Bows and Blush

I just wanted to share fun little outfit idea for you on this gloomy Thursday! 

If you're anything like me, you love the color blush, you adore bows, and ruffles make you happy. These outfit attributes are effortlessly girly! I love tucking a silk shirt into a high-waisted skirt, too. I think this is such a classy, appropriate-for-teaching-high-schoolers, professional look. 

It WAS getting warmer (wah! Today, not so much), and I am loving wearing my Jacks to work. I have three pairs: a teal, the pictured pink (below) and a monogrammed white and gold pair. I wear my Jack Rogers sandals ALL the time once the temperatures get over 55. They're classic-- if you aren't familiar with the brand, ask your mom or grandmother about them-- I bet they've heard of them or own a pair themselves. They last for years. I've gotten two pairs on sale on RueLala. (If you need an invite to RueLala, let me know! It's the best for discount designer shopping! It's free to join; you just need an invitation!). 

Silk ruffled blouse: old J.Crew factory, but similar here, here, here, here, here or here.

Bow skirt: old Anthropologie, similar style skirts here, here, here, here (in mint) here (those colors!) or here (my favorite kind of flowers!).

Addendum: just found a few *big time sale* 60% off blush silk tops from Ann Taylor here, here, here and here! 

Jack Rogers sandals: here.

Rhinestone bow bracelet: from Fran's wedding! Similar here. 

Bow bag: old Kate Spade, similar here and here-- this red is amazing! 

These pieces make for an effortless wear-to-work look. After wearing this outfit to work on Monday, Mike and I went out to dinner at Barrel and Rye (AMAZING FOOD! Try the shrimp salad!), and it doubled as a perfect date-night/celebratory dinner outfit. 

What's your go-to wear-to-work look?

xxoo

Mary

Cobalt Blue Bow Dress, and I HAVE A NEW NEPHEW!

When I got the latest J. Crew catalog a few months ago, I spied this cobalt blue stunner. The bows, the color and the shape of the dress were all 10/10 for me! I can't bring myself to pay full price for anything, really, so I knew it would be a waiting game. Fast forward a couple months, and the fam and I were shopping in Florida. We stopped at J. Crew, and this dress was 30% off! Horray! Of course, there were none in my size. I was bummed, but the salesperson encouraged me to try on the 4. Well, I am really glad I did! This dress runs a little big, as I am not typically a 4 (especially in a sheath dress), so keep that in mind!  It is on sale currently for 40% off $109! About $60 ish dollars for a classic dress. It also comes in black! 

Note: not my drums, HAHA!

Those bows! 

Try these other cobalt blue dresses from J.Crew if you're not sure about the bows: here, here and here. 

Isn't this color just so vibrant?

I paired this dress with my favorite blue crystal-cluster earrings, also from J. Crew, compliments of my friend, Jackie! 

Similar: here, here, here (50% off!), here or here. 

I went with silver jewelry and my silver Michael Kors watch with this bright blue hue.

Watch: Similar Michael Kors.

Roman numerals bracelet: A special gift from my Aunt Sue but similar here. 

Saint Mary's bangle (SMC monogram): from Junior Mom's Weekend '08!

Swarovski crystal bracelets (thanks to Gar!): here, here and here.

I get so many compliments on these bow Nine West pumps!

I wore them for my friend Fran's wedding, and they were extremely comfortable!

Wait: the best part-- they are currently under $40 on 6pm.com! I paid full price for these beauties a couple years ago because I was desperate for a black pump and fast. However, they're WORTH EVERY CENT!

Now the best part: Finn Patrick! 

I am so in love. My nephew is just perfect.

Bar coordinates necklace: Lat and Lo. I just purchased this necklace with our address on it! The inscription on the back says, "our first home"! What an amazing gift to give someone (or yourself!). Check out http://www.latandlo.com/ for more fabulous personalized pieces!

He's smiling!

My sister looking amazing after giving birth!

Finn was born on April 22 at 4:40 am. He weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz.

Grammie and Finn.

Auntie Mary and Finn. 

Unkie Mike with Finn.

We love you sooo much already, sweet Finn!

How do you wear bows?

xxoo

Mary

Lilly Pulitzer At Any Age

I am a huge Lilly Pulitzer lover. I know I blog time and time again about Lilly, but I can't help myself! I love vibrant colors for dresses and tops; Lilly Pulitzer exemplifies bright, sunny days. I actually purchased two pieces (an Elsa top and a dress) that were both on sale in store at the Coconut Point Mall in Florida. I have to dedicate this post to my mom, though. She actually purchased both of these pieces first! Haha! I totally copied her style. At almost 67, she still rocks out to Lilly P.! See below how women of any age can wear Lilly Pulitzer!

Shirt: here.  Ours were both on sale for $100.

White skirt on mom: Talbots (on sale).

White skirts from Loft that I'm totally obsessed with: here, here and here. Buying ASAP! Just got some coups.

Shirt dress: similar here. 

In store, our dresses were on sale. 

Similar style: here.

It's just such an easy dress. It's a throw-on-and-go dress that doesn't require much (if any!) extra effort.

Pair with sandals, and you're ready for the day or night!

Mom's first Lilly Pulitzer experience! 

Similar option: here.

"Peel and eat shrimp" on the walls. The punchy patterns are so gorgeous!

Every pattern has a cute/catchy name.

More artwork from the Lilly store at Coconut Point Mall. 

I laughed so hard when I put on this outfit (above, right). I had a flamingo Lilly bag, mug and shirt. A student stopped me in the hall and said, "does your bag really match your shirt?"  I replied, "You should see my mug!" We laughed pretty hard at my ridiculousness and love of flamingos.

Shoes: Tory Burch (old) similar here. 

Bag: Lilly Pulitzer (old) similar here. This bag is my spring work bag. There is plenty of room for a laptop, water bottle, folders, notebooks, a planner, pens/pencils and my lunch in this bag.

Mug: also old Lilly, but similar here. 

I then wore this Elsa top out to dinner downtown for Jackie and Julie's birthday dinner. 

I paired the Elsa top with black leggings. My shirt is a size small for reference. It was so comfortable! 

Sandals: Jack Rogers

Black leggings: similar here. I bought mine from a little boutique in downtown Geneva called Lela. It's adorable! But my leggings are old; Lela is constantly changing their stock!

Lip color: Stila

Orange bracelet: old J. Crew, similar here.  

Before going out to dinner for Jackie and Julie's birthdays in the city! 

I wore my Lilly shirt dress for a 3.5 hour drive to Appleton, Wisconsin to see this beautiful mama-to-be. It was so comfortable for the drive! It also didn't wrinkle in all that time in the car. It was a perfect travel dress.

My pink bracelet: here. 

Caitlin's dress: (maternity) Old Navy on sale!

Just measuring Cait's belly! haha! I didn't win with my guess, sadly. 

Besties since sake bombing in South Bend. 

So excited to meet baby H! 

Little Mel! Love her! She and her sister Brittany threw a fabulous baby shower for Caitlin.

I MUST invest in a pair of Lilly P. croakies like Melanie had! 

My monogram necklace: Moon and Lola in mirrored gold. 

Mel's ruffle blouse: Loft, similar here and here. I also love this option!

Can't wait to spoil little baby H! Loved seeing Caitlin and her family. It was so great to reunite! 

How do you wear vibrant patterns?

xxoo

Mary

Trending 4.18.16

Spring has sprung, guys and gals! And it makes me soooooo happy! The problem with warm temperatures, however, is that my productivity takes a bit of a plummet because all I can think about is rushing home to walk or run, sit outside in the sun or go out to eat on a patio! I can absolutely relate to our students who feel the summer quickly approaching.

Ann Taylor is absolutely kicking butt and taking names right now, particularly in their gingham-printed pieces! My entire trending post today comes from Ann Taylor's spring line. Prepare to be obsessed! AT and Loft have incredible sales-- never pay full price for anything from either stores. Sign up for their emails when prompted when you visit the site-- then you'll know when all the good sales are happening! 50% off comes often! (In fact, it's happening right now-- until midnight!).  Use code: CYBER50.

