April Showers...Brings Out Anoraks!

This April, most of the forecast here in Des Moines has been cloudy and rainy.  Every once in a while the sun comes out to play, but then the next day it is usually followed by rain.  Since April is regularly a rainy month, one spring staple I think every woman (and man) needs to own is a lightweight anorak.  An anorak is a waterproof jacket, typically with a hood.  Not only are anoraks functional to keep rain off of you, but they can come in cute styles as well.  They are a good option when you have already put away your heavier coats and the weather is still a little chilly, windy, or of course raining outside.  I recently bought this yellow anorak at Target for only $40.  This jacket comes in variety of colors, click on the link above to find more colors.  I was drawn to this jacket because 1) I loved the bright color, 2)the cinched waist helps to create and define your waist (which looks great on many body types), and 3) it covers your butt (great for those women who like something long enough to cover their behind or are self-conscious about their backside).  Below I’ve created three outfits utilizing this newly bought anorak jacket. 

Outfit #1 – Floral Print + Anorak

This first outfit I actually wore for this past Easter.  This year’s Easter weather was a little chilly and cloudy outside.  Even though it wasn’t sunny, I wanted to wear a bright spring color.  I paired a floral button-up with black skinny jeans and topped the outfit with my yellow anorak.  Since it wasn’t sunny enough for sandals, I opted for a pair of leopard flats to add another print into the ensemble.

Shirt: Target //Jeans: JCPenny //Jacket: Target (this spring)//Shoes: DSW // Bracelet: BCBG Max Azria

Outfit #2 – Nautical Stripes + Anorak

I wore this second outfit a couple weekends ago running errands when the weather was sunny, but scattered showers.  For this outfit, I was inspired by the destination of walking on a beach in the Northeast or sailing on a boat.  I paired a red and white Breton stripe knit tee and white skinny jeans.  I continued the nautical theme with red Keds sneakers and topped the outfit off with the yellow anorak.

Shirt: Target (this spring)// Jeans: Kohl's (Lauren Conrad Collection)// Jacket: Target (this spring)// Shoes: Target 

Outfit #3 – Scout’s Honor

For this last outfit, I was inspired by taking a hike through the woods with a Boy Scout troop.  For my Scout’s uniform interpretation, I paired a white safari inspired shirt with sage green chino ankle pants.  I accessorized with an olive paisley print bandana tied around my neck in reference to the neckerchiefs the Scouts wear.  I amped up the footwear by slipping on a pair of faux suede ankle booties and added a camel colored saddle bag to potentially hold a compass and a fire starter kitJ.  I finished the ensemble off with the yellow anorak and a top knot for functionality while hiking through the woods.

Shirt: TJMaxx (old)//Pants: Old Navy (this spring - see here)//Jacket: Target (spring)//Boots: Charlotte Russe//Bandana: old 

Which outfit is your favorite and why?  How would you wear an anorak?

Winter to Spring: Neo-Victorian

In my opinion, February and March are the months where you start transitioning your clothes from winter to spring.  I enjoy this time of year because you can start switching out your heavier coats for lighter-weight jackets and layering becomes your best friend.

One trend that continues into spring from the fall 2015 season is Neo-Victorian.  Elements of Neo-Victorian include high necklines, delicate ruffles, puffy Old-English sleeves, romantic lace, and big vintage florals.  If you are to invest in at least one of these elements, I would recommend lace.  Lace is a fabric that can be worn all year-round.  Lace comes in a variety of colors and options to wear, including dresses, shirts, shorts and skirts.  For this post, I’ve created two outfits transitioning my ivory lace and ruffled shirt from winter to spring.  Plus if you read through this post, you can see a bonus outfit.

Winter: Lace and Velvet

This past fall, I was intrigued by the Neo-Victorian trend and how I can utilize it in my wardrobe.  For this winter outfit, I paired my ivory lace shirt with a maroon velvet blazer and black skinny pants.  When lace is paired with velvet, it exerts a gothic romance look.  I slipped on a pair of black faux fur smoking slippers to add more texture while the dark lip and silver drop earrings add more dark romance to the ensemble.  This outfit would be a great outfit for work or even a night-out attending a theater performance.

Shirt: Dillard's // Blazer: Casual Corner (Ann Taylor) // Pants: Gap // Shoes: DSW // Earrings: Francesca's

Spring: Lace and Peach

I think of lace as being a feminine fabric.  It can be girly paired with pastels and light colors, or can exert a hard and soft exterior when paired with leather.  For this spring outfit, I combined feminine and tailored elements.  I paired the lace shirt with peach chino pants and topped it off with a blush blazer.  I accessorized with a rose gold watch, bracelets and two gold cocktail rings.  I slipped on a pair of gold, rope detailed ballet flats to finish the ensemble.  This outfit would be a great business casual work outfit or lunch date.

