Leopard Loafers

- outfit details - 
vest || Forever 21
top || Target (old)
jeans || Target (old)
loafers || Target
bag || Target
sunglasses || Forever 21
lip color || Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm - "Audacious"
watch || Target

Wearing "head-to-toe black" crosses my mind almost daily when figuring out what to wear. Classic, chic, flattering...it's hard to stay away. I've discovered after much experimenting over the years that there are a variety of ways to style the "head-to-toe black" look without it becoming mundane. One way is to mix textures of the same color, as I recently talked about in this post. I love how even though this leather vest is black like the other pieces in this ensemble, it still "pops" from the outfit because of it's texture. The same goes for the faux croc handbag from Target. Another way to style this popular look is adding a "pop of color" or a "pop of print". In this particular look I brought a "pop of color" through my lip color and a "pop of print" through these adorable leopard loafers, also from Target! You all know I love my heels, but if I've got to wear flats, these are definitely a fun option!

How do you like to style a "head-to-toe black" outfit? I'd love to hear ideas in the comments! Thanks for stopping by! :)

"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

{Mixing Prints} | Florals + Stripes

- outfit details -dress || Target
sweater || Target
scarf || gift from my sis-in-law :)
bag || Target
heels || DSW
watch || Target
sunglasses || Forever 21
belt || Forever 21
earrings & ring || Target

One of my favorite "mixing prints" combos is stripes + florals. I love how the simple, clean structure of stripes contrast with the unstructured, beautiful "chaos" of floral prints. This particular floral print scarf is a favorite of mine - it was a gift from my awesome sister-in-law last Christmas and gets a lot of wear (also seen in this post).

When picking a floral print scarf, I say the more colors the better because you'll be able to wear it with more outfits. There are various ways to style a scarf, but this is the first time I've tried securing one with a belt, which ended up contributing to a much more flattering shape than this outfit looked without one.

Side Note || For extra outfit inspiration, try experimenting with adding "edgy" twists to more feminine looks. For example, in this post's outfit, the faux leather bag and cage heels contrast with the dress and floral details.

Happy print mixing and thanks for stopping by! :)