Fairly Fair Isle

necklace (stella & dot c/o), sweater (GAP 30% off with code FESTIVE), blouse (J.Crew see SIMILAR), jeans (dL 1961 40% Off), oxfords (Zara sold out, see alternatives HERE ON SALE, HERE, and Leos HERE), bag ( Michael Kors, see similar HERE love this CAMEL VERSION), shades (Ray Ban)

Could she get any more bright and cheery than this Fair Isle Sweater (30% off with code FESTIVE)?  I think not!  I have to say this is the first Fair Isle I've owned in ages.  It would make for the perfect gift, too---at least I know I'd like to receive something warm and cozy like this (take note, mom..no more kitchen knives) for the holidays.  

And on the gift giving note, I've got a goodin' for any lovely lady in your life ( think mom, sis, daughter, or yourself really for that matter).  My Stella & Dot Monogrammed Necklace has quickly become one of my everyday pieces (so much so, you'll see me style it throughout upcoming posts).  The fact that it has my girls' initials on it makes it that much more special.  The fact that it is under $60--makes it that much more fantastic.  And finally, the fact that Stella & Dot stylist Claire Birmingham is offering s + s readers 10% off purchases of $50 or more (which this Lovely applies) makes it just that much more necessary to snag.  If y'all are game for a little discount, just shoot Claire an email at ccbirm (at) sbcglobal (dot) net OR message her directly on HER S & D SITE and she'll take care of you all.  Y'all enjoy your evening and feel free to shop the look below along with some additional fair isle(s).  Make it a good one!

photos courtesy of Andrew Adams

The Black Classic

blouse (Chico's c/o), denim (DL 1961 Similar minus the distressed love THESE DISTRESSED), heels ( Loeffler Randall, Omar + Elsie, available online HERE --how 'bout the matching CLUTCH ON SALE), clutch ( Clare Vivier, Omar + Elsie, available online HERE), necklaces (Chico's x 2 c/o), cuff (Similar), bracelets (J.Crew, Sylvia Benson, c/o), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck), shades (Gucci), watch (Michael Kors)

So many times when I choose what to wear, I over think it be it colors, patterns, or maybe a not-so-comfy cut or shape.  Sure the rig may look alright in the end, but I've gotta say, sometimes less definitely is more.  Keeping her simple and classic is key.  Could there be anything more classic than a Button Down Blouse?  Paired with well fitted Distressed Denim and Spotted Heels, sure she's simple, but that's exactly what I like about her.  Chunked up with some Baubles (remember my double up trick) and a Leo clutch adds just the right amount of interest for my taste.  So if headed out this weekend and stuck in a what-to-wear rut--go back to your basics--gotta a pretty solid feeling they'll be just as fab as some of your more elaborate threads.  Y'all make it a great one! 

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

this post was sponsored by Chico's

Simply Bow

blouse (Asos, soldout, see other BOWS BELOW), heels (Loeffler Randal, Omar + Elsie see FLATS version HERE &  Neutral Pair HERE), denim (DL1961), cuff (Morton James), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck), shades (Gucci)

Rest assured while the stinkin' blouse pictured is no longer avail (bought on sale from ASOS late last year), I'll give you all a dose of bows below that will hopefully make up for this shirt's unavailability.  But aside from the bow and my love for its utter femininity, the moral of this post's story is that simple and classic looks can be amped up just a notch with touches of detail.  Case in point, all this look is,  is jeans and a white blouse--simple, everyone has them in their closet, utterly classic.  But by pairing them with what I believe to be a fabulous HEEL (and hold the damn phone,  how sick is this PAIR), a distressed JEAN, and maybe a dainty bow blouse like THIS, you sorta separate your typical jeans & blouse look from the pack.  For me that's what it's all about, keeping the silhouettes relatively classic, and adding elements of detail to make the look all your own.  

Quick tidbit for those that are somewhat DIY challenged like myself--I own 3 pairs of these JEANS (hence them being in about 80% of my posts), and I wanted to shorten one of the pairs so instead of taking them to my seamstress like I typically do, I just trimmed the ends and left them au nautural--took me all of 2 mins and I love the frayed edges--gives them just a little extra umph.  

Alright gang, have a great start to your week---I've gotta Dallas Detox--such a great great weekend in an amazing venue with a really fabulous group of gals...we'll chat more about that later for sure.  But for now, make it a good one and check out some bows below:

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

A Flowy Fave

scarf (Pomegranate c/o), jeans (dL1961 DIY'd by yours truly), tank (J.Crew), heels (Sole Society c/o), hat (Gap see similar HERE), bag (Michael Kors), shades (Gucci), cuff (Morton James, Lexington), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck), necklace (Page Sargisson)

Snaked this Pomegranate Scarf last year and I have to say, I've already put her to use quite a bit this spring (see HERE & HERE).  And while boho ain't necessarily my gig (although I wish I could pull it off more for sure), I am loving the easy breezy feel of the scarf, hat, tank and jeans.  All of these pieces with the exception of these Sole Society Heels, which I am a big fan of btw, are oldies but goodies I've had in my arsenal.  Just a little reminder to all of us (myself definitely included) to remix what you have.  Sure it's a new season, but that doesn't mean you need to completely revamp your wardrobe...just breathe a little life into what you currently have (this was my sporty take on the Scarf last year).   A few tweaks goes further than you think!   Alright gang, make it a good one--cheers to a lovely week!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

