Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Trend Watch: Fair Isle Sweaters

As we start to move from fall into winter, brands and retailers are stocking their racks and shelves with sweaters and heavier knits. It's been a few weeks since my last Trend Watch Tuesday post. So, I thought I would share one that we have seen come and go over the last several years, the fair isle print. Lately I have seen countless fair isle patterns popping up in magazines, stores and on blogs. This design delivers a classic, cozy, fire in the fireplace, hot chocolate and winter wonderland warmth.

Warm Weekend: 

Sophisticated Soiree:

I chose to style two J.Crew fair isle sweaters. One is from their factory store (on sale with and additional 30% off) and the other costs a bit more than I would typically post from the retail store. I couldn't resit and fell in love with it the moment I saw it. Sometimes you just have to splurge on something this magical. The detailed jewel accents are a statement all their own.

I must admit that I haven't purchased anything in the fair isle print just yet. It is definitely on my radar and a pattern that I want to add to my closet in the next few weeks. With lots of holiday shopping in my future and colder temps hitting Texas, these sweaters will keep me both warm and stylish. We also have a few holiday parties headed our way. I am hoping to somehow find a way to recreate the sophisticated soiree ensemble.

SHOP MORE FAIR ISLE SWEATERS

Shanna

Monday, November 11, 2013

Faux Leather Skirt x Two

Oh, faux leather, how I do I adore thee? Let me count the ways. You're classic, edgy, feminine, a statement piece, sexy, sassy, affordable and versatile. Should I go on?  I am pretty positive that most of you would all agree. Faux leather is one of the hottest trends this season and hands down my favorite.
Today, Lauren with Fizz and Frosting and I teamed up to show you two faux leather skirt variations. I chose to go with a fun, flirty combination while Lauren went with a sleek monochromatic look. Both styles are perfect for the upcoming holiday party season. Adding tights to my look or sparkly jewels to Lauren's would take you from the office straight to an evening celebration. Yes, I believe leather is 100% appropriate for an office environment. 

Top: Wallis c/o // Skirt: Nordstrom c/o (similar here and here) // Scarf: Macy's (similar here and here) // Boots: Target (similar here and here) // Clutch: Sam Moon (similar here and here) // Bow Bracelet: Lilac Bijoux c/o SOLD OUT (optional colors here and here)  // Ring: Gigglosphy c/o

MORE FAUX LEATHER SKIRT OPTIONS
Make sure you stop by Fizz and Frosting to see more of how Lauren styled her faux leather pencil skirt and see what she thinks about the trend that's taking blogosphere by storm.

I hope everyone had a great weekend. We kept things pretty low key; a few volleyball games, baby shower, Rainbow Loom bracelet making, football with friends, church and more football. 

One thing that I finally tackled late Friday night (insert insomniac) was getting my Pinterest boards and pins updated and organized. I know, wild and exciting night in my house. But really, I hadn't updated hardly anything since I started pinning over two years ago. Yes, I pin stuff on the regular, but my board names where so broad that I had over 600 pins in one category. I organized things a little bit better, added a few new boards and deleted dozens and dozens of pins. Oh my stars, I was laughing out loud when I went back through some of the things that I pinned. Woah, my style has evolved and drastically changed over the last couple of years. When I scrolled through and saw some of the outfit inspirations that I "loved" back then, I immediately deleted. It was almost embarrassing.

It felt good to finally get everything in order. New goal: don't click "pin it" and forget about them for two years. I must say I did make these heaven in your mouth brownies, this DIY glitter reindeer and actually tied my scarf in today's post because of this pin. I guess I am putting my pins to better use than I thought.

P.S. God bless all the active military and veterans for being true heroes and all the sacrifices you have made for our country. Dad, I am pretty sure you or mom are reading today. I love you so much, proud of your heroism and honored to have you as my daddy. Happy Veteran's Day. I encourage to shake a stranger's hand today if you see them in uniform. Look them in the eyes and tell them THANK YOU.


Shanna

Friday, November 8, 2013

Ponchos and Coming Clean

I didn't think I would be pulling out my sweaters this early in November, but the weather yesterday was considered close to freezing, at least for my Texas blood. Okay, maybe I am being a little dramatic, but temps in the 50's call for sweaters, heated seats, knee boots and green chile chicken soup.

Pancho: Wallis c/o (other colors here and here) // Leggings: Target // Boots: Fergalicious // Necklace: Lookbook Store c/o // Bag: Phillip Lim for Target (similar here and here) // Bracelets: Nordstrom c/o and The Shine Project c/o // Ring: Gigglosophy c/o // Glasses: H&M (similar here)

This stripe poncho from Wallis arrived several months ago. I have been tapping my toes for the days to get cool enough to wear it. It's probably one of the most comfortable things I have put on my body besides the fluffy blanket sitting on my couch. Actually, let's just go ahead and call this poncho a styilsh and wearable blanket. I even got the stone color one too. When you find something this good, I say get them in doubles, triples or even quadruples. You know that's how my mind works. Remember "the skirt of all skirts" post? Now you know why I put myself on a shopping ban that started last month. Sometimes I just can't control myself.

Speaking of shopping ban, I have to come clean with y'all. I bought these Fergalicious boots last week. I know! I know! Want to hear my crazy justification? Okay, here goes. Please no judging.

I was cleaning out my wallet, found a stash of cash and it dawned on me that it was from our trip to Mexico. It was money for the flea market. I planned on bringing back a few souvenirs, but everything was pretty junkie, so I didn't spend a dime except for a few tchotchkes for my girls.

Anyway, these boots were on crazy super sale. So, I took my Mexico souvenir money and bought them. I will always think of Mexico when I wear them. I can guarantee I will get more use out of them then some piece of pottery, necklace or shirt. Plus, technically zero money came out of our bank account. Purchase justified? I think so.

Back on the wagon I go. I am really going to try stay clean and straight the rest of the month, but Black Friday has me questioning myself. We will see.

Have a great weekend and don't forget about the Lilac Bijoux giveaway going on. See you Monday!

Shanna

DESIGN + DEVELOPMENT BY LET IT BE BEAUTIFUL