What to Wear: Now & Later

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. Work was completely nuts and I've been trying to unplug more at home, but I'm hoping to make it up to y'all with something good today!

Around this time every year, I start to hate everything in my closet. I'm tired of bundling up, tired of sweaters, tired of boots, tired of flannel. So apparently I'm tired of being an 82 year old man, but you know what I mean. Add to that the fact that it's that tricky stretch between seasons, and I feel like I am dressing like a bona fide wackadoo. But I found something this weekend that might save my sanity, friends.

The magic tunic.

Have you ever bought a shirt, a pair of jeans, some article of clothing that is not only flattering, it makes all your trouble spots (real or perceived) seem to disappear? I found my miracle piece this weekend. This tunic nips in just enough at the waist, hits at just the right place to minimize my thighs, and it's just the right weight that I can wear it now in cooler weather and later when spring finally arrives. It's the Goldilocks of tops! I thought I'd share a little styling inspiration to show how I wear it now, and how I'll wear it later.

J.Crew Factory Chambray Tunic; Stella & Dot Phoenix Necklace and Various Bracelets; Flash Lens Ray-Ban Aviators; Michael Kors Turquoise Hoops (on sale!); Gold and Gray Wood Bracelets; Chan Luu Skull Bangle; 7 for All Mankind Slim Illusion Jeans; Sam Edelman Gigi Sandals in New Nude Leopard; Essie Polish in Geranium (my all time favorite!); Michael Kors Watch Hunger Stop Watch; Old Navy Booties (no longer available); J.Crew Leggings (amazing fit!)

Happy weekend, friends! XOXO

Make This, Wear That - Valentine's Day at Home

Hello from the frozen tundra of North Carolina! Today is day three of no school, no getting to the office, no sanity. Heaven help us.

We're not big on Valentine's Day celebrations around here... maybe a bottle of champagne and a handmade card, but that's about as fancy as we get. The hubs is working on Valentine's night again this year (I think this makes 4 years in a row?), so it looks as though H and I will be having a quiet evening at home--at least as quiet as an evening with a 3 year old can be. We'll have our usual Friday night movie (probably Despicable Me 2, as it's been in heavy rotation lately--gotta love Gru and his chip hat!), but I'd like to make a special treat. I'm thinking this might be perfect...

Old Fashioned Pink Popcorn from Cooking Classy

As far as what to wear for Valentine's Day, I'm not a typical red dress kind of gal. I much prefer the idea of a soft pastel like lavender paired with just a splash of red. And I guess I'm in denial about the fact that winter is sticking around for a while, because I am ready to start wearing spring clothes. Snow storms be damned!

Margaret Elizabeth Cube Studs; J.Crew Merino Tunic Sweater; Old Navy Sweetheart Distressed Skinnies; Minnetonka Back Zip Booties; Essie Polish in Fishnet Stockings; Gold & Gray Medium Wood Stretch Bracelets; Rikshaw Design Lulu Scarf

I am loving the new merino tunic sweaters from J.Crew... they're like the swing sweater 2.0. And though I will admit I was a skeptic, I am here to tell you, Old Navy's Sweetheart jeans are pretty much perfect for those of us with more voluptuous posteriors. Great amount of stretch, and they're high-waisted, so they suck in the muffin top really well. I can't recommend them enough. And if you need another reason to give them a try, they are on super duper sale right now. Like, such a crazy good sale I'm thinking of ordering a size down so I can have them when my current ones are too big.

If you are looking for fun bracelets at a fabulous price, check out Gold & Gray. I have three of the wood bead bracelets and I just want more. So fun! And this necklace is at the top of my wish list for spring.

Rikshaw Designs founder Catherine Fitzsimmons has southern roots, but her bohemian flare is what I admire most. I have a Rikshaw classic kurta that I wear non-stop in the summer, so I think adding one of the scarves to my wardrobe is an obvious choice. And for you mamas reading, they have a children's line that is pretty much the cutest ever. H outgrew his kurta at the end of last summer, so we'll be ordering another for this year.

Whether you're big on the "Hallmark holiday" of Valentine's or not, I think it's a perfect opportunity to tell those you love how much they mean to you. Not that any of us need a holiday for that, but sometimes it's a good reminder. XOXO