Time for Tortoise

Fall is here, friends. And while in my life as new non-Florida resident has brought on a little "winter anticipation anxiety", I'm definitely trying to slow down and enjoy the short fall like a true Chicago gal. One fall fashion trend I am all jazzed about is tortoise shell jewelry. I bought a pair of $9 snazzy tortoise shell earrings from H&M that reminded me of just how fab tortoise shell is. Last night, I wore a tortoise shell necklace similar to the one here on the bottom right with a black and white striped long sweater. Unexpected but oh..so fall!

J.Crew on J.Crew

You really can't go wrong with J.Crew...or at least that's my opinion. Are you with me?
This blinged out statement necklace is the perfect accessory to be paired with this light sweater (which is totally transitional from casual to dressy). 

In My White Tee

I finally found the perfect pair of ripped light washed jeans...and they were less than $25. I rolled the bottom of these new beauties and paired them with a slightly oversized soft white tee (H&M). To stick with the simple and clean look, I went with my favorite nude strappy Zara heels. I needed some sort of statement necklace with this plain outfit so I went with a tortoise and blinged out necklace. Perfect little weekend wear!

Happy Houndstooth and New Year

I recall, and might I add...very clearly...disliked houndstooth when I was a little girl. But, as my mother always told me, things are cyclical. And just like that...houndstooth is back and cuter than ever. This dress (from Target...get out, right?) is thick enough for a true northern winter outfit or worn alone for a southern "winter" day of 75 degrees. I paired this fab find with black tights, black pumps, a crisp white button up top and a tassel necklace. And of course, I topped off this outfit with red lips (NYX matte lip color). I'd suggest snagging this dress while it's available!

Totally Tortoise

Bauble Bar has some fabulous new tortoise necklaces that I was convinced I "needed"...which of course, means "wanted"...a lot. But, when my best friend and I were scouring TJ Maxx for home decor, I stumbled across this beauty. Bling and tortoise...perfection. And most importantly, another sassy necklace for my layering obsession. 

Last Chance White...Done Right

If you follow the "no white after Labor Day" rule, time is ticking for you, honey. Get out those fresh white pants and start planning your outfit for the weekend before the whites get placed in the closet, not to see light for many moons. I'm loving a little color blocking with the white pants for a fun weekend look. This hot pink top (from Tibi) plays nicely with the Saako Design teal necklace and yellow Yves Saint Laurent heels. Keep the rest of the accessories simple with jewelry like these Tory Burch earrings and H&M stacked rings. It's the summer, so keep the makeup light with Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream and a pink summerly gloss stick. 

All Tied Up

Sometimes I throw on mix-match sweats and t-shirts when I'm out and about running errands and sometimes I like to look presentable. With a trip to the salon on my calendar for yesterday, I decided to put on makeup for the first time in days and put in a little effort. This maxi skirt from Ann Taylor is the perfect summer shade and the perfect fabric for comfort. I paired the maxi skirt with one of my five identical J.Crew white v-necks. However, the knot changes it up a little bit. Since the skirt is high-waisted, putting the shirt up in a knot worked out perfectly. To add another pop of collar, I threw on this J.Crew necklace. I kept the shoes neutral (plus glitter, of course). These sandals are from Target. 

Dinner Party Do

What is a gal to wear to a friend's dinner party? It sure seemed like the perfect time to bust out these new snakeskin shorts from H&M ($12.95). I went on a rampage in my closet, trying on five different tops with these shorts but ultimately opted for this t-shirt (H&M - $7) and this blazer (Kardashian Kollection). I wore my silver scalloped necklace (Judy's Antiques) and a top knot. For shoes, I tied in a little subtle snakeskin with these White House, Black Market wedges. It was a success!

Scary (Corporate) Spice

If I can find ways to sneak in some of my favorite trends into my work outfits, I'm all about it. This top, from TJ Maxx (for probably $12.99) works perfectly with my mustard pencil skirt (H&M). I layered on my scalloped silver necklace (from Judy's Antiques - $1), dressing up the skull patterned top. I wore my black patent leather Aldo sky-high heels to finish off the outfit. Plus, what a perfect time to flaunt my new skull bracelet from Charming Charlie! Love. 

