January at the gym is like finals week in college. You’re in the lecture hall about to take your exam, you look around and think to yourself “where did all of these people come from?”.
With your resolutions might come some new purchases to get you feeling good in the gym. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t work out better when they feel like their outfit looks cute! But a part of your fitness resolution doesn’t have to be to break the bank on those new pair of leggings. After years of trying TONS of different activewear brands (and working for one of the biggest!) I have found some amazing finds from some super affordable places. Now, you can have several different gym looks instead of just one pair of black leggings that took a whole paycheck to pay for! As much as we all love black leggings…
I have found Fabletis to be one of my go-to brands these days. I am very particular about the type of fabric in my workout gear because we all know that there are some that are affordable, but they are so thin that you know they won’t last long! Well Fabletics has some of the best feeling leggings I have ever tried. And same with Target, which I still get a hit and miss occasionally, but there have been some pieces that are now regulars in my routine! I think with places like Target, or any retailer that carries different brands, the trick is finding the brands within those retailers that you like, and stick with them! For example, I know that most Joy Lab products from Target are going to be pretty good so I tend to shop that brand the most.
Shop the links below to get some super affordable gym pieces to get you feeling good during those new workouts of yours 🙂
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!
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.
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 😀
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 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!
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!
The first installment of a new series! And one I’m very excited about: how to wear one piece of clothing in many (many) ways!
I love finding different ways to style one article of clothing. It makes me feel like I am getting full use out of my investment, and it’s a great way to keep your style looking fresh, without your closet being overly stuffed! We’ve all been there, I am spring cleaning and find three of the (almost) same exact sweaters. Why did I buy the other two again? What was the difference in all of them that I justified the purchase? Well, damage is done, lesson is learned.
Now, I focus on buying less items, but wearing them in more ways!! This isn’t exactly a case of quality over quantity. And not saying that you should buy less items that are more expensive, but buying items of higher quality that can be worn in many ways! So really, it’s like quality alongside quantity!
For some reason I have always had a thing for white pant suits. ALWAYS! Since I was in high school I loved the classiness of them. I think I saw a picture of Jessica Alba in them once and ever since then… obsessed. So since high school I was on the search for the perfect pair! I wanted ones that were slimming, the right shade, and wide legged. The pair in these photo’s are from LC by Lauren Conrad and absolutely amazing, so if she ever comes out with these styles again, do not hesitate, purchase! But since they are no longer available I have pooled some other great options!
I have a few of these articles coming talking about different items of clothing, and they happen to be items that Meghan Markle has recently sported. A few weeks ago, she wore this stunning and classy ensemble to Wimbledon and caught everyone’s eye… again! I love how she paired it with a simple, but preppy button-down making this outfit a bit more casual.
Pairing it with a simple button-down is a great way to keep the look casual, but maybe even a little more professional! So if you have a work event, or maybe even just an event that you want to impress, but also need to be a little more reserved? I think this is a great way to go!
I love this look below with a simple chambray button-down. Great for summer and fall and a great way to keep a fancier item (like these pants) a little more casual and comfortable! I would pair this look with nude or black pumps and a simple clutch to keep the look clean and sleek.
But if you are still in the summer vibes, there are some great top items that you can wear to keep these pants looking and feeling summery! This is also a chambray top, but a crop top tank top from Abercrombie. Now, these pants are VERY high rise, so there was no midriff situation, which I prefer for these pants. This top was great because it met right at the top of the pants making it an easy pick! I think a cute top like this, but in white, or a summer pattern would be another great pick! Again, a great way to keep this look light, casual, and perfect for our current season!
I would pair this look with a pair of flat sandals, pairing it with a pair of heels would definitely fancy it up!
These pants are a delicate style for fall. I love them, but some people don’t vibe on whites after the warmer months have past. I think if it’s closer to a cream shade, or an off-white then I say go for it! Anyone who follows strictly by the no-white-after-labor-day rule won’t like this next part :-O
I paired this look with a distressed jean jacket, and a simple black bodysuit, but I think that a khaki longline jacket, trench coat, or trendy blazer would also look amazing!! Tweed is going to be huge this fall/winter (already seeing it out there!) so maybe play around with a few of those patterns when it comes to layering this upcoming season!
Simple black pumps is totally the way to go with this look, as with many other looks with these pants! Seeing a simple pointed-toe peek out from underneath these pants is a great hint of style! Maybe try a color! Venture out!
Now check out all of my white trouser finds below! There are tons of great options and many you can try without breaking the bank.
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.
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.
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 😀
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!
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 😀
Click on any of the outfits below to shop the whole look!
Everyone who knows me, knows that I die over a good jumpsuit! And two-pieces? Very in this Spring!
