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!

Simple Statement

January 5, 20161 Comment

(Coat: Macy’s, Sweater: Old Navy, Hat: Nordstrom (Similar), Jeans: Paige, Boots: Sorel & Sperry, Lips: Urban Decay– Liar and MAC-Russian Red)

You may think that the outdoors is no place to make a statement, I completely disagree. Whether you are going for simple or statement, show your personality while hitting the slopes this winter.

This post features the same look with different lip colors, it showcases simple vs statement. When picking out an everyday lip color I like something with a little gloss that just enhances your normal lip color. This Urban Decay- Liar is my go-to color for everyday wear, it’s a great blush pink and wears well throughout the day. For any bold lip look I choose MAC Cosmetics, the colors are saturated and stay on very well but don’t dry out your lips. Another up and coming brand to try is Honest Beauty, I have a few of their lip crayons (honey kiss and mulberry kiss), they are amazing and go on like butter!

Finding the right shade for your lips is very important, don’t be afraid to sample and try on different colors when you are at the store. Start with the lighter shades and work your way darker so you can take off the last sample more easily. If you are unsure about what color to go with take a picture of yourself in the colors and either text a friend or ask a stranger at the store, personally strangers will give you the unbiased opinion you are looking for.

No matter what go with your gut and whatever you feel most comfortable in. You will be more confident with something you are loving and therefore more likely to put it on! I would say the most important lip colors to always have on hand are; blush pink, nude, magenta and red. These classic colors will get you through most days with no trouble!

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.

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!

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!

Chambray for Independence Day

July 2, 2015July 6, 20151 Comment

(Dress: Old Navy, Shoes: Nordstrom (Similar), Hat: H&M (Similar), Sunglasses: Cole Haan (Similar), Watch: Marc Jacobs)

The weekend is upon most of us a little early this week, thanks to a certain holiday! Whether you are headed to the beach, the city or staying put don’t forget to pack all of your Americana apparel. My favorite look of the long weekend, chambray. Not only is denim blue, perfect for the theme of the weekend, it’s also a great neutral to pair all summer long. This easy and affordable shift dress has embroidered details and small cutouts in the back for a classic look with a twist. I paired the dress with black wedges, black large framed sunnies and a straw sun hat. Find some chambray to pull your Fourth of July look together!

Happy Fourth of July, have a safe holiday weekend!

Stylessence

Everyday achievable, with a splash of the unexpected.

Tag: Old Navy

The Vest Ever

Simple Statement

Two of a Kind

When in Rain

Wellie Weather

Chambray for Independence Day