The Rails

top (Lucy Paris, snagged THIS ONE, too), skirt (Zara from last year, love this White Skirt), heels (Kate Spade, craving THESE METALLICS), bag (Kate Spade), cuff (SIMILAR ON SALE), rings (Anna Beck, Lagos), bracelets (Kate Spade), shades (Gucci c/o), necklaces (target x 2)

Let me quickly start off with a disclaimer regarding the side slit on this skirt---last time I wore this was last year in NYC with my best friend, Jenn, and split the hell outta of it while I more or less jumped on her back a la piggyback--anything but graceful.  I have yet to take it to seamstress to have it sewn up an inch or so--my apologies for the ridiculously, albeit temporary, high slit.  But onto the rest of the rig, yes?   

While I was perusing the sale at Bloomingdale's, I came across this BRAND and was relatively impressed considering the price point.  The print was entirely too fun to pass up and since I've been on a black and white kick this summer, this cropped number was pretty perfect for me (scored this one, too).  In keeping with the b & w theme, make sure to check out some other fun (and affordable) pieces from Lucy Paris below.  

A sincere thank you to Stacey Gudeman for snapping these shots on the fly--she's such a gem and so very great to work with!  Alright gang, hope you all have a great start to your Thursday!  Make it a great one!

photos courtesy of Stacey Gudeman

Fun and Flounce

skirt (Cynthia Rowley, Omar + Elsie, available online HERE), shirt (Zara sold out, super affordable options HERE & HERE), heels (Kate Spade see similar HERE & HERE), clutch (Asos sold out, see similar splurge HERE save HERE), necklaces (two target necklaces doubled up, try TWO of THESE), cuff (see SIMILAR), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck), shades (Gucci)

Balance.  This crop thing has got to be all about balance.  We've got some leg and a hint of midriff going on here so we've got to balance her out by covering up the arms and chest and tossing on a sleek pair of close toed metallic heels (open toed would be too tart for my taste).  The black and white palette keeps the rig modern and sleek while the Ruffle Skirt adds a playful element.  Another way to balance the crop is by pairing a Matching Crop and Midi Skirt Set (some stem coverage but showing off the arms).  Oh and a little trick I used in this look and this POST from forever ago---make your Inexpensive Baubles stand out a bit more and appear more 'substantial' by doubling them up--they're affordable enough you can splurge on two!  Alright gang--y'all have a lovely weekend and a VERY sincere Thank You for your kind comments regarding my Casa--much appreciated indeed!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Shades of Blue

blouse (J.Crew on SALE), skirt (J.Crew on SALE), heels (Kate Spade), bag (Galian c/o), necklace (Pink Pineapple c/o), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck), watch (Cartier)

So I've always been a fan of  tone on tone dressing and this navy & baby blue ensemble is no exception.  For my 9 to 5 day gig, I'm always looking for rigs that have a bit of personality and don't bore both myself and my clients to tears.  This Blouse definitely serves up a bit of quirk and the Chunky Pearls and emerald green bag add just the right amount of accessorized details.  Even though there's some personality tossed in there, I think we've managed to maintain some ladylike professionalism, right?  All about balance in my book! 
 Ok gang, if you're following along Instagram, you know my little ladies and I are on a little Floridian rendezvous and loving every minute of it.  Y'all make it a great one--taking the babes with me to "work" tomorrow on a blog shoot with my fave Floridian photog, Lindsey Potter, so stay tuned for some fun beachy looks!  

photos courtesy of Tiffany Mitchell

Stripes Go Graphic

blouse (J.Crew on SALE), blazer (Express old, OBSESSED WITH THIS), jeans (JBrand), belt (Target), heels (Kate Spade), clutch (Kate Spade), ring (Anna Beck, Lagos), watch (Cartier), bracelets (Sylvia Benson c/o), shades (Gucci)

May I preface this little blurb with the fact that it was crazy windy near this row of stables so apologies for the unruly 'do (probably shouldn't have posted that last shot, but whatevs)!  I wore the upper half of this look to Work with Bubblegum Pink Pants several weeks ago and knew I wanted to give it a run with some Boyfriends.  Perfect for dinner with the gals or even a date night, this graphic black and white combo is both modern and fresh while also crazy comfy.  Definitely plan on pairing this upper half with Red Pants or even keeping her classic with black slacks and a pop of Blue.  Many a possibility with this little graphic number!  Alright gang, make it a good one!

SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT:  only 2 more days to vote for the Better Homes & Gardens Blogger Awards and then I promise I'll zip my trap--a HUGE thank you to the votes received thus far--appreciated more than you know!  

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Orange Delight

 jacket (Rebecca Minkoff, Bib + Tuck c/o), jeans (JBrand, see similar), heels (Kate Spade), tshirt (J.Crew), bag (Michael Kors), bracelet (Stella & Dot), rings (David Yurman), watch (Cartier), shades (Michael Kors)

Kinda had to sport this color combo with Halloween right around the corner---also tried a little orange & polka dot action HERE for work today.  And while I'm digging this color combo quite a bit--I'm digging where I snagged this Rebecca Minkoff Becky Blazer from even more.  May I introduce you to Bib & Tuck...... 

