help but imagine it as a perfect addition to my teardrop earrings and polka-dotted veil. I love these two looks below:

a classic french twist with some volume. 

I recently started reading the blog Kaylee Daily and I love her! Kaylee's style is so fresh and bright and always inspires me to try new things. She just recently did a Christmas card shoot with her hubby and showed us their shoots from past years. I had no idea it was her but I've seen these images all over Pinterest! What really drew me in this time was her hair in this photo shoot. It's the classic french twist with some mod volume, the perfect sophisticated updo and not overdone. I love it. 

you can see more of her style from this shoot here.

What do you guys think? 

Am I crazy for wanting to switch my look less than a month before the big day?

Wish List: TJ Maxx

If you read last week's Bag of the Week post, you know that I just recently discovered TJ Maxx's online shopping experience, and if you know my love for a good deal then you can imagine how excited I was when I found this new discovery. I found myself having to seriously retrain my urge to buy everything that I found because I love everything. Seriously, everything. Here are some of my favorite picks from TJ Maxx online including some party frocks, booties and bags! Be sure to check them out before they're gone!

PARTY DRESSES: the (proverbial) reason for the season

1. the jacquard printed skirt makes this party dress just delightful, don't you think?

2. the perfect mix of retro and modern in a bold hue

3. a gorgeous faux leather dress for you to test out the trend. 

BAGS: all necessary, obviously. 

1. this structured turn-lock tote looks totally luxe

2. I find myself oddly drawn to orange lately 

and I think a tote like this one is the perfect pop of color

3. this light blue color is the next must-have in bags and the studs make it edgy

BOOTS: my closet also obviously needs all of these.

1. this block heel tall boot with the braiding detail on the heel gives you that needed 

mix of casual cool and sophisticated.

2. the texture of this little black bootie reminds me of the much pricier 

must-have Rag and Bone booties from this fall

3. I love love love these flat cognac leather booties, so effortless!

TOPS: the essential.

1. plaid. enough said. and in a nice little popover so you don't have button problems

2. this green sweater is the best kind of comfy in my opinion

3. two more of my favorites in one! fair isle prints and cowl neck sweaters. be mine!

Clearly, I did not purchase all of these beauties.

Perhaps someday, someday (sigh). So for now I will just share them with you. 

PS: Look out for a new Wedding Wednesday post this week! 

I'll be updating you on my bridal look!

Bag of the Week: TJ Maxx Bow Satchel

Hi Everyone! Happy December! 

Things have been C-R-A-Z-Y around here for the past month (and they probably will be for the next month too!). I feel like with the wedding (dress fittings and showers) and now with holidays I've been out of town almost every week! And while it's all been for wonderful things, I think once January comes around we'll be ready for some couch potato weekends. 

On another note, I don't know if y'all have noticed but you can shop online at TJ Maxx now! Maybe I'm way behind on this but I never realized this before! So, obviously when I discovered this I immediately went to their website and searched every page (and almost doubled my winter wish list, I might share later this week!). But there was one thing that I loved so much I thought it deserved the bag of the week title!

This Nila Anthony Bow Satchel is a bag after my own heart. I've been drooling after similarly bowed bags for months at Kate Spade but just couldn't justify the cost. But never fear! This little beauty is under $30.00. A budget even my wedding planning self can appreciate!

isn't she a beauty? 

And if you're like me in your purse-wearing habits then you know that a cross body strap is essential, don't fret! This little bow satchel has one! Making it the perfect bag for a night out on the town or a day out exploring. 

AND! she comes in a lovely shade of purple as well--
dare I say it's Pantone's 2014 Color of the Year, Radiant Orchid?

You can find this lovely here and possibly in your local TJ Maxx!

Happy Friday!

Wedding Wednesday: finishing the bridal look pt 1.

Happy Wedding Wednesday everyone!

The wedding is (as of Monday) less than two months away (eek!)! and while the mister and I are definitely excited and ready to be married, we are really getting down to the wire with making our last minute wedding decisions and finishing touches. And while I picked out my dress almost a year ago (my last fitting is coming up and the end of the month!), there are still quite a few bridal look details that need to be finalized! 

Let's start with hair. Bridal hair. There are so many beautiful and fantastic looks out there but I found myself really question how I would feel prettiest and what would work best with my type of hair (curly) and my current length (short/bob). I'm not really one who wants to grow my hair out just so I can have an updo, and I also wasn't really sure that I would feel my prettiest with my hair up. I started thinking about looks that would be full of volume and work with my shorter do, I fell in LOVE with January Jones hair at the Academy Awards, and once I started looking I realized that the woman has FANTASTIC hair. Really. I am leaning toward doing either a big voluminous curl or doing a more relaxed curl, but really I love both options. 

