camo, pink & a $225 nordstrom giveaway

Boho Bunnie / After the 40 Bar Finish / Venus Trapped in Mars

Raspberry Glow / The Adored Life / Of Corgis and Cocktails

The Tiny Heart / Jade and Oak / Style Vancity

Fred Rongo / The Fat and Skinny on Fashion / Ladies in Navy

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Monday peeps!  What a better way to start your week than a super awesome giveaway!  I love it when blog friends group up for these types of things because the prize is huge - can you image what you would do with $225 to Nordstrom?  Boots, blazers, boyfriend jeans... the list is endless! You also get to "meet" new friends and some great bloggers you may not have known about!

Use the Rafflecopter above!

I also  moved this weekend! AHH - the big move, it was not that "big".   I went from a studio apartment to a one bedroom a little more than double the size.  So, I feel like I'm in a huge place right now and it's kind of awesome!  I posted a few pictures on Instagram, if don't follow along you should...
Once I get everything set I'll post some pictures here so you can share my space with me, but I'm totally ecstatic!
On another note, my sister Morgan took my photos yesterday.  It was a nice change of pace from the tripod and people starring.  She did a great job and I didn't have to give her a tutorial on the DLSR - she's hired.

How was everyone's weekend?

Details:

Jacket - Wet Seal, similar

Jeans - Charlotte Russe DIY distressed and really old, similar

Tee - Old Navy, similar

Flats - Gap, find them on eBay! similar

weekend workout & workout wear 25

It's fall and that means you'll be indulging in one too many pumpkin spice lattes or cinnamon sugar covered donuts!  Get up and get fit; the weekend is no excuse.   This workout is simple, and only requires a few light hand weights.

I move into my new apartment this weekend!  I can't wait to show snaps of the new place! :)
Hope you all enjoy your weekend!

the art of layering - 3 looks to help you layer like a pro!

The quintessential fall look is a layered one.  As the temps drop it's all you want to do, right?  Take that sweater and pop it over your favorite button up; but, if you're like me you drool over looks all over Pinterest that are effortlessly chic and cozy yet still look incredibly put together.

Today I've styled three of my favorite ways to layer for fall.

I can't decide which is my favorite - which is yours?

I can't, I have dance...

When I was a kid you only did one out of school activity.   You may or may not have been involved in other things within school, but typically only one outside activity.  For a lot of my childhood years it was soccer.  I wanted to be Mia Hamm.  But when I didn't get a lot of field time on the school team I started to drift away like anyone would.   At that point I had started Irish dancing.  It ultimately became my main focus outside of my school activities (show choir, drama club, soccer and indoor & spring track).  Eventually I stopped participating or trying out for the sports within the school district, Irish dance was/is pretty intense and I was suffering from some injuries.   I did this to focus on dance.  It was my life and all I wanted was to achieve the highest level of competition.  With my focus I succeeded and went on to compete at the Regionals and Nationals.  

The point to my story is that kids now-a-days are encouraged to do several activities.  To a point where they have to keep their own planner!   When are they kids?  What I struggle with as a teacher of an "extra" activity is the dedication to the sport or activity.   Irish dance was all I did, so that was all I practiced and focused on outside of school work.   I worry that the younger generations are learning to be jack of all trades and master of none.   That even though, yes, they tried soccer and gymnastics, Irish dancing, the violin... all of those things require 100% dedication in order succeed in them.   Are they learning to be half as good at everything instead of really good at something? 

Kind of a heavy topic for a Thursday but what are your thoughts?

Details:

Top - Marshalls really old, similar, similar

Skirt - Old Navy last season, similar

Shoes - Sole Society last season

Necklace - Old Navy in stores.

polar bear

Somebody at work yesterday asked me if I killed a polar bear last season...  

I just replied yes and walked away.  Then I laughed for a few uncontrollable moments because how ridiculous is that?   Anyways, yes I was wearing this very polar bear like vest.  This same vest prompted an argument with my sister about how faux fur vests are a staple in everyones closet.  I still stand by my answer; faux fur vests are a staple in your closet. 

I'm just pleased to comfortably wear faux fur!  

These pants are from Old Navy - at first I thought they looked really cheap, however after wearing them all day and seeing how they wear I find they look and feel great.   I would also like to share that I visited very ON in my area to find my size...  that's dedication.  

Have you done anything crazy to get a new trend piece?  

Details:

Top - Gap purchased from Instagram, similar

Vest - Charlotte Russe, similar

Pants - Old Navy

Shoes - Gap, similar

10 pieces under $50 - LEOPARD!

If you are like me you can make an entire outfit of your leopard pieces.  I just cannot get enough!  It makes me really giddy on the inside that this trend is here to stay.

Leopard is a great way to add a little fun pop and texture to your look.   Swap out regular jeans for printed, a hum drum button down for a leopard chiffon shell or throw all your essentials in a leopard tote!  I may have to snag this leopard tote - it is to die for, and that leopard utility vest?  Drool.

I've rounded up my top 10 favorites under $50 (for us frugal fashionistas) from the inter-webs

Which are your favorites?

Shop my picks:

weekend workout & workout wear 24

Is it just me or did we all slack a little bit in the eating clean and working out regularly thang during summer!?  It was just too fun of a summer with all the concerts, graduation parties and fun dining al fresco.
For me, one of the things fall means is slowing down and getting back into my regiments.   I've been focusing hard on eating clean throughout the week so I can enjoy those wings on game day or a beer on a Friday night.  It's also important to exercise your mind and body.   You might not think that exercising is a mind activity, but just try and let yourself not give up or quit half way through!
So start your weekend right by working your BOOTY! :)

Enjoy!

Shop workout picks: