Hi Everyone!
As summer winds down and we look ahead to fall and winter I figured this was the perfect time to give what seems to be a quarterly life update, as well as some suggestions for things to buy now that will transition your wardrobe into the coming cooler seasons.
Ahhhh life. Well my divorce was finalized in May, and while it didn’t really change a whole lot, it did make it so we could wrap up some loose ends and provided a little closure I suppose. It is bittersweet. I know it is for the best in the long run, but still has some sadness attached. My cousin said it will probably always be a little sad and I think that’s true.
I mentioned back in April a relationship I was hopeful about, but we ended things in June – maybe I had a feeling that was going to happen and why I was so cautious about putting it out there. It is what it is. I was upset and it was hurtful, but I deserve to feel like I am a priority in someone’s life and I like to think I learned a thing or two about not trying to make a relationship work with someone who can’t or isn’t investing as much. And actions speak louder than words.
So I’ve been working really hard on keeping busy doing stuff that makes me happy. I’m very extroverted and being alone is hard for me. I get bored and restless easily on my own and that’s something I’m trying to work on. Truthfully other than the first year I moved to Seattle after college (in which I was very depressed), this is the first time I’ve ever lived by myself. Kinda crazy to think about!
Not that I’m sitting at home much though! I spent some fun weekends over the summer in Montauk, it was nice to get away to the beach. I turned 34 July 2nd and some of my besties took me to a Mets game with fireworks to celebrate. There was a beautiful weekend in Chicago with 2 friends exploring the city, and then I just got back from one of my good friend’s birthday weekend in a lake house by the Hudson Valley – 11 awesome ladies, lots of wine, games, and even some horseback riding!
And things aren’t slowing down either – this weekend I’m headed with my dinner/wine club ladies to Sag Harbor and we have a fun day of wine tasting planned. Then my sorority big sis who we call “Bunzie” is coming for a visit the following weekend. Might even be getting away for a last weekend trip somewhere the weekend of the 8th, and then I’m off to Ireland and Scotland for 10 days with my XO alumnae little sis, Dana! So many adventures and I’m just trying to appreciate and enjoy all of it. The holidays will be here before we know it, and we all know how those seem to fly by.
So that bring us to the important things – what in the world to wear for all of this? haha
Fall in NYC is my favorite season here – people are back in the city instead of trying to escape it, the weather isn’t too hot, but not freezing yet, and there is just a wonderful energy about it all. When I’m shopping now I’m thinking what can I wear in the next month or two, but also when the temps drop and we are bundling up to survive. Unless we have another winter like last year when it is 70 degrees Christmas Day!
My first tip is dresses – I love dresses. Ones that have black in them, or go well with black, that are short or 3/4 length sleeved. These are perfect for end of summer and fall, but then transition easily by adding some black tights, boots, and you can often even layer the dress over a turtleneck or button down, or add a faux fur vest. Dress them up or down with footwear and accessory choices. (I find dresses with some kind of sleeve are better because you don’t feel like they need a layer as much as you do for sleeveless. They just look better with boots and stuff on their own.)
Here are some current faves:
Dress – Maggy London (Less than $50!) (I’m wearing a 6)
Shoes – Ann Taylor (obsessed!)
I’m a big fan of black and white stripes although this dress comes in just black and other prints too. Wear this with bare legs and a peep toe bootie now, later with black tights and a white faux fur vest. Old Navy is having 40% off with the code COZY until September 21st so get this for a bargain!
Dress – Old Navy (I have the animal print in a medium)
I’m a huge fan of Old Navy’s t-shirt dresses as well, but I recommend going up one or two sizes from normal, I’m wearing a large here. Also love the colors in this scarf and the necklace is from my Rocksbox this month. Can wear with flat sandals for casual, pumps for work, and throw on tights, booties and a vest when the temps drop.