What do you guys think? Would you go with the more relaxed curl? or more volume?

Next up after hair is the headpiece. I say headpiece because I don't really want to wear a veil. Not that they can't be beautiful, but let's just say that my independent streak doesn't seem to go with the gentleness of veils (I'm also not a huge fan of the fairly patriarchal history behind the veil...). That being said I do think having some kind of headpiece really completes a bridal look. I find myself being drawn to more quirky birdcage veils, facinators or even just little poofs.  I love love love what the bride below has done with her headpiece--the contrast of the black and white, the slight birdcage, the headband, even her hairstyle LOVE IT.

I also love the slight polka dot detailing on this blusher number below.

What do you think about taking more of a risky, nontraditional route with such a bridal staple?

And last but not least on the bridal-look to do list is: Jewelry. 

This one is a lot harder than I though it would be, I have to admit. 

There is just SO much out there that could work for bridal these days--such a wide range of quality, style and personality. I had planned on wearing a statement necklace of older pearls with my dress but when we tried them out at my first fitting it just didn't really work. It wasn't a bad look, but my dress just needed something bolder. Since then I've been scouring every department store jewelry case and Bauble Bar new arrival, looking for something that I loved--but nothing really spoke to me. I wanted something that made a statement but that also didn't compete with my ring (the real jewelry star of the day), I also wanted something that was really me--not just something bridal. When I first saw this Anthropologie necklace online I literally gasped, aloud, in my cubical. Is it traditionally bridal? Not so much. Could it really work? YES. Yes, I think it might. Needless to say, I ordered it. I'm really excited to see it with my dress at my next fitting. (and if it doesn't work, then back to the drawing board!). What do you guys think? Would you go bold with your bridal look?

Benefactress Bib Necklace at Anthro

In an effort to keep this blog post from being years long I've split it into two parts! Be sure to check back next Wedding Wednesday to see my ideas about a winter bride's warmer accessories--coats, sweaters, capes and fur! Be sure to check out my Wedding Pretties Pinterest board for more of my likes and ideas! 

Thanks for reading!

Fall Fashion: Faux Leather Midi Skirt

Hello! I hope you all have had a great start to your week. The weather here in Iowa has been dreary at best with rain, fog and daylight (non)savings making winter seem a little too near. So, if you are looking for a way to brighten up your fall wardrobe look no further! Midi skirts are a great trend that I can see lasting and lasting due to their truly classic style. Make things modern with earthy tones and (faux) leather textures and you a ready to twirl your way into a fabulous fall day!

I love how these two ladies styled their leather midi skirts with simple yet chic tops and more detailed and fierce accessories. The balance of fierce and ladylike it what makes this look work so well from a day at the office to dinner and drinks.

Below you can see that I amped up the ladylike elements of this look with polka-dots, bows and a little bit of sparkle. 

How would you rock a midi leather skirt? Would you keep it edgy or make it a classic?

Mango raglan sleeve sweater, $48 / Warehouse pleated skirt, $77 / Pointy toe flat / J.Crew structured purse / Red Herring necklace, $32 / STELLA McCARTNEY sunglasses

Bag of the Week! Fossil Memoir Novella

Happy Friday everyone! This week has been a long one, hasn't it? And there just seems to be no rest for the weary with this wedding coming up--though we officially booked our honeymoon this week (!!!) so there is rest in sight.Today I am so excited to bring you a new/modified feature! I've been doing my Shoe of the Week posts for a long time, and my love for great purses and bags is just as everlasting as my love for shoes so I thought it would be fun to mix things up with a Bag of the Week post every now and then. 

For this first Bag of the Week post I introduce to you the most perfect little cross-body bag you ever did see: the Fossil Memoir Novella! You all know that I have been wanting the perfect little cheetah print cross body bag since this Tumblr Tuesday post a few months ago. Well, my desire has not waned, and from the first moment I saw this Fossil beauty, and learned that it came in the perfect calf hair cheetah print, I willed it to be mine! And alas, it's on sale now. I am not sure that I have enough will power to resist it. 

isn't she a beauty? (sigh)

And if cheetah print just isn't your thing, the Memoir Novella also comes in a variety of really really great colors for fall, there's a perfect cobalt, a light sage, this season's it color:--cranberry, and a vibrant orange that is surprisingly must-have, as well as your classic black and camel. 

You can find the cheetah print Memoir Novella here and the classic leather version here.

Have a good weekend everyone, and thanks for reading!

