Valentine's Day

leather jacket (old Theory, similar here and here) // top c/o BURU // skirt c/o BURU // heels (old Ralph Lauren, similar here and here) // sunglasses Celine // purse Chanel

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Thoughts on Valentine’s Day this year

I was recently with a group of moms discussing our relationship with our husbands and tackling the question, “Are we taking care of them?”. At the end of the conversation the consensus was that we all felt we were taking care of our families as a whole, but not specifically the needs of our husbands as an individuals. I think this is a really important topic in an age that is very female focused - Are women being heard? Are women seen as equals? Are our needs being met? While of course the answers to these questions are important, we also don’t want to lose sight of the men in our lives, their feelings, opinions, and needs matter too! Someone brought up the point that they were little boys too once with dreams, hopes, and desires. That really stuck with me as a mom of two boys. I’m putting ever ounce of energy into loving my sons, teaching them, and trying to raise two solid young men who will one day have a family of their own. What would I want their relationship with their spouse to look like?

OK why am I bringing this up? …. Well the topic of Valentine’s Day came up and again we all said ok, if we’re looking at it from the man’s perspective, why do they always have to plan the day? What if we were to plan the perfect date for our husbands and ask what they wanted to do? So this year, thats my plan! It was actually really funny…I immediately sent Frank a note asking him and his response was very specific:) I’m going to keep our plans between us as he is very private but it felt good to ask him what he wanted to do for a change!

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SHOP BURU

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A DIY VALENTINE

Last year my friend Caitlin from The Picket Fence Project created the cutest DIY Valentine’s. This year we decided to partner and share them with our followers! You can see how to assemble them on my stories today and I will also save them to my highlights. To receive the card template via email, please follow instructions on today’s Instagram post!

Here is everything else you will need:

• Order these fish from Amazon

• Order this washi tape (this is more than you will ever need but I promise you’ll use it for other things!)

• Order this string and if you don’t have a hole punch here is a link to that too!

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HAPPY HEART DAY

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY JULIA DAGS

A CLASSIC LOOK THAT YOU CAN WEAR NOW AND LATER

GET THE LOOK

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This month has been all about investing in fewer, better pieces. From Marie Kondo’s JOY approach to bloggers talking about shopping their own closets, the theme of quality and longevity is everywhere. I was so excited to work on today’s post with a brand that stands for both of these things. Talbots was started over 70 years ago and was founded by a husband and wife duo in New England. They put an ad in The New Yorker! Today they continue to create classic pieces that you can feel good about putting into your closet. JOY! When I prevued the new collection the field jacket was my first choice. I believe that everyone looks good in army green and I love that you can style it back to basically any color. When I was pregnant with Luke I wore a lot of black. Throwing a green field jacket on like this one was the perfect way to break up my look.

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t h e s t r i p e d t e e

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I’m always on the hunt for the perfect striped tee. Not only is it a wardrobe staple but its one of those pieces you can wear all year round. What I love about this one is the stripe color is a dark indigo and would also pair perfectly with a black leather jacket or blazer. If you’re looking for the more classic vibe, this long sleeved ivory and navy version is perfect.

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T H E H I G H - W A I S T E D J E A N

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You know that I have a love affair with high-waisted jeans right? These jeggings are amazingly comfortable (I was shocked when I first put them on) and they are the perfect height for a t-shirt tuck. I’m wearing a 2 and find that they run one size bigger than what I’m used to so size down (for reference I’m a 26 in jeans)!

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thank you to Talbots for sponsoring this post

STYLING A PRINTED SKIRT

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I love wearing silk skirts and luckily for me its been a bit of a trend lately which equals more options. I posted this silk skirt look at the beginning of the season and since I did I’ve probably worn it 10 different times and 5 different ways. I first saw this style online but didn’t order because I thought, “How could it be nice at that price?”. Well I was wrong! Walked into H&M last month and was shocked at the quality (and again at the price) and so excited they had my size. If you don’t see your size keep checking back, I find that people return or exchange and you get a second chance! Here is another style that would be pretty with a black or ivory sweater. I also love this snake style or this burnt orange one paired back to a brown sweater.

