Spring Training

 

From Left to Right

Pants: 1 // 2 // 3

Hats: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

Shoes: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6  

 ...

My senior year of high school I may or may not have fallen victim to wearing workout clothes nearly 24/7, and that may or may not have followed me into college...

Luckily for me and other lazy Sporty Spice girls, our laid back look is right on trend this spring season! Think athletic wear with a feminine twist...silk track pants with floral print, wedge sneakers, even ponytails with a baseball hat! And all in pretty pastels!

What are your thoughts on the latest fashion trend? Are you going to hang up your heels and dive on in, or will you be a spectator happily watching from afar?

- Meagan

The Neutral Zone

From left to right:

Jackets: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

Shirts/Cardigans: 1 // 2 // 3 (need this t-shirt!) // 4 // 5

Jeans: J Brand

Shoes: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

From left to right: As soon as I purchased my plane ticket to Europe, I immediately began searching on Pinterest to see what sort of fashion and clothing Europeans wear. I'm one of those people who does not want to stick out like a sore thumb in places unfamiliar to me, so serious the clothes I pack for my trip. 

The first thing I noticed right away was the color choices in clothing, or lack thereof is more like it. Nearly every picture I found featured a tall, leggy girl dressed in layers of neutral colors and a scarf or statement necklace to complete their look. If they were wearing a more playful color it usually was used as an accent, like with the scarf or their shoes or purse.

I've always been more drawn to wearing brights (which is probably why I'm drawn to J.Crew...I'm like a moth attracted to the light in that sense), but there is something about wearing all neutrals that feels cool, edgy, classy, and glamorous all at once. After looking through those pictures, I felt inspired to come up with my own ideas on how to pull together a neutral ensemble. *p.s. Can you tell I'm obsessed with moto jackets as of late? ;)*

Cold Weather Essentials

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11

I had a rude awakening this morning when I walked out the door to head to work and was met with blustery winds and a temperature of -8 degrees! The second part of the rude awakening is when I realized how ill prepared my wardrobe is for the bitter cold.

Luckily for my poor planning self, most stores are having major sales right now on all of their winter items. While the majority of us may be in the heart of winter battling to stay warm, clothing retailers have their sights on spring and making room for their next collection's inventory. Go check out your favorite stores and see what sort of steals you can grab! You know I have my eyes on that J.Crew sale ;) I mean, an extra 40% off sale items?! I think I'm in heaven! *cue Hallelujah music*

School is Back in Session!

School Badges: ML Badges // Gingham Bracelet: Tory Burch // Bag: Cambridge Satchel Company // Shirt: Quiksilver // Blazer: Lacoste (on sale!) // Leggings: J.Crew // Boots: Tory Burch

 

While I didn't make any resolutions for myself this year, I did sit down and think about what sort of career I want in the future. From this I created a career plan where I wrote out what I needed to accomplish in order to obtain my ideal job. The first part of the plan began with going back to school. I need to complete a few courses before I can move on to the next part of the plan, which is grad school and passing a series of exams to become certified to work as an actuary. 

In my excitement of returning to the classroom, I put together a "school uniform" mixed with my own personal style. I won't lie, if I were required to wear something along these lines to class all the time, I'd be one happy camper :)

Matthei Botanical Gardens

Shirt: LOFT (similar) // Coat: H&M (similar) // Leggings: Paige Denim // Shoes: Lacoste (old, want these!) // Purse: Milly

This afternoon I went with my parents to the Matthei Botanical Gardens. We used to visit often when my sisters and I were very young but I hadn't been back since those days, so I was really excited to check it out. I was especially looking forward to practicing my manual and macro photography skills I have been reading up on...until I got there and my camera screen read "charge battery"...oops :(. The conservatory was too pretty though to not capture on camera, so enjoy some not so great iphone photos!

Tropical Getaway

Tote // Tunic // Necklace // Sandals // Solid Swimsuit // Striped Swimsuit

Winters in Michigan can be cold. very cold. I often find myself this time of year daydreaming of going on a luxurious vacation to somewhere in the tropics where I can lie on the beach, enjoy the warmth on my face, and forget about the cold and snow I left behind. With many designers introducing their resort collections this month, it makes daydreaming much more specific yet imaginative. Now if I could only find the time, extra money, and good travel companions to join me...I guess I'll be living in my daydreams for a little while longer ;)

Holiday Photos turned Impromptu Photoshoot

Yesterday night we got all dolled up and took a holiday photo to send to our family and friends. Of course, once we were all dressed we couldn't waste the opportunity to take even more photos :) Our good friend Marion joined in on the fun with us and it was almost like we were all 16 again hanging out, laughing and having a grand old time! There was lots of christmas cookie eating and baking throughout the night and we all knew it was time for bed when our sugar highs came crashing down, oops! Who could blame us though? you only get Christmas cookies once a year ;)

Sunset Glow

Sweater: J.Crew | Coat: J.Crew | Pants: J.Crew | Shoes: Lacoste (old) | Clutch: J.Crew (sold out but loving this one here!) Watch: Fossil | Bracelet: J.Crew | Necklace: Unknown | Sunglasses: UO (old, similar here)

I made it home from work just in time to catch the last rays of sun shining in the backyard. With the winter season basically here in Michigan, I had to take advantage of the clear and sunny skies while I can since pretty soon it'll be overcast the most days. Michigan weather, you sure know how to toy with emotions!

Life in Pictures

 New coat arrived just in time for the office holiday party!

Cute little raccoon that was hanging out outside the office. Don't worry, this picture was taken behind glass!

 Finally made peace with the cat I was taking care of while housitting!

 Scamper the Dancing Penguin, my new desk partner at work.