Wedding Wednesday: Glitter Blast

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Like, I said earlier this week, my fiance and I are realizing that the wedding is actually scary close. Not scary because we don't want to get married but scary because we have so many things left to do! We just got our invitations in the mail this week, and we are finalizing our meeting schedules with our pastor and wedding coordinator at our venue but the list just keeps growing! This past weekend my friend/bridesmaid/awesome, Katherine came and helped me DIY some hand-me-down jars that we are going to use for candles as part of our center pieces. Now if you've ever watched David Tutera or even Four Weddings you might be aware that DIY weddings do not always go well and not everyone likes them. Regardless I was up for the challenge. Since our wedding has a gold/cream/evergreen color scheme I wanted to add a little new year's sparkle to our decor. I found a lot of really good DIY inspiration on pinterest, and was hoping to create something that looked like these pictures:

I wasn't sure when I started the process if it would be better to use a spray adhesive or to use an all in one glitter spray so I tested out both options. I was a little surprised that I really liked the outcome of the Glitter Blast spray.Disclaimer: there is no way to do this project without getting glitter all over yourself, your furniture and your dog, even when you go outside. 

We taped off the top part of the jars so that we could spray evenly and come out with a clean, straight line. 

Then we sprayed the jars with two coats of Glitter Blast so that the glitter part of the jar would be more opaque, though if you wanted a lighter glitter coating with just one coat I think that Glitter Blast would also work. 

And here is the (upside-down) finished product! I am really happy with how they turned out, I'm not sure that anyone could really see my vision for the jars before we started (ahhhmm) but I think the finished product will work perfectly to help build the kind of reception environment we are going for. 

We only ended up having about 30 of the jars total and I was hoping to have about two to three clustered at each table so I may go on a hunt for another type of jar to DIY and add to the mix. 

Check back next week for another wedding post, we are in full get-ready-wedding mode here now!

Fall Fashion: Winter White pt. II

White jeans were a huge huge trend this past spring and summer, and it's not hard to understand why--they seem to make almost any look feel sharper and more put together. While some old school rules might dictate that we all put our classic white away for the winter I agree with Jessica of What I Wore- you just need to switch up your shades and textures a little bit and you can take the crispness of a winter white pant into fall and winter. 

What I Wore

When I saw this winter white cord look of Jessica's I knew I had to get some winter white cords for myself. I scooped up a pair of cords--my favorite LOFT skinnies (only my favorite pants ever, they come in talls!) during their flash sale last week and I can't wait to try them out. Instead of pairing your winter white with brights like you would in the summer, try a neutral or jewel toned palette instead. Throw on some cool earrings and a classic jacket and you're set. 

Top / Madewell jacket / H&M white corduroy pants, $24 / Sole Society boots / Marc B crossbody satchel handbag, $72 / Kate Spade jewelry / Monki earrings, $11

Fall Fashion: Winter White pt.I

Hi again everyone! Things have been crazy around here lately with less than three months until the wedding! But even a midst the chaos I've been seeing a lot of really great fall looks out and about the blog-o-sphere and there are a few ideas I really wanted to share with you! I love this look by Wendy of Wendy's Lookbook where she pairs her ivory trench with all fall neutrals. Mixing neutral tones is big for fall and a great way to transition lighter hues into the cooler months. 

Wendy's Lookbook

 I recently found an ivory faux leather jacket at jane.com and I knew I had to scoop it up while I could-I've been waiting something more in the leather trend for a while and I love that with an ivory leather jacket I can make unexpected but still classic looks like the one below. Check it out! Would you do a lighter colored leather jacket for fall? 

Uniqlo sweater / Nudie Jeans Co. jeans / Tory Burch boots / FOSSIL leopard print calf hair handbag / David Aubrey earrings, $135 / My J.Crew Factory Wishlist

PS-I am more than a little obsessed with cheetah print accessories this fall and this cheetah print bag is perrrrfect! 

Fall Fashion: Transitioning with Leather.

This look is one of my favorites so far for fall! 

I love it when you can find a way to style trendy looks in a classic way that won't look ridiculous in five years. This look is a great example of that.  The trends here include but are not limited to: tortoise jewelry, peter pan collars, leather skirts, cheetah print, jewel tones and gray. I love how the peter pan collar and mary janes give the leather skirt a more classic look, while the leather also keeps the mary janes and peter pan collar from getting too sweet. The perfect balance of edgy, trendy, and classic. What are some of your favorite trends for fall? 

J.Crew j crew shirt / MICHAEL Michael Kors skirt, $610 / Coach high heel shoes / Clare Vivier leopard print clutch / J.Crew tortoise shell jewelry / Butter London nail polish

Fall Fashion: Transitioning with Intarsia Florals.