Gems from Judy's

There is nothing I love more than a good, solid fashion bargain buy. I have posted about Judy before but let me reitterate why I'm such a raging Judy fan. Judy's Antiques in Fort Myers is a totally hidden gem. The small, quaint shop is a great place to find treasures such as silver teapots, broaches, etc. However, when I venture in, I'm looking for vintage jewelry. I left the store with 2 necklaces ($1 each), a ring ($5) and a set of major blingy earrings ($5). These are pieces you couldn't find in some trendy boutique - they have a little character to them. Walking out with all of these goodies for $12 was just too exciting to not share!

Sparkles, Spikes and Sassy Shoes

There is no better feeling than getting new high heels...in the world, there isn't a better feeling. You'll never be able to convince me otherwise. But, seriously. The arrival of these heels, from Zara, was the only thing that has kept me going since last week. Is it just me or when you know a new pair of heels is coming do you obsess over what the perfect outfit would be divine with them? Thought this would be the perfect opportunity to bust out my tight mustard pencil skirt from H&M. I paired the skirt and heels with this white and black blouse from Forever21. The necklace added a little feminine touch to the buttoned-up blouse. I kept the rest of my jewelry simple (or non-existent) and rocked a little magenta Sephora lipstick for a pop of color. Loving this outfit.

Big Necklace, Big Statement

Since statement pieces like chunky, bright necklaces are so trendy right now, when I find one as fun as the one above, I have to have it! This necklace, from J.Crew, was a great snag during the store's 50% off extravaganza a few weeks ago. I paired this necklace with this white Gap top, navy boyfriend pants and bright orange BCBG wedges.

Grace-fully Chic

My girlfriend, Grace, has always had the gift of a fabulous fashion sense. And as you can see from the pic above, she is still rocking that style in her present life in the windy city of Chicago. She assembled this top-notch outfit with the help of some of our fave stores (details below). Loving her necklace/collared top combo - always a hit in my book. Here is what I love about Gracie...she doesn't have to be flashy and overly dolled up...she just has a naturally polished look. Keep on keeping on, Gracie girl.
Skirt: Theory  Blouse: Joe Fresh  Shoes:  Joe Fresh  Bag: Zara  Necklace: J.Crew

Peplum, Patterns and Heels...Oh My!

A rushed morning turned out to create one of my favorite outfits so far this year. Pairing my favorite leathery peplum top (Off 5th) with my funky fresh graphic pants (Forever 21) turned out to be a great decision. I topped off the outfit with this fun necklace from H&M and these Kelsey Dagger leather gladiator heels. Love love love.

Max Out Your Maxi

A fabulous $17.95 army green maxi skirt purchase this weekend brought on flashes of outfit possibilities. But, as always, my first thought is always "How can I make this piece appropriate for work?" So...that's what I've done here...made a maxi skirt work-friendly. I've matched the skirt with staple pieces most gals have in their closet: basic white button up, platform wedges and a bold necklace. Since you are going solids on top and bottom, spicing up your look with bold jewelry is an absolute must. 

Cutesy Collar

I love this trend. This sheer houndstooth ivory top (from Gap) needed a little something. This was the perfect opportunity to wear this vintage necklace that I've had for 6 months but have never worn. Layer one of your favorite chunky necklaces with a collared shirt and transform your outfit!

Glitz & Glam

Glitz and glamour are perfect for the fall when it comes to accessories. Chunky and blingy statement jewelry is the perfect solution for spicing up your everyday wardrobe. 1. Blue and Green Stone Necklace 2. Black and Nude Earrings 3. Gold Collar Necklace 4. Stone Ring 5. Multiple Stone Ring 6. Cuff

Falling into Fall Fashion

These boots were made for walking...literally...they are comfortable and have minimal heel. It's time to bust out light jackets and boots. My favorite part of this outfit is the necklace. Monograms are always precious but his necklace is especially cute. Splash on one of my favorite perfumes, Miss Dior Cherie by Dior and the perfect fall shade of nail polish to finish off the ensemble. 

Set the Bar High

Finding the "perfect" piece of jewelry isn't an easy task. But, luckily for you, I've found it for you! This bar necklace by Jennifer Zeuner is the cat's meow. It's available in silver and gold so choose your fave and wear this bad boy with anything and everything. Layer this necklace with several others or rock it solo when opting for a more simple look. Not a necklace person? Jennifer Zeuner makes similar pieces as bracelets. Thank you, Jennifer.