While I can...

loft dress {similar} | necklace {similar} | jeweliq earrings {similar} | loft clutch {similar} | forever 21 heels {similar} | revlon lipstick
  

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I think this is the last hurrah for summer and I'm resigning myself to enjoy it!  For those of you in the South, you probably have a month or so left of nicer weather but here in the Midwest we are beginning to feel the cooler temps.  I need to be better about living in the moment and enjoying the season I'm in now.  Might as well get the most out of my Summer clothes because Lord knows by February I will be itchin for my Summer wardrobe again.  Happens every year.  I'm pretty predictable.

I want to challenge you all to use these last few weeks {or days} of warm weather to wear all your brightest colors in one outfit. Or to wear your sleeveless dress, and no tights! And you best be wearing your wedges and sandals til your toes can't take the cold.  It goes against all instinct when Fall officially begins but it's worth it when you aren't sick of your Fall wardrobe by October 1st.  Trust me :)

 

Find for Less - Rag & Bone Harrow

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forever 21 | rag & bone

Forever 21 has been rockin' it with their boots lately!  When these super cute booties popped up on their site this weekend I was so excited!  We've all seen the Rag & Bone booties on celebs and bloggers alike but now they are available for almost any budget!  Unfortunately, the Forever 21 pair doesn't come in the camel color like the R&B but the black is very sleek and an almost identical dupe.  These are definitely on my wishlist for fall...  As well as these.  Just because they are both black doesn't mean I don't need both :)

 

via

| 01 | chambray, vest, skirt, heels, bag

| 02 | plaid shirt, polka dot skirt, heels, clutch 

| 03 | peplum top, skirt, heels
  

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I know I've already talked about how some new pencil skirts are on my wishlist for this upcoming season but here is the very reason why.  These pictures that I received in a J.Crew Factory email back in August totally inspired my Fall work wardrobe. 

| 01 | I love the look of the chambray, herringbone and wool.  The mix of textures and layers is perfect for Fall. I will be recreating this outfit in the future. You just wait..

| 02 | The monochromatic blues on this outfit is so unique.  Especially with the juxtaposition of the laid back plaid and the fancy polka dots.  I finally got used to stripes and polka dots together but now I need to move on to plaid and polka dots I guess!

| 03 | The mix of the bright pink and red/navy stripes is something I would have never thought would work but I love the combo! I plan on pairing this top with a similar pink skirt for a dupe look.

What has been inspiring you for Fall?  Any one else loving how versatile pencil skirts are becoming?

 

Patience for the win

  jennifer lopez for kohl's tunic {similar} | flatform sandals {similar} amazon sunglasses {written about here} michael kors tote | target earrings {similar}  

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Way back at the beginning of the summer I fell in love with this tunic.  I mean, once you create an entire outfit based on it you are bound to think about it for awhile, right?!  Unfortunately, it wasn't in my budget {especially for a cover-up style dress that I would wear like 2 times}.  But somehow I always end up being rewarded for making a good purchase decision or when I'm patient and don't give in to the dreaded impulse buy.  This is the case once again.  I found this dress at Kohl's in the clearance section and it caught my eye because of the bright colors and the silk material but also because it resembled that coveted cover up.  But unlike that over priced cover up, this is a dress that can be worn to work or on the weekends.  That's two of the three "how would I work this in my closet" scenarios right there!  Done and done.  Thank you Kohl's for 1. always supplying me with ample coupons and for 2. marking down pink paisley tunics. 

 

Fashion for Less - J.Crew Herringbone Puffer Vest

j.crew factory vest {available in stores!} | walmart vest
  

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If you missed out on this amazing herringbone vest when J.Crew originally had it for sale last Fall {see my post about it here} then you are in luck!  It is available now for a much better price!  J.Crew Factory came out with an identical vest which has all of the rich detail that J.Crew is known for-  dual-way zipper, outlined pockets, gold details.  You can find the J.Crew vest for $108 but don't settle for that price because usually there are plenty of coupons to use to get that lowered.  

However, if that price is out of your budget, there is the very affordable Walmart version.  I know, I know, Walmart?  Yes!  This vest is a STEAL and super cute to boot.  So, get on this dupe ladies because it is bound to sell out fast.  Heck, I bought one for me and my mom already!  And I'll probably stock up on a few for Christmas presents too.  If you're family, just go ahead and assume you're getting one ;)

 

navy polka dot | leopard peplum | bright florals | leather tulip | burgandy wool

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I think it's safe to say that I'm a girly girl to the core.  Skirts and dresses are my jam.  So it should be no surprise that I am obsessed with all of the fun patterned and printed pencil skirts that are in for this Fall.  I am loving the deep jewel tones with a hint of pattern {that leopard peplum skirt will be mine!} but you can't go wrong with bright florals year round either.  Have fun mixing these fun patterns into your wardrobe! 

What skirts are you penciling into your wish list for Fall? 

Let's make #pencilskirtsforthewin be our motto for this season :)

 

Wear the Trend: Military

j.crew dress {on sale!} | forever 21 vest {similar on sale!} | j.crew belt | gap sandals {similar} | dkny sunglasses {similar} | j.crew factory bracelet {similar}

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I am starting a new series called 'Wear the Trend' with advice on how to wear some of this Fall's newest and greatest trends.  The 'military' trend started last Fall with the rise of camo print and cargo jackets/military vests.  But it is back again this Fall so pull out last year's olive duds and put them to use this upcoming season!  

Now, just because this vest may be deemed 'Fall attire' doesn't mean you can't wear it in this transition time between Summer and Fall {Fummer? or Sall? I guess it's just called September}.  Below is some advice on ways to wear this super fun trend and to transition those pieces into Fall.

1// Wear camo, cargo, olive, etc. as a neutral.  Pair it with bright accessories or other neutral patterns (stripes, leopard, polka dots) for a fun combo.

2// Dress a military vest up with a striped, lace, or chambray dress with heels.  Dress it down with a striped sweater, skinny jeans and booties. 

3// Keep your bottoms and top fitted to balance out the bulkiness of a military vest.  I.e. don't pair your vest with boyfriend jeans.

4// Always make sure to add a feminine piece to your military inspired outfits.  Whether it's a pair of glitter loafers, floral scarf or statement necklace.  You want to make sure you still look like a woman!

5// Have fun with this trend!  There are so many awesome military inspired pieces out there so make sure you have fun mixing them into your closet and don't be afraid to try something new!

 

ankle | wellies | knee high | peep toe | combat | cowboy | detailed

If you haven't started thinking about fall yet, then you better get on it because those cooler temps are just around the corner!  I know I can't wait to start working on my fall wardrobe, specifically boots!  So here is a round up of some of my favorite boots for this fall {one in each of the must have categories of course :)} 

I already have the ankle boots and back-zip blue detailed boots from Target but would love to add to my collection with the hunters and combat boots.  But only if they remix into my closet well, which I'm not sure is the case.  Like they say {you know... they} make sure you can remix any new purchase with at least three different outfits in your closet.  Which means you'll probably be seeing outfit inspirations for each of these boots to give me more reason to add them to my closet :)

p.s. if you don't have the cartwheel app for Target do yourself a favor and install it right meow.  I've already saved myself $10 on items that I was already going to purchase!  Anyway, right now mossimo boots are 20% off in stores using the cartwheel app.  AND if you spend over $75 on qualifying items online {including the mossimo boots above} then you get 20% off those items as well!  Whichever tickles your fancy, online or in store, you're going to win no matter what.  All in all, I'm saying you need to get your bootie to the boots! 

p.p.s. possibly the longest p.s. ever.

 

FFL - Clare Vivier Foldover Leopard Clutch

|| clare vivier ||

|| forever 21 | gap | mimic ||

I know the Clare Vivier Leopard Clutch has been seen all over the blogs lately and probably is over and done by now {as most trends get at some point}.  But if you still want to get in on this super cute clutch, I found some amazing options at every price point!  

I have the clutch from Forever 21 and it is great for a cheap, but still trendy, clutch.  I honestly don't use clutches much so I knew I didn't want to invest a lot of money in this trend.  Being a mom and having to lug around diapers and sippies and what not in my purse all the time, there just never seems to be a practical moment to stuff everything in a clutch.  So, finding this trend at a cheaper price point was awesome.  Though I will say that if that Gap clutch had come out before I bought the Forever 21 one, then it would have been mine. Granted, I could be tempted into that Gap clutch at the hint of a sale....  self control really is one of my strengths :)

Anyway, I hope ya'll had an amazing Labor Day!

 

The many faces of Q

This stage really is the best... who said 2 wasn't a fun age?! This kid knows how to work it like the best of us.  His facial muscles, that is.  Every time I get a picture of him he has some smirk, smile or goofy face going on.

Granted, with all the cute smiles a few of these are bound to happen... more often than not really...

This gem will be featured front and center at his graduation party.

#embarassingmomaward

 

FFL - Rockstud Pump

{click on the heel above for details!}

valentino 'rockstud' // pink - torrid // nude - windsor // yellow - sole society

I love the Valentino 'Rockstud' heel and have seen it show up on many blogs and around the ol' internets as of late.  Honestly, I've never spent close to a grand on shoes {or any article of clothing or really even technology!} in my life and probably never will.  Don't quote me on that if I end up winning the lottery or something ;) 

I'm the type that will look for the knock-off or cheaper version of the brand name.  Luckily, many designers/shops are coming out with their own 'rockstud' version.  I am definitely leaning towards the yellow Sole Society heel due to the mid-size heel {perfect for work!} and fun but still fall appropriate color. 

 If any of you have other versions that you've seen please let me know!  This girl needs {ha!} a new pair of shoes.  I mean, it is my birthday month after all...

 

accordian pleated tee // d'orsay heels french bulldog tee // harem pant
knit fedora // faux leather moto jacket
sheer kimono // leopard clutch
zipped marled sweater // ponte leggings
studded military jacket // tres chic sweater

It's been too long... really!  I missed posting on here and am glad that I got to take a break but am bursting with things to share ;) As always... I love Fall and more importantly Fall clothes.  So here are some of my favorites from Forever 21 for this Fall. I like to go cheap with the trends {like the hat and harem pants} but can't help being drawn to their sweaters and jackets as well.  You just never know what you will get with quality, though.

I will say, I own the nude pumps above and they are amazing.  Great quality {granted  I've only worn them once} but I wore them all night for a wedding and they felt great!  So, just sayin.  You need them.

And for those of you Iowans {or do other states particiate?}.. happy tax-free weekend! And stay safe out there.  It can be a mad house ;)

 

First Fishies

on me: romper || hat ||  sunglasses

on Q:  shorts || tank || hat - target

We had a fun-filled weekend this past weekend.  It was full of fishing {Q caught his first fish!}, sprinkler running and gorgeous sunny skies.  We got to see both sides of the family and spend some quality time catching up and enjoying summer.  Hope you all had a great weekend as well!  Here's to another week... can't go by soon enough!

    Linking Up with:  Still Being Molly, My Greatest Hits,  Plane Pretty, Watch Out for the Woestmans, Real Girl Style,  Pleated Poppy, This Girl's Life, Style Elixir, Get Your Pretty On!, Because Shanna Said So, Transatlantic Blonde,and All Things Alisa