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

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!

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

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! 

Winter Wardrobe: Vagina Monologues

It's that time of year again! Vagina Monologues time! 

The Vagina Monologues are a set of monologues written by Eve Ensler about women, about women finding themselves, and loving their bodies but also about all of the horrific things that have been done to women in this world like domestic violence, mass rape during war times, and genital mutilation. The show was created to raise awareness about how prominent and horrifying these events are, and is performed around the world each year with the hope that the violence will end and the show will never be performed again. 
If you are in the Des Moines area be sure to check out Vagina Monologues-Drake University Tonight and Saturday night at 7pm! 
It's going to be a meaningful, powerful and entertaining show.

Now, on to the style portion of this post!  The women in the show wear "vagina friendly colors"--nuetrals, pinks, reds, and purples. Here are some of my favorite ideas for a vagina friendly outfit! 

J.Crew a line dress / Jean-Michel Cazabat high heel shoes / Kate Spade statement necklace / Kate Spade stud earrings / NARS Cosmetics , $27

Moschino Cheap & Chic one button blazer / Diane von Furstenberg skinny leg pants / Lipstik black stiletto heels, $82 / Gold pyramid stud earrings / Gold lipstick

(Winter) Wardrobe: Vacation Anyone?

On Saturday in Des Moines it was in the upper 50's for weather. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday is was barely above freezing. Literally, barely above freezing with negative wind chills. Now, normally I'm a solid four season kind of gal, I even like winter--wearing layers, boots, snow even. But this cold is about 20 degrees too cold and my chilly toes are craving a nice warm spot somewhere with a margarita accompanied by a good book under the shade of a floppy hat. Is anyone else with me?

Here's what I'd pack for my (imaginary) tropical getaway.

Rare London bandeau dress, $24 / Rebecca Taylor silk top / H&M jumper sweater, $24 / Witchery slim jeans, $53 / Aaiko white shorts, $40 / J.Crew underwire bandeau bikini / J.Crew beach bikini / Superga lace up shoes / Vince Camuto buckle shoes / Kate Spade / J.Crew flower jewelry / Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses / Floppy hat, $150

Winter Wardrobe: Yellow.

Winter can be rough for style. I mean really rough. It gets cold, (at least in the Midwest) and it's like when the cold comes all motivation to look nice or cute or stylish just flies out the window in favor of a cozy sweatshirt. While I think it's important to have your cozy sweatshirt days it's also a good idea to mix things up and keep your wardrobe fresh. 

I fervently believe that you color is not exclusive to spring and summer but should be worn year round, just in different ways. 

Here's a little inspiration to put some sunshine back into your wardrobe.

Inspiration via Go Chic or Go Home

Photo

To keep this sunshine-y color from shining too bright, tone it down with warm neutrals like tan and brown, but mix in a little rule-breaking black to keep things interesting. 

J.Crew j crew, $150 / Max Studio hand knit sweater / J.Crew knit sweater / Giada Forte knit sweater, $300 / J Brand / 3.1 Phillip Lim silk skirt / GAP knit tight / Frye knee high leather boots, $485 / rag & bone studded heels, $555 / Chinese Laundry flat heel boots, $110 / Coach leather handbag / Julie Tuton Jewelry filigree jewelry / Kate Spade earrings / Topshop / H&M , $9.61 / Burberry

Winter Wardrobe: a winter look.

just a few of my more recent faves...

Polka dot shirt / J.Crew pea coat / AG Adriano Goldschmied / J.Crew j crew / Coach cross body handbag / Asprey diamond stud earrings, $21,685 / Butter London nail polish

I'm loving the shape of these Coach totes (and in SO many colors!) so you might be seeing them more frequently around the blog :)

Winter Wardrobe: a lesson in layering.

If you ask me, layering is the key to making it through the long winter months in style and happiness. When you layer not only do you get to wear some of your favorite pieces year round, but you also get to stay warm and cozy in the winter wind.

Even though it's winter patterns, prints and vibrant colors are still stylin' so here are a couple of my favorite ways to layer up for the chilly months ahead.

J.Crew j crew sweater / Black blouse / Uniqlo crewneck sweater, $96 / Current/Elliott corduroy jeans / AG Adriano Goldschmied denim skinny jeans / Lanvin knee high leather boots / Marc by Marc Jacobs hobo handbag / Coach leather handbag / J.Crew necklace / Kate Spade stud earrings

Winter Wardrobe: Florals

Here we are in the heart of January and it seems like everyone is already dreaming of spring. One slid on the ice or morning where you have to dig your car out of the snow and no one wants winter anymore. I think that it's probably still a little too early for spring spring clothes but you can incorporate hints of spring into your wardrobe! This inspiration photo is one of my favorites floating around Pinterest. The concept of a darker floral doesn't seem that new and exciting but I love how fresh it looks. 

