Currently Obsessed // Ankle Strap Wedges

Ever since I was a kid, I have had scrawny little legs. It was an awesome trait for kids to poke fun of growing up but as an adult, I have come to accept that my lean extremities are not going anywhere (no matter how hard I try to bulk them up at the gym). This proves to be a fashion challenge during boot season but come warmer weather, there are some advantages, mainly I can wear strapy sandals without any issue of visually chopping my legs off or making myself look short or squaty. 

This spring I have been obsessing over ankle strap shoes and with my growing baby belly, wedges are my lifelines for comfort throughout the day. I recently splurged and bought a pair of banana republic army green suede wedges and I cannot take them off. Which, got me surfing the interwebs for more ankle strap wedge options. Luckily, there are so many styles out there, nearly any body type can now rock a pair of these shoes and look fabulous doing so.

My obsession can now be yours, please enjoy.

(clockwise from top left:  steve madden  /  tory burch  /  banana republic  /  paper dolls  /  enzo angiolini  /  marc fisher  /  bcbg generation  /  gap  /  nine west  /  kenneth cole  /  banana republic)

#JetSetGo // Michael Kors

Last week I jetted away to the sun and sand of puerto vallarta. The week was full of family, fun, a bit of adventure and a lot of relaxation. I am fresh off the plane back in denver and trying to get into the swing of things.

While I go through my photos and get back into a normal schedule, check out the latest video from my favorite designer michael kors. If you pretend the gorgeous lily aldridge is me, this video is practically an accurate portrayal of my week in puerto vallarta. I am so glamours... ha!  

Brrr // Bundle Up

There have been record low temps all across the country and denver is no exception. While it is warming up today, it is still barely above freezing which makes a great winter coat an essential before you walk out the door. I am loving the looks of parka and puffer coats right now; they are so insulating while simple in design. If you are living in a cold-weather city, I feel for you. Please stay inside if at all possible but if you have to go out, make sure you bundle up!

(clockwise from top left: northface  /  michael kors  /  top shop  /  guess  /  j.crew  /  vince camuto  /  uniqlo  /   rachel roy  /   golite)

Currently Obsessed // Ankle Boots

I am not the only one ogling over ankle boots this season; every department store and designer under the sun is jumping on the trend. I love the idea of a chunky ankle boot to edge up a pair of skinny jeans with a simple top and the ease of throwing on an ankle boot with some leggings and a soft sweater this fall. I have found a few pairs that would be awesome to bring home... now the question is, who is going to get them for me :)

(clockwise from top:  rag and bone  /  steve madden  /  dv by dolce vita  /  louise et cie  /  michael kors  /  dv by dolce vita  /  dolce vita) 

Rainy Day // Essentials

The opening story on the today show this morning was about the flooding and mass amounts of rain coming down all over denver. It truly only rains like this a few days each year and let me tell you, it is always something I love. I get to wear galoshes, listen to the rain hit the roof as I doze asleep and use my most favorite umbrella for jaunts around town (my umbrella is from the gap and I bought it on the best trip to san fran back in 2009).

So, in honor of all the rain here in denver, I am digging out my hunter boots and putting together a collection of the cutest rain-safe shoes on the market right now. Enjoy.

(clockwise from top left: sperry's  /  target plaid  /  hunter tall glossy  /  everything summer camp  /  tommy hilfiger  /  joules usa  /  chooka polk-a-dot  /  hunter color block)

Fall Wish List

Yes you read this blog post title correct... I am talking about fall. Now don't get me wrong, I am hoping for the warm summer temps to stick around at least a few more weeks, however, fall fashion is everywhere and making me giddy thinking about pieces to add to my closet. 

Number one on my list is a pair of faux leather skinnies, followed closely by a utilitarian jacket and a kick ass pair of suede booties. I often wear gold accessories and am leaning towards feminine pieces that will balance out strong edgy clothing. I am a lover of basics (always have been and always will be) so you will not see anything super crazy on this fall wish list but I think that is why so many pieces in my closet have been around for years. 

(clockwise from top left:  leather skinnies  /  head scarf  /  nail lacquers  /  studded sweater  /  necklace  /  wax coated jeans  /  loafers  /  watch  /  utilitarian jacket  /  color block jacket  /  suede booties  /  camel sweater  /  ring)

30x30 Remix // Summer Edition

Last october I embarked upon my first 30x30 remix after being inspired by fashion blogger, kendi everyday. For 30 straight days I remixed 30 items from my closet, only adding in accessories to mix things up. I have been having some serious wardrobe woes as of late, so, I am thinking that a 30x30 remix is just what I need to shake things up. 

