The Cape Jacket

Capes have been hugely popular this year, but there's one catch that no one seems to talk about; it is impossible to wear a coat over the top of them! That's where this cape jacket by DKNY enters the scene and solves all of our problems. This style isn't made for the very coldest of winter days, but with warm layers underneath, it is a great statement jacket you can wear throughout the chilly months. I paired mine with this super cozy infinity scarf by Calvin Klein and adorable leather gloves with fur cuffs. Since most cape jackets don't have pockets, a cute pair of gloves or mittens is a necessity. Cape and leather gloves linked below!

Cape: DKNY

Scarf: Calvin Klein

Gloves: Fownes

Leggings: See You Monday Los Angeles

Booties: Vince Camuto

Winter Pastels

Although much delayed, it finally feels like winter in Wisconsin, which means I can break out my new wool coats that I've been so excited to wear! When I first saw this coat, I knew it would eventually be mine. With its gorgeous pale pink color (very similar to rose quartz, which Pantone just named one of the two colors of the year!) and double-breasted gold button detailing, it came off as feminine and unique against a sea of typical black wool and down jackets. It is eye-catching to say the least, and so fun to wear! Other great winter pastels to look for in jackets are light sky blues and lilacs, with J.Crew being a great place to search. They seem to cover the colorful wool coats category very well. Link to this beautiful GUESS jacket below!

Jacket: GUESS

Scarf: Ann Taylor Loft

Leggings: Shinestar

Booties: Vince Camuto

A New Year's Thought

Happy New Year's Eve everyone! I hope tonight finds you surrounded by family and friends, champagne, and lots of excitement to ring in 2016.

When I first read this quote, I started to reflect on the past year of my life. 2015 was a year of transition for me, both exciting and very scary at the same time. I graduated with a degree in retail from the University of Wisconsin, moved to a new city, and started my first full time job as an assistant buyer for a major retailer. It was unbelievably hard leaving my best friends and the city that has given me so many memories to cherish (Madison will always have a piece of my heart), but it was time to start the next chapter of my life. I don't think I could have maintained the courage to do all of this without the support of my amazing family and friends along the way! I'm so grateful to have them in my life, so if you guys are reading this, thank you for everything you do!

I'm now looking forward to 2016 with much curiosity and excitement to see everything that it brings. Cheers to the endless possibilities!

Sparkle & Shine

Midi length dresses and skirts have been hugely popular this year, ranging from bodycon silhouettes to flowy full-bodied skirts. I personally love this style for its added length since I'm so tall, but also for the fact that it adds a sense of maturity. I've outgrown the short going out dresses that I wore in college, so this particular style allows me to feel a little more grown up while still achieving that party dress vibe. With the shiny silver and black pattern, what better time to wear it than New Year's Eve? I decided not to accessorize beyond my watch since the pattern itself is so bold, but a black statement necklace or earrings would add a nice touch. Cheers to an awesome 2016!

Dress: Forever 21

Shoes: I.N.C. for Macy's

The Perfect Fair Isle Sweater

Fair isle sweaters can be a tricky item; it's hard to find pieces with this pattern that don't lean too "ugly sweater" or childish. This jacquard-knit fair isle sweater from H&M is an exception though, and an awesome one at that (especially when it's priced at $19.99!!). The cream and black color palette keep the pattern from becoming overwhelming, and allow the sparkle threads interlaced throughout to really shine without being over the top. The funnel neck and pre-cuffed sleeves add a nice touch as well. I paired mine with faux leather jeggings from Target to create a pop of color; this maroon is perfect for Christmas, but any color would work here. If you're still trying to decide what to wear to holiday family parties, this is a great casual but cute option that will be comfortable all day long!

Sweater: H&M

Jeggings: Target

Boots: Vince Camuto

Holiday Outfit Vibes

With Christmas only four days away, everyone is frantically buying last minute gifts and preparing for holiday parties, often forgetting one of the most important things: what they are going to wear! Whether it's a family get-together or a New Year's dinner with old friends, you will never go wrong with a little bit of sparkle and fur. This Fever fur coat is the perfect statement piece for any holiday outfit; it's trendy, cozy, and light enough that it can be worn all night long, really allowing it to be the focus of the ensemble. Throwing it over a sparkly tunic, such as this one from Olivia Sky, adds a fun twist. I personally wear glitter statement pieces year round, but for those of you who reserve these items for the true height of the holiday season, now is your time! With the high neck and side slit, this tunic is a great update to styles from previous years. The sparkle doesn't stop there though. These gorgeous booties by GUESS combine tweed with glitter threading, making them truly eye-catching. Anything with tweed accents that you can get your hands on, I encourage you to consider buying. Tweed is just beginning to make its debut in the fashion world again, but is guaranteed to be huge in the coming seasons.

