On the 1st Day of Christmas - A Warm Belted Trench

On the 1st Day of Christmas, I'm thinking about staying inside with my loved-ones, BUT I am also thinking about this beautiful wool trench from JCrew.  First of all, select colors are on sale--and they are all great color options! Yes, basic black is always classic, but a pop of color in your coat closet never gets old. I have my eye on the turquoise, but the chartreuse would be so fun too! It zips closed, so you keep the wind out, but the belt gives it that put together look that goes with everything. Wear it to work or for fun. 

This has been a fun gift list to share. Santa brought me a few items on this list and I'll be blogging about them in the near future. Happy Holidays!

On the 2nd Day of Christmas - A Military Jacket

On the 2nd Day of Christmas, I'm all about the military jacket! It is winter in Iowa, but I just wore mine to the warmest place I could find--our Botanical Gardens. Glorious warmth and humidity is just what Santa ordered for my dry, winter skin. This jacket is from Free People. I have to say that they know how to rock a military jacket! Just look at all of their options. Something for everyone. I chose the Shrunken Officer Jacket in in Onyx, but would wear any of their four color options. It's shorter in the back, but not too short. It has a little give in the upper arms, so it doesn't pull when I reach my arms forward. the sleeves are nice and long and it has adorable detailing. Grab one for a loved one or yourself while they still have them in stock! 

On the 3rd Day of Christmas - Leopard Booties

Okay, so by now, we have established that I love a bootie! So much. However, these gals, from Boden are special. I'll save my love for Boden for another post, but do yourself a favor and check them out. I'm very picky about animal print anything. If it's not made well, it can look so cheap! These little babies have the leopard print AND they are....furry? Furry might not be the right word, but I love that it has the feel of animal fur, but is obviously faux. That stacked heel is the right height for jeans, skirts and dresses. Heck, why not shorts if you live in a warm climate this time of year? Grab a pair of these beauties for your shoe-loving friend and she will wear them everywhere. Another option: here. 

On the 4th Day of Christmas - Gimme some flare!!

On the 4th Day of Christmas, give your loved one some sassy flared jeans. Skinny jeans? Love them. Boyfriend jeans? Perfect on the weekends. Wide legged jeans? Ideal for those elusive jeans days at work. But flares....flares have my heart. I will always love my flares! Citizens of Humanity produces beautiful denim. I mean seriously beautiful. Worth every penny! These Fleetwood High Rise Flares come in multiple washes, so you can go lighter, darker or distressed. I can't think of a single top that doesn't look amazing with flared jeans, so your giftee should be delighted with all of her outfit options when she pulls them out of her closet. 

On the 5th Day – A Christmas Kimono

Kimonos have been around for quite some time now. I’ve added them and removed them from my online shopping carts over and over. I was worried I’d look like I was wearing a bathrobe. American Eagle Outfitters had a great sale a few weeks ago and I picked up this little number for 40% off. Totally worth the risk, right? I was pleasantly surprised. I love the burned out velvet and gypsy appeal to this kimono. I can wrap it with an obi belt when I want something more fitted or wear it open with a slim fitting tee underneath. It’s multi-seasonal and I can easily wear it to work or toss it on when I’m running errands on the weekend. You have so many options when shopping for kimonos for Christmas, but my favorites are here and here.

On the 6th Day of Christmas - A Fabulous Leather Tote

For the 6th Day of Christmas gift guide, I have to talk about this tote. Somehow, throughout my work travel trips, I stumbled upon Henri Bendel. I think I was pulled in by the idea of a store filled with accessories. Seriously, glam accessories! Over the years, I've picked up a few pieces of their jewelry, a couple of holiday candles, and a handbag or two. But THIS. I've been waiting for this!! Their Rivington Convertible Tote has everything a style-minded, working gal could want. Gorgeous leather. Roomy interior for work essentials. An attached, smaller pocketbook that zips off of the front to be used when you don't need the entire tote. A zipper at the top of the tote to keep wandering eyes from checking out your goodies on the train. Well, they may still check out your goodies, but not the ones in your bag! The handles are sturdy enough to bear the weight of your electronics, notebooks, and let's face it....the fifty lip glosses we all carry around so we always have the perfect shade on hand.

If Santa brings this tote for your loved-one, she will use it every day. Think about that! It's a gift that will be loved seven days a week.

On the 7th Day of Christmas -- Burgundy Suede Booties

A great gift idea for the shoe-lover in your life! When I saw these beauties on DSW's website, I just knew I had to have them. They are the right shade of burgundy that will give you a little splash of color without distracting from your entire outfit. Perfect booties for colder weather looks! 

Franco Sarto is the first shoe brand I can remember loving in my twenties, when I barely made enough money to pay my rent. I seem to remember finding a pair that was highly discounted on an end of season sale. I vaguely remember the style, but do recall that they were chocolate brown high heels for work. I lived in those shoes! Every time I needed to dress up for a gathering or event, my Francos went with me. Every time I went shoe shopping, I hunted for discounted Francos, because I knew they were high quality and fit beautifully. (And yes, I actually called them "my Francos"....then AND now.) Twenty years later and I'm still enamored with this brand. These beauties can transition from work to casual so easily. They would be so fun with a kicky peasant dress, too! 

This would be a delicious surprise under the tree and at under $90.00---a steal!

On the 8th Day of Christmas – A Velvet Jacket

Have you noticed that velvet is having a moment? You may not feel 100% confident about wearing velvet on an ordinary day, but the holidays are filled with opportunities to pull it off—dressed up or dressed down. I picked up a black velvet blazer from Ann Taylor a few years ago and have found it to be the perfect jacket to go over a cocktail dress or to wear with dressy jeans and a nice blouse. If I have a party or event right after work, I don’t have time to spend an hour digging through my closet for the right outfit. A velvet jacket goes with anything. That being said, I am so ready to branch out to something a little more daring. This lacey velvet jacket from Free People is exactly what I need! I love the chartreuse color, but the washed purple would be lovely too. This jacket has a moto style and it laces up on the sides and at the wrists. They styled it with jeans and a pair of black crops, but wouldn’t it be pretty over a fall maxi dress? There are so many velvet jacket options right now—you can play it safe or take a walk on the wild side, but whichever way you go, you’ll make someone very happy with this gift!

On the 9th Day of Christmas – Kate Spade Earrings

Giving the gift of Kate Spade takes the guessing game out of the equation every time. You can never go wrong with her small square stud earrings. They are a classic cut that looks amazing on every woman and you have over a dozen color choices. I have them in several colors myself. In this photo, I’m sporting the clear, which have a gold toned setting. Several are set in a silver tone, so you aren’t limited one way or another. The gold glitter ones are on my personal list this year. I’ve collected a few pairs over the years. They look professional at work with a suit or can be paired with a simple pair of jeans and tee shirt. They are generous in size, but don’t feel heavy when I wear them. Really, they are the perfect earring! Kate Spade offers these year round, but if you are looking for a great stocking stuffer, this is the perfect time to pick up a pair…or two!

On the 10th Day of Christmas – Bejeweled Pullover Sweater

This bejeweled sweater from Anthopologie made my Christmas list this year, because the knit has a soft, haloed look crossed with a sparkly detail that look a bit athletic. I love pieces that have unexpected features. Glam crossed with sporty? Check. Soft and metallic? Check. A simple knit pullover with a little twinkle? Check, check, and check.

This pullover appears ivory on the website, but in reality, it has flecks of icy blue woven throughout. If Santa places this sweater under my tree, I just might live in it through New Year’s Day. This sweater would be great with skinny jeans and pointy-toed pumps. It could be paired with leggings and over the knee boots. I have a pair of ivory skinny cords that are just waiting for a sweater like this one. Sizes are starting to sell out, so I hope you are lucky enough to snag one for your special someone---or yourself!

On the 11th Day of Christmas – Faux Fur Scarf

Continuing with my 12 days of stylish Christmas gifts, I had to include some sort of faux fur neck wear. I picked up a faux fur stole from Anthopologie last year and still can’t get enough of it. I can wear it with my winter coat instead of a traditional scarf. I like to wear it to work with a jewel-toned blouse and trousers. It’s super cute over a graphic tee with jeans on the weekend. I’ve even been known to wear it with a cardigan sweater to give it a little oomph. I promise you—this is a power accessory!

I decided to check back with Anthropologie to see what they have to offer this year and was pleasantly surprised to find this versatile infinity scarf in faux fur. It has metallic flecks to make it extra special. I love the idea of an infinity scarf made of faux fur, because you can leave it long or wrap it twice for a different look. So many options! This one is likely to go fast this season, so I hope you are lucky enough to grab it before it’s gone. 

12 Days of Christmas - Fleece Lined Joggers

Starting today, I’m going to post 12 days of gift ideas with style. Santa, are you reading this? 

So, Fleece-lined joggers? Really? Yes. Really! These babies will keep anyone warm on the way to the gym, to the grocery store, and back home to curl up in front on Netflix. Cold, winter days can be brutal. Comfy and warm ath-leisure joggers to the rescue! UGG is a brand known for comfort and luxury, all rolled up into every day essentials. Boots, hats, mittens, you name it. 

Why not give the gift of cozy joggers to your loved ones who are always on the go? 

What I wore to Thanksgiving

This year, my cousin hosted our family Thanksgiving at her new home, vegan and gluten-free style. The invitation stated to dress comfy---pajamas optional, in fact. What to wear?

My stretchy Cabi cargo skinny’s to the rescue. I love that I can wear them with just about any shoe or boot (in this case, my Lucky Brand booties) and the green color is becoming a new neutral for me. The side pockets lay flat, but add an additional detail. I tossed on my “beautiful chaos” tee from a local shop, Mainstream Boutique. My final layer was a warm cardi from TJ Maxx and I was good to go. 

Looking for similar pieces? 

Skinny Cargos 
Here and Here

Lucky Brand Booties
Similar

Graphic Tee 
Loving this one!

Chunky Knit Cardigan
So many options....

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Fall Back Jacket

It’s been ten days since daylight savings ended. I used to look forward to “falling back” each year, but now….meh. I’m so sleep deprived. One more hour is not going to remove the baggage under these eyes!

Have you been to Target lately? Dumb question, I know. My Target recently revamped the clothing section and I’m loving some of the boho tops and new items for fall. I came across this pleather jacket—they carry it in grey and black. I love the knitted collar! It has a bit of a motorcycle jacket look to it, but its shape is classic enough to wear to work too.

I paired it with some skinnies, but it think it will also look great with a fall maxi dress. I’ve been dreaming about this one by Free People….gorgeous!

In other news, I broke down and purchased my first selfie stick in hopes I won’t have to bug my husband for blog outfit photos as often. This is the best one I could get. Needless to say, it will take some time to, ahem, perfect my technique! I’m wearing a green cargo jacket from Kensie I picked up at TJ Maxx. It has a gathered waste, so it gives me a little shape. I’ve been wearing it everywhere! Get those fall jackets out and enjoy them before the snowflakes fly and you have to cover everything up with a giant parka.

Leggings for Fall

We have had beautiful weather this fall. It almost feels like a late summer, in fact. I love this time of year. Bright orange and red leaves on the trees, cooler weather at night, everyone is making soup and my leggings make an appearance at least twice a week! I’ve been in the market for new leggings. They can’t be too thin—no one wants to see my underwear when I bend over. They can’t be so thick that I walk like a zombie. They need to look like PANTS, not something I threw on at the gym. I found my holy grail of leggings through Cabi. I know, I know…Cabi clothes are sold at those “home parties” that everyone dreads, but seriously….these leggings are totally worth it! They are completely opaque and have a nice texture that gives when I move around. They hold their shape and have this unique seam down the front and back of my legs—hello, leg lengthening optical illusion! They are snug enough to fit under my knee-high boots, but also look great with short booties or flats. This week, I paired them with a sweater I picked up at American Eagle Outfitters, black wrap belt and black boots. Easy, comfy and I don’t look like I am headed to yoga class later. Boom! 

Fashion Over Forty

I’ve always been a lover of style. Clothes, shoes, accessories—you name it. I distinctly recall, in my teens and early twenties, spending what little money I had on magazines that featured beautiful clothes. I flipped through the pages, tore out pictures of outfits for inspiration (the Pinterest of the 1990’s) and taped them up on my closet wall. I window shopped at Anthropologie, Urban Outfitter, JCrew, and countless other stores that were way out of my price range. I watched Cindy Crawford on MTV’s House of Style and imagined what it would be like to have a model’s closet. I just knew I could pull off those trends if only I had the extra cash after my rent had been paid.

Fast forward to today. I’m over forty, married, and finally able to afford a few splurges here and there. I still page through magazines, now mostly online, and look for items I can wear for work, play and relaxing at home. Typically, my patient husband gets to listen to me chatter about my new “super cute” jeans going perfectly with a sweater I’ve been wearing for years. Oh, and the booties! So many pairs of booties this man has to try to distinguish from one pair to the next. Now I have an outlet for my enthusiasm—you! I’ll be sharing tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way, new items I’ve discovered I just can’t live without, my major fashion fails, friends who have amazing “over forty” style, and, well, just about anything else that comes to mind.

Today, I wanted to share my love for all things Rachel Zoe. I learned (from Instagram) that she was recently in my hometown and I had no idea! I would have LOVED to at least see her in person—if not hug her awkwardly and likely make her feel uncomfortable. I’ve been a subscriber to her Box of Style for some time now. Quarterly shipments of fashion goodies, all curated by Team Zoe. I’m still loving an item from summer of 2015. It’s a Mara Hoffman Sarong, designed exclusively for this Box of Style. It may have been a summer item, but I’ve enjoyed it year round—especially in transition months, like fall. It’s nice and large--I can drape it like a poncho or wrap when I’m walking outside on chilly evenings. I can wrap it around my neck to combat the crazy air conditioning in my office. I’ve even used it to cover my hair when dealing with an insanely windy walk downtown. It’s so versatile and I find the bright tropical print somewhat comforting on a dreary, overcast day. If you are looking for a thrifty way to get your fall sarong on, check out your local TJ Maxx. This time of year (and year round, really) they have a huge stock of large scarves and wraps available. They make great gifts and typically run from $13.00 - $20.00. You might even find a high end label at a steal, if it’s a piece from last season. Check it out!