Tone down the sweetness of the florals with more winter-y and classic but edgy elements like a leather jacket or black skinnies. 

Inspiration: 

And here's how you can put this trend into the mix with your winter wardrobe:

Peter pan dress / H&M jumper sweater, $24 / Old Navy short sleeve shirt / A|Wear floral top, $56 / Dorothy Perkins biker jacket / Studded jacket / Dorothy Perkins black skinny jeans / Monsoon floral print skirt / Zara black pantyhose / A|X Armani Exchange nylon stocking / Chinese Laundry flat heel boots, $110 / Sam Edelman flat boots / Platform boots, $320 / Coach genuine leather handbag / Black shoulder bag, $155 / Tommy Hilfiger floral scarve, $72

Winter Wishlist.

Now that it's officially winter and and the season of post-Christmas sales has officially begun, I thought I would share with you some of my favorites for this chilly yet delightful season. I've seen some of these style items across the blog-o-sphere already and I'm hoping to get my hands on a few of them myself! 

1. Faux Fur Vest. I know I've been talking/blogging/pinning these since at least Thanksgiving but consider me still obsessed. 

2. Turtlenecks. Sweaters and T Shirts. I can almost hear all of you saying what?!? I thought those were just for old people with cold necks. Well I think they're super stylish and chic and maybe my neck is cold too...

3. Butter London Nail Polish. I got a few Butter colors before Thanksgiving and I love love love them. The colors are perfect and the polish is so easy to use and dries super quickly. Plus no toxins. 

4. Big Knit Red Scarf. I don't know what it is about the deeper red color but it just screams 'wear me with all of your stripes!!!' to me. So I plan on doing just that.

5. Mid-Length Boots. Any Color. Any Purpose. I love these plaid snow boots from Target, I love these studded black biker boots, and I love these two neutral options too. This is the new height in boot, I'm telling you.

6. Tulle Skirt. in a divine, feminine, light color. Wearing this in the spring seems obvious, but in the Winter months pair it with tights, booties, a sweater and a statement necklace and you are glam and ready to go. 

7. Oh My Chic Sweatshirts. So this is definitely on my DIY To Do List. Fun Fun Fun!

Sweat shirt / J.Crew knit sweater / Sweat shirt / J.Crew knit sweater / J.Crew striped t shirt / Fake fur vest / Damir Doma leather waistcoat, $800 / Fever skirt, $52 / Chinese Laundry biker boots, $140 / Mango leather boots, $97 / Mango suede ankle booties / Kitten heels / Hand knitted scarve / Coach infinity scarve / Butter London nail polish / Butter London nail polish / Butter London nail polish, $17

Happy Winter Following Friends!

What I'm Loving: Monochromatic Winter Whites

Since at least October I've found myself oddly attracted to cream and white clothing. It just seems to crisp and clean and easy to wear with just about anything. My love for the winter white has indeed carried into winter. Here are some of my favorites and what kinds of colorful accessories you can pair them with. 

Moschino tailored shirt / Band of Outsiders knit sweater / J.Crew knit sweater / J.Crew puffer vest / Tulle Clothing double breasted coat / Lipsy , $120 / Sophie Hulme leather shoulder bag, $765 / Aurélie Bidermann clip on earrings / Astley Clarke , $1,005 / Tory Burch / Kenneth Jay Lane yellow gold jewelry, $195 / Kendra Scott mint green earrings / Fantasy Jewelry Box red coral earrings / Me & Kashmiere cashmere scarve, $140 / Me & Kashmiere cashmere scarve, $190 / mbyM red shawl, $65 / Urban Outfitters round eyeglass / Revlon lipstick / Karen Walker Eyewear Anytime - Crazy Tortoise

Winter Wardrobe: Fancy Frocks pt. Two.

Here it is, the second of my Holiday Fete inspired outfit posts. It seems fitting with Emerald being the Pantone 2013 Color of the Year that you would bring out the green for your holiday party or family gathering. If you're feeling glam, cozy, classic or vintage here are a few emerald enthusiast looks for your holiday happenings!

