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Monday, April 13, 2015

STLFW: Spring Style Soiree

Man oh man. I have so much to update you guys on, I almost don't know where to start! I guess I will start with the #STLFW Spring Style Soiree that took place last Thursday evening! I gave you a little preview of this event in this post here.

I was a bit bummed because I didn't think that I was going to be able to go to the soiree since I knew I would be making the trip to San Antonio to get Petie this weekend. But the timing worked out, and since I didn't end up leaving for San Antonio until Friday morning, I was able to squeeze in the fashion show before I left!

Hosted by: West County Center, ALIVE Magazine, STLFW

The show started at 7pm, but the festivities began at 5:30. My office is 3 miles away, so I arrived pretty early. It was a great opportunity to snap a few photos before it filled up. It was exciting walking around the corner on the upper level seeing the runway set up down below!

Necklace: Express | Dress: Taylor | Bracelet: Tiffany & Co. | Heels: Vince Camuto (in Royal Blue Fishskin) (similar)

Before I get too far, I should share what I wore and why I wore it. I tried on four different outfits and took a poll from the husband and my fellow fashionistas, Gina and Jenna. It was a little bit of a split decision, but ultimately, this dress won. It was my second choice, but looking back, I'm glad I decided to wear it. Since it's a scuba material, it stayed crisp even though I wore it all day at work first. And, I mean, the shoes. They speak for themselves and rightfully received a slew of compliments not only at the office, but at the event itself.

Complimentary light bites were being served from Bravo, McCormick & Schmick's, and J. Gilberts, which you could enjoy in the lounge area with background beats by DJ TrashTalk. And if that wasn't enough, The Foundrie sponsored a DIY booth featuring mega blogger, Jenni, from I Spy DIY.

The Foundrie is quickly becoming my guilty little pleasure here in St. Louis. So many cute and witty pieces, I can't hardly stand it. The DIY booth involved making these adorable stamped leather bracelets. You pick the letter style, the ink color, and you're off!

Jenni is just too cute for words. I took an action shot of her helping attendees with their bracelets, but the photos she posted on her Instagram during her stay in St. Louis painted a better picture of how bright, fun, and stylish this gal really is. If you're not following her on Instagram, I demand you go here and do so right this second!

Via Jenni's (I Spy DIY) Instagram here

Now on to the fashion show! I mentioned in my introductory post here that this show benefitted Siteman Cancer Center and that all proceeds from this event went to charity for cancer. Great, right? Well, imagine my goosebumps watching cancer survivors walk the runway showcasing White House | Black Market and carrying signs indicating the number of years they have been cancer free.

Each of their family members sat in the crowd cheering them on, and the glow that you can see in their smiles makes me tear up a bit as a write this! I just can't even imagine. What a perfect way to pay tribute to the survivors and to remember all that we have lost to this nasty infliction.

The show continued with more spring fashion from some of your mall favorites - Nordstrom, Macy's, The Limited, Ann Taylor, Gap, Banana Republic, and one new to me - Altar'd State. I loved seeing pieces from these stores glammed up for the runway. For the sake of not having 238723878 photos in this post, I decided to narrow it down to my favorite looks.

Left: Nordstrom - Top, Skirt | Middle: Macy's | Right: Banana Republic - Top, skirt

Photo credits: ALIVE Magazine

Left: Nordstrom - Jacket, Skirt | Right: The Limited

Banana Republic: Sweater

After all of this awesome spring inspiration, they set us free to shop. We were armed with plenty of discounts and coupons to further enable us! (As if the cocktails weren't enough!) I managed to walk away with only one new top, which you will see and hear more about later in the week!

Thanks for hanging in there with me on such a photo heavy post! It truly was a great event, and I continue to be impressed by the local fashion community and support here in St. Louis. Blogging has opened up a whole other realm of fun for me to which I would have otherwise never been exposed!

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Linking up for Rachelle and Cha Cha for #HowISpring.

An InLinkz Link-up

Thursday, April 9, 2015

I promised Kellie

Kellie and I had been texting a couple of months back and I happened to tell her about these amazing tortoise pumps I had. They were my very first pair of designer shoes I ever bought, and they fit amazingly out of the box! They are still breathtaking to me even though it's been 5+ years since I've gotten them.

But I don't give them as much attention as they deserve! After I sent Kellie a pic of these, she demanded that I wear them, and I promised they would make an appearance on the blog stat.

