So Much to be Thankful for + Turkey Day Outfit

My sweet sister-in-law, Lidija, took some photos of me on Thanksgiving day while we were in Jackson. She is incredibly talented; check out her website!  She travels all over for wedding shoots. She's a fabulous photographer! Here is a couple of our engagement pictures that Lidija shot for us at Notre Dame and Saint Mary's! 

On the steps of Le Mans ^^

In Lilly on the Ave! (Lidija also went to SMC! And her husband, Mike's oldest brother, also went to ND. Well, all his brothers did. And my other lovely SIL, Molly! And his dad. And aunt Joan and uncle George . LOL. Oh, and cousin, Becca! And cousin Katie at SMC! Have I forgotten anyone, babe?)

#domers

^ with the Golden Dome behind us :)

This outfit was super simple to throw together (ideal for a packing situation), and the Winnie Pants I'm wearing offered ample stretch for the turkey, green bean casserole (GBC thanks to Court!), pumpkin pie, apple pie, mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, salad and apps I ate!  It was really great to be with my in-laws and nephews! :) I can't wait to reunite with the entire Fremeau clan over Christmas break. 

I am so obsessed with this vest. I got it a few years ago at J.Crew Factory, but here is a link to my last blog post about it! (I wear it A LOT!)

I am equally obsessed with this elbow-patch shirt!

I bought mine last fall at YM Boutique in Aurora, but they've since re-released some new elbow-patch tops. My friend, Lauren and her sister, Melissa, totally got me hooked on these! The length is perfect- longer to wear with skinny pants. Also, we bought my sister one with pink elbow patches! Adorbs. 

This is a great option with black elbow patches. Here's a really similar one to mine for a whopping $8.99! 

Here's another version of the elbow-patched shirt for under $10! 

I am all about a cropped Winnie pant + a critter sock for winter. I like that you can see a peep of my matching socks when I sit down. Check out these Winnie Pants and critter socks from J. Crew:

PS: best stocking stuffer, too! Especially the J. Crew Factory socks for $4!

I bought these Sofft booties a few years ago, but they are incredibly comfortable. Again, I can't buy a shoe that isn't practical for work. I'm on my feet all day-- there's no way to be in pain!  Sofft shoes are really the only work heels I own. They last forever, too!

I love layering chunky necklaces. The top one is super old Loft and the bottom is equally as old Charming Charlies.

Trying layering any of these:

This TJ Maxx version of the puffer vest is currently $22! You can't beat that!

The J. Crew Factory version is only $43! I wear this puffer vest soooo much, guys! You need one. Stat! Also loving this red tartan version.  My all-time fave: this splurge from Vineyard Vines. 

More striped tops: 

More comfy brown booties to add to your collection:

Never be scared to mix patterns. It is a fashion risk worth taking!

How is everyone doing back at work this week?
xxoo
Mary

Blush and Ruffles

I've said it before, but Banana Republic is totally hitting it out of the ballpark right now with their current styles. My post is going to base around this fabulous blush top with ruffles-- which is currently half off! It comes in grey and black, too. B-Rep is KILLING it! 

In my opinion, blush/ballet pink is such a fun color. Paired with gold or silver, this color is certainly versatile. It's a lovely winter and spring go-to color.

I love this blush wallet Mike surprised me with for Christmas. It can be found here. It's the perfect size for my Kate Spade bag, too!

Bangles, above: left, top: Charming Charlie's

Glasses bangle: Kate Spade (now only available in black)

Right, top: Party like Gatsby, Act like Audrey, Dress like Jackie bangle from Etsy 

Middle: Glitter bow bangle (the Glitter is My Favorite Color bangle is all sold out!)

Bottom:  Bourbon and Boweties from my friend, Mandy!

Here are the new BCBgeneration Darron pumps in the flesh! They're sold out at DSW, but here they are on Steinmart's website. They're also available in silver and black glitter here. The comfort of these pumps is unreal! I have never loved wearing heels more than since my friend Jackie introduced me to the Darron pumps! 

We went to Doughocracy and Penrose the other night (two of my favorite spots in Geneva-- check them out! We had such a blast!) with some of our pals, and this ruffle top from Banana Republic was the perfect choice for a casual triple-date night! It is currently $20 with the 50% off sale! 

I am reading this amazing book: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. I've only just begun it, and I am already hooked. It's fiction and takes place in the 1940s; it's the tale of a German boy and blind French girl who meet and try to survive WWII.  So far, it's fantastic. I bought three new books from Amazon after reading Jen Lancaster's recent Facebook post of books to read in book clubs. She's one of my favorite authors; I absolutely trust her judgement. 

Lips: MAC Impassioned

Earrings: Old, but here's a great alternative. 

Mrs. Necklace: Kate Spade 

My jeans are also Banana Republic. I love the skinny fit! I've had them for two years, and they are still in phenomenal shape. 

My husband surprised me with the All in Good Taste Kate Spade coffee table book which I have been swooning over since I received it.  (He's a great gift-giver!). 

Here are my top six picks (couldn't narrow down to 5! haha!) for favorite ruffle pieces at Banana Republic right now. Check them out! Several are 50% off!

1. This blush ruffled dress. Perfect for work or out on the weekends! (Also, check it out in a pattern, here!).
2. My ruffle top in gray. Dress it up with black pants and heels for work or dress it down with booties and jeans for a casual night out.
3. This cream-colored ruffle sweater. This is slightly heavier than my top, so it's better for the colder months ahead!
4. This criss-cross ruffle tee! I tried it on the other day in store, and it fit so well! I think it will be my birthday gift to myself. (And for $19, I deserve it! haha!).
5. This ruffle-front blouse. Check out that gorgeous red! It is fantastic for work.
6. This ruffle shoulder sweater. It's perfect for the winter with a collared shirt underneath for warmth. Wear it into the spring months because, well, ruffles!  Obsessed with the "bright celery" color.


I just can't emphasize enough how fab Banana Republic is currently. Check it out-- online or in stores-- I guarantee you'll be impressed. The new releases for spring make me so excited, too.  But, swoop up those winter sales! So worth it!



xxoo
Mary

Christmas Day Look and New Year's Eve Outfit Sneak Peek!

Mike and I spent Christmas day in Ohio with my mom's side of the family. It was ridiculously warm (50s! In Northeast Ohio! On Christmas! Sheesh!), which made me a little distressed about my outfit. I didn't want to overheat! But I definitely wanted to wear a tartan skirt and green sweater! #fashionbloggerprobs I'd purchased the skirt with Christmas in mind, but I also got to wear it to work on "red, white and green" finals spirit week day. LOVE. 

Thus, I opted for a tights-less Christmas, which I don't think I've ever had in my life! It was pretty glorious. 

Gallivanting around with glee because I was sans tights on December 25.

Embellished sweater: (old J.Crew Factory, similar from Express here). 

Skirt: sold out from J. Crew Factory, but here, here, and here are equally fabulous options!).

The weather was warm enough for us to be outside snapping pictures before my cousin and uncle came over! 

Shoes: Tory Burch, old, similar here. 

These sparkly Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flats are one of my favorite pairs of shoes, ever. They're super comfortable, and I always receive compliments on them. I wear them constantly to school, and my kids get a kick out of the sparkle. These are quite old, a gift to me in 2011, but I have since had them sewn on the back (from sheer overuse), and they're currently being re-insoled! I cannot let these babies go! 

Yes, the Tory flats are pricey-- there is no two ways about it-- but for the amount of mileage these beauties get, it is so worth every cent. I recently helped my friend Scott pick out a pair of Revas for his fiance (and my friend, too!), Lauren. I think I can attest to the fact that she was one happy camper upon receiving the gift! 

Side note: the Tory Burch ballet flats often go on sale. Also, Tory Burch has 30% off sitewide sales quite regularly-- just get on her email list! I have 3 pairs of these ballet flats in different colors and styles, and I have had each for YEARS. They outlast all my other work shoes! Plus, they're gorgeous!

I am in love with embellished sweaters. You can skip a necklace thanks to the detailing. This sweater was a Christmas gift last year, but I have gotten so much use out of it. Check out my current favorite embellished sweaters: 60% off at Ann Taylor, 60% at Loft, too!

Lipstick: MAC Brave Red

My Kate Spade knot earrings are my go-to gold earrings. My bestie, Mandy, got me these when Mike and I got engaged in 2014! I haven't stopped wearing them since. It was such a thoughtful gift for a newly engaged gal-- for "tying the knot"! A perfect, thoughtful gift if you have any newly engaged gal pals. 

I've talked about my Alex and Ani bracelets before, but I can't get over how much I adore them. I have the Saint Mary's College one, an F, a guardian angel of answers (in honor of my aunt Sue), a Godmother bangle (from Beth and Bryn), and a beautiful feather wrap bracelet (that doesn't hang) from my hubs. These can be stacked and worn all at once (as pictured) or worn individually. My sister has gold and silver bangles and mixes them, which looks super chic. They're a perfect gift and extremely meaningful collection to start for any woman in your life. 

We had the most hilariously fun Christmas with our family. We missed my aunt so very much, but we could tell she was watching over us as we ate Holiday Potatoes, drank Christmas Ales, danced in the family room and cracked up about all our ridiculous family memories. The stories were the best part of the day. We sat in the dining room and talked about our Notre Dame game shenanigans, my timeliness, our shower-hair rituals, and the Sobotka wedding on the bay (LOL).  I love everyone in this picture so much, and I am so thankful to have them in my life.

