Cobalt Blue Bow Dress, and I HAVE A NEW NEPHEW!

When I got the latest J. Crew catalog a few months ago, I spied this cobalt blue stunner. The bows, the color and the shape of the dress were all 10/10 for me! I can't bring myself to pay full price for anything, really, so I knew it would be a waiting game. Fast forward a couple months, and the fam and I were shopping in Florida. We stopped at J. Crew, and this dress was 30% off! Horray! Of course, there were none in my size. I was bummed, but the salesperson encouraged me to try on the 4. Well, I am really glad I did! This dress runs a little big, as I am not typically a 4 (especially in a sheath dress), so keep that in mind!  It is on sale currently for 40% off $109! About $60 ish dollars for a classic dress. It also comes in black! 

Note: not my drums, HAHA!

Those bows! 

Try these other cobalt blue dresses from J.Crew if you're not sure about the bows: here, here and here. 

Isn't this color just so vibrant?

I paired this dress with my favorite blue crystal-cluster earrings, also from J. Crew, compliments of my friend, Jackie! 

Similar: here, here, here (50% off!), here or here. 

I went with silver jewelry and my silver Michael Kors watch with this bright blue hue.

Watch: Similar Michael Kors.

Roman numerals bracelet: A special gift from my Aunt Sue but similar here. 

Saint Mary's bangle (SMC monogram): from Junior Mom's Weekend '08!

Swarovski crystal bracelets (thanks to Gar!): here, here and here.

I get so many compliments on these bow Nine West pumps!

I wore them for my friend Fran's wedding, and they were extremely comfortable!

Wait: the best part-- they are currently under $40 on 6pm.com! I paid full price for these beauties a couple years ago because I was desperate for a black pump and fast. However, they're WORTH EVERY CENT!

Now the best part: Finn Patrick! 

I am so in love. My nephew is just perfect.

Bar coordinates necklace: Lat and Lo. I just purchased this necklace with our address on it! The inscription on the back says, "our first home"! What an amazing gift to give someone (or yourself!). Check out http://www.latandlo.com/ for more fabulous personalized pieces!

He's smiling!

My sister looking amazing after giving birth!

Finn was born on April 22 at 4:40 am. He weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz.

Grammie and Finn.

Auntie Mary and Finn. 

Unkie Mike with Finn.

We love you sooo much already, sweet Finn!

How do you wear bows?

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