Printed Pinstripes

shirt (Target Men's), jeans (7FAM, Morton James, available online HERE), sneaks (Converse, these EYELETS would look cute, too), bag (Michael Kors), watch (Michael Kors), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck), cuff (Similar), pink/yellow friendship bracelets (made by my sweet gal, Chaser), necklaces (Pink Pineapple Shop c/o, Love THESE), shades (Gucci)

If y'all have been following along for a bit, you know this is more or less my uniform.  A Button Down, Jeans, and Converse--she's no fail.   Hopefully the stripe & floral print mix spruced it up a bit for you and avoided inducing boredom.  And while the Chucks tomboy it up, the cluster of Pearls does a good job balancing out the 'boy.  Speaking of boy, remember I chatted about loving a Men's Button Down?  Well this Striped Oxford  is no exception (and for the price, come on now).   Moral of today's story, she's a good kick-it-kinda-rig for a Friday (or any day really).  

Cheers to a fantastic weekend---gonna soak up the last few days of my mom's visit.  Hate sending her back to the Sunshine State--we just love having her around!  Make it a good one, gang!

Photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Who's Your

tee (ILY Couture c/o), vest (J.Crew), pants (Gap love THESE STAR SKIMMERS, too), sneaks (Converse), cuff (Similar), ring (Anna Beck), bag (Michael Kors), shades (Gucci)

Whenever I'm in what I like to call "Mom Mode," be it chauffeuring the kiddies around, doing school activities, heading to sports events, bday parties, you name it---a look such as this totally fits the bill.  Three ingredients are serving up this look just right in my book--first you've got yourself a fun Graphic Tee and then two pieces that can always add a little hipster polish to a look, the Hightop and Denim Vest.  The vest is the perfect layering piece and the sneaks add a comfy and fun vibe to the look.  Moms, just because we are being pulled (literally) in 80 gazillion directions doesn't mean we don't want to look pulled together, right?  Keep a uniform on hand for when you've got to scoot out the door stat--one like this is always my go to!  

Alright gang, I hope you all had a wonderful weekend---we explored the beautiful horse farms and orchards here in Lexington and it was simply perfect!  Cheers to a great start to your week.  

Oh and a random PS:  Land of Nod is having their Friends & Family sale with everything being 15% off with code BUDDY.  If you remember This POST, then you remember I'm a big Land of Nod fan as my gals' rooms are decked with their decor--I am absolutely loving their Pillows and Bedding but truly, my gals' Jenny Lind Beds will always be my fave piece in their rooms.  

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

Hair Raising

 coat (J.Crew 30% off with GIFTNOW), oxford (Old Navy on SALE, check out Polka Dot Oxford under $20!), jeans (Current/Elliot), heels (J.Crew 30% OFF with GIFTNOW), scarf (Abercrombie old, other Pom Poms HERE, HERE), belt (C.Wonder), bag (Michael Kors), rings (David Yurman, Lagos, Anna Beck), shades (Banana Republic c/o LOVE THESE 40% off with BRGIFT40)

I NEED A HAIRCUT.  BADLY.  I have tried to grow this mane out but folks, I don't see it happening.  Have an appt this week with my gal, Shawnee, from Voce and I'm thinking (hoping) the locks are long enough to take the back up and sport a messy/shaggy bob (love THIS too but think I need my hair to grow out a bit more).  Anyhow, I know the focus of this blog is fashion; however, upon uploading that first pic all I could think was, "get me some damn scissors, stat!"  Quick roundup on the rig--pulled together, comfy, neutral, with a splash of Monogram & Leopard  makes for my kinda look.  Gotta 'big wig' meeting this morning for work so I've gotta scoot---make it a good one, gang! 

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Pop Your Black

jeans (Paige Denim), coat (J.Crew 30% off with GIFTNOW), sweater (HM c/o), blouse (J.Crew 30% OFF), sneaks (J.Crew sold out--love THESE ON SALE), bag (Michael Kors), ring (Lagos), watch (Cartier), bracelet (Sylvia Benson c/o), shades (Gucci)

So close.  I was sooooo close to almost having a head to toe black look--but I couldn't--something within me just had to toss on a splash of color.  Aside from black and white, truly not sure if there is a more classic look than head to toe black.  Why I never gravitate towards all black is beyond me because I love it on other gals.  

