50 shades of blue.

blouse: Target (similar, love this one) // jeans: Forever 21 // ballet flats: Banana Republic (identical wallet friendly version)
necklace: J. Crew (love this one) // watch: Michael Kors

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Winter seems to be a thing of the past here in the Bay Area (those couple of weeks were nice while they lasted). In turn, my spring wardrobe is making an appearance much earlier than expected. I know everyone is loving this unseasonably warm weather, but I'm praying for some winter rain! Send some of that cold weather over this way East Coast!
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Hope everyone had a great long weekend and a lovely Valentine's Day!

xoxo,

red + leather.

dress: Prabal Gurung for Target (similar, budget friendly) // jacket: thrifted (identical, budget friendly) // tights: Target
heels: Joan + David (budget friendly) // necklace: H+M (similar, budget friendly)

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Happy Friday!

Today I'm bringing you a Valentine's inspired outfit featuring one of my favorite dresses. This little red number was part of the Prabal Gurung collection from Target (a few seasons back) and I love it! I've been able to wear this to a few different events, and today I wanted to dress it down a bit. I love the look of mixing feminine and masculine pieces, which is what I did here by adding a leather moto jacket. Black opaque tights and a simple silver pendant necklace complete the look, and the end result is perfect for Valentine's Day without being too over the top girly.

Hope you all have a great weekend and Happy Valentine's Day!

xoxo,

pattern mixing: polka dots + stripes

shirt: Old Navy // skirt: eBay (identical) // necklace: Urban Peach Boutique (identical)
tights: Target // flats: Payless Shoe Source // watch: Michael Kors

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Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend!

I've been on such a black and white kick lately, adding pops of color here and there...but most sticking to a simple black and white palette. Today was no different! I paired this bold b+w striped skirt with a more subdued polka dot blouse, which is why I think this pattern mixing works. The striped skirt is the main focus and not competing with the polka dot pattern in the shirt, though they share the same palette.

How do you mix patterns? Any tip and tricks?

xoxo,

how to wear: marsala

lace blouse: F21 // skirt: Zara (super similar, love this midi version) // tights: Target
necklace: F21 (similar, love this one) // watch: Michael Kors // booties: Payless (almost identical)

grey coat: H+M (similar, love this collarless version)

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First off, let's just file this post under, #picsimeanttopostin2014. I actually wore this outfit over the holidays. Yeah, just a couple of weeks late!

Anyways,  as I'm sure you're all aware by now, Pantone's Color of the Year is Marsala...otherwise known as maroon, burgundy, oxblood, cranberry, wine, etc. While I'm not a huge fan of the word, "marsala" (and really, who is??), I absolutely love this color! It can be worn in so many ways...from pairing a maroon sweater with distressed jeans and a leopard flat, to maroon skinnies with a pink blouse and statement necklace...it's flattering on everyone!

Rather than going with a typical LBD for a work holiday dinner, I decided to mix in a little color and wore this cranberry skirt from Zara (last seen here) with a simple lace blouse and black tights. Festive, but not over the top!

What about you? How will you wear marsala this year?

xoxo,



P.S. Sorry for the low light in these photos...I took this in the evening with super low light.

how to wear: colored tights

I've always had a love for colored and patterned tights...dating all the way back to the late 90's when I was rocking purple glitter and red striped tights in high school. #thankshottopic #dontjudgeme However, I revisited this look a few years back after I saw Blair Waldorf pair her outfits with colored tights on Gossip Girl. Side note, Blair Waldorf is my favorite fashion icon of all time!

Though colored tights can be a little intimidating, they can be the perfect way to brighten up your outfit on a dreary winter day with a pop of color. Not only can you wear them on date night, to a party/baby shower, etc...but you can also make these work for the office. Yes, that's right...regardless of age and size, ANYONE can wear these to work! They key is to keep the rest of your outfit simple.

My preferred way to wear colored tights is with a simple dress in a neutral color (black, grey, or navy), and minimize the rest of your accessories. Below I've styled my favorite black dress (J. Crew's Teddie dress), with four different shades of tights. As you can see I coordinated a necklace with each outfit, letting the tights be the focus of each outfit.

What do you think ladies? Will you try a pair of colored tights this winter? How will you wear them?

pink tights: Old Navy (similar) // flats: Forever 21 (love these)
necklace: Urban Peach Boutique (similar)

purple tights: Target // flats: Payless Shoe Source 
necklace: Guess via Crossroads Trading Co (love this one)

aqua tights: Target // flats: J. Crew Factory
necklace: J. Crew via Poshmark

red tights: Target (similar) // flats: Ann Taylor (love these ones even more!)
necklace: Forever 21 (similar)

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xoxo,

black and blush.

sweater: J. Crew // jeans: Target // necklace: thrifted // watch: Michael Kors // flats: J. Crew Factory (similar, similar, love these)
iPhone case: kate spade // nails: Sinful Colors Why Not w/ gold foil DIY detail

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As I shared last week, I'd been on the hunt for the perfect black jeans...which I ended up finding at Target. These are the Mossimo Mid-Rise Jegging, which are my first mid-rise jeans since oh I don't know, middle school maybe? I have to say, they're soooo much more comfortable (and flattering) than the low-rise versions I've worn for years. Priced at $27.99 these were a no brainer compared with some of the much pricier designer versions!