Necklace – Kendra Scott
Next up, you need a great pair of black skinny pants – these will help transition some of your more summery tops to the cooler temps now and then you can layer on the sweaters and boots when the time comes. Highly recommend these – they suck you in but have the perfect amount of stretch, a mid-rise, comfy, and affordable! Unfortunately this adorable top is sold out.
I love my Old Navy ankle pixie pants and all of the fun colors they come in. Really loving this berry hue that is perfect for cooler temps.
Pants – Old Navy (I wear a 4 typically)
Hmm, what to wear with those pants. I’m partial to a great tunic blouse. You can wear them with skinny jeans and a pump or open toed bootie now, and later add tall boots and a faux fur vest, or pair with your leather leggings for a night on the town like this look. And these Hue leggings are definitely a must have! Wearing a small in these.
Here are some great tunics I recommend
Tunic – Lush (Less than $30 and comes in all kinds of colors! Wearing a small)
Tunic – Loft (This year’s version of the red one I’m wearing above, highly recommend)
Sleeveless Tunic – Loft (Sleeveless are great for warmer climates and easy to layer a cardigan or blazer over)
Now you need some shoes that we’ve talked about obviously. I used to think open-toe bootie was an oxymoron, but I swear they are the perfect transition shoe! I love these from Sole Society, the lace on the side is so cute! This is also a great neutral color to go with everything.
Last but not least, I think a suede pump, especially in a red or berry shade is another item that you will get lots of use out of in the fall and winter. My red pumps get use now with navy dresses, or jeans and white blouses, and then I put them on over black tights in the winter for a much needed pop of color without bare foot exposure.
Anything I missed? What are your suggestion? Happy shopping and thanks so much for stopping by!
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Loft has a lot of new arrivals for the fall and I like to look for the ones that will transition well from now into winter as well! 40% off with code FIRSTLOOK! Not sure if anyone else has noticed this, but I feel like Loft sizes are sometimes running a little smaller especially in pants and skirts – I often wear an 8 in skirts there now. So you might want to try a few different sizes so you can see what works best!
Textured Sweater Flippy Skirt – Wear it now with a cute tank and later with tights and a blouse
Front Pleat Skirt – Love this fun color, perfect to wear now with a tank and sandals and later with a black turtleneck and tights
Denim Sailor Skirt – For those with more casual lifestyles this is a great piece. Wear now with a tank and sandals and later with a cute cropped sweater and booties
Ivy Jacquard Flare Dress – Wear it now with bare legs and peep-toes, transition to winter with tights and booties
Pleated Flippy Dress – I have this dress in burgundy from last year and it is one of my faves! Wear now with a pump or sandal and later with textured tights and booties
Tweed Pocket Dress – Love this one! Wear now with peep toe booties and transition by layering over a white blouse, just add tights
Tile Jacquard Flouce Dress – Gets great reviews and on sale! Wear now with pumps and bare legs and transition later with a blazer, tights, and tall boots
Spotted Sweater Tank – This is so cute! I ended up getting this in a small. Will wear now with black jogger pants and pumps, later with jeans, a cardigan, and tall boots
Ribbed Sleeve Cardigan – A cardigan like this is perfect for the office or a light layer for evening temps. Takes those summer tops into fall easily.
Bubble Stitch Sweater – A great transition piece, wear this now with ankle pants and peep-toes, layer it later over a long sleeved tee with jeans and booties
Sateen Five Pocket Leggings – My army green pants are a wonderful transition item, you can wear them now with a tank and sandals, later with a sweater and boots
Sanded Sateen Chinos – These chinos are perfect to take you from now through fall and winter with different layers. I thought these ran a little small but most of the reviews say true to size.
Cape Coat – How cute is this? If you live in a climate with warmer winters I would snap this up!