Basically you have two super chic gals coincidentally both named Sari who were, like most of us girls, avid fans of swapping clothes with one another while in college in an effort to save some jingle.  Well, they decided to take this concept, thank heavens, to the rest of the world and have curated an insane collection of closets for us to shop from at a silly (and by silly I mean so dang good) price point!  Think shopping the closets of Mara Hoffman, Alicia Lund from Cheetah is the New Black, and my latest girl crush who I just adored while at Lucky Fabb, Verena Von Pfetten.  I was fortunate enough to have snaked the Rebecca Minkoff blazer above along with a gorgeous white DVF frock.  I'm seriously obsessed with this concept and clearly so is Refinery29, Marie Clare, & Vogue as they've been featured in all three!  Make sure you take a gander at Bib & Tuck, think you'll be pretty pleased you did!  Make it a good one, gang!

photos courtesy of PFunk Studios

Check Your Stripes

pants (GAP 35% off with code GAPFALL), blouse (J.Crew), heels (Kate Spade), bag (Michael Kors), shades (Ray Ban), watch (Cartier), bracelet (Stella & Dot), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck)

Word to the wise gang, get these PANTS!  I am in love with them--as a matter of fact, I will be sporting them today for a work meeting this afternoon (stay tuned for an OOTD on Instagram).  I'm not sure which I'm loving more--the print, the color, or the fit.  I'm already envisioning pairing them with a red blazer or a bright pink or green sweater.  Based on the look above, I obviously love the idea of print mixing them as well.  A piece with a multitude of pairing options is a solid piece in my book.  

PS:  Shopbop is having their Friends & Family 25% off discount with code INTHEFAMILY25.  Take a peak at some of the MANY pieces I'm clocking below.  Also, the POMEGRANATE GIVEAWAY  ends this eve so get your entry on!  Make it a good one!

photos courtesy of PFunk Studios

Short & Sweet

dress (Library by Lauren Lail c/o), heels (Kate Spade ON SALE), necklace (Sole Society c/o), bracelet (J.Crew), watch (Michael Kors), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck)

How sweet is this little number from Library by Lauren Lail?  A little shorter than I tend to gravitate towards, it's soft palette, silky fabric, and peter pan collar sweeten the deal and add a boatload of femininity--therefore, making the length secondary for me.  I'm also looking forward to pairing her with some black opaque tights and chunky heels once it cools down for a little dose of soft & edgy.  

My youngest starts back to school today so I have to scoot---cheers to a fantastic Wednesday, gang--Make it a good one!   

Oh and PS--a huge congrats goes to Alicia Cadigan.  You my dear are the winner of the Elaine Turner Giveaway!  A sincere thank you to all who participated---we've got some good giveaways coming up so stay tuned!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Tee for Two

look 1:  shirt (J.Crew, Commes des Garcon), blazer (J.Crew extra 30% off), shorts (Gap, last seen HERE), heels (French Connection),  belt (J.Crew), bag (Michael Kors), watch (Michael Kors), shades (Gucci)

look 2:  jeans (DL1961), heels (Kate Spade), bracelets (J.Crew, Jennifer Zuener, Adele of Lexington), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck), bag (Louis Vuitton), shades (Ray Ban), photos (Kristin Tatem)

Now normally I would not condone the purchase of a T-Shirt that is over $100; however, when you're meeting with an editor from Southern Living, all of that logical thinking kinda takes a back street.  Erin contacted me prior to taking a trip to the Bluegrass to see if we could meet and chat about all things Lexington--um, yes, of course we can Erin (by the way, I just adored her---brilliant and loved bouncing ideas off of her)!  But then comes the whole, "What in the sam hell am I gonna wear," conundrum.  With its English translation being, "Like the Boys," this Commes Des Garcons T-Shirt, pretty much fits my personality to a tee---fun, playful, with a bit of quirk.  I had to toss on my signature stripe motif and luckily this Blazer & stripe short complemented one another perfectly--hardly even realize they're separates, right?  I also wanted to take the opportunity to show the tee looks just a fun as a stand alone. She pairs perfectly with some Distressed Denim & Heels.  Check out some other fun Commes Des Garcons for J.Crew pieces below.  I'm thinking if you've got a man in your life--buy him one and y'all can share--more bang for your buck and would look super cute oversized!  Make it a good one, gang!

Getting Graphic

shorts (ASOS sold out, options below), blouse (J.Crew), shoes (Kate Spade), bag (Rebecca Minkoff), bracelets (J.Crew, Stella & Dot, Stella & Dot on SALE), ring (Lagos), watch (Michael Kors), shades (Ray Ban)

I am SO BUMMED THESE SHORTS are sold out!!  The good news is; however, Asos does restock their items so you have my word I will keep an eye out for you.  I did spot THESE CANDY COLORED STRIPES as a fun alternative as well as some other graphic stripes below.  Technically you could say there's a lot going on in this rig, but the graphic black & white and METALLIC HEELS keep it crisp and not overbearing.  And don't be so quick to pack up your shorts as the weather starts to transition to fall.  You'll find they make for a perfect pairing with casual SWEATERS. Alright gang, make it a good one and enjoy your Tuesday!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem