A Working Girl's Best Kept Secret

If you don't own a pair of joggers, stop what you're doing and buy a pair right now. These are the comfiest pants that a girl could ask for, and they're also acceptable to wear at the office. It's kind of like wearing pajamas at work, and I've gotten a ton of compliments on them. Is there any more a girl could ask for?

I found this specific pair in the clearance section at Express about a year and a half ago, and I wear them ALL the time. One thing to watch out for when trying to find the perfect pair is pockets - these can add a lot of bulk to this look, and aren't usually very flattering because of weird placement. I'd go with a plain satin pair like mine - not too heavy, and can easily be dressed up! I've paired mine with everything from a top and blazer, to an oversize shirt (half tucked in), to a chambray denim shirt. The possibilities are endless! Happy shopping loves! xoxo

Joggers: Express

Top: Paper Crane

Blazer: kensie

Shoes: Vince Camuto

The Little Black Suit

Last week I escaped to Playa del Carmen, Mexico for a much needed vacation. A few days lounging in the sun may have given me a sunburn that I'm now regretting, but I also came home feeling refreshed and in a much better mood. The beach can do amazing things for your sanity and peace of mind!

On another note, this is the first one piece suit that I've worn since I was a little girl, and I'm so obsessed with it! One pieces are definitely hot right now, especially when they have cool cutouts and details that set them apart from your basic "mom" one piece. Besides the cutouts, I'm loving the off shoulder detail of this Jessica Simpson suit - another trend that's huge right now! This suit can be found at Boston Store in black, or at Lord & Taylor in both black and white.

Everyone needs a "Little Black Suit" as a quick and easy go-to option for the beach, and you can't go wrong with updated cutouts and details. Happy shopping Loves! xoxo

Swimsuit: Jessica Simpson - Found at Lord & Taylor (in white), Lord & Taylor (in black) and Boston Store (in black)

Sunnies: Marilyn Monroe Eyewear (Found at TJ Maxx)

Sun Hat: Nine West (Found at Boston Store)

When Winter Just Won't Leave...

I don't know about you guys, but I've been over winter clothes for at least a month now. Seeing all the warm weather dresses, tops, etc. in stores and online is giving me some major spring fever - not good considering winter just can't seem to let go. Kind of like the Jennifer Aniston movie, "He's Just Not That Into You," I'm just not that into winter anymore. So, I've had to get a little creative with my outfits lately to try and sneak in a spring "touch" while still staying warm. I found this gorgeous sweater at GAP recently (it's on clearance now!) and I'm in love. The lilac color, which is my absolute favorite, combined with the cropped silhouette, gives a fresh look that leans more spring. Pair with cuffed jeans and tan leather booties and you're ready to take on the day in style! This is also a great Casual Friday look for work for those of you who are lucky enough to enjoy that perk. You could also throw an oxford shirt in another pastel hue underneath, and finish with a chunky statement necklace for a more preppy look. Or if the temperature rises above 65 degrees, try this sweater with distressed girlfriend denim shorts and slip on sneakers for running errands. Happy shopping loves! xoxo

Sweater: GAP

Jeans: GAP

Booties: Vince Camuto

Stone Ring: Express

Spring Shoe Edit

Boho/70's Inspired

Lace-Up

Fun, Colorful Trainers

Graphic Details

Pop of Yellow

“You are either in your bed or in your shoes, so it pays to invest in both.”

— John Wildsmith

I'm loving the big trends for spring this year, especially those that can be transferred over to a great pair of shoes. And this quote by John Wildsmith makes me feel a little less guilty about my shoe addiction (lol) - if I'm spending so much time in my shoes, I might as well make a statement with them, right? The five big trends I've noticed so far this spring are Boho/70's inspired, lace-up, colorful trainers (tying back to the athleisure trend), bold/graphic details, and pops of yellow. Now all we need is for Mother Nature to cooperate so we can actually wear all of these adorable, trendy shoes. Happy shopping loves! xoxo

BCBGeneration "Kyra" Platform Sandals

Dolce Vita "Lyndon" Ghille Lace-Up Sandals

MICHAEL Michael Kors "Allie" Trainers

Calvin Klein "Bao" Dress Sandals

Guess "Harlea" Wedge Sandals

Denim Jacket // Stripes // Trainers

A few of my spring essentials include a denim jacket, stripe tee and a fun pair of colorful trainers - I've been living in all three of these, whether it's wearing them together as an outfit, or separately with other pieces. I just can't get enough of them! This chambray denim anorak jacket from MAX jeans is super soft and lightweight; a.k.a the perfect layering piece for unpredictable spring weather. I love that I can cinch the waist on the jacket as well to add some shape for a more feminine look.

