navy and orange.

{Blazer: Similar| Top: Similar | Shoes: Ann Taylor Loft}

Sometimes all you want in the world is comfort and ease. And this was just one of those days. I didn't want fussy layers or accessories. I didn't want to have to think about pulling an outfit together. I just wanted something simple. And you know what I really, really like getting back to the basics. Putting an outfit like this together may not be rocket science, but it looks put together and still has a little bit of pizzazz (thank to those adorable shoes). And sometimes outfits like this let you shine. You don't have to worry about readjusting necklaces or messing with layers. You can just be.

Do you guys sometimes crave a simple, easy outfit? And when you wear one do you still feel great? I know I do!

the little birdie told me to.

{Jacket: J. Crew | Sweater: Similar | Shirt: Similar | Shoes: Sole Society}

Have you ever gone to a store and scored a piece that you know you will just end up loving time and again and it ended up costing next to nothing? The only store this has ever happened is Old Navy. For some reason, every once in awhile I find a treasure that I wear over and over again and I love it every single time. This bird shirt is one of those treasures. I feel like I will wear it until it has holes in it. Please someone tell me how I fill my wardrobe with pieces like this! Could you imagine a closet filled with pieces that you just absolutely loved? It would make getting dressed so easy!

And what do you guys think of my new monogram necklace? I've been wanting one oh so bad. And GroopDealz had them. I was actually hoping that it would be bigger but now that I have it, I actually like that it's a little more dainty. 

Linking up with Style Elixir, Because Shanna Said So and the Pleated Poppy.

navy & mint.

{Necklace: Similar | Scarf: Target | Cardi: Similar | Flats: J. Crew Factory}

It's official I am entering the not so attractive part of my pregnancy. There are less and less "keeper" photos and fewer and fewer outfit options. I know I still have a ways to go and I am not really sure how I'm gonna maintain a style blog! 

Not only has my mid-section grown but it seems that every part of me has. Funny story for you...not so much for me. I decided to get a pedicure last week and forgot to change my pants. I mean I'm lucky I remembered to shave my legs. 

So I get there and cannot get my pants up. It literally took me more than five minutes to hike up my pants to just below knee level. And even that was pretty excruciating. As I am sitting there getting my pedicure, it seems that my pants are getting tighter and tighter and I'm getting more and more uncomfortable. All I can think is, how am I gonna get these down before my manicure? Finally after several minutes of stewing I come up with the plan that I will go to the bathroom so that I can somehow extract my pants off my legs. And after my pedicure that's just what I do. 

Um it took a really, really long time to get them back down. I even considered asking someone in the nail salon for scissors so I could just cut them off. And to prove this was no joke, I walked a way with a nasty, nasty bruise all the way around my leg where my pants were stuck. Attractive I know. 

The beauty of motherhood folks. This is it.

dress and re-dress.

{Necklace: J. Crew Factory | Blazer: Similar | Shirt: J. Crew Factory | Purse: Similar | Shoes: Similar}

There's really nothing like a bright red blazer on an overly cloudy Chicago day. You have to make your own lemonade er cool-aid, right?

I realized something today about the way I dress. I pick out an outfit every morning and then I touch up that outfit throughout the day. Let me illustrate. Yesterday morning I threw on my usual knee-high boots (no-brainer) as we were late for a play date. But then as I was trying to take a nap (a side effect of this pregnancy), I realized I had a way better pair of shoes in my closet that I don't wear nearly enough. So I threw them on when I went out for my doctor's appointment. This happens all the time whether it be a change of lipstick, an addition of a necklace, or the removal of a scarf. Part of the problem of being a stay-at-home mom, I suppose. But it does result in the best possible outfit combination by the end of the day even if no one besides my family sees it!

Am I the only who does this? Please tell me you touch up your outfits too!

Linking up with the Pleated Poppy and the ladies below.

no longer buttoned-up.

