Friday's Fancies::Meet me in Paris

Today is my 100th post?! I can't even believe it.  What better way to celebrate than to dress myself for a fake trip to Paris? Ya, that'll do.  The theme this week is let's fly away.  Of course I would love to go some place warm, and while we're on that topic, anyone looking for a visitor in April because this girl still gets a Spring Break? Let me know.  I need to work on my tan.

I have gone to Paris twice thanks to Irish dance.  I was in high school, and we were running around the gorgeous city before headed to dance festivals to perform.  I did not have the appreciation of  fashion that I do now and can only imagine how inspiring the city would be.  I'm also envisioning not having a spending limit, which applies to my outfit, more specifically this Celine bag. A girl can dream.

Asos Coat // Bauble Bar Necklace // Current Elliot Skinny Jeans // BaubleBar Earrings (similar) //  

Celine Bag // Tahari Carly Flats

Um did you catch that the flats are named after me? Yes, me specifically. Wouldn't it be nice to get a discount on things that have our name? I would have these flats in all sorts of color combinations.

No there is not a lot of color in this post, but I love how sophisticated black and gold are paired together.  To spice things up, I added some texture with the fur coat and pattern with the skinny jeans.

Let's pause for a moment and just recognize how fabulous BaubleBar is.

[pause]

Fabulous right? Affordable and unique pieces all from the same place? Count me in.

And now, let's get back to reality for a minute.  Some of these pieces aren't quite in the price range that I'm willing to spend on clothes right now.  This girl may need to buy a car in the near future.  So if you're looking for leopard skinnies, may I present to you these beauties from Target.  See? Much more realistic, especially for a piece I probably wouldn't wear all too often.  Yes, I realize these are from the Juniors' department, but if you have a Target near you, you should be able to find some there!

As always, head on over to the fabulous blog {long distance loving} for more Friday's Fancies!

As a sidenote, I'd take a white Jeep Grand Cherokee.  Just in case you were wondering.

Happy Friday!!! xo

Sunday's Best

I have always been a fan of the Gap.  More specifically, as winter rolls around, I always fall in love with their sweaters.  This year, I have been loving more than just their sweaters.  I will only purchase something at Gap with a coupon or when it is on sale because you are bound to get a coupon throughout the week or the item will get marked down soon enough.  These are a few of my latest finds (at 40% or 30% off).

Striped Knit Tunic // Colorblock Button-shoulder Sweater

Oversized Pocket Shirt // Polka Dot Ribbed Tank

In case you don't follow me on Twitter, here are some pictures of other finds, some not listed on their website:

This scarf had a perfect pop of neon.  In case you don't know, I am a huge, huge fan of scarves.  They're easy and can create an instant new look to an outfit. It's light and fun.  Adds some color for the cold winter, but is light enough to wear throughout the spring/summer as well.

I have been loving pointed flats for quite some time and finally found these gems. Plus they are the first pair of non-neutral flats I own.  Need your opinion: you can't really see this in the picture, but you can totally see my toes (toe cleavage, as I like to call it).  Yay or nay on that? I won't be offended one bit with your opinion. I'm kind of a nay, but I really do love the flats. See, I need your help!

I paired this scarf with the striped knit tunic.  I wore it with leggings and boots on Friday, but also tried it on with nude heels and loved it.  Can't wait to style it in a new way.

I also have added a new jacket to my collection. Yes still from the Gap.  Love the fur hood.  Funny thing is that both my mom and dad claim to have had jackets like this circa the 7th grade.  Oh, how things always come back in style.

So do you love the Gap as much as me, and how has your weekend been? We successfully pulled off a surprise birthday party for my uncle yesterday-it was a blast! Happy belated birthday again Uncle K!

Update: Use code GAPLOVE today for 20% off your order!

[all images taken via Instagram. Follow along here]

Friday's Fancies::Red and Pink

It's all about red + pink today on today's Friday's Fancies.  Both on trend and appropriate for Valentine's Day. 