Flats I returned...they were cute, but I should have read the fine print when ordering them to see that they were metallic gold glitter! Ah, the follies of online shopping ;)

 Delicious margarita from the new Cuban restaurant Lena downtown. They use their homemade sour mix and "dirty" salt with basil and other herbs to garnish the rim. Tasty!

"Swaggy" - J.Bieber

Dinner from my recently new favorite restaurant, Antonio's. I sent this picture of the bread to my sisters at school and to say they were jealous would be putting it mildly ;) 

Trying to master the art of the bun

Getting personal

I hope everyone is having a fabulous week so far! Today was the first day of a diet I'm trying out where I don't eat gluten or dairy aka the Miley Diet. Like Miley, I'm trying out this diet plan to help prevent symptoms from an autoimmune condition that I have. With the holidays here, this is probably the hardest time to jump on the no-gluten band wagon...everywhere I look there are cookies and candies and everything that I love. While making this post I practically had to wipe the drool off my chin while loading the pasta/bread pictures haha my department at work is having a brunch on Friday which will be my first big test with these new eating guidelines. Wish me luck!

Operation Overtime

I currently work for a mortgage lending company and to say we've been busy would be a huge understatement. Every month it seems we have another month of record-breaking in the number of loans we receive and close. I had been told when I started working we would be able to relax some in the winter since the mortgage business as a whole tends to slow down, but if these last two weeks were any indication then I don't think that will be happening anytime soon.

Due to the amount of work that is piling up, we are encouraged to work overtime as much as we want and can handle. I don't have much else going on in my life right now, so why not work and earn some more? :) I've decided to use the money I make working overtime as a fund to buy the bigger items on my wish list that typically I can't make myself buy because of the price tag. This way these pieces will feel even more special because they are more of a reward.

Some of the items on my big wishlist are shown above and can be found at these sites:

Loafers, Sunglasses, Leather-trim leggings, Purse, Necklace

Borrowed from the Boys

Outfit Details: Vest - J.Crew | Sweater: AE, Men's (old but similar here) | Jeans: Forever 21 | Booties - Report, Piperlime | Watch - Target | Sunglasses - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Sometimes the best thing to wear isn't your own, it's a sweater from an old boyfriend or guy friend. In this case, it's a sweater from your sister's freshman college roommate's ex-boyfriend. Paired with an oversized gold watch, this makes for the perfect Sunday uniform.

Wishful Thinking Wednseday

Sweater: Aerie | Jeans: James Jeans | Watch: Michael Kors | Trench: Burberry London | Purse: Coach | Ankle Booties: J.Crew

The work week is nearly through, woohoo! While I sit at my desk sending emails and crunching numbers, I'll dream about adding these pieces to my wardrobe with the overtime money I am slowly accumulating ;)

Awkard and Awesome Thursday

Top: Ann Taylor | Pants: J.Crew | Heels: Calvin Klein

(Inspired by the hilarious and beautiful Sydney from The Day Book)

Awkward:

• That the barista at the coffee shop remembers me and greets me by name every morning and I can't remember his for the life of me and so I always respond with just a "hey..." and it's too late now to ask what his name is again.
• That my grandma wants my bulldog sweater and we would be all set for national twin day. Still can't get over it. 
• One of my coworkers asking me when I was going to go back to school and was completely shocked when I said I graduated from college and am a full-time employee.
• Same co-worker asking if I was old enough to get drinks with her and some other girls after work.
• The strand of hair hanging out on my face in the photo above. You scrolled back up to check it out, didn't you?
• That loaf of pumpkin bread that's again hanging out in the photo above my mom bought for me when I gave up sweets for the month of November. I think she is purposely testing my willpower.
• Me going "take photos of me and my outfit for my blog, Dad!" then not knowing how to explain what I want him to do and end up with cool photos like this. Dad if you're reading this, I liked the photos you took but I'm compiling a list of girly/fashion blogs for you to read so you understand more what I'm trying to achieve. Sorry I'm not sorry.

Awesome: 

• Those Calvin Klein heels I found for half-price yesterday and how comfortable they ended up being and all the compliments they scored today at work.
• Tomorrow's Friday!
• This weekend is the first in a long time where I don't have anything specific to do. Time to start thinking of FUN ways to enjoy my two day break!
• Thanksgiving is getting closer and closer and my sisters will be home along with my cousins and aunt visiting from out of town. My anticipation keeps building and building with each passing day!
• Payday is tomorrow. With switching over from temp to full-time employee, I have not been paid in four weeks. My wallet is crying from money starvation.  
• All the sales/deals conveniently going on tomorrow and this weekend when I get paid ;)

If I can't have a bulldog, then I'll have a bulldog sweater

A spectacularly spooky sunset on Halloween

Clothing: All shamelessly j.crew | Bag: Dooney & Bourke

I'm sorry I've been away for so long! Sadly, nothing exciting has really happened during my blog absence. This blog was started originally as a way for my sisters and I to keep up on each others' lives, and I feel guilty that I sort of dropped the ball on this :(

This blog also started with the intention of being "fashion"-influenced. My sisters and friends can vouch for me that I spend a lot of time reading different blogs and lusting over their outfits, fun trips, and cool events they attend (not to mention the food they eat!). I'm hoping as I get better with being consistent in my blog post-making that I can start incorporating this more into what I publish.

Speaking of clothes and fashion, I have been feeling very conflicted lately....this bulldog sweater displayed above is one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe. I've had many people ask about it at work and at places around town....including my grandma. In fact she likes it so much she asked me to pick one up for her if I found one in her size. I'm torn because it is obviously an awesome sweater and kudos to Gma for having good taste, BUT - I just don't know if I can go around being clothing twins with my grandma haha.

What would YOU do, proudly wear matching sweaters with your grandma or try and find something similar that she would equally enjoy?