{Jacket: Similar | Sweater: J. Crew | Shirt: Similar | Necklace: Similar | Jeans: Gap | Boots: Similar}

My closet is full of button-ups. Here's the problem though, when your belly gets bigger, those button-ups just don't button up anymore. Say that three times fast. 

My solution, to just wear them open. That way I don't lose those 30 awesome shirts. And guess what? You know what else I am doing here? I am layering in a way that I've never layered before. Because why wouldn't I button up my shirt when I can? This might be a preggo trend that I apply to my non-preggo, when that time comes, life. And if I do say so myself. I kinda like it.

Maybe you should try to be a little less buttoned up too.

Linking up with the Pleated Poppy and the ladies below.

cup of tea anyone?

{Sweater: Gap | Shirt: Gap | Scarf: Similar | Jeans: Amazon | Boots: Similar}

I don't know what happened to the relatively mild winter we were having. I guess Chicago decided to fake us all out and then be like BAM it's time to freeze. One of the many things I love about this good ol' city. You never know what she's going to do. And yes, I do refer to my city as a lady. Wouldn't you? She's pretty darn stylish.

So I have finally entered the phase where I don't where pajamas all day long. I am starting to feel a little bit more like myself. Hello lipstick. Hello clothes. Hello straight hair. If only the weather would cooperate I might be able to pick something out of my closet that 1) doesn't resemble the color of the sky or 2) isn't the coziest, warmest thing I can find. Come on sunshine.

complex.

{Blazer: J. Crew Factory | Scarf: Similar | Sweater: Similar | Jacket: Penfield | Pants: Similar | Purse: Similar | Shoes: J. Crew)

I'm pretty sure this outfit has more components than any other outfit I have posted. I'm not sure if this makes me look over-accessorized or super chic because my outfit is way complex in a super stylish way. I'll go with the latter. You should feel free to do so too.

My husband and I got away for a couple of hours yesterday and it was glorious. Weirdly, we didn't talk much. I think we were just so excited to have some quiet time. Yes, we have become that couple. That couple that you feel awkward sitting next to because they don't talk. But maybe we should give them a break because that wife's brain is just too tired to think of anything to say. Just a thought, just a thought people.

Linking up with the Pleated Poppy and the ladies below.

saturday style: winter brights

{Blazer | Bracelets | Pants | Clutch | Sweater | Flats}

In sticking with yesterday's theme, here is a great outfit that uses color in a perfectly wintry way. Now I'm brainstorming real hard to figure out how I can recreate this gorgeous look with pieces from my own closet! The only problem is I don't have that fabulous leopard clutch!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Stay warm! And I"ll see you back here Monday!

no wallflower.

{Headband: Similar | Sweater: Similar | Purse: Similar | Cords: Gap}

Usually I would categorize myself in the wallflower category. It's not often that I want to standout in a crowd. But this outfit was just screaming to be worn and when an outfit screams at you, you wear it whether you want to standout or not. This navy animal print sweater was just meant to be paired with these emerald green cords. And yes, that's right I've added another color to my menagerie of colored pants. I mean you might not know it but if you see a pair of emerald green cords they are probably going to go home with you (or me).

How about you are you a wallflower or a stand out in the crowd kind of girl? Or do you dance on both sides of the line?

I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy and the ladies below.

equestrian-style.

{Jacket: J. Crew | Shirt: Similar | Pants: Similar | Boots: Similar}

Let's pretend I had an equestrian gig right after this photo shoot because let's be honest, that's exactly what it looks like! I actually really liked this outfit because it was super comfortable. Like pj comfortable. And if we can be pj comfortable in real clothes then is there really anything else in life that we need to aspire to?!?

These boots are my favorite. I purchased them last year on a whim and it was such a good whim. One of those whims that you end up thanking over and over again. They add a little something to every outfit and they go with everything. Tweed and leather? Done and done. 

Have a wonderful Tuesday friends!