Random roundup

Jacket: JCrew Factory (current version) | Necklace: Stella and Dot | Top: Express (other colors here) | Skirt: Express | Shoes: Louise et Cie

Jacket: JCrew Factory (current version) | Necklaces: CS Gems (c/o) | Romper: American Eagle | Rainboots: Kate Spade

Necklace: CS Gems (c/o) | Top: Express | Bottoms: Express | Shoes: SJP

Necklace: House of Harlow (option) | Top: Express | Bracelet: Banana Republic | Skirt: Express | Sandals: Sam Edelman

Necklace: Express | Top: Altar'd State | Bottoms: American Eagle | Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

I don't know about you guys, but it was the longest, busiest week for me at work, ever! Between trying to meet deadlines to being stuck in back to back to back meetings, my brain needs a little bit of a break! And I mentioned on Snapchat that you can always tell how busy I am at work by how much battery power I have left on my phone at the end of the day. The more battery I have, the less downtime I've had at work, which likely means that my head is spinning as a result! I remember finally being able to check my phone around 3:45 in the afternoon, and I had 28 text messages. (!!)

It was a productive week though, so I really can't complain. I had my mid-year review yesterday, it was my first in this position, and it went really well. I couldn't ask for a better boss to be honest, and I'm settling really nicely into my new department!

All that being said, I am looking forward to the weekend and a short work week next week! I'm taking a long weekend next week and heading to the beach! The southwest corner of Michigan to be exact, for a bachelorette party weekend, and I'm so excited! But that means I need to be both productive and well rested this weekend to prepare!

Have a great weekend, and don't forget to pop back over here to link up for Hello Monday!

Bloglovin | Facebook | Instagram

SHOP THE POST:

Linking up for:  Passion for Fashion, Fashion Friday, Friday Favorites, Favorite Fashion Friday

READ MORE... "Random roundup"

Studs with Studs

How cute is this mug? Funny story. The husband has to travel a lot for work (like a lot a lot, way more than me.) During one of his work trips, he saw this mug, and he thought I would like it because of my Tutu mug obsession and because of my Rockstud obsession. But he didn't buy it for me! Instead he taunted me with the fact that it existed, and of course it was not available on Starbucks' website anymore! I've searched every Starbucks in real life since then to see if I could find it with no luck.

Fast forward to a couple of weekends ago, and the husband gets an email and says that I should be really nice to him. He ended up finding the mug through eBay, and not only ordered this for me, he ordered a dotted one as well! When they arrived, I could not resist a photo op. It was such a sweet gesture! Now if I can only learn what car parts I should buy that I can surprise him with.....

Sunnies: Ray Ban (other colors here) | Necklace: CS Gems (c/o) | Mug: Starbucks (via eBay) | Polish: Essie "Butler Please" | Top: Halogen | Bracelets: Express and a random handful of bangles  | Bottoms: Express (in darker grey here) | Shoes: Valentino

Naturally, I had to wear my Rockstud pumps with the mug, duh! I love the way the pumps polish off this outfit nicely. It would have been a much different look had I grabbed my Jack Purcell sneakers instead, eh? The power of a good high heel!

And as I promised yesterday, this is another of the U-neck slub tees that I am currently obsessing over! I can't speak more highly of them, and I've been talking myself out of more colors!!!

<div align="center"> <a href="http://morepiecesofme.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Linkup Button" src="http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/clephobuck/clephobuck002/a6698cff-0812-47d9-8346-883112f20927_zpslnfpf2cu.png"/></a>

Hosted by:

Carylee: More Pieces of Me | Bloglovin | Instagram

Jenna: Sincerely Jenna Marie | Bloglovin | Instagram

In other news, thanks for everyone who linked up to our first ever Hello Monday linkup! We had intended for Jenna to just be a co-host for the week, but the more we talked about it and with such an overwhelming amount of participation, the more we thought it would be fun to just have her as a permanent host. She currently hosts her own Thursday linkup, so we will just be merging my Monday and her Thursday together via Hello Monday! We would love for you to visit us each Monday and join the party!

Bloglovin | Facebook | Instagram

SHOP THE LOOK: 

Linking up for: Thursday Favorites, Summer Style, Spotlight Weekly Linkup with Elle and Jacqueline, Thursday Fashion Files, Thursday Favorite Things

READ MORE... "Studs with Studs"

What I'm obsessing: the U-neck tee

Halogen U-neck Slub Tee | Express jeans | Joe's "Ali" Pumps | Express Military Jacket | Halogen animal print flats (other colors here) | Halogen lace pencil skirt | Louise et Cie flats

After I bought the Halogen scenic print tee from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I realized that I needed more. The fit is just really great, they're super soft, they're lightweight, and they're $15 and some change. I knew I'd regret not getting more at such a great price, so I ended up ordering the solid grey, light grey stripe, and orange stripe. (If you missed it, you can see me wearing the scenic print version here.) I'll be showing you the grey stripe tomorrow, and since I was wearing two of these in the same week, I figured I'd go ahead and admit to my hoarding and obsession up front. :)

Sorry for the booty shot, but I just love the way these jeans fit me, and I figured the best way I could prove my case was by showing you what they can do to your backside.

Sunnies: Ray Ban (other colors here) | Necklace: Express | Bag: Fortaleza | Top: Halogen | Bracelet: Banana Republic | Ring: Topshop | Bottoms: Current/Elliott | Shoes: Kate Spade (budget option)

I feel like I've been very casual and simple on the blog lately, and I'm not quite sure why! I just have this newfound respect for basics like this tee. I've also realized that fit and accessories make the world of difference when dressing with basics. Even simple details like knotting my tee and bright blue polish help make me feel just a little bit more put together. Honestly, I find it harder to dress in the summer, specifically for the blog, because I feel like things aren't as interesting if I don't give you guys a lot to look at like layers upon layers of clothes. But at the same time I need to get over that because I feel like in reality, people love their outfits like they love their food recipes - the less ingredients the better! 

Bloglovin | Facebook | Instagram

SHOP THE LOOK:

Linking up with: Oh, Hey Girl!, What I Wore Wednesday, I Feel Pretty, Style Me Weekly, Mel, Shay, and Sheaffer for What's up Wednesday

READ MORE... "What I'm obsessing: the U-neck tee"

Two-styles Tuesday: the striped cami

OK, so I totally just made up the theme "Two-styles Tuesday" right this second. I take a handful of blog outfit photos over the weekend, with no particular plan on which day I want each outfit to go live on the blog. More often than not, I end up staring at all of my outfit photos for a few minutes debating on a posting order. If I can tie it to some kind of theme, it makes the process a lot easier. Hence, Two-styles Tuesday was born! I could have just called it Remix Tuesday, but alliteration always wins in my book!

Sunnies: Ray Ban (other colors here) | Necklaces: CS Gems (c/o) (tassel option here - use code CARYLEE15 for 15% off!) | Bag: Longchamp | Cami: Express (other colors/patterns here) (alternate options here, here and here) | Bracelets: JCrew, Nadri | Shorts: American Eagle (similar here) | Sandals: Sam Edelman

You know I love remixing (so long as it's not related to a capsule of some sort…) and this cami is a great piece to do just that. If it's not raining here, it's a thousand degrees with one million percent humidity, so camis and shorts are basically a necessity. Year after year I turn to American Eagle to build my shorts collection. The fit is great for my body type, and they're just really soft and comfortable. I realized I never showcased these lunchtime purchased espadrilles on the blog yet, and luckily, they finished off this summertime look quite nicely.

RIGHT: Original post here

And here are the two looks featuring this cami side by side. I was worried that this cami wasn't going to be as versatile as some of my other striped tops I have in my wardrobe since the stripes are so close together, but from a distance, they kind of disappear anyway so it still pairs nicely with many things. I love that I'm able to create two pretty different looks from the same piece. I could take it one step dressier tucked into my cobalt blue pencil skirt with my white pumps. I will have to do that next!

Bloglovin | Facebook | Instagram

SHOP THE LOOK:

Linking up for: On Trend Tuesday with Sandy and Kileen, Chic Style, Tuesday Talk, Confident Tuesday, Style Sessions, Erin and Laura for Trend Spin Linkup

READ MORE... "Two-styles Tuesday: the striped cami"

Hello Monday!

Hello Monday! When I get my hair cut, *I* can tell I've gotten 3" cut off, but it still generally looks the same to everyone else! That's how I feel about the new linkup! Outside of the cute little button, things aren't extraordinarily different around here. I wanted to pick a name for the linkup that was simple but still broad enough to capture any and all topics that you all choose to link up! I'm excited (and thankful) to have Jenna as my co-host! Please be sure to visit her page and say hello!

Sunnies: Ray Ban (other colors here) | Earrings: Kate Spade | Necklace: Express (option) | Bag: Kate Spade (option) | Top: Express | Bracelet: Mindy Mae's Market (exact) | Jeans: Express | Shoes: Kate Spade (budget option)

I can't think of a better way to start fresh than by pairing neons with a classic white button up. These heels and this bag are head-turners on their own so they're basically a foolproof combination. Plus, I just got this new tassel bracelet and I really just wanted to wear it. :)

This weekend was pretty low key, which are the best in my opinion. We watched Trainwreck on Saturday at one of those dine-in movie theaters. It was definitely more of a chick flick than I initially thought it would be. I'm not complaining, and the husband didn't seem to mind either, but I feel like I cried a lot for a comedy! That's not saying much because I cry watching Disney movies…

This week is going to be another crazy one for me! I'm taking a day trip tomorrow for work to Sioux Falls, SD because, I mean, doesn't *every*one take day trips to South Dakota? It will be a long day, but at least I don't have to pack for it! #glasshalffull Have a great week!