Zara Plaited Shopper // J. Crew Bubble Necklace // Wedges // Equipment Daddy Contrast Shirt // Topshop Premium Wide Leg Trousers

I have been swooning over these Topshop Trousers for quite some time, and it's time I went public with my love affair.

The floral detail on this Equipment blouse makes me love it even more.  I'm not ready for full on floral so this is just the right pop.

If you've been following along on the blog, I have a slight obsession with my tangerine bubble necklace from J. Crew, but today is all about this turquoise beauty.  I don't discriminate when it comes to the J. Crew bubble necklace.

This plaited shopper is quite the beauty.  Disclaimer: it is much larger in person than it appears on the website, but it does come with a shoulder strap to help you out when you need a break from the top handle.

And last but certainly not least, these DV beauties have such lovely criss-cross detail and add just the height I would need with these trousers.  Yes, please.

So to sum things up, this outfit has stolen my heart this Valentine's Day.

For more Friday's Fancies, check out {long distance loving}

Friday's Fancies::Color Crush

Today's Friday's Fancies is all about color.  One to be more exact, tangerine.  Not only do I love brights in general, but I especially love bright accessories because you can pair them with many outfits and get an entirely new look.

1. This Tory Burch wallet is my definition of the perfect accessory.  It's bright, fun, practical, and functional.  What's not to love? I think I would smile each time I pulled this out of my purse.

2.  Orange statement necklace.  Necklaces are my favorite way to dress up/switch up an outfit, besides scarves of course. This Amrita Singh necklace pairs gold + orange beautifully.

3. This blouse is included because, well, we all need that classic button down blouse.  Maybe yours won't be orange but Diane von Furstenberg does not disappoint with this Karin blouse.  Great color, great cut, and amazing detail on the sleeves. It also comes in a gorgeous green.  In fact it's pretty close to mint green, which I was crushing on hard last week.
4. Oh Hermes, you sure do know how to make your way into a girl's heart. I would pair this silk jacquard scarf in orange with a basic striped tee, preferably in navy because that's the color combo I am lovely lately.
5. Last but most certainly not least, how fun is this Asos belt?! And how much more fun is it when you see the price tag?! Add it to any outfit, whether you're wearing neutrals or brights. 

I am personally loving tangerine + navy.  What would you pair tangerine with?

See more Friday's Fancies at {long distance loving}

Friday's Fancies::Best Foot Forward

This week's Friday's Fancies is focusing on shoes.  While I love a good pair of heels since I'm 5'2" and I like to know what it's like to view the world as if I were 5'6", flats are my new friend.  Let's get serious, they are much more comfortable and can be just as fun.  I have yet to make a purchase from Topshop (I know, I know that's an entirely different issue), but after finding this assortment of flats, I'm ready to go.  I was majorly inspired by Lauren at Stylized Existence when she posted some of her Topshop favorites so my bank account thanks you Lauren.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 

Are you a flats or heels type of girl? Have you made a purchase from Topshop before? Are the flats comfortable? 

Check out more Friday's Fancies at {long distance loving}.

Friday's Fancies::Sparkle and Shine

I have been following {long distance loving} for quite some time and have yet to make my own Friday's Fancies board.  I thought it was about time I join the fun!  Not to mention this was a perfect week for me since it's sparkle and shine.  Hello, I love.

1. This patent leather clutch can always be a great accessory.  I loved the shine of the patent leather, but it wasn't too much to pair with the rest of the sparkle in this outfit.
2. I am loving sparkle nail polish for the holiday season.  With this outfit, I wouldn't necessarily use it on every finger, bur rather just on the ring finger.  Pair it with my favorite nude: Essie Brooch The Subject.  I'm wearing it right now and love it as much as I did the first day I put it on.
3.  Over-sized blouse: please and thank you.  I can't get enough of these lately.  I especially love that this Haute Hippie blouse is two-toned.
4. Sequined shorts.  Since these Halston Heritage shorts are a tad out of my comfort zone, I chose black for the first pair I would wear to get me used to wearing these show stopping shorts.
5.  These Kate Spade earrings add even more sparkle to this look.  These are sure to add the wow factor you're looking for to any outfit. 
6.  Oh, BCBG, you never disappoint.  These booties complete the outfit.  Love the added detail and these can later be paired with skinny jeans or wide leg pants.