Intarsia sweaters have been a big trend since last fall, and they are a great way to make the classic sweater a little more whimsical and not so serious. But I have to admit, I haven't bought one yet. Every time I almost do I find myself playing the what if game-what if this isn't really work appropriate, what if this isn't really my style and I won't wear it? Don't get me wrong, I keep finding all kinds of intarsia sweaters that I really love (and in a wide variety of price ranges) but I haven't been able to commit to one yet. But this sweater, this lovely floral intarsia sweater, I think  I could commit to. It's the perfect amount of slouchy and the floral print is totally ladylike and whimsical without being too unprofessional.  Check out how I styled this floral beauty for a more put together casual look by pairing it up with fall's favorite jewel tones and booties. 

Joie sweater / Blue trousers / Sam & Libby ankle boots / ASOS satchel handbag, $46 / Monsoon special occasion jewelry

Tumblr Tuesday!

Happy Tuesday everyone! 

Here are my favorite must haves and inspirations from the Tumblr world lately. 

Check out my Tumblr blog for more inspiration on the daily. 

I think that I am literally craving a leopard print bag in a classic shape like this.

I shall not rest until I find one. 

What else am I craving? Macaroons. ALL THE TIME.

I didn't understand what all the hype was about. Then I ate one.

Now I can't stop. 

PUPPY! I love my puppy. 

Music Monday: The Weatherman

I love mellow music. Music that you can read to or write to, work along with .Music that has blatant emotion and tells stories. It's these kinds of attributes that draw me to folk music. And it's all these things that drew me to Gregory Alan Isakov's music a few years ago. His new album, The Weatherman that came out in July is perfection. I can't just pick a few songs to love. I love all of them! Which I believe is a sign of a really fantastic album. 
So sit back, grab a good book and listen.

What I'm Loving: J Crew Factory Fall

Is it just me, or is J. Crew Factory hitting this mark perfectly this season? 

I've noticed that lately J.Crew has been shifting their style from classic pieces to a more designer, high-end aesthetic (which it still does marvelously). But unfortunately for us regular gals, that seems to push the J.Crew brand even farther out of my reach and price range (though my shrine isn't going anywhere). This has caused me to turn to J.Crew factory more and more. Here are some of my favorite Factory pieces for fall! And hurry, because some of these are sure to go fast. 

Red t shirt / Cotton shirt / Cotton sweater / Hoody / Peplum jacket / Factory tailored shirtdress / Rayon skirt / Wool skirt

Fall Fashion: Transitioning with Camo.

So I've already told you of my affinity for J. Crew Factory, and clearly I LOVE polka dots. But camo? The camo trend has been growing and growing in the past few seasons and I have to admit that I have been avoiding the trend and wishing it away. But this summer I found myself going "well maybe..." when I saw a blogger in a pair of chic camo skinny pants. And then I saw these Target flats. I found myself oddly drawn to them. So I bought them and decided to challenge myself. How do you style camo in a feminine and chic, not too trendy way? With polka dots and pearls of course! Paired with this light grey sweater (grey is IN for fall btw) and a jewel tone bag and you are office-chic ready. 

What do you think? Would you wear camo?

Three quarter sleeve top / Long pencil skirt / Xhilaration ballet pumps / Coach cell phone purse / J.Crew 14k necklace

Shoe of the Week: Blue Suede Booties

It's no secret that I love fall. 

I love fall weather, fall colors, fall food, and fall shoes! Especially boots and booties. 

I own a few pairs of booties but I am definitely searching for a few more to round out my collection. I would love a chic black leather pair to wear with tights to work in the cold months, and I would love to have a fun colorful pair to wear with jeans at night or on the weekends. 

The Sam & Libby for Target line has been lust-worthy since it first came out this spring, but their fall looks? Shut up. Perfection. I especially dig these blue suede heeled booties! I'm drooling at them just sitting here on my computer. 

you can find these beauties online at Target, here!

They also come in black and a chic grayish tan if you are looking for something more classic. 
Have a great weekend everyone!

Fall Fashion: Transitioning with the Maxi Skirt.

The maxi skirt. Arguably the "it girl" of the summer season can continue her reign through fall and into the colder months. There's no reason a skirt like this one should be packed away starting in September. A maxi skirt with bold colors, jewel tones or a vivid print can transition into fall perfectly when paired with an easy sweater and super cool booties. 

\J.Crew j crew top / Topshop red maxi skirt / Madewell leather lace up booties / Coach leather duffel bag / Bracelet jewelry, $11 / FOSSIL tortoise shell jewelry