[1.0]  This gingham sheath dress is calling my name!

[2.0] These high-waisted shorts are too cute! I love the mustard color AND the navy!

[3.0] These gingham pumps, though!  Ann Taylor is duplicating some of J.Crew's current gingham loveliness, but AT has amazing sales, and the price point is lower overall at Ann Taylor.

[4.0] I love the ruffle neckline of this blouse! How perfect would this be for work while there is still a bit of chill in the air? Check out those polka dots! Pair it with a tailored pencil skirt and heels for the springtime.

[5.0] This blush shirt with pineapples is THE CUTEST!  I am totally into anything and everything pineapple this year.

[6.0] I am such a lover of Kelly green. Look at this beautiful peplum top! Again, work to weekend appropriate, and it is truly such a PRETTY shirt in a vibrant color! (Pictured in white).

[7.0] Polka dots are so fun, year round!  Check out this fit and flare sheath. You could pop a chambray collared shirt on under it with tights and boots for the winter.

[8.0] I could see this jacket with a pencil skirt for a polished look. It's a little bolder than your typical blazer, but how awesome is it?

[9.0]  This color combination is one of my favorites. Maybe it hails from my love of all things Notre Dame, but the blue and gold of this jacket makes me smile.

[10.0] OMG! This lace detail! I didn't even realize those were pineapples. How fabulous!

What pieces are you coveting right now?
xxoo
Mary

April Wedding Weekend!

My dear friends Scott and Lauren got married the first weekend in April. We had just gotten back from Florida and were ready to celebrate our two pals!  Check out some of the fashion behind their beautiful wedding.

This is my absolute favorite shot of Scott and Lauren!

Photography by: http://www.rachaelosbornphotography.com/

Lauren and I teach and coach together. Her fabulously fun mom is on the right!

It was SO great to see my Colesters! 

My dress: B.B Dakota. This color is jade. The fuchsia is on sale for $65! For under $100, you cannot beat this dress! (Hence why I have it in 2 colors-- heheh!!). 

Cross body book purse: Etsy.  (Our pal Ben thought I couldn't put down Pride and Prejudice novel and had to bring it with me to the wedding ceremony. baahhaha!). 

My sister is such a trooper-- 9 months pregnant and still looking gorgeous!

Anna's dress (c/o Jackie!): here (on sale!) or similar here (both maternity). 

Cheetah ballet flats: here or here for $24! Here is the pump version.

Pumps on me: here in black (my rose gold is sold out!).

I love this shot of past and present poms/dance coaches for West!

How amazing is Lauren's wedding gown?!

Stephanie (one of the bride's sisters) and Lindsey, the bride's cousin, both looked radiant at the wedding!

Lindsey's hair was so fabulous: it was curled and gathered to one side. She totally rocked it! Her hair was styled by Privato Salon in Oswego, IL. Everyone raved about how pretty it looked all night!

Melissa and Stephanie were the co-maids of honor! Their speech made everyone laugh and provided some tears, as they included a toast from their late Grandmother, who passed away in the fall. 

Lindsey's dress (on the right) old Limited: similar here, here, here (in navy) and here. 

Lindsey's shoes are Bandolino! Absolutely adorable and a great price point. 

Mrs. Miller's dress: Adrianna Papell. That beading! To die for!

Libby utilized Rent the Runway for her cobalt blue stunner. Rent it here in black. Here (those details!), here (DVF and full back zip-- what could be better?) and here (that back!) are blue options from RTR to duplicate that vibrant color!

My earrings: old Stella and Dot, similar here (on sale-- under $20!) and here. 

My forever wedding date! Isn't he cute??? 

A reminder of the back of this dress. I love the open back! Remember when I wore this in red to my friends Jon and Sarah's wedding? 

My Chicago besties. All the SMC gals together!

Julie's red dress can be rented here.

Maria's orange/white dress can be rented here.

Jackie's blush dress (maternity) similar here from ASOS. 

Both Anna and Jackie are 9 months pregnant! They were glowing at the wedding!

We had a blast celebrating Lauren and Scott! 

What's your go-to spring wedding look?

xxoo

Mary