Winter is in full swing; let’s embrace everything about it and learn to style some great sleek winter looks. Winter is my favorite season and I am excited to share this sleek winter look in partnership with Corkys Footwear.
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Alright, I admit it. I love athleisure and especially winter athleisure. As a mom who spends most her time transporting my toddler to and from school, schlepping his stuff to and from the car, sitting on the ground playing trucks and constantly picking up after him wearing clothes that are comfortable and practical is of up most important; enter athleisure. And with winter in full swing it’s time to chat about winter athleisure.
When I am purchasing athleisure I make it a top priority to keep it all under $100. Every so often I will splurge on a jacket that is above that price range but for the day to day I strongly feel you can find some good winter athleisure for under $100. To start, ZELLA , from Nordstrom, is my go to. They make quality stuff that is perfect for fitness but fits perfectly into a winter athleisure street style. Another brand I like is ATHLETA but they are on the higher end of the price range. BUT they are currently have a huge sale with many items up to 50% off. I have linked my favorites below.
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It’s the weekend!! And part two of this VELVET BLAZER! In case you missed Part One you can check it out HERE.
I wore this VELVET BLAZER to Brendan’s Christmas party this weekend and it was perfect. And I wore it last week to a lunchtime meeting. If I haven’t convinced you yet that this VELVET piece is perfectly versatile I am not sure I can. Ha. But keeping reading anyway.
This post is to showcase how VELVET can be worn in a more fancy way but still keeping your look young, trendy and classy. There is something very “fancy” in black and white and especially with VELVET. But I wanted to ensure this look could be versatile enough to wear to a festive holiday dinner with friends, maybe Christmas Eve dinner or even New Years Eve.
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Happy Wednesday Lovelies! It’s been a bit of a crazy week already but isn’t that how the week after a holiday goes?!? Today’s post is a two part post with this extraordinary VELVET BLAZER. Post number two coming later this week.
The concept of these two posts is to showcase how one staple investment piece (velvet blazer) can transition for casual to formal, be worn with what you already own and is worth the price tag. Not going to lie THIS velvet blazer is an investment piece but I promise it is well worth the cost (and I have linked several other options in varying price points). For many years I have admired those who felt confident enough to wear a velvet blazer, especially in a casual manner, and so this year I decided it was time for me to give it a try. I have had my eye on this J.CREW BLAZER for a while and knew it was a quality piece to add to my wardrobe. And I highly recommend you add it to yours ASAP.
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Happy Thursday Ladies!! (and gentlemen if there are any ;-))
Hope you have had great week- any big plans for this weekend?? Declan and I are going to continue exploring this beautiful place we are calling home for two more weeks. Maybe take the train somewhere – a quick day trip. I deiced to make this post a bit more light as the last several have been so heavy and emotional. I really try to be honest and transparent and given my life has been pretty heavy and emotional I guess it only fitting that the posts have matched that.
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Let’s instead talk about some difference in the fashion habits of Londoners and Denverits ( I made that word up). To start I want to say that I have learned a lot about fashion while living here, I have been challenged to think outside the box, I have been inspired to elevate my wardrobe a bit but I have also found I am missing some comforts of home. In London it is just not common to see people out and about in anything other than street clothes and typically nice ones at that! I love that. I love the fact that London women take so much pride in their appearances and style that they show it off everyday. However, I love my casual workout looks so I am ready to be a bit more comfortable in Denver!
BLACK. Londoners love black. Black denim, black jackets, black boots, black tights, black sweaters, black bags, black skirts. Black. I have never owned or worn so much black in my life. In the past I would typically reserve a full black outfit for either a funeral or a dressy night out… not here. At least 3-4 times a week I am out and about in black denim, black booties and a black sweater. Maybe it is to match the gloomy winter days or maybe it is because black looks good on everyone!!! Either way, I love it BUT am ready to get home and wear some color- you can look forward to more colorful looks in the next few months.
But until then enjoy the British influence in my wardrobe!
Photos: Zoe Griffin
shop the look: dress // tights // booties // jacket // bag <similar> //Necklace <similar>
This look has London written all over it- black tights, black booties, black jacket and then a dark neutral gray sweater dress. I snagged this sweater dress from recent sale at Gap and I am loving it. It is so comfortable, easy to wear and looks great both day and night. These polka dot black tights are the prefect mix of the Londoner and Denver in me- black but not too dark and still a fun side of flare. The women in London typically own anywhere from 5-15 pairs of black tights- they L O V E black tights. I think it is because they love to wear dresses/skirts. Add a pair of black tights and you have yourself the quintessential British outfit! These babies are the perfect addition to your black tight collection- even if you are just starting yours. The jacket is fabulous and should look familiar from several other post including this one here. I wear it daily. Literally, everyday I wear this jacket. Over casual denim and sweaters, over dresses and I have even been known to throw it over my athleisure outfit; on those rare days. Speaking of do you all want to see some athleisure looks styled and featured on the blog????
The necklace in this look is old and actually broke just after we took these pictures! So I have linked several <similar> <similar> and will be getting a few for myself now that I am back in the market. With all the black and neutrals I still like to add some color or texture with a statement necklace- kind of my go to. In fact, I have a friend over here who calls statements necklaces “Amanda necklaces”… such a sweet compliment.
One of the last major differences between Londoners and Denverits is the hair… now here is where Denver wins! So, in London there is always a chance for rain and if there is no rain the air is very wet and humid so the idea of spending any amount of time doing your hair is pointless. Curl falls out immediately. Straight hair becomes super frizzy. I get it now- it took me a long time to come to terms with this but as I am on the verge of my departure I understand why London women do not really do their hair!
Have a great weekend!!! Thanks for stopping by.
With Love,
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Trust.
Way back when… in middle school I went on a trip, with my classmates and a few teachers, where we hiked, walked, repelled and navigated our way through the dense woods of The Rocky Mountains. We were given a compass, a map, had to carry our own pack and had 24 hours to find our way to the return bus on the other side of the forest. It was, at the time, a fun, cool, trendy thing to do…. But looking back it was one of the first experiences I had with learning to trust my instincts, my gut and my fellow human. I had to assume someone else would not lead me astray and in turn they had to trust the same in me. In the end, despite some bad navigation, a few wrong turns and couple tumbles we all made it out okay. It was the beginning of my journey to learn to trust.
Photos: Zoe Griffin Photo
shop the look: Denim // sweater // trainers // tote // earrings // ring
What about this casual everyday outfit doesn’t say trust me?!? I’m wearing trainers and pearl earrings… what’s not to trust in that!!!! This sweater arrived in my mother’s suitcase… and was not actually meant to be mine! But I have stolen it and I have claimed it. It is amazing and under $40. I not only styled it for this post but I threw it in my bag for Marrakesh where I wore it exploring the souks, palaces and gardens. It is not just another beige sweater… okay it is. But who doesn’t need more beige?!? It is easily paired with anything- I mean anything. You should recognize these denim jeans from this post and as promised I continue to wear them– almost too often, according to my husband. I love the patchwork and the length- the unfinished hem is my favorite- adds just enough flare. As these are currently sold out I have linked similar ones <here> and <here>. These T R I A N E R S….. just trust me and get yourself a pair now. Not tomorrow. Today. I have already put miles on them both in London and in Marrakesh. As ya’ll know I am a pretty casual gal and these are a must have for anyone who also considers themselves casual but likes to keep their looks trendy and sharp. In fact, as I am sitting on the plane writing this I am wearing this beige sweater and these trainers. So…. trust me, you need these and you will wear them.
one Click shopping:
I have linked all the identical items and many similar items for you to create this look. Just click on the icon to be taken directly to a retailer for shopping.
Since that expedition my life has been one big game of trust. Each day I get to decide how much trust I will put in someone else or in myself or in my instinct. Getting married is the ultimate test of trust. Having a child is the culmination of my ability to demonstrate and show trust to someone else. Being a friend, and a good friend at that, is rooted in trust- on both sides. Sometimes I get burned. By others or by my instincts. But I have not stopped trusting… I have not stopped offering trust to those I may have betrayed and I have not stopped accepting trust from those who have betrayed me. Is it easy?? No, at times it is extremely difficult. Is it worth it?? Yes, every single time.
Trusting in someone else is an act of letting go of yourself. It is an exercise in constantly being vulnerable. It is the practice of learning to not always be in control. We all could use a little more trust in our lives- whether it be in yourself or in someone else.
With Love,
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Recently I was asked to keep a very big secret for someone. At the time I did not think much of it… I mean as girls we tell each other secrets all the time, right?!? But how often do we actually keep those secrets?? Reflecting back on this question I realized I have been a terrible secret keeper and what does that say about my character??? YIKES. I want people to feel comfortable coming to me. I want my friends to not only trust me but to believe my word. If I am asked to keep a secret the person sharing should feel confident I will keep that secret and until recently I am not sure I would have kept their secrets safe.
Photos: Zoe Griffin
shop the look: denim // sweater // booties // bag <similar>//
Like being laced up in this amazing soft and cozy sweater I am turning over a leaf of being laced up with my lips! This sweater is incredibly soft and the prefect sweater to add to your winter wardrobe. It is cozy, comfy and easy to pair with denim or trousers. If you have not seen the lace-up trend then maybe you have been living under a rock- love it! I paired it with these classic skinnies from J.Crew and currently they are on sale for under $100 (use code HOLIDAY for up to 40% off). They come in several other washes and I have my eyes on the darker wash- very classic and clean. Keeping with the simple theme these booties are a must have and so incredible comfortable- I walk a lot and these babies never fail my feet! No need to settle on style for comfort. I love the gray color as a change from my usual black or tan. Such a basic pieces that will fit perfectly into your winter wardrobe (dare I say the “W” word)! Winter is in full swing here and this easy lace up sweater, denim and booties will be on repeat throughout the coming winter days.
Secrets create a dynamic to a friendship that elevates it from surface to substantial. The fact that my friend trusted me with this piece of information reminds me that she respects me, she cherishes me and believes my word. I intent to keep this secret to prove to her (and myself) that I am all of those things she sees in me. When I tell someone a secret it is often times because I am overwhelmed with emotion and just need a little help… I need someone else to hold on to that piece of information until I am ready to process it. I need that person to keep it safe- to keep is sacred. I will be back for it.. just as soon as I am ready. I know, in my heart, that is what happened with my friend. She needed a safe place to store her thoughts, a shelter for her emotions and a keeper of her secrets. They are not mine to share. It is taken some serious heartache in my life to fully understand that just because I hold a piece of information does not give me the privilege to share it.
Lace it up. My lips are sealed!
So friends…make sure you keep those thoughts and emotions safe for those around you. Be the person someone cherishes and trust- I certainly continue to strive to be that person. Each day finding new comfort in being a secrete keeper… really makes you feel special.
With Love,
one Click shopping:
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