Shadow and Bone-Inspired Look

Last week I reviewed Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo and gave it 5 stars--I loved it that much!  I loved the characters--Mal and Alina, the Grisha, the Darkling.  They were all fantastic!

One unique feature about the Grisha in the series (other than their special powers) is that they wear special jackets to distinguish them from normal people.  So I wanted to design an outfit that featured an awesome blazer.  Blazers are a great wardrobe staple because they can dress up an outfit, even if that outfit is pretty casual. 

Here's the outfit I designed:

Don't you love the green with the black and white?  Here's the rundown of the look:

• The rich green blazer is gorgeous!  It's slim-fitting, too, which takes away the bulkiness of some blazers.  This blazer definitely takes the outfit up a notch.
• I didn't want any colors to compete with the deep green, so I kept the rest of the outfit on a black/white/gold scheme.  The striped sweater and shorts are classy but casual.
• The accessories are chic but don't take away from the blazer.  And even though the necklace is large, it just keeps the outfit at a dressier level.  And I think the Grisha would like to look dressy.

So what do you think?  Would you wear this outfit?

To find the actual pieces of the outfit, click here.

Positive-Inspired Outfit

Wow, what a week in my house!  The stomach bug hit our house like a tornado!  And man have we been wiped out.  My littlest guy had it, then me, and then my husband.  Let's just hope my other son stays away from it all!

So that's why I've been MIA...but I can't wait to share with you today's outfit!  It's inspired by Paige Rawl and her book Positive.  And I think this outfit is a home run--let me explain why.  Here's the outfit:

Ahhh, I would totally wear this outfit to work, on a date--you name it!

• I did a little snooping and discovered that Paige loves animal print.  So I started with this really chic leopard blouse.  This is a great statement piece, because it can be dressed down, made fancy, etc.
• Red is a strong color in Paige's book as it represents AIDS Awareness, so I added a bright red blazer.  This adds a pop of color, and I love me some color.
• Black skinny pants complete the basics of the look and keep the attention on top.
• These heel booties are hot and dress up the outfit.
• A gold cuff bracelet adds a little accessory and brings out the gold tones in the blouse.

Ok, I want this outfit in my closet now...what do you all think?  A trendy outfit that highlights Paige's love of leopard and her passion for HIV and AIDS awareness.

Want more info on the pieces in the outfit?  Click here!

More reviews and outfits coming up--stay tuned!

Beautiful Music for Ugly Children-Inspired Look

Happy Monday, everyone!  Unfortunately I've had a case of the grumbles all day--two-year-old tantrums, state testing, end-of-year restlessness...whew!  It was wearing on me today!

But a blog post will make me feel better!  Here's an outfit that I designed based off the book Beautiful Music for Ugly Children (which I reviewed last week).  It's a book about Gabe, a guy who was actually born as Elizabeth.  So today's look is a women's outfit that has incorporated male-friendly pieces.  Here it is:

Chic yet masculine too, right?  I think a girl would be pretty trendy in this!

• I chose a pin-striped blazer because blazers are still a huge staple for anyone's wardrobe.  And I like the pinstriped look as we head into the summer season.
• Paired with the blazer are navy ankle pants.  Ankle pants are making a comeback and can be paired with all kinds of shoes.
• Speaking of shoes, these glittery Sperry shoes are awesome!  So trendy but can still be semi-professional.
• A large watch with a male-inspired face brings this together.  You don't want too many accessories in a guy-inspired look, and this one does it just right.

So what do you think?  Gals, would you wear it?  Guys, do you see the inspiration?

Blazer--Newlook
Pants--White House Black Market
Shoes--Sperry
Watch--Michael Kors 

*I am not associated with any companies/products mentioned.

I'll be back this week with more book reviews AND a look at how I'm making my house stylish!

One Step at a Time-Inspired Outfit

Good afternoon, readers and fashionistas!

Yesterday I reviewed One Step at a Time by Josh Bleill, a memoir of Bleill's service in the Marines and the heartbreaking yet inspirational story of him losing his legs.  So today's outfit is very military-inspired.  But here's a disclaimer: I don't know much about the Marines, so this isn't an outfit to be taken so literally.  It's just an outfit that makes me think of military hues and lines.  Here it is:

Let's break it down:

• The blazer is that typical military olive color, and I love the way the waist is cinched.  Very clean and classy-looking!
• I paired the blazer with a goldish-tan tank, another typical military color.
• Boyfriend jeans are a bit relaxed and (as the name suggests) guy-inspired.  Now I don't necessarily think that the military is relaxed, but it is obviously male-dominated.
• The necklace has straight lines and reminds me of military medals. 
• The tan flats match the colors of the outfit and keep the outfit a little more sensible.

So what do you think?  Could you see yourself wearing something like this?  Is your wardrobe military-inspired?

Blazer--Tonello

Tank--Uma Wang

Jeans--J Brand

Necklace--Daily Look

Flats-- Tory Burch

*I am not associated with any companies or products mentioned. 

I'll be back tomorrow with my own Outfit of the Day--see you then!

Candace Cameron Bure-Inspired Outfit and Review of Moms' Day Out!

Hi, friends!

I think this is one of my favorite posts I've written, because as I think you'll see, the last few days for me have just flowed together so well!  I'm combining a book review with an outfit and a movie premiere--let me explain:

I recently reviewed Candace Cameron Bure's book Balancing It All--an honest and inspiring book of how women can balance our crazy lives as a wives, moms, employees, girlfriends, you name it.  It was a quick and encouraging read for me and I definitely recommend it!

So the book got me thinking--what are some go-to items that we can throw on when we need to feel like we have it together (even when we don't have it together)?  Kind of like some can't-fail-when-you-wear-these items.  Because when we're thrust in the middle of work, family schedules, and all things crazy, we don't often have the energy to pick out a cute outfit.

This exact scenario happened to me last night.  My friend Cherie (who has such an amazing story and you TOTALLY need to check her out!) invited me to a premiere screening of the movie Moms' Night Out (coming out on Mother's Day weekend, but more on that later!).  After working a full day, picking up my boys, feeding both boys, making dinner for my hubby, and curling my hair, I was exhausted.  And I was mentally exhausted--and I just needed to feel cute and put-together and not look like I had just put my two-year-old in time out for disobedience.  So I grabbed three items that I knew would give me that "oh I have it all together" even when I didn't feel it.  And, as cheesy as it sounds since I just reviewed Candace's book, I felt balanced.

So here's what I wore:

And I LOVED it!

I felt bright and "with it."  I had the confidence I needed to put my rushed evening out of my mind and just relax. So what were my three items that I grabbed?

 

• Blouse  A bright and even patterned blouse is the item to wear.  You can dress it up or down and it gives you such a polished look.  Forget T-shirts and find a blouse.
• Blazer  This, like a necklace, is a great way to dress up an outfit.  I purposely chose a blazer that complemented the blouse but wasn't too "matchy."  I love wearing bright blazers rather than simply black or brown--colors give off a sense of confidence.
• Heels  Heels definitely make me feel like I'm put together.  A cute pair of flats can also do this if you'd rather not wear heels, but definitely avoid tennis shoes or worn-down shoes.  Pun not intended, but heels "heighten" the outfit and just take it to a level of being dressed up.  I chose a pair of nude heels because nude makes your legs look longer and I didn't want to overkill the outfit with color.

So those are my 3 recommended items to wear when you need a go-to look.  Don't waste time thinking about what to wear--have these at the ready!

Now, on to the movie.

I am so excited that I got to attend the premiere of Moms' Night Out--because it fit so well with Candace's book and how I was feeling last night!  It focuses on Allyson, a wife and mother of three young children who is trying her best to be a Mommy Blogger.  She is completely overwhelmed and unhappy with her life and feels like she just needs a break--which makes her also feel completely guilty. When her husband encourages her to go out for an evening with some friends, she reluctantly relinquishes her control of the kids and the house...only to find herself in the middle of the craziest night of her life.

