Chelsea and Ginny Take On: Winter

Today Chelsea and I are going to take on Winter. It's definitely here and this combo today is my favorite for winter this year. A couple weeks ago I showed you a Herringbone Vest Remix and I wore an outfit similar to this one, but the indoor light just didn't do this herringbone and pink sweater combo justice. I love the bright color combo! I swear it is colder this year than it was last winter and these layers are definitely a necessity. I'm not going to lie, after taking these pictures I decided to switch to my booties, it as just to cold for bare ankles. Yep, Winter is definitely here.

On another note, Chelsea and I are going to take a little break from our Take On series. Now that the holidays are over there is really nothing for us to "take on" in January. We plan to resume closer to Valentine's Day.

Born Pretty sent this necklace over and I really like it. I think I'll be able to wear it a lot. It is crazy inexpensive and good quality, they also have free shipping. The one pitfall is it takes about a month to get.

 

Vest: Coldwater Creek $50 would be cute with my black one Sears $18  same

Sweater: J.Crew Factory $21  same

gingham: J.Crew Factory $25 same in pink, sold out online

Necklace: Born Pretty c/o  same enter code GMT at checkout for 10% off

Bracelets:  Chimera, Moxie , Renegade Stella and Dot

Old Navy $15 same

Shoes: Vera Wang $12 similar

Today Chelsea at  Whatcha Makin' Now is sharing a recipe for spiked hot chocolate, make sure to stop by to get the details on this drink that will definitely help to keep you warm on these cold winter nights.

Building A Wardrobe: Blazers and Jackets

I'm really excited to be starting a new series today that will focus on helping you to build a wardrobe full of pieces you'll not only love, but that will be timeless and versatile.  Today I'm starting with one of my favorite things: blazer and jackets.  The thing I love about them is there ability to be worn both for work wear as well was weekend wear.  They can be the perfect touch to finish off any look, so today I'm showing you pieces I feel are essential, as well as a few pieces to add once the essential pieces are in place.

On my list of essential blazers and jackets are a classic black and navy blazer, as well as a denim jacket. Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing these pieces:

•  When buying these pieces definitely pay attention to quality, as they pieces can be utilized frequently and worn for years to come.  I purchased my black blazer at H&M for a very fair price to replace one I used for nearly a decade from The Limited.  My navy blazer is probably my favorite piece in my wardrobe and although I found it on sale at Loft, it definitely would have been worth the full price. 
•  Also, pay attention to how to wash it, if it's dry clean only I pass on the piece.  Look for one that can be washed normally, as this will help you to utilize it more.
• The quality of a denim jacket, in my opinion, doesn't vary much from store to store, so buying an inexpensive option shouldn't impact how it wears much.

After you have these essential pieces in your wardrobe, then you can begin to add on additional options, like the ones I've listed below. The additional options I'm loving are a striped blazer, a mixed media moto jacket, and a bright blazer.  Unlike the pieces above which are truly wardrobe staples, these pieces can be the "show piece to any look," that is, the piece of clothing that takes your outfit from cute to perfection.  Right now I'm on the look out for a mixed media jacket.  I recently tried one on at TJ Maxx I loved, but it was dry clean only, so I passed.  These pieces should definitely be added over time, and when the price is right. 

Here's a visual of all the pieces I've listed above to help you out:

  LOFT black blazer / LOFT navy blazer  / Gap denim jacket  /LOFT stripe blazer / LOFT mixed media jacket / bright blazer

Today I'm wearing one of the additional options I've listed above, a bright colored blazer. Adding a blazer dresses up any look, and the bright color is such fun too!

This dress I scored from thredUP (use link for $10 off) has to be hands down one of my favorite pieces in my closet. I thought it would be fun to pair it with teal today for work.  I also adore that it has pockets in the front, it's such a fun touch!

Stripes and Floral

I thought I'd share with you all some of my favorite "Grant" moments recently.  Being a mother is definitely the best thing that has happened to me, but before I was a mom I had no idea what to expect.

Sweetest thing: Grant was sitting next to me at dinner and declared I am his best friend. : )

Silliest thing: Grandma recently found a bunch of dress up clothes for Grant and he feel in love with the Scooby-Doo costume.  While pretending to be a dog, Gracie (our Beagle) came up wagging her tail.  Grant said to her "Hey, we match!  We both have tails!"

Surprising thing:  I was making dinner, talking to my sister while I thought Grant was watching Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood (best kids' show in my opinion).  I turned around and surprising had to ask why Grant was naked.  Yep.  Evidently he had spilled his water, so he took his clothes off.  Logical, right?

Superhero thing:  While wearing his Spider-Man costume he also added his snow boots "because they give him power!"

Kid cracks me up.

Now to my outfit: After finally picking up this pink skirt at Target I wore it like this the first time.  I seriously love it and really wanted to wear it again before it got too cold for bare legs.  Many of you thought this could be cute with black tights, and I do think I'll give that a try too.  As for today, I totally love this combo.  I recently wore it for girls' night and plan to wear it to school too.  I think the floral scarf is such a fun option with the striped blazer.  

Blazer: Kohl's $17 red option

Top: Loft $22 similar

Scarf: $4 (via Plato's Closet) similar

Skirt: $6 Target same (on sale in stores)

Bracelets: Stella and Dot same and Limited similar

Shoes: Fergalicious $30 similar

Linking up with:

What I Wore Wednesday

Get Your Pretty On

Chelsea and Ginny Take on: Labor Day!

Today is a big day on the blog! I'm starting a new series with my sister, Chelsea at Whatcha Makin' Now, and I'm starting a new mini-series this week to help you all transition your clothes from Summer to Fall.

Chelsea and I have so much fun blogging and wanted to come up with a weekly way to collaborate. We came up with this "Take On" series.  Each week we will take on a topic, adventure, or holiday that you'll need to dress and prepare food for.  This week we're taking on Labor Day.  I call this the unofficial end of summer. Whomp, whomp. It's a great opportunity to get together with friends and grill, for sure.  The weather starts to change some too, so today I'm showing you how to make shorts last a little while longer, and dress comfortably and stylishly for your Labor Day celebrations.

I think the jean jacket is the perfect addition to many outfits, including this one.  This summer I wore these shorts a ton with a simple chambray or tank top; that won't cut it as it begins to cool down.  Adding a jean jacket keeps this outfit casual, but will make sure you don't get too cool grilling with friends and family.

Comeback Wednesday for my second tip to making the "Season Switch" with your wardrobe. And make sure to check out my sisters link below for a fabulous Labor Day drink!

Jean Jacket: The Limited (circa 2004ish) similar

Top: Loft $20 similar

Shorts: Loft $20 similar

Necklace: Stella and Dot Rebel

Bracelets: Stella and Dot Renegade, Triple Wrap, Moxie

Shoes: Aero 2 $26 similar

Now to my fabulous sister Chelsea.  This week she is sharing the recipe for a delicious drink called "Strawberry Lemonade Beer." She's also come up with a non-alcoholic  version too, sweet!  Make sure to stop by Whatcha Makin' Now for the details on how to make this delicious drink, perfect for your Labor Day Celebrations!