Friday, August 30, 2013

Patch Things Up...


{Top- (old) Jack, Jeans- Aeropostale, Shoes- (old) Nine West, Belt- (old) Loft, Bracelets- (old) BCBGeneration & J. Crew}

Patchwork denim is springing up everywhere.  I'm definitely outside the Aeropostale demographic, but I ended up scoring these jeans for like $15!  Can't beat that!  So that they don't look quite so scrubby, I paired them with a flowy top and a few touches of leopard...

Fashion Fridays - #8 - MTV VMA's

 Ciara

Ellie Goulding

Katy Perry

Lady Gaga

Miley Cyrus

Selena Gomez

Taylor Swift

{Images via}

The MTV Video Music Awards is always a red carpet where the stars can push the fashion limits a bit.  This year, I can't say I really loved any of them in particular, though Ciara's hair in the first pic makes me re-think highlights - love!

Thursday, August 29, 2013

J. Crew, I Love You... - #8 - Leather-Front Merino Cardigan


{Available here}

Leather was big last year and it looks like it's not going away for this Fall either.  This J. Crew leather-front cardigan is a fun way to try the trend.  Available in navy or black, this would be great for work with a trouser pant and button down, or for play with distressed jeans and a great pair of heels!

Thrifty Thursdays - #8 - Beanies, Baby!


{Inspiration via}

Even though ball caps are having a moment as seen here, I still love a simple knit beanie!  Another great transitional piece going into fall, a beanie somehow manages to add that nonchalant chic-but-not-trying vibe.  At $5.80 each, Forever 21 makes it easy to buy one in every flavor! 


{Available here}

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Splurge {vs} Save - #8 - Code Rings


{Left- Lulu Frost, Right- Forever 21}

These code rings were originally designed by Lulu Frost.  Delicate and stackable - they're a fun way to rock your favorite/lucky number.  I've always thought they were darling, but at $440 each, that's a statement I just can't afford.  Forever 21 comes thru again for us this week - their set gives you all 10 rings for only $5.80.  Which will you do- splurge, or save?...

Batter Up...


{Top- Forever 21, Shorts- (old) Saks Fifth Avenue, Shoes- Kohl's, Necklaces- (old) Juicy Couture & J. Crew}

Toning down my silk shorts with a baseball inspired sweatshirt.  A simple heel and some jubeeju necklaces complete the look...

Workout Wednesdays - #8 - Diet Substitutions

We all know if we want to see results from our hard work at the gym, we need to focus on fitness AND diet.  Here are some easy substitutions that have healthy benefits and don't feel like too much of a trade off!  Do you think you can make the switch?...





{Via}

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Hello Dottie!


{Top- (old) Ann Taylor, Pants- (old) Loft, Shoes- Kohl's, Necklaces- (old) Loft}

Playing with polka dots and color today!  With this much going on, why hold back with accessories?  Pile on the tassel necklaces, add a simple sandal, and you're all set!

Tasty Tuesdays - #8 - Pumpkin Bread



This was my first success story while using my new Kitchenaid mixer you heard about last week.  Some may say it's a bit premature,  but end of August has me thinking about Fall and I'm down for pretty much anything pumpkin!  Try it - you won't regret it!
 
Ingredients:
 
1 (15oz) can pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
3 cups white sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/3 teaspoon ground ginger


Directions:

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (175 degrees C).  Grease and flour three 7x3 inch loaf pans.

In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended.  In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger.  Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended.  Pour into the prepared pans.

Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven.  Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Atten-tion!


{Top- (old) Loft, Pants- Old Navy, Shoes- (old) Anne Klein, Necklaces- (old) J. Crew}

I love pairing something that is traditionally more masculine, with something that's uber feminine.  Camo is everywhere this season for both men and women, but a semi sheer fluttery blouse and gold heel makes it feel flirty!  Atten-tion!

Music Mondays - #8 - The Great Gatsby Soundtrack


{Available here}

The original film was already fantastic, but I have to say- I enjoyed the remake as well.  Baz Luhrmann's films - while a bit over-the-top - are visually stunning and with a film like The Great Gatsby, I think the extravagance was on par.  If you haven't seen it yet, it's available on DVD tomorrow.  The soundtrack is definitely worth a purchase as well.  Everyone from Jay-Z, Lana Del Ray, Jack White, Gotye, Sia, and of course one of my all time faves- Florence + The Machine are on it.  Here she is performing her song off the soundtrack called "Over The Love" at the Chime For Change concert this past June.

