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

Staying Neutral

 (Outfit details below)

Sweater: Old navy // Shirt: Old {Similar here and here, both under $10!} // Jeans: Here and Here // Booties: Dolce Vita {Similar here, here and love these here} // Tan Clutch: Old {love this here from Nordstrom!} // Earrings: Stella and Dot {similar here, under $30 and love these Kendra Scott earrings here and very similar} // Sunnies: Here, under $30 and Wish list here 

I know..I know, pure slacking! I feel like I've neglected this fun little hobby of mine, I've said it before but let me tell you..wedding planning and two jobs is serious business people! Time out for a brief sappy post {who am I kidding...there will be more ha ha} I am absolutely loving wedding planning and its been an amazing experience with my mama and fiancé by my side. Everything about planning has been fun and there is no greater feeling than checking things off our wedding to do list.  I can truly say I'd be lost without my wedding planner...it has been a complete life saver! I HIGHLY recommend it to any future bride!! 

Anyways, I am loving this cozy Old Navy sweater for many reasons, but the main one...it's a great winter staple. I'm kind of a sucker for neutral colors and for how easily it can be layered to create a new look. As for these white jeans, yes..yes I wore white after labor day and while I choose to be in denial that winter is never going to end..these white jeans sure help a girl cheer up! 

Thanks for putting up with my slacking and stop back again soon! 

Chic Accessories

{Click the links below for outfit details}

Photos By: Tess Irene

 

Sweater: Similar here and here // Jeans: Similar here // Booties: Similar here {under $60 and here // Gloves: Old Navy {so cute & under $7.00} love these here // Pom Pom Beanie: similar here, love this here & here

 

I would like to start off by saying, this too is a later post...but hey, that's life. It's not that I'm always busy...but I know when I need some down time. This week being one. However, I was so thankful {yes, was} for two sunny days. I don't know what it's about the sun but it definitely helps get you motivated...so I have decided to blame gloomy days on being unproductive...{haha...}.

 

Anyways, although the sun was out it was still slightly cold {I can't complain...} usually it's -30's...slight exaggeration but again I will take this Iowa "Winter" any day. I loved pairing this sweater with these Old Navy knit gloves and this adorable pom pom beanie. I bought both of these accessories at 50% off. Old Navy always has affordable accessories whether it be winter wear, purses, shoes and more. I'm digging this Old Navy Love Scarf here, this black and white striped tote here and this beanie here {under $3.00 and comes in 3 colors}.

 

 Happy Friday you lovely followers!

 



Stripe Obsession

{Click the links below, after each ":" & "here"}

Shots by: Tess Irene

Striped Tunic: Impressions Boutique {also in this color here, almost sold out!} // Military Vest: similar here & here // Jeans: Nordstrom {under $60} // Booties: Steve Madden {loving these here} // Clutch: old {loving this here} // Bow ring: Splurge here and save here // Sunnies: Old {Craving here and splurge here} 

 

So, first off...later post...like late late. However, better late than never right? {or so I like to say}. FYI: Tess and I were too busy having fun and enjoying the sun..that I didn't even notice the patch wasn't on my elbow {face to palm, ha ha}. Anyways I think it's safe to say I'm in lust over this striped tunic from Impressions Boutique...oh yeah...and the boutique in general! I paired this striped tunic with this adorable military vest. Although this beauty was from the Old Navy summer collection... I went ahead and linked similar ones above!

 

On another note, I can't stop obsessing over this Courtney Bib from BaubleBar. I had my eye on this amazing statement necklace for awhile....so when I was asked what I wanted for Christmas..of course I took the opportunity! Did I mention it comes in four different colors as well? {yeah, amazinggg}. I've also added this necklace here and here to my wish list. What can I say.... I can't get enough. Can't stop....won't stop!

 

 

Thanks for following! 

 

Back In Black

{Click the links below for direct access}

Black Piko Sweater: Impression Boutique // Leather leggings:{similar here and here} // Black heels: old {similar here , here & love these here} // Black studded clutch: old {similar here & love here} // Sunnies: Nordstrom {craving here}

 

MIA. It feels like I haven't posted in months {okay a week}. I'm happy to say with a pretty stressful work week...I've managed to track down an amazing wedding photographer and hopefully in the next month or so will being saying yelling "yes to the dress." Wedding planning so far has been a smooth and relaxed process. My momma and Dustin have been a huge motivating factor and so far we're all on the same page! I'm really excited for 2015 you all...it's going to be a wonderful year.

 

Anyways, I've been asked several times what my style is or what kind of looks I normally go for. My answer is.... like my everyday life {ha ha...} it sporadic, last minute, and depends what mood I'm in. I'm not going to lie {shhh...} but I'm that girl on my day off who sits in their pajamas, has a good book in hand, or watching HGTV, and eating peanut butter straight from the jar. No, Seriously {it's almost shameful ha ha}. However, my style is usually dress casual because that's what my work life calls for. I love to try just about any kind of look and have had some pretty terrible fails along the way. Sometimes after a stressful week it's nice to throw on a pair of heels and go out for a date night. Do I wear heels a lot? Not always...but I do enjoy a nice heel every once in awhile. My style tip for those who don't wear heels often.. is to pick neutral colors. High heels are great for weddings, baby showers, a night out on the town with your girls, and a steamy date night! Again, stick with the basics...black, tan and even be daring throwing in a bright heel.

 

Now to this look, I enjoyed the all black... and I love love this Impression Boutique Piko sweater. The material is incredibly soft and you can wear it dressed up or down. I've said it once before but the wonderful thing about Impressions Boutique is their wide selection and reasonable prices. This hands down is one of my favorite online boutiques and it never fails to make a girl happy!

 

 

Enjoy your Friday loves & thanks for following!

 



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