Happy Friday, friends! Time to get to my wrapping started.  Happy early birthday to my brother K-he'll be 18 tomorrow.  Scary. 

Check our more Friday's Fancies here.

Winter Wardrobe

 Living in Wisconsin during the winter months can be a tad on the brutal side so I thought I would take the time to share with you some of my winter essentials for the upcoming cold bone chilling months.  And no, you cannot go wrong with simply wearing the biggest pair of sweatpants, sweatshirts, and slippers you can find, but here are my other favorites.

nail polish / boots / vest / hat / scarf

1.  Besides my long Northface and 180 earmuffs, the Hunter boots were by far my best investment throughout my college career.  I bought mine from Overstock for only $80.  I even waited patiently to be notified when my size and color were back in stock.  Well worth the wait. 

2. I have been on the hunt for a fur vest the past couple of weeks.  Thanks K for doing some searching for me as well and dealing with me sending you links to more and more vests.  This image is from Ann Taylor and of course it's sold out.  It was just what I wanted.  A brown I could wear with black or white.  And I didn't want one that was in your face/over the top because I wanted to be able to wear it more than once a year.  After I had given up on the vest, K and I headed over to Anthropologie early last week (it's dangerous having one walking distance from your apartment), and what did I find on the sale rack?! You guessed it! The fur vest I had been looking for all along.  

3.  I don't think I would mind having an infinite amount infinity scarves in my life.  How do you like that play on words?  While I love the one pictured above, one of my favorites in my closet is from LOFT.  And yes I look just like this when I wear it. 

via

5. As far as the nail polish goes, I just really don't think you can go wrong with Essie.  I fully intend to wear this over winter break to add some pop to my outfits.  No, it's not a bright pink, but it's still brighter than the normal grey and taupe I keep using.  And it's called cocktail bling, so what's not to love?!

What are your favorite items for the winter months?

Colored Denim

This post is in honor of my dear friend A who I had the pleasure of being neighbors with in the big 'ole Kappa Kastle.  We finally got a chance to catch up for just a little last week (a little time is better than no time), and she told me I should write about colored denim.  Done and done. 

The pair she just purchased gets to be number one because it's my favorite and well this post is in her honor so that's just how things work around here.  I put them in order of the ones I would be most likely to wear to least likely to wear.  The bright colors just freak me out a little bit for pants.  When I wear skinny jeans, I have always been a fan of black as a means to keep my legs looking as slim as possible with this trend.  I think my Irish dancing thighs could look frightening in the bright blue pair.  No exaggeration.  Do you know any Irish dancers? Add calves to the list as well.  Two comments that stick out to me from middle school: "It looks like you have a shoe in your leg" and "When I look at your legs, I think of a horse."  Oh, thanks friends, that was just what I wanted to hear during those extremely awkward middle school years. 

But just because they may not look great on me, doesn't mean I don't love this trend.  I have seen girls that look phenomenal in these bright and tight pants.

one / two / three / four / five / six

What are you thoughts on this trend? Do you own colored denim? If so, what colors? Are they flattering? Tell me everything.  And then some.

Necklaces That Make a Statement

Necklaces can make or break an outfit.  My favorite part about them is that you can re-wear them with all different types of outfits.  Here are some of my favorites (after finding these pictures it appears that I typically wear statement necklaces only when I'm with Boyfriend B...who knew?)

 One of my more recent purchases from Fred.  Such a fun pop of color.

 One of my all-time faves (the necklace and friend) from BCBG...sorry you can't buy my friend B there though.

