The Vest Ever

January 14, 2016Leave a comment

Outfit Details: J. Crew Vest, Old Navy Sweater, Paige Jeans, Report Booties (Similar), J.Crew Necklace (Similar), Madewell Earrings, H&M Scarf (Similar), Nordstrom Hat

These are my favorite earrings, I wear them almost everyday. They are dainty but still have a little sparkle and I love that they are mini ear climbers!

This is the best vest ever! I got this vest last winter from J.Crew and I love everything about it. It’s comfortable, stylish and not too bulky. When looking for a puffer vest consider if you will be wearing it for work or play. If you are wanting an athletic outdoorsy vest, stick with Patagonia or Eddie Bauer. These are great for out in the elements and give you a sporty look. If you want your vest to be a fashion piece, only go to J.Crew. This vest will not disappoint and you will be loving it too!

I also have it in chartreuse and this season I love the irish moss!

Three Scarves to the Wind

December 2, 20152 Comments

Photographed by Andrea Dyrhaug

(Pants: Loft, Sweater: J.Crew (Similar), Necklace: J.Crew (Similar), Flats: Target, Hat: J.Jill, Sunglasses: Target, Scarf One: Unknown (Similar), Scarf Two: H&M (Similar), Scarf Three: H&M (Similar))

Winter is all about staying warm and what better what to do that then with scarves! Scarves are one of my favorite accessory and they can completely change an outfit. These three looks all have the same staple garments with a different scarf for each look. You can see how much color, texture and tying can change an outfit. I am always looking for new ways to tie scarves and make them look new and exciting. Interested in finding new techniques? Try Pinterest for fresh ways to tie your scarves!

This wool baseball hat is one of favorite hats, the grey goes with so many things and it’s a great piece for fall and winter. To offset the casual nature of the baseball hat and cargo pants I have paired them with a sweater and statement necklace. This neutral color palette is perfect for many scarf and sunglass combinations. My go to sunglass choice on a daily basis is aviators, specifically reflective aviators. They are so fun and add a pop of color to any outfit while keeping you shaded. Check out some new aviator sunglasses at Salt City Optics.

Two of a Kind

November 24, 2015Leave a comment

Photographed by Andrea Dyrhaug

(Shirt: Old Navy, Vest: Mango (Similar), Jeans: J.Crew, Booties: Report Signature, Sunglasses: Cole Haan (Similar), Hat: Madewell, Scarf: Target, Necklace: J.Crew (Similar), Watch: Michael Kors, Lip: Mac Russian Red)

Plaid is the perfect print for mixing during the fall and winter months. I coupled a striped tee and plaid scarf in this look along with some faux fur for added texture. Polka dots, stripes, paisleys, gingham, leopard, checks, chevron and hounds tooth are all great patterns to mix with your seasonal plaids. I always try to carry over one color from each pattern to make the mix cohesive. It’s also important to balance you patterns, make sure they are both of similar proportion so one doesn’t over power the other. The easiest way to add in patterns is through your accessories, especially during the winter!

I added to my black destroyed denim and booties with a black hat, red lips and sunglasses to pop the colors in the plaid. This also creates a very dramatic look. Darker straw hats like this one can be a great transitional piece for fall, they aren’t too hot but still have the look and feel of a similar wool hat that’s more traditional for winter. These chunky black Jackie O glasses are a must have for any wardrobe, they are dramatic yet dignified. To find more stylish sunglasses for this season check out Salt City Optic.

All for One

November 16, 20151 Comment

Photographed by Andrea Dyrhaug

(Jacket: J.Crew, Sweater: J.Crew (Similar), Jeans: J.Crew, Hat: Topshop, Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs (Similar), Shoes: Franco Sarto (Similar), Necklace: Madewell, Wallet: Fossil)

Blush is my go to color choice this season; fresh, elegant and chic. Pairing blush in more than one piece of your outfit can take you look to the next level. I put this J.Crew high neck sweater and cocoon coat with a fluffy Topshop pom hat for a girly monochromatic look. Add an oxblood accessory for a pop of color within the same family. Grey, burgundy and baby blue are also great colors for winter monochromatic outfits!

I added cat eye sunglasses and black pointed toe pumps give this soft look some edge. It’s all about the accessories when transitioning to fall and winter, wool hats and darker sunnies keep your looks ever changing during the cold months. Keep shaded in style this winter, find your perfect sunglasses for the season at Salt City Optics. Have fun with your winter eyewear, just because it’s winter doesn’t mean color has to hibernate in your wardrobe!

When in Rain

September 18, 2015Leave a comment

Photographed by Andrea Dyrhaug

(Wellies: Hunter, Shirt: Loft, Jeans: J.Crew, Scarf: Madewell (Similar), Necklace: J.Crew (Similar), Watch: Michael Kors, Bangles: J.Crew (Similar), Rings: Old Navy)

A rainy night can’t keep a happy hour at bay. We recently braved some chilly temperatures and layered up with some fall favorites in order to have the happiest of hours in Hopkins. Right now is all about the transitional clothing, trying to leave the summer behind without welcoming fall too soon can be a challenge. I really try to mix pieces from both seasons in one outfit to get a transitional look. Pairing a light blouse or t-shit with a scarf gives a fall feeling but with a brighter finish. Dresses with booties or a skirt with a long sleeve shirt and a jean jacket are great ways to get through the early fall season.

With rain in the forecast, there is a short season for wellies and now is the time! I try to take advantage of this whenever I can. Now is also the perfect time of year to wear flats, sandals are about to be packed away and boots seem too aggressive. My favorite flats right now are printed, quilted, studded and pointed!

Skirts & Stripes

September 10, 2015Leave a comment

Photographed by Andrea Dryhaug

(Skirt: Loft (Similar), Shirt: Gap, Necklaces: Anthropologie & J.Crew (I like this and this and this), Shoes: Target (Similar), Bag: Fossil, Watch: Marc Jacobs, Bracelet: Ornamental Things)

Summer may have officially ended but don’t put your skirts and sandals away just yet. One thing I love about not being in school these days, is not feeling like summer ends when Labor Day hits. With winter right around the corner I try to tell myself every morning not to rush the fall and winter clothing, in four months I’ll want to be wearing tank tops and shorts. To start the transition into the fall season without doing away with summer try adding in darker colors but still keeping the summer staples alive.

This woven black skirt is a great basic. It’s comfortable, not overly dressy and it even has pockets! I choose to pair it with a simple striped t-shirt and leopard accents for a more casual look. Leopard is for all seasons, there are no exceptions. This leopard bag is great for this time of year and can be paired with virtually anything. I always find ways to tastefully work leopard into my look, just a touch is enough.

Summer has not ended people, lets even keep your whites out a little longer this year!

Summer’s Shade

September 3, 2015Leave a comment

Photographed by Andrea Dryhaug

(Hat: Madewell, Shirt: Nordstrom BP (Similar), Shorts: J.Crew Factory, Shoes: Target (Similar), Belt: The Limited (Similar), Bag: Longchamp, Watch: Michael Kors, Bangles: J.Crew (Similar), Earrings: Madewell, Rings: Madewell)

If there is one accessory that really throws me off my game it’s a hat. I love them on other people and I buy them thinking I will wear them, but I can never really seem to put them with an outfit when the time comes. This hat is inspired by my favorite blogger, she wore it and I thought I needed to give this hat thing a try. I think from my beach hats I find hats to be, in general, more casual but that is not the case. They can be dressed up or down and even worn with a cute skirt. If you are starting with a darker hat, like this one, add accents of that color back into your outfit. This will help you feel like you are not top heavy with the darker color.

I think if you choose to wear a hat (and you should!) make sure you own it. You can drown under a hat if aren’t feeling totally comfortable. Start small, wear you hat for a short amount of time or to an event you know has a time limit. Don’t just wear hats when you have dirty hair, you will start associating hats with that and you won’t feel put together when you do wear them.

