A Plaid Collab

Happy Monday, friends!

Today I am teaming up with the gorgeous Nicole of Keeping You Stylish to show you how we are wearing plaid this winter!  If you don't know this chick yet, you are definitely missing out on some fabulous style inspiration!  I love the way Nicole can make new trends and silhouettes seem so classic.  And I mean, does she not look like a living Barbie doll?!?  Go spend some time on her blog and see more pictures of her plaid look! 

jacket option splurge option  | similar plaid | black denim | tote | pumps | midi rings | watch | Gigglosophy heart ring c/o 

I chose to print-mix my plaid by adding this tweed and faux leather moto jacket.  I love the edgy moto paired with the manly plaid print.  And if you are following me on Instagram , you already know how obsessed I am with my new baby - the Michael Kors North/South Hamilton tote.  I apologize in advance for how much I am going to carry it. 

This week I wanted to focus on dressing with a budget.  After the Holidays, I am pinching pennies and wanted to help you find some low-budget inspiration as well.  Every day this week I am styling a piece that was under $20.  Yes, $20.  While we all need quality items and investment pieces in our wardrobe, you can supplement with lower priced items and not have to clean out your checking account every month. 

Today's item is this plaid shirt, which I scored at T.J. Maxx for $12.99.  When shopping for plaids, I focus more on the colors and print-size than the quality.  The majority of my button-downs have either come from T.J. Maxx or the boys section of a local department store.  Most of the time I end up layering them under sweaters or coats, so I don't want to blow my budget on a piece that you don't even really see.  T.J. Maxx is a great resource for lower-priced basic items.  Their merchandise is added and updated weekly, so you really have to check back often to find the best pieces.  

Thanks for reading!  Go crush your Monday!  Linkups below

Linking Up With: Molly // Elena // Lauren // Leeann

A Preppy Edge



 

plaid button down // faux leather skirt // booties // tassel necklace // clutch: TJ Maxx; old (similar ) // watch // bracelets: old; boutique (option )

 

 

Happy Monday!  I hope everyone had a great weekend!  I had such a great time at the fashion show Sunday despite the bone-chilling temps.  45 degrees is not ok with this girl.  There were so many fun looks in the show, and I definitely took a mental note of a few pieces to add to the Christmas wish-list

 

I love the perfect amount of prep and edge that this plaid and faux leather skater skirt create.  This skirt was a steal from Forever 21 and I seriously wear it at least once a week.  It's so fun and versatile.  Secret shopping tip - check the boys section at stores like Old Navy and department stores.  Often the boys LG/XL will fit a women's small or medium and they always have the true masculine plaid button-ups.  This one was a Ralph Lauren from the boys section of Belk.  The buckles on these Sam & Libby booties play up the edgy feel of this look, and these days I feel no outfit is complete without my favorite tassel from Mint Sugar Boutique .

 

Thanks for reading!  Now go crush your Monday.  Linkups below!

 

 

 

Linking Up With:  Molly // Elena // Tori // Deidre

Fall Essentials

 

vest: J.Crew circa 2001 (option) // plaid: TJMaxx (option) // Bag: Phillip Lim for Target (want this one) // denim: 7 For All Mankind (here) // Boots: J. Crew 2009 (option) // Gold Ring: Tiffany & Co. (here) // Wire Bangles: c/o Reece & Blaire (here) // Black Bliss Bracelet: c/o Eff-Y-Bee (here) // Diamond Bracelet: c/o Brina Box (here)

 

WOOT WOOOT - WHAT DAY IS IT.....

 

Shamefully, this is only my third PSL of the season.  In an effort to cut calories & cash, I have been faithfully making coffee both at home and the office.  However, I forgot to make coffee Friday morning before work and found myself in Starbucks drive-thru ordering a venti Pumpkin Spice Latte  AND one of the new tomato/mozzarella pastries.  Hooked.  I am trying to justify them now as a seasonal item {read: drink as many as you can before they take them away}

 

This outfit has so many of my old fall favorites.  I have had these riding boots since I first met my husband {sadly, I know the exact date I met both my husband and my J.Crew boots} and they honestly have gotten better with age.  I think they are a wardrobe staple for fall/winter and you will see them over and over again on the blog with jeans, dresses and skirts.  The vest is over a decade old {so now you know I am a clothes hoarder} and honestly, I haven't found a vest I love more since.  It's so lightweight, making it the perfect layering item for fall.  You still get the effect of the texture and structure without any of the bulk.  This Tiffany & Co. Ring is one of my most coveted pieces of jewelry.  It was a Christmas present from my parents that I begged and begged for.  It's such a timeless piece and something I know will be passed down one day.  

 

Newbies I am loving are these Reece & Blaire bangles.  They make the "stack" almost daily.  I just love how unique they are! 

 

Go Crush your Hump Day!  Thanks for Reading!