Shirt: Dillard's (Gianni Bini)// Blazer: Kohl's (Lauren Conrad Collection)// Pants: The Limited (last spring) // Shoes: Dillard's // Watch: Fossil// Rings: Old Navy// Bracelet: Gift

BONUS Outfit: Maroon Crochet Lace Swing Dress

For this bonus outfit, I wanted to show how a crochet lace swing dress can be transitioned from winter to spring without changing jewelry.

Winter: 70’s Rocker Chick

I have recently embraced swing dresses and I found this one at Dry Goods.  I love the 60’s vibe of the dress with the mock turtleneck to the flowy tent-like silhouette.  I wasn’t sure if I would look alright in a swing dress, but when I tried it on; I knew I could make it work.  For this outfit, I was inspired by the silhouette, so I encompassed elements of the 60’s and 70’s.  I paired the dress with a black faux fur cropped vest along with black tights and faux suede black over-the-knee boots to emulate a 70’s rocker chick who is headed to a rock concert.  I layered on gold leaf earrings, mixed media long necklace, gold chevron bracelet, and ornate cocktail rings to finish the ensemble.

Dress: Dry Goods// Vest: BCBGeneration// Tights: Target (old) // Boots: Charlotte Russe// Necklace: Old// Bracelet/Earrings: Express // Rings: Vintage (Grandma's)

Spring: Casual in Denim

To transition the outfit above to spring, all I did was switch out the fur vest for a denim jacket and over-the-knee boots for cognac wedge sandals.  As I mentioned above all the jewelry is the same.  Now I’m ready for a casual date or shopping during the spring.

Dress: Dry Goods// Jacket: Old Navy// Shoes: JCPenny

Do you like the Neo-Victorian trend?  How would you wear it?

Valentine's Day Special - Hot Pink Lady

Valentine’s Day is this weekend, do you already have romantic plans with your loved one or are you celebrating with your gal pals?  This year, my husband Mike and I are heading to Centro, one of Des Moines’s most renowned restaurants.  It’s been awhile since we have been to Centro and we are excited to celebrate our first Valentine’s Day as a married couple! 

This year for Valentine’s Day, I will be wearing hot pink. For every Valentine’s Day, I like to switch up the color I wear.  Three years ago I wore red, two years ago I wore a black with red accents, and last year I wore purple.  Generally, pink is not my go-to color, but I fell in love with a hot pink sheath dress I found on sale at Nordstrom Rack this past fall.  I love this sheath dress because of its classic silhouette, the bold color, and its unique cutout details.   This dress has a lot of versatility because it can be worn in the winter as shown below, or it can be worn during the warmer months because of its a bright color.

For this special occasion I wanted to amp up this hot pink dress by combining it with accents of black and white so I paired the dress with black opaque tights and my new black and white printed stilettos I recently bought this past fall.  I decided to wear my hair in a messy chignon in order to highlight my black and silver jeweled statement earrings.  I finished the look with a silver bracelet, cocktail ring, and a hot pink lip.

Dress; Nordstrom Rack (sale) //Shoes/Tights: Target // Earrings/Bracelet: Express // Ring: Von Maur

What are you wearing to celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Pantone 2016 Color of the Year: Rose Quartz & Serenity – Winter Edition

For the first time, the blending of two shades – Rose Quartz and Serenity are chosen as Pantone’s 2016 Color of the Year.  According to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of Pantone Color Institute®, “Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and a tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.”  These two shades reflect our psychological yearning of calm and relaxation during our day-to-day stresses as well as our society’s experience of blurring gender lines as it relates to fashion.

Once I found out Rose Quartz and Serenity were named the Color of the Year, I started to envision how I can use these colors, whether it's worn separate or together.  This year, I will show how you can wear these two colors during each season.

Once January hits, I start wearing less of the darker shades of fall and winter and embracing a softer color palette as spring approaches.  The first couple months of the year are the perfect time to wear lighter hued sweaters, such as coral, lavender, or even rose quartz and serenity. Below I’ve created two winter outfits utilizing Pantone’s 2016 Color of the Year – Rose Quartz & Serenity.

Winter – Rose Quartz & Winter White

Rose Quartz is a soft, calming pastel color that I love wearing opposite winter white during the colder months.  For this outfit, I paired my pale pink cable knit sweater with cream colored skinny corduroy pants.  I slipped on tan suede knee high boots along with a cream suede vintage hat with tassel for an added touch of texture and whimsy.  I accessorized the look with a pastel colored gemstone pendant and topped it off with a classic camel wool coat.

