WINTER STYLE | SIMPLE BLACK MULES

Top: A New Day // Jeans: Loft // Mules: A New Day // Cardigan: Loft - via thredUP
Move over pink and black, taupe and black are here to take over.  I styled a very similar outfit a few months ago, but this updated version is much better in my opinion.  For one, I've replaced my bow mules with these plain ones from A New Day.  One of the bows on my previous pair of mules popped off.  They were sewn on, and the thread just snapped one day at work.  I tried to fix it, but it was a total fail.  Since I wore the mules so much, I decided to try these plain ones.

I didn't mean for this to become a review on mules, but here it is nonetheless.  These mules are very, very comfortable.  I do think they run a bit small.  My heels are right at the edge.  And if I didn't prefer my shoes to fit snugly, I would purchase a half size up.  Personally, I don't like the feeling of shoes flopping around so I will be sticking with a size 8.  They also come in pink, which I purchased as well.  As soon as I style those in an outfit, I'll be sharing that here.

Have you started looking forward to spring yet?  I have, and I'll be sharing a spring refresh haul on my channel next month.

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WINTER STYLE | VALENTINES DAY DATE

Happy Valentine's Day!  I hope your day is wonderful and you have the chance to spend time with your loved ones.  I squeezed my husband and kids extra tight this morning when we left the house.  It would've been so nice for Valentine's Day to fall on a weekend, wouldn't it?

So, for a Valentine's Day date during the week, a simple outfit is a must.  This simple dress is one of my favorite thrifted treasures.  I found it on thredUP, and it's my go-to dress when I want to feel and look good.  Maggy London makes seriously gorgeous dresses.  I always keep my eye out for them when I'm browsing the thredUP site!

What are your Valentine's Day plans?

VALENTINES DAY DATE OUTFIT

Dress: Maggy London - via thredUP - similar // Heels: Vince Camuto // Ear Jackets (not shown): Zara - similar

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WINTER STYLE | CASUAL VALENTINES DAY OUTFIT

This blazer and top were sent to me by Misook to style.  I chose this Valentines Day outfit, and all opinions are mine alone.

I've shared a couple work appropriate Valentines Day outfits that are perfect for the office.  They were both pink and black, which is a color combo I've been gravitating to a lot lately.  For Valentine's Day, I wanted to amp it up (I'm joking... all I did was switch out the pink for red and add some ripped jeans).

But, seriously, these jeans are so comfy.  After seeing Angela wear them at a shoot a couple years ago, I knew I'd get a lot of use out of them.  Sure, I get funny comments about them all the time (queue all the 'did you get in a fight with a cat jokes'), but I love them.  I love the juxtaposition of the ripped jeans and tidy blazer.  I like my outfits simple and class, but the rips elevate the outfit just a bit.

What's your ideal casual Valentines Day outfit?

CASUAL VALENTINES DAY OUTFIT

Top: Misook // Jeans: Old Navy // Blazer: Misook // Heels: Vince Camuto

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WINTER STYLE | EVERLANE RELAXED SILK SHIRT

The last time I wore this top, I had it untucked.  I mentioned in that post that I also enjoyed styling it tucked into my favorite work pants.  I thought it might be helpful to see it in an outfit.  It's so comfortable under this duster.

Like I said in the last post about this silk shirt, I ordered a size 12.  I could also wear a size 10; however, I enjoy the extra room that the 12 has.  I can easily fold the cuffs over my sweater, which is my favorite way to wear button-ups.  This can easily be tucked in, and it's so comfortable to move around.  Have you ever tucked in your top to have it un-tuck itself while you're just doing everyday things?  Having extra room at the bottom of the shirt definitely helps it stay tucked in.

Have you ever tried Everlane's silk line?  I can't tell you how comfortable it is!

Top: Everlane // Cardigan: Target - old - similar // Pants: J. Crew

Heels: Vince Camuto

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WINTER STYLE | EVERLANE RELAXED PINK SILK SHIRT

Following along with my post about the five brands I want to support this year, I have a brand new pink silk shirt from Everlane.  Not only is this another great outfit for Valentine's Day (hello, pink!), but I also wanted to give my thoughts on the fit of this shirt.

This is the Everlane Relaxed Silk Shirt in pink.  I ordered a size 12, but I could also wear a size 10.  I am typically a medium/large size in shirts and sweaters, depending on the cut.  This pink silk shirt looks slightly oversized on me, but it feels so comfortable.  If I order this shirt again, I will order a 10 for a more tailored look.

I have this pink silk shirt styled here with a cardigan and work pants.  I have also styled it stucked into my work pants with the sleeves rolled up.  That is one reason I'm glad I ordered a size 12 -- I can easily tuck it in with no problem, and there is enough sleeve material to roll over the sleeve of a cardigan.  The silk is very soft and pretty.  It is a little see through, so I do have a cami on underneath.

Overall, I'm very happy with this purchase.  I had originally ordered the slim pink silk shirt in a 10, but that was too small.  I am much happier with the looser fit of this top.

Have you ever tried Everlane's silk shirts?

