GIGI

Yesterday I had a really exciting meeting at GIGI {more on that later though}.  Jessie and Bev are an amazing mother-daughter duo, and they offer such a unique selection of gorgeous designers. In all honesty, I used to think of GIGI as just a wedding boutique, but it is truly so much more.  Yes, they do offer beautiful wedding gowns and evening wear, but they also have contemporary and ready to wear pieces in addition to handbags and jewelry.  See what I mean:

{how amazing are the details?}

 

My dearest friends, show GIGI some love and like them on Facebook so you can get updates on the latest trends and the newest arrivals! 

In other exciting news, The mayor officially declared Milwaukee a city for Fashion’s Night Out. MEQUON is celebrating by hosting it’s first ever Mequon’s Fashion Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win 2 airline tickets to NYC,  go to several Fall 2013 Fashion Week Shows in February 2013, and have a 2 hour personal shopping or concierge service with none better then Jessie {but seriously her style is insane}. Mark your calendars and join your friends to shop and hunt at participating retailers in Mequon. Like the Facebook Page for more information and up-to-date info from participating retailers. Who says the suburbs are boring? Not I.

Enjoy your long weekends and hope to see you at FNO! xo

Fall Forward

Blouse: Ann Taylor {similar}, Denim: Sass & Bide from Edith Hart, Heels: Arden B. {really old}, Bag: Target {old}, Necklace: Spike the Punch, Earrings: Anthropologie, Rings: David Yurman, Kate Spade, Madison Elizabeth Designs, and a DIY, Nail polish: Essie Geranium

Remember when I said that I didn't have any burgundy? Well, turns out I lied. I forgot I had this beauty and when I rediscovered it the other day, I couldn't have been happier. Same goes with these heels.  I want to say that these were the first pair of heels I purchased in high school, okay well ever, and that they have been hiding in my closet.  That will 100% change this fall as I see them as my go-to heels for stomping around the town.

A big-fat-long-overdue THANK YOU to my sister who has been taking my pictures, and my brother because I convinced him to take them one day. That was funny. But seriously, thank you both.

Lust List

Céline Trapeze // Vince Drape Hooded Coat // ASHA Else Stud O // Kelly Wearstler Abstract Patina Earrings // Loren Hope Dalmatian Jasper Pendent // J Brand Powerstretch Print Legging Jeans // ASHA Blaire // J.Crew Classic Pavé Link Bracelet // Zara Ankle Boot with Double Zip

I say lust list because that's truly what it is.  Many of these pieces are far out of my price range or semi-reasonable, and I just cannot justify them at the moment.  But let's get serious, these are all pieces that I could mix and match throughout fall and winter so the cost per wear would be in my favor. Yeah, you read that right, I justify with cost per wear. And I just can't help that I fell head-over-heels in love with each of these pieces and that I believe in love at first site. 

Do you keep an ongoing dream big wish list?

On My Fall Radar

jacket // peplum top // striped cotton top // new legacy archival rambler

I am in love with the mix of texture and pattern. What are you craving for the fall?

Speaking of love...today, I would like to wish my parents a very Happy 30th Anniversary! I couldn't ask for two greater people to have in my life. We will be celebrating by completing the freshman dorm move-in for my little brother {ah!}.

...and don't forget to head over to the Poshlocket blog today!

Favorite Finds::Gap Edition

I probably sound like a broken record, but I am continuously more and more impressed with Gap....and Gap Kids.  Wasn't expecting the latter but that's the truth people. My sister and I headed to Gap for some quality sister bonding time last week and when the checkout line was too long, they sent us over to Gap Kids. Little did they know that I wasn't quite ready to check out.  I spotted a dress and thought it would be hilarious to try it on, not thinking that I would actually love it. Things got weird when a 9 year old was waiting in line for the fitting room.  But I powered through and still managed to find the perfect fall boot.  Double whammy. I'm a size 7 1/2 and the 5s fit me perfectly. Go figure.

Moral of the story: if you're 5'2" or shorter, don't overlook your local Gap Kids {not to mention everything is cheaper, and you can still always find a coupon too!}.  Things to be worried about: showing up at a party and a 5 year old has on the same dress.

{P.S. How amazing is that military jacket? You bet I made it mine with a 40% off coupon.}

Sponsored: A. BARCLAY Designs

On this lovely Friday, I would like to introduce you to someone you need to know: Anna Barclay. The woman behind A. BARCLAY. She is based out of Atlanta where she sells the scarves so if you're in the area you should definitely stop by her showroom.

Can I just start by saying how obsessed I am with scarves? I feel like I wore one almost all of fall and winter last year and anticipate doing the same for 2012.  So when Amanda emailed me, I spent quite a bit of time browsing her site and fell in love with every.single.design and color combination.  I really could have used one of these beauties as a cover up this summer. Each scarf is 100% silk and 3.5 ft x 6.5 ft...hello, massive!

