Trending: 6.10.16

Here's what is currently #trending in Belle on Trend's world!

[1.0] This Limited maxi dress.
I fell totally in love with this beauty when I saw Megan's sister, Kimmy, wearing this at Meg's bridal shower. OMG, it needs to be in my closet. Now. Here's Kimmy rocking it (below) at the shower with Megan (middle) and their younger sister, Kaitlyn! (More on the shower to come!). Kimmy's earrings were Kendra Scott (to die for) and matched perfectly. Kimmy is the sweetest-- she gave me a 50% off for The Limited so I can scoop that dress up! I just saw on their site now that some items are 40% off, and if you use code 301, you can get 20% off anything! Wahoo! Happy shopping!

[2.0] These "Dizzy" shorts by Elizabeth McKay.

How darling is that scalloped belt? These shorts come in 4 colors, too! I am loving all the Elizabeth McKay dresses, too! The Coco dress would be absolutely gorgeous for a summer wedding! 

[3.0] This Nancy Rose Performance open back top. 

I own this top in black, and now I want to purchase the twilight color! The owner of Pure Barre Geneva, Brynn, wore this top in the cobalt/twilight color, and I knew I had to have it. I snagged it up from the Pure Barre Geneva Instagram auction, so I got it for a steal! But, I'm willing to pay full price for such an amazing piece. It's long, it's super soft, and it's completely flattering. There are thumb holes, too! I love that it comes in numeric sizes-- I got a 6 for reference. 

[4.0] This Free to Be (Wild) sports bra.

I know I talk about these FTB bras a lot, but that is because they're AMAZING! (See above with my Nancy Rose top!)  There's nothing better for running, Pure Barre or just lounging. I typically scope them out on the "We Made Too Much" sale section of the Lululemon website. I love a good sale, and since I know my size, I can swoop these up without going into the Naperville store (where I'd be tempted to buy much more than just one specific item!). My new obsession is open back tank tops, and the FTB bra looks fabulous underneath. The strappier, the better!

[5.0] This pleated Kelly Green ombre dress.

Banana Republic has some excellent options for summer weddings! This would be ideal-- you could wear it with wedges or pumps to a wedding but also dress it down with your Jacks for date night. How beautiful is that color!!??

[6.0] This ruffle dress from Banana Republic.

I can see this as a perfect summer dress for a winery tour or a day walking around on vacation with your family or friends. I also see this as a fall work dress with a cute cardigan over it.  However, never, ever, ever pay full price at Banana. They are constantly having 30-40% off sales. I've never paid full price for anything from BR because of their outstanding sales!

[7.0] These Tory Burch sandals.

OMG, they're multi-colored! I can't even fathom my excitement! My friend Scott got his now wife, Lauren, the Miller sandal for their wedding. Her maiden name was Miller, so it was the perfect gift to represent the transition to Wasulko! I've been eyeing the Miller sandals ever since Scott asked me about them, and now I've found the ones I NEED!  Lauren can attest to them being super comfortable. She wears them to work and out on the weekends, too! The Tory Navy and Sunshine Patent Leather are both multi-colored on the T's! ADORABLE! Here they are in red, too!

[8.0] This pineapple cardigan.

With just a subtle pineapple detail, you will add instant flair to any outfit. How summery is this? I'm in love! And for $29? Yes, please! 

What's on your wish list?

xxoo

Mary

Trending 3.24.16!

My last trending post before SPRING BREAK!  I am so excited to jet off to Florida for a week to be in the sunshine with my hubs, my step dad and my mom. There is something so rejuvenating about the heat of Florida; it's exactly what a teacher needs to re-energize for the end of the year.

[1.0] I have been totally fan-girling over my Pure Barre instructor (and friend!) Lauren's style. She is a high school teacher, too, and her daily outfits are fabulous. But, her Pure Barre looks are to die for! She's my #fitspo lately.  Thanks to Lauren, I scooped up this on sale Free to be Wild sports bra from Lululemon. I am obsessed with the Wild tanks, and these sports bras are equally as top-notch. Lauren rocks a muscle tank to show off the fun straps of the Free to Be Bra! I purchased this tank from Nordstroms to simulate Lauren's look.

[2.0] I finished The Goldfinch, and it was INCREDIBLE. 772 pages flew by in no time! I highly, highly, highly recommend reading this beautiful novel. Next up is The Girl on the Train. I am nearly done with it-- I can't stop reading! Books to read for spring break include Me before You (another suggestion thanks to my colleague and pal, Jackie K!) and So We Read On (thanks, Dad!), a book about how The Great Gatsby came to be and why it endures. I am so pumped for the three hour flight to read!

[3.0] Drooling over these Kate Spade items. This one-piece kite bathing suit is AMAZING!  I love the geometric patterns Kate Spade has recently designed. Also, my friend Jackie F. showed me this beautiful fit and flare dress-- the bow back is my favorite part (with the colors, of course!). Here it is in black and white! Kate Spade's recent looks are whimsical and fun-- filled with ice cream cone details and spring-like touches!

[4.0] The most practical perfect shirt you'll ever own! I own 2 of J. Crew's perfect shirts, both in a size 6, and the fit is impeccable. These color options are phenomenal: I'm deciding between the emerald pool option and bistro blue. The cotton-linen blend will be an ideal shirt for warmer days in the classroom.

[5.0] I've laughed with my coworkers that I no longer have any "party tops" as an almost-30-year-old. My "going out shirts" have become my collared shirts from work. LOL. I'm not as hip as the days where my SMC gals and I would scurry off to the University Park Mall in the only car any of us had at Saint Mary's and buy our Forever 21 party tops Friday after classes ended. So, I often find myself in a rut on the weekend: all I own these days is clothing that is appropriate for teaching high schoolers. It makes sense! But, Fridays and Saturdays, I would like to be wearing something a little fancier, ya know? Enter: Anthropologie. I found the following options to pick up for Friday and Saturday nights: this (omg that back!), this (I love one-armed tops!) and this (the scoop front and back + this springy color are adorable!).


Are you heading out anywhere for Spring Break? I can't wait to be laying poolside in Florida!
xxoo
Mary

Trending 3.11.16

The spring-like temperatures have automatically lifted my spirits-- there is something about being able to wear a tee shirt outside without a coat that just makes me smile. Once I'm able to walk to Pure Barre in my flip flops, my happiness level will be off the charts!

[1.0] I am a sucker for anything scalloped. My sweet pal, Sarah, sent me this scalloped shirt from her J. Crew catalog (her area of town gets the new catalogs a day earlier than my area! haha). She thought I would love it, and she was absolutely right! I foresee the white version of this top, with my multi-strand pearl necklace, tucked into a black or navy pencil skirt for work-- polished and classy.

[2.0] I cannot put down The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. It's incredibly well written, and although it is 771 pages, I've never felt it dragging yet. I'm about halfway done, but I am totally enraptured by the story and characters. I highly recommend it! I got the idea to read it from Jen Lancaster's book club list. (She's one of my favorite authors-- totally check out any of her books if you're looking for a great laugh!). I love my Lilly P. tumbler and phone case!

[3.0] I linked another Lilly Pulitzer cropped top/high-waisted skirt combo in my spring break attire post, but I just discovered this one in the newest Lilly catalog, and I might be even more smitten with this version! I love that just a *peek* of skin would be showing! Then, tuck in a crisp, white shirt with the high-waisted skirt for another look.

[4.0] Eyelet always screams warm weather for me. Check out this Banana Republic eyelet/peplum dress. It's to die for! The lavender will be a perfect Easter Sunday look. I could see this being an absolutely fabulous rehearsal dress dinner in white (Steph!?). And the black is absolutely slimming. I love EVERYTHING about this airy frock. Also, check it out in the khaki color. Perfect for work! Plus, peplum and pockets? The best alliteration EVER! I saw it in-store yesterday and LOVED it!

[5.0]  I know it seems out of season, but I buy my hats and gloves at the end of winter when they're uber cheap!  I was doing some gift shopping at the Kate Spade outlet the other day, and I saw these pink and black bow hat and gloves. I was sold! And for $16 each, you NEED to get to a Kate outlet ASAP! Similar here and here. Then, next year when the temperatures start to dip, you'll have a little gift to yourself waiting for you in your closet! (Also loving these leather ones and these!).

Pre big chop!

What's on your coveting list at the moment?
This weekend, Mike and I are celebrating three years since we met! Where does the time go?!
xxoo
Mary
PS: got a BIG haircut on Wednesday! Thanks to Annalisa at Suzanne Denee! Here's a little sneak preview:

The length from the back:

Tank top: here. OBSESSED!

Trending 2.26.16

T R E N D I N G

Just as Banana Republic has been absolutely rocking with their looks lately, Anthropologie is KILLING it, too! I could list 50 pieces I'd love to own from Anthro alone (if money were no option!), but I will try to keep my trending list under 10 :-)

[1.0]  I am absolutely-undeniably-head-over-heels-in-love with this dress from Anthro. It's an online exclusive, and I will watch it like a hawk until it's less than the hefty price tag. But, OH MY! It's the most gorgeous dress I have seen in a VERY long time. I would wear it for Mike's cousin's wedding in July, and I would probably re-wear it for my BFF's rehearsal dinner come August. I would get a lot of use out of this stunning dress! 

[2.0] Much more budget-friendly, this beautiful scalloped dress from J. Crew Factory will welcome spring with a smile! Throw a cardi over this for work, and add Jacks for the summertime. I love the fit and flare design, the color, the fabric/texture and the scallops. To die for! 

[3.0] Anthropologie does it again: how darling is this blouse? Striped, multicolored AND peplum. I love it all! Perfect with tailored navy or red dress pants for work. Versatile enough to wear with skinny jeans and pumps for the weekend. Obsessed! 

[4.0] The lush color of this zip-up cardigan is too good to pass up! I love that it is pale yellow-- a perfect springtime color. It will be absolutely adorable on top of the several mustard colored shirts I already own. 

[5.0] Another peplum top that is appropriate for work or weekend. I love the multicolored gingham of this top! What better way to welcome spring to Illinois than with a lightweight peplum top! Bonus: check out the buttons on the back! Super unique.

[6.0] My sweet friend, Alison, found these stunners from DSW. Right now, the lace up ballet flat is a perfect transition shoe to take you into springtime. These shoes are incredibly flattering and come in taupe and black. Plus: THOSE SCALLOPS THOUGH!  Ah-mazing!

[7.0] I am totally into any Lululemon tops with open backs! This (in black) and this (in cobalt) are my top two contenders for next to be purchased. I had the opportunity to email with one of Lululemon's buyers (a West High graduate!) who lives in Vancouver. I felt like I was emailing a celeb! So cool!  I have to get my Lululemon game on point as Pure Barre Geneva is starting their platform classes! OMG! Also, there's a challenge for March to get in 20 classes in 31 days. Since I'm leaving for Florida on the 26th, I need to get 20 classes in within 26 days! Eek! I am going to go for it! So excited for PLATFORM! (But also terrified!! LOL! Shout out to Lauren K. at PB! Can't wait to take your class, girl!). 

[8.0] Coated leggings! I have been trying to find these since Molly wore them a few weeks ago. Target was completely out of my size, so I have been Googling around to find them elsewhere. My friend and coworker, Lindsay, found these from H&M! They will be perfect with a long tunic or long party top. 

What's trending in your world right now?

xxoo

Mary

Trending: 2.12.16

Here's a peek into what is trending this week in Belle On Trend's world! 