Well, when I saw her in Denver, she reminded me that she STILL hadn't seen me wear these beauties on the blog. Now that the weather has warmed up, I have no excuses. Not that I need an excuse to wear these, they're truly gorgeous and despite the fact that I may not wear them to death, I have no plans to get rid of them.

When I walked outside to take photos of this outfit, the husband said, "Awwwww." Because he loved these shoes when I first bought them also and was actively part of the decision making process. If you'd like to take a trip down memory lane, you can read all about these babies here.

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Linking up for: Thursday Favorites, What I Wore to Work, Spotlight Weekly Linkup with Elle and Jacqueline, Look What I Got with Sharon and Tara, Friday Favorites

Friday, April 3, 2015

Random roundup

Happy Friday! Hope everyone had a great week! I have a semi full weekend ahead of me - blogging, Fast and the Furious, Easter, all that good stuff! And to kick off the festivities, I've got my random roundup ready to go for you, so let's get started!

Necklaces: Stella and Dot, CS Gems (c/o) | Top: Express | Bracelets: H&M (Gifted) | Bottoms: Express | Shoes: Calvin Klein

I was so excited to start wearing more spring-like pieces. I haven't worn this floral portofino in awhile, so it was easy to throw on. I have been all about dusting off my favorite pumps lately. I'm pretty sure my feet are happy to be in heels again verses boots, and I swear my bare feet in heels are always way more comfy than my bare feet in flats. How is that possible? I featured these pumps wayyy back in the day here. Wow - April of 2013! Two years ago! Just goes to show that when I buy something, I really do mean for it to be in my collection for years.

Earrings: Kate Spade | Blazer: The Limited | Top: JCrew Factory | Bottoms: Express | Shoes: Steve Madden (more sizes here)

I love my bangs, but it's definitely been interesting trying to do my normal hairstyles around them! This was my first top knot with bangs, ever! And I also forgot how much I loved my leopard slip ons. It's definitely the season for bare ankles! Woo!

Necklace: Kate Spade | Top: Express (similar to Spiced Purple or Bitter Grape) | Bracelets: H&M (Gifted) | Skirt: Express | Heels: Louise et Cie

To say I'm obsessed with these pumps would be an understatement. I am kind of sad they are not available in a whole rainbow of colors because I would buy them all. The shape and point and fit and everything about them are perfect. If you're looking for a blush pump - seriously, don't think twice about these.

Necklace: CS Gems (c/o (option) | Top: JCrew Factory | Bracelet: H&M (gifted) | Bottoms: Gap | Flats: JCrew Factory

This roundup is full of all my old favorites! I missed my camo pants so much during my capsule challenge! And I always have issues with flats being more uncomfortable than heels, but these flats are like butter - so soft and ridiculously comfortable. Another recommendation from me!

Necklaces: CS Gems (c/o) (option paired with option) Use code CARYLEE15 for 15% off! | Top: JCrew Factory | Bracelets: Stella and Dot, Nadri | Bottoms: Express | Flats: Ugg

I love curling my second day hair with bangs - this was a good hair day for me! I also love layering these necklaces. People often mistaken them for just one necklace since they really look like they were made as a set. They dress up a solid top nicely! And how adorable are the striped flats?!

That's it for the week! Have a great weekend and happy Easter!

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Linking up for: Midwest Bloggers, Fashion Friday, Friday Favorites, Favorite Fashion Friday

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Green and red

Green and red is just one of those color combos I steer clear of because it will always remind me of Christmas. But, as I put this outfit together, I was surprised that it didn't scream, "Santa Claus is coming to town!" The navy tones down the holiday vibe a lot, and after all was said and done, I was really digging this combo. Never say never, right?

Before I go, I just had to share this amazing look for less I happened to come across. I've had these Valentino pumps since this post, and I understand my shoe taste can be a bit more expensive than most (ok, a lot more.) You fellow bloggers know how time consuming it is to find and link to similar outfit pieces, and when things are not available any more, or you're trying to find budget options, it can be nearly impossible to find things relevant enough to link to. This may be one of my best dupes to date, and I just had to share!

LOOK FOR LESS

Left: Valentino | Right: ALDO

Metal heel, curvy silhouette? Check and check! I texted this little victory to Gina, and then I thought, meh, you all need to appreciate this with me. Especially all you bloggers who feel my pain when it comes to linking similar items. #fashionbloggerproblems turned into #fashionbloggervictories!