Lantern Sleeve Jacket – I think I need this! Love this color and cut, so cute. Wear now with a tee and jeans, later over a turtleneck with a pencil skirt and tights
Zipped Booties – I’m a huge fan of Loft shoes, they are a great deal when you get them 40% off. High quality and comfy. These booties are so cute and will be great now with dresses and bare legs and equally as fab later with jeans and sweaters
Rounded Pumps – This burgundy color is just gorgeous, wear these now with ankle pants and sleeveless tops, later with your black dresses and tights
Happy Shopping!!
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Most of my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale purchases have arrived and as the sale opens up to everyone tomorrow this was perfect timing to share! I also ordered a few regular sale items that arrived too.
Favorite purchase – these fringe booties!! Obsessed. They will look great with jeans, dresses, dressed up or dressed down. I’m also loving these tunic sweaters, keeping both the red and grey. I will wear these with a tunic cami underneath, was just too lazy to pull out. Also, these jeans are my new favorite brand called Articles of Society. Get yourself a similar pair on sale! I’m wearing a small in the sweater, and 8.5 in the booties, and a 27 in the jeans – all true to size.
Booties here, Sweaters here, Similar Jeans here
Another favorite find was this dress. It is a little bit more than I would usually spend on a dress but the cut, comfort, and color make it worth it. I went with the navy that is light enough to work well with black tights, and the ponte fabric make it easy to wear but the structure and seaming keeps it flattering. I’m wearing a size 6 in the dress.
Dress here
I love this tunic dress in theory but the cut was wrong for me, too boxy. If you are less busty and love a shift dress, then this is a good option for you. Wearing a small.
Tunic here
This dress is also going back. I loved the cut and color but it has no stretch and it was too small in the bust for me. A size up would be too big in the hip area, I’m wearing a 6.
Dress here
I’m heading to Ireland and Scotland for a week in October so also had that in mind when shopping. I wanted a cute backpack for my trip and this one is perfect for less than $30! It will fit my camera and all my essentials. Wearing my around the house lounge outfit here that obviously includes my Lularoe leggings because they are the most comfortable thing I own.
Backpack here
I also wanted to get this tunic blouse for my trip as I think it will be easy to transition from day to night. And it was also less than $30! Wearing a small.
Blouse here
I originally bought this dress at full price but couldn’t really justify it at that cost. So when I saw it went on sale I decided to snag it! I love the color and the fit. Wearing a small.
Dress here
I have a few more things still on the way so will add once those get in!
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It’s here! Our favorite sale of the year! There are some great deals this year you don’t want to miss. Early access on now through July 21st, open to everyone July 22nd. Happy Shopping!!
Eliza J Seamed Crepe Shift Dress – $98.90
Halogen Seamed Ponte Knit Dress – $65.90
Bow Crepe A-line Dress – $98.90
Caslon Plaid Shirtdress – $44.90
Eliza J Windowpane Print Shift Dress – $91.90
Eliza J Ruffle Hem Fit and Flare Dress – $98.90
Articles of Society Skinny Jeans – $38.90 – have these jeans in a different style and love them!!
Paige Verdugo Ankle Skinny Jeans – $124.90
Barefoot Dreams Circle Cardigan – $76.90
Trouve Cold Shoulder Sweater – $52.90
Caslon Space Dye Tunic Sweatshirt – $29.90
Halogen Tunic Sweater – $44.90
Halogen Oversize V Neck Sweater – $39.90
Halogen Textured Tunic – $49.90
Halogen Ruffle Front Blouse – $49.90
Halogen Leather Peplum Shell – $99.90
Charles Grey Wool Blend Cape Coat – $179.90
Halogen Collarless Leather Jacket – $198.90
Hue Microsuede Leggings – $31.90
Spanx Faux Leather Leggings – $64.90
Zella Live In Leggings – $33.90
Natori Feathers Bra – $44.90 – This is my favorite bra, supportive but pretty – order a cup size up
Halogen Over the Knee Boot – $109.90
Sam Edelman Fringed Bootie – $99.90
Charles David Sabrina Pump – $69.90
Sole Society Ellie Backpack – $29.90
BP Zip Detail Faux Leather Tote – $31.90
BP Faux Leather Drawstring Tote – $35.90
Kendra Scott Elle Earrings – $35.90
Kendra Scott Mystic Cuff – $49.90
Kate Spade Mini Square Earrings – $20.90
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Hi everyone!! Ready for Memorial Day weekend? I know I am! I spent last weekend in Austin for my annual girl’s trip and this weekend I’m headed with a few other friends to Connecticut for a little getaway. Love a 3 day weekend!
