Fashion

5 WAYS TO WEAR LEATHER JOGGERS

Oh you fancy, huh?

I absolutely love these joggers not only because of the price but the style is so simple and versatile and will be so fun this Spring! Sure they can seem a bit edgy at first glance, but what I love about them is they can be edgy, or they can be paired with super simple pieces to tone them down a bit as well. These first three looks are perfect for a night out and to be honest I think the second and third look would be okay for work events as well! Maybe switch out the graphic tee for a cami though 😀

And even if you don’t think you’ll wear them a ton? They are on sale for 50% off and only $30, so taking a chance on a fun style like these won’t break the bank.

 


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BODYSUIT | HEELS | MINI HANDBAG

  


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GRAPHIC TEE | BLAZER | HEELS


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SWEATER | HEELS | BAG

 

These last two are amazing for the rest of winter and travel! I love this first look paired with the sneakers and hoodie. It really calms down the edginess of the joggers, but doesn’t take away from their style. And The second look (although you can’t see it) is great with sneakers or heels too! Just a black sweater and you’ve got options.

 


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SNEAKERS | WOOL COAT | HOODIE | CROSSBODY BAG


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SWEATER

 

Now, I could tell that these joggers might not hold up for years if you wear them a ton. I probably won’t wear them a bazillion times, but for their sale price of $30, totally worth it. If you do want a higher quality and value I found some options below. I totally get that some people might not like the thin fabric and want something a little thicker like real leather, so check out some of my finds below.

shop other leather joggers

Fashion

NEW YEARS EVE OUTFITS

TIME TO SPARKLE!!

 


Photo by: Laura Rae,  @lauraraephotography

Photo by: Laura Rae, @lauraraephotography

 

Everything this time of year sparkles; we decorate our houses with sparkly lights, we put trees in our house with twinkle lights, and our clothes! The metallics, the sequins, the fun! That’s one of the reasons I love NYE. Like Ashton Kutcher said in New Years Eve, “everyone goes all Kanye…” but I’m all for it! It is the one time of year I can dress super fun and not feel overdressed.

Check out over 150 options below in my top NYE styles below: sequins and metallic! It screams fireworks, sparkle, champagne, fancy! I threw in some fun dresses at the bottom too, great for if you have a winter wedding!

Sequins

METALLIC

DRESSES

 


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Photo by: Laura Rae,  @lauraraephotography

Photo by: Laura Rae, @lauraraephotography

 

Fashion

10 FALL OUTFITS, EVERYTHING UNDER $150

Early fall is my favorite time for styling outfits. You can wear a light jacket, a go-to sweater, and maybe even some boots without freezing. Today in Minnesota it is about 45 degrees and raining so, yes, I would love to be wearing any one of these outfits right about now!

Don’t miss at the very bottom some other fall staples that are new finds of mine that I may or may not have just put in my own closet 🙂

 


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BLAZER | JEANS | GRAPHIC TEE | BAG


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PANTS | HEELS | SWEATER (this one is sold out, but similar linked here) | BAG (sorry, not under $150)


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CARDI | LEGGINGS | TANK | FLATS

  


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SKIRT | GRAPHIC TEE | LEATHER JACKET | SNEAKERS | BAG


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DRESS (this one’s super old, but similar one linked here) | BOOTS | BAG

  


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SWEATER | BOOTS | JEANS | BAG | NECKLACE


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LOAFERS | PONCHO | JEANS | BODYSUIT

  


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JACKET | GRAPHIC TEE | JEANS | SNEAKERS | BAG


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CARDIGAN | JEANS | BOOTIES | BAG | HAT


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SWEATERDRESS | BOOTIES | BAG | HAT

 


other fall staples

 


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Fashion

4 OUTFITS IN AN NSALE BESTSELLING CARDIGAN

 

JEANS | TANK | SWEATER | BAG

 

The neutral cardigan gets me every time. Last year’s #nsale best seller was a cable knit wonder, also from TopShop. This year’s is also fantastic and just as cozy! It comes in three other colors, all would be wonderful for Fall! So whatever color you have, check out these four outfits to style it!

