Tartan & Hunters-- Feeling Holiday Vibes!

Oh my GOSH you guys. I got totally knocked on my butt last week, thanks to some "upper-respiratory-infection-disaster"! I had to miss 2 days of work! I was couch-bound and totally useless. It wasn't the flu or strep (got those tests at the doc), but BOY was it horrendous! Saturday was the first day since Tuesday that I finally felt more myself. I still sound awful, but at least I've regained enough energy to entirely disinfect our apartment, lol. Poor Mike caught it, too!


I don't know if it was the colder temps or some of the windowfronts around downtown Geneva being decorated for Christmas, but I am suddenly getting into the holiday spirit. Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. At Thanksgiving, you still have the rest of the season to look forward to. I absolutely love Christmas, of course, but it's the end of the holiday season, and it makes me a little downtrodden. If that makes sense at all? So, gearing up for Thanksgiving is my most favorite time of year, too!

^^Shout out to my BFF Court for my favorite ever earrings. I always wear these! Best gift ever, girl!

Andrea, a former student of mine, has started a photography business! She reached out to me because she liked reading the blog, which was the sweetest compliment. She is extremely talented, shooting for Baby Bella Newborn Photography and senior portraits in the area. If you're in need of a photographer for your kiddos, your engagement pictures or even your wedding, look into Andrea's Insta @SwoffordPhotography and like her page on FB: Swofford Photography!

I got this J. Crew Perfect Shirt from my mom last year for Christmas. I absolutely love it-- I pair it with skirts, jeans and nice pants for work. It reminds me of the holiday season because of that tartan print. The Perfect Shirts from J. Crew run true to size. For reference, I'm wearing a 6. (Side note: this year J. Crew Factory is actually selling this shirt. They call it their "Perfect Fit" shirt. These are equally as fantastic and are much cheaper. MAJOR WIN! They, too, fit TTS. I wear a small in Factory's).

Some other fabulous plaid shirts to wear while drinking your red holiday cups:

And even cheaper ones, thanks to J. Crew Factory! 

Honestly, I can notice no difference between J. Crew Factory and regular J. Crew pieces. I say go with the cheaper! It looks identical! Also, like I said, the shirt I am wearing is from J. Crew last year, and now Factory has rolled it out for the season. #savingswin

THIS RUFFLE. I can't even deal with the cuteness of it.

This skirt. OH my gosh. Let me tell you a little story about myself. When I find something I like, I tend to buy multiples of it, in different colors. That way, I also know it fits, and I love the style, etc. Enter: this Wool Sidewalk Skirt. I now own it in a sparkly khaki linen, a coral linen, a tartan wool and a black wool. I always get it for $35 or less, and I just order it from the website because I know my size: 4 for the weekends (slightly shorter) or 6 if I'm wearing it more for work. PS: major throwback to last year's Christmas day outfit. Tartan Sidewalk skirt!

Anddddd. It just slides on. No buttons or zippers, hurray!  Major comfort win. Tuck in your shirt, and you're holiday party (or work)- ready.


I can't recommend Hunters more. I throw on a pair of boot socks with these bad boys in the winter, and I can trudge to Pure Barre while staying warm and dry in knee-high snow drifts. They're perfect for the rain; I'm the only person who intentionally steps into puddles. Haha! I have them in Aubergine, too. I have both pairs in the matte finish, but the glossy finish is fab, too! Note: never pay full price for your Hunters! Costco sells them for as low as $75. I bought mine on sale in the shoe room at Von Maur and my others back when I lived in Chicago at Akira on sale. LOL (party tops and Hunters, obvi!).

And as always, my trusty Burberry jacket. I have to always say the disclaimer about this coat: I didn't buy it for myself. My ex-BF got me this gem, before my darling Mike came into my life. I think that was his only redeeming quality-- hahaha. Oops! Mike knows, and we always laugh. It's an heirloom; a total classic coat that I will have forever. One day, if there are girl Fremeau babes, they can fight over it (or else my Goddaughter and nieces get it)! It is the perfect weight for 40-60 degree temperatures, making it the ideal fall jacket.

It's a coat that you will wear for the rest of your life. When you think in PPW (price per wears) like I do, it all works out with a coat you'll have for a lifetime. I own a medium for reference.

My necklace: here.
The J.Crew Factory Multistrand pearl necklace. This was a gift from my friend Jackie, YEARS ago. I still wear it constantly! I've since gifted them to other friends and family members. It's an absolute classic.

I cannot thank Andrea enough for the fab photoshoot in dt Geneva. She is going to be HUGE! She's an art student currently, working hard through her first year of college. So proud of her and so lucky to be photographed by this gal! Andrea was so sweet; she's like, "will your husband feel overthrown not taking pictures today?" hahaha! No! You're a professional, girl! :)


How's your Monday so far? Stay healthy!
xxoo
Mary

Trending 11.8.2016

I can't believe it's been almost 2 months since my last Trending report! I found some items I just HAD to share! Time for what's #trending in my world. [author's note: just realized this post is super plaid/tartan-heavy! hahah! 'tis the season!]

