The Vest Ever

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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

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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!

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 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!

Two of a Kind

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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

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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

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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!

Summer’s Shade

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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

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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!

Army Influence

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(Shirt: Madewell, Tee: Gap, Shorts: J.Crew Factory, Sunglasses: H&M, Sandals: Target (Similar),Watch: Marc Jacobs, Bangles: J.Crew and J.Crew Factory)

If I had to pick one color to incorporate into every outfit this summer it would be army green. I’ll take it any way I can get it; shorts, jeans, jackets, vests, button downs. It’s a basic muted shade of green that goes with a lot of other colors and can make you look tanner, instantly! I love pairing it with denim and white, like this outfit, or with a black and white striped shirt or dress.

Don’t be afraid to mix styles, pair your army green with an ivory lace top or skirt. Girly with a splash of masculine can really set your outfit apart. I always like to add metal accents; gold, silver or both look great with army green. Leopard is also a great neutral pattern to mingle in, try shoes like I did, or a handbag!

Slouchy Tank

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(Tank: Madewell, Sweater: Target (Similar), Jeans: J.Crew, Necklace: J.Crew (Similar), Wedges: Clarks (Similar and Similar), Bag: Fossil)

I have found the perfect front tuck slouchy tank for the summer. It comes in seven great colors, from basics to bolds to pastels, and it currently on sale. The neckline is great alone, it’s not too wide or low, or with a long necklace. I have been a big fan for front tucking anything and everything in the past few months. It’s a chic way of tucking without being uncomfortable or worrying about if your tuck is staying in place as you go about your day. This Madewell tank has two slits in the front and a rounded back hem that make it perfect for front tucking. You simply tuck each of the corners of the slits and you’re ready to head out the door. Whether you wear the tank with jeans, shorts or a skirt it is an easy look for summer. I’m thinking Red Rock or Heathered Clay will be joining my closet in the near future as well!

Tradition

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There is one day throughout the year that still holds all of the magic that the world has to offer. That day is Christmas. It’s not just about the presents and things, it’s about traditions. What I love most about Christmas is that everything begins and ends with family. Our family of four has grown to five and will soon become six of us celebrating this magical day.

In our family, the traditions begin right away on Christmas Eve. We have dinner and spend time with extended family at my Aunt’s house. Later in the evening we go back to my parents house and we all sleep under the tree. Yes, all five of us have an air mattress and we spend the night under the glow of our Christmas tree. Even the four dogs find their spots on the futon or the end of the bed.

My excitement on Christmas morning cannot be contained. I still wake up by six thirty anxious for the day and already preparing for a nap later! After cinnamon rolls and presents, youngest to oldest, we find ourselves heading across the street. My dad plays Santa for the neighbor kids while the rest of us enjoy champagne and whiskey. Following Santa we have breakfast and relax all day, usually with movies! This year we had dinner guests, amazing ribs, strong drinks and a good time!

This magic only comes once a year and can only be called Christmas.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Baby It’s Cold Outside

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(Jacket: J.Crew, Sweater: Madewell, Chambray: Madewell, Necklack: J.Crew, Jeans: H&M, Bag: Fossil, Rings: Madewell, Hat: Target, Boots: Sorel)

One thing I wish upon winter is that it be over after Christmas. This week Minnesota entered a ‘deep freeze’ and let me tell you I picked a great week to do a photo shoot… burr! Between the chilly fingers and static hair this shoot did not last long. Now I know why all bloggers live in California or Texas… it’s always great photo weather and you only have to put on a jacket to make a statement.

This outfit was inspired by wish lists and holiday styling. I wore this outfit to Christmas Eve, minus the handbag I unwrapped Christmas morning, and stayed toasty throughout the festivities. Chambray is the new black for making your winter wardrobe warmer. You can layer it under sweaters, cardigans, jackets and vests for a preppy chic look. It pulls everything together and gives you a well rounded look.

Everyone have a safe and happy new year!