The Aztec blanket scarf

Sunnies: Oakley | Scarf: Express (option, option, option) | Bag: Tory Burch (option) | Top: Rubbish (option) | Jacket: Express (option) | Leggings: Express | Boots: c/o Naturalizer

I love me a good blanket scarf, but how many is TOO many to have? I figured it was ok to get this one during my Black Friday shopping extravaganza since it's Aztec print verses a plaid. And I swear that if you add a statement scarf like this to any outfit, you will instantly feel put together - or at least I do! Such an easy outfit formula when you're feeling lazy or uninspired. 

What's your foolproof accessory?

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Linking up for: Tremendous Tuesday, #AllAboutYou, Erin and Laura for Trend Spin Linkup.

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Manic Monday: Another vest

OK, first, I know what you're thinking. Before I go any further. Let me just address the elephant in the corner. 

Yes, I'm wearing sunglasses and the street lights are on.

But! In my defense, it was only 4pm, so the lights had no business being on anyway! Ok, I feel better, let's carry on, shall we?

Sunnies: Tom Ford | Vest: JCrew | Necklace: Kate Spade (option) | Bag: Forever 21 | Sweater: Express (option, option, option) | Top: Rubbish (option, option) | Bracelet: Nadri | Bottoms: Express (option, option, option) | Shoes: Joe's (50% off!)

I'm so obsessed with vests lately, I just can't even control myself - I want all of them!! I just love everything about this look. I thought it was perfect for a double date night. I had met the boyfriend we were eating with, but not his girlfriend.

It's always hard to figure out what to wear when you are dressing for strangers and have no idea what their style is. Do they even like shopping? Is it safe to talk about how I share my OOTD photos on Instagram?! You don't want to look like a basic b!tch, but then again, you kind of do because you don't want to look overdone.

So, I wanted to be easy breezy and casual with the boyfriend jeans, but still interesting with the layers, and still sassy with the heels and clutch. In the end, I felt completely appropriate, and relieved with my outfit selection. Yes, getting dressed is HARD.

Enter here!

The giveaway runs until midnight, so you still have a few hours to enter! We will be announcing the winner on Wednesday, so hopefully that's instant gratification for you! Good luck!!

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Linking up for Style to Inspire, Mix it Monday, Personal Style Monday, and Rachelle and Cha Cha for #HowIFall.

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We'd love to have YOU link-up with us for Manic Monday.

Here are the simple guidelines:

1. Click below to add a link to your recent post. Any topic is fine!

2. Please make sure your post has links back to both More Pieces of Me and On the Daily Express.

3. It would be very cool if you followed along with us via the social media platform of your choice (Instagram, Bloglovin, Pinterest, Twitter etc.), but as long you link back to the hosts it's all good. 

Thanks for linking up!

        

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What I Wore Wednesday: Random Roundup

Well, I have inadvertently created a series, so to speak, for my blog called "random roundup" where I share all the random outfits that haven't made the blog. I do make it a point to photograph every outfit I wear - these are the outfits that just made it to selfie mode vs. big girl camera mode. I thought I could do this the last Friday of every month, but I noticed I've already accumulated a lot of looks over the last couple of weeks so I'll go ahead and share what I have now. Figured this would be fun for a What I Wore Wednesday type of thing vs. a random Friday. Spreading the wealth to other days of the week since these posts seem to be well received by my beloved readers! As a reminder, since there are so many looks, it would take me forever to find dupes for everything that isn't available anymore, so I'm only linking to the pieces you can still buy today!

Jacket: JCrew Factory | Romper: Target | Shoes: Steve Madden

This is that same romper I showed you guys in my Memorial Day post. (geez, how was that 3 months ago already?!) I had been lounging around the house trying to get blog posts done that day, and then the husband and I decided to go to the movies, so I just threw on my favorite denim jacket (since I'm always incessantly cold in theaters) along with my trusty leopard sneaks!

Necklace: Express | Top: Rubbish | Shorts: American Eagle | Sandals: DV Dolce Vita

This is another weekend look, specifically a casual Sunday dinner out with the husband. I love pops of turquoise, don't you? I honestly forgot I had these sandals. You last saw them here. When I saw them in my collection, I decided to dress around them, and I knew grey and white would highlight them nicely! I wish this top were still available, because it's the next best thing to a chambray and a portofino.

Top: Old - can't remember | Sports Bra: Reebok | Leggings: Zella | Shoes: Nike

Here's another random workout one for you. I've had this top for years. It was a top that I wore for real life, not for working out. But it's pretty old and beat up, and I saw it folded in my pile and thought it would be great for working out. All of a sudden, it's my favorite top to work out in. I love that anything goes when it comes to workout wear.

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | Top: Annie Griffin | Bracelets: Stella and Dot (1,2) | Bottoms: Express | Booties: Sam Edelman

I seriously agonize over what to pack for work trips. It's one thing if I'm going to a City meeting, because then I can do my usual dress and heels. But when I know I will be walking around job sites, it's a little bit more difficult. I left the steel toed boots at home this time, and just decided to wear my Sam Edelman booties. Oh, and by the way, in case you missed the story on Instagram - our plane got struck by lightening this day! Luckily we weren't on it yet, but we totally saw it happen. The lightening caused a surge in the cabin which blew an electric box. They still boarded us and kept us on the plane for TWO HOURS before they finally gave up. They couldn't fix it without flying in a part from Atlanta. So instead of arriving at noon, we didn't get to Greenville until 5pm. And my morning started at 3am! It was a LONG day.

Jacket: JCrew Factory | Bracelets: Stella and Dot (1,2) | Dress: JCrew Factory (last seen here) | Booties: Sam Edelman

This was day two of my work trip. No, it's definitely not my first choice to wear a dress when I'm going to be around drywall dust, BUT, Aunt Flo was visiting (of course), and it was my heaviest day, and let's just say, I never ever wear pants on this day because it is just asking for disaster. So, I'm sure I was getting weird looks for being in a dress, but it truly is a matter of life or death. That's also why I chose these booties as my shoe of choice for the trip-- because they're closed toe, they're comfy for all day on my feet, and they don't look awful with bare legs.

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | Vest: JCrew Factory | Bracelets: Stella and Dot (1,2) | Dress: Express | Booties: Sam Edelman

And this is day 3, the last and final day of my work trip. Again, I wore the dress for precautionary reasons. The vest is great, not only for layering, but for all the pockets - comes in handy at the airport. Coincidentally (totally not planned, or even Pinspired, just great minds), Jenna did a much more girlie version of this look here.

Necklace: Kate Spade | Top: Express | Leggings: Zella | Sandals: Sam Edelman

After traveling for work all week AND being visited by Aunt Flo, by the time Friday morning came around, I was at a "Sweatpants are all that fits me right now" time of my life. I walked around my closet room aimlessly, just wearing these leggings and trying to figure out what top I wanted to wear. Nothing felt right until I saw this lace tunic still laying on the back of my chair from when I wore it last here. (#sorryimnotsorry) I had an "aha" moment when I realized it would look great on its own over a cami. I loved it so much this day, that I ended up ordering it in black, too.

Necklace: Express | Top: Express (other colors here and here) | Dress (worn as a skirt): Express | Wedges: Steven by Steve Madden

And last but not least (told you I had a ton of outfits), this is what I wore over the weekend for my hair appointment. Apparently, I must normally dress pretty bummed out for my appointments because my stylist asked why I was all dressed up with my makeup done and everything. I don't even wear that much makeup! This tank dress is like my favorite midi skirt, just with a little more give, thanks to the side ruching. I originally wanted to throw a graphic tee on over this, but nothing looked quite right, which is finally why I decided to grab my anchor print portofino (last seen here.) Oh but speaking of getting your hair did, do you always have to take post-haircut selfies like I do? Here's my latest. Not that you can tell I got it cut, but she did take off about an inch.

And that's all I have for you today, folks. Hope you enjoyed this installment. I guess weekend outfits and other randoms add up pretty quickly on my phone. As I collect 5-8 random outfits, I shall share them with you, however that timing works out! And you can always follow me on Instagram if you'd like to see these in more real time. Happy Wednesday!