Not only are the designs amazing, but here's their concept: For every scarf that is purchased, A.BARCLAY buys an item of need from a Tanzanian for a Tanzanian, supplying multiple orphanages in the country with day to day necessities and stimulating local markets.  Depending on what the orphanages need, the items we donate will vary from season to season. Anna and her friend Beverly really are a dynamic duo.

I have never invested in a scarf before, but I think the time has come.  This fall preview Anna sent gave me heart palpitations. Seriously.

Shop the collection here.

 

So what's your favorite design? And have you invested in a scarf before? Give me the details!

Happy Weekend, lovelies! xo

Personal Style

When it comes to my personal style, I finally feel like I have figured mine out. I was all over the board throughout high school and college, which is completely understandable as we are constantly changing.  In college, I was in classrooms a lot and trying to fit my teaching wardrobe to my every day wardrobe which were just very different.   I would say my style has transitioned from feminine and classic to more feminine and chic, with a little bit of an edge to it. I am also figuring out what truly works for my body and how to alter pieces to help me feel my personal best while wearing them.

Rory Beca Blouse {on sale} // Zara Shorts // DV by Dolce Vita Wedges {on sale} // Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC 

Anthropologie // David Yurman // Kate Spade // Poshlocket c/o

Currently, I love mixing patterns and colors and pairing them with the perfect bag.  Neutral pieces had always filled my closet so I love stepping out of my comfort zone.  I also used to wear my hair the exact same boring way every single day so I am all about exploring new ways to spice up a traditional hair style.  And what would complete an outfit without all of the little details down to the nail polish. How I had never worn red before yesterday {no, I never wore it for 23 years}, I will never know.  

How would you describe your personal style? Has yours continued to evolve as well?

And just in case you didn't see my Design Your Life post over on Jess Lively yesterday, you can check it out here!

a-thread giveaway winner

Thanks to all who participated this week and to a-thread for offering such a wonderful giveaway!

The lucky number this week was 83, my dear friend, Colleen L!

Color Crush

I don't know about you, but when I see these three pieces together I sing, 

"We're the three best friends that anybody could have."

Graduated Natural Agate Necklace // Pashli Satchel // Drape Back Blouse

I am crushing hard on emerald and burgundy at the moment, and I will just always be crushing on tortoise so that's a given.  I actually do not have any emerald or burgundy pieces in my closet so my search is officially on. I am welcoming the challenge with open arms to find more budget friendly pieces than above, but my heart skipped a beat when I saw each of these items so I just had to share.

What has your heart skipping a beat lately?

P.S. You can find me over at the Poshlocket Blog again today sharing some day to night looks!

Weekend Recap

Just a little quick check in today as I will be on the couch napping and drinking Vitamin C all day.  Besides getting sick, the weekend was great.  Definitely busy, but I got to see some people I hadn't seen since last year's Irish Fest. And I think my favorite Irish songs will be stuck in my head for the next week, and that is absolutely okay with me.

{images by Natalie}

You can find me over at a {little} dash of ash sharing my fall inspiration today {only my favorite season ever}, and don't forget to enter the giveaway!

How were your weekends? xo

Blocked

one // two // three

Why hello, Ann Taylor.  These shoes are perfection for the fall.  The polka dots will add that extra little flare to your outfit and the booties would pair every so effortlessly with layered shorts and tights. But seriously, I don't think that the middle color-blocked pair with a pop of burgundy could be any better. Wear them with an A-line skirt, leather leggings, or your favorite pair of skinny jeans, and they will still work with your go-to neutral sweaters.  They are literally calling my name.

Kiss Me I'm Irish

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.  It's Milwaukee Irish Fest time--a weekend filled with dancing, singing, and well, let's be honest, drinking.  If you haven't heard of a Jamorita, it's about time you made it to Milwaukee.  I look forward to this weekend every single year as it is a weekend filled with dance reunions like none other.  My Irish dance family truly is that, a family, and they are some of my favorite people in the entire world.  Needless to say, you can find me sporting green and a big smile {and a Jamorita} for the next three days straight. 

Irish Fest reminded me that I never really did a final Japan recap so here are some of my favorite moments of the show captured by one of our amazing dance moms, Tracy. 

.....and some just for fun.....

{an always unforgettable karaoke night in Tokyo...I had a displaced rib, hence the tape}

{some of our AMAZING crew}

{an unbelievable group of dancers and musicians, truly unlike any other}

If you're in the Milwaukee area, you can find me dancing today and Saturday with the Trinity Irish Dancers in addition to Gaelic Storm each night.

Sláinte!

