Trending: 2.26.17

The top ten pieces your closet needs this instant!

[1.0] This tassel clutch!
It's monogrammable and SO fab. I love the studded version (below) (and it's on sale!). I am always looking for fancy clutches for weddings or weekend nights out; I have my big cross body bags, but that won't do for dainty wedding wear, will it? Also, loving this scalloped bag, too!

[2.0]  This long-sleeved mesh peplum top.
How chic is this for work and weekend? The back zipper is another detail that I love. I want to bring lighter colors into my wardrobe for the approaching spring months, so the white version of this is exactly what I need!

[3.0] This LC Lauren Conrad dress!
For the next wedding you attend, how fabulous is this? I was just drooling over these BHLDN dresses, but why not save $200 and get the LC version?! Hellooooo!!! Thanks to Krista for the best Kohl's finds, ever! Also, ladies, if you are engaged, how beautiful would your bmaids look in these gowns?! The color palette is super similar to what we did for our wedding. I love the blush shades!

[4.0] This amazing off the shoulder top-- necessary for welcoming spring!
This peach, floral, off-the-shoulder, bell-sleeved top is just gorgeous! I am obsessed with the floral print and classiness. It would be a perfect weekend top with skinny jeans and wedges.

[5.0] This ruffled dress for the next wedding you attend.
I am dying over the open back, the ruffles and the color! Also loving this J. Crew version, that comes in 6 gorgeous colors. I adore the green and the blush!

[6.0] This J. Crew cardigan sums up my entire style: sequins, bright colors and work-appropriate.
I am IN LOVE! Now the biggest dilemma: yellow?! blue?! Both!?

[7.0] These glittery Jack Rogers.
Thanks to my darling friend, Melissa, for finding these! Here's a link for the sale version!

[8.0] This yellow striped flutter-sleeve top.
Everything about this screams preppy Spring! I love an easy top, and this is just that. Throw it on with jeans and Jacks for the weekend, or wear it with tailored khakis or navy crops for work.

[9.0] This dress has it all: polka dots, gorgeous details and bell sleeves.
I love both colors; the white would be perfect for spring break in Florida!  The navy is classic and ideal for springtime teaching.

[10.0] This scalloped work shirt.
Lilac is such a lovely color to pull us out of the February doldrums. This is a tailored work shirt, updated with the scalloped details. It really spruces up your typical collared shirt.

What is on your wish list right now??
xxoo
Mary

Blush Lace Pants

We had an awesome weekend (still happening because I'm off today for Presidents' Day!). We had our Chicago pals over for a housewarming party on Saturday, and it was sooo fun to host them! We tried to recruit them all to move out of the city and into Geneva :) lol! Then 8 of them spent the night, and we did a Sunday Funday brunch yesterday.  We got to sit outside at Stockholm's -- on the patio! In February! In Northern IL! Amazing. I also fell asleep in an Adirondack in the backyard and got a little sunburn (sorry, mom! I swear I will wear sunscreen from this day forward). Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better weekend. My friends made the trip from Chicago out to the burbs which meant the world to us. We are so lucky to have made so many lifelong friends at Saint Mary's and Notre Dame. 

Now, on to the outfit! I laughed so hard because I was like, "Mike, what are you wearing to the housewarming?!?!?!" And he's like, "umm jeans and a gray tee shirt?!" bahaha. I landed on these blush lace pants from J. Crew Factory that Mike actually bought me for Valentine's Day! 

The pants are soooo comfy. You feel like you're in pajamas! Size down if you're in between sizes, as they do run a little bigger. These are a 4, and they fit perfectly. They're pull-on, and just have an elastic waist band. Perfect for the amount of food I ate this weekend. LOL.

This shimmering tee is also J. Crew, and it was a gift from my bff, Courtney! 

