Shayla Shoemint Debut

I love a loose knit sweaters, but never lived in the climate that permitted them in the summer. I was always so jealous of those people who could throw on a breezy sweater or a light button-down and walk around town. But thanks to this summer's cooler temps, I'm finally one of those people. I've been enjoying living like this although it's quite an adjustment from the usual sweltering humid Chicago summers. I'll enjoy it while it lasts and I hope you do too!

I decided to toughen up this girly color pallet with my new Shoemint Shayla sandals. It's kind of like the summer version of a bootie. Substantial and totally bad-ass!

Shoemint "Shayla" sandals // H&M sweater and jeans // Forever 21 tote // Essie "Mint Candy Apple" polish on hands

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Orange Midi Skirt

Just like all my other Boohoo buys, this orange midi skirt didn't disappoint either. Their prices are almost too good to be true for the quality of their pieces. I recently also bought this floral romper from them and it was equally as adorable. If you are looking to try out the midi trend, Boohoo is the perfect place to start.  This one  also comes in four pastel shades too. Check them out!

Boohoo Skirt // H&M tee (old) // Michael Kors Watch // Old Navy Jacket // ShoeMint Flats // Vintage Necklace

White Motorcycle Vest

Not sure if you know, but I had been searching for a PLAIN white faux-leather vest for quite some time now. If you follow me on Facebook, you know that I found this vest at Forever 21 online for a mere $18. I actually saw it first at the store but it was on the mannequin in the window and they wouldn't let me have it. So I had to order it online. Side note, I'll never understand why stores put things in the window that they don't have ANY of to sell! Super annoying.

After just a few short days, my perfect simple white vest arrived which I made work appropriate with a skirt, sparkly necklace and pearls! Yes, PEARLS & a motorcycle vest can work in the same outfit!

Since I'm on vacation, let's consider this my Friday. I'll be back posting on Monday, but until then you can follow my trip on Instagram!

Skirt: J Crew 

Shoes: Shoemint "Hillary"

Striped boat-neck tee: J Crew Factory (similar)

Vest: Forever 21 (buy here)

Necklace: Forever 21

Bracelet: Forever 21

Watch: OLD men's watch from Target

Pearl earrings: Macy's

More Birds

This dress is about as old as time but has stood the test of time as well. It works in the summer as a sleeveless option and in the winter, as you see here, with tights and a top layered underneath.

I got this bird print top with a rhinestone collar on Ebay for $12 from China. It arrived with legit Zara tags and a $50 price tag! I'm almost afraid to link this for fear of some kind of illegal activity but whatever, not my problem!

I have also realized that this is my second bird print top. Really? Does one person really need two bird print tops? See the other one here.

These are my new Holly boots from ShoeMint which sold out by the time they got to me! Good thing I bought them on my phone during my lunch break the day they came out! The only problem I have with them is that the zipper pulls somehow manage to jump into the boot as I walk which is really quite weird and mildly annoying.

The challenge continues for good outdoor pictures. My blogger friend Amy an I are getting progressively weaker when it comes to bearing the cold sans jacket and not to mention we were booted from our favorite secret location! Where are 2 Chicago girls supposed to park to take ridiculous pictures of ourselves prancing about in frigid temps with no coats on?!? Silliness!

Dress: Ancient Charlotte Russe

ShoeMint Holly

Rivet Parrot top

Forever 21 necklace and Bracelet

Watch: La Mer

Saturday Shoe Ideas!

Foldable+Packable Hunter Boots $135

Regular Hunter boots have always been a hassle to pack so and I usually wind up just wearing mine on the plane. But these new foldable Hunters change all of that!
*Seen onShefinds.com

ShoeMint Draping Chains $34.98

A fun way to add a little personality to all your solid color shoes, boots and booties. They are like necklaces for your shoes!

Target High-Top Wedge Sneaker $34.99

I have been eyeing the wedge sneaker trend but couldn't really justify spending over $100 on a pair considering I can't wear them to work. But with these Target options for just $35 I just might give them a try! They come in 3 different color options too.

Weekend Wants: Black, White & and a Little Bit of Gold

My favorite finds all week have a trend as you can see. Even though I'm usually all for bright and bold colors, something about the approaching winter season has me thinking in sleek black, snow whites and hints of glimmering gold!