If you happen to be looking for a new pair of black jeans be sure to check out my best of the best black jeans guide! Have a great week!

xoxo,

navy + purple.

Old Navy blouse // Banana Republic pants // J. Crew heels (via eBay, similar) // Stella & Dot necklace
Stella & Dot bracelet // Michael Kors watch // NYC + Wet 'n Wild nail polish // kate spade iPhone case

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Old Navy peacoat // gifted scarf (similar) // outfit detailed above

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This may be the year of "marsala" (seriously Pantone?!?), but I think I prefer the 2014 color of the year. #radiantorchidforever

I actually got the inspiration for this outfit from Pinterest. I've been feeling a little blah and frumpy lately after working from home the past few weeks...Pinterest and other fashion blogs have been a big help in getting me re-inspired to put together new outfits!

What about you ladies, are you a fan of "marsala," and where do you turn to for outfit inspiration?

P.S. This is my first post using my new iPhone 6!!! Good riddance 4s!

xoxo,

first things first.

shirt: Target // Skirt: J. Crew Factory // boots: Old Navy (sold out, similar, similar) // tights: Targe
necklace: J. Crew Factory // watch: Michael Kors

leather jacket: thrifted // outfit detailed above

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Woo hoo...first outfit post of the year! I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing Christmas and New Years! I took off the better part of the last two weeks and couldn't have enjoyed that time off any more. Well, I could have done without being sick the past four days, but who can complain about laying on the couch and binge watching Gilmore Girls for hours on end!?! Not me!

So, for the first outfit post of the year I decided to go with one of my new faves, these Old Navy ankle boots. They're super simlar to the popular Rag & Bone 'Harrow, boots" but will only set you back about 10% of their price. Can't beat that!

What about you ladies...did you score any new favorites or sought after pieces this Christmas? What's on your current wish list?

xoxo,

i'll have a blue christmas [eve].

dress: J. Crew (similar) // shirt: Old Navy // tights: Target // booties: Payless (similar)
necklace: J. Crew Factory // earrings: Stella + Dot // watch: Michael Kors

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Faced with options including red, green, ivory, gold, and black dresses this morning...I decided to reach for one of my favorite blue dresses...so I'll have a blue Christmas [Eve].

I hope you're all having a lovely Christmas Eve!

blazer: H+M (similar) // outfit detailed above

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xoxo,

grey tweed.

jacket: J. Crew via eBay (similar, similar, similar) // cardigan: H&M // cami: Forever 21 // pants: Banana Republic
wedges: J. Crew Factory // earrings: kate spade (identical) // watch: Michael Kors

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Well we're closing in on the end of December and it's still barely cold enough for a blazer and scarf here in the Bay Area. In fact, by mid-afternoon it's a little too warm for either. I think it's safe to say I'm more than a little jealous of all you ladies who are able to take beautiful blog photos in the snow, all bundled up in your colorful wool coats and boots!

One day, friends. One day.

Hope you're all having a great Monday morning...today is my last day in the office and I'm looking forward to enjoying the rest of the week at home celebrating the holidays. Hope you're all able to do the same!

scarf: World Market // outfit detailed above

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xoxo,

preppy polka dots.

sweater: Forever 21 (old, similar) // shirt: H&M // pants: Banana Republic // earrings: Stella & Dot // Bracelet: Old Navy (not available online but kinda/sorta similar) // heels: J. Crew via eBay (similar) // watch: Michael Kors

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I think I own polka dot sweaters in almost every color...it's almost as bad as my striped t-shirt collection, but not quite! Even though coral isn't typically a winter color, it's one of my favorites and what I decided to wear this crisp Tuesday morning.

Hope you're all having a great week so far...stay tuned for my next gift guide: for him!

xoxo,

leopard and lace.

lace top: Forever 21 // necklace: Lotus // earrings: Forever 21 // pants: Gap // heels: Ann Taylor via Poshmark (similar)
watch: Michael Kors // rings: Lotus // nail color: NYC 'Park Avenue'

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Happy Wednesday! I hope you're all having a great week! Mine is busier than expected...work hasn't slowed down for the holidays just yet!

Here's a simple outfit I wore to work...you can never go wrong with an all black ensemble and leopard pumps! I think I need to step up my holiday game though...everyone one else looks so cute in their blanket scarves and red dresses! Time for some shopping!

Stay tuned tomorrow for my next gift guide...Stock the Bar Cart!

xoxo,

polka dot sweater.

sweater: Forever 21 (old, similar) // button up shirt: H&M // jeans: H&M // earrings: Stella & Dot
watch: Michael Kors // flats: Forever 21 // lipstick: Revlon "Fire & Ice"

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Hi. Sooooo, my phone case matches my sweater today...and I didn't notice until right now. #doh

Speaking of phones, I still have the iPhone 4S...and it's pretty much full.  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Like so full that I had to delete multiples/old photos/texts in Albuquerque last week in order to take new photos. Not the best way to caption vacation photos! Pathetic, I know. I desperately need to back this phone up and order the iPhone 6 asap. #eternalprocrastinator

xoxo,

pattern mixing: stripes + florals

shirt: H&M (similar, similar) // skirt: J. Crew Factory // scarf: H&M (similar, similar) // watch: Michael Kors
tights: Target // shoes: J. Crew Factory // nails: NYC 'Madison Avenue'

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Happy Monday! Hope you all had a great weekend! It's a short week for me and I'm hoping on a plane tomorrow morning to spend Thanksgiving with my family.