T R E N D I N G 

2.12.16

[1.0] I popped into Banana Republic the other day to look for a shirt for Mandy's birthday celebration. I didn't end up purchasing anything (go, me! #Self-control!), but I was totally oogling EVERYTHING in store. I will be buying this top ASAP! I love the mint color AND the mustard yellow. It combines two of my favorite touches: peplum and ruffles! It will be perfect to pair with pencil skirts come spring.


[2.0] Mandy's birthday shirt was amazing: find it here! She looked fierce with a messy side bun (courtesy of Hair by Mols-- haha!!). I opted for this ruffle shirt from Banana Republic for Mandy's celebration! Molly wore the most amazing pleather leggings. I thought for sure they were uber expensive and designer, but she told me they were from Target! I WILL be purchasing these when I go on my Target run this weekend. (Molly rocked a longer tunic to cover the pockets). For $16, you can't miss this trend!

French Connection embellished shirt on Mandy and ruffled Banana Republic top on me. 

The Mattox women!

Mandy and her beautiful high school friends.

Kristin, Michele, Mandy, Sondra and Laura 

Loved celebrating Mandy with these beautiful ladies!

Just Mrs. Mattox and Molly were ready for this one. Haha!

A shot of Molly's pleather leggings!

This ruffle shirt from Banana is on major sale! I got it for $8 in store. Also, Banana Republic just released it in stripes! Adorable!

[3.0] I have been selling some older Lululemon pieces on eBay to earn some money to buy some new Lululemon! I have my eye on these, these and these!  The Wunder Under crops are my go-to for Pure Barre class and fit impeccably. I love the mesh detailing on the Metta pant.  Mandy and I are trying an Orange Theory Fitness class out on Saturday morning! I am so excited and nervous. I will update you on how it goes! I've heard nothing but great comments about the class!


[4.0] I tried on this full lace shirt at Express over the weekend. It was TO DIE FOR! However, they didn't have my size. I would wear a tank under it (duh, I'm far too old and pale for exposed skin! haha!), but I am in love with the romantic look of long-sleeved lace blouses lately! Here and here (saw this one in store over the weekend-- it's FABULOUS!) are other options for long-sleeved lace shirts.


[5.0] This Kate Spade watch! Oh my gosh! I was helping my girl, Sarah, decide on some new wrist candy, and I spied this beauty on Nordstrom's website. My school colors are blue and red, so this bow watch is completely beckoning to me. Bring on my ACT prep. class earnings! ;-)


What trends are you obsessing over?
xxoo
Mary

Thanksgiving and Our Ohio Travels

You might say I was really excited to be home for Thanksgiving. :-)

The above picture is the first photograph taken with our NEW Nikon CoolPix P610 digital camera. Horray! It was an amazing early Christmas gift from my mom. (Please excuse the alarming photograph: I had just woken up!). Shout out to Mark and Courtney for the best tee shirt!

Similar J. Crew bow PJ pants here.

We got to meet Miura, the most beautiful daughter of my dear friend, Amanda. 

Lululemon Headband here. There isn't a better headband for working out than the Fly Away Tamer. It has a little strip of stickiness so it won't slide around (even in downward facing dog!). However, the sticky strip doesn't pull out your hair like other headbands I've worn. 

Okay, I had to throw this one in because he just looks so great with a baby! Hehehe

 Next on the Boardman docket was helping implement stages 1-3 of Jimmy's proposal to Megan scheme.  Megan and Jimmy have been to of my closest friends since we were in elementary school. We helped coerce Megan to go to our elementary school playground so she could meet Jimmy there, where he would propose! (I said we needed her to snap a Christmas picture of my family! Haha! It worked like a charm).

I love this yellow ruffle top from Loft. Here is the top in a beautiful pink; the yellow is sold out, but this pink color is fabulous! 