The best part about these pants is all you need is a plain top with them. I tried to do a full lace outfit with a magenta peplum lace top, but I literally looked like a Valentine's Day doilie (thanks to Anna for the comparison).  See below for a good laugh. Also, I had just taken a shower (hence the towel on my head hahah).  Note to readers: too much lace can be a bad thing. #thosedancemovestho

It was not good. So I settled on fancy shoes and a plainer tee. 

It felt soooo good to have temperatures in the 60s this weekend! I went on a run outside for the first time in months; it felt SO GOOD to be warm!  (Not the run itself! hahaha I am rusty). 

These are my favorite shoes! I got them on super sale from J. Crew with two gift cards, so essentially they were free. haha! They're no longer available, but these are super similar! Also, I've linked a bunch below in all styles and price points. 

I am all about the bangle stack. These are all Kate Spade and glittery. My earrings are also glittery Kate, too! How amazing is this bangle? And on super sale, too!  Here are some similar options:

Can we take a moment to look at this beauty? I am putting this on my wish list. OMG!

Anna bought us the yellow adirondack!!!! I LOVE adirondacks so much. Mike bought me the green and blue for my bday. 

My favorite house guest... Finny!

So happy Mandy and her bf, Mark, and their kids could join us Saturday!! It was like a mini wedding-party reunion! 

OH! and the new addition to the back patio. Mike is a saint; he put these all together! While I napped in the sun. LOL

Did you have today off? It was our first long weekend of the year at my school (we started much later because of our new renovations to the math and science wings), and it was glorious!
xxoo
Mary

Valentine's Day Recap and Embroidered Details!

How was everyone's Valentine's DAYS!!?? Mike and I went to dinner on Friday night to Villa Verone, and it was SO GOOD. We didn't leave a morsel uneaten. I really thought I'd have some leftovers, but NOPE. Omg, get the Rotolo Mama Carmela (also, do the Prezzo Fisso! It's such a great deal-- an app, 2 entrees, a bottle of wine, a dessert-- all for $99!). 

I have this dress ^^ in 2 colors! Best $98 I've ever spent on a dress. 

On Saturday, we showered our girl Kelly with baby shower love, and then Mike and I headed to the city to babysit our other Valentine, Finn, so Anna and Shawn could have some Vday time alone! 

FFC Gals! Friends until 95 and beyond!

We had an absolute blast with Finn. The love I have for Finn is soooooo huge. I can't even imagine how it is going to feel to love our own child one day! 

Smiles for Unkie and Auntie!

Licking his lips for Unkie's Starbucks sandie!

Pleeeease, Unkie Mike!

No, Cooper! I want that sandwich!

Honestly, he is the cutest baby on earth. He makes me soooo happy!!! 

On Sunday, Mike was the BEST trooper/hubs/man ever and came to the Bring on the Men night at Pure Barre!! We I had a blast. LOL, poor Mike. I owe him big time.

On actual Valentine's Day, Mike made homemade pad Thai from the Thug Kitchen cookbook (best gift ever from his brother and SIL! It is vegan, but we add chicken in place of all the tofu- haha), and gifted me these AMAZING PANTS and fully sequined shirt (which is currently $14!). (Size down for the lace pants! They run a little roomy! THEY'RE $25 CURRENTLY! The black is great, too!).  I linked some similar sequined tops below, that are equally adorbs, but get the J. Crew Factory one ^^ because it's AMAZING and so inexpensive right now (but won't link to ShopStyle... hmmmm)! 

Okay, enough of my rambles! Now to talk EMBROIDERED deets! The pics below are all compliments of the ridiculously talented, Andrea Swofford of Swofford Photography. 

The details on this super comfy scoop-neck top are everything. The sleeves billow slightly to emphasize the gorgeous embroidery. The shirt can be worn off-the-shoulder, and it's slightly cropped. It's also feather-light and gauzy; it would pair perfectly with a pair of cut off jean shorts in the summer! These pieces are brand new at Jori & June-- and the Baggu clutch featured is ON SALE!  Yahoo! 

Here's the direct link to Jori & June's website to order directly from the store (even if you're reading from far away)! 

I am obsessed with the romper version of this top, too.

And the shorts! Hello, tropical vacation! 

How great is the wash on this denim? 

This pair is super stretchy, high-waisted and flattering. 

The Baggu clutches at Jori & June are also available (on sale!) from the website. 

The green Baggu clutch is gorgeous. I love the soft leather. It is the perfect size for a night out! 

More fun colors:

I never thought I could fall back in love with chokers! I am not kidding you-- I wore a choker a day from years 1993-2005. I think I overdid the choker trend, but I am for sure coming back around! How gorgeous is this one? It's delicate and less rocker-chic than some of the chokers out there. I love the drop down triangle. Pick this beauty up in-store at Jori & June! 

More delicate chokers:

It was snowing! ^^^ brrrr

Get this fab hat ^^ and the black/silver version of the choker at Jori & June, too! 

More embroidered details for all budgets:

How has your week been so far? I am loving seeing the sunshine! I also love seeing the sun on my drive to work!
Mary

trending 2.9.2017

Here's your #Trending report for this chilly Thursday!

[1.0]  This periwinkle shirt dress with the pleated bottom and ikat details. OMG!
First of all, don't worry if you don't know what ikat is. I totally didn't know how to define it, so here is a nice definition for you, compliments of the Googles: fabric made using an Indonesian decorative technique in which warp or weft threads, or both, are tie-dyed before weaving.
Now, more importantly, how beautiful is that dress for the transitional temperatures leading us into spring?

[2.0] Do you have spring break on the brain? If so, this sweatshirt has your name on it.
We are going to Florida for spring break to visit my mom and Gary, and we are finally getting to go at the same time as my sister and Shawn (and FINN!!!!!). A week of Finn, family and the sun is going to be heavenly.

[3.0] Are you a teacher? Do you love ruffles?
If you answered yes to either of these questions, you. need. these. khaks! I just ordered them when there was a 20% off and free shipping deal (plus, I had $25 off!), and they just arrived yesterday! LOOK AT THAT RUFFLE DETAIL! They're high-waisted and amazing. I got a 6 because I read that they ran a little small. I am so glad I did! If you're in between sizes, size up.  I cannot tell you how hard it is to find a nice pair of khakis. It seems so silly, but I SEARCH for khakis every fall. I currently have 1 pair, and there's a big bleach spot on one leg. CLASSY! Currently on sale for 25% off with code HEARTYOU. 

[4.0] I am loving this beautiful yellow floral top!
Old Navy is totally my go-to for trends. They do not disappoint when it comes to work-to-weekend styles (I see this yellow peplum with navy capris and a nude wedge for work). And, their pricepoint is fabulous. You always get a steal at Old Navy.

[5.0] Old Navy is getting me so pumped for spring with these pixie pants.
Look at the golden yellow, large floral or black floral options. Helloooooo teacher pants!!!! Pants under $30 are definitely my jam, too. Plain collared shirt on top (white or chambray), statement necklace and you're good to go.

[6.0] This lightweight wool bow sweater is beautiful!
I know we will have cold temps in Illinois for a few more weeks months, so I better get used to it. What better to ease the pain of the doldrums of February than this adorable sweater? BOWS on everything! Loving the blush color best. Currently on sale for 25% off with code HEARTYOU.

[7.0] I will entitle this one, "when I'm rich".
Talk about the mother load of bow-tiful amazingness. That pricepoint is RIDICULOUS, obvi, but, seriously, that is a thing of beauty. Or, should I say, bow-ty. LOL, cool puns, Mar. On the other hand, it IS cashmere, so keep that in mind. SWOON.

[8.0] This ruffle top, at the most reasonable pricepoint.
My good friend and fellow fashionista, Krista, sent me two items she found that reminded her of me. Numbers 8 and 9 are all thanks to Krista! She works for Kohls and is seriously my blog-inspo. I would have never started Belle On Trend if it weren't for her original blog, Fit for Fargo. Love you, girl!

[9.0] A bow neck coat that resembles the Kate Spade stunner.
Thanks to Krista for another Kohls find! Seriously, I have wanted the Kate Spade bow neck coat for approximately 6  years. I try it on EVERY time I go to the outlets, but I always talk myself out of it. Now, I can purchase the Kohls version for a fraction of the price. Plus, I am loving this cobalt! It's gorg!

[10.0] This ruffle top from J. Crew.
Do you guys sense a theme here? Bows, ruffles and glitter? Hahaha!! I guess I have a signature style. But seriously, this shirt!!!!!! J. Crew has made me sooooooo mad lately with overcharging me and messing up a return, in two separate circumstances, but dang, they have the best clothes ever. Like, even as I say this, there was a J. Crew package on my front porch (and a Factory one hahahaha, but that was from Mike to me for Vday). So, clearly even though they make me mad, I still can't stop shopping there. UGH. For the record, they have fixed the issues both times, but it's been a real pain. I should definitely boycott. However, I physically cannot. bahahah. Currently on sale for 25% off with code HEARTYOU. 

[11.0] I can't stop at 10 this week because there are too many good finds! These fringe Miller sandals will be perfect for spring break in Florida!
My favorite of the three colors is the magenta and beige. Beauty!

[12.0] Okay, last one I promise. This floral bomber jacket!
I am obsessed! And, get this, IT'S FROM TARGET!  $29, you guys! -5% with my Red Card. Plus, I can get our groceries and just hide this underneath the produce so Mike doesn't notice hahahah! Pshhhh. It's my Target card anyway. #idowhatiwant #justkiddingirunitbymike #becausenowwesharemoney



I hope you're having an awesome week. I have had the busiest week with my last formal observations, starting a new tutoring gig and a Barre Besties challenge at Pure Barre. Oh, and teaching my SAT prep classes! This girl needs a little break!

Looking soooooooo forward to Valentine's Day celebrations with my hubs this weekend and seeing the second most important man in my life... FINN!

xxoo
Mary

Casual Chic

This outfit was so cozy, comfy and chic that I would love to LIVE in it! It was definitely an atypical style for me (I'm usually fully glitter and bright colors-- haha!), but I am head over Toms booties for this look. 

This is my second look from my Jori and June collab. How cute is the shop? You have to get in there if you haven't been yet! All these photos were by Andrea of Swofford Photography. She's incredible! 

I wore my favorite Stila lip color for this shoot. It's perfect because it's a matte stain, and it doesn't fade! It's especially good for a long day or event that you won't be able to reapply your lip color. I wore the Amalfi version of it for our wedding, and it stayed bright ALL day.

One of the owners of Jori & June actually makes these shirts! She is an incredibly talented artist. Check out more prints here. Her brand is Behova. 

I was hesitant about the choker trend, but this leather wrap one from Jori & June is fabulous! You can wrap it a few times or just once. It hearkens back to my middle school days. LOL -- but much chicer now!  

These Articles of Society jeans are the softest, most flattering jeans. The price point is amazing, too. $65 for this pair. I loved the wash on these, too! They were super stretchy and absolutely comfy. I love to roll my jeans once or twice with booties to show off the top of the bootie. 

My Toms Lunata booties are a dream to stand in all day for work! They are a couple years old, but they still look great because they wear super well. I just would recommend to spray them with a suede protectant before the winter hits! 

This LA Made cardigan is swoonworthy. It's so soft; it also has pockets and thumbholes! The length is great if you wanted to wear leggings with it. Below are a few different options of lengths and colors, but the best is the one from Jori & June in stores! I mean, you cannot go wrong with gray!

I loved the ease of this outfit. It would be perfect for having friends over or for weekend lounging/errands.
Side note: how amazinggggg was Lady Gaga at half time? OMG! We watched the Puppy Bowl this afternoon, and our puppy fever has returned with a vengeance. Seeing Lady Gaga reminded me of the year I saw her at Lollapalooza downtown and was just absolutely amazed!! She is SO TALENTED!
xxoo
Mary