headband + safety pin = the details matter

I got to work the other day just feeling disheveled. This is what I was wearing:

Gap

Old Navy

Ralph Lauren

Nordstrom

I ran out at lunch, still feeling out of sorts and picked up a leopard print headband to help my desperately flat hair and a safety-pin to keep my vest from draping in the non-flattering manner is has the tendency to and voila! I feel like a brand new girl. Goes to show you that it is the details that matter!

long distance shopping

My mom and sister live all the way in Florida (11 hours by car & 2 hours by plane), which is no fun when your mom and sister are as great as mine. But we have found fun ways to keep in touch and feel like part of each others daily lives. One of our favorite ways is "iPhone shopping." I text them pictures of what I am or am thinking about buying and they do the same. Here is a peak into our virtual outings!

"mom's new fall clothes...fashion show" -mom & sister

"for interview?" -sister

"thanks for the happy!" -me (sister bought me a top)

"this looks like you" -sister

"shoes for wedding...what do you think?" -sister

"want this" -me

M.I.A.

Sorry I have been M.I.A. as of late. I have lots of blogs written in my head screaming to come out! My goal is to get some of them "on paper" this weekend. In the meantime...here is a little lunch-time treat I bought myself when the hubs had to work through lunch and cancelled our date :)!

(j. crew)

stolen looks

I am often inspired by others looks, but it is rare that I will go out and buy what I saw someone else wear. I actually try to avoid it most of the time, BUT then I saw this outfit post by Jessica Quirk (http://whatiwore.tumblr.com/post/8953404558) and everything changed!

As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to have this dress! And that I was going to sport it with my denim jacket and some tan boots (hello Fall!). After much searching on the part of the lovely people of J.Crew, my dress is in route! It arrives tomorrow-I am so excited!

So, Jessica, I am sorry for stealing your look! I promise I will credit you for it :)! Thanks for your daily inspiration!

Just a little pop of color...

I can not remember the last time I painted my finger nails a color other than a barley there light pink. While browsing the make-up section at Target last night, I spotted this color from Essie (lady like). Taupe with a little bit of purple, subtle and fun all at the same time. What is you favorite new nail color?

Update: Fall Shopping

Since my last post on my fall wish list, I have been working on putting a few of those pieces in my closet. I have not been able to find them all online, but here are some similar styles.

So far I have snagged the following:

Dark wide-leg trouser jeans (Gap)


Grey and ivory animal print scarf


Olive green day dress (DVF)


New riding boots (Frye)


Ivory silk shirt (Banana Republic)

Still on my wish list:
-Navy school-boy blazer
-Wedge booties
-Classic long coat
-Bold, simple striped shirts
-Well-cut, classic sweaters in bold colors
-Statement necklaces
-Perfect grey pencil skirt

I am obsessed with this coat...I want it in every color! How soon is too soon to buy a coat for the winter?

J. Crew

Waiting for Fall

I have been pining for fall fashions. My summer staples are getting old and I am not finding much in the way of inspiration in my closet (and figuring out how to dress for triple digit temps outside and a freezing office is always a challenge).

I came across a few of these early fall looks from Banana Republic and I am starting to see my fall wardrobe take shape...simple riding boots, lady-like tops, monochromatic looks, pops of color and yes-the return of the flare!

Fall always brings a freshness with it and I am SO looking forward to that this year!

Sand between your toes

Shifting gears a bit from my last post...summer is still in full swing here. While I can't wait for fall to get here, the reality is that summer is very much here to stay for awhile AND I have a beach trip coming up in my very near future! Time for a little swimsuit shopping! I went with a basic black, but a few of these finds are making my reconsider my swimwear!

Sporty and Fun!

Cute and modest tankini

So sophisticated!

Love the sweet ruffles and the neckline

Love this cover up!

Oh Hey...all things green!

Check out my first guest post over at Oh Hey (http://corrinrenee.com/green-kelly-green/) and follow the fab @corrinrenee on Twitter!

Isn't it romantic...

Summertime has a certain air of romance – warm weather, sweet sundresses, long days, evening strolls and a carefree attitude.

In honor of the sweet romance of summer and a dear friend that is in the early stages of a budding romance, I thought it was a perfect time to take a look at some romantic summertime dresses.  

So dust off those flirty frocks (or buy some new ones) and enjoy summer with someone you love!

ModCloth

ZARA

Anthropologie

Robert Rodriguez

ASOS

Seeing Double

I noticed a trend yesterday while doing laundry...buying double!  Lately, if I like something a lot, I will buy two. Running clothes, Shoes, Shorts, Jeans (especially jeans...that pair of J. Brand, dark-wash, wide leg jeans you see me wear, yep, one of three).

Guess I am more of a creature of habit than I thought! I look at this as a double edged sword; while it can keep you from branching out, how often do you wear something out only to spend months and months trying to replace it, all the while, wishing you could just reach into the back of your wardrobe and pull out another?

You have seen a lot of these on the blog lately, but I bet you had no idea how deep my obsession with these pieces went! Here are just a few of the things that are showing up in my closet more than once.

I loved these Pink shorts I mentioned a few weeks ago so much, that I bought a pair in black too!

Shorts: J. Crew Factory

I wear these shoes at least four days a week and I am thankful that I have another fresh pair that I can pull out next summer!

Shoes: Nine West

And...what post would be complete without me talking about running gear!  When I find something that I can do a long run in, I stick with it!  I have at least two of these shorts, top and tights - and I pretty much exclusively wear them for any run over 10 miles. If it were up to me, I would have them in every color!

Shorts: Lululemon

Top: Lululemon

Pants: Reebok 

Then there is the list of things I wish I could find more of...that perfect eyeshadow palette that has been discontinued, a great silk, plaid, shirt dress from high school (cooler than it sounds-you will just have to trust me on that one),and my first pair of tan pumps (still trying to find a true replacement-nothing has been quite as perfect).

So tell me...what do you wish you had just one more of? Or are you a closet duplicate shopper like me?   

Beat the Runner's Summer Blues

Most runners will tell you that the Spring and Fall are the ideal time to enjoy training. I always find it hard to stay motivated and maintain my runs during the summer. The summer has its own benefits-longer days, lots of sunshine, trips to the beach, sundresses!
 While I would not trade those things for a long run, I do find that I need a little extra motivation during the summer.

Until fall weather arrives in a few months, I will be relying on these tricks.

1. Trying out some snazzy new sneakers.

Nike Lunar Trainer

The jury is still out on the new kicks. The color is fun and I love how light they are, but I do not love the new blisters on my heals.

2. Treadmill Workout

(Repeat for 45 mins)

With the temperatures in the triple digits, I headed inside for my workout today.   Typically 45 mins on the treadmill is torture, but the constant changes kept me engaged and I ended up with a great workout.

3. New gear.

Specifically new tops help me stay (and look) cool! 

Gap

Nike

Zella

 

 

 

4. If you can not beat the heat

...try out some new classes at the gym. Summer is a good time to try out a new class at the gym; they are typically less crowded in the summer and it is a good way to stay fit when the temps are brutal.

What is your tried and true tip for staying fit during the summer?

impulse purchase = outfit dreaming

I gave in on a whim an ordered the pair of white JBrand Lovestory Jeans that I have had my eye on for awhile (thanks to a well timed "Shop It To Me" email). I am dreaming of all of the outfits I could put together when these come in! Here is a peak into my style dreams!

White-on-white with a splash of color. Perfect for a summer weekend or night at the beach.

 Top: Anthropologie

Earnings: Padma @ Neiman Marcus

Bag: Kate Spade

Belt: Forever 21

Shoes: Coach @ Nordstrom

I love a mix of patterns and stripes. And a sweater or a cardigan is a must for an air conditioned office. Perfect for a casual summer day at work.

 Top: Urban Outfitters

Cardigan: LOFT

Shoes: Ann Taylor

Bracelet: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Night on the town.  This watch is awesome!

Top: Zara

Bag: Coach

Watch: Glam Rock @ Nordstrom

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Pen and Paper

I go through seasons of "journaling." You know, like on paper, with a pen, in a journal. There is something to freeing about writing-regardless of what makes it onto the paper.

I love to buy a new journal, write a few pages, but rarely am I consistent. Enter the One Line A Day journal I picked up at a little store on vacay.  Each day, for five years, you are given a few short lines to write a note, thought, memory.  I am so excited about it!  So far, I am two weeks in and have kept up. It does help that the journal is super cute and the perfect shade of blue to sit on my nightstand.

Here are some pics of my journal and a few others that will make you want to curl up in a chair and write your heart out.

My new journal...

Kate's Paperie

Kate's Paperie

iomoi

Target

Anthropologie

If you are interested, you can buy my journal here.