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shop skirts

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A CASUAL WINTER LOOK

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I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, “mom life” doesn’t have to mean you’re living in spandex everyday. Totally not judging those who do (I get it!) but there are other options:) Below is my simple formula for a chic and still comfortable kid-friendly look. It all starts with a cute coat like this one. Its usually one of the pieces in a closet that my clients will say they’re “saving” for a special occasion. My advice is to ditch the puffer once and a while and feel good in your best coat! A wool wrap coat doesn’t have to break the bank, and I tried rounding up a wide range of price points. Next up, my closet staple the oversized sweater. I love this one and this budget friendly neutral one. My favorite pair of black jeans (probably ever) are these. I have them with the slits but you can also get them without. They’re extremely comfortable and soft and the high waist holds everything in. Note: If you don’t love for your button to be over your belly button, these are not for you!

Short story about my sneakers: I recently wore them on stories and someone asked what color they were. I laughed and responded, “I call the color vintage and stained!”. I bought this pair 14 years ago at a second hand shop on M Street in Washington, DC. They told me they were special because they were made the last year that converse still made their sneaks in the US. Fast forward 3 years a puppy and one day I came home to a half eaten shoe. Needless to say I STILL have them and still wear them all the time. I was psyched when I found this pair online because the color seems to be that same vintage creamy tone that mine are as well as the slightly elevated sole for a little extra cushion. You will thank me!!!

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BELTED COAT

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OVERSIZED SWEATER

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COMFORTABLE DENIM

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SNEAKERS

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LEOPARD IS THE NEW NEUTRAL

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Leopard is a neutral. There, I said it. No but really think about it….black, browns, tans, and ivory. NEUTRAL! Someone once told me that blondes should never wear leopard. I then showed him a pic of my forever fashion and style inspiration, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, case closed:) There is definitely a way to tastefully wear animal prints. To prevent a fashion misstep, I always suggest limiting yourself to one piece at a time and pairing it back to a monochromatic look. For something more casual, I always suggest denim. I can’t wait to wear this coat back to a white tee and jeans in the Spring! If you’re looking for leopard in a different color palette I love this gray version. Also this pale snow leopard style would be perfect for New Year’s Eve over a sparkly dress or a creamy cashmere sweater. Need help styling your animal print? Send me a note!

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a touch of leopard

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INSPIRED BY THE ICONS

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coat // c/o Tyler Boe

NEW YEAR'S IN LACE

HOLIDAY LACE

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could find a dress that you can wear for Christmas and New Year’s Eve? I love these lace styles because you can easily change out the accessories for a different look. Suede or velvet pumps and grosgrain wrapped earrings for Christmas and add a little more sparkle on the 31st. I couldn’t find the exact dress I’m wearing online but tagged similar styles from the same brand. I actually found them on Amazon which means you have three more days to order with free 2-day shipping and receive by Monday. Other last minute items I’m loving from Amazon:

• This travel blanket scarf is my favorite. So cozy!

• I purchased this wireless and waterproof speaker for my 15 year old nephew!

• One of my favorite oils to diffuse in our house - great any time of the year. Here is my diffuser. Honestly its become a routine in our house and someone puts it on every night!

• My all time favorite interior designer. This coffee table book is on my list! I have this one and love it.

• My Celine sunglasses for a over 50% off! Love this style:)

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LOVING RIGHT NOW

SALE, SALE, SALE

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Its here! My favorite sale of the year! Whether you’re shopping for gifts or picking up a few items from your own list, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite must see sales this Thanksgiving week. Now is really the time to get your shopping done and just think, by December 1st you can be done! Well sort of…! Last year my big purchase was this pair of boots and I’m still so happy I got them! I will be updating this sale page for the rest of the week and throughout the weekend so keep checking back for more picks and promotions!

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MODA OPERANDI

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shopbop

UP TO 25% OFF WITH CODE MORE18

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mango

30% off with code BLACK18

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MADEWELL

25% OFF WITH CODE DEALWITHIT

• This sweater dress

• White jeans 365 days a year!

• Love the button detailing on this sweater + how adorable are the crop flair pants paired with it?

• Love this long-sleeved tee for under $20. Something I always forget to buy but so so happy I have when I have them!

• You can never have enough cozy drawstring pants! This would be great paired with a black cashmere sweater and sneakers or boots for an elevated “lounge” look.

