Tartan & Hunters-- Feeling Holiday Vibes!

Oh my GOSH you guys. I got totally knocked on my butt last week, thanks to some "upper-respiratory-infection-disaster"! I had to miss 2 days of work! I was couch-bound and totally useless. It wasn't the flu or strep (got those tests at the doc), but BOY was it horrendous! Saturday was the first day since Tuesday that I finally felt more myself. I still sound awful, but at least I've regained enough energy to entirely disinfect our apartment, lol. Poor Mike caught it, too!


I don't know if it was the colder temps or some of the windowfronts around downtown Geneva being decorated for Christmas, but I am suddenly getting into the holiday spirit. Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. At Thanksgiving, you still have the rest of the season to look forward to. I absolutely love Christmas, of course, but it's the end of the holiday season, and it makes me a little downtrodden. If that makes sense at all? So, gearing up for Thanksgiving is my most favorite time of year, too!

^^Shout out to my BFF Court for my favorite ever earrings. I always wear these! Best gift ever, girl!

Andrea, a former student of mine, has started a photography business! She reached out to me because she liked reading the blog, which was the sweetest compliment. She is extremely talented, shooting for Baby Bella Newborn Photography and senior portraits in the area. If you're in need of a photographer for your kiddos, your engagement pictures or even your wedding, look into Andrea's Insta @SwoffordPhotography and like her page on FB: Swofford Photography!

I got this J. Crew Perfect Shirt from my mom last year for Christmas. I absolutely love it-- I pair it with skirts, jeans and nice pants for work. It reminds me of the holiday season because of that tartan print. The Perfect Shirts from J. Crew run true to size. For reference, I'm wearing a 6. (Side note: this year J. Crew Factory is actually selling this shirt. They call it their "Perfect Fit" shirt. These are equally as fantastic and are much cheaper. MAJOR WIN! They, too, fit TTS. I wear a small in Factory's).

Some other fabulous plaid shirts to wear while drinking your red holiday cups:

And even cheaper ones, thanks to J. Crew Factory! 

Honestly, I can notice no difference between J. Crew Factory and regular J. Crew pieces. I say go with the cheaper! It looks identical! Also, like I said, the shirt I am wearing is from J. Crew last year, and now Factory has rolled it out for the season. #savingswin

THIS RUFFLE. I can't even deal with the cuteness of it.

This skirt. OH my gosh. Let me tell you a little story about myself. When I find something I like, I tend to buy multiples of it, in different colors. That way, I also know it fits, and I love the style, etc. Enter: this Wool Sidewalk Skirt. I now own it in a sparkly khaki linen, a coral linen, a tartan wool and a black wool. I always get it for $35 or less, and I just order it from the website because I know my size: 4 for the weekends (slightly shorter) or 6 if I'm wearing it more for work. PS: major throwback to last year's Christmas day outfit. Tartan Sidewalk skirt!

Anddddd. It just slides on. No buttons or zippers, hurray!  Major comfort win. Tuck in your shirt, and you're holiday party (or work)- ready.


I can't recommend Hunters more. I throw on a pair of boot socks with these bad boys in the winter, and I can trudge to Pure Barre while staying warm and dry in knee-high snow drifts. They're perfect for the rain; I'm the only person who intentionally steps into puddles. Haha! I have them in Aubergine, too. I have both pairs in the matte finish, but the glossy finish is fab, too! Note: never pay full price for your Hunters! Costco sells them for as low as $75. I bought mine on sale in the shoe room at Von Maur and my others back when I lived in Chicago at Akira on sale. LOL (party tops and Hunters, obvi!).

And as always, my trusty Burberry jacket. I have to always say the disclaimer about this coat: I didn't buy it for myself. My ex-BF got me this gem, before my darling Mike came into my life. I think that was his only redeeming quality-- hahaha. Oops! Mike knows, and we always laugh. It's an heirloom; a total classic coat that I will have forever. One day, if there are girl Fremeau babes, they can fight over it (or else my Goddaughter and nieces get it)! It is the perfect weight for 40-60 degree temperatures, making it the ideal fall jacket.

It's a coat that you will wear for the rest of your life. When you think in PPW (price per wears) like I do, it all works out with a coat you'll have for a lifetime. I own a medium for reference.