Nordstrom’s half yearly sale is on and now is the time to get some great summer items for a steal for all of your summer getaways!
Ivanka Trump Studded Strappy Sandal – $83.96
BP Stone Fringe Necklace – $10.98
BP Square Stud Earrings – $9.98
BP Summers Wedge Sandal, lots of colors – $39.90
Vince Camuto Eila Sandal – $65.90
Vince Camuto Sleeveless Pleat Front Blouse – $41.40
AG Roll Cuff Skinny Jean – $149.90
Sam Edelman Evan Sandal – $89.90
BP Chain Fringe Pendant Necklace – $11.98
Vince Camuto Baeden Sandal – $77.37
BP Woven Print Shorts – $22.80
Socialite High Neck Dress – $20.40
Lush High Neck Maxi Dress – $28.80
Sole Society Laser Cut Tote – $35.96
Adelyn Rae Crepe Scarf Print Romper – $55.20
Happy Shopping!
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Hi everyone! Hope you’ve been following me on Facebook and Instagram where I’ve been posting a lot, but decided I was due for a real blog post too. December was a rough month for me as you might remember, but life moves on, the holidays end, and I’m having a lot more good days than bad at this point. I’ve been spending lots of time with friends but also working on being happy with my own company (with Coco by my side of course). I’ve also been really enjoying a kickboxing class I do on the weekend and have been walking to work with a co-worker weather permitting – exercise is good! It is really a day by day process to rebuilding a life that looked different for a long time. There are a few quotes that I’ve found particularly helpful to go back to when I’m feeling low.
This first one is from a divorce blog I’ve found very helpful, Round and Round Rosie. As hard as divorce is, it really forces you to spend time with yourself, to learn from your mistakes, and makes you stronger. As my wise cousin Tami says, it is humbling and gives you a lot more perspective and empathy. These are all good things.
This is another one that I think is really beautiful that brings me some peace. We love, and hurt, and learn to forgive ourselves. It is part of being human.
Funny enough, just a few weeks after I wrote that life update in December, I met a great guy I’ve been dating ever since. We met on Bumble and he flew here to meet me the day before Christmas Eve. Hard part is he lives in Chicago, and the fact that he travels for work and has 2 young kids makes seeing each other a bit challenging. But in some ways that is good because it means I still spend plenty of time with myself, which is where I need to be right now I think. I haven’t put it out there publicly because it is scary. It is new, and let’s be honest, could leave me with a broken heart. But you can’t have love without risk. We’ll give it a few more months and then I will hopefully get to share more details with you all : )
In happy news, I spent a fantastic weekend with my girlfriend’s Randi, Kelli, and Vivian in Ft. Myer’s this past weekend. I’m a Cali girl and I love the sunshine and warm weather. And getting out of town with great friends is always a good idea. I love this new bikini I picked up from Victoria’s Secret, comes in sizes A-DDD and is so comfy!
My cousin Tami, as mentioned above, is coming into town Thursday through Monday and I’m soooo excited, and then 3 weeks later I head to Austin for my annual sorority sister reunion trip! I really am lucky to have a life filled with love and support to help get through the ups and downs.