 

FLATS | LEGGINGS | TANK | SWEATER

 

This may actually be my favorite way to wear it, and when it is really cold you could even just throw the poncho on over the sweater you picked for the outfit above. But until then, I love this outfit for the time of year that’s most near, those transitional weeks when it isn’t quite cold but on the verge of chilly. I wrote about a poncho being one of the essential pieces of a fall wardrobe in this post, so pairing it with an OTK pair of boots will keep you in style all season long.

 

JEANS | FLATS | BAG

OTK BOOTS | HAT

 

I think any of the other colors that this cardigan comes in would go well with all of these outfits, especially these last two. These taupe OTK boots are great because of the shades of browns and greys so you won’t feel like anything is clashing! But I still think that this oatmeal color is my favorite. It can easily go with black jeans (outfit #3), or a brown hat (outfit #4), and can be a great transitional color from summer to fall. You know, when it isn’t quite cold enough to start wearing your darker colors!

Shop some other Nordstrom Anniversary Sale cardigans here, and a few other gems I found!

 


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Fashion

SNAKE PRINT IS THE NEW BLACK

This fall it was leopard, and while that doesn’t seem to have gone anywhere, snake prints have taken the #1 spot recently. Or maybe it’s tied.

And I’m not mad about it! I get really excited when i see a trend hit the market in so many ways, and at so many prices! I’ve loved seeing how other bloggers and influencers have been styling this print and all the ways that you can! Whether it’s simple, maybe with an accessory, a pair of shoes, or if you’re bold? A pair of pants? A cute skirt?

I posted this video on my feed with all the ways I love to style a favorite snake print skirt of mine from H&M, which at $15 you just cannot beat! So check out the video to see alllllll the ways, and then shop these skirts to pick that statement piece.

I think the part I love about picking just one piece in a bold print is that you can dictate just how bold the outfit turns out! Let me explain. With the skirts above for example, you could wear a simple top, some pumps and it would be a more bold outfit. Or? You could wear a light jacket with some chucks, so not only is it a more casual look, but the density of the jacket weighs the boldness of the skirt’s print down a bit. So if you’re worried that the print is too bold you can totally find ways to fuse it into your style.

How about a top? You could wear a jacket over it, a blazer, or keep the button-down open so there isn’t quite as much print visible at first glance! I actually am OBSESSED with this top in particular and have worn it a ton with a white bodysuit underneath and just tied it in front. So not only does that make it more casual but it also breaks up the print a bit because you can see more of the bodysuit. Spring is the perfect time to ease into bold prints, then maybe when summer comes around you could pair a cute little camisole with a pair of jeans? Ugh… I can’t wait for warmer weather.

Want to go even more subtle? I don’t blame you! A bold print can be scary! But check out these adorable shoes and accessories that can be that perfect little pop to finish an outfit. I absolutely LOVE the idea of these shoes maybe with a pair of mom jeans and a simple white tee? Too cute! Check out these options too.

Fashion

10 WAYS TO WEAR A CAMEL WOOL COAT

I have grown to love this color!! I feel like I’m really branching out in my closet’s color scheme too. I have expanded from the beige area to a darker beige 🙂 how brave!

But seriously, this color coat I feel like has been popping up everywhere these past few months, and there are SO many ways to wear it! You know me… I need my pieces to be versatile, and this coat is beyond! I have worn it so many ways already and have come up with some killer looks to wear it in the future.

Click each picture to shop each outfit details, and keep scrolling for all my top camel-colored coat picks!

 

 


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Fashion

THE COLOR OF THE SEASON

When it comes to fashion trends, it may not be the actual color of the season, but I feel like every fall army/olive green is the actual color of the season.

 


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Just look outside! If the leaves haven’t changed to that yellow, red, or orange hue that marks fall then they are likely these “fall green” color, as I like to call it. I realized the other day that a majority of my last few purchases were all the same color! So, I figured you all probably felt the same way? And if not… well then here are some really great styles in a great shade of green perfect for fall!

And I’m not just talking your standard utility jacket, which, let’s be real, is a necessity! But other styles that go great with brown jackets, and jeans, and cocktail hour 🙂 Shop these dozens upon dozens of styles below and rock this color until you see the grass again. Because, let’s be honest, when winter comes, sometimes I need a reminder of what leaves looked like 😀


TOPS



JACKETS



DRESSES + BOTTOMS



SHOES + ACCESSORIES


Fashion

PLEATED SKIRTS, A TREND

She’s done it again! 