Top: Everlane // Pants: J. Crew // Cardigan: Cents of Style - similar

Heels: Vince Camuto // Clutch: Nisolo Clutch Wallet  (no longer available)

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WINTER STYLE | BUNDLED UP WITH THE FLOURISH MARKET

The other day I was watching Em's instastories, as I do, and she had a little tutorial on styling The Flourish Market's poncho scarves.  I knew I had to share my favorite scarf, which happens to be from her shop, The Flourish Market!  I love a cozy scarf, utility jacket, and boots to keep me warm outside.

If you caught my post last week about brands I want to support, Em's shop The Flourish Market is most definitely one of them.  She has such a good eye for style, and her entire shop is incredibly cute.  I purchased this scarf the first year she had them in the Flourish Market shop, and it remains my favorite to this day.  Since it's so full of color (and all my faves, too!), I style it with a neutral outfit and a hat that compliments the tiny stripes in the scarf.

Top: Jane - similar // Leggings: Cory Vines - via Wantable // Boots: Bare Traps - old - similar

Jacket: Target - old - similar // Hat: Old Navy - similar // Scarf: The Flourish Market

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FIVE BRANDS I LOVE

As I'm looking forward in 2018,  there are quite a few brands that I hope to add to my wardrobe and beauty routine.  I thought it would be fun to highlight a few of my favorites brands today.  I hope you find something that inspires you!

EVERLANE

I spoke earlier this week about my love for Everlane.  I have multiples of their tees and recently tried their cashmere crew sweater.  I love supporting a brand that has such amazing ethics.  They've come such a long way since selling only tees, and it's exciting every time they release a new product!

RMS BEAUTY

Of all the brands I've discovered through my cruelty-free journey, RMS Beauty stands out the most to me.  Their makeup remover wipes are a staple in my skincare routine.  I literally can not be without them.  I also love their Un-Cover foundation/concealer.  It's something that I use every single day.  I look forward to trying more of their products this year.

THE FLOURISH MARKET

So, The Flourish Market isn't actually a brand, but I am obsessed with my friend Em's shop in Raleigh.  Em has done my blog photos (and she is AMAZING!).  Unfortunately, the timing hasn't worked out for me to have her do my photos.  Izzie's has two hours of dance classes on Saturdays, which is basically the only day to get photos done.  Alas, I love supporting Em's shop and sending her love from afar with my online orders!  She has an amazing vision for her company, and I am literally obsessed with her try on sessions on Instastories.  She always shows the new arrivals there and can convince me to buy anything.  :)

NISOLO

Let's see how many times I can use the word 'obsessed' in this post... haha!  This brand is amazing.  They started out with shoes and now have a line of bags, accessories, and jewelry.  I started out with my Simone shopper crossbody bag and then added my Clutch Wallet.  During their huge sales around the holidays, I added these Serena sandals to replace my very old strappy sandals.  The newest addition are my black Ava flats, which are perfect.  I'm the type of person to buy multiples in different colors, so rest assured I'll be adding even more to my wardrobe this year!

WIND BLOWN JEWELRY

This is a small jewelry business based on Raleigh that I discovered in 2017.  I love the simplistic style of all her pieces, and hopefully I'll be adding another necklace to my collection soon.  I've reached for this horizon necklace time and time again.  It's an essential piece, and I've received so many compliments on it.

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WINTER STYLE | EVERLANE CASHMERE CREW

This year, my wardrobe goals are to develop a color scheme for my wardrobe and include more ethical and slow fashion items.

Luckily, this Everlane Cashmere sweater outfit matches both of those goals.  :)  Back in December, I used some of my birthday money to purchase my first Everlane cashmere sweater.

And I haven't looked back.

Everlane had a sale of free shipping on all cashmere items, so I figured it was the perfect time to try out an Everlane Cashmere sweater.  I've heard so many amazing things about their cashmere, and I love the brand anyways.  Back when they only sold tee shirts, I had so many in my closet.  I still have a few, but I wore out most of them.  I'm slowly replacing my tees.  Along with this Everlane cashmere sweater, I've ordered a crew tee and a v-neck tee.

Everlane is an amazing company that is known for transparency in their supply chain and factories.  I love their minimalist aesthetic as well.  I am so happy that I took a chance on this Everlane cashmere sweater.  The cashmere is so cozy and soft.  I will definitely picking it up in more colors!  I especially love the gray and pink.

Sweater: Everlane // Jeans: Old Navy - similar shape // Booties: Target // Necklace: Wind Blown Jewelry

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WINTER STYLE | BLACK, WHITE & GREY

When it snowed last week, I couldn't help but take one outfit picture in it.  :)  I love snow and everything about winter ... but this was freezing!  There's something about winter in the South that feels so much colder than up north.

This is one of my favorite outfits for winter (and fall if it's cool enough!).  Since you all know how much I love neutrals, this should come as no surprise.  This button-up really isn't warm enough for the winter.  It's not sheer, but the fabric is thin.  I can also wear this in the spring and summer, and it's a great year-round print.  I've never paired this vest with another pattern, but I like it!

What do you think?

Top: Target - similar // Vest: 41Hawthorn - via Stitch Fix - similar// Pants: Fair Indigo

Boots: Bare Traps - similar // Purse: Nisolo

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