And speaking of love, well you all know my love for shoes!!!! Here are some of my favs out now:
These Pia Sandals from Sole Society are the perfect summer evening shoe. I got them in gold and I can already tell I’m going to wear them to the ground. But be warned, they run quite small. I’m sometimes an 8, usually an 8.5, but ended up needing a 9 in these. I was so happy I exchanged for the 9 because they are perfect now!
I also adore these Sole Society black and white striped pumps, they are great to add some summer flair to your basic black pieces. I took an 8.5 in these. 
Loft is killing it with their shoe game this year – see all shoes here.
I picked up this pair of gold wedges and I’m in heaven. The perfect heel height, comfy, sexy, and goes with just about everything. LOVE. I got an 8 in these and they fit great, probably an 8.5 would have worked too.
And these flats are seriously the cutest, I want them in every color!!! Took these in an 8. At this price they can’t be beat!
Clearly I’m having a thing for gold sandals this year.
Thanks so much for stopping by, happy shopping!!!
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Hi Everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend!
A sorority sister of mine, Piper, is selling the LulaRoe clothing line now and asked if she could send me some items to review. Well I immediately said yes because I had seen some of the pieces through their Facebook group and was very curious to check them out in person! She sent me 3 items – a dress, skirt, and a pair of leggings. There are many colors and patterns to choose from in the different items, but only a limited number of each pattern is produced, so if you love something don’t wait! I tried to get outdoor pics but we lost the light too quickly. Thanks to my friend Alice for playing photographer!
I believe this is the “Nicole” dress. I’m wearing a medium here, but guessing a small would have fit as well. The fabric is very comfortable with a good amount of stretch. I thought the cut was very flattering and I loved where the waist hit. Would be very easy to add a belt to mix it up. I could definitely wear this to work in my business casual environment with the right shoes and accessories, but also a great weekend dress with a denim jacket. It was perhaps a touch long for my personal preference, below the knee can be a tricky length, but a trip to the tailor could fix that, and I do like the longer length with the boots!
Now wearing the “Cassie” skirt, I styled this for a night out on the town. Wearing a small in the skirt here, but would probably go with a medium to wear to work. I loved the fit and length on this for a pencil skirt!
And now for my very favorite of the bunch – leggings!! Seriously, you need a pair of these in your life. Not only does the waist band fit with absolute comfort and no digging, they are the softest pair of leggings I’ve ever touched. Perfect for all your lounging needs! And definitely thick enough for wearing out and about with a tunic as well. I put these on the second I get home everyday. Get yourself some!!!
Please see below from Piper on how you can shop this fabulous brand!
“To shop with us we post all of our inventory every Saturday at 9am MST on our private VIP Facebook group. You need to be a member of our private Facebook group to shop https://www.facebook.com/groups/819430361487851/Just use the link to find us and ask us to add you. We also post a short video with a small selection of items every Wednesday for watch it, wear it, Wednesday’s. Items range from$23-$65 and we are famous for our buttery soft leggings. We offer tops, leggings, dresses, and even children’s clothes. Once you are a member of our group you can shop every Saturday and Wednesday”
Thanks Piper!! I know I will be keeping an eye out for some polka dot items!!
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Hey everyone! Long time, no post. But I’ve been posting on Instagram and Facebook so be sure to follow me there if you don’t already!
It has been awhile since Loft has had a 40% off everything sale and I’ve been anxiously awaiting to get my hands on some spring items. Today it is 30% off for everyone, and 40% off for card holders using code FIRSTLOOK. And even Lou & Grey is included so get it while you can!
Here are my favs, can’t wait to get my stuff in!
Happy Shopping!
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Happy New Year everyone! I know we are more than a few weeks in here, so I hope everyone’s 2016 is off to a good start. Mine is going really well so far! As I mentioned before, the holidays were a bit rough but I got through them and life is looking up. I had a very relaxing Christmas Eve with 2 sorority sisters, we ate lots of crab legs and I made fresh pasta with meat sauce. Pasta is a special treat for me! I’m so grateful for the sisters I have here and all over the country – they really are there for me when I need them.