 Another necklace from Fred.  Debated between this one and another one at the store for far too long, but I am very happy that I walked away with this one (not literally, I totally  paid for it).

 Same necklace...different dress.  See what I mean...different outfit but just as fun?

 

Definitely one of my larger statement necklaces from Express.  Perfect with a little black dress.

 Same necklace, different outfit, different climate (hello winter in Wisconsin).

Do you have a go-to necklace that you love?  Are you looking to add to your collection? Have anything you think I would love?

Happy shopping :)

The Early Bird Gets the Worm

It's no secret that I love a good sale (fall for them every time--I'm a sucker).  I also have this thing where I like to get my Christmas shopping done extremely early.  Got the BF's and sister's done like 6 months ago.  Already set with almost everything for my mom...and then there are the dad and brother.  K I'm working on you, and well, my dad's just harder to shop for.

We already had the good 'ole Bloomingdale's Friends and Family 20% off and low and behold, I woke up to an email from my dear friends at Saks this morning.  It's time for their Friends and Family 20% off as well!

Use code: FRIEND9 at checkout, and I did some extra searching for my own friends and family to get you free shipping as well, you're welcome.  Use code: SHIPSFA and watch the $$$ drop (I think it's only if you spend $200+ though).  I'm crushing on these wonderful flats (I live in my black ones, and these are perfect for teaching):

 

And to my wonderful teacher friends, Ann Taylor is having 40% off EVERYTHING, may I repeat EVERYTHING.  They had this the other week, and I may or may not have picked up a few things for my new practicum placement.  Let's get serious...this year is a year-long interview so I need to bring my A-game right?!  Here are some of my  finds:

So cozy.  I like to layer a long black or white top underneath the sweater.

For that pop of color.

Great with skinny jeans and just so cozy.

The swoop as I like to call it can be removed making this a 2-in-1 purchase.  My favorite kind.

This girl is currently on a spending freeze, but leave me a comment/shoot me a message, and I would be more than happy to shop vicariously through you!



(All images via one, two-five)

Sweater Weather

My apologies for being MIA the past week.  My wonderful boyfriend came to visit, and we were busy watching the Brewers, Badgers, and Packers just dominating...and eating delicious food.  I tried a new recipe this weekend, and I would highly recommend it.  I would post pictures of my results, but the quality of the pictures were not very good.  Guess I need a nice camera like my sister's (cough, cough, wink, wink, nod, nod....catch my drift?)  Anyways, here's the link to the recipe, and thanks to my dear friend K for referring me to this site (her and her fabulous fiance love the Buffalo Chicken Wraps from the same site):  Chicken Parmesan Wraps

Moving on, in case you didn't know already, I am obsessed with Fall.  I'll be taking bets on how many Pumpkin Spice candles my roommate and I go through this season and get back to you when we move on to Cinnamon Spice :)

Throughout the next two seasons, sweaters become a crucial part of my wardrobe, and I am constantly searching to add more to my collection.  I recently purchased this sweater vest at Hot Mama...no I am not a mom, but let me tell you this store has an amazing sweater selection.  Go check it out if you're around Hilldale and then call me, and I'll come meet you there.  I've worn this as seen in the picture or with a thin black belt.

Here are some lust worthy sweaters I hope to find in the very near future:

I especially hope to add some color to my sweater collection soon as I wear mostly black, grey, and camel.  Yes please to the green and purple, but let's not trigger our inner Barney here.  I prefer the deep colors in the last two pictures and would seriously love you if you found them and dropped them off at my doorstep for me.

Please and thank you.

(Images via one, two-five)

US Shipping for Zara

Just in case you've been living under a rock...Zara is now shipping to the US, which is great for Wisconsinites like myself who do not have the joy of a Zara near by.  Here are some of my favorite drool worthy pieces...

So maybe I need to spice up my color selections a tad, but I can't help but go back to the basics.

What are you currently swooning over at Zara??

(all images via Zara)