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!