Bows and Blush

I just wanted to share fun little outfit idea for you on this gloomy Thursday! 

If you're anything like me, you love the color blush, you adore bows, and ruffles make you happy. These outfit attributes are effortlessly girly! I love tucking a silk shirt into a high-waisted skirt, too. I think this is such a classy, appropriate-for-teaching-high-schoolers, professional look. 

It WAS getting warmer (wah! Today, not so much), and I am loving wearing my Jacks to work. I have three pairs: a teal, the pictured pink (below) and a monogrammed white and gold pair. I wear my Jack Rogers sandals ALL the time once the temperatures get over 55. They're classic-- if you aren't familiar with the brand, ask your mom or grandmother about them-- I bet they've heard of them or own a pair themselves. They last for years. I've gotten two pairs on sale on RueLala. (If you need an invite to RueLala, let me know! It's the best for discount designer shopping! It's free to join; you just need an invitation!). 

Silk ruffled blouse: old J.Crew factory, but similar here, here, here, here, here or here.

Bow skirt: old Anthropologie, similar style skirts here, here, here, here (in mint) here (those colors!) or here (my favorite kind of flowers!).

Addendum: just found a few *big time sale* 60% off blush silk tops from Ann Taylor here, here, here and here! 

Jack Rogers sandals: here.

Rhinestone bow bracelet: from Fran's wedding! Similar here. 

Bow bag: old Kate Spade, similar here and here-- this red is amazing! 

These pieces make for an effortless wear-to-work look. After wearing this outfit to work on Monday, Mike and I went out to dinner at Barrel and Rye (AMAZING FOOD! Try the shrimp salad!), and it doubled as a perfect date-night/celebratory dinner outfit. 

What's your go-to wear-to-work look?

xxoo

Mary

New Year's Eve Look: Glitter Pants and Black Peplum!

For the past month+, I have been eyeing gold sequined pants with New Year's Eve in mind. (Perhaps you remember this post: Glitter is my favorite color).  My dear friend, Jamie, found these lovely pants for me at a Target in Ohio and was sweet enough to ship them to me! Seriously, talk about a fabulous BFF! Once I laid eyes on these, I knew what my NYE outfit was going to be. 

Blue coat: Old J. Crew Factory, but similar here. 

Bag: Old Kate Spade, but similar here.

Mandy photographed me on this snowy day! She saved the day and cheered me up big time! 

The bow detail on my bag and shoes is my favorite part! 

Shoes: $46 now on 6pm.com! Side note: my Nine West bow pumps are patent leather, but 6pm.com is selling the suede black bow pumps for half of what I paid last fall at Von Maur! They're so darling in suede. 

I am such a sucker for a bright-colored coat. I think it makes the winter less depressing! Some of the dark/super cold months call for an uplifting coat. Here, here and here are some other fun-colored wool dress coats!

Shirt: old Loft, peplum and pleather. Here is another option. This maroon and black peplum top is another adorable alternative. I love this sleeveless version, too! Okay, one more! Peplum tops are my favorite: I love being able to eat as much as I want and still look slim on top. Haha!

Bangles, left side of photo:

top: old Kate Spade, similar here. 

bottom: Kate Spade charm bracelet from my sweet cousin, Beth. 

Right side of photo, top: J. Crew

Middle: old from Kate Spade, but here's a fun alternative (particularly appropriate for the New Year!)

Watch: old Michael Kors, but equally as fabulous, here. 

Cheers idiom necklace: old Kate Spade, but here is the Mrs., the True Friend, the Adore You, and the Yes idiom necklace. 

Statement necklace: old Loft, but similar here from J. Crew Factory or here and here from Loft.  

I love layering dainty necklaces (crosses or words/phrases) with chunky statement pieces. Sometimes I will even layer my French Cross necklace (an Saint Mary's staple) with my Belle script necklace or another dainty necklace. It's so much fun to layer and mix it up with your jewels!

Jackie and Ben hosted the best New Year's Eve bash in their new home. All the gold and black glittery decor was perfect! (So perfect, in fact, that I wanted to wear some of it-- haha!). 

Lips: Brave Red

These pants were such a hit! 

Prepping for the Target-sequin-babies photo op! 

My bestie, Julie, is wearing another sequined-Target piece (fabulous, but no longer in stock! Bummer. Find a similar skirt, here from J. Crew. Another Target option is this). 

All the Chicago gals! Congratulations to Maria for her recent engagement to Kevin! So happy for you two!

He kept my spirits up through all the hardships of 2015. Now it is time for OUR year! 2016! (Fitting, as our first dance at our wedding was to "This Will Be Our Year" by the Zombies). Mike's the best. 

My curled hair is all thanks to the amazing Annalisa at Suzanne Denee Salon in Saint Charles, Illinois. Book with her ASAP! She also styled my hair for our wedding, too! She has cut (and colored when I used to color) my hair since I moved to the 'burbs in 2012. 

Happy New Year! With my cutie preggo sis. Her dress is AWESOME. It features a gold sequined Peter Pan collar.  It's maternity, by Pea in the Pod, found here. 

2015 was truly the hardest year of my life. We lost three very special family members, all of whom we loved dearly and would have been at our wedding. But, our wedding was the best day of my life thus far. Now we are ready for happiness and health in 2016. Mike has carried me through every trial. My amazing friends and family have kept me smiling and staying positive. I am SO ready for a GREAT YEAR! 

What did you wear to ring in 2016?

xxoo

Mary