Utilize It...

Vest / T-Shirt / Denim / Flats / Bag /  Necklace / Bracelet / Watch / Sunglasses

I have to admit, I'm usually not one for military style vests.  I've loved the trend from afar the past couple seasons... but couldn't bring myself to purchase one. I always felt as though Camo and military-esque attire just wasn't really "me".  I somehow always find a way to make a trend I truly love work for me though. In this case, I went simple. By adding something I tend to crutch on  {stripes} the look instantly has a personal touch.

I can see myself wearing this over summer sundresses and even into fall as a layering piece. I love finding budget-friendly pieces that will stand the test of time... calculating a cost per wear into pennies= (true happiness}. Another obsession of mine... these Sole Society flats. I can't even count the number of compliments I have received while wearing these. The major draw for be was the ballet styling. These remind me so much of my ballet shoes. I also dying for them in leopard. {here)

If you're in the market for some adorable spring finds at budget-friendly prices, make sure to check out Old Navy. Another jackpot shopping spot right now: Sole Society! Amazing quality and comfort at a fraction of designer prices: can't beat it! 

Have a beautiful day and thanks for stopping by! Don't forget Wedding Wednesday Tomorrow! Exciting things coming your way!

XO-L

Jaded

Jacket: Forever 21, similar (ON SALE!) // Top: Forever 21 // Denim: Old Navy //  

Heels: Sole Society // Watch: Michael Kors// Bracelet: Blush Bazaar // Bag, Rebecca Minkoff //

Earrings: Benevolent Jewels (use LFCODE20 for 20% off) // Necklaces: J Crew, Benevolent Jewels //

 Sunnies: Anthropologie// Lip: Pink Neauvou  // Wearing the Luxy Hair 120g set in Dirty Blonde

I am so infected with spring fever right now it's almost ridiculous. With the weather being in the 60's right now,  it's easy to let it happen. Green is the epitome of spring and this is the perfect shade of green! Pictures don't do it justice. It really is fab. It's actually an oldie from last spring, but I've found an amazing dupe and an amazing price. (linked above)

When featuring a bright color I try to keep everything else super neutral. A basic striped top with denim  seemed fitting. Especially with us running around Nashville on Sunday. I was so excited to walk Belmont's campus with Luke and listen to how excited he was sharing old stories. I've visited Nashville before, but never toured the campus. I can't even explain how pretty it is in words. I was astounded! All the musicians playing guitar on every corner didn't hurt either! (hah!) 

In other news, this has been one rough week! I'm not going to go into details, but I would appreciate thoughts and prayers! 

Thank you so much for reading!!!

Two Tone...

Top: Max Studio, loving this one

Denim: 7FAM

Heels: ShoeDazzle featured in People Style Watch Mag March 2014

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Watch: Michael Kors

Bracelets: J Crew, Blush Bazaar

Necklace: BaubleBar

Lippie: Saint Germain

Nails: Formula X for Sephora "intensity"

Sometimes I have a hard time nailing down what my style is just by thinking of one look.  I love love love bright colors!!!! Yet, sometimes I just want to go super neutral with hardly a stitch of color.... that's just who I am. I like a lot of different things. I don't have a specific style that would define me... I don't think many do.

I just love the look of a simple white blouse with dark denim and pumps... there really is nothing more simple and chic. I found these heels from Shoedazzle a couple weeks ago and thought they were just so fun! The light pink and winter white color block is just the start... there is also a layer of gold peaking through the perforation of the leather: obsessed! They were actually featured in the newest issue of People Style Watch... so they must be pretty perfect, right?

I pulled things together with my favorite new polish from the Formula X collection for Sephora and a light lip.

Things are supposed to get a little crazy around here weather wise tomorrow. Schools are closing and we are predicted to get 6 inches of snow! Just pray it doesn't happen people! I just don't have time for that!!! 

Thanks for reading pretties! Sorry for the delay in posting! I managed to squeeze this one in between my work commute and making it to piloxing on time... I'm kind of obsessed with piloxing lately BTW! 

ps- It had just rained when we took these photos. Please excuse me frizzy hair! 

XO- L

Just Minted

Blazer: Forever 21, similar
Top: Anthropologie, similar
Denim: Gap
Bag: Michael Kors
Flats: J Crew Factory
Necklace: L Mae Boutique, sold out
Sunnies: Anthropologie
Watch: Michael Kors
Bracelets: J Crew, Old Navy (sold out)
Wearing my Luxy Extensions {120 gram set in Dirty Blonde-18} Use CODE: LUXYFRIEND5 to get $5 off!

I don't know about you, but this weather is getting a little much... One day it's in the 50's and the next we are calling for snow and wearing puffer jackets. It can make a girl go crazy... especially when trying to get dressed in the morning! 

For the warmer days we have had this has been a go-to look. Especially when I have plans after the work day. I often trade out my bottoms from work with denim to bring my work wear from day to night. 

The blazer was a find last spring from Forever 21, I just love the color and wear it to work on days that need some extra color. I found a pretty amazing dupe here from Nordstrom... so if you are in the market for a mint blazer you're in for a treat. The peplum top added some femininity to the look and the lighter stripes are a great compliment with mint. I can't get enough blazers... I love that I can create so many different looks with one piece. 

How are you coping with the crazy weather? 

I hope you are having a great day and thanks so much for reading!

Snow Day

Snow days are so magical... even when you're a grown up. I love how peaceful everything looks when covered in a blanket of white... nothing can top it. {other than the beach} I was grateful to be able to leave work early after the storm hit... I drive almost 40 minutes to work without snow... so with creates over an hour and a half commute for me. {ick} I was so happy to make it home... and when I did this is what I saw... GORG!

Pixie pants and layering are winter staples of mine... I also love a red, black, and white combo! The three make such a sharp statement! With Valentine's day quickly approaching hearts make everything just a little more festive... 

Sweater: J Crew, similar 
Vest: J Crew
Gingham: Old Navy, similar
Pants: J Crew
Boots: Hunter
Bag: H&M
Watch: Michael Kors
Bracelet: J Crew
Pearls: J Crew
Headwrap: Urban Outfitters, similar


I hope you are enjoying the snow! Stay warm and safe and have a wonderful day!

Thank you so much for reading!

421948a4d9f66fad766e165de1eadfd894a2d2dcd126ad3e34

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!

Canary

Canary yellow is absolute perfection. Yellow can often turn into a disaster where outfits are concerned: reason being,  choosing the wrong shade. I have yet to find someone this shade of yellow doesn't favor. If you are brunette with olive complexion or blonde and fair like me, this shade will work for you! Throw on a bright pink or red lip and some skinnies and you are ready to go!

I found this fab top from H&M about a month ago. I love the fabric and ruffle front. One thing to always be mindful of with tops is volume balance. I paired my leather blazer with this to bring down the fullness and bring everything to the center with a tapered front. I'm all about adding interest, but you never want to let it takeover. Always find something to keep your looks grounded.

 I am so grateful for the ability to shop H&M online now. I found several items that are amazing quality, but each came in around $20. You really can't beat that. Especially when one of my finds is a great dupe for several designer bags I have been eyeing lately. This bag is quite large, but is perfect for those days when I have a lot to cart around with me. Another great part is the large mouth opening. There is nothing worse than a large bag with a small mouth: all that size and no way to easily access  your items... no thanks! 

Blouse: H&M

Jacket: Express, similar

Denim: 7fam

Heels: J Crew, similar 

Bag: H&M

Sunnies: Anthropologie, similar 

Watch: Michael Kors 

Earrings: option

Lippie: Stila Poppy

Another change, I wore my Luxies straight for once. I was scared my hair wouldn't blend well and would look piecey, but I was pleasantly surprised. Just a little leave in to keep the ends smooth and my flat iron and we were in business.

Luke and I both have the day off today! Thank the Lord for holidays. We are spending the day working on wedding plans! Wish us luck! We are in crunch time and have a million things to accomplish on our to do list before May 31st!!

Thanks for reading and talk to you soon!

Prepped and Proper

 

 

Vest: Talbots | Chambray: J Crew | Denim: Level 99 | Clutch: K slademade | 

Heels: Nine West, similar | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelet: J Crew | 

Necklace: Forever 21, similar here and here | Lippie: Stila Poppy

I gravitate toward preppy classics... like quilted vests and plaid. I stumbled upon this vest online several months ago. I had already acquired quite the vest collection and couldn't justify the price tag at the time... so I contained myself. I know we were meant to be  because when shopping on Sunday our store happened to only have one of these left... the one lonely vest also happened to be my size... and was 50% off. You know I couldn't pass that up! I've talked about my affection for Talbot's before and here I am again... telling you how very much I love Talbot's at age 26. Every brand has a target market, but that doesn't mean you have to trap yourself within those age limits. Loving timeless classics is nothing to be ashamed of ladies... so don't let anyone fool you. If you find something that works for you; wherever it is, by all means buy it! 

I'm a creature of habit and once I develop an obsession, it's hard to break. I've worn a little Poppy Red all but one day out of the last week... not sure when I'll break the habit. 

We are also expecting snow again today... oh the joys of winter! Who else is counting down the days until summer?

Have a wonderful day and thank you for reading!

Printed Poppy

Top: old: similar here | Blazer: Target | Denim: HudsonBoots: Lacoste 

Bag: Louis Vuitton | Necklace: similar here | Watch: Michael Kors 

Bracelet: J Crew | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Lippie: Stila Poppy

I don't know about you, but I am so ready for the weekend! I have also been super ready for a splash of inspiration for outfits lately. Who would have thought that splash would come from a new lip product obsession? These Stila lip laquers are serious perfection! I have never found a lip product that produced so much shine and color payoff in one. The shade I'm wearing is called Poppy and it truly is my new favorite color. 

The top and blazer have been in my closet for a while, and when I was perusing my closet I pulled them out thinking: match made in heaven! Black and white is one of my all time favorite color combos and the poppy red gave some extra umph! 

Bringing old and new together to help spin old pieces in my closet is a major priority of mine right now and I'm glad to be off to a great start! How are you guys giving your tried and trues a fresh take in 2014? 

Have a blessed weekend and thank you for reading!