What colors are you craving right now?

1. Shoe Mint Koko

2. Sheinside Double breasted leather sleeve trench

3. Sheinside Tweed peplum top

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs: Too hot to Handle

5. Vince Camuto "Tipper" boot

6. Sole Society Margie

Dots + Stripes

I felt like this was probably my most teachery outfit of the school year so far. The whole thing felt very girly but also very prim and proper.

 Usually I wouldn't steal an entire look from one store but after I picked up this skirt, I couldn't think of a thing to wear it with. When I looked it up online on The Limited website, I saw it paired with this boatneck top.  I love the mixing of patterns but what I loved the most was that when I got this top it was on sale for 50% off! Problem solved. I think next time this skirt will go great with my light blue button down dress shirt.

So anyone out there reading, I think I'm tired of this hair of mine. Any suggestions on what you think I should do? Cut it? Let it grow? Color? I've even been toying with the idea of being a brunette again too. Any ideas please leave them in the comments below! I'd really appreciate it!

 If nothing else, This skirt is very fun to spin in!

Oxblood pointy toe flats: ShoeMint Hillary, Polka dot skirt (on sale here for 40% off!) and Striped boatneck top (buy here): The Limited, Black Wrap watch: La Mer

Fall Trends: Oxblood, Leather and Lace

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It's not news to you if you have cracked open any September issue: THE color of fall is oxblood.

I must say, at first I was highly disappointed.

I have never been a fan of the color aside from on my nails, but now that I've visited some of my favorite stores and have seen the pieces there to work with, I quickly changed my tune.

It started with lips. I thought to myself: "I will give in and embrace oxblood in a lip," then it spread to the feet with my new Shoemint bow flats.

After that it was in full swing. I am keeping the trend more focused on the lower half of my body since it kind of clashes with my red hair when placed too close to my face.

Above are my favorite new fall purchases embracing all three of the hot new trends.

1. Target Shops Kirna Zabete: Dress in tweed and faux leather trim - runs really short so I'll be wearing this one with leggings. $44.99

2. J Crew Tippi sweater: in polka dot $89.50 (I didn't actually purchase this one, just tried it on but the color didn't work for me. Still a really cute sweater though.)

3. The Limited: Elbow-sleeve lace top $39.90 ( I got it for 40% off!) I love the faux leather neckline detailing!

4. Zara: PIQUÉ LEGGINGS in dark red $35.90 run super small. Go up a size!

5. DSW: Etienne Aigner Celtic boots in burgundy- I can honestly say these boots were love at first sight! I only tried one on and already knew they were perfect. They are such a great shade of red that can be worn as a neutral throughout fall and winter. I personally think they look like Chanel boots when taking a quick glance at the branding on the hardware. These however, will only cost you $139.95 and are totally combining the black hardware look that has been popping up on handbags and the oxblood & leather trends.

6. Shoemint: Hillary in Wine Patent- I don't know how many times I've told people about Shoemint that had never heard of it. If you haven't yet, go check it out here and get 20% off your first purchase!

Beauty bonus: Here are the two lip colors that started this whole thing, both are from Sephora.

*Rouge Shine Lipstick #46 in Soul mate- This is like a practice dark lip for people who might be a little put off by the bold color. A nice wash of color with some shine.

*Rouge cream Lipstick in Crush R23 - This is the real deal. Dark, bold and sultry!

        Tip: I like to layer Soul Mate over Crush for a layer of shine on top!

Wednesday Wants

This is a very hard time of year for me. I am still very much dressing for the summer temps, but my mind wanders to Fall. Right now I'm craving this interesting maxi dress from Urban Outfitters, but at the same time a few long sleeved items including this Zara Fantasy Blazer (on sale) I've been debating over for months now and these adorable tops from Old Navy. By the way, as of today these tops are only online and not in the State Street store.


Dressed for one of those hot nights out on the patio with the yoga girls at 3 Aces!

Top Zara sale $15, Shorts J Crew, Sandals Shoemint Kelin

Ulta dark blue polish, fine gold glitter on the bottom half of nail and chunky gold glitter close to the nail bed for a fade out look.