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SERENA & LILY

20% off with code GATHER

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HOW TO DRESS DOWN A COCKTAIL DRESS + WEEKEND RECAP

When you invest in a piece like this dress, its nice to know that you’ll be able to wear it in multiple ways. Dressing it down with your favorite cardigan and a pair of boots is a simple and chic look that will take you from day into night!

get the look

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WEEKEND RECAP

THE GIRL LOOK BOOK in the city

We had a pretty low key and mostly unplanned weekend. It was nice to just hang around the house on Sunday and knock things off my to-do list. Luke and I made banana bread and it was so delicious! I used this recipe and supplemented the flour for a GF option, used coconut sugar, and replaced the sour cream with Laava dairy-free yogurt. I crossed my fingers that it wouldn’t taste horrible and it worked! It made for a yummy dessert after our Sunday night dinner at my parent’s house.

My best friend recently moved to Nashville (you might remember my road trip with her this summer!?) and she was back in NYC for the weekend. Earlier in the week I made plans to take one of the boys in with me for an early Saturday dinner. That morning everyone woke up a little sniffly and with the rain I ended up making a game time decision to go solo. It ended up being an awesome night and I was actually so thankful to have some one-on-one time with my friend sans kids. We realized it had been seven years since we went out alone together in the city.

I squeezed in a little shopping right before dinner. First stop was one of my favorite boutiques in SoHo. Its a must-visit if you’re ever in the city. I fell in love with everything…these pants and this sweater. After that I visited one of my new favorite shops for closet staples in search for a bootie. I ended up buying these which are amazing. They’re made in Italy and the leather is so soft. I highly recommend all of their shoes.

• For dinner we went to little prince and it was delicious. The restaurant was small and cozy and exactly what we were looking for! Order the quinoa appetizer:)

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FALL IN LOVE WITH THESE DRESSES

I love wearing dresses (I may or may not have already started a post with that statement) and I especially love when you can wear them all year round. I posted this insider tip on my Instagram a few days ago: for colder months layer leggings and a thermal top under our maxi dress for extra warmth. If the top is sleeveless, layer a cardigan over the dress followed by a coat. I discovered this brand about a year and a half ago and i’m obsessed with everything they create. Since then they have become a cult favorite of celebrities, stylists, and influencers. You really can’t go wrong with any of their pieces. I would suggest sizing down (especially in the tops). How would I describe this brand? Bohemian elegant :)

On another note, I’ve started doing some Thanksgiving styling for a few clients and love this dress! Also loving this style. Hope everyone has an awesome weekend! Ours is going to be a combination of work, house projects, birthday and parties!

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FALL FLORALS

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short

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A FOUR SEASON BAG

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CAMEL AND GREY

I bought this coat two years ago when I was working for Theory and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve worn it. It was over $500 and an investment piece for sure, but also probably one of my favorite Fall staples in my closet. I’ve worn it over a t-shirt with blue jeans in the early Fall and also bundled up in the colder months with a sweater, scarf, and leather leggings. It is nice to have a piece that I can go to year after year and not feel like I need to purchase a newer “version” of it. Speaking of oldie but goodies…these sneakers are five years old! I bought these at Club Monaco when I was working for Ralph Lauren. I had never seen them anywhere else until we were in Belgium this summer and every store was carrying them! You can shop them online here (in shearling!!!) and here. SO comfortable and durable even in the suede. OK now I’m off to pack for my sister’s wedding! Can’t wait to share this weekend with you:)

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A TIMELESS COAT

watch // c/o Michele Watches

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LACE BLOUSE

shop the look

Happy hump day! Despite the torrential rain yesterday I had a lovely birthday which started with breakfast in bed and ended with sushi (my fave)! Also there was in between there was a lunch with my friend Eva and a massage. Can’t complain! I had a moment on Monday when I thought I was turning 35 and started freaking out. Not that 35 is much older but I feel like its a milestone I’m not quite ready for! Good thing I have another year to get ready:)

So excited for this SALE! For four days you can save using code STOCKUP18. Today is super humid in Connecticut but I know that the caller temps are right around the corner. Here are some upcoming events I’m shopping for right now:

• Love this sweater for Thanksgiving (and no its not to early to shop for this!)

• My favorite brand/style of mom jeans. Size down because you want them too be tight or they’re too 80’s (and not in a good way:)

• LOVE LOVE this dress. If I didn’t already have one for my sister’s wedding this would be it! If you’re going to go for it you have to be OK with something that’s not body con and your hubs may call it a pregnancy dress BUT your girlfriends will swoon. You know what I mean lol…#marrepeller.