Sonia by Sonia Rykiel sonia rykiel, $520 / Tee shirt dress / J.Crew shift dress / Oasis flat shoes, $24 / Rebecca Minkoff / Ash black pumps / Lipstik black shoes, $84 / J.Crew vintage jewelry / Blue Nile white gold diamond earrings / Monica Vinader vermeil jewelry / Asprey round stud earrings, $21,700 / Hoop earrings / Belt / Gold lipstick / Butter London nail polish / Butter London nail polish

Winter Wardrobe: Fancy Frocks pt. One.

The holidays are a great time to try out new styles and trends that you maybe wouldn't be comfortable wearing in your everyday life. Whether it's church, a family gathering or a holiday party it can be fun to dress up and get in the spirit. 

Here are a few ways to wear that classic red dress for the holiday season!

Aubin & Wills polka dot dress, $125 / Oasis dress, $24 / Ted Baker sequin dress, $205 / Oasis sleeveless dress, $32 / Oroton flat shoes, $260 / Low high heels / Platform bootie, $320 / Strappy sandals / Oasis glitter handbag, $34 / Oasis studded handbag, $51 / Rose gold jewelry / Dorothy Perkins / Ted Baker , $56 / Banana Republic / Butter London nail polish / Butter London nail polish

PS: Look out for Fancy Frocks pt. Two coming soon! 
Featuring the 2013 Pantone Color of the Year: Emerald. 

Winter Wardrobe: Chambray + Wrap Sweaters

Finals are over, the holiday season is upon us and winter is in full swing. 

It seems like this time of year I'm always looking for outfits that are casual and comfy for lounging around the house but that are also stylish and cute for when I go out to dinner with friends or the mall to pick up some last minute gifts. Well, never fear! the Solution is here!

Check out my take on a comfy-cozy-chic look for the winter days ahead. 

(and once again, ankle boots/booties are the answers to all of our problems)

Quiksilver black top, $105 / Odd Molly long top, $395 / Vintage button down shirt, $76 / J Brand rainbow skinny jeans / Mango zipper pants, $45 / Mango chunky heel booties / J.Crew mid heels / Lip stick / Butter London nail lacquer

Winter Wardrobe: Berry Red.

Monochromatic is totally the look of the season, and berry/burgundy/wine/maroon/oxblood  is the color of the season so, here's a cozy and warm way to incorporate these two lovely trends into your wardrobe!

(and check out those shearling booties, totes fab omg)

Cardigan / Fat Face long sleeve top, $32 / Current/Elliott skinny jeans / Sophie Hulme black leather handbag, $760 / Jennifer Meyer Jewelry / Butter London metallic nail polish

Winter Wardrobe: navy, gold & green.

I've been seeing this gold/mustard, green green and navy combo everywhere this fall and winter. At first the gold and the green combo may seem a little intense but adding in the navy (or some neutral tan) can help even out the boldness of the combination.

Don't be a scaredy cat, give it a try!

Inspiration #1: Kendi Everyday

Inspiration #2: J's Everyday Fashion

Here are some great peices to help you incorporate gold, green and navy into your wardrobe!

J.Crew long sleeve top / Cableknit sweater / Tie blouse / Marc by Marc Jacobs boat neck shirt / J.Crew wool coat / J.Crew quilted vest / Green skirt / Zipper jeans, $16 / Mimi Loves Jimi genuine leather boots, $105 / Christian Louboutin heels / J.Crew j crew flat / Kate Spade handbag / Abercrombie & Fitch knitted scarve

Winter Wardrobe: Fair Isle Style

Finals Week is upon us and the first snow has fallen in the great land of Iowa.

It seems that winter is just around the corner and lucky for us, Fair Isle is back in style!

Here are a few of my favorite Fair Isle looks for the coming winter months.

J.Crew j crew sweater / Athleta / Christmas sweater, $365 / AG Adriano Goldschmied / Nudie Jeans Co. straight jeans / Wallis high heel booties / Dorothy Perkins black jewelry / Alkemie boho jewelry

Glam: Black & Gold.

Of Course I love Black and Gold (Theta, duh). 

Other than being my sorority's colors, and just a classic color pair, I think gold sparkles and classic black are perfect for the holidays.

Inspiration: 

And here's a few more practical ways to wear Black and Gold for your holiday soiree. 

Babydoll dress / ISSA London vintage cocktail dress / Zara black pantyhose / A|X Armani Exchange nylon stocking / Black high heels, $32 / Platform boots, $320 / BCBGeneration oxford flat / INC International Concepts pointed flat / A|X Armani Exchange clutch handbag / BCBG Max Azria clutch handbag / J.Crew j crew jewelry / Astley Clarke stud earrings, $1,005 / Kate Spade jewelry / Revlon / NARS Cosmetics matte lipstick, $28 / Butter London / Butter London nail lacquer