Outfit Post: Rainy Day Attire

This past weekend I had the chance to get out of freezing cold Detroit and head South to warmer Virginia. Unfortunately, with the warmer temperatures brought a weekend of rain. 

Wet weather or not, temps in the 50s means bare legs and the chance to show off these adorable scalloped shorts - or as my husband calls them, Betty Rubble shorts. Apparently Mrs. Rubble was ahead of the trends with her hemline (along with Lisa Simpson!). 

I'd say it's better than a Velma comparison, but her oversized sweater, pleated skirt, and hipster glasses are currently right on trend. Who knew cartoon women were such trendsetters?

Now if only my next outfit could channel Jem and the Holograms...

 

 

 

trench coat: h&m (similar here)

sweater: similar here

shorts: tj maxx (similar here)

wellies: hunter

scarf: similar here

umrella: c/o Detroit Institute of Arts

Outfit Post: Pretty in Pink

Confession: I bought this blazer a year ago and until this day, it sat in my closet, untouched, with the price tag still attached. I'm not sure why I bought the blazer. To be honest, I don't even really like pink that much. Maybe it was a dark and dreary day and I needed something bright to cheer me up. Maybe it was on sale. Maybe I just watched Mean Girls and needed something to wear on Wednesdays.

But whatever the reason, for over a year it hung in my closet mockingly reminding me not to buy things I don't absolutely love (a good relationship reminder as well). And since H&M won't take back receipt-less items from last year (the nerve!), I am determined to make this blazer work - whether I love it or not.

You know what I do love? Witty clutches. And breakfast sandwiches. And, yes, sometimes even, tequila (although this seems to be more of a love/hate relationship these days). Which is why this Kate Spade clutch is perfect. I actually saw the tote version last spring but couldn't justify the price tag, so when I saw this little baby in the clearance section of TJ Maxx, I knew it was fate. Talk about love.

#HellYeah.

blazer: h&m (similar here)

tee: j.crew 

jeans: american eagle 

shoes: similar here

clutch: kate spade via tjmaxx

Outfit Post: Ladylike Leather

It's no surprise I'm over the cold. I've been bitching about it for weeks. But being the positive person that I am, I like to find the silver lining in everything - including this prolonged winter. 

For me that silver lining is leather, leopard print stilettos, and my grandma's vintage fur jacket. My days of wearing these items are numbered, so I thought I'd take them for one last spin around the block before replacing them with flowy dresses and strappy sandals. 

Farewell my friends. See you next fall.

top: nordstrom (similar here)

jacket: grandma's vintage

leather leggings: similar here

shoes: charles david (similar here)

clutch: stella and dot

cuff: stella and dot

sunglasses: le spec

Currently Coveting: {10 Spring Essentials}

Congratulations, we did. We officially survived the Polar Vortex.

Even though it may not feel like it here in Detroit, tomorrow marks the official start of Spring. That means whether Old Man Winter cooperates or not, I am putting away my bulky sweaters and oversized coats and preparing my closet for higher temps.

As the weather warms up (it will eventually warm up, right?), these are the 10 items I’ll be incorporating into my look this spring. 

Spring Essentials

 

1. Crossbody Bag: The perfect hands-free bag for spring bike riding and Riverwalk strolls.
2. Chambray: A wardrobe staple, the chambray shirt is the perfect layering piece. Wear over a spring dress instead of a denim jacket or pair with white denim for a casual look.
3. Statement Sandals: The to-the-knee gladiator version I’ve picked may be too bold for some, but don’t miss out on the chance to wear a statement sandal that doesn’t involve a heel.
4. Python Print: This is the animal print of the season. Whether you go bold with a pant or more subdued in your accessories, be sure to incorporate this into your look.
5. Parka: A must during the rainy spring season, this necessity will keep you dry while staying chic.
6. Midi skirt: Last year, these skirts started popping up all over the place and they’re not going anywhere. This demure skirt is the silhouette of the season.
7. Floral: Spring means florals. This is no surprise to anyone. Try the print in a more casual way, like this floral shirt dress.
8. Crop Top: I know, I know. I’m 30 years old. Am I seriously recommending that women invest in crop tops? I am. Paired with ladylike pieces (try it with a highwaisted midi skirt), this 90s throw back piece is given a whole new life. As soon as the snow melts, I’ll be showing you my favorite ways to style a crop top and not look like a tween at a Miley Cyrus concert. Stay tuned.
9. Espadrilles: These slip ons are everywhere. From Fuscia pink to leopard print, find a style that suits you.
10. Jumpsuit: Jumpsuits are tricky. As a tall girl, I get it (wedgies, camel toe, I risk it all…). But if you take the time to find the right one, you’ll love the ease of this throw-it-on-and-go statement piece.

After surviving this winter, we all deserve something pretty. What items are on your spring list?

Lucky Green Smoothie

I have a confession: I used to be a hardcore McDonald’s addict.

Double cheeseburgers and a coke were my weakness. Every late night at the bar ended with a trip to Mickey D’s (sometimes in a cab). I even celebrated my 5th birthday party at the joint, complete with an appearance from Ronald McDonald. I was hooked. And it wasn’t just habit, it was something I was proud of.

Then I got the big C and I started to pay attention to not only what I put ON my body, but what I put IN my body. I started to learn that looking good is not just about what clothes you wear, but how you feel. For the first time in my life, I learned to cook and really love real food (not just fast “food”).