My Mother's Closet

blazer (Ann Taylor, mother's from the '80s, try sizing up THIS BLAZER), tshirt (Zara), jeans (DL 1961 CRAZY GOOD SALE!), heels (J.Crew), hat (J.Crew EXTRA 40% OFF, may snake THIS ONE, too), bag (Michael Kors), rings (Anna Beck, David Yurman), phone cover (J.Crew), bracelets (J.Crew, Sylvia Benson c/o), watch (Cartier)

Over the holidays I took a spontaneous (solo) roadtrip to see the folks in FLA for a few days.  Wouldn't you know my mother took full advantage of me having a car (or rather an empty trunk) to send me back to KY with essentially EVERY piece of childhood memorabilia known to man.  We're talking middle school yearbooks, love letters to my high school boyfriend (beyond hysterical), art projects, prom corsages (who saves those anyhow), sorority bid day nonsense---you name it, it came back to the KY--no seriously, she sent me back with a cast from when I broke a bone as a kid---kinda weird, and yet Campbell sleeps with it at night---kid is so damn funny.  
The plus side; however, to my mother's purge was that I got to snag a few of her old school gems that she no longer wears.  Now, my mom isn't as crazy of a clothes horse as I, but she prided herself on having a few key beautiful pieces of which I blatantly snaked and brought back home with me---case in point, this blazer.  Shoulder pads, gold buttons, and an oversized typical 80s fit--shut it, I'm in love.  I can't go crazy over the top old school from head to toe so I opted to modernize the blazer with a loose fitting tee, Distressed Denim (on MAJOR SALE), some LEO HEELS, and a gold wrist.  Combine all of these elements and we've elevated this sucker to modern day, right?  Stay tuned later this week for a little Aunt Mary Jane Closet issue---pit stopped in the ATL to visit my mother's sis and sure did clean house in her closets, too!  Alright gang, cheers to a fab start to the week!  

PS:  yes, that's snow, and I'm the jackhole freezing my hind off while waiting for KT to get her settings all squared away---snap to it, sis!  Stay tuned for pretty funny outtakes during this session--we got hammered by wind & snow!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Plaid Your Fur

vest (BB Dakota, see other furs HERE & HERE), plaid (Bella Dahl c/o Morton James, Lexington see other plaids HERE & HERE), jeans (dl 1961), boots (Michael Kors, see heeled version & other flats HERE, HERE), bag (Michael Kors), cuff (unknown), bracelets (Sylvia Benson), rings (Anna Beck, Lagos), shades (Ray Ban)

Must start this post off with a HUGE congrats to my Seminoles---what a friggin' game--I may have developed an ulcer last night, but eh, all worth it!  
Not my first rodeo with Fur & Plaid and the pairing has not lost its luster this winter either!  It makes for a perfect juxtaposition of laidback & glam--my fave.  Must admit, there's no way in hell I could sport this today as it's about 0 degrees in Lex--but at the time these were shot, we weren't at arctic temps!  Alright gang, gotta busy work day--you all stay warm out there!  

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Nole Nation

tshirt (Garnet & Gold), coat (Banana Republic sold out, see other STRIPES & how adorable is this Scalloped Number), jeans (dl 1961), bag (Michael Kors), chucks (Converse), ring (Kendra Scott), cuff (unknown), bracelets (Sylvia Benson), shades (Gucci)

Big day.  Big big day for my fellow Seminoles.  I attended FSU the last time we won the national championship (I just totally aged myself) and when I tell you it's magical--it is.  Many of my fellow alumni are in Pasadena no doubt already beginning the festivities.  Considering it is 3 degrees here in Kentucky, I will be in the comfort of my warm, cozy living room, sporting my PJs, Blue Moon in hand, cheering my ass off for my team.   Come on boys--let's bring another one home!  

F-L-O-R-I-D-A  S-T-A-T-E, Florida State, Florida State, Florida State--Woooooooo!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Buffalo Soldier

coat (J.Crew LOVE this VEST VERSION), tshirt (Gap see similar stripes on sale HERE), jeans (dl 1961), oxfords (Zara, extra 40% off THESE MIRRORS), bag (Michael Kors), belt (banana republic), bracelets (Sylvia Benson), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck), shades (Ray Ban)

I hopped on the bandwagon like many of you and bought this Coat (see SIMILAR) because frankly it was just too dang good to pass up.  Always an avid lover or plaid, checks, gingham and the like, I knew this sucker would be a great topper for many a looks.  Yes, sadly, there is a limited selection of sizes left, but don't fret as I've scouted out some other super cute buffalo (see HERE, HERE, HERE).  Alright gang, cheers to a fab weekend--it's beyond frigid as I know it is in many parts of the country--stay bundled!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem