Classics and Cutoffs

boy's blazer (Ralph Lauren see similar HERE ON SALE), cutoffs (Levi's Urban Outfitters, see others HERE, HERE), blouse (Morton James, Lexington), belt (C.Wonder), loafers (C.Wonder see similar HERE, dying for these Flamingos), bag (Barrington c/o), necklace (Gorjana c/o), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck), bracelets (Morton James Cuff, Coordinates Omar + Elsie, Kate Spade), shades (Gucci)

When I first spotted these Denim Cutoffs in Urban Outfitters, I thought, "There is no way in Sam Hell I can appropriately sport these suckers!"  Then I sized up so they'd be a bit longer,and envisioned them with classic items such as  Blazers and Loafers and I figured what the hell, might as well give 'em a go.  I just couldn't resist their comfortable vintage feel--and the wash was pretty spot on, too.  Like many trends, I try to make them my own and not necessarily trend it out from head to toe--typically just doesn't work for me and I tend to look like a yahoo when doing so.  I've seen most gals sport these style shorts in a more boho meets urban kinda vibe and well as much as I love a boho look, it sorta ain't me.  No doubt I'll be wearing these guys with a Cute Button Down and some Striped Sneaks.  Have a feeling they'll definitely become a good ol' summer staple!  

Alright gang, make it a good one and feel free to shop the look below.

photos courtesy of  Kristin Tatem

The Fun Frock

dress (Boulee, Morton James Lexington), heels (Sophia Webster limited sizes avail HERE, more sizes for more jingle available HERE), clutch (Asos sold out, similar HERE, HERE, great deal HERE), shades (Gucci), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck), bracelets (Coordinates available at Omar + Elsie, Kate Spade)

I'm noticing a little habit developing in my looks these days....Long Sleeved Dresses and an endless supply of black and white (examples 1, 2, 3).  No clue why considering it is basically summer and colors, sleeveless, and the like are all the rage but sometimes I find black and white are equally as fresh and seasonally appropriate as the vibrant hues.  Not to mention they essentially flatter everyone.
Friendly reminder to follow along Morton James' Instagram for fantastic OOTD inspiration--they're  responsible for the lovely frock pictured above as well as a handful of other fave pieces in my arsenal.  
Alright gang, hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend.  We indeed did but it is back to the grind we go---make it a good one!  

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Lights vs Brights

look 1:  denim (dl1961 on SALE, love THESE skinnies), jacket (Chico's c/o ON SALE), blouse (Morton James), necklace (AJs Casuals, Lexington), heels (French Connection, sold out, cute neutral Alternative), clutch (Chico's c/o cute alternatives HERE, HERE, or HERE), necklace (Page Sargisson, see similar ( HERE), shades (Ray Ban), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck), bracelets (Coordinates, Omar + Elsie, Cuff, Morton James, Kate Spade), 

look 2:  blazer (Gap, old, love this Puff Sleeve Version ON SALE), oxford (Old Navy on SALE), bracelet (J.Crew old), heels (J.Crew adore THESE ON SALE & THESE CUFFED LOVELIES), clutch (Kate Spade)

Had a little chilly spell in the Bluegrass a week or so ago which indeed called for a light jacket.  Serving up two different options for summer toppers--a light and airy neutral jacket along with a bright RED BLAZER.  Both equally suitable for summer, both able to complement a dress, button down, tshirt, or loose tank.  

Gonna keep her short and sweet today--headed out the door to do a Closet Cleanse then getting geared up for a weekend at the pool--fave fave fave time of the year indeed!  Y'all enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend--make it a great one!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

t u t t i f r u t t i

sweatshirt // denim // loafers // bag

Fruit is having quite a moment this spring & summer and I just love it.  Fun, fresh, and girly--pineapples, lemons, etc are all the rage this season.  Not saying I'd sport a head to toe fruit rig, but not saying I wouldn't get a wild hair either.  Check out my fun fruit finds below...dresses, phone cases, and ice cube trays--fruity options galore!  Make it a good one, gang!

Atypical LBD

dress (French Connection, Morton James, Lexington KY available ONLINE HERE), heels (Kate Spade see similar HERE and HERE), clutch (ASOS sold out, see similar lucite HERE ON SALE), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck)

We all have them in our closets.  They're a staple that can be thrown on if in a bind.  But do we have that one LBD that may not blend with the rest, but rather stand out just the right amount in a crowd?  Thanks to this French Connection number, we do now.  

I wore this Lovely to a little soiree several months ago and while she's definitely form fitting, I felt ridiculously comfy and not overt thanks to the jet black color, length, neckline, and long sleeves.  The key for me when going to an event is I have to strike the right balance of unique but not-trying-too-hard---ain't all that easy, but I think this LBD succeeded.  

Needing to up your LBD ante?  Check out some of these special little gems below (especially this Ruffled Number--how fun is she).  Remember the beauty of an LBD is it needs to be timeless and able to be worn to a number of occasions.  Be it the pleating, ruffles, asymmetry, pattern or shape, these LBD's will prove to be anything but ordinary.  
PS--apologies for all the dang hair fiddling..just had a fresh cut when these were snapped and the bangs were misbehaving!  Y'all enjoy your week--make it a good one!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

The Jumper

 jumpsuit (Zara love this Printed Number), vest (J.Crew on SALE), tote (Clare Vivier, Omar + Elsie, Lexington available online HERE), belt (ADA, dying for THIS ONE), sneaks (Converse, how cute are these EYELETS), bracelets (Cuff from Morton James, Coordinates bracelet from Omar + Elsie, Kate Spade), shades (Ray Ban), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck), necklace (Page Sargisson, love this Version)

Nothing screams the warmer months like a casual JUMPSUIT.  Comfy, versatile, easily transitioned from day to night, you kinda can't go wrong with the adult onesie.  They're available any and everywhere nowadays at all price points so it's super easy to get your hands on one.  I opted to pair the one above with SNEAKS (how cute are these EYELETS btw), but no doubt this number could be paired with Metallic Sandals for a more feminine feel.  Make sure to take a gander at some other super cute jumpers below.  Alright gang, make it a good one--gonna go get my sweat on with Kendra @ SweatLex.  Enjoy your Sunday!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Clean Lines

vest (Alice + Olivia), jeans (Paige), clutch (Clare Vivier, Omar + Elsie, Lexington KY, available online HERE), heels (Jimmy Choo), tank (Target see similar HERE), cuff (Morton James), bracelets (Coordinates c/o Omar + Elsie, Kate Spade), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck), shades (Ray Ban), necklace (Page Sargisson)

I have to say, while I'm a sucker for color and prints, I also am equally a fan of a minimal, neutral look.  And although I don't typically gravitate towards it when getting dressed, I find it's what I'm most drawn to when looking at inspiration such as Pinterest (exhibits A, B, C)....probably because I could use a little reminder that less is more often than not more.  The south is all about bold vibrant colors and prints, and I don't foresee myself ever gravitating away from that mindset; however, I really do love a minimal palette.  It's no muss or fuss and yet I believe it makes just as much of an impact as a colorful rig.  

Side note, remember THIS POST?  I'm going to forewarn you that we'll probably see something quite similar mid summer showcasing all the ways I'm going to repeat the hell outta THIS VEST...it's definitely been on heavy rotation these days!  Alright gang--cheers to a productive Thursday--got lots to cross off my To-Do's...make it a good one!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

The Workout

all Karma & Splits59 threads c/o (Pure Barre Lexington & Sweat Lexington), kicks (Nike ON SALE), necklace (Page Sargisson), shades (Gucci), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck)

If you've followed along s + s for a bit, you've come to know that I love myself a good ole' session of Pure Barre specifically my Lexington studio (see HERE and HERE).  Five years strong and I still have never found a workout that challenges my body both physically and mentally the way PB does.  I still look forward to the classes, hate the plank, bitch at the chair, and love the instructors (shoutout to my gals Mandy, Alison, & Kendra)!  With that being said, now that I'm well into my 30s (hells bells), I find I'm needing to up the workout ante--thankfully, right on upstairs sits a gem of a studio known as SWEAT.  Cardio and Strike are my current classes of choice and good grief do ya burn the calories--sister is drenched by the end!  I'm also really digging their clothing selection.  Karma & Splits59 (pictured in this post) are serving up some beautiful boho fitness wear indeed.  All such perfect pieces that take you from your workout to a day of errands or even an early dinner with the girls.  Long flowy tanks, tops, wraps, and printed leggings---so many goodies!  So with that in mind and bikini season underway more or less, I highly recommend snagging some new workout threads  and get your hind into PB & SWEAT for a little session.. guarantee it will get your gear in shape--and take this from someone who loves herself a cupcake or two now and again.  Or every night at 9 after my children go to sleep. 

I LOVE/HATE YOU, CHAIR.

photos courtesy of  Kristin Tatem

The Work Dress

dress (DVF, avail locally at AJs Casuals), bag (Clare Vivier, avail locally at Omar + Elsie), heels (French Connection, ON SALE, ORDER FULL SIZE UP), shades (Ray Ban), bracelets (Cuff Morton James, Omar + Elsie Coordinates Bracelet, Kate Spade), necklaces (Adele of Lexington, Sheer Addiction c/o), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck)

Now that warmer weather is officially upon us, I've been gravitating towards dresses during my 9 to 5 gig.  They're super easy, polished, and comfy while still maintaining a level of professionalism.  The good thing, too, about many dresses nowadays, is they'll take you from day to after work festivities be it happy hour or dinner.  I've really been stocking up on them lately and I'm definitely thinking I'm going to add this little GEM to the mix---how great would it look paired with red, navy, kelly green, more mint, or black--too many possibilities to choose from!  Tossed a few others I've been clocking down below (ps:  the black scalloped number comes in mint, too).  Cheers to a wonderful week--make it a good one, oh and make sure to check out my posts from the weekend HERE and HERE!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem