Baby Its Cold Outside

//  Click the links below for outfit details //

// Pictures by: Tess Ware //

Sweater: Forever21 {Similar here and here} // Jeans: Treasure and Bond // Boots: Old {adore these here and here} // Bag: Steve Madden {Von Maur} // Tassel Earrings: love these here and here // Sunnies: Michael Kors {Similar here and here} // 

Happy Hump Day! If you're reading this...you've made it half way through the work week, go you! If you haven't noticed....the snow hasn't left. There's been many days where my rad photographer Tess Ware joins me in this crazy hobby, cold weather and all. However, this particular day was insanely cold {says Tess...ha ha} so, we captured some of this look indoors. Towards the end I persuaded Tess to take a couple shots outside....and this is how the conversation went. Tess: "It's freezinggggg outside." Me: "It actually feels nice out with the sun." Tess: "I can see your breath..." Valid statement. Very valid statement. So yes, it's been freezing and I'm in some serious denial. 

Onto this look. I scored this cozy sweater from Forever21. I usually object to buying sweaters this late into winter, but if you've lived an Iowa or have been to...winter tends to drag on and on. At times it's a super bummer...because well,  I'm more than ready for bright prints, sandals, and simple layers. This look was meant to be simplistic and chic. I love these old Naughty Monkey boots and although like some of the stuff lingering in my closet, I try to find similar pieces you lovelies will enjoy. On that note, if you ever have any questions or feel a product isn't close to what you're looking for...don't hesitate to contact me at mandynicoleblog@gmail.com. I love hearing from all of you and most definitely can answers any questions. I hope you enjoy this simply winter look. 

Thanks for stopping by!

xo

Military Vest + Cognac Lovin'

{Click the links below loves for all outfit details}

 

   Ivory Sweater: Old Navy // Military vest: Old, adore this jacket here and here // Denim: 

   similar  here {under $30} // Black Booties: ShoeDazzle {going fast & three different

   colors!} Necklace: BaubleBar {2 colors available} // Cognac Purse: Michael Kors  // Phone

   case: Kate Spade here //



 

Raise your hand if you're more than ready for winter to be over {I don't think my hand can raise any higher...sigh}. I love Iowa, I love seasons, but I am so ready for spring. Wah I know {ha ha}! One thing I do love about winter months are layers, layers, and more layers. I think I've outworn this lovely military vest and my oh my does it go nicely with different looks. Although this one was from last season, I've been looking effortlessly to find a military jacket that I can outwear as well...I'm thinking this one here and here. Thoughts?

 

Confession, I use to be that person who would try on clothes, think ahhhhh, and just purchase it. I'm actually very selective and conscious of what I purchase because A. I'm a sucker for bargains and B. It's all about the fit. When I describe my body type I say that I'm "hippy" and the normal response is "oh my gosh stop." Don't get me wrong there are days I stare in the mirror and think....was that half of box of girl scout cookies really worth it {Peanut Butter Patties to be exact} and damn it my heart tells me yes...but my body rolls it eyes in utter regret.. {yes I just said that}. However, I do adore my curves but playing up certain portions is crucial and getting it right isn't always a breeze.

 

A little advice....and I'm no expert...{so lessons I've learned} the outer layer piece of clothing always looks flattering longer than the piece that is being layered {if that makes sense, ha ha..example sweater layered with a longer vest or jacket}, skinny legged denim highlights any good curve {make sure the length isn't an awkward length}, and a sleek black bootie which accentuates the legs making them appear longer. That's my fashion two cents and again...those have been some of my go to tricks.

 

Anyways, I'm a day late and a dollar short..I wanted to inform you all of the great President Sale BaubleBar had for grabs and well.... I missed out on the deal. However, you can receive 15% off on your first purchase and these are a couple statement pieces I'm currently craving....this fab spiked gold necklace here and this lovely finger bling here. My necklace above it also still for grabs here and I love love the neutral tones. As I usually like to sit and wait for another irresistible deal....I no longer can fight temptation and will have to add these lovely things to the ole collection...if not now than tomorrow {lol}.

 

 

Good morning and great day!

 

xo

Mad For Plaid

{Click the links below for outfit details}



 Buffalo Plaid Poncho: Impressions Boutique, similar here {Under $50} and love here {only $34} // White Long Sleeve Top: old {similar here, under $10} // Black Fleece Line Leggings: here and here {Both under $20} // Over the Knee Boots: Nordstrom {from $200 to under $80!}

 // Wool Fedora: Nordstrom {under $30} // Polka Dot Gloves: here and here // Purse: old craving this here {Tory Burch} // Mac Lippies: here

 

 

In case you haven't noticed...I've been slacking major on getting blog posts up. I did say one resolution of mine was to slow down and not rush right...? {ha ha} I'm going to be real honest between having two jobs, planning a wedding, and doing the blog thing as a hobby...a girl can get exhausted and fast. Oh, did I mention Dustin and I are back into the grind of working out? That to come in the next post...woofta. I hope you all had a wonderful NYE and brought in the New Year with loved ones. Although I'm not big into celebrating NYE we did get the chance to enjoy our selves with great friends, food, and even gambled...slightly. I lost a whopping $7 you all...but what can I say...I'd rather see my hard earned money hanging in my closet. Joking, well slightly.

 

One thing I can say is I'm a strong believer in having a new year, starting over fresh, creating resolutions, and believing that what is yet to come will always be a beautiful adventure. I don't mean to switch to sad mode, but these past two years haven't been the greatest and while these times were extremely hard, lessons were learned, priorities were adjusted, tears were shed, questions were left unanswered....and through it all there was a sense of calmness and relief. I'm not going to go into religion, what I believe, what you should....not because I don't believe or for that matter want to share...but those moments of darkness with my savior were and still remain personal. Anyways, on a lighter note I'm so ready for 2015. There are many great things happening moving forward and I feel like things are falling into place!

 

I want to take a second to gush about how much I adore this buffalo plaid poncho from Impressions Boutique. It's so easy to just throw on for a warm, cozy, winter look. Confession...I'm a tad bit obsessed with their wide variety of clothing and the prices are so reasonable. Side note, I feel obligated to share Tess and I bared the cold, like -5, cold....and to no surprise she was able to catch these amazing shots. It felt so incredibly good to have the sun shining..I swear you all..we've been without sun for years, okay months. I end this post with a motivational quote. As always thanks for following!

 

 

Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.

Alice Walker



 



Black & White

 Outfit Details

Photos by: Tess Irene Photography

Grey Cardigan: Nordstrom here {On sale $33!} also adore this here, here, and here {under $50}// White Tank: {old, similar here $6} // Black Jeans: old {love these under $40 here and here under $70 here} // Purse: old {adore here, under $25 and very similar here, under $30} Black Booties: Steve Madden {sold out} obsessed with these Madden beauties here and here {Under $25!}

 

 

Later post alert! Although the holiday bizziness is over and done with {boo}, I still find myself running around for last minute holiday deals.  I'm a last minute kind of gal, the struggle is real you all! There's just certain specials I refuse to let myself miss out on because of how killer in fact they really are. The latest favorite of mine has been Nordstrom. Right now Nordstrom has  50% off selective items but they sure do make it hard to pick from.

 

This adorbs grey cardigan is hot on sale at only $33 here. Shop some of my other favorites like these amazing black {here} over the knee boots for under $100 and this cozy sweater {here}. Did I mention you can grab some of these goods up until January 4th? Yea, AMAZING right. I hope you'll had a wonderful Christmas...I promise to post my last holiday look {late post, Again...ha ha} and how I spent my Christmas. Although it was hard without my dad..it was another wonderful Christmas spent with family making memories and of course taking pictures!

 

 



 Much love,

Mandy Nicole

 



Holiday Glitz and Gift Guides

{Click the links below for direct access to these must have holiday pieces}

Photos by: Tess Irene Photography

 

Holiday Look 1: Red Sweater: J.Crew Factory, 30% off & Free shipping! Code HELP {Also, Similar here and love this here // Gingham Shirt: Similar here, under $12! // Sequin Skirt: old {Very similar here and love this, under $40  // Bow Heels: ShoeDazzle // Emerald Clutch: Old Navy // Crystal Link Bracelet: Target Style, under $20, buy 1 get one 50% off // Gold Watch: Michael Kors // Kate Spade Bow Bracelet: c/o a sweet friend, here and here.

 

Holiday season is in the air and lets just say I definitely caught wind of all the cheer and excitement! There's so much to love about Christmas time {to name a few} from the holiday decor, to the Hallmark Channel Christmas movies {and those Hallmark card commercials..phew they get me every time} and last but not least, December, the month of giving. {Oh and one more, Bows, Bows, and more bows!} With every Christmas year {brings happy Christmas cheer} but also a ton of last minute shopping. I don't know about you, but I adore all the little trinkets and small gift orders for all members of the family. Sometimes the most challenging part of gift purchasing is knowing where and when to buy for your loved ones. Each Friday leading up to Christmas, I will be posting his and her gift guides and also gifts guide ideas for your favorite bestie as well {Can't leave out the besties, ladies and you too bro's}.

 

Besides putting together gift guides every week for you all, I will be posting some go to looks for the Holidays. It's not too often I get the chance to get all dolled up in a perfect little gold sequins skirt and these adorable ShoeDazzle bow heels! This time of season you can't go wrong with a little red paired with a gold accent piece..and what I love most about this look are all of these pieces have been re-layered to pull together a fun, glitzy, and effortless holiday look. Enjoy!

 

 

Stop back soon to check out a go to gift guide for him!

Thanks for following loves!

 

 

Basic Blues

                                                    {Click the links below for direct access}

Photos by: Tess Irene Photography 

 

 Shopbellac Puffer Striped Vest: here // Embellished Sweater: Target Style {buy one get one 50%, today only!} // Gingham Shirt: J.Crew Factory {40-60% off everything!!} // Jeans: Old {love these, here, splurge here} // Crossbody Clutch: similar here, save here {50% off}, splurge here // Booties: Steve Madden //  Gold Watch: Michael Kors, wish list item here // Bracelets: similar here and here.

 

Phew, I feel like its been forever since I've posted. Mother nature and daylight savings time haven't exactly been on my side, but that's life! I hope you all enjoyed your Turkey Day and as the saying goes, gobbled till you wobbled. This year was full of first times for many things and as a family it was hard to celebrate without the life of the party, my dad. However, the importance of Thanksgiving besides all the delicious food is being with family and celebrating what in fact you're thankful for everyday. So, as a late-post..I am thankful for the memories my family and I carry and for the support of friends and family! Thank you for all who follow, I enjoy expressing what I love through fashion. On a side note, can we talk about how cute this striped puffer vest from Shopbellac is? It's a key piece for layering and can go with about everything. Style saver: shot for pieces that are versatile and can be worn many different ways, this will help you spend less and save more! I'm also obsessing over this embellished Target Style sweater. Target has a dealing going on just today buy one sweater and get another 50% off. I linked this sweater here, here and this leopard cardigan here. A girl can never have enough shoes sweaters for the cold winter months! Enjoy your Saturday loves!

 

Saturday Sales

Target: Buy one get one 50% off, no code

 

J.Crew 40-60% off, no code

 

Stop back again soon for a Holiday Guide for you and your loved ones!