I'm Singing in the Rain

Gap Sweater // Old Navy Vest // BDG Shorts {similar} // Hunter Boots // Lookmatic Glasses // Nikki Cone Cuff Duo c/o Poshlocket // David Yurman // Kate Spade Sailor's Knot Ring 

I don't know about you, but on rainy days I usually like to curl up in a ball.  Today I decided to embrace it and have some fun.  Why not throw on some rain boots and a cozy sweater while running some errands? I have to say that my new favorite piece in my closet is this amazing Old Navy vest.  I had been eying it for quite some time after seeing Lauren style it in a variety of ways and finally made it mine last week.  I envision pairing it with some leather jeans and booties in addition to some flares and heels this fall.  The options are endless.

What's your favorite item in your closet?

GIVEAWAY: a-thread-CLOSED

What better way to celebrate the middle of the week than a giveaway?! 

How I didn't discover a-thread sooner is beyond me.  It is a new online boutique that specializes in women's fashion & accessories. Their bigger vision is to grow their shop & effect program, which allows them to give back to the community and their charity partners. Not only do they have a unique and admirable vision, but they also have a fabulous range of products.

Let's start with something I love almost as much as accessories. Sweaters. Polka dots, color blocking, neon accents, and sparkle. {insert swooning here}.

one // two // three // four

Moving on to accessories.  I instantly fell in love with these two pieces while browsing their site.  They have so kindly offered to give both beautiful pieces to one lucky reader.  Oh, how I wish it were me {but seriously}.

To enter, please visit a-thread and leave a comment with your favorite item they have to offer. Please leave your email address in the comment as well! You have until Tuesday at 11:59 PM CST to enter. A winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday, August 22nd. Best of luck!

For additional entries leave a separate comment for each of the following:

Like a-thread of Facebook

Follow a-thread on Pinterest

Follow a simple affair on Twitter

Stacked

1. Have you heard that Poshlocket recently launched their own blog?

2. Did you know that I'm a contributor? 

Not only I am very excited about both of these things, but I am also thrilled with the pieces I keep finding on their site and at such reasonable prices. Today I'm sharing my favorite ways to stack bracelets.  Hop on over to their new beautiful blog and see my picks!

What's your favorite way to stack?

Stay tuned for a fabulous giveaway on the blog tomorrow! 

Life Lately

{details}

Lookmatic eyeglasses that I never want to talk off // Newest arm candy thanks to Poshlocket + Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC // DIY chain bracelet  // DIY bow ring

{outfits}

Zara blouse + Jack Rogers Navajo // Gap jeans & tee // Pinkyotto romper from Edith Hart, Zara jacket + Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC // Old Navy sweater + pink Gap loafers

{perfect mini-moments}

a workout with a view // treat after said workout // laughs with the boy // Chicago at its finest

...............

Happy Monday!

Weekend Wear

Newest favorite color combination: navy and yellow.  Oddly enough, those would be the two colors that I do not have much of in my closet {noted}. Not only do I love the color pairing, but I also love the contrast of the feminine top and the boyfriend jeans.  Throw on an oversized necklace, and you have a simple yet chic ensemble for a night out on the town. I'll take it all.

Happy Weekend, lovelies! I'll be in the dance studio getting ready for good 'ole Milwaukee Irish Fest.

GET THE LOOK

Having a Moment

A Gap Moment.

{insert dramatic pause here}

So I walked into Gap yesterday in search of the polka dot loafers and although I didn't find said loafers, I found a whole lot more.  Each time I walk in the store, I am more and more impressed with their selection.    Here are some of my current favorites.

v-neck t // painterly stripe cardigan // elbow patch cardigan // faded chambray shorts // suede loafers // cable sweater // legging jeans

Use code GAPFRIENDS at checkout for 30% off {ends 8/12}. Just another reason I love Gap.

Are you having a moment with a store lately?

Do Work

Wink of Pink Blythe 2 {$125} // Triple Tiered Pendant Shade {$64} // Spotlight White Desk {$399}  

Wrap Office Chair {$199} // Arabesque Rug {$240}

In a perfect world, I would have a beautiful office to work from at home, but let's get serious, I'm either at the kitchen table or a chair in the living room. My ideal workspace, though, would be filled with black, white, grey, and gold with pops of color added through art and fun desk accessories {think pretty notepads, to do lists, books, and candles}.

What's your ideal workspace? 

A Wedding Unlike Any Other

Despite three large thunderstorms {large is an understatement} and a tornado warning, Sam and David's wedding day and week could not have been more perfect.  At one point in the night, I may or may not have been soaking wet head-to-toe and covered in mud. How my dress looks exactly like it did when I bought it, I will never know; one of life's many mysteries. 

Sam-you couldn't have looked any more beautiful, and David you were  one mighty handsome groom.  Wishing you both all of the best as you begin your new journey together. Cheers to many more nights in the rain! xo