fall fashion wish list

Although I'm a little sad to move my summer dresses to the deep dark sides of the closet, I have to admit, I'm kinnnnda getting excited about fall fashion. Quite honestly, fall fashion, sometimes, is the only thing that keeps me from being completely destroyed about the dropping temps. I love digging out my warm coats and scarves and all the winter accessories I'd somehow completely forgotten about. Drinking delicious hot coffees and cocoas while cozying up in chunky knits... my favorite jeans... knee-high boots... layers of tops in jewel-tones ... the list goes on.

This fall my wish list is all about quality leather items in various chocolate shades, the softest knits I can get my hands on and delicate gold jewelry. Luckily, our annual Mall of America trip is right around the corner, so I'm hoping to cross a lot of these off my wish list very soon. :)

• watches (thanks to Casey for opening my eyes to these beauties) And I can't decide! I want both!

• classic riding boots from ALDO (TOP of the list)

• tote (I want the real leather but this Target one is a great inexpensive substitute)

• thigh highs (I want a pair in every color)

• locket

• ring 1 • ring 2

• coffee girl inspiration • fireside inspiration

First 5K with Brooks Ghost 6

Four months ago I decided that I needed to healthy focus in my life and challenged myself to run a 5K. Coming from someone who has never been much of a runner and usually raised an eyebrow at friends that would "pay money to run?" this was a pretty big deal for me. But lo and behold, four quick months later I ran my first 5K! 3.1 miles of sweat and hills. It was amazing tho! My oldest son ran it with me too *proud mom moment*. Friends and family came to cheer us on... It was honestly, a pretty amazing day.

I did have a few motivators along the way... a girl needs cute workout clothes, right? So after it warmed up a little, I picked up a few things. (seriously, I ran the first few weeks in my down winter coat - welcome to March in Wisconsin). Anyways – as much as I'd love to drop a month's salary at Athleta, I found some really great things in Target's active wear section and even found some great tops at Walmart. Who knew?! Great athletic fabrics for super cheap.

My first big purchase was these Brooks Women's Ghost 6 running shoes. LOVE them. AND, right now they're on sale! Check'm out.

And for completing the 5K, I am rewarding myself with the Cadillac of sports bras: Victoria's Secret Front Knockout Front Close Sports Bra. I'm patiently waiting - I seriously can't wait til it gets here! :)  Bra review to come later.

 
A little sweaty and a lot exhausted but WE DID IT !!!

glittery gold sperries

I first fell for Sperry boat shoes after spending time at a gorgeous marina in Sturgeon Bay the last few summers. Maybe it was all the pristine white boats... the perfect summer sun... the wine at sunset - either way, I have to admit I'm smitten with the entire lifestyle. It's like I've found my vacation-style calling. Here's where my mind wanders:

sperries • collage • boat 1 & 2

red necklace sequence

I just purchased the best red beaded necklace from Denise Jewelry Designs on Etsy. I thought I'd give you a little sneak peek at what usually happens in my head when I get excited about a new purchase. Let's just say... I won't deny being a big dreamer. ;)

necklace  •  fashion set  • paris pics 1 2 3

high heel mini DIY

Last summer I bought these nude strappy heels from Steve Madden for a wedding we had and I swear my legs grew to supermodel length in seconds – ok, maybe not – but they're still pretty spectacular. I immediately wanted a black pair but didn't feel like spending the cash again. This summer, I missed the window because every pair I found was either sold out, not in my size or still pretty pricey. thumbs down. :(

After lots of searches (and maybe slightly out of impatience) I just ordered this pair from Target and took matters into my own hands. It was so easy! Newspaper + duct tape + spray paint (all things I already had) = BOOM = Black strappy high-heeled sandals for $30. Check out my inspirations and my super-easy DIY project. :)

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fashion52: photo challenge (9/52)

Target has a huge selection of insanely cute ballet flats right now; so trying to decide on just ONE pair was no easy task. And only $19.99! Seriously cute things happening in those aisles.

I had a lot of fun playing with the light effects and patterns the sun was creating. So much so, that I couldn't narrow it down to one photo. So today, my friends, you get three. :) Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!