It's not goodbye!

First "Hello Monday" outfit

Jenna and I started this linkup on July 27, 2015 - almost 3 years ago! You can look back at that original post here. But before Hello Monday came along, there was Manic Monday that I co-hosted with Gina! It was a spin-off of a Holiday Style linkup we hosted at the end of 2013! You can see the last post in that series where we officially announced Manic Monday here. 

READ MORE... "It's not goodbye!"

The Olive Jumpsuit

I've owned a couple of jumpsuits over the last few years, which you can see in these older posts here and here. While I did love those two a lot, I always wished that I found one with a slightly cropped and tapered leg. This one kept appearing in my Facebook feed as an ad, and I finally decided to bite the bullet and buy it, and I'm glad I did! The fit was exactly what I was looking for! Now if I could only find this in a pair of simple black pants vs. a full on jumpsuit....

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Olive and green + monogram kicks

I realize I had three blog posts last week, but because I haven't actually taken proper blog photos in a couple of weeks, I feel like I haven't blogged in awhile! It always feels good to get back into the saddle. Though admittedly, it's been raining for a good two weeks now, making blog photos stupid, and us having to be creative on where we can catch some outfit photos without getting drenched. The struggle is real guys. This is my typical weekend uniform and it makes me happy. I really don't know why I didn't turn to baseball caps sooner in life!

READ MORE... "Olive and green + monogram kicks"

Bow-sleeved top

Hello and happy Monday! Springing forward is my most favorite time of the year, and I feel like I'm in the minority on that one, but it is totally true! I love the longer days and it just makes me feel refreshed for warmer weather and productivity! But, if you look closely in these photos, you'll see that it was snowing. Not really my idea of spring, but the blogging show must go on!

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Animal print + burgundy earrings

Hello from Florida! It's 11pm eastern time on Sunday night as I write this! Eeek! We flew in Saturday morning for a quick weekend trip. We went to the Daytona 500 race and we head back home first thing Monday! More about my trip in a later post, but for now, I wanted to share a couple of recent purchases!

READ MORE... "Animal print + burgundy earrings"

How to style mint pants

When I first started this blog 5 years ago, I was EXTREMELY into mint. That may be an understatement actually. I thought over time that obsession would fade a bit, but it really hasn't. Once February and March start coming around, I start to crave mint more and more again!

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Studded velour blazer

Hello Monday, indeed! This is my first day officially back in the office since December 21st, so needless to say, it's been a doozy! But it's nice to get back into a normal routine again, I'm not going to lie. I loved relaxing and vegging, but there definitely comes a point when you realize you haven't showered in 4 days and it's time to do something with your life!!! Hope everyone had a great holiday, and here's to a productive, rewarding, and even better 2018!!

Outfit details--- Sunnies: Ray Ban | Earrings: Nickel and Suede (c/o) | Blazer: Leith studded velour blazer | Cami: Express "Barcelona" (options here, here) | Bag: Gucci Soho (option, red flap crossbody budget option, red crossbody with chain strap budget option) | Skirt: Express (option, option) | Shoes: Valentino Rockstud wraparound strap ---

This is the outfit I ended up wearing on New Year's Eve while we were in Orlando last week. If you caught my blog post over the break here or saw my try-on snaps, you're already in the know about this studded velour blazer. It's gorgeous; I fell in love with it instantly! I loved the idea of pairing it over a simple slip dress or a cami/flirty skirt like this. And, since we were in Florida, going bare legged was a reasonable life choice! If you have any winter weddings this January or February, this blazer would be great option!

We had dinner reservations at Roy's on New Year's Eve, and it was all very delicious! They had a special menu for the occasion. We started off with some lobster potstickers and I got some Asian chicken noodle soup. For our entree, we split a 34 oz. ribeye. YEP. 34 ounces of juicy goodness. We didn't finish it, for the record, we took some home in a box! I was most excited about their pineapple upside down cake. I've only eaten here one other time before, and that dessert is what stuck in my head all this time! Our dinner ran pretty late. By the time we got back to the resort, it was 11:30 eastern time, so we had just enough time to change and watch the ball drop on TV. I ended up being asleep before it turned midnight central time! But hey, at least I was up for eastern time midnight?

 

I don't really have a list of resolutions this year. I didn't do any last year either. I think last year my goal was simply to keep my head above water. This year, if I had to choose one thing to focus on, it would be to make 2018 about ME. I tend to let the situations and relationships around me dictate my mood, stress levels, and overall happiness. But, you can only control what you can control, right? And while I can't control life, I can control the way I let life affect ME. And I want to be more positive in how I react to life's twists and turns. I want to focus on making myself better and taking care of myself regardless of my situations. Instead of reaching for that bourbon, I need to clear my mind with a good workout and watch my body get back into better shape as a result.  We will see how well I do with this! Do you have any goals for the new year?

  

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Linking up with Rachelle

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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!

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READ MORE... "Studded velour blazer"

Long(ish) stripe cardigan

First of all, I apologize because I waited way too long to wear this cardigan and now it is sold out. So. Hopefully you saw when I originally posted about it and were able to snag it while it was still available!! I don't know about you, but sometimes you love things SO MUCH when you first get them. And yet they sit in your closet unworn. Why? Where does this change of heart come from? 

READ MORE... "Long(ish) stripe cardigan"

Spanx moto leggings

I have been obsessed with my Spanx faux leather leggings since I first bought them and reviewed them on the blog here. When I saw the moto version this season, I was super tempted. I kept thinking about them. And thinking about them. Then started to develop serious FOMO (fear of missing out) when I imagined them getting sold out before I could snag them. So, Black Friday weekend, I bought them. And I love them.

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Fall colors + the skinny pant

Oh hey, it's me! And I was finally able to take blog photos this weekend, which makes me a bit happy! I picked up this top and these pants a couple of weeks ago during one of Express' 40% off sales and I've been wanting to wear them together ever since (even though I didn't necessarily buy them to wear together.) The colors scream fall and even though the weather won't make up it's mind, I am certainly ready for all things fall including switching my wardrobe from hot to cool weather once and for all!

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Must have jackets for fall

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I was asked to speak at a local moms group function to talk all things fall fashion! They solicited questions from the group and sent them to me ahead of time, which was great because it helped build content for me! (I honestly wasn't sure what I would talk about otherwise!) One of the questions they asked me was about jackets and which I couldn't live without for fall. I thought I would share my answers with you today along with some shoppable links and outfit inspiration! Let's get started!

The military jacket

The three jackets that I picked aren't specific to this season. These are timeless to me -- things I've had in my wardrobe for multiple seasons, and that will remain for even more seasons, too! The military jacket is such a huge staple for me, and if you still don't have one, you seriously need to find the perfect one or four. Ha! I have a few that I rotate, but what I love most about it is that it's a lightweight layer and the green goes with basically any color. 

SHOP MILITARY JACKET OPTIONS HERE:

The neutral suede moto jacket

This jacket is the most recently added of the three types in my closet. I just got this last year, but it has staying power, for sure! I will say that I purposely sized down in this style. I love the look of the lapel with a double breasted, asymmetric zip jacket, but I don't like all the excess material when worn open because of the bulk and also because you can't really see what you're wearing underneath. I sized down knowing I didn't really have any intention of ever zipping it. That said, it's definitely meant to be more of a transition jacket for me than a middle of the winter, frigid temps jacket.

I love this style because the color mixed with the soft suede makes it so cozy! And as you know, it can get pretty dark and dreary in the cooler months pretty quickly, so it's nice to have a light colored neutral to cheer things up a bit!