Then I spent an amazing girl’s weekend in Savannah for New Year’s Eve – such a fun place and it was so nice to get away for a few days. I rented this dress from Rent the Runway that I loved!
I’m sorry I don’t have as much time to blog now, but I decided to stop pressuring myself too much about it, and just be more active on Facebook and Instagram. I will still post here sometimes when it is the best platform for sharing, but I do hope you will follow me on social media where it is just faster and easier to get things out!
Here is an outfit and a recipe link I just got up.
It is so easy to put together a black base and then jazz it up! I picked up this necklace on Ann Taylor super sale and you can get it now for $22!
Skirt – Express, Sweater – Ann Taylor (similar), Necklace – Ann Taylor, Shoes – Ann Taylor
This recipe for a low carb pepperoni chicken bake was so easy and delicious, give it a shot!
Thanks for stopping by!
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My friend Alicia has been nagging encouraging me to post more. I’m pretty sure 80% of her wardrobe is picked out by me so she’s probably been a little lost haha. Love you Alicia!
I took yesterday off work and popped by Loft to check out some of their new winter stuff. Unfortunately the five pocket leggings I really wanted to try were sold out, but I found some other cute things. Even better a lot of the things I’m linking to are 50% off!
First off I was wearing camo pants so just grabbed this pair of jeans to use to pair the tops with for pictures. Well, the jeans fit so well they came home with me. In the past I’ve found the modern skinny legs to not be quite narrow enough for me. They’ve revamped this year and I’m in love. The perfect taper now. And let me tell you, if you have inner thigh issues these are the jeans for you. Seriously slimmed mine down while being totally comfortable. Get yourself a pair! I’m wearing a size 27, which I would say is true to size.
This sweater is the only other item that came home with me, although given our current weather situation I’m not sure when I will have a chance to wear it! It is freakishly warm as I’m sure you know and I honestly start sweating immediately in the subway if I’m wearing a sweater. I’m ready to break out the faux fur people! I mean, I’m glad not to have to make the 10 minute walk to the subway in a blizzard, but honestly, it is getting a little ridiculous. 64 degrees mid-December? It’s insane.
But back to this sweater tunic, size down, I’m wearing an XS here and it is plenty roomy. But I love the swingy cut and it will keep me nice and toasty if the temps ever do drop. And it comes in a bunch of colors and will work great with leggings.
I love pieces that you can throw on but have great detailing or added dimension. This two-in-one sweater looks layered but is just one easy piece. Awesome. I would have taken this if they had a small. Wearing a medium here and it was a tad too big.
If you are looking for a great layering piece this sleeveless blouse fits the bill, wearing a small here.
A puffer vest is always a cute layering piece, and this one comes in a few fun colors. Wearing a small here.
This sweater jacket is a bit on the bulky side but might be great if you live in Minnesota or Colorado. It has wool in it though so would recommend a long sleeve shirt underneath, my skin is really sensitive. Wearing a small.
And lastly, a cute sweater dress. I love dresses, just so easy to throw on and go. This one is definitely made of substantial material, good for colder climates, and would look great with tights. Wearing a small.
Last night one of my best friend’s, Angela, had a little girl’s get together at her house. It wasn’t a fancy affair but I wanted to look festive. So I broke out my new jeans (still loving their thigh slimming properties of course) and this blouse I picked up on Black Friday. Love that it is a woven in the front and a knit material on the back, very comfy. And the detail around the neck makes it special. You also all know me and my general boycott of heels over 3″. Well that is until I found these suede beauties, and I now have them in this gorgeous peacock blue color as well as black. Seriously, so comfortable. I also picked up this cute tote over Black Friday and I’ve received tons of compliments, this light grey color goes with everything! (I apologize for the mirror selfie, I really need to get my good camera out here soon!)
Hope everyone is having a fun holiday season so far! Thanks for stopping by!