Bloglovin | Facebook | Instagram

SHOP THE LOOK:

Linking up for: Monday Mingle, Shoe and Tell, Rachelle and Cha Cha for #HowISummer.

<div align="center"> <a href="http://morepiecesofme.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Linkup Button" src="http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/clephobuck/clephobuck002/a6698cff-0812-47d9-8346-883112f20927_zpslnfpf2cu.png"/></a>

Hosted by:

Carylee: More Pieces of Me | Bloglovin | Instagram

Jenna: Sincerely Jenna Marie | Bloglovin | Instagram

Whether it's fashion, lifestyle, fitness, food, or DIY, share your latest musings with the Hello Monday Linkup! We just ask that you link back to the hosts within your exact blog post and throw a follow our way on Bloglovin or Instagram. Thanks for linking up!

An InLinkz Link-up

READ MORE... "Hello Monday!"

Random roundup

Necklace: Express | Top: ILY Couture | Bracelet: Tasha | Bottoms: Express | Shoes: Valentino

Necklace: Express | Tank: Target | Dress: Pulse STL | Flip Flops: American Eagle

Necklace: Stella and Dot | Top: Express | Bracelet: Stella and Dot | Shorts: American Eagle | Shoes: Sam Edelman

Necklace: CS Gems (c/o) | Top: Express | Bracelet: Banana Republic | Bottoms: American Eagle | Shoes: Kate Spade

Necklace: Stella and Dot | Jacket: Express (other colors here) | Tank: Express | Bottoms: Express | Shoes: Vince Camuto

I'm keeping this short and sweet today! No commentary between photos, only because I've been traveling the last couple of days for work, and I'm a bit behind on life and sleep! But I wanted to leave these outfit selfies with you to formally kick off the weekend. Plus, if I don't share these with you, it's like I never wore them!

Bloglovin | Facebook | Instagram

SHOP THE POST:

Linking up for:  Passion for Fashion, Fashion Friday, Friday Favorites, Favorite Fashion Friday

READ MORE... "Random roundup"

Workout #ootd

Happy almost Friday! I thought I would do something a little different today and share a typical workout outfit of the day. If you follow me on Snapchat (carylee07) this uniform should look familiar to you, since I feel like the majority of my snapping is to and from Pilates! Ha! 

I've found that these muscle tanks are perfect for Pilates! If you've even done work on the Pilates reformer or tower, it can get pretty sweaty. And a sticky, sweaty body means friction between your back and the mat. I love that these muscle tees give me full back coverage so I can maneuver easily on the equipment, and the higher crew neck in front ensures that no one is seeing my goodies when I'm leaning forward or in some obscure position. I'm wearing a small in these tees - they run pretty true to size with a nice relaxed but not oversized fit.

Tank: Old Navy (current options here) | Sports Bra: C9 (current colors here) | Leggings: Zella | Shoes: Nike

These Zella leggings are so fabulous. Not only are they comfortable, but they're nice to look at. I've been wanting some perforated leggings, and these definitely fit the bill! I wear a small in all of my Zella leggings. Very fitted, but I don't feel like I get a muffin top at all, which is pretty nice. A lot of times I have to size up to avoid muffin top, but then I end up with a saggy crotch. These fit perfectly on me in a small. You will see they gather just a little bit at my ankles since I'm only 5'-2" but I can either fold the hems under or simply leave it as is - the little bit of extra fabric does not bother me at all

Toesox (available here and here)

Naturally, I'm not wearing my Nikes when I'm actually doing Pilates. I enjoy wearing these Toesox with the grippy soles. I like that the socks keep my toes separated, but the cut-outs at the toes and at the top of my foot keep me from feeling like I'm wearing actual socks. My feet still get to breathe while I'm working out, it's nice.

If you've never done Pilates before, I highly recommend it. I've done yoga as well, and I would say that yoga was more stretchy-meditation for me while Pilates is more core strength. There's definitely some stretchiness to the exercises as well - especially when it comes to your spine. Last week in class, the instructor had us bend over and touch our toes at the start of the class. I could get my fingertips touching the floor. At the end of class, she made us touch our toes again, but that time, I could place my palms face down and flat on the floor. Amazing the difference one class could make!

Anyway - hope that was helpful! I love seeing what people work out in and I realized I've never really shared my workout outfits here! So, there you go!

Bloglovin | Facebook | Instagram

SHOP THE LOOK:

Linking up for: Thursday Favorites, What I Wore to Work, Spotlight Weekly Linkup with Elle and Jacqueline, Thursday Fashion Files, Thursday Favorite Things

READ MORE... "Workout #ootd"