I promise when I set out to write these posts, I had no intention of documenting Meghan Markle’s greatest hits. But when she is (in my opinion) one of the most fashionable people either side of the Atlantic, well, it’s hard not to! A few weeks ago The Duchess stunned (again) in the pleated ensemble! Some say it’s a skirt, others are saying it’s a dress from Club Monaco, but either way it’s trendy, amazing, and totally achievable! 

 

 

When I was doing my research and heard that pleated skirts were going to be huge in Fall/Winter of 2018, I doubted it’s validity. But a few weeks ago I started seeing them everywhere! And as much as I was unsure of their styling capabilities, I’m actually loving them!! Not only are there so many different styles/colors/patterns out there, but the casual to fancy spectrum they live on? Amazing! 

I love this color block version Meghan Markle is wearing in the gallery above, and pairing it with a simple, solid blouse like hers is the perfect pairing! Fall would be a great time of year to pair a color block or patterned skirt with a simple sweater. But if you’re not a fan of the color block or patterns? Finding a staple solid color is still a great way to go and could be worn so many more ways! 

 


Click on this image to get the shopping links for this casual weekend look!

Click on this image to get the shopping links for this casual weekend look!


Click on this image to get all the shopping links for this date night look!

Click on this image to get all the shopping links for this date night look!


Click on this image to get all the shopping links for this look fit for a Duchess!

Click on this image to get all the shopping links for this look fit for a Duchess!

 

What’s great about these trends is that you can find them pretty much anywhere! Most of the skirts in the boutique below are $100 or (way) less! From places like Asos, H&M, even Forever21! I suggest looking at places like this instea of the more expensive shops for trends, especially if you’re not sure how much you’re going to like it! That way if you don’t end up wearing it a ton, you haven’t invested too much into that piece. 

I am partial to the first look, the nude skirt and neutral sweater/sweatshirt with tennis shoes. There is something so casual/sporty/flirty about this look it just hits every box that I would want it to! Who knew a coffee date could look so good :-/ 

Take a look at all of these skirt choices below! Wide range of prices, colors, and palettes, but all a great way to incorporate this trend into your fall wardrobe! 

 

 

 

Travel

VACA, THE ST. LUCIA WAY!

Last week my husband and I were lucky enough to vacation down in St. Lucia, one of the southern-most islands in the Caribbean. And I cannot say enough good things. 

We were lucky enough to find flights from Minnesota with only one layover in Atlanta, so while it was still about 7 hours of flying, it wasn’t a terrible day of travel. I would definitely recommend getting on one of the earlier flights to arrive there in the early afternoon so that you can maximize your time there. We arrived around 2 PM into UVF and it was about a 45 minute drive to our hotel. The island as a whole is about 30 miles top to bottom, so doesn’t seem like getting around should take that long right? Well, this place is full of mountains! So the drive is constantly winding between switchbacks and back roads, so if you get motion sick (like my husband), be prepared for any driving you might have to do! 

Now, our hotel? Man, where do I begin. 

We stayed at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Hotel and if we go back, that is exactly where we will stay again. Let’s first talk about the location, shall we? The Pitons are the most iconic landmark to St. Lucia, the two mountains that are the highest point of the island. And nestled between these two icons? Sugar Beach. That’s right, standing on the beach of our hotel is right between these two beauties. So you know the view is going to be good. 

These images are courtesy of the Sugar Beach, Viceroy website, but I only use them because they 100% accurately depict the setting. It is just as it is seen in these images, and yes, even more beautiful in person!

The hotel has tons of options for rooms, as well. There are individual cottages, beachfront bungalows, and single hotel rooms that you can book! We stayed in a cottage that was about a 5-minute shuttle ride up the hill from the beach. Now, was it ideal that we couldn’t walk out or door and hit the beach? No. BUT the shuttles are so quick, not only in getting to your cottage, but also in getting down to the beach, it didn’t phase us after the first day. Plus, the higher you get, the better the view of the ocean. If you followed along in my Insta-stories, you probably saw a small pool surrounded by foliage, that was our own individual swimming pool just outside of our cottage! So if there was ever a time that you wanted to get away, but still enjoy some sun, or cool off? No problem. 

