Outfit Post: Camo Jacket + Striped Top

GAP Camo Print Jacket (last year - grab this identical one at LL Bean)

American Eagle Jegging in "Light Gray Destroy" (the bommmmb!)

H&M Striped Top (so old - this one at ASOS is on major sale)

Zara Studded Ankle Boot (old - similar option on Heels.com)

Sole Society "Jilly" Sunglasses c/o || Sole Society Braided Tassel Necklace c/o || Michael Kors "Bradshaw" Watch (20% right now!)

Maybelline Vivids Lipstick

Every gal needs a camo jacket in her closet. It goes with everything and is perfect for a fall/winter outfit. I love pairing this one with mixed prints. There's just something about stripes and camouflage together isn't there? And even though my jacket is from last year, this one from L.L. Bean is a dead ringer.

On another note - if you're looking for some holiday gift ideas, look no further than Sole Society! With their assortment of jewelry, sunglasses, handbags and shoes, you really can't choose a bad gift option. Plus you could always do a giftcard! I love my retro inspired sunglasses. The flared semi-cat eye gives them a little something, something. Don't you agree?

Have a great Thursday everyone! xoxo

Linking up with Trend Spin & Style Sessions

Outfit Post: Leopard & Camo & Sparkle, Oh My!

The Impeccable Pig "Gatsby Top" (still available online!)

Zara Camo Print Trousers (old - similar option on sale at Macy's and love these from The Loft)

Target Leopard Print Loafers (old - budget friendly similar option or splurge on these from J.Crew) 

Sole Society "Smythe" Sunglasses in c/o || Michael Kors "Bradshaw" Watch || J. Crew Pave Link Chain Bracelet || Sally Hansen "Cinnasnap" and OPI "Goldeneye" nail polish || Maybelline Vivids Lipstick in "Electric Orange"

P.S. It's seriously a total coincidence that I'm carrying some Starbie's in today's outfit post, which actually falls on National Coffee Day. I guess I just have good timing like that.

Last week you guys went crazy for this outfit on instagram, which is proof that mixed prints is still totally "A Do." And while I don't think I'll ever get tired of a mixed combo, it's nice to know that camo and leopard can still get some action together (it's one of my favorites) I know you guys love my loafers, but I'm telling you, these flats are a dead ringer and such a good price! Don't wait on them - I wear mine year round and with everything. 

I've been awake since 2AM this morning, Just couldn't sleep. I think I was still wired from my amazing weekend. I went to the NC State - Florida State game here in Raleigh. We tailgated, drank beer and couldn't have asked for more perfect weather. It was such a close game and NCSU put up a good fight, but thank gosh we pulled it out in the end. I also wore one of my favorite #BADxGameDay outfits so far. (Here's a sneak peek) Can't wait to share the full look with you!

Hope you guys have a lovely Monday! I am doubling up on the coffee today fo' sho! xoxo

Outfit Post: Floral & Leopard

H&M Floral Cropped Trouser (old - super cutesy option here)

Vintage Metallic Tee (pretty gunmetal option)

Target Leopard Loafers (old - love this version at Nordstrom)

Daisy Gem "Gunmetal Fleur" Necklace c/o

GiGi New York All In One Clutch in Sand (gifted) || Caravelle by Bulova Watch c/o (sold out - updated version and on sale!!!)  || BCBGeneration #MYO Affirmation Bracelets c/o Belk || Maybelline "Electric Orange" lipstick

I don't know about you but the Floral & Leopard combo will never get old to me. I just love how girly yet edgy it can look at the same time. Plus it's an easy thing to throw on when you're pressed for time getting dressed in the morning. You'll still look polished and put together and no one will know it only took you 2 minutes to figure it out! 

Okay, you guys know how much I love a statement necklace. Lately, I've been looking for a crystal option that was slightly less overpowering yet not as dainty as my monogram options. This DaisyGem version was the perfect mix of both worlds. It's just the right amount of  in-between sparkle I needed. DaisyGem also just announced their new Gem Rewards program which gives you rewards when you shop! For ever $1 you spend you get 1 point. Once you reach 100 points, you get a $10 gift card! And DaisyGem has graciously decided to give you a jump start by giving new and already registered accounts 50 points which means you're already 1/2 way there!

So tell me.. what are your favorite prints to mix? You can shop my favorite combo below. Happy Monday!

linking up with Style Sessions

Outfit Post: Mixing Camouflage and Stripes

I can't get enough of mixed prints lately. Leopard with Polka Dots, Florals with Ikat, Camo & Stripes.. what once was considered taboo is now totally in. And even though this isn't the most bold mixing I've ever done, I still love the ease and chicness of the combination.

 

 

GAP Camouflage Printed Utility Jacket (get 30% off using code GAPFRIENDS)

Banana Republic Metallic Striped Sweater (last season - love this version)

Express "Stella" Skinny Jegging (old)

ShoeDazzle "Lisa" Rose Gold Metallic Wedge Pump (sold out - splurge option)

GiGi New York Saddle Uber Clutch in Pebble Grain c/o || ILY Couture "Sweet Candy Color" Neon Necklace || Nordstrom BP "Flash" Pink Mirror Aviators (splurge option) || Zoya Matte Grey Nail Polish || Maybelline "Fuschia Fever" Lipstick

 

This past weekend was an exciting one but it was Sunday morning that I was actually looking forward to the most. Emily, the gorgeous blogger from Life with Emily hosted a bloggers brunch at my favorite restaurant Coquette Brassiere and I finally had the opportunity to meet some local NC bloggers!