My necklace: here.
The J.Crew Factory Multistrand pearl necklace. This was a gift from my friend Jackie, YEARS ago. I still wear it constantly! I've since gifted them to other friends and family members. It's an absolute classic.

I cannot thank Andrea enough for the fab photoshoot in dt Geneva. She is going to be HUGE! She's an art student currently, working hard through her first year of college. So proud of her and so lucky to be photographed by this gal! Andrea was so sweet; she's like, "will your husband feel overthrown not taking pictures today?" hahaha! No! You're a professional, girl! :)


How's your Monday so far? Stay healthy!
xxoo
Mary

Belle On Trend's Recent Looks

I wanted to share with you a few looks I have worn lately :) Our Illinois weather has been unseasonably warm for December (today's high is 58! What!?!), so I find myself re-purposing spring and fall skirts with winter (lightweight) sweaters and tops. Here are some ideas if you find yourself in my spot: a strange (but certainly welcome) warmth between seasons!


I am in love with the lightweight 3/4 length J. Crew Factory sweaters. They come in various patterns and colors, and they pair so well with pants and skirts (my newest approach is tucking the sweater into the skirt-- try it!). They can be layered (think: gingham button up underneath) or stand alone. I paired this floral green one with an eyelet Loft skirt I had from the spring. It was in the 40s and rainy, so I went with my Hunters, as well.

Sweater (old J. Crew Factory): similar floral style here. 

Skirt (old Loft): similar midi, bright pink, fit and flare here.

Boots: Hunters

Earrings (old Stella and Dot): similar chandeliers here. 

Teal FitBit Flex: found here. 

The temperature of my school (and almost every other school I've ever been in!) varies by location in the building. I like to layer to be ready for both a hotter room and a colder part of the building.  This J. Crew Factory gingham button up gets so much wear from me!  Below, I paired it with an old Lilly Pulitzer cardigan and embraced the chains.

J. Crew Factory navy gingham: found here. 

Lilly Pulitzer chain-detail cardigan (old): similar here. 

Michael Kors watch (old): similar here. 

Kiel James Patrick bow bracelet: here. 

Pave link chain bracelet: found here. 

Link chain necklace (old Banana Republic):  similar here. 

Since it has been so much warmer than the typical December Illinois days, I have been waiting to wear tights until it's absolutely necessary. Instead, I go with boot socks and my high boots. This wool J. Crew Factory pencil skirt is polished and dressy, but I made it slightly more casual with this ruffle hem sweatshirt. My black boots are comfortable and easy-- these are old Nine West, but some other classic options are linked below the picture!

J. Crew Ruffle Hem Sweatshirt: here. 

Cobalt blue J. Crew Factory skirt: here. 

Nine West black boots: for $85! Alternative: Sam Edelman, Franco Sarto or Born. 

I popped the cobalt blue again with these J. Crew Factory earrings. They're a few years old, but here is a fantastic alternative by Kate Spade! 

Finally, I will always support fellow SMC Belles! I am currently reading my second Adriana Trigiani book, Big Stone Gap, and I am LOVING IT! I get so excited every time there is an SMC reference! This is a must-have stocking stuffer (even if you aren't an alum!). 

My French cross necklace is from the bookstore at SMC, but a similar one can be found here (without the diamond): A Design and Sons. Side note: A Designs and Sons is a company formed by a 1982 alum of Saint Mary's. The jewelry is just stunning; there is nothing more special than my French Cross pendant. 

I am wearing a script pave "Belle" necklace, given to me by one of my former students (turned friend!) who is now a junior at SMC. It is no longer available on the Nordstrom's website, but this is a fun alternative on Etsy-- make your own, here. 

For our first holiday party of the year with my neighbors next door, the temperature did not require the typical layers that the Geneva Christmas Walk usually calls for. Instead, I went with a lightweight scalloped oxford from Kiel James Patrick and my Julie Loft cropped pants. I wore booties with this look, but I didn't even need a coat! The KJP scalloped oxford is an investment piece, but I have worn it several different ways over the past two years! I have received innumerable compliments on it, and it looks fabulous with a statement necklace.

The Julie pant in red is sold out at Loft, but my coworker Jackie has these from J. Crew Factory, and they are adorable! A perfect alternative!

