Stripes & Jeans for Work

Our food drive at work has started again, so I have been enjoying wearing my jeans each Wednesday for a dollar donation.  This basic striped shirt has been heavily in my rotation this year.  I like how it works easily on its own or as a layering piece, as seen here.  For work I wore it with straight leg jeans and this navy sweater with gold accents.  A casual outfit that is still put together enough for a work day.

Outfit Details:

Shirt:  Loft (similar, similar)

Sweater:  Lilly Pulitzer Jocelyn Cardigan

Jeans:  Banana Republic (similar)

Shoes:  Sole Society (similar)

Bag:  Michael Kors Tote, Macy's

Sunglasses:  Tory Burch

Jewelry:  Bauble Bar (similar)

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Shopping My Closet, Because Shanna Said So,Tucker Up,  The Mummy Chronicles, Transatlantic Blonde, Style Elixir, Curly Crafty Mom and God Life Happy Wife, I do deClaire, Get Your Pretty On.

Casual Maroon & Blue

Easy casual outfit for a Sunday spent catching up with friends and watching football.  The weather was beautiful this weekend.  Saturday was nice and warm and we had some friends over for a little housewarming party.  It was a nice opportunity to meet some of our new neighbors, too.  Sunday cooled off a little bit, so this open front cardigan was the perfect thing to wrap in.  It's a little hard to see but my necklace has a blue color similar to the tee and a purple close to the sweater, so it went well with the simple outfit.  Such a perfect fall weekend!

Outfit Details:

Sweater:  Retrology via Marshall's (similar)

Tee:  J. Crew Vintage Cotton Cap-Sleeve Tee (similar)

Jeans:  Banana Republic, old (similar)

Boots:  LC Lauren Conrad, Kohl's (this year's version)

Jewelry:  Premier Designs, old (similar)

Linking up with Rhea Et Cetera, More Pieces of Me & On the Daily Express, Cha Cha & Pink Sole, DC in Style, Still Being Molly & Lipgloss & Crayons, I Have a Degree in This & Join the Gossip, Claire Justine OXOX, Fizz and Frosting.

Tweed Vest

So nearly all of my shopping this month has been at Old Navy, which you'll see in my budget post for the month (first one since July!).  They've had a lot of the fall classics that I've been wanting for the new season - like the plaid shirt I wore last week and this tweed puffer vest.  The vest and pockets are lined with fleece so it is extra warm.  I had my eye on it back in September (and even mentioned it in a blog post here), but it quickly sold out.  When I was back in stock a few weeks ago, I scooped it up.  It's out of stock again in the black and white, although there are a few left in the khaki tweed.  I'll try to keep an eye out and update this if they restock them because it is a great vest!

Outfit Details:

Vest:  Old Navy (plus size, similar, similar)

Shirt:  Loft (similar, similar)

Tank:  Target

Jeans:  7 for All Mankind (similar)

Slip-ons:  Old Navy

Sunglasses:  TOMS Beachmaster

Jewelry:  Bauble Bar (similar)

Purse:  B. Makowsky (similar, similar)

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Shopping My Closet, Because Shanna Said So,Tucker Up,  The Mummy Chronicles, Transatlantic Blonde, Style Elixir, Curly Crafty Mom and God Life Happy Wife, I do deClaire, Get Your Pretty On.

Cashmere Cardigan + Haircut

So I had planned to take these pictures outside the other day, but with the sun setting earlier and earlier each day, it didn't end up happening.  The temperature was very mild on Friday night, so this new cashmere sweater I picked up was enough for dinner outside.  I went with black basics underneath - jeans and a silk tank - with gray boots.  I got this oatmeal J. Crew cashmere cardigan from a consignment shop in town.  I sometimes have a tough time shopping in consignment shops because they can be a little overloaded.  I have to be in the right frame of mind and have enough time to really sort through to find gems.  Luckily this sweater was sitting in the front of the new arrivals rack and it was just my size.  Can't beat a 100% cashmere wrap sweater for under $35!

Almost forgot to mention my new haircut!  I went with a darker shade and a long bob for the fall.  It's a little shorter in the back, which you can see in the profile shot below.  I am loving the change so far!  It's definitely the shortest it's been for a few years.

