Wear Fringe From Head to Toe

Wearing a trend Head to toe can be hard, especially when that trend is fringe. You don't want to end up looking like you are wearing a cowgirl costume.  If you wear it in small tasteful doses, spread out you won't turn out looking like you went overboard.  

My Rebecca Minkoff Phone case bag has a subtle bit of fringe that works with pretty much every outfit. If you are a frequent visitor of my blog, you've probably seen it so much, your getting sick of it. But that's how much I love it!

Sweater: H&M // Jeans: BlankNYC // Phone case purse: Rebecca Minkoff // Boots: Zara (sold out. Options here and here.)

Thanks to blogger buddy Kit for snapping these shots on a little break from the ALT summit last month!

Colorful Workout Clothes to Motivate You Now!

Pants: Zella // Jacket: Lululemon // Gloves: H&M (old) // Bag: Kate Spade (similar style) // Sneakers: Nike // Hat: Target (hot pink option here) // Sunglasses: Raybans

Colorful workout leggings are the ultimate motivation to work out, and Zella has really done a great job recently of not disappointing. The ones I'm wearing were a sale find and sold out super fast but they have some really cute ones here and the colors are always getting updated. I'm loving these ones too. I also think the price point is pretty great for a super high quality pair of pants. Especially compared to the prices at Lululemon. 

These pictures were from a few weeks ago when we drove up into the mountains to see all the fresh pretty snow. I must say that snow in Utah is way prettier than snow in Chicago. I think you can see why. 

Quick and Easy Cheese-Free Pesto With Just 5 Simple Ingredients

Anyone who knows me, knows I love to cook healthy food at home and I very rarely eat out. What I love most about cooking at home is knowing exactly what ingredients are in my food so I know that its not full of garbage and chemicals.

So today I'm doing something a little different, something many of you have asked for, and sharing some of my"recipes" on the blog. I say "recipes" because Im kind of an organic cook who just rolls with whatever ingredients I have around. usually I never make the same dish exactly the same way twice. Today's is one that I always keep the same though.

Today's Recipe is only 5 ingredients and it's one of the staples in my fridge at all times! I make this cheeseless pesto in bulk since I don't eat dairy and it goes great on steak, salads or whatever else I please as the week rolls on. It keeps for weeks when refrigerated which is a major bonus!

What you'll need

2 bunches of of fresh basil leaves

1 tablespoon pine nuts

1tablespoon balsamic vinegar (I use this one and swear by it. I order it by the case!)

1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil

a few pinches of sea salt

Throw all the ingredients into a food processor and chop for about 20 seconds.

Scoop out and enjoy!

Simple, right?

The balsamic adds a bit of sweetness that most pestos don't have. If you prefer a more herby taste, maybe leave out the balsamic.

Tell me what you guys think? Want to know more of my recipes? Let me know. 

Lady Like Polka Dots for a Professional and Playful Work Look

My 2nd J. Crew Cocoon Coat in "pale ginger" was a great deal and well worth buying. Between this and my yellow one, I wear them all the time. And as usual, I'm much happier in color than in a basic black winter coat.

This polka dot "Felicity" dress by Anthropologie is a great teacher dress. It's soft, comfortable and easy to wear with tights or in the spring with cute flats. I know I'll get alot of wear out of it when I'm back in a classroom.

I've had these polka dot tights for a few years now and am constantly surprised at how long they have lasted. They were a clearance find from J. Crew Factory. Good think I snagged them when I did.

This was the day I dyed my hair back to it's "natural" state, single process red in my favorite shade! I felt like myself again.

Hunter boots aren't the warmest, but they sure do keep your feet dry. I also love the Hunter packable boots that roll up when you travel.This snow was falling from everywhere so it was best to stay on the dry side, Especially in tights and a dress. 

Boots // Dress // Bag // Coat

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How to Wear This Comfortable Turtleneck Dress 2 Easy Ways

Today I'm going to show you how to wear this Maeve Turtleneck swing dress from Anthropologie (on major sale btw) two easy ways. It's so soft (I was reading the reviews and someone said they must be using witchcraft to make it so soft) and comfortable you are going to want to wear it all the time so your going to need all the ideas you can get. And maybe even get it in a few different colors too!

I am loving my new Adidas superstar classic sneakers. I was on backorder for them since Thanksgiving but they finally arrived and were well worth the wait. They got a ton of compliments when we were out to dinner. Once a classic, always a classic!

My Rebecca Minkoff "Love" Cross body is a total staple in my closet. It works with dressy outfits or casual ones like this. It's quite the powerhouse and worth the money. 

I love how my yellow  J. Crew Cocoon coat always stands out and never blends in. I'm a big believer in statement making winter coats.

This next look is an idea how to wear this dress when the weather warms up a bit. Just because its a turtleneck, doesn't mean its too thick or warm.  However the addition of the infinity scarf adds a little warmth. Even a light weight spring scarf (love this one) would look great attached around the neck of this dress or on your handbag.

The pony tail adds a playful fun touch. Sorry mine is so tiny, I don't have much length. I also added my new favorite hot pink lip color, "Jelly Donut" by Too Faced!

Dress // Shoes // Lips // Bag // Coat // Scarf (similar)

Affordable Outfits Are My Favorite

Sweater // Heels / Scarf  (on sale for $8!!) / Hat / Bag / Jeans / lips

Affordable outfits are my favorite kinds of outfits! This oversized orange sweater and these heels from Banana republic were on mega sale in store as well as this paisley Loft scarf. 

My friend Sandy was kind enough to let me borrow her pretty Chloe Marcie bag after I forgot my bag at home. It's pretty clear hers is better than whatever I was going to wear. Thanks again Sandy for the bag and photos!

A Very Whimsical and Very Pink Valentine's Day Outfit

Skirt: Anthropologie // Bag: Kate Spade // Sweater: Equipment // Coat: J. Crew // Heels: Macy's

 This Equipment sweater is perfect for Valentine's Day and lucky for me, being a teacher I can get away with wearing it year round and not looking like a crazy person. "Embrace the whimsy" is the motto I like to go with.  This sweater is actually an Ebay score but I found some cute heart print sweaters like it  here and here. 

And keeping in that whimsical spirit, I paired a already daring print with a double printed wrap skirt from Anthropologie. This skirt came out last season in another color and I adored the stretchy and super comfortable style as well as the length which is always hard for me to find. 

And just to get really into the pink I topped this look with my favorite pink Cocoon coat and Bright pink Kate Spade bag? 

So why not try an unexpected and slightly over the top combo for valentines day? I is one of the only days of the year where you can get away with wearing an obscene amount of pink and you know I highly encourage that!

Hope you all have a happy Valentine's Day with whoever your main squeeze may be!