(my first 30x30 remix outfits)

Sadly I just realized august 1st is literally a day away (enter: panic... is summer seriously almost over!) and I don't think I will have enough time to get everything together. Consequently, I am marking August 5th as the kick off for my 30x30 remix: summer edition.

If you have any suggestions for a great late summer item to add into my remix, I would love to incorporate your ideas into my challenge. 

Poshmark // Posh Party

(via)

Last week I was invited to attend my first ever fashion blogger event. Poshmark welcomed local bloggers to a posh party at denver's four seasons hotel. For those of you who don't know, poshmark is an online-based retail community where women buy and sell designer clothing from each other’s 'closets'. Its like the cooler and way easier version of ebay for all things fashion. 

(gina and I  //  the four season hotel)

The event featured four denver fashion bloggers, amanda from glam mandie, lia from smart n snazzy, marion from marionberry style and kim from oh, sweet joy along with representatives from poshmark. It was a beautiful evening in denver for cocktails on the pool terrace along with snacks and some great photo opps against the silver streamer backdrop. 

(beautiful planters on the pool terrace  //  drinks at the post party)

I hope you go and check out these ladies' blogs and also create a profile for poshmark. Seriously, go create an account and start filling your closet with items you want to sell because there are so many amazing things to buy as well. My sister and I had such a fun night and hopefully the first of many more opportunities in denver for local bloggers.

Dressed in White

I have a client event next week after work that my company is hosting and we are asking everyone to wear black or white. With weather staying steadily in the 90's, I feel like white is the way to go to stay fresh and light. Sadly I do not have any white dresses and being a bit frugal, I am refusing to spend much on purchasing one. I feel like any of these could be a good option as they work in a professional setting but also have a fun flare which matches the event. My obsession with gold accessories would fit perfectly too, adding some sparkle to the overall look.

(dresses:  1  /  2  /  3  /  4  /  5)

(accessories:  clutch  /  earrings  /  bracelet  /  pumps  /  belt)

Which one do you like best? I think I am leaning towards number 3 or 4.

Obsessed // Summer Tote

What are your thoughts on summer totes?  I feel like warmer weather lends to busier schedules, thus, more stuff to carry around for multiple events in a given day.  A great bag to hold all your essentials like sunscreen, your camera, a light jacket for cool nights, a water bottle to stay hydrated and a pair of flip flops is a must.  I think any of these would be the perfect summer accessory to add into my repertoire.  

(clockwise from top left:  monogrammed  /  leather  /  navy canvas  /  black canvas  /  patent leather)

30 Day Remix Challenge // Kate Spade Style

Kate spade has put together their version of a 30x30 remix challenge using items from the line's current collection.  The looks are really inspiring to me with their use of bold colors/patterns, whimsical accessories, simple silhouettes and surprise elements that make each look special in its own way.  

 

I love numbers 3, 5, 14, 15, 27 and 30 the best.  While I will never own enough of her pieces to have my own kate spade remix, the inspiration is endless.  Perfect example, I would never guess to mix a bold black and white stripped dress with a graphic chevron bag in fear that I might look an optical illusion.  Also, accessorizing in my world is simple understated pieces but I love the kate spade way, bold pieces that make a major statement but don't take away from the overall look.

Oh, and these drawings are just so adorable to me. :)

Blazin'

Looking around on urban outfitters' site this afternoon and I stumbled upon this blazer that has me totally obsessed.  It comes in seven different patterns/colors and is currently on sale for less than $50.  I love how the blazer is styled in these photos too... urban, chic, edgy and simplistic.  Loving it!

(silence and noise ex-boyfriend blazer)

Michael Kors // Spring Collection Perfection

 

I have said it before and I will say it again, I love michael kors.  His americana, classic style holds a special place in my heart and fuels my love for clean, simple design with just a bit of sparkle.

(sunnies  /  dress  /  marina tote  /  josephine flat  /  necklace  /  ring  /  leather moto jacket  /  double wrap watch  /  jet set tote  /  tie-dye skinnies)

I am o-b-s-e-s-s-e-d with his spring collection and I know I am not the only one who is coveting that marina navy and white tote.  What do you think?  Any items fancy our spring fever?