Outfit Details:
Silk Tank:  J. Crew
Jeans:  AG
Sweater:  J. Crew via consignment shop (similar $$$, similar, similar)
Boots:  BCBGeneration
Purse:  Michael Kors
Jewelry:  Stella & Dot Trinity Pendant Necklace & Isla Drops
Lipstick: Mary Kay Cream Lipstick in Whipped Berries

Linking up with Rhea Et Cetera, More Pieces of Me & On the Daily Express, Cha Cha & Pink Sole, DC in Style, Still Being Molly & Lipgloss & Crayons, I Have a Degree in This & Join the Gossip, Claire Justine OXOX, Fizz and Frosting.

Housewarming Party Ideas

Jon and I are having a little housewarming party next weekend, so I've been busy making lists and scouring Pinterest to get some ideas.  I have been slacking with getting outfit pictures this week, so I thought I'd share some of my ideas for the party instead!

Food Ideas:
Since we're doing an open house and people will be coming and going all day, we're planning on having a bunch of appetizers and finger foods that we can easily pull out or pop in the oven, like the ones below.  For the main meal around dinnertime, Jon is going to barbecue up some burgers and hot dogs and we'll have pasta salad and potato salad.  Time to hit up Costco this weekend!

Pin 1: Pepperoni Rolls,  Pin 2: Easy Baked Brie,  Pin 3: Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

Drink Ideas: 
As far as drinks, we'll mainly be doing soda, beer, and wine. (Here's a good pin about how much to buy for 10-20-30 people.) We got these cute handled mason jars of Craigslist (like pin #2 below), which I think we'll use for spiced apple cider out of our beverage container.  We may make a warm version, too.  I'm not sure if we'll do the pumpkin cooler below but I think it is so cute and festive!

Pin 1: Pumpkin Cooler, Pin 2: Mason Jar Cider, Pin 3: Easy Spiced Apple Cider

Entertaining Ideas:
So I am not sure how much extra decorating we'll actually be doing since we're still finishing settling in.  But these fall ideas below are really cute!

Pin 1: Fall Candle Centerpiece, Pin 2: 'Gourd'eous Candle, Pin 3: Fall Mason Jar Vases

Linking up with Claire Justine OXOX, That Friday Blog Hop, and  Style Elixir.

Rustic

My husband snapped these pictures before we headed out to our church's Irish themed centennial celebration this weekend.  Since it was an Irish festival, I wore this blue-green plaid shirt that I recently picked up at Old Navy.  Jon said my outfit looked rustic with the plaid shirt and suede boots, but that my purse didn't quite fit with the leather and gold hardware.  Looking at these pictures, I can see what he was saying, although I don't mind.  This satchel has definitely been my  go-to this fall - the size is perfect for everyday and the cognac color goes easily with most outfits.

 

Outfit Details:

Plaid Shirt:  Old Navy

Sweater:  Macy's (similar, similar)

Jeans:  AG

Boots:  BCBGeneration (similar, similar)

Purse:  Michael Kors Bedford Satchel (similar)

Necklace:  Kenneth Jay Lane (similar, similar, similar - All at F21)

Linking up with Rhea Et Cetera, More Pieces of Me & On the Daily Express, Cha Cha & Pink Sole, DC in Style, Still Being Molly & Lipgloss & Crayons, I Have a Degree in This & Join the Gossip, Claire Justine OXOX, Fizz and Frosting.

Don't forget to enter the Versa Spa Giveaway to win a free spray tan!  Enter here!

Mustard Yellow Fall Coat

I first had this outfit on without the coat, as in the picture below. But there was a bigger chill in the air than I expected, so I needed to throw on a coat.  I took a look at the pictures and realized something was missing anyway, so I thought this mustard yellow coat would add a nice pop of fall color.  Plus, it is the perfect weight for a fall day and I love the toggle buttons.  I did have a hard time finding a similar style out right now, but I linked a few in a similar color scheme below!

Outfit Details:

Jacket:  Outback Red, The Limited (similar, similar)

Sweater: Sans Souci, TJ Maxx (similar, similar, similar)

Jeans:  Hudson Leigh Boyfriend Jeans via Rue La La (similar, similar, similar)

Flats:  Target

Purse:  Michael Kors Bedford Satchel (similar)

Sunglasses:  Tory Burch

Necklace:  J. Crew Factory (similar, similar)

Linking up with Claire Justine OXOX, Mix & Match Fashion, That Friday Blog Hop, Style Elixir, The Red Closet Diary, Stylin in St. Louis & Living in Color Style, That's So Crystal & Sequins & Style, Amy's Fashion Blog, Rachel the Hat & Lena B actually.

