In the Hood

As you know, The Bf sometimes gives some guidance for topics on the blog. Sometimes they're horrible, and sometimes he's got a good point. Lucky for you today is the latter. He has a thing for Made in the USA products and companies, and who doesn't? One of his favorites is American Giant. Have you heard of them? Well they make some high quality items and one of them has inspired the post for today: the women's zip up hoodie. Comfort meets style.

American Giant, Heavyweight Full Zip Hooded Sweatshirt, $89

68 people have given this a five star review. That's like Yelp on steroids, they must be doing something right.

Gap, Arch Logo Zip Hoodie, $44

While not necessarily made in the USA, this is logo is an American clothing icon. This hoodie will never go out of style.

Singer 22, Monrow Long Zip Hoodie, $79

How about a relaxed fit longer version. Perfect with a ponte knit pant and a simple tee.

American Apparel, Unisex Flex Fleece Zip Up Hoodie, $48

Made in the USA goodness in about a million colors.

Simple, soft, and so comfy. Layer it with a scarf, dress it up with a statement necklace. Just have fun with it.

Be fabulous today!

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Happy Birthday Norman

Today is Norman's birthday. He is my original lovebug. The little man turns three today so I thought I would share some of my/his favorite things.

American Apparel, Red Flex Fleece Dog Zip, $28

Of course this post has a little fashion. Norman loves his hoodie. I call it his Beiber hoodie. It's machine washable and I can layer it under his rain coat (yes that exists) when it's cold. 

Barkbox, Medium Dog, 1 month $29

Norman loves his Barkbox and it keeps me from buying random dog stuff at CVS or when I go grocery shopping. I love supporting small business and Norm loves the toys!

Container Store, Collapsible Pet Feeder, $19

These bowls are awesome. I don't need a mat under the bowls and I can throw it in a bag when we travel.

Jack Spade, Rope Dog Lead, $49

The bf's favorite color is orange, so obviously Norman sports an orange collar and leash. 

Happy Birthday little man!

Opa's Accordion

I'm going to share a little family history today that will lead to one epic segue. I'm German so I have an Oma and Opa (gramma and grandpa). Whenever my family went to visit Oma and Opa in Buffalo we would have a delicious meal prepared by Oma and then we would retire to the living room where Opa would break out his accordion and my sister and I would dance around the room in circles. I remember this very clearly because the accordion has such a specific sound to it and that sound is created by a very unique squeezebox (yes that is the real term, look it up). So let's take a page from Opa and look at some beautiful accordion skirts.

American Apparel, Pleated Skirt, $52

I love the high waisted fit of this skirt because its a bit ballerina.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Robbi & Nikki Faux Leather Pleated Skirt, $69

A beautiful navy with a contrasting waistband is professional while still perfect for twirling.

Modcloth, Cupcake Liner Skirt, $32

A great contrast skirt that is a great length for 9-5 with tights and some booties.

Madewell, Mini Houndstooth Skirt, $98

The patterned mini is so unusual with this type of pleat. In my opinion this skirt is basically a neutral to be paired with any other color like merlot or forest green. 

One of my favorite things about the accordion skirt is the movement. It's flouncy and girly but paired with the right top or motorcycle jacket you can make it edgy.

Be fabulous today!

Black Tie Wrist

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I thought we could extend the weekend a little bit by looking at some glamorous items. Watches. Now, stay with me, there is a trend and style for every kind of watch, but the dressier options sometimes leave the wallet hurting. Today I'm thinking of a black tie inspired watch. Black, white, with silver or gold accents. Very versatile yet mature.

American Apparel, Vintage Silver/Gold Roman Numerals Leather Band Watch, $45

The silver and gold option is a great way to play with mixed metals. 

Nordstrom, Anne Klein Round Leather Watch, $75

This is understated bling. Don't get me wrong there is a time and place for a blinged out watch, but for something more workplace appropriate, this is a great option.

Fossil, Georgia Leather Watch, $95

I really like the snaffle bit detail on either side of the face, it makes this piece just a bit more interesting.

Urban Outfitters, La Mer oversized vintage watch, $85

CHeck out the crown on this watch (aka the time adjuster knobby) I love how it stands out next to this quite oversized face.

Watches are a very personal purchase. For me I wear the same one everyday, so it needs to be dressed up and down depending on the occasion. Finding something black and white or a tuxedo-style watch will make it easy for you to mix it into your wardrobe.

Be fabulous today!

Tote-ally Colorful

Hey lovebugs,
I think one of the easiest grab and go bags is the tote. It's a throw everything in and then some bag. So if this is our go to, then why shouldn't it be bright? Colorful totes that make us smile.

Macy's, Nine West Can't Stop Shopper Tote, $85

Ooooo girl, when I said bright, I meant bright. Neon! Loving this bag!

Nordstrom, Steve Madden Easy Going Tote, $98

This tote comes in all kinds of colors, but I love the magenta the most. It would be easy to clean with the nylon exterior.

Gap, Flat Leather Tote, $98

Gap got this one right, the leather is so soft, perfect for a grab and go bag.

American Apparel, L'Epicier Leather Bag, $98

100% leather, 100% American made. Boo ya.

Totes don't always have to be black or brown in order to go with everything. Mix it up with an unexpected pop of color!

Be fabulous today!

Deep Sea Baggage

An unusual bag can come in a new shape, a new style, but what about a new color? Navy. Nothing groundbreaking, but how often do you see a deep blue, saturated, navy bag.

Topshop, Winged Pushlock Tote, $90

Winged totes are huge right now, and in this deep blue hue it's so sleek.