Auntie Ash and Auntie Mar are going to spoil Baby Boy Connolly so much! So happy for my sister and her husband! I can't wait to meet him in April! 

And now for a little sneak peek of tonight's New Year's Eve ensemble! 

Yesterday, I headed into the city for a shoot of my New Year's Eve outfit with Gabby. However, the weather was NOT in agreement with our plans. We had to cancel because downtown Chicago weather yesterday was not conducive to a photoshoot. Gabby and I were so sad, but we are going to try again soon! She is a FABULOUS photographer and incredibly talented. Check out her website, here. 

Instead, my BFF, Mandy, came to my rescue and shot a few pics in the burbs. We laughed so hard and got a few great snaps in. Thanks to Mandy for brightening my day! More to come on the NYE look soon!

Here she is! I had to turn the cam on her because she cheered me up so much! Thanks, girl!

Her North Face Thermoball jacket is so amazing. It's unbelievably lightweight but INCREDIBLY warm. I was, of course, obsessed, and ordered myself this one from the Nordstrom's sale! Mandy's is here in Dramatic Plum. Her distressed jeans are Gap (here) and the lace shirt she has on is Ann Taylor (currently 40% off here!).

Heading out for a haircut and then into the city for a NYE party with my SMC/ND Chicago besties! I am so excited to be together tonight! How are you ringing in the new year? 

Be safe and have a phenomenal time tonight!

xxoo

Mary

A Wedding Weekend at Notre Dame!

Two of my dear friends, Jon and Sarah, got married over the weekend at The University of Notre Dame.  ND holds such a special place in my heart; I attended Saint Mary's College (across the street) and my husband attended Notre Dame. The Basilica, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful places on earth.  Sarah was absolutely radiant, and I've never seen Jon happier. Thank you so much for including us in your day!

Paparazzi shots, courtesy of Mike. haha! 

The inside of the Basilica at Notre Dame-- it's so ornate and gorgeous.

Any time I've attended mass at the Basilica, I have to remind myself to stay focused on the homily and to not just stare at the gorgeous ceiling and architecture! But it was easy to stay engaged at Jon and Sarah's wedding; their priest was AMAZING! He was married for 45 years, has 5 kids and 15 grandkids-- after his wife passed, he became a priest. What incredible life experience! And, he was hilarious! Everything about their mass (and wedding!) was perfect. 

Mike is getting very good with the new cam! The exterior of the Basilica.

My dress comes in 11 colors! 

The back was TO DIE FOR!  

Find it here. My color was Crimson. 

The front! Haha. I hope this isn't really how I look when I dance! However, Sarah and Jon's playlist was the best! So many Backer songs (for all you Belles and Domers, "Africa" by Toto was one of the first songs!) 

Lips: MAC, Brave Red

Maria opted for Rent the Runway and looked absolutely fabulous!

Find her dress here. Maria loved the dress she rented so much that she is actually going to rent it again for New Year's Eve! 

Maria's lip color: MAC Diva. 

Maria's bracelet: mine from Fran's wedding! But here is an equally adorable one. 

Maria and Kevin looking fancy and dapper outside the Dome.

Maria's shoes: black glitter pumps!

Maria's chain link clutch: similar here. 

Earrings: on Maria (old Ann Taylor), similar here. 

Mine, old Macy's, similar here. 

Since we both wore lace dresses, we avoided necklaces, and we instead chose ornate chandelier earrings and stacked several bling-y bracelets. 

I loved the fit of this $98 B.B. Dakota stunner. 

I ordered it online from Nordstroms, and it fit perfectly. I will say, if you are between sizes, size down! It was better for me to go with the smaller size. (Also, the reviews confirm this!). 

My bracelet is old Ann Taylor (from my wedding, actually!), but here is a similar style. 

Shoes: my trusty BCBGeneration studded pumps!

I danced all night in these shoes without any pain. 

Also, no tights or coat in December in South Bend! It was 61! Crazy!

Selfie! Oh, my. Too close! haha!

Nails: OPI Edin-Burgandy (discontinued), but here is a similar OPI color! 

Our hotel room was our wedding date! 7-11!  Kismet? I think so. 

Purse: from Etsy. This shop owner is sooo talented and wonderful to work with! She makes different book clutches from several choices of novels. The books are actually the real texts! But she lacquers the sides, and cuts into the book to create a purse. It's phenomenal! The price is right, too, especially in comparison with the Kate Spade book clutches. 

I think I'm going to need to purchase this dress in more colors! I received so many kind compliments on it. Additionally, it was comfortable to the max. Fit and flare is the best style for me, and this dress exemplifies the fit and flare style.

Many congrats to Jon and Sarah!
xxoo
Mary