fashion52: photo challenge (34-39/52)

Fall styling can be really fun on so many levels. You're bringing back those rich, saturated colors - oranges, reds, mustards. You're able to mix in chunky textures like cozy knit sweaters and scarves. It's also much easier (and more necessary) to layer, which opens the door to tie together numerous pieces. Kind of like collage art work, sometimes the more you put together, the better it can look. Below are a few hints of my own fall combinations.

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I'm quite a bit behind on my weekly photo challenge, but luckily, the changing season brings a whole new selection of fresh fall styles - and hopefully, a whole new selection of fashion photos. ... fingers crossed.

Here's a little ensemble of grays from the other day. The necklace I made myself, cozy v-neck sweater from GAP, Paige denim skinnies (can't really see), Fergie boots, and my new favorite Tyler Rodan tote. 

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Bold, colorful, statement necklace are pretty incredible right now but I think I'll always have a soft spot for delicate little chains and pendants. Although I took the pendant off this one below, it's still a sweet little necklace on it's own. 
(Forgive the mess of wet/dry hair. If I twist my hair up after I shower, it's still wet when I pull it all down at the end of the day. Consequence of crazy thick hair.)

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Although I don't wear these chunky beaded necklaces all that often, they're kind of perfect for a weekend summer outing when I'm feeling kind of chill, bohemian and slightly tropical. :) 

fashion52 (30/52) Combo

Let me be completely honest, I know NOTHING about playing guitar.

I DO know when I was in college, I could easily kick back and listen to some cute guy in the apartment across the hall strum a little somethin’. :)  I know I love watching videos where Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz or John Mayer play on, barefoot, in their worn-in jeans. But I never knew I’D be able to have the time or talent to actually play a chord. Until today. I learned 3 chords. T.H.R.E.E. 3 chords people. That’s BIG... G, C & D - almost four actually because I’m working on A too. And it’s just …*inhale*... so so so fun. :) 

So this post is dedicated to all things guitar: Photography, Graphic Design and Fashion.

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(top from Aerie, beaded necklace homemade by me)

fashion52: photo challenge (27-29/52)

The summer is flying way too fast over here so I'm a bit behind on my weekly fashion photo challenge. Here are my 27, 28 and 29 week photos, featuring my straw hat (Target a few seasons back) and you also get a glimpse of two leather bracelets I bought in a market in Rome in 2010. They're falling apart a little bit but I still love'm. 

Hope you all are having an incredible summer! :)

fashion52: photo challenge (25-26/52)

We were completely spoiled this 4th of July. We were invited to stay on my in-law's gorgeous boat for four days in Door County, Wisconsin. There was swimming, snorkeling, pier jumping, grilling out, dinner's outside, wine and gorgeous sunsets. In a nutshell: heaven. Because I spent 90% of my waking hours in swimsuits, I thought I'd take a couple shots for my fashion challenge this week.  

RoXy bikini in an adorable tiny floral print

Loving all things Nautical ! Striped bottoms from Victoria's Secret (not avail online). Navy Polka Dots bottoms from Target.

A view from the Pier while in Sister Bay

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I won't deny shopping a large range of stores and prices for hidden little fashion gems. I will dig through Goodwill for something I can tailor/cut up/alter and I will also save up for the perfect item that may be a bit pricier. I honestly think you can find interesting items in almost any store.

 

Case in point: This (below) is one of my favorite floral blouses. It's sheer, flowy, has amazing little details and even washes up well.. and it's from Abercrombie & Fitch. A store that *wince* I'm probably not so much in the age range to shop in anymore (if I can even get through it without passing out from the perfumes and crazy loud music)... but every once in awhile, a store can surprise you and you can find something completely perfect. SO, point is, don't judge. Be open. You never know what you'll find. :)

fashion52: photo challenge (23/52)

Having a painfully long winter and rainy spring has made the recent warm weather all the more sweet. We've been taking full advantage by grilling out, going for bike rides with the boys and hangin' out on the deck. 

On the fashion side of it, I have a couple pair of jeans that are pretty much, solely summer jeans.. they're insanely soft, worn-in just right, and have a decent flare that really only looks right with flip flops or barefoot. Sometimes it doesn't get much better than comfy jeans, sunshine and hanging out on the grass with friends and family. :) 

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I got these beautiful gold cherryblossom earrings for Christmas this last year and I love them so much that I'm wondering why I haven't bought them in silver as well. :) They add such a delicate pretty touch without going overboard. To me, they're a perfect combination of organic and elegant. 