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

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Full circle

Unintentionally, I feel like my outfits this week have come full circle from my original look on Monday. I definitely think there are trends in my outfits, even on a weekly basis. I think it's interesting to see these trends, so I thought I'd put together this little polyvore so you can see what I'm talking about, specifically for this week. I started with dots, and just like the 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon, I've found myself ending the week in dots. And looking at this, I'm already seeing many other outfits that can be mixed and matched with these same pieces. But I guess I'll save that for another post…

Showing Keysocks (Read my original review here)

Sunnies: Gucci | Chambray: Rubbish (option) | Top: Express | Necklace: Express | Leggings: Express (option, option) | Bracelets: Stella and Dot (1,2) and Gorjana | Bag: Kate Spade (option) | Shoes: Steve Madden

This is definitely a casual Friday kind of outfit. I feel a bit slummish today - it's the inferior version of this pin here. But I kinda don't care because I get to wear these slip ons again, which makes me ever so excited. If you missed it on Instagram, these babies arrived last week, and I wore them all. Weekend. Long.

Via Instagram

Via Instagram

They're basically everything I hoped they would be and more! If you're on the hunt for your perfect leopard slip on, I highly recommend these. They're even better in the comfort of your own Keysocks. And no, I'm not being compensated to say that, but shoes like these are the reason Keysocks were made!

Well, that's enough randomness for one Friday. Hope you all have a great weekend filled with relaxation and shopping fate!

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Linking up for: Friday's Fab Favorites, The Fashion Informant, Casual Friday, What I'm Loving Fridays, Weekend Wind-down

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Weekend wear

Jacket: Kenna-T (option) | Top: Rubbish (option) | Scarf: Express | Bag: Gucci (budget option here and here) | Jeans: Express | Bracelet: Express | Boots: Coach (option)

My dress code is pretty flexible at work, so a lot of times there's a blurry line that separates my work attire from my weekend attire. But I'd say in general, at least in the cooler months, my weekend wear consists of skinny bottoms, an easy top, a scarf, and boots. Case in point - here are some recent weekend looks that made it on Instagram but didn't make the blog.

Left: Jacket: Express | Scarf: Express | Top: Express | Leggings: Zella | Bag: Ralph Lauren | Boots: Frye

Middle:  Scarf: Express | Sweatshirt: Express | Bag: Foley + Corinna | Jeans: Delia's | Boots: Vince Camuto

Right: Scarf: H&M | Top: JCrew Factory | Leggings: Express | Sneakers: Isabel Marant

While I'm excited as the next person to walk around bare legged with my toes hanging out, I do love my comfy weekend wear. I love layers. I love print mixing. I love boots. I'll have to do another one of these for the warm weather months so I can compare my typical summer weekend outfits with these!

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Linking up for: Friday's Fab Favorites, The Fashion Informant, Casual Friday, What I'm Loving Fridays, Weekend Wind-down

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Holiday Style Link-up: New Year's Resolutions

Wow, so here we are, our last week of the Holiday Style Link-up hosted by yours truly and On the Daily Express. To be honest, it was a bit terrifying to do this because we had no idea what the participation levels were going to be, and frankly, didn't want to be failures. Needless to say, we are grateful and humbled by all the support and inspiration given not only to us as the hosts, but between all the participants and readers as well. (Yes, even you lurkers who don't comment - we see your clicks and page views!)

Knit Cap: Etsy | Sunnies: Oakley | Coat: Target (added self belt) (option) | Scarf: The Glittered Owl | Sweater: Rubbish (option) | Leggings: Splendid (layered over Cuddl Duds) | Boots: Vince Camuto (similar)

Mix it Monday: See the last time I wore these same pieces.

Left: Scarf | Middle: Sweater | Right: Boots

As I write this, we are hunkering down for, what feels like, a winter apocalypse. We're supposed to be getting 5-8 inches of snow, but on top of that, the wind chill is supposed to be negative 24 degrees. I live in St. Louis, not Antarctica! This is not supposed to be happening! As we were running around getting ice melt, salt, and other necessities, I felt it only appropriate to look the part of a winter victim. I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've donned a hat on this blog, outside of my Cardinals baseball cap. Sigh. #imissbaseball

The good thing is, this lock down gives me plenty of time to reflect on 2013 and what I want to accomplish in 2014. We are finishing off the series with New Year's Resolutions. I'm guessing most everybody is back to work as of today, so this week truly marks the start of the new year to me. I can't say I'm diligent at writing my resolutions and sticking to them, but in the spirit of sharing, here's my plan for 2014.