• I’ve always had a thing for coin necklaces - this one is under 100 and would be so pretty with a lace silk cami and a cardigan.

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shop the sale

FALL COLOR EDIT: RUST

Surprisingly I didn’t shop a ton while we were in Belgium. Our daily schedules revolved around the boy’s naps and it was hard to find an extended period of time to break away. Also, every day was so new and exciting that I didn’t want to miss out and leave the group. BUT when my mom and aunt offered to take me one day I jumped at the chance! My favorite spot to shop in Belgium has always been at the Belgium Coast in Knokke. They have everything from Hermes to Zara and everything in between. My favorite stops were the Belgian and other European designers that I don’t get to see in the US: Essential (Antwerp), Patrizia Pepe (Florence), River Woods (Belgium), and a few more. The best shop though is called Princess.

Side bar: It was in the 60s the entire time we were in Belgium so Fall was definitely on my mind. I walked in and was immediately inspired for the new season and couldn’t wait to bring something home (see pic below of one of the racks). I zeroed in on this rust colored open cardigan (referred to as a “Bernadette” sweater in Europe) and decided I had to try it on. It was surprising because it also came in a light gray, but I decided to try something new. The color worked! In the shop I paired it with a navy silk camisole because I knew I had this one at home. This color also looks amazing with other browns, ivory, tonal florals, and I came home to find that its everywhere and as I’m styling it more I’ve realized it looks good on everyone!

Girl Guide Update: When I left my job at Theory in June to focus on my styling business and the blog I decided I would let the summer play out and see where it could/would take me! Well I have to say I am still pinching myself every day that I get to do what I love. That being said I have decided to start putting a little more structure around things, starting with my blog posts. For the last three months I was averaging about 4 blog posts a week but there was no set schedule or consistency. Full disclosure - I hated that! I want my readers to know what to expect and when and to be able to count on me:) Starting this week I will post three times per week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I’m really excited and I hope you are too!

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get the look: rust

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SHOP THE POST

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THE TEDDY COAT

Happy Monday friends! I hope you all had a great weekend! I had a little case of the scaries last night around 10pm when thought about how nice it was that we were all together this weekend. Luke had his first soccer practice on Saturday and it was adorable. I don’t know what I expected (possibly a little more organization and coordination hehe) but I had so much fun watching him on the field with all his friends. He’s getting so big! Also I should add that 16 month old Harry was running up and down the field like a champ too. Second child!

If you’ve been following me for a little while you know, I’m a neutral lover. When it comes to finding the perfect Fall coat the first thing I look for is a color that will go with everything. From the moment I saw this Bernardo teddy coat I knew it was perfect. Not only is it the perfect shade of beige and will go with all of my tonal winter white looks, it can also be worn back to Fall florals and black. I’ve been looking for something to wear to The Berkshires for my sister’s wedding next month and wanted a coat that would work for the rehearsal dinner and for the day of. Love that this style is both functional and lux.

Hope everyone has a great week!

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SHOP THE POST

teddy jacket // Bernardo

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OH HOW I LOVE SEPTEMBER

silk pajama jacket // francés austen

denim // mother

september I love you

its my birthday month! whoop whoop September 25th (mark your calendars hehe)

back to school - am I the only weirdo who loves the feeling of going back to school? Ever since I was a child its been one of my favorite times of the year. I think its because everything is fresh and new again. My mom would always get us a new pair of shoes (usually Keds) and school supplies, love fresh pencils!

apple picking - sounds cliche but apple picking has been a family tradition for as long as I can remember. We go to Wilkins Fruit and Fur Farm in Yorktown, NY.. Even those in between years (not a kid anymore and don't have kids yet) I would go. Frank and I love it! 

indian summers - Its kind of an oxymoron to like both apple picking and warm Fall temps but when I say Indian summer I mean upper 60's with sun! That is my ideal - just cool enough to wear a cardigan or light jacket and still warm enough for a maxi dress and booties. 

loose leaf tea - I drink hot tea pretty much all year round but I love when the temps start to drop a little and everyone else likes drinking it with me!

fall styling - I linked some of my favorite pieces for pre-fall here. There is not transition love more than going from summer to Fall. My favorite looks are jeans or a skirt paired back to a fresh sweater. 

september favorites

WEEKEND READING + LDW SALES

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ldw sales

• Love this lace blouse - wear it into fall tucked into dark denim. Here is another similar style also under $100
• Do you ever shop this site? I'm always on the hunt and I love finding pieces from my favorite designers that I've missed. Like this one! and these:)
• This blush ruffle dress - buy now and thank me next Spring!

in my cart

weekend reading

We desperately need to renovate our kitchen but I've been feeling very overwhelmed about it lately. I liked this article's perspective and tips for making the change a little more interesting. 