Any statement necklace will suffice with the scalloped collar. Here are some ideas: this necklace is GORGEOUS! And 50%, the white is so versatile, and you can never go wrong with this bling.

Similar Kate Spade bag in new colors!

My final recent look incorporated my Winnie J. Crew Factory crops ($36! And they fit so well!) with a jeweled-neck sleeveless shirt from J. Crew Factory and an Ann Taylor cardi. This way, I was ready for any temperature at work!

Ann Taylor Cardigan (old): similar option for $25!

J. Crew Factory crystal-neck sleeveless shirt (old): A pricier alternative, but currently 30% off! And adorable!

J. Crew Factory Winnie Crops: in navy.

Sofft brown booties: in leather.

And this mug is my favorite new accessory! Thanks to my bestie, Megan, I can rock my "Bloggers gonna blog" travel coffee mug! Find it here.

How are you transitioning your looks through the seasons?

xxoo
Mary

Boots de Resistance

Having lived in Youngstown, Ohio growing up, and off to college in South Bend, Indiana, only to graduate and move to the next state westward, I have become well-versed in dressing (my feet) for Midwestern winters.


Let me tell you about my boot-spertise.
Below: Frye similar, here, green Hunters here, aubergine Hunters similar, here (and on sale!), Sorels similar, here.

Hunter Boots:

My favorite pair: pictured above with Mr. Fremeau's Sperrys :-)

Hunter Boots sans boot socks are perfect for warmer weather with rain.
Below: my friends Lauren and Maria with me in the middle. Rainy springtime calls for Hunters without the boot socks!

I will say, however, you must wear boot socks when it is cold. The rubber is not warm nor insulated; however, the height of the Hunters are extremely necessary when Chicagoland gets feet (yes, multiple!) of snow.  The boot socks are fleece-lined and fabulous. Find fun boot socks, here and here (both on sale!).  You can get matte Hunters or glossy ones. Hunters are available in different heights, too, but I have always stuck to the tallest (our snow gets deep out here!). Additionally, there are extra wide calf-widths for my runner friends!

Pictured below: wintertime Hunters with my bestie, Mandy. Mine are matte; Mandy's are glossy.

I suggest to stay away from the foldable/packable Hunters. They're nice and structured when you buy the originals.  Here is a staple pair  to begin your collection.  Nordstroms and Von Maur have been my go-to for on-sale boots. I have NEVER paid full price for a pair!


Frye Boots (leather):

Disclaimer: do not pay full price for your Fryes. They are an investment, and a boot you will wear for years to come. But, they are not a $450 investment! Wait until the Nordstrom's annual sale-- I purchased mine for half price at that time. Sign up for Nordie's emails or download the app to stay in the know; the annual sale is typically around the end of summer.  The Frye company has been in business for over 150 years. My horsey-pals know Fryes are the best for riding boots, too. The history speaks for itself!

Above: the hubs and I at the Moscow Ballet's Nutcracker last year. In the picture, I am wearing old Banana Republic boot socks (similar here, from Urban Outfitters).  

Above: Fryes with on-sale Target knee socks. My advice to you when looking for boot socks for your Fryes is to check the sale section of socks at Target. The colors can be impractical, but at some time you might be inclined to wear coral knee socks, and for $2.49, you really can't go wrong. 

Above: fall in Youngstown with my man. Fryes over skinny jeans work perfectly! With a full boot-length zipper, you can tuck away pants without a struggle. 

Camel colored, here.

Classic black, distressed here (click for the black view).

Sorels:

The warmest boots you'll ever own!

These are, by far, the best winter boots I have ever purchased. I wore Uggs around the Saint Mary's College campus for four years, but the salt ate them mercilessly each season. No amount of "Ugg" spray could protect those suede monsters from their untimely disintegration.

Mandy and I have matching Sorels. :-) 

Similar, here.

My try-ons at Von Maur, AKA my happy place. 

Sorels are perfect winter footwear. Tuck them into your skinnies or crops for protected and warm ankles and feet! 

Whether you're a Hunters-type of gal, a Sorel-boot wearer or someone who rocks a Frye, what are your go-to winter boots? Let me know! I'd love to hear from you!

xxoo
Mary