a lovely living

Tomorrow I am speaking to a local MOPS group on developing personal style and gaining self confidence during the process. Public speaking is way out of my comfort zone. I’d much rather hide behind a computer screen and share my thoughts from my couch! But nonetheless I’m flattered to have been asked and pray that I can clearly express my thoughts in order to help anyone that may be struggling in this area. For those that may be attending, I look forward to meeting you!

As a part of my discussion, I put together this 10 piece wardrobe in an attempt to show these women that style does not have to be difficult or intimidating. These items (or items very similar) are likely in most closets, even if you have to dig around to find them! On the other hand, if your wardrobe feels outdated and you’re looking to start updating but have no clue where to start, well, here’s that starting point for you. I’ve taken what I see as a number of closet staples and pieced them into six different outfit combinations, with many more possibilities at hand! In fact, my guess is that one could mix and match these pieces for a month (or close to it!) without having anyone take note that they’ve been in one big rotation!

Here are the 10 items I selected, followed by the outfit combinations.

1. Cable-knit Sweater
2. Knee-high Boot
3. Striped T-shirt
4. Plaid Scarf
5. Denim
6. Pendant Necklace
7. Cardigan
8. Black Denim
9. Chambray Shirt
10. Booties

I think my secret weapon to dressing as of recently is to throw a scarf on it! Honestly, I can have on the most unimpressive outfit, but somehow throwing on a cute scarf (plaid is my current go-to) as I run out the door can quickly pull everything together. I’m not saying this turtleneck sweatshirt is unimpressive though, it’s anything but! Sweatshirts are becoming more and more my thing lately and I just love that this one is a turtleneck. It also comes in a beautiful shade of red. Worth checking out, for sure! As are plaid scarves, in case you didn’t catch that ;)

Details: Scarf (gifted from my bf, see other options below) / JCrew sweatshirt / Ann Taylor coat (similar) / JCrew denim (similar) / UGG boots

I hope you all have had a great week! We’ve been fighting off the stomach bug around here, but thankfully it’s been quick….hoping it stays that way!

This sweater is 40% off at the moment and it is amazingly soft! It also comes in navy which I was tempted by, but the winter white ultimately won me over. My mom gave me this Stella & Dot necklace for Christmas which has since sold out, but I love the look and found similar styles for you here and here. I love that it makes a statement but can be worn with a number of outfits because of it’s neutrality.

Wishing you a great weekend and I’ll see you back here Monday!

Details: Lou & Grey sweater / AG denim (similar here and here) / Stella & Dot necklace (similar here and here) / Boots (similar here and here) / Michele watch

As I was putting this outfit together, I couldn’t help but think how cute it will be when spring rolls around, minus the fur, coat and boots. So basically, a pretty peplum top paired with white denim, which I absolutely love wearing year round. This top is a deal at $18…a far cry from the price of all the designer gowns I’m currently watching on the Golden Globes! I don’t have a fav yet, but Zoe Saldana’s Gucci ruffled gown in shades of pink and red is definitely up there! Who was your winner?

Details: SheIn top c/o / Ann Taylor coat (similar here and here) / JCrew denim (similar) / Boots (similar) / Faux-fur stole (similar)

Happy Friday! I spent last evening out with my sister registering for her first baby due this March. All I can say is I am SO happy I’m on the purging end of all that! It still shocks me how such a tiny infant needs so much stuff! On the other hand however, it’s super exciting for her and I’m beyond excited to meet my newest nephew in just a couple of months :)

I know I’ve been talking about all of the sales that have been happening lately, but why I love the sales that happen in early January so much is because winter has only just begun! Take for example, this sweater which is currently under $50 at JCrew using code MUSTSHOP. I’ve already worn it half a dozen times and likely have a dozen more wears ahead of me this year! Also, packable down coats such as the one I’m wearing here, are my favorite for snowy, wintery days. I’ve rounded up a bunch for you to check out below, all of which are on sale!

Details: JCrew sweater / LOFT denim / Coat (similar) / Hat (similar) / Boots (similar)

I know it’s cliche and feels like clock-work that following every new year the big push for getting fit and healthy circles back again. But in my opinion, a new year, a new resolution or any excuse to get moving is a positive one! With all the hype this time of year, why not ride the momentum and get (or keep) yourself on track. There’s something about new workout wear that totally gives me a boost. My husband gave me this fleece for Christmas and I’m looking for every excuse to get to the gym just so I can wear it! You don’t need to be dressed to the nine’s to hit the gym, but it can be nice to at least coordinate, and you’ll find a number of pieces that work together here, below. Sneakers are a great place to start if you haven’t updated them in a while. I always forget how amazing new sneaks feel! I was a Brooks girl for years but I’ve recently switched to Asics, this pair in particular, and have been loooving them! So, forget any guilt you may be carrying from the past few weeks (you’re not alone!) and step into 2017 with a healthy, positive attitude…I’m cheering for you ;)

Happy 2017, guys! I hope you had a fun NYE and a relaxing New Year’s Day. Jack and I tuned in to the NYE festivities just as Mariah was performing…anyone else catch that? Oops!! Well, let’s jump into this first post of the year shall we? I grabbed this sweater just after Christmas during all of the crazy sales. I haven’t skied since high school (maybe college?), but this sweater makes me want to curl up in a lodge, by a fire, with a book and hot chocolate. But for now I’ll settle for wearing it around town. Madelyn (my 4yo) told me that it was ‘too big’ until she had it buttoned up to my chin, but I think I prefer the too big fit  ;) I love it paired with a plaid shirt which makes it feel all the more wintery, and the layers seem to break in the slightly boxy style.

Details: JCrew sweater / JCrew shirt (similar) / AG denim (similar here and here) / Hunter boots

I don’t know about you guys, but the majority of my week so far has been spent in sweats and flannels and slippers and all things cozy. After all the dressing up over the past few weeks and, oh, the cookies, comfort is all I’m seeking! This is the outfit I wore to our Christmas Eve service. I love the lace top which which will actually work well year-round and it’s currently marked down to $24! And the rest of LOFT has an extra 60% off sale and select full priced styles using code: FLASH. The sales are just out of control at the moment…hopefully you saw some of my top picks in Tuesday’s post ;)

Details: LOFT top / Pants (similar) / Noonday earrings / Shoes (similar) / Kate Spade bag (similar)