This maroon/Pinot Noir Julie pant (old) from Loft is my favorite fall/winter pair of pants. It was unseasonably warm in Youngstown over Thanksgiving, so I was able to wear the crops with more open pumps. The best part of these skinny crops, though, is you can wear them tucked into your riding boots all winter. Here is an alternative pair: from J. Crew Factory. The color is so on trend right now and can easily be paired with various colors on top! 

My BCBGeneration studded pumps are so comfortable and remind me of the Valentino studded pumps (for a serious fraction of the price).  

Celebrating our bestie, Megan, getting engaged!

Amanda, Megan, Jamie and me

Jamie's shirt (similar here) is one I own, too! We both purchased it last year from The Limited. However, the Loft option is just as adorable! 

Thursday was Thanksgiving. 

I love this Loft striped and sequined shirt from a few seasons ago. I have paired it with jeans, black pants (for work), black skirts and colored pants. It is such a workhorse in my closet! Unfortunately, it is several years old. But, here is a great alternative (below). 

This shirt from J. Crew Factory is $31 currently, and it has gold sequins down the side! How fabulous! You could pair it with khakis or tailored black pants for work, and wear it with similar pieces as my above striped top. 

Cooper needed some turkey, too! ha ha ha

 I just smile when I see Coop! With my sister, the mom-to-be!

I can't get over this red lip color from Stila. I've blogged about it before, but this is it in Fiery. I am not exaggerating when I say it lasts ALL DAY. I looked for a lip stain for my wedding (apparently stains are not as popular these days), but this was the best bet (in Amalfi for the wedding). 

My glasses are Kate Spade. Here they are online, but I bought mine from the awesome Amy at Third Street Eye Care (if you're ever in Geneva, you MUST stop by for new specs!). 

I have to say, my bestie Mandy totally motivated these spectacles. I came with her to find her new pair last summer. I did not realize I bought the exact same ones this past fall! Even more reason for people to think we are twinnies! :-)

Our 10 year high school reunion was Friday evening. It was so fun! We danced and had a blast catching up with old friends!  It was so nice to chat with pals from all over the country. A special shout out to Jamie Spickler who made my whole weekend by telling me she loved the blog! <3

Above: me, Amanda (new mama!), Megan (newly engaged!), Jamie and Lauren

Friends for decades! 

You know you're best friends when 5 of you show up in practically the same black, lace dress.

Mine is old Lilly Pulitzer, but here are five other styles of fabulous lace LBDs (all for under $150).

1. B.B. Dakota from Bloomies: here.

2. J. Crew Factory short sleeved: here

3. Adrianna Papell from Nordies: here. (Very similar to Jamie's!).

4. B.B. Dakota from Nordies: here. (Just bought this in red for my friend's wedding in December!).

5. Asos long sleeved: here.

We had so much fun catching up with Alyssa and Danielle! 

She's engaged! Sooooo happy for Jimmy and Megan! 

Thanksgiving part 2 commenced on Saturday with the Hancock side of my family. It was SO awesome to be able to be with my dad's side on our way back to Illinois. My cousin Neil and Caitlin (far right) just got engaged and will be getting married in October!

My burnt-sienna colored peplum top is a bit older from Loft, but here is a great alternative, that is on BIG TIME SALE today! This is another fabulous peplum option from Loft. Pair it with your favorite skinny jeans and a plaid scarf, and you have a simple, quick and stylish outfit! 

Pair all peplum tops with fitted skinny jeans or tailored pants to offset the flowy-ness of the peplum. 

My gold sparkly Tory Burch flats are about 4 years old, but I just found these stunners at Talbots! 50% any full priced item today! 

We spent Sunday decking our halls back at home in Illinois. 

No, I am not a giant. Yes, this tree is approximately 4 feet tall. LOL

Check out my Pure Barre gear in this post! 

Mike gave me this ornament last week when I had had a rough day. Yes, that is a newly married couple as a s'more! There is nothing I love more than S'MORES, and this ornament for our first Christmas couldn't have been more ideal. Mike found this at Von Maur in store, but here is a Baby's First Christmas s'more option found online. 