Same here, I used the pictures from the hotel website because it is spot on with how they appear in real life! And are much better than ones from my phone with all of our stuff thrown around 😛

I know sometimes when you look at pictures of rooms and hotels online, you think, “okay, I wonder what it looks like in real life”. But I’m telling you, even after going back and looking at the pictures when we got home? The pictures are spot on! The rooms are stunning! The style is caribbean-chic, and impeccable! Each cottage was assigned its own butler. That’s right… we had a butler :-O so whether it was booking an activity, a reservation, or getting a shuttle, they were one phone call away! 

Breakfast every morning was on the Terrace, and we had dinner, practically, every night down by the beach, but there was the option for the formal dining room up in the Great Room. So if you never wanted to leave the property, you don’t have to! On the beach you can order cocktails and lunch from the attendants that are always there to bring you towels, waters, or take your oder. And every single person that worked at this hotel was unbelievable! The service was amazing, but it was the people really made it a joy. 

pictured left: restaurant on the beach

pictured right: Terrace with the view of the pool and beach, where we sat for breakfast every morning

Now, DO NOT miss the private beach. Just a short walk from the main beach is a private area, still equipped with a bar and staff 😀 a beautiful beach, same stunning view, but adults only! So if you’re like us, and enjoy a little camaraderie but sometimes want some peace and quiet away from everything? This is where you go. When we first walked to the beach, we were the only ones there! We couldn’t believe that no one else caught on! Now, the actives (kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing, etc.) they were all at the main beach. But if you wanted to lay in the sun with just the sound of the waves as your soundtrack? That’s the place to go. 

I already mentioned the awesome activities they offer at the hotel; snorkeling, water surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, wind surfing! And that is all right there on the beach! I HIGHLY recommend the snorkeling. There is a corner of this particular beach that is a marine reserve that is FILLED with reefs, and a million different kinds of fish. My husband and I must have snorkeled for at least an hour checking everything out! 

In terms of other stuff to do off the resort, there is tons of options there as well! Many people said the zip lining was fun, but one of our shuttle drivers said the one to do was about an hour drive from our hotel. Since we had already zip lined on other vacations, we chose to pass. But we did the ATV tour which was AMAZING! Run by Mystic Man Tours that we also booked through the hotel. They offer morning and afternoon tours, but take the morning tour. It will get SUPER hot and hard to get away from the sun in the afternoon. Now, I was a total beginner and still felt totally comfortable. You travel in a line, and never go super fast, but you will be going on some pretty bumpy parts of the trail. But the leader is great about stopping and leading everyone through it. 


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We also chose to do the sunset cruise (booked through our hotel) but I believe also run by Mystic Man! It was so much fun. Everyone on the boat was drinking the rum punch (literally!) and having a blast. They play music, have snacks, and take you a ways out to wait for the sunset. Champagne included 🙂 We were even lucky enough to see a few dolphins! The video is saved in my Insta-story highlight! Check it out! 

One thing that I really wanted to do, but didn’t get around to, was a tour of the chocolate farm! The spa at Sugar Beach offered one, but I am sure there are other ones on the island as well! How cool would that be? To see chocolate from its original form?? Yes, geeking out a bit! 

In terms of weather, we definitely lucked out. While right now is the rainy season, we just barely missed a tropical storm that I guess was a tad north of us. Now, we still got rain the first day, but after that it was sporadic. It might rain a bit, but it was off and on. 15 minutes of rain, 15 minutes of sun, and when it does rain, it’s more of a mist so not so bad! 

Check out all of these links below for some great summer vacation fashion ideas! Everything from swimsuits, casual footwear, and the outfits I brought for dinner and time off the property! All great pieces that you would absolutely wear again. 

Fashion

NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE

 


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It’s that time of year! Plenty of posts on Nordstrom Anniversary sales out there, so if you’re reading this… I appreciate your time and dedication to this cause 😀 

I love fashion, I love sales, and getting things at a great price, so this is like Christmas morning for me! Another fun part of this sale is that it gets me SUPER excited for fall fashion. Sweaters, boots, scarves, everything! Because even though I own way too many sweaters already… if they’re on sale, it doesn’t count right? 