Sweater/Ring: Old Navy// Pants: Kohl's (Lauren Conrad Collection)// Coat: Dillard's (Antonio Melani)// Hat: Atomic Garage// Necklace: The Limited// Boots: Thrift Store (old)

Winter – Serenity W/Winter White & Tan

The name says it all.  Serenity is a state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.  This tranquil blue resembles the airy weightlessness of the sky.  During these chillier months, it’s hard to show fluidity or weightlessness in outfits since we are wrapped up in warmer fabrics.  For this outfit, I decided to combine soft textures with casual staples that can be transitioned into early spring with a change of shoes.  I paired my serenity colored V-neck sweater with a lighter washed pair of skinny jeans.  I tossed a cream and blue abstract printed cotton scarf around my neck and slipped on a pair of tan suede booties.  I finished the ensemble with the same camel wool coat as the previous outfit and topped it off with a cream colored winter stocking hat.  To transition this outfit into spring, just take off the hat, coat, and swap the booties for a pair of ballet flats or sandals.

Sweater/Scarf: Old Navy// Coar: Dillard's (Antonio Melani// Boots: Charlotte Russe (this fall)// Hat: Kohl's (this winter)

Do you like Rose Quartz & Serenity? How would you wear these colors during the winter?

Sparkle, Shimmer, Sequins, Oh My!!

Happy New Year!!

It’s New Year’s Eve and what better way to celebrate than to get dolled up in some sparkle, shimmer, or sequins? I love experimenting with different textures and metallics this time of year!  Which metallic shall I choose this year?  Gold, silver, rose gold or even bronze?  Below I’ve created three outfits for different NYE occasions.

Outfit #1 – Creative Formal Event

This outfit is a great option if you are headed to a more formal NYE event but want to make a statement.  Yes, you can wear basic cocktail dresses, but what’s the fun in looking similar to everyone else.  If you like to take risks with your clothes, then maybe think of this option.  For this outfit, I wore a black, pale pink and gold brocade crop top and matching high waisted midi skirt.  I loved this two-piece set because it had a rich texture and the pink and gold combined made a rose gold illusion on the outfit.  I accessorized the outfit with black lace tights and gold heels, a bronze envelope clutch, and gold statement earrings and rings.  Since I wanted to emphasize the texture of the dress and earrings, I curled my hair and pinned it back away from my face so the outfit can really shine.  I recently wore this outfit to the YPC Inaugural Gala this past December.

Crop Top/Skirt: Von Maur (this fall) // Tights: Old // Shoes: Old // Clutch: BCBG Max Azria // Earrings; Old

Outfit #2 – Silver & Ice Blue

This next outfit would be a good option for someone who is attending a NYE party and wants to make a statement, but doesn’t want to outshine the host.  For this outfit, instead of a dress I wore separates.  I paired my ice blue button-up blouse with a silver pleated skirt along with a black belt to define my waist and black opaque tights.  I splashed the outfit with some color by slipping on color blocked pointed stilettos, silver jewelry, and a matte red-orange lip to complement the red in the heels.  I pulled my hair back halfway to showcase the earrings and lip color.

Shirt: Express // Skirt: BCBGeneration // Tights: Target (old) // Belt/Bracelet: Express // Shoes: Kohl's (Rock N Republic - this year) //Earrings; Old // Ring: Von Maur // Lip Color: Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm "Striking Spectaculaire"

Outfit #3 – Black & Gold

This last outfit is a good option for someone who prefers to wear pants on New Year’s than a dress and maybe likes to wear sparkle subtlety.  This outfit would be great if you are having a more relaxed, intimate NYE – going to a lounge for some dinner and drinks or celebrating with a small group of people.  Since the outfit is mostly black, I amped up the texture and maximized the accessories in the outfit.  I paired a black and gold sparkly oversized sweater with black pleather leggings and black ankle boots.  I accessorized the outfit with a plethora of gold jewelry.  I finished the look with a bronze envelope clutch and a red-orange lip for a pop of color. 

Sweater/Necklace/Earrings: Express (this year) // Pants: Express (old) // Bracelet: Express // Rings: Old Navy // Clutch: BCBG Max Azria 

Which outfit is your favorite?  What are you wearing for New Year’s Eve? 

Winter Staple: Christmas Sweater

'Tis the season to shop and give gifts to loved ones, send out holiday cards, and wait for the white bearded rotund man in a red suit to come down the chimney! This time of year I love breaking out my Christmas sweaters, and I’m not talking about the “ugly” Christmas kind. 