I hope this fall brings us many more hat outfits!

the Bold & the Beautiful

August 27, 2015Leave a comment

Photo Credits: Andrea Dyrhaug

(Shorts: Loft (Similar), Shirt: Loft (Similar), Wedges: BC Footwear (Similar), Sunglasses: Cole Haan (Similar), Watch: Marc Jacobs, Bracelets: J.Crew (Similar), Rings: Madewell)

Now is the time to get your bold summer prints, everything summer is on sale. I always buy shorts for next year at the end of the season. Not only do you not have to pay full price, but they seem new next season when you pull out your summer wardrobe. I got these floral printed shorts two years ago at the Loft, they add a pop of color to any outfit. Loft is the place to go for printed shorts, they are bold, proportionate and on trend. Pairing the shorts with a black top dresses the outfit up and makes the floral print stand out. A white top will be more summery and airy with your printed shorts. If you are feeling especially bold, pair your shorts with another simple pattern with similar colors.

If you are more of a denim shorts girl try Gap, J.Crew or Madewell for end of summer denim sales!

Wellie Weather

August 20, 2015Leave a comment

Photographed by Andrea Dyrhaug

(Wellies: Hunter, Shirt: Loft, Vest: J.Crew, Jeans: J.Crew, Necklace: J.Crew (Similar), Watch: Michael Kors, Bangles: J.Crew (Similar), Rings: Old Navy)

Minnesota has been experiencing unseasonably cool temperatures and rain the last couple of days. Whenever rain is in the forecast I pull out my Hunter wellies. They are one of the most iconic rain boots in the world and there are so many styles and colors to choose from, I try to find any reason to wear them.

I layered by look with a black puffer vest and distressed jeans to keep warm. This puffer goes with everything, I think I wear it at least once a week in the fall and winter months. If you are looking for something light, fashionable and warm try out this J.Crew puffer. It comes in many colors, but beware it does sell out by the end of the season. I tried to get this black one last Christmas, not only were the sold out but not reordering so I had to search from store to store and wait for one to be returned.

This blouse from Loft is one of my favorite staples; it has the perfect amount of swing and is not too boxy. It is a twist on the traditional white blouse and I am in love. I like to add a longer necklace with the blouse for something unexpected and subtle. We are back in the seventies and eighties starting today, but I secretly can’t wait for the fall season and the clothes that go along with a little chill in the air!

Simple Statement

August 13, 2015Leave a comment

Photographed by Andrea Dyrhaug

(Necklace: World Market, T-Shirt: Gap, Jeans: J.Crew, Shoes: BC Footwear (Similar), Rings: Forever 21, Bag: Forever 21 (Similar), Nail Polish: Fishnets & Fringe)

Many people always ask me how to wear big statement necklaces and wonder if they can pull them off, I think anyone can pull off any piece of jewelry. Start simple, let the piece speak for itself and pair it with an understated outfit. A solid t-shirt with jeans and either heels or flats, depending on the occasion, can make the necklace pop and is a great way to start wearing some bigger pieces of jewelry. Once you are more comfortable wearing the larger and intricate pieces then start wearing them with patterns and fun colors.

I chose a soft grey t-shirt, dark jeans and wedges for a dinner look. I prefer the Gap modern crew tee, they come in every color, sleeve length and are very comfortable. When dressing up your outfit pair heels and an evening clutch together to take the look into the evening hours. During the colder months, you can layer a basic blazer or jacket. Since my coin necklace is so large I chose to layer with rings and small stud earrings, this way nothing takes away from the necklace. Jewelry can make an outfit, you just have to be brave enough to put it on!

Stylessence

Everyday achievable, with a splash of the unexpected.

Tag: J.Crew

The Vest Ever

Three Scarves to the Wind

Two of a Kind

All for One

When in Rain

Skirts & Stripes

Summer’s Shade

the Bold & the Beautiful

Wellie Weather

Simple Statement