Vintage Burberry and J. Crew Furry Hooded Jacket!

Over break in Ohio, I had the best night with my high school bffs (and one of my college besties, Courtney, and her sweet husband, Mark, drove in from Pittsburgh!). We are now living all over the Midwest, but we have been friends for (literally) decades.   The girls and their significant others came over to my mom and step dad's house, and we chatted the night away. (We really missed Amanda and Darren, though!).  Before we knew it, it was 1:15 am! If you know me, you know I like to start reading in bed by 8 pm. I wish I was exaggerating! hahaha! My poor husband (in my defense, 5 am is an early wake up!!).


For the get together,  I threw on my go-to tartan dress (it's from Lands End's Canvas line-- seriously from 2011 or before! But it's PERFECT for Christmastime!).

Burberry scarf: here.

My multi-strand pearl necklace: here-- currently $26!

I am totally obsessed with this red J. Crew Factory coat. 

It is currently $107, which is a huge steal. I must warn you, though, it runs laughably large! I usually wear a 6 in J. Crew coats, and this is a 2. LOL. 

But, it is the WARMEST coat ever! 

^^ my fave part-- the fur hood! 

This pic makes me laugh: major RBF. haha

#IswearImnotmean

Then, my favorite attribute of the outfit: this vintage Burberry silk scarf.

This was given to my mom when my Aunt Marge passed away. It is purely gorgeous-- and so sentimental-- it means so much to carry on her fashion legacy. I was so excited to show our cousin Susie that I was wearing her mom's scarf with pride. Again, Burberry will never go out of style. It is timeless, classic, universal beauty! This one is from about 40 years ago, and it looks brand new! 

These Frye boots are my go-to brown boot. I bought them during the 2013 half yearly Nordies sale, and the condition still remains excellent! I highly recommend purchasing a pair of Frye boots, as they will last for years and years. 

God bless my hubs! He put on all the clothes I would take off for pics. He is a saint!

Kate Spade green bag-- 2013. 

Similar: here on sale! It's an extra 30% off with code: SPRINKLES

My main squeeeeeze!

He's the best :)

My high schools besties-- just missing Amanda!

Oh, and you're not seeing double-- those are my twinnies on the right! Lauren and Brittany!

We all love Court!!! 

Finn's first Christmas gift in Ohio! After traveling 6+ hours in the car from Chicago!

Uncertain... hahaha!

I love him sooooo much! 

More tartan dress options:

More fur-hooded coats:

Admittedly, a lot of what I posted above is pretty expensive, but-- hear me out! These are items that are high quality and will become heirlooms. :)
Do you have any fashion heirlooms?
And... Happy New Year! How are you celebrating?
xxoo
Mary

Printed Pencil Skirt and Plain Tee

I don't think I've received more compliments on a piece of clothing than when I wore this skirt on Monday. It was a very cheery, trying-to-be-spring day, and I decided I needed a little brightness in my outfit.

This printed skirt is one of my favorite items I own. It was a gift from my dear friend, Sarah, last spring when I was experiencing a rough patch in my life. She brought it over (in two sizes, mind you! Just to be sure one would fit!) and immediately lifted my spirits.

With each wear, I feel empowered! So many people (male and female, students and coworkers alike!) stopped me at work to tell me how much they loved the skirt. What a compliment! It's Anthropologie from last year, but I have found some equally as fabulous pencil skirts to supplement.

Monogram necklace: Moon and Lola in mirrored gold (thank you, sis!)

PS: visit www.MoonandLola.com and scroll down to the pictures... they were kind enough to feature me on their site! I am SO HONORED! 

Black boots: old Nine West, similar here and here. 

Burberry quilted jacket: here. 

Here are some plain, v-neck tees to tuck into a loud/exciting/fun skirt. Add high boots for the winter, and you have a simple outfit that will be complimented all day long.

Tees: here, here and here (for $7!).

Gorgeous printed pencil skirts: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here.

What's your favorite piece for welcoming spring? Thank you again to Moon and Lola for featuring my Instagram picture! It means so much to me!

xxoo

Mary 

Quilted Burberry Jacket and J. Crew Fit-and-Flare Dress

This is one of my all-time favorite silhouettes of a dress: the ever-slimming fit-and-flare. It is particularly flattering on a person of my stature-- small on top with lots of curves on the bottom! 

I have worn this J. Crew Factory dress countless times over the past year, and I have continued to receive compliment after compliment on it. 

My dress is from last December, but here is a similar fit-and-flare look from J. Crew Factory for under $100. 

The bottom of this dress has an adorable shiny gold striped pattern, similar to this clearance dress at J. Crew Factory. (Which happens to be an additional 40% off right now and available in petite!).

I loved the color blocking on this dress; I think it is even more versatile with a plain black top. That way, with each wear, I can switch up my jewelry. I opted for a simple gold monogram necklace for Christmas Eve when I wore this outfit. 

Here is another option for a mixed-media dress, from Nordstroms. Check out the low-V back! SIMPLY LOVELY! 

Can you believe that this was December 25th in Northeastern Ohio? I was not even the slightest bit cold without tights! 

Shoes: BCBGeneration, DSW

Another striped fit-and-flare dress option: with a fun pink stripe on the bottom!

This Burberry coat is probably one of my most prized (clothing) possessions (aside from the pearl necklace my aunts and mom have been adding to since I was very little!).  Admittedly, I would have never spent the money on this coat (unless I found an incredible deal at a Burberry outlet, or I won the lottery-- haha). I received the Burberry coat for a gift from an ex-boyfriend about three years ago. Yes, Mike knows ;) he actually encouraged me to keep it (to be honest, I was thinking of eBaying it), but Mike said it was an heirloom piece-- something we might pass on to a daughter or niece one day!  It is a true classic item.  Burberry is timeless; I know this coat will never "go out of style". My great Aunt wore Burberry skirts and scarves in the 1950s and 60s-- this elegant plaid print is not going anywhere. 

The Burberry Brit quilted jacket is heavy enough for early winter, but light enough to wear through spring and fall. I layer underneath it (I have a size medium for reference), too. The quilted Burberry jacket is available in red, khaki, olive green, navy and black.  It is extremely iconic. 

Cooper kisses! The best animal kisses! Haha. 

Lips: MAC red

I am totally head-over-heels obsessed with the Burberry plaid liner of this coat. Under the collar is more Burberry print, which makes it perfect for popping!

We were lucky enough to see the newly-engaged couple over our whirlwind few days in Ohio. Congratulations to Jimmy and Megan! I am soooo excited for August! We love you both so much!

The end of a warm day in December in Ohio. All smiles! I got to see my Hancock side of the family and celebrate the engagements of my cousins Neil and Kara. It was a wonderful way to spend Christmas Eve afternoon with our lunch and Christmas Ales tradition! 

Purse: old Kate Spade, but similar here. 

Cardigan: an old J. Crew Factory staple-- I suggest stocking up on the Claire cardigans during the periodic 50% off sales; similar here and here.  

Do you have an "heirloom" piece for which you've splurged? If so, what is it?
xxoo
Mary