Scalloped Skirt and Tassel Earrings!

I saw this scalloped skirt online from J. Crew Factory. It came in navy, red and this grayish/green. I was totally obsessed, and I knew I needed it for school. However, they didn't sell it in stores! Major bummer. While I was at the Aurora Outlets stalking it, though, I saw this lady walking around in that very skirt. She looked fab, so I knew what I needed to do: order this puppy online! haha! I have a red skirt and a navy, so I went with this nice army-ish green one. It's an unlikely color for me, but I really dig it!

But, the biggest bummer: IT IS SOLD OUT!!!  Sheesh. I am going to do my best to get you very similar ops. I think this is my favorite skirt, and now it's GONE! #firstworldproblems

Try this scalloped one from Asos. 

This Asos one doesn't have the pockets or snaps in front, but that might actually be to your advantage. I had this horrible fear all day of squatting down to pick something up and my skirt popping open-- the horror!! SO, maybe the Asos version is more practical. 

My earrings: J. Crew Factory. Only $17! Very lightweight, too. I hate a heavy statement earring, and these definitely aren't cumbersome.

Other tassel options: here. 

This LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls is faux suede and $26! I am in. And it has the buttons! And even better colors than J. Crew Factory. Done and done.

I love the scalloped detail on shorts and skirts alike. How gorgeous is this blush pink suede skirt? PERFECTION for fall, guys!

Also, I am digging this navy one for the office. 

Red lips: Mac, Brave red. 

It is still super hot in Illinois, so my Toms peep-toe wedges are being put to good use!

These are a few years old, but try these (on sale! and super practical) and these adorable chevron ones! 

This is my classic popover. It's perfect tucked in to any skirt or colored pant. Furthermore, the jewelry options are endless with a white collared shirt.  Do yourself a favor and buy a few polished white shirts. Mine was $29 (J. Crew Factory sale in the summer), but I would invest in one like this J. Crew option. Also, pick up a long sleeved one, too! You will ALWAYS wear this-- for years to come. It's practical to the nth degree! Besides, if you spill on it (like I often do), your husband can easily bleach it-- hahaha. Thanks, babe!

^^^ Pics are done, now it's time to party. Bahaha

What are some of your closet staples?
xxoo
Mary

Trending 9.14.16

Oh. Em. Gee! My trending report today is ALL about the 10 tops you need in your life right now. Prepare to swoon, all!

[1.0] This striped and lace beauty.
J. Crew is doing everything right this season. This top incorporates stripes, the color red, scallops and lace in one piece. Wait for a sale (sign up for J. Crew emails), and swoop this baby up! Paired with jeans, you have a perfect weekend look.

[2.0] This mock-neck blush top.
It's romantic and flowy. There are ruffles and stripes. What could be better? Hellloooooo! The mock-neck is so on trend right now. Pair it with black trousers for work or dark denim for date night.

[3.0] This cream mock-neck chevron lightweight sweater.
This is all you need in your life for cooler temps. Rock that mockneck, fashionista! Pair her with a pop of color pant (my fave, the Winnie from J. Crew Factory!).

[4.0] This colorblock top.
Pair this with skinny khakis, rolled at the bottom. Pop on your favorite brown ankle booties, and you're ready for a day at work. I love the color scheme of this shirt! It's very Domer-esque (go Irish!).

[5.0] Meet your next party top!
The Merlot color would look amazing with this skirt from J. Crew (in black) for your next weekend night out! Express's sales are out of this world, too.

[6.0] Scallops to stand alone or wear under a cardigan!
I know I've raved about this one before, but now B-Rep has added a blush pink version! You need this. Your closet will thank you, and your coworkers will compliment you :)

[7.0] Flutter sleeves are another trend you won't want to miss.
How cute is that pattern, too? Pair that with a black, high-waisted pencil skirt for the office. Adorbs!

[8.0] A long sleeve version of the bell-sleeve look.
Loving this blush color that AT has rolled out. It's a perfect tone for fall! Pair this with ankle pants for work (and a patent leather black pump). It's so polished. The pindots are such a nice detail.

[9.0] This top that's a trickster.
From the front, you see a gray tee shirt. But turn around, and you see the piece de la resistance! That back! Mixed media is such a hit this fall. You'll need a comfy and cute top to pick out your pumpkins & mums over the weekend, while sipping on your PSL. Hahaha. #ImBasic

[10.0] This flamingo pink blazer.
Okay, okay-- hear me out.  I know this isn't technically a "top", but, you still need to check it out! It is a statement piece, for sure. Watch J. Crew for sales-- it's way too pricey currently. However, isn't she lovely!?! MAJOR swoonage is happening over here in Geneva.



What pieces are you coveting lately? I can't get over this mockneck look and bell-sleeves. It's so 70s and so fabulous!
xxoo
Mary

Yellow J. Crew Factory Tulip Hem Dress!

I saw this dress on the J. Crew factory website in mid-summer, and I knew I had to have it for back to school! The colors are just gorgeous; I love mustard yellow with navy.  I paired it with this navy tassel necklace that I got on sale at the J. Crew Factory at the Aurora Outlets. In total, my dress and necklace were $47 (with a $20 coupon I had). This dress goes on sale every few days! The bottom hem is tuliped; it's such a unique detail. I loved that it was long sleeved because my classroom is a little chilly (BUT IT'S GLORIOUS TO HAVE GOOD AC!). Have you heard of the Geneva Festival of the Vine? It was going on over the weekend, and it is adorable! There are wine tastings up and down 3rd Street, little vendors and craft booths, tons of delicious food, sales in all the stores/boutiques and live music. It happens every September! 

Specs: Kate Spade.