Remix Challenge // Style Recap

I just completed my week long style remix challenge that I was kindly asked to participate in by Sarah's Real Life.  

Over the past week, I remixed one item from my outfit each day into the next.  This not only challenge my styling skills (very amateur skills might I add) but also helped me shop my closet for interesting and dynamic ways to pair the clothing I already own.  I have to give major props to Sarah as she is going 26-days-strong remixing her wardrobe and I barely made it a week (technically I only made it 6 days but who's counting).  

I hope everyone enjoyed the posts and photos.  Did it inspire you to possibly take on the challenge as well and/or possibly try the 30x30 remix that I did last fall?

For all my style remix challenge posts click here, here, here, here, here, here and here.

Snow Day // Remix Challenge

   

(gap puffer vest  /  nike hyperwarm top  /  gap leggings  /  hunter champery boots)

Denver is covered in snow... I woke up to nearly 8 inches on the ground and it was still falling late into the day.  Oh and the wind... it just kept blowing all the snow that had already fallen all over the place.  White was everywhere.

For the last day of my remix challenge from Sarah's Real Life, I remixed my favorite vest from yesterday's post for the perfect snow day outfit: leggings, a patterned Nike hyperwarm top, a cozy hat and boots ideal for shoveling (or just watching my husband do it).  These items kept me warm, comfortable and cozy all day.

Vested Interest / Remix Challenge

(gap puffer vest  /  american eagle jeans  /  old navy tee  (no longer available) but similar here  /  steve madden boot (no longer available) but similar here  /  target navy scarf  /  nordstrom hoop earrings)

I could not resist to remix my jeans from yesterday outfit into today's.  I ran some errands and went to lunch with Ryan so these were the perfect option for the day's activities.  To keep things casual and comfortable I layered up with my favorite vest and a pop of color through this scarf.  This vest is part of my regular repertoire and I probably cycle it into my outfits a bit more than I should but how could you not with its versatility and comfort.  Do you have any go-to items like a vest that you wear all the time?

Casual in a Cardigan // Remix Challenge

(olivia sky cardigan similar here  /  american eagle jeans  /  house of harlow necklace  /  Franco Sarto boots similar here)

I could not be happier that yesterday was casual Friday because I finally got to bust out some cozy clothing.  A warm cardigan that I think is the perfect length, these great new boot cut jeans and a statement necklace to give this simple look a little more interest.  Any of these items could be great remix options for tomorrow so make sure you visit my blog tomorrow to see what item I choose.

Happy Saturday to you all!

Purple Pants // Remix Challenge

(skinny jeans  /  Victoria's Secret blazer (old) similar here  and here  /  polka dot top  /  Franco Sarto boots similar here  /  stripped socks similar here)

Colored denim is here to stay and I couldn't be happier as these purple pants are part of my regular denim rotation (here's proof).  I work in an office where the attire is business casual mon-thurs so, technically these pants would not qualify but with my silk shirt and fitted blazer, the end result is pulled together and professional.  I am repeating my black boots from yesterday if you did not guess already.

Flowy and Floral // Remix Challenge

(shirt (old)  /  The Limited pant  /  Michael Kors watch  /  Franco Sarto boots similar here  /  Banana Republic belt (old) but similar here)

I am not a huge lover of flower prints.  Often times the scale is too large and overwhelming or it is too small and gets lost.  Or I feel like I look like a child because the print is too pretty and cutesy.  Hopefully this top does not make me look like any of the examples above because it is one of my favorite shirts... the flowy fabric mixed with the repetitive print.  I took yesterday's black slim-leg ankle pant and paired them with boots, this flower print top and then cinched things together with a wide belt.  

If you are like me, you are looking less at me and more at the bad ass fence I am standing in front of.  Yes, this is a glimpse of the new fence my handsome and handy husband built that I will be debuting here on the blog soon.  Isn't she a beauty?  My backyard is definitely reaping the rewards of his labor.

Color Block // Remix Challenge

(sweater similar here, here and here  /  pant  /  Michael Kors Fulton flat)

I was recently gifted this color-blocked sweater and love how it feels like spring but has the warmth to look appropriate in temperatures maxing out in the mid-forties.  This outfit was perfect for a day in the office but maybe not the most ideal for standing around outdoors.  Regardless, I powered through the cold all for the sake of Sarah's Real Life.  

Can you guess what item from today's outfit will be appearing tomorrow?  Only time will tell.