I was really surprised at how many times I laughed in the movie--it was a funny yet heartfelt escape and I highly recommend seeing it!  There were some encouraging and genuine moments (my favorite line being "I'm a mess.  But I'm His beautiful mess.") and it was a great way to hang with my friend Cherie (seriously, go check her out!).

It comes out on Mother's Day weekend--go see it!

I'll be back soon with another book review--see you then!

Blouse--Von Maur
Blazer--Francesca's Collections
Heels--Madden Girl

*I am not associated with any of the companies/products mentioned. 

Welcome to Erudite!

Ok, 2014--we need a do-over.  Although New Year's Eve was super fun and relaxing in our house, we have now been hit twice by the flu (in addition to this crazy Indiana blizzard!).  This time it's my husband--poor Luke, he is just miserable.

But enough about us--let's move on with our next faction outfit!  Today is Erudite, the highly intelligent and very proud!  The Erudite are known for wearing blue and for engrossing themselves in studies; they are the teachers, scientists, doctors, etc.  Again, a more professional look was inspired by this faction, and here's what I designed:

A professional, sleek Erudite look that I could honestly see Jeanine Matthews (Erudite representative) wear.  Here's the breakdown of the look:

• This outfit is all about this dress!  The royal blue is just stunning and I love the sleek lines in the black detailing.  This style dress--with the little ruffling around the waist--is very trendy right now but still very professional.  A perfect choice for the Erudite!  *No wonder this dress is stunning--it is a Michael Kors and retails for about $525.
• I added a black blazer just to keep the dress professional.  The Erudite wouldn't be about showing off their skin, so this extra piece would keep them trendy yet modest.  This is from House of Fraser and is about $98.
• Black pumps--a given.  This outfit just wouldn't look as sophisticated without them!  These are Balmain black suede and run about $390.
• These chandelier earrings keep the outfit young and fun.  And they're inexpensive--$22 from JC Penney.
• Some clean nails that add just a hint of color was what this look needed.  This is OPI's "Bubble Bath," a popular choice for a neutral nail.

So, how did I do?  Does it look inspired by the Erudite?

Tomorrow we move on to Abnegation--Tris' original faction that focuses on being completely selfless.  Could YOU live in the Abnegation faction?  

*I am not associated with any companies or products mentioned.

The Knife and the Butterfly-Inspired Outfit

Hello, readers and fashionistas!  On Monday I reviewed Ashley Hope Perez's latest book, The Knife and the Butterfly.  So today's outfit is inspired by that book, specifically the main character Azael.  Now today's outfit is awfully girly to be inspired by a guy gang member, but it's really the colors I was after.  Here it is:

 

This outfit is all about blue and white!  

I'll admit--today is a foggy, rainy day in Indiana and today I'll be at work, so this outfit combines the rainy atmosphere with a dressy work look.  

Why blue and white?  Because those are Azael's gang's colors...and gangs have to be recognizable by their colors (or so I've been told).

So let's break it down:

• This royal blue jacket is TO DIE FOR!  So chic and perfect for a rainy day.  I love it!  Plus it gives me the pop of blue I wanted for this outfit.
• Crisp white pants and a white button-down blouse.  This keep the outfit sleek while incorporating the white color (and yes, I know white isn't worn this time of year below the waist, but I totally ignore all social fashion "rules" when designing these outfits!).
• I didn't want to add blue shoes, because that would be overdoing it, so I paired the outfit with gray/silver flats.  I love the toe silver detail on these!  Just the sophisticated pop I wanted.
• Ok, these blue butterfly earrings are kind of cheesy, but this book uses a butterfly as a metaphor (and obviously in the title), so I added them.  In a way, though, they actually take a few years off the outfit, so this could definitely be worn by someone in her low 20s.

What do you think?  How would you incorporate blue and white into an outfit?

I'll be back tomorrow with a review that reminds me of a great Halloween costume (which may be foreshadowing my Friday post just a bit!).