Today's outfit is comprised of everyday basics: b&w striped tee, black wool skirt, black tights...so I decided to spice it up and add a pop of color with a dark floral scarf. Pattern mixing...simple, fun, easy...perfect for a Monday morning!

Hope you all enjoy the short work week!

xoxo,

outfit inspiration >> navy + yellow

shirt: Target (similar) // belt: Target (old) // earrings: Stella + Dot // necklace: Forever 21 // pants: Banana Republic (40% off) // heels: J. Crew via eBay (similar) // watch: Michael Kors

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Today's outfit inspiration can be credited to one of my favorite bloggers, Jean from Extra Petite. She's wearing the same Sloan pants from Banana Republic and they're amazing (and come in petites). If you haven't tried these I highly recommend them!  Bonus...everything is 40% off until tomorrow!

Hope you're all having a great week!

xoxo,

this vs. that: red + black buffalo plaid

shirt: Target // jeans: Forever 21 // shoes: Target // watch: Michael Kors (on sale!)
earrings: Oh, Hello Friend // lip color: Revlon "Fire + Ice"

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Lately I've been all about comfort, which for me turns out to be a button up shirt, jeans, and flats for work. Being the bargain shopper that I am, I was able to put this outfit together (details above) for a total of $72.88 (shirt, jeans, and flats).

Now let's take a look at some nearly identical pieces that aren't quite as wallet friendly: J. Crew Factory Flannel Shirt, J. Crew Cece Flats, and J. Brand Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans...totaling $370.50.

Wow. Just remember ladies...it pays (or rather saves) to shop around! And PS...these genuine leather flats from Target are wayyyy more comfortable than the near identical version from J. Crew! Bonus!

xoxo,

cranberry + cream.

blouse: Old Navy // necklace: thrifted // earrings: Forever 21 (similar) // skirt: Zara via Crossroads Trading Co (similar, love this wallet friendly option!) // heels: Joan + David (similar) // watch: Michael Kors // coat (below): H+M (similar, wallet friendly option)

It's finally happened ladies. It's finally cold enough to wear a coat! To celebrate, I pulled out my favorite winter coat and decided to dress it up a bit with a cranberry skirt from Zara and black patent heels. I realized I haven't gotten this dressed up for work in quite awhile...and I miss it! I think it may be time to head to Pinterest for some fall outfit inspiration!

What about you...what are you looking forward to wearing this fall?

xoxo,

closet staple: the utility jacket

utility jacket: H&M (old, similar, love this one) // striped shirt: H&M (similar, similar, love this one)
necklace: J. Crew via Poshmark (similar) // jeans: Forever 21 // flats: Payless // watch: Michael Kors // earrings: Forever 21

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This cargo jacket is probably my favorite purchase from H&M...ever. I've seen stylish girls rocking similar jackets for awhile now, and I used to think they weren't really my style...that I'm more of a cardigan type of girl. I'll admit it...I was wrong (first time for everything, right? Right?!?). I LOVE this style of jacket and the fact that it's so versatile. I love layering it over a simple striped t-shirt (above), over a semi-casual work outfit, though my favorite is pairing it with boots and a scarf for colder weather. Definitely a closet staple!

While I've seen much pricier versions at J. Crew and Madewell, this version was only $40 at H&M! If you're in the market for a cargo jacket this fall, be sure to check out Target, Old Navy, F21, etc for wallet friendly versions!

Hope you all have a great Monday!

xoxo,

bows on my toes.

blazer: H&M (old, similar, similar) // blouse: F21 // necklace: Crossroads Trading Co (similar)
jeans: H&M // flats: Crossroads Trading Co (love this similar pair even more!) // watch: Michael Kors

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I've probably had these flats for almost two years and only worn them twice...I just never seem to know what to wear them with! [Confession: I bought them because of the bows!] Flash forward to this morning when I realized that they perfectly match this necklace I got over the summer (last seen here). Boom. New outfit!

Don't you just love when that happens? :)

Hope you're all having a great week so far!

xoxo,

oldies but goodies.

shirt: Target (similar) // skirt: thrifted (similar) // necklace: DIY project // watch: Michael Kors // heels: J. Crew via eBay (similar)

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One of my favorite things is to mix and match items from my closet and create brand new outfits. It's kind of like shopping within your own closet...free!

Here I've taken a casual cotton plaid shirt that I usually pair with jeans, and paired it with a classic navy pencil skirt. Two items that I normally wouldn't wear together, but the plaid shirt is instantly office appropriate with a pair of heels, a couple of simple accessories, and my go-to top knot.

What about you ladies...have you put together any unexpected outfit combinations this fall?

xoxo,