Hearts and Lace

Today I am teaming up with Kacie from Kacie's Kloset to give you ladies a little Valentine's Day outfit inspiration. I have been reading Kacie's blog for over a year now and her style is one of my favorites. She is always so classic, chic and on point with the looks she put together. 

Kacie opted for a more edgy and sophisticated look that would be perfect for a Valentine's Day dinner with girlfriends or significant other. I kept my style more for daytime wear that's ideal for the office or a lunch date. 

Kiki La Rue Cardigan c/o // Gap Outlet Dress (option here and here) // Xhiliration Chambray (option here and here) // Luxe Craving Necklace (option here and here) // Charlotte Russe Boots (option here and here) // Forever 21 Clutch (option here and here) // Target Bracelet // Forever 21 Belt (option)

We don't have any big plans for Friday other than two parties at the girls' school. We were going to try and squeeze in a quick date at noon, but one of the parties start at 12:15 PM. No worries. Honestly, we don't make that big of a deal out of Valentine's. Now days, it's more for the kids and to drool over all the adorable gift guides and virtual outfits you ladies have put together over the last few weeks.

Ross and I have plenty of other times during the year when we get away for the day/night alone. I can't handle all the crowds and stress of making reservations anyway. I don't expect roses, diamonds, gourmet meals or over the top mushy stuff. However, I do need one dozen chocolate covered strawberries. It's a tradition and traditions can't be broken.  

 **If you are linking up today, the only request is that you follow my blog with GFC or Bloglovin' and link back to it in your post. It's how weekly link ups work. Oh, and go meet some new friends! 

 

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Linking up with The Pleated Poppy.

A Powerful Pledge

I am guilty of shopping my favorite stores and brands without looking to see where the items are made. I will admit that the majority of my clothes, accessories, shoes, cosmetics and household decor are imported. It is by no means intentional. I just don't think to stop and look at the tags. I want to change that, change the way I shop and make a conscious effort to buy more products that are made in USA. I did a little research and was both happy and surprised that Nordstrom has an entire section dedicated to items that are made right here in the United States. What's even better? A handful of the designers and brands are some of my favorites, like Alex and Ani, Dogeared and New Balance. While clicking around online, I discovered a new line of state tees by Megan Lee that have the most adorable graphics.

Alex and Ani Bangles // Pickwick & Weller Tee // Hanky Panky Intimates // Essie Polish (Spring 2014 Resort Collection pictured) // Joe's Jeans // New Balance // Bobbi Brown Cosmetics // Dogeared Necklace

Pickwick and Weller has a really awesome pledge going on to support American jobs and asking that we replace one imported item in our closet this year with an item that is Made in the USA. If each one of us took the pledge to spent $20 on an American made apparel item this year it would help create 62,500 new jobs. Did you know that 98% of the clothing sold in the U.S. is imported? I didn't and was floored by that percentage. It's mind blowing what the effect would be if we all did our part. It's a simple commitment with a compelling impact for our country. I have taken the pledge, added several items to my wishlist and purchased the Texas Megan Lee t-shirt, made right here in the United States. I hope you plan to join me and thousands of others.

This post is sponsored by Pickwick & Weller ,a California based apparel company. Find out more about their Made In America Pledge right here. All opinions and content are 100% my own.

Road Trip

I wore this on our long and what seemed like never ending drive home yesterday. This weekend three of my girlfriends and I made a quick road trip to Dallas to meet up with two other buddies for birthday celebrations. To say I am exhausted would be an understatement. I can't speak for the other five ladies, but I cannot hang like I used to. Long drives and a late night took it's toll on my not-in-my-twenties-anymore body, but it was worth every single second.

Sosie Jacket (option here and here) // Lauren Conrad for Kohl's Tunic (option here) // Dittos Denim c/o // MIA Riding Boots (on SUPER sale) // ModCloth Bag // H&M Scarf (option here )// Forever 21 Sunglasses (option here) // Micheal Kors Watch c/o The Jeweler's Wife // Forever 21 Bracelet (option here) // Gigglospohy Heart Ring c/o

I posted a handful of pics on Instagram and one of the hashtags was #17yearsstrong. That is how long my friends sisters and I have been making memories. Even though our entire crew couldn't be there with us because of distance and living in other states, this weekend was another chapter written in our personal friendship biography, one that really should get published one day...an edited version of course. 

We woke up Sunday morning, laughing and recapping all the silliness from the night before, and I asked the question, "When will we be too old for these slumber parties?" Without hesitation, one of my friends replied, "Never!" That was just the response I was hoping for. There is no doubt in my mind that one day, while scooting around with walkers, wearing Depends, blue haired, wrinkled and saggy from head to toe, we will reminisce all our shenanigans on a hotel room couch about the "younger days" when we thought we were old. I look forward to filling in the blank pages between now and next 50 years.

I am linking up with Lauren at Fizz and Frosting to show you two ways I wore this printed utility jacket. The post in the dress can be found here.