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.

target all around.

{Cape: Similar | Shirt: Loft | Jeans: Similar | Boots: Similar}

You know what I love? I love it when you go to Target and find a piece that you have been eyeing at EVERY store for a fraction of the price. I really feel like this cape is one of those amazing finds. It doesn't look like it cost me less than $30 but it did. And that makes a girl feel good. Darn good.

Oh and let's just go ahead and talk about those Target gloves while we're at it. Usually I buy at least two pairs of gloves every winter and I end up hating them. They are either too fancy for my everyday life or too small (did I ever tell you have gargantuan hands) or too cheap. These may be cheap but I have worn them practically every day this winter. They are a grandslam in my book. And they have just the right bit of pizzazz.

Target you've done it again, you son of a gun.

socks and booties.

{Hat: Similar | Sunglasses: Fossil | Sweater: Gap | Jeans: Amazon | Boots: Similar}

This is one of those outfits where I don't feel like a pregnant mother. I feel chic and cool and put together. These days are becoming increasingly rare. And really there's nothing like a great outfit to boost your mood. So consider my mood boosted! Now if I could only copy this outfit five other ways and still call this a style blog...

And can we talk about socks and booties? Maybe my new favorite trend ever. My feet stay warm and there's an extra little peek of stripes. It's a win-win in my book. Now the only problem is that I have three pairs of socks to do this with. I might need to invest in cuter socks, people.

What do you think of socks and booties? Have you tried it?

Please do my friends. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. You can thank me later.

Linking up with the Pleated Poppy and the ladies below.

what to wear when it's 10 degrees.

{Hat: Similar | Scarf: Similar | Jacket: Similar | Boots: Hunter}

Usually when the thermometer reads 10 degrees, you don't leave your home or your pjs for that matter. However, if you have a style blog and need a photo, you don't really have much of choice, but to go outside and freeze. Since I am not willing to get frostbite for you guys, this "outfit" features outerwear. 

And let me tell you I have spent years trying to perfect my outerwear look. I want to look cute but be warm. This is harder than one would think. I tried wearing cute coats that weren't warm enough but let's be honest I am too old for that now. I tried coordinating every last detail from my hat to my boots but every piece just wasn't functional. Now I kinda go for a more eclectic look. And I like that my winter-wear has COLOR. If I have to wear a big black parka, then gosh darn it I might as well pair some bright cherry red boots with it. Now hats. Man hats are tricky. I have found that larger hats that have a looser fit are better than tighter, small ones. They have a bit more personality. And if they have a furry pom-pom on top well then all the better.

I'm sure this post isn't super helpful to those of you in warmer climates. Other than to assure you, that you have indeed made the better choice. Maybe you could just let me come visit you and we could call it even? Sounds fair to me.

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy and the ladies below.

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.

taking my own advice.

{Jacket: ASOS | Sweater: Similar | Shirt: J. Crew | Pants: Similar | Moccasins: Madewell}

I am trying to take a little bit of my own advice. I want to dress appropriately for winter but not be dragged down by the cold! Sometimes it's hard like today when the wind is bone chilling and I need two layers of pants, a big bulky jacket and five sweaters (sort of kidding). But there are other times like this weekend when it's easier to embrace color and fun.

I really love how this outfit came together....casual, comfort. The sweater is a little bulky and layering can be a bit of a dangerous move. But I think it really worked here.

Can I get an amen for my new moccasins? I am super stoked about them. Not my usual style. Just don't mind the fact that they are untied :).

Happy Tuesday friends!

hawaii style!

{Hat: Similar | Coverup: Similar | Bag: Kate Spade }

So the bad news is that somehow during the 8-hour flight to Hawaii my super cute J. Crew hat that I had packed ALL the way from home had ripped. The good news is that I got to buy a new one! And let me tell you...I love this hat! I think it's way more versatile than my old one, meaning it can be worn all year round. There's nothing super summery about it. 

Maybe I also love this hat because the lady at the store gave me the greatest compliment ever. She said in her super cool British accent that I had this really great European style about me. And when she saw me pick up this hat, she knew that I would rock it. What?!? No one has ever told me that. But I will definitely take it. Yeah, that's me rocking a really cool European style. No biggie.

Linking up with the Pleated Poppy and the ladies below.

hot pink and red.

{Top: Gap | Sweater: Similar | Pants: Similar | Shoes: Sperry)

Just a little hot pink and red to brighten your Tuesday. I'm sure you noticed that I took yesterday off. I just needed some time away from the blog for a couple of reasons. I needed to spend a little more time with my husband and my son, I needed a little more time for wrapping presents and getting things done, and honestly I just needed a little bit of a break. I really try not to make a habit of this but the last few weeks have been very hectic and I feel like I'm struggling to stay above water. And that's exactly what I don't want the holidays to be like! Speaking of holidays, can you believe next week is the week?!? Where did December go? Pretty soon we will be toasting to 2013.

So I have yet to share my holiday plans with you guys, but starting Saturday I will be celebrating Christmas and the New Year in Hawaii. This is definitely a first for me! Instead of going through my closet and trying to find winter attire, I am trying to find beachy, summery things! So I just need to make it through this week and then starting Sunday it will be easy, breezy!

very holiday-ish.

{Sweater: Similar | Shirt: Old Navy | Cords: Similar | Watch: Similar | Shoes: Similar}

There's just something about this outfit that says holiday to me. It's the perfect, casual wear for December. Very festive with the red, green and plaid. And can I tell you how much I love this cozy flannel top from ON? It's the only thing I want to wear on a cold, blustery day. I mean let's be honest soft, cozy flannel...can you really get any closer to pjs without actually wearing pjs?

I can't believe I bought these cords almost two years ago and I think I hardly wore them. But now that colored pants are in and especially this color they have gotten more wear than I could ever have expected. The good news is I'm ahead of the game. The bad news is that I'm two years ahead of the game. I guess you can't have it all.