[1.0] OMG. These tartan monogrammed gloves. I am hyperventilating over these. Currently on sale! Wouldn't they make the perfect stocking stuffer for your sister/cousin/bestie?

[2.0] This festive pleated midi skirt from Express. I LOVE the green and red. Holiday parties, anyone? It comes in black, too, for a polished and practical work staple.

[3.0] This ruffle front henley from Loft.
How cute would that be tucked into a red skirt? Or paired with red skinnies? I actually just bought it in red, and it fits so fabulously! I wore it over black skinny crops when I still had my brace on, but I will re-wear it tucked into jeans for the weekend.

[4.0] My future dressier winter coat from J. Crew Factory.
I have another version of this coat without the hood from a few years ago. It is SO WARM, even without a hood, so I cannot imagine how cozy it will be with a furry hood! I am watching the red one for major sales! I've seen it dip as low as $160. There is an identical J. Crew version of it for $400. #NOPE

[5.0] This Lululemon Scuba hoody in navy.
I've been looking for a navy zip-up for Fridays at work, and this fits the bill! I have had several Scuba hoodies over the years, and they are ridiculously warm and cozy. The hood is epic, too. It literally zips all around your head and ears. Amaze!

[6.0] This Holiday Tartan Ruffle dress for every. single. holiday. event. you have in the books!
Vineyard Vines' Holiday Tartan looks amazing on this vest and this Shep shirt. I love all three! Here is a less expensive (but equally adorbs) version from J. Crew Factory.

[7.0] This J. Crew lace peplum top (loving the magenta!).
It will be perfect with dark, skinny jeans and black pumps for the weekend. Pair it with a tailored blazer for workday wear.

[8.0] My sweet galpal, Taryn, from Pure Barre left this link on my Facebook wall. IT HAD TO BE MINE!  I ordered it, and a few days later it arrived! Emi Jay has adorable graphic tees/tanks/sweatshirts that are one size fits all. They're SUPER comfy and look fab with a strappy, bright sports bra. I'm on week 2/4 of physical therapy, but I'll be back to the barre soon enough! Can't wait to wear this and reunite with my girls.

[9.0] Are you in need of a top to wear for Christmas? Or for Christmas pics with the fam? Look no further! Anna, Ashley-- want to wear these on Christmas? I am like 99.9% serious. HAHA! To match Finn???

[10.0] THAT RUFFLE, THOUGH!
I am biased toward loving navy as a Wildcat and former Belle, but seriously, this ruffle and that navy!! For all seasons.

I hope your week is off to a wonderful start.
Are you loving the warmer temps, or are you ready for cozy sweaters?
xxoo
Mary

Belle On Trend's Current Obsessions

Hello and happy "gain an hour of sleep" day!

I wanted to create a quick blog post about my current obsessions. I am spying on these various items and lusting after them!  Saving my money and stacking my coups for future purchases...


1. The J. Crew bright-and-cheery-colorful wool coats found here.





The hardest part for me is going to be choosing a color! These cozy coats will help welcome winter to Illinois with much less of a sting!


2. This tartan blanket scarf.

I have seen so many people rocking this tartan print, and I can totally see why! The color scheme makes me think warm and fuzzy November/December thoughts. Additionally, you can pair this with blue, green, red, camel, cream, or yellow. It's a fabulous piece that will take me through the cold months ahead!


3. These gorgeous studded pumps.

I know I have talked about these fierce pumps in an earlier post, but I can't get over how comfortable they are! I purchased the nude and black, inspired by my friend, Jackie. These are by BCBGeneration, and they can be found online at the link above or at a DSW store. They are SO comfortable! I am having major FOMO about only purchasing the nude and black; I may head back for the glittery rose gold ones! Pair any of the above with a plain black or navy dress and tights, and you have a conversation starter! "Are they Valentino?"


4.  This glittery-glam wallet by Kate Spade.

The biggest conundrum would be deciding on a color! Imagine how many compliments you'll get when you pull that stunner out to pay for your beverage at the local coffee shop! I'm dying for these!



5.  The Maura Top (on sale!) from Camilyn Beth and the Black and Ivory Pearl dress also by Camilyn Beth.  Peplum, bows and tulle are three of my favorite things when it comes to fashion, and the Maura Top and the Black and Ivory Peal dress cover all my bases. I love black and white together for winter soirees-- my plan is to channel my inner Sarah Jessica Parker with the Black and Ivory pearl dress for New Year's Eve! My hubs is dying to wear his tux again from our wedding. Any suggestions on black tie functions in the burbs for NYE?

Furthermore, I cannot say enough about how wonderful my experience with Camilyn Beth was. I bought the Ivory Fresh Air dress to wear in my engagement photos and to my wedding shower.  

Engagement and wedding pictures by Blossom Lane Photography

With my sweet sister, Anna, and my darling friends, Jackie, Libby and Alison at my wedding shower

The customer service at Camilyn Beth was phenomenal. I was able to get quick advice on sizing, and they even sent swatches of color to me (for my bridesmaids) with the most beautiful, personalized card. 

My bestie, Mandy, in the Ampi dress, (in peach) for our wedding.

I hope everyone had a fabulous Halloween weekend!

xxoo
Mary