New Year

Sorry for the lack of posting, but I've been spending time in Virginia for the holidays. My sister is 9 months pregnant (yay!) so I'm camped out here until my little nephew decides to make an appearance. Like his aunt, he's fashionably late.

While we wait for the little guy to arrive, I'm enjoying my time playing games, wasting zero time on hair and makeup, and basking in random 70 degree days.

Happy 2016 everyone!

sweater: zara (similar)

tank: target

denim: similar

boots: j.crew (similar)

bag: clare v. via willys detroit

necklace: stella and dot

Z Lot Alley

Here are more photos from my day around the city with the Grand Rapids boutique, Lee & Birch and photographer, Leigh Ann Cobb!

Check out more photos from our day of fun here.

Outfit details via Lee & Birch:

Dex Long Sweater Cardi

Bella Dahl Coral Hipster Shirt

AG Jeans Beau Boyfriend Jeans

Hobo Bag

Nakamol Necklace

Lee & Birch Does Detroit

Last month, on one of Detroit’s rare warm winter days, I ran around downtown with the team from the Grand Rapids boutique, Lee and Birch.

After grabbing a much needed coffee at the Roasting Plant, we headed over to the Z Lot to check out the murals, the rooftop view, and The Belt Ally. We had a blast hitting up some of the "must see" spots around the city in some of the "must wear" fall pieces from Lee & Birch.

Check out a few of the shots from our day and stay tuned for more photos of our romp around the city. And thank you again to Lee & Birch for letting me be your tour guide for the day!

All clothes via Lee & Birch. Photos by the talented Leigh Ann Cobb. 

Tomboy

We all have uniforms that work for us. The outfits you repeatedly grab. The clothes that - when you're in a rush to get dressed - are your no-fail pieces. The clothes that work for you. The clothes you feel great in.

This is an example of that outfit.

For me, my no-fail outfit combination is a skinny pant, a slouchy top, heels, and a blazer. Some people think of this uniform dressing as boring. For me, it's practical. As much as I'd like to spend hours a week picking out new outfits, I don't have that kind of time. No one has that kind of time. So we have a uniform.

This is my uniform. What's yours?

tee: etsy

blazer: tj maxx (similar)

pants: blank denim

shoes: aldo (similar)

clutch: clare v. via willys detroit

watch: shinola

A Professional Wardrobe With Personality

Next week I have the opportunity to speak about a modern woman’s working wardrobe at an Inform meeting. I started thinking about my own professional wardrobe (or at least my past professional wardrobe when I actually worked in an office) and I started brainstorming different ways to be office appropriate but still express your personal style and personalty.

My favorite way to do that (both in and out of the office) is with a pair of statement pants in an office appropriate cut. These pants could just as easily be paired with a button down and blazer for a more traditional office environment or paired with some flats and a sweater for a more casual workplace.

Other ways to add some flare to a modern work wardrobe? Through colors, textures, and accessories! Add a bright blouse with your pencil skirt. Pair a wool blazer with a silk cami. Elevate your favorite outfit with a statement necklace. Leave the boring clothes behind and show your personality in your work wardrobe!

How do you show your personal style while maintaining your professionalism in the work place?

sweater: j.crew factory (similar)

pants: j.crew factory (similar)

shoes: j.crew

bag: loeflerr randall via rent the runway

necklace: stella and dot

Fall Fun

I effing love fall. Everything about it. The leaves, the smells, the colors. Bonfires, football, cider. I love all of it.

This past weekend I had the most quintessential, clichéd, fabulous fall weekend ever. My husband, puppy and I rented a lake house, complete with vibrant changing leaves. I canoed. I sat by the fire. I picked apples. I checked out giant pumpkins. I drank cider. I wore wool and plaid, cozy sweaters and leather boots.

It was perfect. No pumpkin spice latte necessary.

sweater: old (similar)

vest: c/o south moon under

denim: c/o south moon under (currently 20% off!)

boots: j.crew (old, similar)

sunglasses: ray-ban