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Linking up for: Thrift Sisters with Ayana and Keren, What I Wore Wednesday, Random Wednesday, I Feel Pretty, Whatcha Wearin Wednesday.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Random Roundup

I really don't know how I accumulate these so quickly because I feel like I do this recap all the time! But, I've got another 10.5 outfits to share that haven't formally made the blog, so here ya go! As with all my random roundup posts, I'm only linking to items that are still available.

Necklace: Express | Blazer: The Limited | Tank: Express | Bottoms: Express | Wedges: Tory Burch

I was actually inspired to put together this outfit based on my monochromatic outfit I posted. I mentioned in the post that I wanted to mix grey and wine together, and this outfit was the result. Plus I adore these wedges (flashback post here), and I don't wear them enough!

This is one of my favorite sweaters - last seen here with the same Tory Burch wedges from above! No real frills about this outfit, but I love the silhouette and love cognac and grey together! It's nice not to over think things sometimes, right?

Ah, the obligatory Instagram uniform. I reallllllllly debated on whether or not I wanted to wear the herringbone/buffalo plaid combo since it's been done once or twice before, but what can I say? There's a reason why it's a popular combo. And you know what, I have yet to see someone else walking around with this combo in real life. I've never even seen another person wearing the herringbone vest! So, outside of Instagram, I'll pretend this combo is unique to me.

This was a work travel outfit when I was flying into the snow storm that was New York. I had a planning meeting to go to in the evening, but really didn't want to wear a pencil skirt all day when I was at the airport. So, I just swapped the pants for the skirt. I did bring some heels for the meeting, too, but with the snow, I just kept the boots on and figured the New Yorkers are used to this look. Sometimes my limbs are not worth sacrificing for fashion.

In other news, I'm in love with this blazer and so very glad I bought it! I had gotten rid of all my other suiting items when I transitioned into this job. I have another black blazer, but it's cropped, and this length is perfect!

I decided to try the whole scarf as a belted shawl thing, and I la-la-loved it! Though, I will say that it takes a wee bit of coordination and trial and error. Folding this in half to make a triangle still left this huge on me, it was draping so low. I had to fold it over one more time.

I experimented with belting the front AND the back, and then also leaving the back out of the belt. I liked it better belted front and back.

And then the last piece you have to deal with are your arms. You can quickly get tyrannosaurus-rex arms depending on how you belt yourself in. Ideally, I would stand there with my arms out to a T and have a second person fold and drape and belt your scarf for you. What, you don't have a person for that?

If you manage to be fully coordinated - the outcome is the best. I was amazed how warm this was, too! But, when you're literally wearing a blanket folded in half around your shoulders, it shouldn't be a surprise that you'd be warm!

Scarf: J Crew Factory | Jacket: Express | Top: Hinge | Leggings: Express | Boots: Coach "Adair"

This is a modified version of this outfit here. Of course when it came time to wear that actual outfit, it was raining outside, and my feet were asking for knee high boots and not calf-hair pumps. So, I made that outfit just a bit more casual - similar color palette, but in a more relaxed way.

Can I be real for a second? I think this outfit is ridiculous. But I wore it to the airport, and I figured it's a step up from pajamas, right? It's just challenging dressing for the airport in the winter because I want to be warm, but I don't want to carry a jacket around with me. Vests and scarves work perfect. For dinner, I did change into a chambray so I could wear an actual jacket.

I almost didn't post this on Instagram because of its ridiculousness, but of course, it is one of my all time most "liked" posts. Oh Instagram, I really don't understand you, do I?

Scarf: H&M | Tunic: Express | Leggings: Pulse | Jacket: Express | Shoes: Sam Edelman

I had to fly to Toronto the day after we got back from DC, so admittedly, some of the same items came with me to save on packing time - like this tunic. It's just the perfect pairing with leggings, and great for layers. The tunic is so old (see more about it here), and one of my most favorite items I've ever gotten from Express. And I've got A LOT from Express...

This was my Thanksgiving outfit. Clearly a bit on the casual side, but we really just ate and lounged and then did a bit of shopping with the family, so it was pretty appropriate. I'm in love with this cranberry vest and am sad it's not online anymore. It was marked down to around $50 in store, and I highly recommend it if you can find it!