So when I started brainstorming some of my favorite looks and ideas for these events leading up to your big day? I HAD to include some of these amazing jumpsuits and sets. It’s such a cool way to show some style, keep your look a little casual, but still feel special!
I wore a white jumpsuit with eyelet lace to my first bridal shower and I absolutely loved it. Not only are jumpsuits incredibly comfortable, but it also keeps the look stylish! With a cute pair of pumps or heels you look beyond stylish. And if you’re like me, the bridal shower was in someone’s home so it was just casual enough that a dress might have felt a little too dressy? So, an adorable jumpsuit was the answer!
These styles started coming back a few years ago, and since then, they have taken over. Whether you’re going to a nice brunch, fancy dinner party, or an outdoor festival (yes, I’m referring to all of those pics people are posting at Coachella), there is a jumpsuit perfect for you! And while I would love to be wearing a cute chambray romper over a jumpsuit right now, I’m still focused on staying warm… so layers or long sleeves are a must. But no fear, there are plenty of options!
This particular jumpsuit is probably my favorite because of the t-shirt and v neck detail. It’s flattering, casual and comfortable. Add a chic beaded belt? Girl, you’re good to go!
One of my favorite ideas with this jumpsuit and all the other ideas (in the links below)? A colorful pair of pumps!! I paired this one with one of my favorite Raye heels with a braid detail. But if you are looking for something springy? Lilac is in!! And these would kill with a simple white jumpsuit
I love sequins! And this is coming from the girl who used to wear cargo shorts and boy’s graphic tee’s in elementary school. There’s something so empowering about a sequin dress! You feel like the world’s glow starts with you! That’s probably why I fell in love with my wedding dress, which was sequins from top to bottom.
The sequins on this dress are the same style, too. Small and plentiful, so the dress isn’t super heavy, and it moves so easily! Plus it helps with the look of the sequins as well. I think when many people think of “sequins” on clothes they think of the large ones that we wore when we were younger. But these are delicate and soft in color. Making this dress a very soft white, almost creamy, instead of a bright or stark white.
The long sleeves and the simple cut make this a beautiful modern style! Perfect for a night out on your bachelorette weekend. Or if you’re headed to a nice restaurant to celebrate your engagement? This dress is just for you! Any sequins dress, really! And now that the weather is starting to get nicer, it’s the perfect time of year for it.
Another great thing about this material and the sequin detail is that you know that you will stand out. These pieces are made for the special someone who’s being honored. And there is no time you will feel more honored than while planning your wedding.
Have engagement pictures coming up? That was one of my favorite outfits to plan! Knowing full well that these pictures would live on forever, I wanted to have one casual outfit and one dressed up. So if you’re thinking of doing the same thing, I think the dresses in this post would be perfect! Depending on your location there are tons of options below that would all be great to pick from. And I know they will result in great pictures that you will cherish forever.
One of the hottest trends this season is not only cute, but fun!
Fringe is coming back and coming back strong! At first I wasn’t sure how it would appear in the market or if I would like it at all. But what I have learned these days is that you should never underestimate the power of the product designers!
There are so many choices on the market right now to stay trendy. And it comes in so many different styles too! You can find something a little more obvious like this skirt, or maybe a cute sweater that has just a little detail on the sleeve? Or a cute summery wrap dress with fringe tassels along the hem to include in your suitcase on your next vacation? Or if you want to really reach for the trend, there are some cool leather and suede jackets with fringe detail on the sleeve and back as well! If I was cooler, I would totally rock one of those bad boys!
But what’s so great about this trend is the texture it gives to your outfit. The detail and styling of your outfit is pretty much done with a piece like this skirt. I paired it with a cute graphic tee and some cute black booties for a bit of a night-out, cool, rocker vibe! But also casual with the graphic tee. But it would be an adorable outfit to wear out to drinks with your girlfriends or a casual date night with your special someone.
Looking for something a little fancier? You could pair this same skirt with a cute pair of simple pumps, and maybe a simple sweater or blouse. Not feeling this skirt? There are tons of really cute and different options. Something a little more retro with midi length suede fringe, or something with color and just a teeny fringe detail? The options are endless! Just shop them in the links below, just keep scrolling.
And let’s not forget about the accessories! Fringe tassel earrings have been back for a few seasons now, but bags and shoes are hopping right on board too. Which is so much fun! I love the texture that some of the shoes below have with the addition of fringe, whether there’s a little or the whole shoe!
So whether you want to jump on in with a fringe biker jacket, or slowly transition into the trend with some accessories, you have plenty of options! And some really REALLY good ones in the links below.
Happy shopping!
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