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

Belle On Trend's Recent Looks

I wanted to share with you a few looks I have worn lately :) Our Illinois weather has been unseasonably warm for December (today's high is 58! What!?!), so I find myself re-purposing spring and fall skirts with winter (lightweight) sweaters and tops. Here are some ideas if you find yourself in my spot: a strange (but certainly welcome) warmth between seasons!


I am in love with the lightweight 3/4 length J. Crew Factory sweaters. They come in various patterns and colors, and they pair so well with pants and skirts (my newest approach is tucking the sweater into the skirt-- try it!). They can be layered (think: gingham button up underneath) or stand alone. I paired this floral green one with an eyelet Loft skirt I had from the spring. It was in the 40s and rainy, so I went with my Hunters, as well.

Sweater (old J. Crew Factory): similar floral style here. 

Skirt (old Loft): similar midi, bright pink, fit and flare here.

Boots: Hunters

Earrings (old Stella and Dot): similar chandeliers here. 

Teal FitBit Flex: found here. 

The temperature of my school (and almost every other school I've ever been in!) varies by location in the building. I like to layer to be ready for both a hotter room and a colder part of the building.  This J. Crew Factory gingham button up gets so much wear from me!  Below, I paired it with an old Lilly Pulitzer cardigan and embraced the chains.

J. Crew Factory navy gingham: found here. 

Lilly Pulitzer chain-detail cardigan (old): similar here. 

Michael Kors watch (old): similar here. 

Kiel James Patrick bow bracelet: here. 

Pave link chain bracelet: found here. 

Link chain necklace (old Banana Republic):  similar here. 

Since it has been so much warmer than the typical December Illinois days, I have been waiting to wear tights until it's absolutely necessary. Instead, I go with boot socks and my high boots. This wool J. Crew Factory pencil skirt is polished and dressy, but I made it slightly more casual with this ruffle hem sweatshirt. My black boots are comfortable and easy-- these are old Nine West, but some other classic options are linked below the picture!

J. Crew Ruffle Hem Sweatshirt: here. 

Cobalt blue J. Crew Factory skirt: here. 

Nine West black boots: for $85! Alternative: Sam Edelman, Franco Sarto or Born. 

I popped the cobalt blue again with these J. Crew Factory earrings. They're a few years old, but here is a fantastic alternative by Kate Spade! 

Finally, I will always support fellow SMC Belles! I am currently reading my second Adriana Trigiani book, Big Stone Gap, and I am LOVING IT! I get so excited every time there is an SMC reference! This is a must-have stocking stuffer (even if you aren't an alum!). 

My French cross necklace is from the bookstore at SMC, but a similar one can be found here (without the diamond): A Design and Sons. Side note: A Designs and Sons is a company formed by a 1982 alum of Saint Mary's. The jewelry is just stunning; there is nothing more special than my French Cross pendant. 

I am wearing a script pave "Belle" necklace, given to me by one of my former students (turned friend!) who is now a junior at SMC. It is no longer available on the Nordstrom's website, but this is a fun alternative on Etsy-- make your own, here. 

For our first holiday party of the year with my neighbors next door, the temperature did not require the typical layers that the Geneva Christmas Walk usually calls for. Instead, I went with a lightweight scalloped oxford from Kiel James Patrick and my Julie Loft cropped pants. I wore booties with this look, but I didn't even need a coat! The KJP scalloped oxford is an investment piece, but I have worn it several different ways over the past two years! I have received innumerable compliments on it, and it looks fabulous with a statement necklace.

The Julie pant in red is sold out at Loft, but my coworker Jackie has these from J. Crew Factory, and they are adorable! A perfect alternative!

Any statement necklace will suffice with the scalloped collar. Here are some ideas: this necklace is GORGEOUS! And 50%, the white is so versatile, and you can never go wrong with this bling.

Similar Kate Spade bag in new colors!

My final recent look incorporated my Winnie J. Crew Factory crops ($36! And they fit so well!) with a jeweled-neck sleeveless shirt from J. Crew Factory and an Ann Taylor cardi. This way, I was ready for any temperature at work!

Ann Taylor Cardigan (old): similar option for $25!

J. Crew Factory crystal-neck sleeveless shirt (old): A pricier alternative, but currently 30% off! And adorable!

J. Crew Factory Winnie Crops: in navy.

Sofft brown booties: in leather.

And this mug is my favorite new accessory! Thanks to my bestie, Megan, I can rock my "Bloggers gonna blog" travel coffee mug! Find it here.

How are you transitioning your looks through the seasons?

xxoo
Mary