I think everyone should own a holiday sweater they can cozy up in around the season.  These Christmas sweaters I’m referring to contain graphics of Christmas or wintery motifs, such as reindeer, Santa, snowflakes, ice skates, or even cute animals such as penguins and polar bears.  Don’t confuse these sweaters with Fair Isle knit sweaters, which will be featured in a blog post in the near future! If you don’t already own one in time for Christmas, there are plenty on sale at various retailers, including men’s sweaters! Below I’ve created three different outfits all utilizing my red and black reindeer and snowflake motif sweater. Happy Holidays!!

Outfit #1 – Casual Christmas

For this first outfit, I paired the sweater with brick red comfy jeggings and threw on a black and white marled grandpa cardigan to continue the casual vibe of the look.  I finished the outfit with black quilted moto boots.  This outfit would be great cozying up by the fire unwrapping some presents.  I recently wore this outfit during an evening of baking Christmas cookies and sipping hot chocolate with family.  

Sweater: Forever 21 (Old) // Cardigan Sweater: Target (this season) // Pants: Kohl's (sale) (Lauren Conrad Collection // Boots: Nordstrom Rack

Outfit #2 – Winter Shorts

I love experimenting with different textures, especially during the winter months.  Tweed is a great fabric to try during the fall/winter season.  For this outfit, I paired the sweater with gray tweed tailored shorts and black opaque tights.  I added a pop of red with the belt and slipped on some black ankle boots to finish the ensemble.  This outfit would be great if you want to try something different than wearing basic jeans or leggings and it would be great if you were meeting up with some friends for coffee or gift exchange.

Shorts: Forever 21 (old) // Tights/Belt: Target (old) // Boots: Kohl's 

Outfit #3 – Festive at Work

This last outfit is for the woman who likes to wear a little holiday spirit at the workplace.  I switched the tweed shorts from outfit #2 with a black leather pencil skirt.  I accessorized with a gunmetal bauble necklace and couple cocktail rings.  I complemented the red in the sweater by wearing a pair of red faux suede booties to finish the look.

Skirt: Loft // Booties: Charlotte Russe (old) // Necklace: Francesca's // Rings: Express & Old Navy

Do you own a cute Christmas Sweater?  How would you wear it?

Outerwear Trend: The Cape

December is definitely coat season! The days have been getting shorter and nights longer so the weather gets chillier faster.  However in Des Moines this week, the forecast has been in the 50’s.  For those days where the weather is fair and it’s not a blizzard outside, do I have a great coat option for you...the Cape!!

I love capes because there is something nostalgic about them – they bring me a different time and various locales.  Also a cape is a great polished option instead of your peacoat or overcoat.  Below I’ve created three different outfits utilizing a cognac cape I recently bought off of Etsy (it was also a gift I gave to my bridesmaids for my wedding this past October).

Outfit #1 – Parisian Chic

Since capes are sleeveless and don’t have structured shoulders nor silhouette, I feel it has some feminine qualities, and when I think of a place that embodies a woman that is both feminine and polished, I image Paris.  For this bon chic bon genre outfit, I wore my cognac cape over a tan and black striped turtleneck paired with black A-line miniskirt.  I accessorized the look with a black velvet beret, pearl multistrand necklace, and black patterned tights to add more femininity and texture to the ensemble.  I topped this look off with a pair of black faux suede booties.

Cape: Etsy // Turtleneck: The Limited (this fall) // Skirt: Express // Tights: Target (old) // Shoes: TJMaxx // Hat: gift (old) // Necklace: Old

Outfit #2 – Collegiate Inspired

For this next outfit, I traveled over to London to learn more about Sherlock Holmes, whose stereotypical plaid cape inspired me.  Now I didn’t copy the outfit verbatim, but when I think of plaid in this sense, academia comes to mind.   For this collegiate inspired look, I wanted to keep it minimal and tailored by using texture.  I wore the cape over black ankle pants paired with a crisp white oxford button-up under a red cable knit sweater.  I finished the look with black faux fur smoking slippers and a red knitted winter hat.

Sweater: Target (this fall) // Shirt: Express // Pants: The Gap // Shoes: DSW // Hat: old

Outfit #3 – Après Ski

For this last outfit, I wanted to create a look that was more casual than the other two, but still had a cozy wintery vibe.  This outfit is for a woman who wants to walks the streets of a chic ski town with a hot chocolate in her hand.  I wore the cape over dark skinny jeans paired with a cream cable knit sweater and cognac riding boots.  A pair of winter boots would be a great option as well if the ground is layered with snow or slush.  I topped the ensemble off with a cognac and maroon knitted hat and a cream winter scarf.

Sweater: Old Navy // Jeans: American Eagle // Boots: DSW // Hat: Amana Woolen Mill // Scarf (3 piece set including hat. gloves, scarf): Kohl's (this season)

Which outfit is your favorite? Would you wear a cape?  How would you wear it?