Decking Mike's drums with lights! Our new tradition :-)

I hope your Thanksgiving was full of family, love and cheerfulness.
How are you decorating your home for the holidays? The glittery trees and deer are my new obsession (thank you, Target!).

xxoo
Mary

Travelling for the Holiday(s): What to Pack?

We are lucky enough to travel home over Thanksgiving to see my family in Youngstown, Ohio. My sister (and her baby bump), my brother-in-law, their dog, Cooper, my husband and I will be taking off (road trip!) for Ohio Tuesday after work.  When it comes to winter travel, packing is often the most arduous part, particularly if it's unseasonably cold (or warm!).

Above: Cooper on our road trip last Christmas.

In order to make packing for your trip a little easier, consider these hints:

First, decide what your main events will be, and choose the outfits for those.

For our Thanksgiving trip, I know on Wednesday I will be meeting my best friend's new baby, Miura. One of my favorite "dressier" sweatshirts is this J. Crew crewneck sweatshirt with the ruffle hem (below).  The best part is you can layer any color underneath the gray. J. Crew Factory just came out with a sequin hem crewneck sweatshirt (picture below) that is equally adorable (mine is last year's).

At my first dress fitting in February with Mandy, Beth and Anna!

We will be hosting Thanksgiving dinner at my mom's on Thursday. I am going to incorporate some sparkle into my outfit because to me, when is a BAD time to wear sequins? ;-)

Above: at Penrose Brewery with my girls Mandy and Kelly. 

My shirt is old J.Crew Factory; however, you can find similar ones here and here. 

Friday is my 10-year high school class reunion. I will be wearing this black lace Lilly Pulitzer dress. (Below). Here is a great alternative (mine is a few years old).

Saturday we are celebrating Thanksgiving with my dad's side of the family in Findlay, Ohio. I plan on wearing my new tartan scarf from The Initial Co. and styling it something like Courtney did on her website!

They are all sold out of this fabulous scarf at the Initial Co., but here it is on Tuckernuck's website! The best part of this tartan scarf is that I can wear it with so many different colors. 

Once you know the main components of your itinerary, you can pack with much more ease.

Also, pack shoes or boots that are multi-purpose; it's better if your shoes you bring can be worn dressy or casual.

Similar Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flats here.

Sofft brown booties, here. 

After you've compiled the "main" events' clothing, decide if you'll be working out on your trip. If so, you'll need the appropriate shoes and work-out garb.

We are going to Pure Barre in Youngstown (taught by one of my former dance teachers!) on Wednesday, pre-Turkey.  I'll try to hit up my mom's Pilates Reformer a few times in the basement, too (the operative word being TRY-- hehe).  Similar capris: here. Tank top here! Sticky socks: found here.


Finally, think about your down time and what you'd like to wear during those hours. When I am home at my mom's, my best times are sat snuggling on the couch in comfy pajamas with a glass of wine in hand. I love my mom and step-dad's fireplace. To me, their fireplace indicates home, holidays and family (and the fact that my mom keeps her house at approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit-- haha!).

Furthermore, consider the drive or flight to your destination. On Tuesday, I will be leaving directly from work to scoop up the hubs and head down to Chicago to meet Anna and Shawn.  Typically, my travelling uniform is Lululemon Wunder Under pants and a Saint Mary's tee shirt.

Loving this adorable new SMC tee-- there's a sale on the Saint Mary's College bookstore site: $10 off any $50 purchase and $25 off $100! 

Don't forget your festive jammies!

There's a 50% sale going on currently on J. Crew Factory online. Time to stock up! 

These are my favorite buffalo plaid jammie pants from J. Crew Factory-- and they are on sale for $21!


And the best "short trip" bag I've ever owned is my Vera Bradley large duffel bag. It is the perfect size for 3-5 days and traveling by car.

Where are you headed this Thanksgiving? May your travels be safe and your Thanksgiving meal be filled with family and love.

xxoo
Mary