 

In our world, heck in any world, it's beyond important to stay connected with actual face-to-face time! Sometimes it's easy to get behind our twitter feeds and facebook pages that we forget to form real-life, in-the-flesh relationships. I was so happy to meet some lovely ladies who I've been fans of and finally putting a 3-D face to the name.. and.. photos!

 

After getting over the initial nerves and introductions (the bottomless mimosas helped a bit with that) we instantly bonded, sharing our hilarious tales of shooting outfit pictures and how nowadays we meet so many friends online! It was so refreshing to meet some new gals who share the same passions as myself. And, okay... I guess we had to be cliché and take a typical bloggers-with-their handbags group picture:

 

Kathryn || Kristyn || Morgan || Emily || Bre || Ryan

 A BIG thanks again to Em for putting this whole she-bang together!

 

Don't forget to enter my latest giveaway here

 

linking up with Perfectly Coutured

Outfit Post: A New Beginning

 

Zara French Bulldog Print Blouse (old - last seen here)

AG Jeans "The Legging Ankle" in Basket Weave Gray Print

Olivia + Joy Cassidy Colorblock Handbag c/o Lucky FABB

Target Nude Patent Flats

Vintage Sunnies || Vintage Earrings (gifted from my Aunt) || Caravelle by Bulova Rose Gold Watch c/o LuckyFABB 2012 || Stella & Dot Foundation Bracelet c/o Katie Cramer

 

I'm baaaack! Sorry for the little [planned] hiatus. I think I am experiencing what we can call a "Quarter Life Crisis." And don't mock it - because it definitely exists. It's been quite a transition from the West Coast to Raleigh.. and I'm still in the middle of it! I miss our friends and mile-bike ride to the beach. I miss the weather (this humidity is killing me!) and I miss our church. I did a little bit of moping around the apartment for the last 30 days...

 

But I had an amazing meeting Monday that kind of snapped me out of my funk (at least for the moment) Don't you just love getting inspired? It's like a flood of happiness, adrenaline and scariness all at the same time. Which is probably why my smile is as big as it is in these pictures!

 

I love mixing prints and I thought these 2 pieces really worked together! And I'll tell you why. The sheer top coupled with the light colored printed jean compliment each other so well. It's important when mixing prints to find at least 1 similar hue because this will help tie them together. But I had to inject a little bit of fun and whimsy - so I paired it with my new colorblock handbag. Also does anyone else feel slightly better with a tan? Maybe it's just me...

 

Don't forget to check in to see if you won any of the items from my "Thank You" giveaways! Happy Wednesday!

Outfit Post: Leopard & Bows & Coral - Oh My!

Sequin Sweater: Old Navy

Bow Print Pants: J. Crew (on sale!)

Coral Bag: c/o GiGi New York - New Spring 2013 Collection

Metallic Pom Pin: c/o ban.do

Sunnies: Vintage

I wore this outfit last week when Bill & I caught an early morning showing of "Gangster Squad" It was the perfect casual ensemble with a touch of playfulness. I'm know I'm no stranger to mixing prints (here & here) but I really wanted to challenge myself with this J. Crew bow pattern. I was a bit perplexed on what I could mix with it at first - the green is such a stand out shade. But since one of leopard's main colors is black, I figured it was good match to the little black bows.

If you're not a fashion blogger or are timid about wearing stripes, florals, leopard & polka dots at the same time, this is a perfect way to mix prints within your everyday wardrobe. It helps if your prints have a color in common, but I don't think that always has to be the case. And if you want to start small try my idea above like your shoes with pants or a top and patterned heels. I do recommend keeping the rest of your look simple - you want your prints to take center stage, right? Really, your possibilities are endless and as long as you're feeling confident, people will dig your look. 

I'm also trying to beat the cold L.A. weather with this bright coral clutch that I just received from GiGi New York. They're about to launch their spring collection FULL of colors like mint and sunshine yellow. This pinkish-orange hue is my favorite of the bunch. A bold bag is my idea of the perfect accessory. It's super easy & something anyone can do. Make sure you check out the full line when GiGi launches it in mid-February.

So what do you think? Have you tried mixing prints lately? I want some more ideas for these pants so I'm open to suggestions! Oh and if you want to see who my inspiration is for mixed patterns, check out Bethany from B Soup. She's not afraid of a challenge that one. ;) Happy Wednesday! xo

{linking up with}

Outfit Post: Striped Camo

Happy {belated} Veteran's Day everyone! I'm so incredibly thankful for the men & women who serve our country. All their sacrifices give us a peace of mind and freedom that is totally irreplaceable. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

 

 

 

Camo Trousers: Zara (recent)

Sweater: Banana Republic (last seaon on major sale!)

Bag: c/o GiGi New York

Shoes: Target

 

Lately, I can't get enough of army green or camo. I scooped up these trousers from Zara last month & have been wearing them non-stop. They're sooo comfy, have super cute details (like the zippers) and I love that they fit my ankles when wearing flats which hardly ever happens since I'm so petite. Continuing on the mixed prints trend train, I choose a neutral colored striped sweater that wasn't overly competitive but complimentary to the green patches. Topped it off with the fabulous bag I received while visiting GiGi New York in September for a perfectly casual fall outfit. Well, minus the bad hair day I was having ;)

 

I'm finally beginning to not only feel inspired again but that I'm also getting back into my groove. I guess sometimes we all just need a little break. Thanks for all your supportive comments, tweets & posts! Here's to the start of a kick ass week! :)