Sister Post: Navy & Mint + Versa Spa Spray Tan Giveaway!

I got together with Mary Beth at the beginning of the month during one of the last weekends that still had a summertime feel to it.  I loved her pretty embroidered blue dress and mint satchel plus her nice tan, so I asked if I could shoot her for a guest post!  :The kind folks at Versa Spa contacted me about testing out their spray tan, so I asked MB if she wanted to try it out.  She went with the light color because she wanted to keep it light and natural since summertime was ending.  I think it looks great, especially with her bright blonde hair!  Versa Spa is giving away a spray tan to one lucky reader - enter through the rafflecopter below!

Outfit Details:

Dress:  Target (similar shirt, similar, similar)

Sandals:  Target (similar, similar)

Purse:  DSW (similar)

Necklace:  Charming Charlie (similar, similar)

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Shopping My Closet, Tucker Up, The Mummy Chronicles, Vodka Infused Lemonade, God Life Happy Wife & Curly Crafty Mom, I'm Perfectly Human & True Soul & Spirit.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fall Staple: Ankle Boots

Between the weather cooling off and the leaves falling down, it really started feeling like fall this weekend!   One of my favorite fall staples are ankle boots.  I love these casual light brown booties from LC Lauren Conrad.  These are from last year, but this year's version is just as cute!  Another fall (and wintertime) staple is a cozy, knit sweater.  I picked this one up at Old Navy over the weekend.  Super warm and cozy - I definitely recommend it!

Outfit Details:
Sweater:  Old Navy
Rabbit Fur Vest:  NYC Boutique (similar, similar, splurge)
Jeans:  AG
Boots:  LC Lauren Conrad via Kohl's (this year's version)
Bag:  Michael Kors Bedford Satchel (similar)
Sunglasses:  Tory Burch

Linking up with  Style Elixir, Glossy Blonde, I do deClaire & Elegance & Mommyhood.

Puffer Vest & Boat Shoes

Our weekends lately have been super casual, full of settling in, running errands, and having friends and family over the house.  I layered a brown puffer vest over a lightweight gray sweatshirt and black tank for a day running around.  The sun was in and out of the sky so it was nice to have a vest to keep my core warm while the weather varied.  Easy outfit for early fall!

Outfit Details:

Vest:  Aeropostale, old (similar)

Sweatshirt:  H&M, old (similar, similar)

Tank:  Old Navy

Jeans:  Banana Republic (similar)

Bag:  Michael Kors Bedford Satchel (similar) 

Shoes:  Sperry Top-Sider - previously worn here in the springtime

Sunglasses:  TOMS Beachmaster

Linking up with Rhea Et Cetera, More Pieces of Me & On the Daily Express, Cha Cha & Pink Sole, DC in Style, Still Being Molly & Lipgloss & Crayons, I Have a Degree in This & Join the Gossip, Claire Justine OXOX, Fizz and Frosting, Mom Trends with BonBon Rose Girls & Thirty Something Fashion.

Outerwear Shopping

This week has been pretty crazy and I haven't been home early enough for outfit pictures.  So instead of an outfit post today, I thought I'd post some of my favorite coats, jackets, and vests that are currently for sale.  I love a nice piece of outerwear; it can really pull an outfit together or serve as a statement piece.   Even though I have plenty of coats, there is something about the weather cooling down and the seasons changing that makes me want to look for a new one - at the right price, of course!  Here's some of the ones I'm shopping at a few different stores:

LOFT
Snow Leopard Print Car Coat ($168),   Polka Dot Quilted Vest ($80),   Plaid Blazer ($72)

FOREVER 21
Blurred Plaid A-Line Jacket ($60),   Striped Faux Fur Vest ($40),   Tweed Moto Jacket ($45)

KOHL'S - plus save 30% with promo code TREAT30 & Kohl's charge - or 15% using LEAVES15 without Kohl's charge
Elle Checkered Faux-Fur Wool-Blend Coat ($126),   Jennifer Lopez Faux-Leather Moto Vest ($45),   Elie Tahari Tweed Bomber ($90)

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Shopping My Closet, Because Shanna Said So,Tucker Up, Thrifting Diva & Two Stylish Kays, The Mummy Chronicles, Transatlantic Blonde, Style Elixir, Glossy Blonde, Curly Crafty Mom and God Life Happy Wife.