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This week's photo is a little on the softer side. It was one of those quick unplanned shots where the sun was hitting just right. The blouse is from Lauren Conrad's line and is gorgeously feminine. I paired it with black skinnies and black high heels to toughen it up and balance the girly-ness. :) 

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I really love experimenting with color and also have been dabbling in geometric patterns & designs. So when I came across this scarf at Target, it seemed... *inhale* ...meant to be ;). I paired it with a emerald/jade flowy tank, navy skinnies, cognac ballet flats and added a pop of contrasting color with a beaded coral-y pink bracelet.

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I picked up an amazing fashion sketch pad from Urban Outfitters on our most recent MoA trip.   It took about three and a half weeks to crack it open, which I suppose is about right on track for a working mother of two. Either way, it was even more amazing than I had realized - a garment encyclopedia, industry terms, inspirational readings and links, all on top of 380 figure templates. 

A cool trick on top of it all: The croquis (templates) are printed with a particular ink tone so that they'll disappear when scanned or photocopied, eliminating evidence of the template. How sweet is that? ;) 

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A very cool cousin of mine has been requesting some help in the closet-fashion area. So a few of us gathered together one Saturday morning, filled the coffee cups and headed upstairs. What followed was: a mountain of clothes on the bed, clothes being thrown into the Goodwill box, kids coming, going, crying and giggling, coffee refills (thank you coffee wench ;) and a whopping 33 new wardrobe combinations. It was an awesome time and I could definitely get used to doing the Closet Stylist / Wardrobe Designer on a more regular basis :) 

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That whole thing where 'you feel how you look - you look how you feel' definitely rings true to me. If I'm wearing something lively and colorful, it usually means I've got some energy and am feeling pretty optimistic about the day. This blouse fits that description perfectly. It's a sheer wrap top with gentle ruffles. It works really well under a blazer or cardy and accessorizing is awesomely easy because you can throw on almost any color chunky beaded necklace. Perfect time to wear since it's finnnnallly warmed up in the midwest. happy happy spring :) !

 (old) Forever21

  

fashion52: photo challenge (16/52)

Even though I'm a little late on my fashion photo challenge post, it doesn't mean I haven't been taking fashion photos. Actually, it's been quite the opposite. Last week we made our big trip to the Mall of America  and I think we all had an amazing time, scored some incredible deals and shopped our little hearts out. Below is a quick snapshot of some fashion-y moments. 

fashion52: photo challenge (15/52)

To say I've had a fashion magazine fetish might be a slight understatement. Ask anyone who's ever helped me move heavy boxes full of them that I just couldn't part with. (*cringe* sorry!) Luckily over the years I've weeded through most of them and only have a few piles here and there. People's StyleWatch is one of them. Lots of real-world fashion, minimal tabloid gossip, and all around great shopping tips. I also love that they have plenty of affordable options for the regular woman. Thumbs up from this girl :)

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This leather handbag is a favorite on so many levels. I bought it while my husband and I were celebrating our 5th anniversary in Rome, Italy a few years ago. It's buttery-soft, has an adjustable strap to wear as a shoulder bag or a cross-over and has plenty of pockets. Looking at the little 'boot' embossment on the front totally takes me back to our time traveling. 

I also picked up a Vespa keychain the same day and temporarily put it on the purse but now the two are inseparable. There were SO many vespa's humming around - we weren't quite gutsy enough to rent one and brave the italian traffic ourselves - but maybe, hopefully, ... Next time ;)

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Look! that's me below, outside, with no coat! We're finally getting some weather relief and feeling like this whole 'spring' thing really might happen after all. It's been a wet Easter weekend so far but it's given me good reason to pull out my Hunter Rain Boots. I stalked them for a very long time and finally splurged last fall. No regrets my friends, no regrets. :) 

*photo courtesy of my cool little 9 year old, Tanner*

fashion52: photo challenge (12/52)

I have a bit of a weakness for summer hats. Fedoras, casual-cool straw cowboy hats, sporty-cute baseball hats and straw floppy hats. Unfortunately, I don't end up wearing my hats nearly as much as I'd like. But they still drawww meee innnn.... how does that happen? Maybe it's just that visual daydream of me hanging out on the boat/pontoon/beach, going to JackJohnson summer concerts, super fun Brewer games, etc.. All things that I WISH happened more often than what they do.

Either way, I think my cool cousin might agree that there is a BIG draw to floppy hats this summer. I spied this colorful floppy hat at Target the other day and if I were to give in to my hat cravings, this would be the one. I'm zoomed in quite a bit here, but I think from a normal perspective, it's just a touch of playful color. Once again, is it summer yet?