oh for the love of stripes

striped blazer - old navy (similar) | scarf - charlotte russe (similar) | tee - target | jeans - old navy | booties - steve madden (similar)

I think I'm winning the how many days in a row can a blogger blog about stripes contest that doesn't actually exist.  But it should.  I would totally win!  Honestly, when I saw the trend spin linkup content for this week I perked up because I love these link ups where you get introduced to new bloggers and make new internet buddies.  But a legit excuse to style stripes other than every day wear?  Hells yes, my friends.    For whatever reason this gem of a blazer has sat in my closet unworn all winter.  It's made of sweatshirt material people, I don't know what I was thinking!  

This scarf - let me just explain my love for thee.  I purchased this at Charlotte Russe after I missed out on this years Zara Blanket Scarf.  I was so mad I couldn't get my hands on it and although this scarf isn't a square like the Zara one it is surely huge enough to be of blanket warmth and comfort.   The colors contrast perfectly with the navy and white stripes.  

Linking up with The Trend Spin  gals Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas 

all the basics

sweater - h&m (similar) | shirt - gap (similar) | pants - old navy | shoes - gift (similar) | bag - michael kors (similar) | sunnies - h&m (similar) 

My most favorite of things is an outfit compiled of simple basic items.   There is nothing particularly special about any of these pieces and they all seem to fit together nicely.  This basic striped sweater is my ultimate weekend go to, I love when I can style it for my workday because I know that I will be super cozy in it all day.  Yesterday was no exception; with temps in the teens I couldn't forego the layers.  

The zippers on these pants make them seem ultra casual. But, the glory of a business casual office that merely rules out denim is that they're not denim (YIPPEE! Dance party!), so they work nicely at work. 

This peachy button down is definitely a closet staple; I love it's warm summery hue and it is fitting enough to fit under a multitude of sweaters. 

And my bag, gosh I love you.  In such a versatile color I suggest every girl pick up a simple leather bag in a cognac color.  

What classic basic pieces are you dressing in these days? 

hangin' tough

jacket - target, similar // chambray, tee, jeans, and boots - old navy // hat - BCBGeneration // sunnies - free at heinz field, similar 

The only thing getting me through the rest of this winter is the fact that St Patrick's Day and spring are a month away.   Historically it's in the 50's or 60's around March 17th and I'm counting down the days.  I wore this outfit over the weekend and am grateful the sun came out!

Dear Sun, 

We've missed you; please hang around more often!

Love, 

Upstate NY

Now that that is out of my system!  Is your week going well?  I'm happy to say I've stuck to my new fitness/life goals this week trying to get out of my supposed "Seasonal Depression".   I'm also happy I scored this Moto for $12 (cough, yes you read that correctly thank you very much Target!).  I struggled with if it were my style or not but scooped it anyways because it's a staple, right? Right.  

Sorry not sorry if you're tired of seeing this hat; I pinned enough outfit inspiration with hats to last 365 days so...  you'll be seeing quite a bit of it (insert emoji with the straight line of smiley teeth here). 

Happy Hump Day Friends

Linking Up with Shanna!

stripes & tights

dress - old navy, similar, similar // chambray - old navy // tights - target // shoes - old navy, similar

// down parka - lands end, similar 

Thank goodness for awesome bloggers and tutorials.  This outfit came from Merrick's business card illustration  I knew I had all the pieces to make this outfit and honestly I had never thought of this layered look(seriously, what is wrong with me?).   I am open to any outfit idea and inspiration to make my clothes feel new and awesome again.   I am getting serious tunnel vision on how to wear my current winter closet. 

Last week I didn't have a very good time getting my booty to the gym; I did manage to work in a few pilates videos (28 Day Pilates Challenge) and a couple yoga sessions.  I'm glad to be back in routine this week!  How is your week going?

Linking up with Shanna today!

having a carrie moment

jacket - old navy, similar // shirt - h&m, similar // skirt - mod cloth, similar // shoes - target, similar

If you haven't read SJP's interview with Katie Couric in this months InStyle, do yourself a favor and pick it up.   No, she's not the real Carrie Bradshaw.  But she is the epitome of natural beauty and chic effortless style much like Carrie.   Even the outfit Katie describes SJP wearing in the interview I wanted to recreate; the photos are also gorgeous!

As soon as I purchased this skirt (for my 30th because I wanted to look like a Disney Princess and turned out looking more like Carrie Bradshaw.  Sold.) I knew I had to wear this piece over and over; casually, dressed up, you name it!  The peachy pink is perfect for spring yet appropriate for winter.  

So, today's my Friday - boom shakalacka.  

That's me doing a little four day work week, four day weekend dance :) 

caped

cape - gift, simiar // striped tee - h&m // jeans - old navy // boots - shoemint // necklace - charming charlie // wrap watch - target 

I am having a red obsession right now.  Almost every other outfit has some kind of red included and now my nails are red as well.  Can I use the Holiday as my excuse? Yes?  Good. 

I don't really have much for you today - my sister gave me this cape as an early birthday gift and I really wanted to share it with you.  It definitely got the office stamp of disapproval and I caught a few wondering eyes giving me the "what is she wearing" stare.  Love it when that happens. 

Merry Christmas Eve. 

get in my closet!

As the weather man is predicting a snow storm blowing through this week I'm craving cozy clothes to curl up on the couch with.   All you need is a plush throw, a hot cup of chocolate and your favorite holiday flicks!

Santa are you paying attention?
I wouldn't be able to stop wearing this awesome card with the elbow patches.  I'm obsessed this season and must get my hands on one with such a darling embellishment.
Faux fur? Snood? Oh how Elizabeth Taylor and so rustic all at the same time.
How many striped tops can one person own, a million? amiright?
Don't these leggings look perfect for a cuddled up night by the fire or a blustery Saturday?
And last but certainly not least I'm in desperate need of some new slippers - these fit the bill alright, especially since I love the moccasin style verses the slip on!

What's on your wish list?

sweater / snood / top / leggings / slippers

neon, stripes, and everything nice

I don't have to tell you how hot it's been (100 last Friday!).  Which means I grab the clothing with the least amount of effort and weight.  Luckily, I do work in air conditioning all day! 

This weekend flew by and today I'm off to the beach.  Saturday I went to Toronto to watch their Major League Soccer team Toronto Football Club.   I played soccer for 10 years so I always enjoy that.  It was such a crap rainy day here but once we crossed the boarder it was gorgeous!   

Sunday a bunch of us went to see Toby Keith - oh.  my.  god.  Amazing!   He's one of my favorites as far as Country goes and it was great finally seeing him live. 

Did you have a great weekend? 

Happy Monday!

Details:

Top - Old Navy now $10!!

Skirt - Target, similar

Shoes - JustFab

taking chances

In the most recent months I think I've really started to take some major style risks.  A year ago I wasn't certain about boyfriend jeans - now, I wear them at least once a week and have more than one option to choose from!  I would have never before paired such a "bold print" with a graphic tee, and I most certainly would have never purchased these gorgeous sandals.    Even still, I look at this outfit and think - hmmm, there's a lot going on here.  But, did I pull it off?  Definitely!  

What chances are you taking lately? 

Details:

Blazer - Old Navy, similar

Tee - Old Navy & on sale!! 

Jeans - Gap via eBay

Shoes - Michael Antonio via 6pm.com

Necklace & Bracelet - Sira & Mara

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Linking up with Amy at Fashion and Beauty Finds today!