 

Friday, August 23, 2013

Splurge {vs} Save - #7 - Jean Jackets


{Left- Gap, Right- Old Navy}

Jean jackets never go out of style.  Like all denim, the rinses may change, levels of distressing and embellishments come and go, but you just can't go wrong with a classic dark rinse.  Neither of these will break the bank when you think of the cost per wear that you'll get out of them, but it's always interesting to me how similar in style Gap and Old Navy can be considering they are under the same umbrella group Gap Inc.  The Gap's version will run you $69.95 while the Old Navy one comes in at $34.94.  Which will you do; splurge or save?

Here's a few street style snaps to further inspire...

Jean Jacket
Jean JacketJean Jacket 
{Images via}

J. Crew, I Love You... - #7 - Beaded Chambray Boy Shirt


{Available here}

Let your top do all the talking with this one!  How easy would any outfit be with this top?  No additional accessories necessary!  I love how J. Crew styled it with these leather shorts, but it would look equally great tucked into a midi skirt, with some rolled up khakis, anything really!


Fashion Fridays - #7 - In The Trenches...


{1- Asos, 2- Gap, 3- J. Crew, 4- Loft, 5- Zara}

A trench coat is a classic staple for any and all closets!  With summer winding down, it's time to think about some transitional pieces.  This is one item you shouldn't mind spending some money on as you'll have it forever, but as you can see there are many stylish options that won't break the bank!  To be honest - one of my favorite ones I own is an old school London Fog I got at Goodwill - nothin' wrong with that!

Here are some street style pics for inspiration...






{Images via}

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Flower Power...


{Top- Forever 21, Pants- J. Crew, Heels- (old) Nine West, Rings & Gold Bracelet- (old) Michael Kors, Yellow Bracelet- (old) J. Crew}

A pretty vintage print on a silky blouse that somehow perfectly matches the paint splatters on my pants - now that's some flower power!

Thrifty Thursdays - #7 - Phillip Lim for Target



As mentioned last week, Phillip Lim is the next designer collaboration for Target (in stores September 15th).  The full lookbook was officially released last week - check it out here.

What do you think?  Any pieces in particular that you think you'll need to partake in?

I pretty much want the whole outfit above, plus these look promising too...


Leopard Bag - but of course!

Pretty sure these are Men's sweatpants, but ask me if I care - sooo cute!

Can't quite tell about the size of this, but could make for a cute iPad case/organizer!

Great scarf!

In the famous words of The Black Eyed Peas - "Boom Boom Pow"!

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Seeing Spots...




{Dress- (old) H&M, Shoes- Gap, Necklaces- (old) Liz Claiborne}

I used to think dresses could only be worn with heels or sandals - I would never have considered adding a sneaker.  Street style has definitely changed by views on this.  Check out Alexa Chung and how she rocks sneaks below...I love how it tones down the overall look and feel of any outfit!
Sneakers with dresses 
Sneakers with dresses 
Sneakers with dresses
{Images via}

Workout Wednesdays - #7 - Sometimes You Just Need A Cute Outfit?



I don't know about you, but sometimes just being able to buy/wear a cute outfit motivates me to workout.  Even if I'm just at home and no one else sees me - it's all part of the journey of getting your body to a better place.  Just like my regular fashion preferences, I love a skinny pant with a fuller top.  While there are a lot of prestigious brands and stores to choose from, I think Gap and Old Navy have done a great job with their active lines.  And really, when it comes to black spandex, isn't it all pretty close?  These compression pants from Old Navy are great - the spandex helps suck it all in but allow for range of motion while exercising too!  I love this water bottle from Brita!  I discovered these while traveling for my job.  When you're on the go and not sure of the quality of water - this filters out all of the impurities and makes it safe to drink!  I highly recommend!


Top - Gap


Pants - Old Navy



Shoes - Saucony


Water Bottle - Brita