Shoulder Show

January/February: time of the year when everyone is sick of winter (and ALL their winter clothing options), but spring is still so far away that the thought of wearing a sundress is a far off dream. This is considered a transition period by most, but there isn't much of a move toward spring weather in my eyes. An easy solution to these winter blues is throwing a cold shoulder top into the mix. This adds immediate interest to any outfit, and you get to show a little skin without sacrificing warmth.

I found this cold shoulder at H&M, and have worn it so many times in the past two months! It's an easy piece to layer, or make the center of attention; a very versatile and much needed addition to any closet (and at a price that won't break the bank). I chose to pair my cold shoulder top with this gorgeous faux leather Ann Taylor skirt for a slimming "I didn't completely lose my summer body" look. I topped it off with a faux fur Ellen Tracy jacket, velvet and leather Ralph Lauren bag, and BCBGeneration studded heels. What staple pieces help you get through the never-ending last months of winter?! Leave a comment below! Happy shopping loves. xoxo

Top: H&M

Skirt: Ann Taylor

Jacket: Ellen Tracy

Bag: Ralph Lauren

Shoes: BCBGeneration (Similar Here)

Bracelets: Alex and Ani

Indian Summer//Coated Leather Skirt

I don't know about you, but I've been LOVING this Indian summer! Sixty five degrees in November? I'll take it. I'll also take being able to wear skirts and dresses (with no tights!!) a few more times before I revert to my winter wardrobe of oversize sweaters and leggings.

I decided to pair this coated leather skirt with a sheer top and kimono sweater. The sheer top dresses up the look a bit, while the kimono sweater helps to keep the combination appropriate for Fall. This skirt is extremely versatile though, and can be outfitted for any season. To make this a more casual look, swap out the sheer top and shooties for a basic black long sleeve tee and some casual slip on sneakers (like these!). When it starts to get a little colder and your bare legs can't handle it anymore, slip on some tights and OTK boots, and finish off the look with a chunky turtleneck sweater. Looks like I have another outfit to put together for your guys :). Happy shopping Loves! xoxo

Kimono Sweater: H&M

Top: Forever 21

Skirt: Michael Kors

Shoes: Vince Camuto

Bag: Michael Kors

Sunnies: Marilyn Monroe Eyewear

Art in Bloom Floral Fashion Show

This dress (above), was made with over a thousand roses. Incredible!

"They are only complete when they're together." (above) - First Place Winner

My absolute favorite piece from the event! I met the designer after the show, and (somewhat seriously) asked her to design my future wedding dress.

This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend a fashion show. This wasn't just any fashion show though - every garment that went down the runway was made entirely of flowers and other foliage. Set in the gorgeous Windhover Hall of the Milwaukee Art Museum, the gowns dazzled and left many attendees in awe. Not only did I want to wear some of the incredible floral creations, but I was also intrigued and captivated by the technique and skill that it took to construct this style of art. I can say with 100% certainty that I'm already planning on attending next year's event!

The ticket for this event said "Dress to Impress," but that can be interpreted differently by everyone. I love any opportunity to dress up though, so I went with this bright pink shift dress from Banana Republic, and completed the look with a fitted leather jacket. Adding a leather jacket is a great way to create a slightly more casual look if you're not quite sure how fancy to dress for an event, and you literally can't go wrong with the selection that Express offers every year. I bought mine a couple seasons ago, and I'm still obsessed. 

On another note, it's officially spring! Go ahead and break out those floral prints and wedges - let's hope Mother Nature shows us some love. xoxo

Dress: Banana Republic

Leather Jacket: Express

Shoes: Vince Camuto

Earrings: New York & Company

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

Buffalo Plaids

Buffalo plaids have always been a classic, and this year they are making a huge statement. I've seen this pattern in jackets, tunics, swing dresses, capes...you name it, they have it. I paired my buffalo plaid cape with these fun printed leggings from Ruff Hewn Grey to mix it up a bit; I feel like sometimes I can get lazy and just pair everything with plain black leggings, so this was a good way to branch out! I also belted the cape to add a little shape to my outfit. This was trickier since this cape is so thick (it's so warm though!), but it really adds a more feminine touch so that I wasn't lost in all that fabric. Oh, and you can't forget the fringe! This is one of the more subtle fringe accents of the moment, but you literally can't go wrong with this trend (well maybe you can, but it would be pretty hard). Outfit details below - stock your closet with some plaid and fringe statement pieces. I swear you won't regret it!

Cape: Eivissa (Found at TJ Maxx)

Leggings: Ruff Hewn Grey (Exclusively at Boston Store)

Boots: Vince Camuto

Watch: Michael Kors

Bag: Michael Kors

Leather Details

It's finally sweater weather (I think), and I couldn't be more excited about some of the unique pieces that I've found this fall. One trend that I really love right now is leather accents; they provide a little bit of an edge without being over the top. Whether it's a leather sash and pockets like this sweater, or leather trim on a cozy oversize cape, I just can't get enough. It doesn't have to stop there though. The variety in texture of the leather on my boots provides an interesting twist as well. The front half of the shaft on these boots is actually a stretchy material in disguise, making them some of the most well-fitting and comfortable that I've found. Leather accents are popping up all over the place though, ranging from leather fringe on the bottom of a poncho or sweater, to leather sleeves on an army-inspired jacket. This truly is a trend that is easy to recreate, and with so many different options, you can cater it to your own style personality. 

Sweater: New York & Company

Leggings: See You Monday Los Angeles

Boots: impo (DSW)

Necklace: Steve Madden

Bag: Michael Kors

Watch: Michael Kors

Indian Summer

This fall, I've been showing some major love for my cozy oversize sweaters. But when we experienced an Indian summer last week with temperatures hitting the low 70's, I was elated for the chance to get one more use out of a few of my fall dresses. I love the midi hemline of this dress, which is perfect for the workplace while still showing a little skin (although a little pale - how have I lost all of my tan already?!). Add to that the fact that this dress incorporates the oh so popular color of the year, marsala, and we have a great combo. It was a little chilly in the morning, so I threw on this fitted leather jacket from Express. It worked to wear it open and show the neckline of the dress, or wear it partially zipped to accentuate my waist. If you live in a warmer part of the country, throw an unbuttoned sheer blouse over the top and tie it up at the waist for a fun and flirty take on this versatile dress. 

Dress: Ann Taylor Loft

Jacket: Express

Shoes: I.N.C.

Bag: Michael Kors

Watch: Michael Kors

Sunglasses: Tommy Hilfiger