 

The Madness Underneath-Inspired Outfit

Happy Friday, readers and fashionistas!

Yesterday I reviewed The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson.  In this book, main character Rory is back at Wexford Academy and helping a secret ghost society stop a new batch of dangerous ghosts.  Well, she's kind of back at Wexford, because really she is completely behind in her classes.
So today's outfit is inspired by her two lives--one as a student at a boarding school and one as a ghost hunter.  Here it is:

Even though I am neither in a boarding school nor chasing ghosts, I could totally see myself wearing this.

So here's the outfit:

• The blazer is an obvious choice for a boarding school uniform.  This one has a great shape to it (it accentuates the waist and has a great shoulder line) and has that classy prep feel.
• Even though boarding school students don't typically wear jeans, they are a necessary item for late-night ghost hunting.  These are great--they're kind of scuffy-looking and bring down the seriousness of the outfit.
• These boots are awesome (and from Target!) and make running around super easy.
• The purse (a Rebecca Minkoff) is completely classy and can be worn across the body.  Rich students have to have nice handbags, right?
• And the red stud earrings are simple yet bright.  And this is a murder mystery, so maybe reminiscent of drops of blood?!

I hope you like the look!  I'll be back throughout the weekend, and next week I'll be reviewing a book by an author who I'm totally claiming as a friend--you'll find out why on Monday!

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl-Inspired Outfit

In the book Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, Greg takes pride in the fact that he doesn't just belong to one clique.  He's a browser of sorts--he gets along with all of the cliques but doesn't belong to any of them.  I like to think that I was a little like this in high school because I tended to get along with everyone.  But I will be honest that if I were to be labeled in a clique, it would definitely be the nerdy, goody-goody clique.  So that's the inspiration for today's outfit.  I chose a clique in which Greg would visit but not join: the nerds.  Here's a fashionable look inspired by nerds everywhere:

 

Oooh, the nerd in me loves this!

So let's break it down:

• The green T-shirt is so nerdy chic.  It's a bunch of math equations in a handwriting font--love it!
• Blazers and plaid make me think of intellectual professors, so I added in a combination of both.  The contrast of the blazer and T-shirt is so great because it lightens the mood of the "smart" look.
• The jeans I chose are slim but not super skinny.  They give you some breathing room while still keeping the outfit chic and informal.
• Oxford shoes?!  Love them!  You can get oxfords in all kinds of colors and glitters nowadays, but I chose simple, clean brown.
• A leather backpack--the ultimate nerd accessory.  I love wearing backpacks (especially on both shoulders!) and this one is particularly beautiful.

So what do you think?  Does this represent a well-stereotyped nerd (with a little of "chic" mixed in)?

What would you design for a clique?

Check back here this weekend to see what I've been up to with my family and what I've been wearing!

Pregnant Pause-Inspired Outfit

On Monday, I reviewed the book Pregnant Pause by Han Nolan.  In the book, Eleanor gets married in an orange dress (not necessarily the best choice for a wedding but this is an awkward marriage).  So I decided to create what I think would be fitting if I were to get married in an orange dress.  I used my own wardrobe for this design since I had all the pieces I wanted.  Here it is:

 

The image is a little blurry (sorry!) but let's just say it was an early morning when I took this photo!

So let's break it down:

• The orange dress is short and summery and very fitting for an informal wedding.  Easy to move in but still shows that you're taking the day seriously.
• I threw a cream blazer with it to formalize it a bit (the dress is sleeveless). 
•  A gold glitter belt adds some fun while accentuating the waist; even when I was pregnant I loved wearing thin belts.
• Cream flower heels are a soft, sweet touch.

Dress--Francesca's Collections

Blazer--Charlotte Russe

Belt--Charlotte Russe

Heels--DSW

*I am not associated with any of the above companies.

 

So what do you think?  Do you think someone could pull this off in a last-minute, informal, courthouse wedding?  I do!  Get it?  I do!  

Come back tomorrow to see my review of Me and Earl and the Dying Girl!