For me, the best way to feel (and look) great is starting the day with a green smoothie or green juice. It means that no matter how crappy my food choices are throughout the day, I know I’ve at least gotten in several servings of fruits and vegetables before I’ve even figured out what  to wear. 

So in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I’m sharing with you my favorite super healthy, energizing green superfoods smoothie (to counteract all the super green beer you may or may not drink today). This is also a great “day after” cure for anyone feeling less than lucky tomorrow.

2 cups coconut water
2 large handfuls of spinach
1 banana
1/2 cup frozen mango
2 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp hemp seeds
1/2 tbsp bee pollen

Blend all ingredients together and enjoy!

Outfit Post: Boots and the Fur

Wind and flirty mini skirts do not go well together, my friends. Unless you are Marilyn Monroe. 

I am definitely not Marilyn Monroe.

Basically 95% of these shots involved me holding my skirt down or trying to keep my hair from violently flying in my face. Very unglamorous. Very unlady like. But that's the beauty of digital photography. 

It allows me to fake being both glamorous and a lady.

faux fur vest: luxe rachel zoe
sweater: h&m
skirt: h&m
over the knee boots: old nordstrom rack, similar here
purse: pitaya, similar here
necklace: baublebar
sunglasses: ray-ban

The Evolving Door

Behind the scenes of Cynthia Vincent's studio and showroom

Sometimes in life a door opens that you better walk through (no, run through) or else it may slam in your face, never to open again. A couple months ago, that door opened for me.

While aimlessly trolling Facebook, I came across a contest from PopSugar - a chance to win a trip to LA to meet designer Cynthia Vincent and have her create a one-of-a kind piece for me (spoiler alert, I won). All I had to do was talk about how my style has evolved.

Normally, I would continue scrolling though the Facebook newsfeed, not giving a second thought to the competition. But something made me not just pause, but actually take the time to enter. Maybe it was because I loved Cynthia Vincent’s line. Maybe it was because it was January in Detroit and a trip to LA sounded like heaven. But in all honesty, I think it was this idea of personal evolution that struck a chord.

Cancer changed me. I mean, how can it not. When a terrible, life threatening disease takes over your body, there’s no way you can emerge on the other side the same person. But cancer didn’t just change my outlook. It changed my sense of gratitude. And my joy for life.

Cancer also changed my style. Or, more accurately, it changed my insecurities about my style.

It changed me from a shy, insecure, girl who felt the need to blend in, to a strong willed, bad ass woman, who started to care less what other people thought of me and more what I thought about myself. I won’t say cancer was a gift, but it certainly helped give me the strength to evolve. 

So back to my open door.

Around the same time I entered the PopSugar contest, I began to seriously question my life and its purpose. I had just learned I was one year in remission and wanted to stop living and start L-I-V-I-N’ (thank you Matthew Mcconaughey). I started to really focus on finding my joy again (which is unsurprisingly easy to lose in the face of cancer and surprisingly, even easier to lose in the aftermath of cancer). I was questioning this blog and fashion and my career and constantly asking myself (in a super over the top, dramatic way), “What am I doing with my life?!”

And then I won the trip to LA to meet Cynthia Vincent.

I’m not a very religious person, and I’m not sure I really believe in signs from the universe, but I do believe in opportunities. And doors. And walking through them. The old me? The pre-cancer me? She would have been too afraid to put herself out there and walk through that door. And her life would have been just fine. But that girl? She wouldn’t have had the chance to walk a red carpet of a Beverly Hills event in an amazing one-of-a-kind designer dress. That girl would have missed out.

And that’s an evolution I can live with.

_______

By now, you’ve probably already seen the videos of my time in LA with Cynthia (if not, you can watch them here), but I wanted to share a glimpse of some of the behind the scenes action. Enjoy!

One of a Kind: The Reveal

 

I'm so excited to share with you the third and final part of the PopSugar video, where Cynthia Vincent reveals the dress she designed specially for me. This experience was such a joy and something I could never imagine being a part of. I'm grateful to the entire PopSugar team, the videographers, and especially Cynthia and everyone at her studio. The whole experience was such a gift.

And in case you missed them, check out Part 1 and Part 2 (the videos make way more sense if you watch them in order).

One of a Kind: The Process

 

I'm excited to share with you Part 2 of the PopSugar One of a Kind video I filmed with Cynthia Vincent. This episode is a behind the scenes look at the incredible design process that goes into creating a look. I hope you enjoy!

In case you missed it, you can check out Part 1 here and Part 3 here. 

One of a Kind: The Beginning

A couple weeks ago I had the privilege of being chosen by PopSugar for an incredible experience to fly to LA to meet designer Cynthia Vincent and have her create a one of a kind piece for me. After such an amazing trip with Cynthia and her team, I am thrilled and honored to share with you the first video of that experience!

Stay tuned for Part 2 and Part 3 and well as some behind the scenes posts.

Outfit Post: Winter Blues

Winter, I’m through with you. 

I am so over you, I’m pretending you no longer exist. I'm badmouthing you behind your back. I'm avoiding you. It's turning into a pretty volatile relationship actually. So, winter, I'm moving on. Skirts and dresses are coming out of the closet and bare legs will be exposed. You can try to stick around with your snow and 0 degrees, but it's hopeless. 

I'm already flinging with Spring.

sweater: forever21

skirt: h&m

boots: j.crew (similar here)

bag: pitaya (similar here)

sunglasses: ray-ban