Shop my top picks in the categories below for not only amazing savings, but also some great pieces to have for fall!! You’ll be seeing me sporting a few of them in the future 🙂 

Sweaters are a staple for me in the fall and winter, but lately I have been trying to branch out in the color department. I realize all my sweaters were beige, maybe a few black ones, but almost zero color! So look out everyone! We’re getting crazy this year… and by crazy I mean some merlot and army greens in the mix. I love all of these picks for fall because they are perfect staple that can be worn over and over and styled in so many different ways. 

 

I have realized that my pants/skirts game has been pretty weak when it comes to fall fashion. I usually rely on my torn jeans, and not that they’re amazing, and not that you don’t need another pair 🙂 but this sale has some great options that I would love to style this fall! They are great options to keep it casual, maybe with some simple sneakers, and even style it up a bit with some simple pumps! 

Options are great to have, aren’t they?

 

Now, while sometimes I fight the need to wear a jacket, as I’ve grown up it has turned from a necessity of survival (living in the midwest) as well as a fashion statement. The best thing about fall is that you can get away with a light and really cute one! No parka’s necessary… yet. So check out these awesome jacket options that will keep your fall game strong, and warm! 

 

Shoes, oh my gosh, shoes! 

There is nothing better than a cute bootie. I firmly believe that booties are the most necessary part to a fall/winter wardrobe. If you don’t have 2-3 pairs that you have on rotation throughout the fall and winter? Now is the time to do so! Now, check out these beauties 🙂 

 

Accessories are not something to be forgotten in this time of fashion. Whether it’s a good bag, or a scarf that you can wear with anything, I find a good accessory can be the cherry on top to a great outfit. And maybe your outfit feels a little simple? Add that blanket scarf you got from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Now you’re good to go 😀 

Need I say more? 

 

 

 

Fashion

‘BORN IN THE U.S.A’

It’s my favorite time of year. 

BBQ’s, fireworks, and the beautiful red white and blue! Now, when it comes to summer fashion, I love the casual vibes. Everyone is in jean shorts and relaxed. But one of my pet peeves around the 4th of July is the American flag design. Not sure why, but I am very particular about how it is used on my clothing. I think sometimes it can be a little too much, and let’s be honest here… it’s a little obvious of a choice. Like, yes, it’s Independence Day, we know. 

But I think the biggest issue for me is that those designs and pieces of clothing can then only be worn maybe once or twice a year! Unless you’re throwing a ton of American Pride theme parties, which, by all means! But I’d prefer the clothes that I invest in to be a little more versatile. Meaning, I could wear them throughout the year, no problem! 

 

 

 

 

And this summer has been a really fun one when it comes to 4th designs! I love what’s on the market right now and I think you will too!! Check out the categories below to shop some adorable pieces thatI know you’ll want to rock all summer long! 

Check out my holiday outfit picks below! 

 


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GRAPHIC TEE’S

CUTE TOPS+SWEATERS

JUMPSUITS+BOTTOMS

SWIMSUITS

 

  

Fashion

STRIPED BLAZERS, IN SO MANY WAYS

Enter, my new obsession! 

 


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I was never really into blazers, probably because I never had to wear business attire to work. At an athletic apparel company, you tend to be pretty casual. So suit pants and blazers were never anything I had to try or get into, which yes, is a good thing! But then I started noticing a trend… 

A few years ago the ‘boyfriend fit’ started to come back. It hit its peak in the 80’s, which may have just been the way that everything was made to fit, but we now call it the ‘boyfriend fit’. Meaning, it’s slightly oversized, but in a cute way! It started with jeans, then some t-shirts and button-downs, and then came blazers. And I am obsessing! Even if they aren’t oversized, the way blazers are cut these days is so much cuter and flattering than ever before. 

Now, this summer it seems that striped pattern is totally in! They are everywhere! And I’m loving it. It screams “Summer Fashionista arriving! Take note!! And be sure to ask her where she got her jacket”. 

What’s better? You can wear them in so many different ways! Fancy, professional, casual, laid back, but always ALWAYS chic :-). Below are all the links to some of the best striped blazers that I have found out there, and if you scroll even further are some great looks that are super easy and super versatile. Each outfit perfect for a different occasion that I’m sure you’ll run into this summer. 

Don’t miss these! And scroll down 😀 

 


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Click on any of the outfits below to shop the whole look! 

 

casual+chic

PROFESSIONAL STYLE

 

DATE NIGHT

SUMMER WEEKEND

   

DAY-LOOK