Links below - happy shopping lovelies!

Fur Coat: Fever (Boston Store)

Tunic:  Olivia Sky (Boston Store)

Leggings: See You Monday Los Angeles

Boots:  GUESS (Macy's)

Clutch: DSW

Ruffles + Wool

Warm coats are a necessity for the cold winters we experience in the Midwest, so this fall I bought a couple fun wool coats that are more on the dressy side to wear for work. I said "goodbye" to the days of my long black parka that I lived in throughout college (that parka was my lifeline), and said hello to some more unique options to mix things up. This coat from T Tahari is a nice refresh for my wardrobe with it's various accents; who doesn't love ruffles and gold zippers? I opted for a turtleneck sweater (stock up on these this season - they are making a huge debut in the fashion world!) under my jacket, since a winter scarf would be too bulky and over the top with the ruffle detailing. I challenge all of you to try to escape the long black parka habit, and try something new - standing out from the crowd is never a bad thing!

Wool Coat: T Tahari

Sweater: Gap

Leggings: See You Monday Los Angeles

Boots: impo (found at DSW)

Bag: Michael Kors

10 Under $20: Gifts for Your Girls!

With Christmas fast approaching, many of us have lots of presents to buy, and girlfriends are some of the most fun people (but also the hardest) to shop for! In my case, I tend to buy two of every gift I find; one for my friend, and one for me (not the best habit). I pulled together an awesome list of items under $20 for every friend in your group - details and links below! Happy Shopping!

1. For the fur-loving friend: This Faux Fur PomPom Clip from Nordstrom is such a cute accessory that is popping up everywhere. And it's so versatile - use as a keychain or clip on the outside of your bag for a fun detail to mix it up!

2. For the friend who loves to bake: This a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e Kate Spade Oven Mitt is the perfect addition to the kitchen. Now baking cookies can be yummy AND pretty. Found at Boston Store!

3. For the jewelry-obsessed friend: This simple and chic Pave Diamond Hook Bangle from Express is a great piece for layering on with all of her other bracelets! Even if she has one that's similar, stacking these bracelets is the fun part, so adding another is always a "do!"

4. For the friend who plans everything: We all have one friend in our group who organizes everything down to the smallest detail. Grab them a 2016 Sugar Paper Monthly/Weekly Planner from Target, and pencil in a girls night for everyone to get together!

5. For the friend who loves monograms: Let's be real. It can get expensive to custom monogram the gifts you find, so why not make it easy and grab one of these Mercury Glass Monogram Ornaments from Anthropologie? Cute, inexpensive, and will look fab on her Christmas tree.

6. For the friend who's obsessed with vino: First of all, who doesn't love a good glass of malbec? Not everyone can drink an entire bottle in one sitting though, so this trendy Bottle Cork from H&M is the perfect way to display that bottle until it's finished!

7. For the friend who always does your makeup: One of the thrills of makeup is trying something new once in a while! Sign your friend up for a subscription to ipsy ($10 a month) and she'll receive new products every month catered to her style. And the best part is they have videos on their website that show you the proper techniques for using those new products!

8. For the friend who is always cold: Cute slippers are an easy go-to for Christmas gifts. These Knit Slippers from H&M will provide the perfect balance between warmth and fashion (those pompoms are so cute!!).

9. For the candle-loving friend: I don't think it's possible to have too many candles, especially when they're as pretty as this Mini Capri Blue Jar Candle from Anthropologie. With its Gardenia & Fig scent, it's sure to freshen up any space, and leave your friend calm and relaxed.

10. For your fashionista friend: Every group of girls has that one friend who is always one trend ahead. This Mismatched Rhinestone Post and Cuff Earring Set from Express is the perfect gift for her - a little edgy and very fashion forward (I own these and they look really cool on)!

FYI it's ok to treat yourself too.