SHOP NEUTRAL SUEDE MOTO JACKET OPTIONS HERE:

The basic black (minus-the) leather jacket

Shop this exact jacket here

This jacket is just about as old as this blog! Almost 4 years! And there's a reason why Express still keeps selling it! It has a stretchy ribbed bodice at the sides which makes this fit like a glove. It's lightweight enough to wear layered under a trench vest (or any vest for that matter), yet when paired under a blanket scarf, it will keep you just as warm, if not warmer, than a heavy winter coat. You can dress it up, or dress it down. And it comes in a jillion other colors if black isn't your thing. I also have this in white and burgundy! I'm not even going to give you any other options for this style jacket because I feel strongly that this is THE ONE! And it's 40% off right now, so you really need it.

That's all I have for you today! Thanks for stopping by and linking up!

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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... "Must have jackets for fall"

Moto leggings + studs

Oh hey, guys! Guess who is blogging earlier than 11pm on a Sunday night?! It's nice to have a little time back into my life again, and it was also nice to dust off the camera and take some proper photos this week. Let's get to it!

Outfit details--- Sunnies: Ray Ban (budget option) | Earrings: Nickel and Suede (c/o) (just ordered this camo pair!) | Bag: Charming Charlie (c/o) (option, option, option) | Top: Grace and Lace "Aria" top (c/o) | Moto leggings: CS Gems (other moto legging options here, here, here) | Shoes: Valentino Rockstud Wraparound strap pump ---

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Random roundup

Thanks to losing my phone and all recent outfit selfies, I haven't done one of these Random Roundup posts in awhile! I've finally accumulated enough for a post, so I figured today would be a good time to share them with you! As with all of my other random roundup posts, these are outfits I've worn in real life and many of these pieces may be past seasons or sold out. I'll link to everything that's current and try and find good options for anything that is sold out! Let's get started!

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Mustard and wine

Last week my trip to/from Chicago went awry thanks to ridiculous thunderstorms. My quick day trip turned into a 22 hour work day and me getting home at 1 o'clock in the morning. The upside is that we woke up to amazing weather. Yesterday the temps barely broke 70 degrees. Crazy right? How did we go from triple digits and one thousand percent humidity to 60-degree weather? I am not complaining though. I welcome the relief from the heat. 

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Denim on denim + the fringe clutch

Back in April was the rewardStyle conference. I got to hang out with Jo-Lynne for a few days and she had this clutch with her! I wanted it. It's perfect. It's oversized and obnoxious, which are two things that make my heart sing. Unfortunately, it was on backorder, but I figured it was worth the wait, so I went ahead and ordered it. Fast forward to last week and I got the email that it shipped! I told Jo-Lynne it was like my past self bought my current self a gift! Yeehaw!

READ MORE... "Denim on denim + the fringe clutch"

Spanx camo leggings 4 ways

I feel like the entire country is under an excessive heat warning... well, except for San Diego, which is where I was all last week and the weather was quite delightful, if not a little chilly at night! Here in St. Louis though, it is in the 90's with the "feels like" temp being in the triple digits. On top of that, the humidity is unbearable. You walk outside and it feels like Mother Nature punches you in the gut!

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Nordstrom Anniversary #nsale Wishlist

Yep, it's that time of year that everyone loves/hates. When your Instagram feed turns into a barrage of stock photo collages. When you have to listen to every blogger talk about how they are OBSESSED with this and that. I admit, as a blogger, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale gets pretty annoying and overwhelming for me, too. But, alas, it doesn't deter me from shopping the sale because it legit is my most favorite sale of the entire year. Why? Because you're not getting discounts on things that are on clearance and that are on their way out of stock at the end of the season when you're tired of wearing that season's styles anyway. You get awesome deals on NEW styles in preparation for the next season! 

2017 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Schedule:

Pre-sale for cardholders starts Thursday, July 13th

(Level 4 card holders get to shop July 12th)

Sale opens to the public July 21st and ends August 6th.

Yes, I realize summer JUST officially got here, so it's hard to get in the mindset of buying jackets and sweaters and booties. But it's so convenient that when fall does get here, you already have a good base for your wardrobe! Kind of like getting all your Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving! And there are so many pieces I have gotten from previous anniversary sales that have been long time favorites that never go out of style. All that said, as with past anniversary sales, I am sharing my wish list first and foremost! I haven't gotten my catalog in the mail yet, which makes me sad, and since it's already July, I went ahead and searched the catalog online and screenshot all my favorites! Let's get started!!