Just bought new specs with my friend Amy at 3rd Street Eye Care! I can't wait for them to arrive. I also tried to get contacts, but I am DEATHLY afraid of touching my eyeballs, so it has been really hard. Haha! #shameful #IcantseewhenIdontwearmyglasses #onedayIwillgrowup

Lip color: Mac Impassioned.

Red purse: old (2011) Kate Spade. Similar cross body option.

Loving this bow. 

This is just like my camel TB! 

My Toms booties never fail me!  They are currently on sale for $71!

I matched the bike!

(This pic was taken right before I nearly fell over with the bike...oops, haha!).

Loving the blue mustard pattern for this shirt and this scarf^^. 

Some more fun tassels from J. Crew factory here, here and here. All on sale! Just got these earrings in gold and crystal. 

Navy tassel necklace: J. Crew Factory.

My favorite earrings: Kate Spade, compliments of my bff Courtney. She gave me these in 2012 when I read at her wedding. Cute yellow finds: here, here-- convertible! and here-- hello! $5!.

Watch: Michael Kors.

How cute is my man? 

The man behind the cam! So incredibly stylish.

I love that we can finally open the windows and turn off the AC.  I absolutely love the heat and summertime, but something about the chill in the air just makes me excited for the months ahead and seeing my nephew experience every milestone! How are the temps in your neck of the woods?

PS: We babysat my Goddaughter Bryn and cousin Jack overnight this weekend, and we took them to a park in downtown Geneva to play. A sweet woman who was there with her family approached me and asked if I wrote a fashion blog. She wasn't entirely sure if it was me, but I am SO HAPPY she said something! It totally made my day! Made me so happy that my blog is reaching people I've never met before. Thanks so much for reading, you guys!
xxoo
Mary

First Day of School Dress

Every year of my life, I have been excited to head back to school. Whether it was heading into pre-k or elementary school:

^^ The classic Mary bowlcut. 

^^^ Bows compliments of our mom, LOL! Me on the right. Anna on the left.

Or high school: 

^^ I am definitely popping two collars and wearing a #VonDutch sweat band on my arm. #howdidIwinbestdressed? #Whydidmymomletmeleaveforschoollikethat? #somuchbleach

Or college: 

^^^ Yes, that is me, Caitlin and Courtney recreating a poster. Twice. In my dorm room. Bahhaha!

I have always loved school. I loved picking out my first day outfit for Saint Mary's College (Ralph Lauren polo, white with a navy horsey to match SMC colors-- collar popped, obvi. It was 2005, forgive me haha! And my favorite Lucky jeans. OH! And my lanyard as a necklace. #winning). 

This love of first day outfits hasn't changed. I went to J. Crew a few weeks ago to find the perfect dress for our first full day of school. I am head over heels for this brushstroke dress (which is currently on sale!). It comes in a skirt, ballet flats, a scarf and shirt, too. The print is even more beautiful in real life. Also, it's the best silk-- it doesn't wrinkle! DOUBLEPLUSGOOD: you can use your teacher or student discount at J.Crew! 

Purse: old Kate Spade. Similar here, here or here. 

Earrings: Old Stella and Dot.

Similar here or here. 

Shoes: Toms.

I walked nearly 10,000 steps today in these beauties (on my first wear), and my feet still feel great at the end of the day! 

Remember the shirt? Now it's on sale! NEED! 

What did you wear on your first day if you headed back to school or working as a teacher? 

xxoo

Mary 

So Long Sweet Summer

I honestly thought this weekend would never come. I have had an extraordinarily long summer break (I am NOT COMPLAINING!) due to my school's renovations, and we are finally heading back with kiddos on Tuesday! I am enjoying every moment of this long weekend; I need to soak up these remaining days. 

I know people used to be very adamant about "no white after Labor Day", but I still somewhat abide by that. I like to keep my brightest Lilly dresses for the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day. I do like to bust out my Lilly prints in the spring, just to get my spirits back up from those winter doldrums! :) Usually I just can't rock white in the winter simply because I AM SO PALE! 

Friday night we headed to Villa Verone (omg, best Italian food in Geneva, hands down) for dinner al fresco, and we got these pics along the way. So many people at the restaurant (men and women-- haha!) stopped us to tell me they loved my dress!  I am all about a comfortable shirtdress. This Lilly Pulitzer shirt dress was originally $168, but I got it for $59 on the After Party sale! It was so incredibly comfortable; it was perfect for eating a feast of a meal (I got the lobster ravioli special and ate every last morsel).  I belted it for a more refined look, but it would be great sans belt, too! This is a size small for reference. 

My dress is back up to its original price of $168. (Also, I love this print!)  But, here, here and here are some great alternatives to avoid that price tag! 

Tassel earrings: here, here and here. 

I love the detail on this dress. The front is pleated and has buttons. 

Tory Burch flats: here, here and here. 

My TB flats are my live-in shoes for the school year. You can stand in these babies all day with no pain at all. Very comfortable, and they literally last for years! 

Digging these major sale dresses: here and here.

^^^ Mike's proudest photography moment to date! Hahaha!

My belt is super old/super sale from Gap. But here are some belts to try: 

black or brown. This is $6.97! So is this! 

Side note: I am OBSESSED with the below Buttercup shorts by Lilly Pulitzer. I wore these out on Saturday night to visit our friends Laura and Dave. They were $39 on the Lilly P. #afterpartysale -- but, I would absolutely recommend them even at the full price. The scalloped detail is ADORABLE; they're super comfy, too!  I tried these exact shorts on in Florida in March, but I had to be stopped. LOL! They are TTS for reference. 

Chambray popover shirt: J. Crew Factory

Sandals: Jack Rogers 

Here are some transitional shirt dresses to take you into fall:

How did you spend your Labor Day Weekend?

xxoo

Mary