On to the red trainers - I'm obsessed with these! Michael Kors - you did well. The first time I saw them I knew that they had to be mine. I wear heels basically every day for work, and my feet have definitely been feeling the aftereffects of that lately. On the weekends when I'm running errands I still want to look cute and trendy, and these are the perfect way to accomplish that - they're super comfortable, easy to get around in, and provide a fun pop of color to any outfit. If you want to dress them up a bit, pair with a ribbed midi dress and leather jacket for more of a metro chic look!

Denim Jacket: MAX Jeans

Striped Tee: H&M

Trainers: Michael Kors

Sunnies: Marilyn Monroe Eyewear

Stone Ring: Express

Art in Bloom Floral Fashion Show

This dress (above), was made with over a thousand roses. Incredible!

"They are only complete when they're together." (above) - First Place Winner

My absolute favorite piece from the event! I met the designer after the show, and (somewhat seriously) asked her to design my future wedding dress.

This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend a fashion show. This wasn't just any fashion show though - every garment that went down the runway was made entirely of flowers and other foliage. Set in the gorgeous Windhover Hall of the Milwaukee Art Museum, the gowns dazzled and left many attendees in awe. Not only did I want to wear some of the incredible floral creations, but I was also intrigued and captivated by the technique and skill that it took to construct this style of art. I can say with 100% certainty that I'm already planning on attending next year's event!

The ticket for this event said "Dress to Impress," but that can be interpreted differently by everyone. I love any opportunity to dress up though, so I went with this bright pink shift dress from Banana Republic, and completed the look with a fitted leather jacket. Adding a leather jacket is a great way to create a slightly more casual look if you're not quite sure how fancy to dress for an event, and you literally can't go wrong with the selection that Express offers every year. I bought mine a couple seasons ago, and I'm still obsessed. 

On another note, it's officially spring! Go ahead and break out those floral prints and wedges - let's hope Mother Nature shows us some love. xoxo

Dress: Banana Republic

Leather Jacket: Express

Shoes: Vince Camuto

Earrings: New York & Company

Beach Bag Spill

Spring break is on the mind; I'll be heading off to Mexico mid-April for a long weekend, and can't wait to escape the cold weather for a few days. With many people planning vacations this time of year, I thought I'd do a "beach bag spill" and share some of my essentials for having fun in the sun.

I don't know about you, but I've been on the hunt for the perfect beach bag for longer than I can remember. I want it to be summery and fashionable, but also practical and easy to use. I stumbled across this straw tote (with adorable tassle detail!) when I was at Target a couple weeks ago - it's big enough to actually haul all of your beach essentials like a beach towel and sunhat, and also has a structured bottom so that it will stand up on its own. I think I found a winner.

Next on the list is swimwear that makes you feel cute and comfortable; I don't think anyone can actually enjoy a day at the beach if they're constantly worrying about a swimsuit malfunction. I found both of these bikini tops at Target as well (they're really winning at the whole beach vacation category), and am absolutely in love with them. The colorblock top has a racerback cut, which is a fun twist on a style that soared in popularity late last summer. The lace midi top creates some newness as well with the lace extending about two inches from the bottom edge of the suit, which ends up creating a very feminine look. Pair either with a fun coverup, sunhat, sunnies and trendy heels, and you're ready to rock the beach. Just be prepared for lots of questions about where you found your gear! xoxo

Beach Bag: Target

Beaded Coverup: Spiaggia Dolce

Floral Kimono: Forever 21

Colorblock Bikini Top: Target

Lace Midi Bikini Top: Target

Silver Heels: Lulu's

Lace Up Heels: Dolce Vita

Sunnies: Marilyn Monroe Eyewear /// laundry

Subtle Spring Florals

I feel like we're in that weird limbo where everyone is unsure whether or not they can break out their spring apparel - it's not quite spring (the official first day is March 20th), but it's definitely starting to feel like it with the temperature rising into the mid 50's quite regularly. This is where subtle spring accents, like the floral embroidery on this top or the light pastel blue coloring of this crossbody bag (brownie points for it being one of the Pantone colors of the year - serenity), can start to transition our wardrobe without looking too eager. I found this top from The Wallflower when I was browsing Nordstrom Rack a few weeks ago; I was unsure of the embroidery at first, but I'm always advocating for trying new things so I decided to give it a chance. I'm so glad I did, because I love it more and more every time I see it in my closet, and it would be perfect for a spring date night outfit! Happy (almost) spring everyone! xoxo

Top: The Wallflower

Jeans: GAP

Sandals: Michael Kors

Bag: Found at TJ Maxx