"The Reese"

- outfit details - 
top || Lucca (clearance find!)
jeans || Target
heels || Michael Kors (Dillard's clearance find!)
bag || "Reese" by Michael Kors (gift from my amazing husband!)
watch || Michael Kors
sunglasses || Forever 21

So I've never really had what I've always considered to be a "big girl" purse, partly because I could personally never justify spending my money on one (graduating college debt free was a way bigger priority!) and partly because I've never felt like I've reached that "grown-up" / "big girl" stage of life that warrants a purse of the same title. While I still can't totally justify spending money on a "big girl" purse (though I will admit I've noticed the extreme difference in quality!) and still don't quite feel like a grown-up (there are days when 16 seems like yesterday!), my amazing husband wanted to bless me with a gift for my birthday last week that he knew I've daydreamed about as my 25-year mark finally arrived. Reed is the best at making me feel special, valued and appreciated, especially when I don't feel worthy or the least bit deserving, so his heart behind this gift means ten times more to me than the actual bag (though let's be clear, I do LOVE the bag! ;) ).

I truly had a remarkable birthday week last week thanks to all the beautiful, thoughtful, loving people in my life! Every text, gift, tweet, post, hug, smile and birthday wish seriously meant the world, so THANK YOU to everyone who took that time! I love and appreciate you all so much! 

I wouldn't change a single thing about the first 25 years of my life. They by no means have been easy, and I'm not entering this new season of life free of problems and pain, but the faithfulness of my Heavenly Father makes it impossible for me to be discontent. The day I realized I had a choice to be thankful set my life on a course filled with unexplainable joy and peace. Paul says it best… 

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, 

whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 

I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." 

Philippians 4:12-13

Fall Fedora + Textures

- outfit details - 
jacket || H&M (old)
sweater || Target
leggings || H&M (old)
boots || Calvin Klein (gift)
bag || Target
hat || Target

Well, fall is officially here! With these cooler, fluctuating temperatures comes the opportunity to experiment with various layers, textures and accessories. I have a feeling this burgundy fall fedora and I are going to be spending a lot of time together this season. I love wearing hats because 1) they're a lifesaver on bad hair days (or for trying to go as long as possible in between hair washes lol), 2) they can take an outfit to the next level, and 3) the extra warmth is always nice for a cold-natured person like myself!

When picking out a hat for your fall wardrobe, you can't go wrong with neutrals (black, brown, gray, etc.), though color can be fun! I went with this burgundy color because I tend to wear a lot of neutrals in the fall, so this particular hat will provide a nice, muted pop of color, as seen in this outfit.

Also, layering different textures is a great technique to keep in mind when putting together fall outfits. In this outfit alone there are six different textures (leather, faux croc leather, canvas, knit, felt, nylon). This technique also helps differentiate several pieces of the same color in one outfit.

Have a Happy Monday and thanks for stopping by!

Striped T-Shirt Dress

- outfit details - 
dress || Target
vest || Target
sandals || Target
bag || Target
watch || Target
sunglasses || Target (similar)
necklace || Charlotte Russe (old)
nail color || Essie - "mint candy apple"

A striped t-shirt dress is a great addition to your spring/summer wardrobe. This particular one from Target is very comfortable, versatile (I've styled it more dressy with heels before, but mostly I stick with flats like pictured above), and chic (black & white and stripes are timeless!). 

STYLE TIP || For my body type, I've found that when wearing t-shirt style dresses or any dress that isn't fitted around the waste, adding a vest, blazer, denim jacket, belt, etc. helps to give a more flattering shape than the "boxy" look. 

COLOR PALETTE || black + white + light-wash denim + coral + mint 

Thanks for stopping by! :)

Mixing Prints

- outfit details - 
sweater || Target (also styled here)
tee || Target
pants || H&M
booties || Target
bag || Steve Madden (via Ross)
earrings || Stella & Dot
necklace || Forever 21

If you follow my blog regularly, you'll recognize that sweater from this post last month. I've found myself reaching for it A LOT over the past couple weeks! It's comfortable, a great layering piece (I love both the longer length & the lightweight material), has a fun print that surprisingly can be styled many ways, etc. Usually when putting an outfit together, I take a "classic" approach, however I was feeling a bit eclectic with this particular outfit and was happy with the final result. The blue tee and green earrings provide great pops of color against the neutral grays, and the unexpected pairing of "tribal" print with leopard print surprisingly just works (at least to me! lol).

I've always considered leopard print to be a neutral in terms of color, but as of late, I'm also considering it to be as neutral of a print as stripes. Keep in mind that mixing prints has a lot to do with proportions - I think part of the reason the prints in this particular outfit work together is because the leopard print is kept to a minimum in being restricted to the shoe area, while the tribal print covers the focal point of the outfit, the sweater. Plus, there's a solid color pant giving some space between the two prints which prevents the mixing of the prints from looking chaotic!

Which particular prints do YOU like pairing together? Have any suggestions on a pairing I should try? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks for stopping by! :)

Comfy & Cozy

- outfit details - 
sweater || Target
pants || H&M (last year)
booties || Forever 21
scarf || Nordstrom (last year)
bag || Phillip Lim for Target
rings || H&M & Forever 21
lip color || MAC "Shanghai Spice"
nail color || Essie "Chinchilly"

A comfy & cozy, slightly oversized, "winter white" sweater is always a fall/winter favorite of mine. I'd worn out all my other cream/white sweaters from previous years, so naturally I turned to Target and, not surprisingly, found the perfect replacement. I want to wear this sweater everyday! And thankfully, there are tons of outfit options with a sweater like this. By swapping out different scarves, skinnies and boots, and I really could get away with wearing this sweater everyday! ;)

Leopard Ankle Boots

- outfit details - 

top || Target
jeans || Old Navy
boots || Target
clutch || Francesca's Collections
sunglasses || Target
cuff || Target

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm LOVING Target's fall line! I've always been a huge Target fan, but their fashion has always been hit and miss over the years in my personal experience. Their 2013 fall line, however, is most definitely a HIT! 

Adding the Sam & Libby brand has done wonders for Target's shoe line. When I saw these leopard ankle boots I knew they would become a staple in my wardrobe for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. I consider leopard to be a neutral, so there are endless possibilities for styling these boots! 

What do you guys think of Target's current fall line? I'd love to hear your opinions! Thanks for stopping by!