Short Sleeve Bell Sleeve Trend-- How to Wear It

I drooled over this bright pink, buffalo-check shirt for weeks before putting it on my birthday wish list! My mom bought it for me, and I absolutely adore it. I've worn it to work once, and I busted it out again for Saturday night's date night with Mike! We met 4 years ago at the Geneva Ale House on March 12, 2013, so we wanted to go back to where it all began. I am so thankful to God that he came into my life! He emailed me first (on Match.com), and we emailed back and forth before meeting 5 days later. The first time he emailed me, I KNEW he was special and my dream man! And that this would be different! The night we met, we talked for 3 hours and 50 minutes... on a SCHOOL NIGHT! And I left feeling happier than I had ever been. I was on cloud nine all night, and I emailed my besties the next day to tell them to start picking out bridemaids dresses because I had met my future husband!  My sister actually used my email to my girlfriends as her maid of honor speech! LOL! A lot of exclamation points and a lot of, "HE'S CATHOLIC! HE WENT TO NOTRE DAME! HE WAS ON THE DRUMLINE!!!!!!" To this day, the email Mike sent me (to Dancer1687 from DrummingMike84) has changed my life forever!  Ok, sorry! I got carried away! Haha!! SIDE note: he also recreated all our Match.com emails and printed them out and got them bound into a book for our 1st wedding anniversary (it's paper traditionally). It is the best love story I've ever read! :):):):)

Unfortunately this shirt is sold out, but fear not! I have linked tons of short-sleeved bell-sleeved tops below for your enjoyment :) 

^^ A few throwback pics from our engagement photo sesh with Meagan from Blossom Lane Photography (who also photographed our wedding!). She's a photog genius! That's where we met! Shout out to the Geneva Ale House! Amazing food and drinks. 

Here's a skirt version of my top! I am obsessed with the brightness of the pink! It's really beautiful-- even more so in person :)

This bright clutch is my favorite new purchase from Jori & June! It will be so perfect to pair with anything Lilly Pulitzer this summer! 

Loving this blue version from Nordies, too!

OMG, and this fringe-y delight! 

And this yellow? HELLO, summer!

Obsessed with these BCBGeneration glittery pumps^^

I have them in black and nude, too! LOL. They are from last fall at DSW, but the black/nude combo is still available. They are SO COMFORTABLE! I wear them to weddings and am completely comfy in them. Don't they look like the Valentino Rock Studs??? 

Here's a practical white version of the bell-sleeved top with a striped edge detail. I love this crisp option for work or in the summer with jean shorts!

^^^ Trying out the basketball hoop the previous owners left in the basement bahahah. #Slamdunk

This is my old monogram (mHm) in gold from my sis for being her maid of honor! I love it too much even if it isn't updated. LOL.

More bell-sleeves below! 

The striped nautical detail contrasting with these gingham ruffle sleeves give this shirt a summer feel! I love it! This would work perfectly with khaki chinos (I have these and LOVE THEM! They run a little smaller than usual, I sized up to a 6 with these) for spring or white jeans this summer.

I am digging these light blue tops from Loft and J. Crew. The flowy sleeves are so in right now! Be sure to pair with skinny denim or a fitted pencil skirt on the bottom-- you don't want to be lost in something flowy on the bottom to make you look boxy.

Even more adorable bell-sleeve short sleeved tops:

I am dying over this chambray one with BOWS ON THE BACK!!!

Okay, this Burberry one is #goals. Jackie, I think you will love that one, too!!!


I hope you had a wonderful start to your week! IT IS SO COLD HERE. AND IT WAS SNOWING TODAY. I. CAN. NOT.

On a lighter note, I am so close to spring break I can taste it! Gotta keep my kiddos focused for 2 more weeks, and then a week of sun, Finny and family!
xxoo
Mary

Trending: 2.26.17

The top ten pieces your closet needs this instant!

[1.0] This tassel clutch!
It's monogrammable and SO fab. I love the studded version (below) (and it's on sale!). I am always looking for fancy clutches for weddings or weekend nights out; I have my big cross body bags, but that won't do for dainty wedding wear, will it? Also, loving this scalloped bag, too!

[2.0]  This long-sleeved mesh peplum top.
How chic is this for work and weekend? The back zipper is another detail that I love. I want to bring lighter colors into my wardrobe for the approaching spring months, so the white version of this is exactly what I need!

[3.0] This LC Lauren Conrad dress!
For the next wedding you attend, how fabulous is this? I was just drooling over these BHLDN dresses, but why not save $200 and get the LC version?! Hellooooo!!! Thanks to Krista for the best Kohl's finds, ever! Also, ladies, if you are engaged, how beautiful would your bmaids look in these gowns?! The color palette is super similar to what we did for our wedding. I love the blush shades!

[4.0] This amazing off the shoulder top-- necessary for welcoming spring!
This peach, floral, off-the-shoulder, bell-sleeved top is just gorgeous! I am obsessed with the floral print and classiness. It would be a perfect weekend top with skinny jeans and wedges.

[5.0] This ruffled dress for the next wedding you attend.
I am dying over the open back, the ruffles and the color! Also loving this J. Crew version, that comes in 6 gorgeous colors. I adore the green and the blush!

[6.0] This J. Crew cardigan sums up my entire style: sequins, bright colors and work-appropriate.
I am IN LOVE! Now the biggest dilemma: yellow?! blue?! Both!?

[7.0] These glittery Jack Rogers.
Thanks to my darling friend, Melissa, for finding these! Here's a link for the sale version!

[8.0] This yellow striped flutter-sleeve top.
Everything about this screams preppy Spring! I love an easy top, and this is just that. Throw it on with jeans and Jacks for the weekend, or wear it with tailored khakis or navy crops for work.

[9.0] This dress has it all: polka dots, gorgeous details and bell sleeves.
I love both colors; the white would be perfect for spring break in Florida!  The navy is classic and ideal for springtime teaching.

[10.0] This scalloped work shirt.
Lilac is such a lovely color to pull us out of the February doldrums. This is a tailored work shirt, updated with the scalloped details. It really spruces up your typical collared shirt.

What is on your wish list right now??
xxoo
Mary

Birthday Tutu and Our New Home

Ahhhh!! It is good to be back! I am so sorry for my hiatus! We moved officially on Saturday, and for a few days at the apartment prior to the move, we didn't have internet, so blogging was nearly impossible. Also, I still needed to pack up my life's possessions, and we were *slightly* behind schedule! LOL! (Nothing a late night Meijer trip Friday before the movers came Saturday morning couldn't fix when we ran out of packing tape. And boxes). SO, I am writing this post from our HOUSE! We have a garage! And a driveway! I actually have not parked in a driveway since I was a mere 18 years old, back home in Ohio. Let me tell you something, it is glorious. (Aside from every morning when I text Mike after I get to work because I'm certain I haven't closed the garage door!!!). Shout out to my coworker, Dave, who tried to punk me about my garage door this am, but couldn't because he was laughing too hard. #failedpunk #Istillgiggled #Genevabuddies :D

Backing up to January 6, though, let's talk FASHION! I wore this tutu (yasssss, girl!) on my 30th birthday that was just so whimsical and fun! Here are some snaps from the eve-- again, my apologies for everything being fuzzy iPhone camera quality. I do have a photoshoot on the books for next weekend!  (This weekend I'm chaperoning Operation Snowball for our school-- did you ever do that retreat in HS? It's going to be so fun!). 

It was very special to have my old teaching pals out to celebrate my birthday at Penrose! We can't wait to spoil Kelly's future baby boy very soon!

Skirt: here. 

Tassel Necklace: here.

Glitter pumps: here. They are currently down to $100! I got mine for free! (Well, sort of haha!). My sweet MIL got me a gift card to J. Crew for Christmas, and I had another return, so my glitter pumps were FREE!

More glittery shoes in all price ranges:

FINN! Anna, Shawn and Finn (and Coop) spent the night on my birthday. It was the highlight of the birthday week to have my family out in Geneva! My darling former student, Brittany, was Finn's babysitter for the eve so Anna and Shawn could join us at the brewery. SO. Much. FUN! I just wish I had some more pictures! haha!

Tulle skirts for all budgets:

This is one of the 5 photos I have from my birthday party, and it makes me smile so big. Gotta fluff the tulle! hahaha! Candid shot of Jenny Lynn and Kel!

The beauty of this fun skirt is that I just needed a plain black shirt and black tights. Done and done. 

Add in Sarah! We missed Mandy so much! Can't wait for all six of us to be together next weekend! 

Aerial shot of the shoes!

Jenny's adorable Toms wedges shined brightly!

Jenny and I can both attest to the major comfort level of the Toms wedge. Here are more options, with a few on sale currently:

Totally excited that my barre belle, Taryn, and her husband could make it out, too! How cute is her choker shirt? 

More tassel necklaces:

Insta-worthy shoe shot hahah

The best part about these pumps is that they are both comfortable and practical (LOL). Practical in the sense that they are coated, so the glitter isn't loose. 

Two of my favorite males, ever!! In matching Patagonia puffers.

Unkie Mike's: here.

Finn's: here. 

Finally, one of the best days of our lives-- closing on our first home together! ^^^

We couldn't have done it without our amazing lawyer, Mary, and incredible realtor, Val. Please let me know if you're in the market to buy in the Chicagoland suburbs. I will get you in touch with our crew!

Holding a key and a garage door opener at the title place. LOL

The family room! 

Mike at the bar! haha

Our dream come true. 

HAPPY!!!!! 

Gettin' comfy at the island. 

We arrived in our new home to this surprise. Val was absolutely fabulous in every way. I couldn't believe my eyes! PS: my friend, Jena, made the sign! I can get you the scoop on those, too! 

HOW IS EVERYONE? I am so happy to be back! 

xxoo

Mary

Trending 1.11.17: What you Need in your Closet Right Now

Hello!  So much excitement has transpired recently! I turned 30 on Friday (more on that soon!), and Mike and I closed on our dream home. We move in on Saturday! We are really, really, really, realllllllly excited! Pics to come!

I wanted to get some ideas up for a trending before we do the major move. There are SO MANY good deals out there right now, and I want you to jump on them! Don't let them slip out of your grasp, you guys! Let's get started.


[1.0] This shimmer ruffle cardigan.
I have been eyeing this beauty from Loft for months, and my mentor, Lauren, came in wearing it Monday morning. She looked so FAB! It's even better in person, I promise  you. It's also currently 60% off $49.99, and while I don't do math (because it's devil magic), I believe that is well under $25. hahaha!

[2.0] This fully-sequined midi dress.
The pleats and length add to the perfection of this dress. I will never stop twirling in this! It is everything gorgeous, including that bright pink color, placed into one dress.

[3.0] The Edie dress.
Remember the Edie ruffle shirt I posted about? Well, J. Crew has answered all my dreams and turned it into a dress! I am equally in love with this version! HOW CUTE IS THAT! Black tights and black boots for winter for the microgingham version. For the chambray version, wear navy tights and brown boots. Then, transition it to spring when you can say Bye, Felicia! to those tights.

[4.0] A tasteful cold-shoulder top for weekends!
Cold shoulder tops have a place, and I will be the first to say that place is not at work. They are perfect for weekend wear. My fashionista friend, Krista, and I chatted about this cold-shoulder-conundrum the other day. There's a tasteful way to wear a top like this, but it's not around your boss. (My apologies if this is in your rotation for work!).  Krista inspired me to write about cold-shoulder tops and the choker shirts-- more on those to come. There is a sensibly stylish way to wear both.

[5.0] These fun and festive pants.
The best part? Your outfit is easy as pie with these pants. Throw them on with a collared shirt (white or chambray) and a black pump, and you are ready! How adorable are they!? Obsessed.

[6.0] This yellow "party top".
So, I haven't had a "party top" since my college days at Club Fever or my downtown Chicago days of Duffy's; however, I love this for a weekend night look. It's not a Forever 21 fully sequined top or a tube top from Akira, but it will fancy up your look for a GNO! It is the 30-year-old's version of a party top. And, it's currently 60% off! ($26 for all you math-haters like myself haha!).

[7.0] This adorable peplum work shirt.
It's going to undoubtedly be a workhorse in your closet all season. Pair it with skinny black pants and a leopard heel for work. Throw on dark denim and ballet flats with it for weekends. It will get so many uses! Also, the peplum detail updates the typical collared shirt to be even trendier. Side note: Milly makes an identical version for $295! HA! SMH.

[8.0] These lacey party pants.
I. can't. stop. staring. at. these. pants. in. my. J.Crew. shopping. cart. AHHHHHHH! Seriously! Beautiful! Practical! And over the top fabulousness. Again, the ease of outfit preparation with a pant like this is phenomenal. All you need is a collared shirt and a heel, and you are ready for work or weekend. They are comfy, too, because of that pull on quality. As soon as I start my SAT prep classes that I teach, I will re-visit this beauts. Until then, I should probably focus on paying our mortgage. hahah!!

[9.0] This Kate Spade FUN clutch.
I have never gasped more loudly then when we walked into the Kate Spade section of Von Maur on Sunday after mass. BUT REALLY. THIS CLUTCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't get over it. The price is ASTRONOMICAL and totally stupe, but one day, I will own that bag. I will watch it like a hawk. I will wait for it at the outlet. Whatever it takes to buy, I will earn money for it. Perhaps a lemonade stand? Car wash? bahaha. But really. THAT BAG! AND, the magnetic part to clasp it together? IT'S A BOW!!!!!  A bow!

[10.0] This striped-ruffled-pepum top.
I bought this for myself with a gift card last week, and it's even better in person. I will wear this navy and white top for Fridays at work (spritwear!). It's currently on sale, too! Get after it!

How is your week going thus far? It is RIDICULOUSLY windy out here in Northern IL! I swear I thought the street lights were going to fall onto my Corolla today on the ride home from work. EEK!

xxoo
Mary

Trending 12.10.16: Gift Ideas for the Ladies in your Life

This week's #trending post goes out to all the fabulous women (moms, sisters, wives, besties, aunts, Godmothers, girlfriends, fiances, grandmas, Nanas, Grammies) in your life.

[1.0] For the hard-working lady: the perfect carry-all tote
Our friend Laura, who is a doctor, swears by her Dagne Dover bag. The last time we were visiting her and her fam, I checked out her tote. It has room for everything from a water bottle to a laptop. The sturdiness was what really sold me. Check out the yellow 13' version! This will be my next teacher bag! This would be an ideal bag for all my Chicago El-commuter pals!

[2.0] For the gal who LOVES the holiday season.
I could not be more obsessed with this tartan blazer. Your recipient will wear it on major repeat.

[3.0] For the most nautical girl in your life.
Stripes AND ruffles? Who could ask for anything more! This is a perfect gift for your Sperry-boat-shoe-wearing girlfriend.

[4.0] For your sophisticated galpal.
The vibrant Kelly green of this lace pencil skirt is perfect for the office (or classroom!). Tuck it in with a chambray shirt or collared plaid Oxford, and she is work ready.

[5.0] For your bestie who loves to sparkle and shine.
This Target sequined skirt is absolutely fantastic. This is for the gal in your life whose motto is "glitter is my favorite color."

[6.0] For the chickadee in your life who dreams of California and summertime even during the doldrums of winter.
I put this one on my birthday list-- hehehehe! Those bell-sleeves and that bright pink gingham are everything. If you live in Illinois, you'll have to deal with the perma-cloud/major-coldness for the next few months, so why not pop some bright colors along the way?

[7.0] For the girliest girl on your list (who straightens her hair).
I happened upon this at Target while I was looking for mini hand lotions (a likely story, Mary hahaha), but my jaw dropped. How beautiful is this? It's a perfect stocking stuffer, too. CHI straighteners last for YEARS. I have had my floral one since 2011, and it's not going anywhere.

[8.0] For the doll who LOVES to have fun and dance the night away.
These shoes are everything! They're true to size, so sneak into your S/O's closet to grab her shoe size. Purely beautiful!

[9.0] For the senorita who loves a statement earring.
This little gift set takes any stress out of decision making!  Tassel earrings are HUGE right now, and they aren't going anywhere.

[10.0] For your social-media maven who loves her iPhone.
This is currently on sale for $22 and with the code "Sprinkles" it's 30% off that! $15!! It's adorable!

Bonus! [11.0] For your barre-Belle or workout chica.
These Alo goddess leggings are the most flattering spandex pant I have ever owned. They lift and flatter like nothing I've ever seen before. The color combos are endless. I own 3 pairs, and I have never been more satisfied with a workout pant. I wear a small in these for reference (and I am typically a 4 in pants).

How is your holiday shopping going? We are making solid progress getting through our lists!
Snow is coming in our town tomorrow; my kids were so hyped up yesterday at the prospect of an E-Learning day! (This is a new idea that just a few schools in Illinois have adopted-- it was started by our superintendent. In order to not tack on extra days at the end of the school year, kids log in to their Chromebooks from home and have an online classroom experience in lieu of being at school on a snow day. Pretty neat, right?)
xxoo
Mary