American Apparel, Medium Leather Carry All, $46

The perfect going out bag. Throw it all in there, put it under your arm and get going.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Fold Over Woven Tote, $48

A beautiful double strap bag that is perfect for when the weather gets warmer.

Macy's, Michael Kors Large Pouch Wristlet, $78

Simple, discreet, and very easy to match.

Navy is such an underused color for accessories. It's a beautiful color to mix into any wardrobe.

Be fabulous today!

That's One Sassy Oxymoron

Happy almost Friday lovebugs,

Today we're looking at what is a bit of an oxymoron: the full mini. A great full skirt is always in style, but this is a mini version! Mega volume with not a lot of length.

Kohl's, Jennifer Lopez Snakeskin Mini, $30

A great textured mini that has some good structure to it. This would go great with booties.

Urban Outfitters, Coincidence & Chance Knit Circle Skirt, $49

You want a leg lengthener? Get this skirt. A perfect flouncy piece that is easy, breezy and sexy.

American Apparel, Illustrated Chiffon Double Lay Shirred Skirt, $42

So this skirt could use a better name but who doesn't love an elastic waistband. I mean, deep down, it's all about the elastic waist band.

Nordstrom, Free People faux leather skirt, $79

Down from $150, this skirt is fabulous. Add some lace on top and you are a show stopper.

The full mini may not always be appropriate for the office (use your own judgement, or the looks of others) but maybe adding some tights to the ensemble make it just right for date night.

Be fabulous today!

Not Catwoman

Today we're departing from my usual prepster and trying something a little dangerous. Leather. Now I know it's July, but stay with me. There is leather out there for warm weather that is super sexy and wearable off the runway.

H&M, Leathertop, $99

Now this fabulous peplum top is sold out in the US for now, but I'm keeping my eye on eBay.

Free People, Rocker Vegan Shorts, $98

Hello short shorts! I'd pair this with a super soft and sheer sleeveless blouse.

Asos, Urban Code Leather Shift, $98

I like this shift because it has a cotton lining, which makes it actually wearable. 

American Apparel, Vintage Leather Skirt, $30

A highwaisted mini pencil. I love the color selection for these!

Have a scared you away? I'm not saying go all catwoman, but add one piece at a time, try it out. Get a little sassy with it.

Be fabulous today!

Smoking Loafer

I'm a sucker for a great flat given that I don't have a car. I walk everywhere so the more comfortable and cuter the better.  I love the new trend, the smoking loafer, it's chic and simple and goes with just about anything.

Steve Madden, Chaufer, $79

Oh hi there perfection, please get in my closet right now.

American Apparel, Velvet Tassel Loafer, $75

These come in black and olive, but I'm picture the navy with a great paid of wool shorts with tights.

Sam Edelman, Alvin, $97

These babies just went on sale, get them while you can!!!

Lulu's, Bamboo Mansion Red Smoking Loafer, $23

Absolutely the best price out there. These red beauties would be fabulous with some black skinny jeans.

I love smoking loafers because they're masculine yet can be styled very girly.

Be fabulous today!

It's Hip to be Square

Right angles, straight lines, crisp and clean.  I'm loving a square print right now!  Check out these picks.

American Apparel, Vintage Silk Square Print Shift, $65

Ok, so the model looks miserable, but this color and groovy print is just perfect for some metallic sandals.

Marc Jacobs, Black Script Plaid Silk Blouse, $99

I'm loving this blouse now with a white pencil skirt for work and then in the winter with a yellow cashmere cardigan.

Target, Merona square print tote, $17

Sorry the picture isn't great, but I love this for errands on the weekend or a trip to the park with a book for the afternoon.

Canvas, Madras Scarf, $13

This is nice for a cooler summer night.  I'm picturing it with chino shorts and a t shirt.

I really like the square print because it's a fun take on stripes.  Be careful with the size of print, make sure it is in proportion to your size.

Be fabulous today!

Gold Watch

Yep, nothing cute or creative from that title, but that's just what I wanted.  Gold watch.  A simple, clean, and weighted sentence and piece of jewelry that is truly timeless. Ok that was a little funny. Watch, timeless, ok fine, I laughed.

I bought myself a Michael Kors watch two months ago and while I was skeptical of the large face at first, now I won't take it off.  It goes with everything!  While you can splurge like I did and go for the $200 version.  Here are some picks for under $100.

American Apparel, Vintage Seiko Watch, $100

Simple, elegant, and vintage.

Urban Outfitters, wraparound watch, $38

This is so interesting.  Usually a wraparound is only seen with a leather band.  Love this!

Timex, easy reader watch, $29
I love this watch- its very old school in a journalist or editor sort of way.

Nordstrom, Anne Klein crystal index resin, $55

A little more casual with the gold ceramic band but perfect for everyday wear.

So are you feeling the gold? I think it is very ladylike and professional.

Be fabulous today!

Vertical Stripes

Vertical stripes are an interesting concept.  It's a great pattern, elongating, and clean, but somehow we always go for the horizontal option.  I think wearing a vertical stripe might make you want to walk a little taller, make the stripes a little longer.  Let's see what we can come up with here:

American Apparel, Satin Charmeuse Square Tee, $24

I love the satin material of this blouse.  And the color makes it a bit nautical.

Jessica Simpson, 3/4 faux wrap dress, $50

Great colors here and I love the interest on the waist line!

Forever 21, vertical stripe sweater, $18

How about this for weekend errands? Maybe belted with boyfriend jeans?

Urban Outfitters, Crochet Vertical Stripe Tight, $14

Hello mile long legs!!

So as you can see, wearing vertical stripes is a great unexpected way to create a more interesting look.  Stripes, when worn correctly, are professional and fun!

Be fabulous today!