• Speaking of home design, I've been looking for new wall sconces for our front door. Thinking about these...I really want gas lanterns but unfortunately we don't have gas in our home so I think this would be a nice alternative. Now if I could only choose a finish....
• My eyes LIT up when I first saw this collab. LOVE everything!
• After a long fight jet lag and dry skin is no joke! I just ordered this mask...hoping it lives up to all the hype!

FALL'S MUST HAVE

GET THE LOOK

Still in Belgium and it feels good to take a break from travel pictures and back to the blog. I missed it! This is the first time we've taken a vacation since I relaunched THE GIRL LOOK BOOK so I wasn't  quite sure how it would go in regards to posting, frequency, etc. I decided I wouldn't put too much pressure on myself and would decide once I got here. We are visiting family and friends everyday and I've enjoyed the break with Frank and the boys. I will say though...taking pictures has never been more exciting because I get to share them with YOU! So let me know what you would prefer for the next time around, more blog posts or following along on social. Both answers are helpful!

 The blazer is your wardrobe's must have this season. You can wear one with everything. I styled it here in an easy everyday way but you can also pair it back to a dress, maxi skirt, etc. ALSO had to tell you that I just picked these up in Belgium. They're real leather and super comfortable. They are a perfect "steal" version of the ones I'm wearing. Also I've been living in these sunglasses! I've been looking for a metal frame to replace my aviators and finally found one. LOVE!

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mad for plaid

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EASY TRAVEL DRESS

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I'm starting to pack for our trip to Belgium and I want to bring everything and actually nothing at the same time! I've always had this dream of going to Europe wearing only jeans and a white t-shirt, and with an empty suitcase that I fill along the way. A GIRL CAN DREAM! I couldn't find my exact dress but linked very similar ones all in the same easy fabric below. I ordered this one the minute I found it. It reminds me of a Chloe and Zimmermann which would have been in the thousands and couldn't believe it was under $150. Happy hump day!

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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT // LOVE SAM

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dresses

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tops

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BEST FOOT FORWARD

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3 MUST HAVE DENIM STYLES

These days shopping for denim can de overwhelming but it doesn't have to be. Clients always ask me, "Are these out of style?". My answer is this - at this point pretty much every style has come full circle and nothing is in and nothing is out. Of course there will be a trend every season but if you style them right, you should be able to wear almost ever jean in your closet and still look current. Sharing my top 3 styles for this Fall that I also consider classics and staples in my wardrobe. 

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THE WEDGIE

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THE STYLED JEAN

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THE IVORY JEAN

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OUTFITS FROM THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE

Only two days left! I bought 5 pieces from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. I chose classic and versatile items that I knew I would want to buy once it started getting a little colder and a few that I could wear now too. One of the most important things I do as a stylist is help my clients wear their clothing in multiple different ways, style different looks, and make their wardrobe investments worth it. I loved creating today's Lust List because with 12 pieces you can create 8+ looks! Sharing my favorite 5 below:)

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LOOK ONE

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look two

look three

look four

LOOK FIVE

LOOK SIX

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THE PERFECT TRENCH

SHOP THE SALE

GIRL

GET THE LOOK

If I could wear one outfit every day this would be it. The term casual chic is probably overly used in my world (just ask my husband) but its really the best way to describe this look. I love combining textures and fabrics, luxe colors, and creating something that feels good and looks effortless. The fact that I also feel like I'm in pajamas is and added bonus! So these shoes...I can't stop wearing them. The champagne metallic color goes with everything and they're extremely comfortable. I have a thing for this woven cane look right now: these shoes, this chair also love these sandals. 

• This cardigan is from looks and feels lux but its under $100. If you don't see your size keep checking because they've restocked it a few times. I'm wearing a US 4:) 
• While we're on the cardigan topic, this one is on my wishlist. Love that its a twist on a classic with the "chew" detailing + I would wear this color all year round. 
• This under $100 ivory one paired with this silk tank and these jeans!!!

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