Wide Leg Crop Pants Trend

Blazer // Pants // Mules // Bag // Tee

I was pretty skeptical of the whole wide leg pants trend at first but I was determined to find a pair that I liked and didn't make me look silly. To my surprise I've actually found two pairs. This velvety navy corduroy one here is just $29, super stretchy and comfy and surprisingly well made for the price. The second pair I found are these rust colored ones that I would have never expected to love but I do. Both pairs are on heavy rotation at work.

So are you on board with the wide leg crop pants? Or are your ankles hibernating already? I'm digging the 70's vive they make me feel and wearing them with booties too.

Maroon Dress

Dress: J. Crew Factory (on clearance right now!) // Button Down: J. Crew Factory // Hat: Sole Society // Bag: Nordstrom // Coat: Zara (old) // Boots: Chinese Laundry "Riley" // Necklace: J. Crew  // Lipstick: Fashion Revival by MAC  // Tights: c/o Wade & Belle (aka the best tights ever!!)

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love a dress with sleeves! This one was a great find from J. Crew Factory clearance that I found in the outlet mall on the way home from a family holiday celebration in Wisconsin. You can get it here right now too!

I wore it over Christmas break while doing a little holiday sale shopping with my blogger buddy Samantha, who snapped these pics for me over by Water Tower.

If you have a shoe size any smaller than mine which is likely (hello size ten big feet!!) you can still probably find these amazing OTK boots of mine from Chinese Laundry that look almost identical to the 50/50 boot for just a fraction of the price. While you're at it you should also pick up some of these Wade and Belle tights. They have the most comfortable no-dig waistband that stays up and oh-so-comfy all day.  No tights waist line detectable through even the tightest of dresses (not that I'm wearing anything like that, but in case you're in need)

Stay warm out there everyone and enjoy your snow day!

Photos by Samantha Kramer of Gold Coast Girl

Orange You Glad It's Picture Day?

J. Crew Factory top // J. Crew Necklace // Essie Clam Bake nail polish // Forever 21 glasses // Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote // Nine West oxford heels // Gap jean Jacket

For school picture day I like to pick something that stands out and gives an accurate representation of my style as their teacher so that when my students look back at their class picture and remember me, they think that was my fun 5th grade teacher who always wore bright fun clothes.

I think I succeeded though in representing myself and my everyday style for the class photo which can be especially challenging when all you have to work with is a frame of the neck up. I think my students will remember me well, and if not this silly orange print top will have to jog their memories.

Layered Up

This look included so many layers, even I might not know how many I'm wearing. All I know is that I really wanted to wear some patterns and of course stay warm. Mission accomplished on both counts.

Blazer: Banana Republic (similar)

Skirt: J. Crew Factory

Tights (similar) and blouse (affordable option): Forever 21

Wrap coat: Zara (old but check out this pretty printed version here)

Necklace: J. Crew (super similar Accessory Mercado option here)

Here are some other graphic-printed skirts to shop through!

Green, Yellow and Cheetah

This is what I wore for open house at my school. No parents were going to miss me coming or going! And if it weren't attention-holding enough with all the bright colors, I added the cheetah pumps for a little texture. I had been wearing my favorite neon necklace as well, but forgot to put it back on after I worked out. 

I've had my eye on this blouse for some time now. I even recommended it to one of my clients I was shopping for. I finally caved when I saw it in person at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago's J. Crew Factory store. Especially when it was 40% off AND an additional 15% off with my teacher discount! Just another silk blouse to add to my ever-growing collection.

's 

Shoes: Zara (sold out but here's a similar new favorite of mine)

Skirt: Target (on clearance for $16.08) (last seen here)

Silk blouse: J. Crew Factory (I'm obsessed with the color)

Click either the links above or the pictures below!

Farewell Tribute to Greece

What to do if your hotel is literally across the street from the airport? Go take pictures before the sun sets of course!

I had this top left in my luggage and I realized it made a nice tribute to Greece, being the colors of the flag and all. 

I'm so happy with our whole experience in Greece. I'm glad too that we waited almost two years after we got married to go on our honeymoon, because we both needed a good long trip. The memories are just incredible and the sights will be forever in my mind; whenever I need them I know just were they are. 

I hope you enjoyed this long trip down a not-so-distant memory lane. I'm so happy I got to share it with you and maybe I've even inspired some of you to book a trip!

Thanks for reading,

Jill 

Shorts: J. Crew Factory

Shirt: Zara (from the summer sale, but fun blue option here)

Scarf: Madewell (still loving this option)

Sandals: Sam Edelman "Trina"

Watch: Michael Kors

Necklace: H&M

Hearts on My Sleeve

On a recent trip to the J. Crew Factory store (my favorite part of driving to Wisconsin) I picked up this adorable heart cardigan. I wasn't super fond of the print when the regular J. Crew stores were selling it in black and white but the red hearts on this one got me. I'm always looking for more ways to incorporate a good red into my wardrobe.

And in case you were wondering, sometimes I wear glasses. Mostly when my eyes hurt which they did this particular day. What do you think? Would you like to see them make more appearances in outfit pictures?

Happy Valentines day all!

Sweater: Factory Classic Crew-Neck Cardigan in Hearts

Pants: Express "Magic Pants"

Scarf: Ebay(Fun fact: Used around Christmas time as a tree skirt for our tiny tree!)

Boots: ShoeMint Holly

Necklaces and black bracelets: Forever 21

Watch: La Mer

Coat: Andrew Marc