Halogen Scallop Edge Sweater in Red Fiery

Sale: $39.90 After sale: $59

The color of this sweater is gorgeous and the scallops pull at my heart strings! The last couple of years, I went a bit overboard on chunky, more oversized fitting sweaters, so I love that this is more tailored.

Rebecca Minkoff Small Love Embroidered Nubuck Crossbody

Sale: $183.90 After sale $275

Bags and shoes are the two things I LOVE to shop for during the anniversary sale! I mean, come on! Almost $100 off a new season bag? Yes and yes! And how gorgeous is this embroidery? I really need this bag in my life.

Pleione Cold Shoulder Tie-Sleeve sweatshirt in Burgundy Royale

Sale: $45.90 After sale: $69

A bit trendy with the cold shoulder AND the tie sleeves, but it's worth trying on for me. Plus the color is my favorite for fall and I love how they paired it with the charcoal skinnies.

Halogen Flare Sleeve sweater

Sale: $49.90 After sale: $79

Just like with the scallop trimmed sweater, I love that this is a basic navy sweater, but the flare sleeve makes it fun! I love the ivory trim at the end of the sleeve, too. What a cute detail.

BP. Lace Trim Satin Camisole in Green Bug

Sale: $22.90 After sale: $35

The color of this cami definitely made me look twice at it. It looks fab paired with an easy cardigan. It's such a great saturated color and will be a good base layer. Bonus points for being able to wear it in the summer, too!

Vince Camuto Fileana Split Shaft Bootie

Sale: $99.90 After sale: $149.95

I have a hole in my boot collection when it comes to grey booties. Hard to believe, I know. The perforation detail is so good! And the split shaft makes for a great silhouette! 

Caslon Twill Peplum Jacket in Olive

Sale: $49.90 After sale: $75

Olive and peplum, yes and yes! I love the idea of this. It will definitely need to be tried on. I'm not crazy about the fit of it on the model wearing the striped top. I'm hoping it will not be as boxy looking in real life, or that I can size down for a better looking fit.

Hinge Tie-sleeve Top in Ivory Birch Tapestry Floral

Sale: $49.90 After sale: $79

I am on the fence about this top as I'm not sure the sleeves will be too overpowering on me. But I really like the tapestry floral, so it's definitely worth the try! I also like that it's not tunic length because so many tops that look like this are tunics or overly flowy.

Rebecca Minkoff Unlined Front Pocket Tote in Moss

Sale: $216.90 After sale: $325

I've been using my Madewell Transport tote pretty incessantly to work. It's very convenient! This looks like it would be a good stand-in bag when I want to give my Transport tote a break! And it's olive. So.

Two by Vince Camuto Off the Shoulder Plaid Blouse in Desert Pink

Sale: $58.90 After sale: $89

I know, I know. I need to cool it on the off the shoulders, but I can't help it! It's flannel! It looks so cozy, I have to touch it! And how pretty is this plaid in pink? Depending on the weight, I could even wear this now in the summer with some ripped up denim shorts. Definitely worth trying on and snuggling with it.

Zella Cece High Waist Open Knee leggings

Sale: $42.90 After sale: $65

I always use the anniversary sale as my opportunity to snag a new pair of Zella leggings at a good price! I don't have a pair of ripped workout leggings yet, so I want to try these! I love the couple of pairs of high-waisted Zella leggings I already own, so I'm hoping these will work well!

__________________

And that is it! Ha! Ok, that's a lot, I know. I just counted the Nordstrom Notes that I have saved up over the last year and I have $300 to spend! Woo! $300 + sale prices makes for such a happy shopping day! I have my shopping appointment confirmed, so now it's just time to officially count down! What do you have your eye on?

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Linking up with Rachelle

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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... "Nordstrom Anniversary #nsale Wishlist"