1. Work on my fitness. What else is new, right? This seems to be an ongoing life resolution. I'd say I was in my best shape in 2009, and my goal is to get back to that. Lucky for me, there is a Pilates-Barre studio that opened up near the house. I love love love Pilates, but have only tried the mat classes. I've always wanted to try using the reformer, but the classes always seemed a bit expensive. My cousin in law and I paid a visit to the studio this weekend to get more info on class schedules and pricing, and everything looks great! The class times definitely seem workable and the prices were really only a couple dollars more than what I was used to with the mat classes. On top of this, I commit to 10,000 steps a day, dammit!

2. Paint my fingers. My toes are almost always painted, even in the winter, but I'd say my nails are only painted 30% of the time. I love the way they look painted, so I'm not sure why I can't just get off my lazy butt to do them more!

Via Instagram

3. Walk Annie the beagle. This goes along with number 1 above, but it's also good for the beagle's health to get outside and get moving! She loves our walks together, and I am so excited for the weather to be nice enough to do this again.

Via Instagram

4. Wear shoes. Not that I don't wear any shoes now, but I need to make sure all my shoes make it into my rotation more! I have a ridiculous amount of shoes, but I know I'm guilty of reaching for the same ones. (Yes, I'm looking at you, Report booties.) If I'm going to continue to be a shoe-aholic, then I need to dress around my shoes more.

From Closet room project: Part 2

5. Purge. Clearly, I have a lot of stuff, which means regular purging is a necessity. I only do this about twice a year right now, which really should be at *minimum* once a season.  I also need to be realistic about what I will truly wear again. Those booties that haven't seen the light of day in a couple years - they need to go. That dress that I have been saving for the last year hoping I'll lose a few pounds - it needs to go. Whether that means donating or listing on Poshmark, my clothes and shoes deserve a happy home. Oh and Dear Future Carylee, just because you're actively purging doesn't mean more shopping!

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Link-up Guidelines:
1. Go to a HOST page (More Pieces of Me or On the Daily Express) and click "Add My Link" at the end of our first post. Make sure your link is for your actual post and not your blog's home page. Even though this is Holiday Style themed, we do welcome all fashion and holiday related posts as long as the participation guidelines are followed.

2) Be sure that your post links back to at least one host (preferably both!). You can use a button on your blog or the link-up language of your choosing in your post, but please find a way to inform your readers of your participation in the Holiday Style Link Up in order to benefit all participants. In the spirit of the holidays we want to help each other grow, find new friends and readers, and share our love for fashion and festivities.

3) Please follow More Pieces of Me and On the Daily Express on Bloglovin'

4) After you post your link we hope you'll go check out other participants in the series and spread some holiday cheer with your comments and feedback!

Check out our favorites:
More Pieces of Me and On the Daily Express collaborated  to choose our favorites from last week's New Year's Eve theme! Since this week marks the end of the Holiday Style Link-up, we decided to go ahead and highlight our top THREE favorites vs. the normal two. 

Left: Tangled Musings | Middle: Haircut and General Attitude | Right: Petite Career Girl

Keep on linking on…
In this final week of the Holiday Style Linkup Series, your hosts want to say a genuine THANK YOU to each of you who participated with us. Whether you linked up one time or all six times, whether you dressed to the theme or did your own thing, we truly enjoyed having you join us. Through each of you we found new holiday, fashion, and blogging inspiration, made new friendships, and had our otherwise manic Mondays brightened just a little bit (or a lot!).

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We hate to see the end of this series, so we've decided to give it a new spin for the new year. Every Monday starting January 13 we'll be hosting Manic Monday, and we'd love to have you continue linking up with us. For this link-up there is no particular theme, just link-up to your recent post and be sure to link back to your hosts. Then hopefully we can help each other combat that case of the Mondays with a traffic boost and friendly comments from fellow participants. 

Happy 2014 and we hope to see you linking back up next week for Manic Monday!

        

Linking up for Watch What I'm Wearing, Monday Must Haves, Mix it Monday,
Love it Link it, Style Sessions, Erin and Laura for Trend Spin Linkup, 
and Love Your Look.

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