As mentioned in THIS POST, I am a huge fan of Paige Denim...they're coated numbers are serving up a major dose of versatility, too.  They're easily dressed up or down, with a blazer or tshirt, a chunky sweater or a silky blouse--limitless possibilities!  

Lastly, a few Giveaway updates---congrats to Erin Mussler for winning the SOLO DINER GIVEAWAY and a sincere thanks to all who participated!  Also, be sure to check out yesterday's Beginners Photography Class Giveaway--perfect for anyone who wants to learn to use their camera more efficiently and take better pics.  Alright gang, have a great weekend and stay warm--it is crazy frigid in the Bluegrass!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

A Weekender

 jacket (Gap, see similar SPLURGE vs STEAL), denim (DL1961 ON SALE FOR 68!!!!), heels (J.Crew), shirt (Loft), scarf (HM c/o), gloves (Target), bag (Michael Kors), bracelets (J.Crew, Sylvia Benson c/o), earrings (Sylvia Benson c/o), watch (Michael Kors)

Minus the Heels, which I love and wear ALL OF THE TIME BTW, this rig is perfect for the day of errands & Christmas shopping I have ahead of me..yes, I said it...but we leave for FLA next week and I need to get my head in the game before we go!  Cozy and layered up, it's perfectly pulled together and comfy--thinking I'll sub the heels for either THESE or a pair of LEOPARD BALLETS.  Quick little side note, not sure if you all remember my little tip from last year regarding my annual Target Glove stock up, but each year I purchase a slew of these pups and snip the tips off of them--at $3 a pop, stock up on those bad boys---come in a range of stripes and colors!  Alright gang, make it a great weekend...nippy here in the Bluegrass!  

photos courtesy of The Photography Boutique

White 365

coat (J.Crew 25% with code WINTER ), sweater (Banana Republic), jeans (7FAM on SALE), heels (Zara), bag (Michael Kors), shades (Gucci)

I don't abide by the whole no white after Labor Day nonsense--never have.  It's the Floridian in me.  However, I do believe there are a few tips regarding the white post Labor Day.  First and foremost, texture.  Obviously linens is a no-go.  Denim, cords, leather, wool--all get the green light in my book.  Expanding on the texture tip, pair your whites with winter textures.  Case in point This Cream Sweater is about as chunky and textured as they get (just snagged THIS CHUNKY CABLE in gray and RED).  Also keep in mind the color palette--I'm digging the whole neutral vibe of this look, creams, grays, blacks--they all seem to complement on another.  Top it off with a Wool Coat, and you've transitioned your summer whites into the cooler months.  One other nice thing about this no fuss look--all pieces that most of us probably have ready to wear in our closets. My rule--wear that white 365 days a year.  Have a good one, gang!

photos courtesy of the The Photography Boutique

Caps & Stripes

hat (J.Crew), pants (J.Crew), turtleneck (HM c/o), jacket (Gap see SIMILAR), oxfords (Zara in stores, see SIMILAR), bag (Michael Kors), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck), watch (Cartier)

This HAT definitely ain't new news, tons of people have been spotted sporting it, but ooohhh do I love it.  No stranger to the ball cap (see HERE), I knew I had to add this 'dressier' version to my arsenal.  I've had it for about a week now and I've already worn it HERE, errands, school drop off when my hair is truly an atrocity--pretty much every day--would so wear it to work if I could.  I'm also planning to nix the metallic loafers next go around and pair this look with some KICKS and a quirky SCARF for a more casual & cozy feel....which is kinda the beauty of these Leather Detailed Pants. I've sported them a little dressier for work HERE and clearly they transition into the casual role pretty easily, too!  Alright gang, make it a good one!

photos courtesy of The Photography Boutique