Speaking of recommendations, this top came highly recommended by Gina, and she never leads you astray. It's the perfect layering piece, and I ended up ordering it in a burgundy stripe as well!

Sweatshirt: The Foundrie | Bottoms: Express | Shoes: Express

And last but not least is my Black Friday shopping outfit. It was early, so I definitely went for casual comfort. If these JCrew Factory sweats I had ordered had arrived, I would have totally worn those instead! You can see a better view of this sweatshirt here. I feel like I've been plugging The Foundrie a lot on Instagram lately. I met them during the St. Louis Fashion Week festivities, and I gotta say that everything they sell is darling, and I could spend hours in their store!

That's it for now, until the next dozen OOTDs accumulate! Oh, and there's just a couple more days to enter the $650 EXPRESS Gift Card Giveaway! Check it out here if you haven't already!

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Linking up for: Midwest Bloggers, Friday Favorites, Favorite Fashion Friday, Weekend Wind-down

Friday, October 17, 2014

STLFW: Emerging Designer Competition

Wednesday night was one of two big runway shows for St. Louis Fashion Week (#stlfw). This was the Saint Louis Fashion Fund's Emerging Designer Competition presented by Brown Shoe Company. The Saint Louis Fashion Fund was developed in order to support and promote aspiring designers in the Midwest and ultimately help them advance in their field. Six finalists were chosen by the Saint Louis Fashion Fund's panel, and this runway show featured their collections. One winner, chosen by expert judges, would receive $15,000 on top of all the networking benefits and exposure the competition in and of itself offers.

So where do I even begin to summarize this night? It was unlike anything I have ever experienced before in my life, and it absolutely was just like what you see in the movies in terms of talent and electricity. Honestly, it was way better than anything I have ever pictured a runway show to be. Let's start with what I wore and work from there.

I decided to go pants this round since I did dresses for the blogger awards and the Neiman Marcus event, and then I rocked my skort for the Blogger Lounge. Trying to be diverse here! Same reason why I kept my hair in the updo from that morning/afternoon - I wanted to change it up a bit. Plus it had been rainy and cold for about a week, and I really just wanted to be warm and comfy. These Hue Leggings were perfect for the event, and I was able to pull inspiration from my past collaboration partner, Jenna.

I was extra excited to have a partner to pose with me! Although, I'm standing awkwardly because I'm not used to posing next to someone! Haha! This is my cousin, Beth. The mother of the little girl previously mistaken as my daughter in this post here. How cute is she!? She pushed her comfort level on this outfit - faux leather is not usually in her wardrobe, but I love that she took the chance for the sake of being fashion forward at this runway show. The fact that she is pregnant and rocking heels just makes me love her even more. I couldn't help but snap a couple of details of her outfit.

Blazer: The Limited | Tee: JCrew Factory | Necklace: Premiere | Leggings: H&M | Shoes: Sam and Libby

The doors opened at 5:30, and we ended up arriving around 6pm. I heard that last year there was about 750 people in attendance compared to this year that was around 1,000. The show didn't start until 8pm but between the still fashion presentation, the photo booth, the Butik shopping, cocktails, and eats, there were plenty of things to keep us busy in the meantime.

There was also a people's choice award for Designers to Watch. A still fashion presentation of their collections was set up prior to the runway show, giving us spectators the opportunity to vote for our favorites. Not to brag, but my favorite designer - Pink Elephant Designs by Truly Alvarenga - won the $2500 prize. But seriously, I could wear this organza number every. Day.

That's not to say her competition wasn't equally as stunning. It really amazes me how much local talent we have here. I thought I knew, but I truly had no idea and I am now seeing St. Louis through a different lens.

Nasheli Ortiz

Paulie Gibson

OK, now for the show! I seriously came home with 300 photos, y'all, so narrowing this down for you was such a big feat for me! These pictures don't really even do the collections nor the experience justice, but here are some of my favorite looks from each designer.

Daniella Kallmeyer - the winner of the competition

Wai Ming

Jessie Liu

Remi Canarie

Collina Strada

Harbison - who ended up winning a last minute runner up prize of $3500

I have been over the moon excited ever since these #stlfw events started. It's been such an amazing experience that is hard to articulate into words. I truly feel more connected to the City, and I have a newfound respect for the fashion inspiration here! I am so thankful that Alive Magazine has given me this opportunity to network, grow, and become more inspired! More to come on the second runway show! It's time for me to get dressed for it!

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