9TH & ELM

Jacket / Tee c/o / Skirt / Heels, similar / Bag / Bracelets 1, 2 / Earrings / Rings, similar / Sunnies 

"I have nothing to wear!" I have to be honest, I feel like this almost everyday! A closet full of clothes... and nothing speaks to me! I really think it comes down to a creative block (you know, like what writers get all the time). I mean hey, it can happen! Finding a new spin on old pieces... or even finding humor in the things that make life a little weird: that's where I'm trying to find my space.

In comes this tee from my friends over at 9th & Elm.  LOVE! First off the site is absolutely amaze! Think Group Deals paired with Etsy! Lovely pieces that are all handmade by independent designers. The prices cannot be beat and the designer slots are always changing... so you really never know what you will find. (Other than the obvious amazingness!)

When I am feeling a little lost and have no idea to wear... this is what I reach for! Simple, staple pieces that I can throw on a t-shirt and heels and look like I somewhat have a clue....

What do you feel most comfortable in? Do you get closet creative block like me?

Ps- Make sure you check out 9th & Elm for all things Handmade, Independent, & Otherwise Cool

Photos by Katie of Pearls & Twirls

Casual Date Night

Dress. J Crew Factory (on sale!!!)

Flats: J Crew (on sale!!!)

Clutch: K slademade (on sale!!)

Belt: Target

Scarf: J Crew

Bracelets: J Crew, Blush Bazaar

Watch: Michael Kors

Sunnies: Anthropologie

Lippie: Candy Yum Yum + Girl about Town gloss

Linked up with: 

Three-fer Thursday, Favorite Fashion Friday, All Things Thursday , 

As you get older... things start to change. I'm going through some major changes this year and it really just hit me that this will be my last "single" Valentine's Day. So crazy to think, but I really went through a page roll in my mind of all my past Valentine's Days and how this one is different. This one is different because it is finally sinking in... I'm about to get married. Hey, don't get me wrong... I'm over the mood excited!!! I'm also scared though... just like with any other big change life is about to get a makeover. I know I'm going to be one happy lady... and I also know I found someone who will make every day of my life the best ever. I just don't know what to expect... how I will feel.... what will be the big "change".  Life is already pretty awesome! Luke treats me like a princess and he is already my number one. Sorry to ramble, but I know I'm not the only person who has gone through this and would love to hear your stories. Love is a journey and everyone's is different. I'd love to learn about you and your love story... maybe it will help me along my own journey.

Now on to some lighter reading... to be honest, casual date nights are more my thing. When Luke and I go out to somewhere low key for dinner and I wear flats and a simple dress I feel the most myself. He always tells me he likes me best when I'm undone.... he also could do without all the lipstick (ha!). 

Chambray is kind of a necessity in life. Dress it up with heels... or down with flats... you can really do no wrong. I had wanted a chambray dress last spring, but apparently had things higher on my wants list... so I snatched this up a couple weeks ago from J Crew Factory. Better late than never right? Since I'm loving red and black so much these days... why not pull the three together. My K slademade clutch added the perfect touch of color and I added an old J Crew scarf from my closet to pull it all together. 

I hope you have a wonderful day and thank you for reading! 

ps- Don't forget to share your stories below! I can't wait to read them! 

XO-L

Spring Fever

Spring fever is in full effect here... We are experiencing another cold spell and I can't think of anything better than warm sunshine and the beach. I keep throwing brights into the mix to try and force spring in... but nothing yet... This week I'm really trying to focus on getting good use of things in my closet that have yet to be worn... or have been a little neglected lately... My little J Crew bow flats have spent a lot of time in the closet since early fall. Nude bow flats are kind of a necessity so I'm not sure how I went so long without wearing them.

 This vest has been such a major piece in my wardrobe lately... I have worn it to work, on the weekends to be super casual, and even over workout clothes going to and from the gym for extra warmth. I snatched it up when it was around $40 and have definitely gotten my money's worth...  

A pink blouse is also a must have. Pink makes me happy just like every other lady out there... but it also adds an element of cheer to otherwise understated outfits. I always go for a slightly darker pink lip to compliment. For this look I wore girl about town topped off with matching gloss. {The only issue was the major wind that we have been having... I ended up with lip gloss in hair: no bueno!}

Top: J Crew, similar here 
Vest: J Crew
Denim: Gap
Necklace: Benevolent Jewels (use code LFCODE20 for 20% off)
Bag: Michael Kors
Flats: J Crew Factory
Watch: Michael Kors
Belt: Target
Bracelet: J Crew
Sunnies: Anthropologie
Lippie: Girl About Town lipstick + gloss

My accessories are my favorite part of this look. After spending quite some time contemplating... I decided to splurge on the Michael Kors Selma handbag. For several years the only bag I would own was a Michael Kors bag. I was actually a little obsessive. {I tend to do that sometimes... #sorrynotsorry} My only reason to not have purchased this sooner was the fact that it is floating around everywhere... literally. I finally decided that if I liked the bag I should just get it. I went with navy because 1. I have never owned a navy bag and 2. because I love a navy and black combo... but also love the nautical feel it can give a look with a cheerful color palette. Overall I have been very happy so far. The quality and functionality really cannot be beat for the price tag!

Lastly, my Benevolent Jewels necklace. Obsessed! There are so many ways that I can wear this piece because of the color combo! You can really see major detail in some of my recent Instagram photos, but pink, blue, and olive green really make this piece extremely unique. You can get 20% off at Benevolent Jewels by using code: LFCODE20.

I hope life is happy where you are and that you have a wonderful day!

Thanks for reading and talk to you soon!

Bundled up in color...

Remember me saying it was cold? I was just kidding... now it's cold... We are seriously at 0! When is this crazy freeze going to end? The only ways I am getting through can be summed up in one word: layers. I work inside most of the day so wearing heavy layers on top and lighter underneath is a must. I start with something like a light blouse, move to a sweater, and then end with a heavy coat. I'm not much of a glove wearer... I usually wear them the first five minutes I'm in the car on my commute and toss them for the day. I just feel super restricted... and mostly can't handle not being able to use my phone. (I can't get the touch screen compatible gloves to work). 

This coat is one of my most prized possessions. I love the color (read about my yellow obession here) and that the sleeve isn't full length. I realize three quarter sleeves are really meant for fall, but I like to be able to move. I also love this coat for the reason that layers don't feel super bulky underneath. I love the sweater ( I wore it to cover up during my best friends wedding... it was a chilly night and we weren't very covered in our strapless bridesmaids dresses). The hi-lo effect is hard to see here, but it really is the best part. Polka dots don't hurt either though... 

I thought I needed some extra color so I threw on a sleeveless blouse in the popular color of the year (Radiant Orchid). At first I thought the colors might be a little overwhelming together, but I actually love the combo...

Coat: Talbot's Similar

Sweater: Boutique Find, Similar

Bow Blouse: Similar here and here

Pants: J Crew

Socks: Urban Outfitters

Boots: Hunter

Watch: Michael Kors

Bracelet: Mudpie

Headwrap: Anthropologie

Sunnies: Tory Burch

Bag: H&M, similar

Lippie: St. Germain with Girl about Town Gloss

Other thoughts: Hunter Boots aren't just for rain. Outside of UGG boots... they are kind of the only thing that keep me warm. I throw on boot socks and I'm set. 

Have a great day and stay warm!

Thanks for reading!

Uniform

Sweater: J Crew Factory/ Pants: J Crew/ Necklace: L Mae Boutique, sold out/ 

Bag: Louis Vuitton/ Boots: Lacoste via 6pm/ Watch: Michael Kors/ 

Bracelet: J Crew/ Headband: J Crew/ Lippie: Stila laquer in Poppy (new fave)

Everyone has a uniform: that go-to outfit that never fails... Mine just happens to be a cozy sweater, boots, and my pixie pants. I have each in several colors to make getting ready on-the-go a cinch. This sweater is one of my favorites. It's more of an open knit, but so incredibly warm. 

The boots were a recent splurge. I had told myself that I didn't need another pair of boots this year, but when I completely tore the leather on my best black boots I knew I couldn't make it through winter without a replacement. I found these on 6 pm and was surprised when I saw the brand as I didn't realize Lacoste also makes footwear. I was so happy when I got them and realized how great the leather is! Not to mention that they are super comfy! Definitely a great find! 

The weather here has been so cold that taking these pictures was very difficult. We made it above freezing, but I still felt like an ice cube. It's predicted to be much warmer through next week and I couldn't be more grateful. 

Have a great day and thanks so much for reading!