palm print paradise

palm print maxi dress / Guess wedges / similar straw hat / Bite lipstick in Dragonfruit / Essie nail polish in Fiji (new favorite!)

Happy Wednesday loves! So I've been waiting to share this dress with you all for months because I bought it specifically for my trip — like I said, still obsessing over palm trees in every shape and form! I fell in love with this dress immediately when I saw it, even thought it's pretty different from my normal style. First, it's pink, which I never wear but I loved how it looked against the green palm leaves. I also loved the flowy, asymmetrical hem — it made me feel like I was ready to go salsa dancing!

The cut of this dress is extremely flattering and perfect for a date night or even girls night out. It might be a little harder finding a place to wear it here in Iowa, but it's one of those outfits that just makes you feel good no matter where you are, so you can bet I won't hesitate to break it out again!

P.S. summer leather, statement earrings and dress fever 

white leather jacket

white (minus the) leather jacket / drape front top (similar here — also love the sleeveless version!) / distressed jeans / similar snakeskin heels / cut-out crossbody bag / YSL lipstick in Rose Saint Germain 

Happy Thursday babes! First, I want to thank all of you for letting me dive off an emotional cliff yesterday. It took me a while to take that post live, but it turned out to be incredibly therapeutic and I'm so happy I shared it with all of you.

Now let's get back to some regular content, shall we? This white (faux) leather jacket is the best purchase I've made lately. I've been wearing it nonstop because it goes with everything and it's the perfect edgy-but-girly jacket for summer. Don't get me wrong, I love a classic black leather jacket, but once spring hits, I'm all about bright colors and light shades — which makes a white moto jacket the perfect accessory.

I styled the jacket with a simple black wrap shirt and snake skin heels, a classic but casual outfit that's perfect for date night or just going out. I don't wear stilettos often, but every once in a while I love a good statement shoe like these. I'm a big believer that every girl should own at least one pair of pumps that make her feel like she's walking a runway every time she wears them, and these certainly do that. Pair them with this white leather, and I feel unstoppable.

P.S. the perfect linen dress, 8 wedges for summer and my favorite spring nail colors

transitional spring fashion

linen dress / cropped sweater / criss-cross flats / similar clutch / Rimmel by Kate lipstick No. 08

I should just title this post "Mom Style," because that's what everyone keeps calling this dress and these sandals... But I don't care because I love them both! I found them (and the sweater) unexpectedly while I went with a friend to check out the 40% off sale at Old Navy last weekend. Talk about a great deal! This linen dress is so pretty and perfect for spring/summer, and I can't explain my current obsession with flats like these ones. And for less than $15, can you blame me?

I'm planning to wear this outfit for Easter Sunday since it's supposed to be a little chilly here in Iowa, but also it's the perfect dress for a spring picnic or an afternoon by the lake, don't you think? Old Navy is still offering up to 40% off women's dresses, in case you're still looking for a good one to wear this weekend. I also shared two similar linen dresses that I love in my newsletter yesterday — if you're not getting it, sign up here!

P.S. 8 great wedges for summer, my spring wish list and my favorite nude lipsticks

structured and sequined

boyfriend blazer / faded chambray / sequin shirt (old, similar here and here) / Express jeans (50% off through Christmas!) / Forever 21 boots (sold out, similar here and love these!) / NARS lipstick in "Scarlet Empress" / Baublebar button-up ring / similar silver watch

There's still a little time left in the Season of Sparkles (aka the holidays), which means all things sequins, shiny and shimmery! I've really been getting into the sparkle this year, buying sweaters and shirts with hints of glitter and wearing sequined tops like this one. For this outfit, I wanted to add a girly touch to a classic menswear look, which is a style I'm currently loving.

The boyfriend blazer, chambray and pointed toe boots add a masculine touch to the outfit, while the pink sequin top adds a festive and feminine element that's absolutely perfect for the holidays. This outfit is fun but still low-key enough to wear to the office. Just throw on a matching lipstick and you're ready to go!

Are you wearing all things that sparkle this season? What's your favorite way to add a little glitter to your outfit? 

P.S. What to wear to holiday parties, faux-leather skater skirt and my fall uniform

Pumpkin picking + my fall uniform

On Saturday, Adam and I finally visited my uncle’s pumpkin patch and picked out a few pumpkins for our apartments! This fall has been exceptionally busy with my full-time job, part-time work and blogging, which is why we had to wait until the week before Halloween to get our pumpkins. But better late than never, right! 

We went to the farm around 11 a.m., and it was SO COLD. The sky was filled with clouds and the wind was a step away from tornado level! My hair could not be contained. Here’s how most of my pictures turned out, if you need a good laugh:

BP flannel shirt / cardigan / Express jeans / crossbody bag / wedge booties / fishhook collar / Maybelline lipstick in "Blushing Bud" 

Needless to say, we didn’t spend a lot of time there. By the time I found my pumpkins and took a few photos, my hands were numb. I don’t think I’m ready for this whole winter thing that’s coming… But we still had a fun time picking through the pumpkins. We’re planning to paint them tomorrow night — any ideas for how I should paint mine??

As for my outfit, I wore one of my new fall uniforms this year. I’ve already bought two new flannel shirts, and I wear them probably at least once a week (although we both know I’d wear them every day if I could!). I love layering this flannel shirt under sweaters and cardigans like this one for a slightly preppier look. I paired it with my newest booties (the wedge heel makes them great for all-day walking!) and this crossbody bag I got for my birthday, which is so cute and convenient.

Have you been pumpkin picking this year? Do you like to carve or decorate pumpkins? I’d love to know!

P.S. Last year’s trip to the pumpkin patch, the perfect fallcardigan and my favorite flannel shirt

The perfect fall cardigan

oversized cardigan / similar tee / Express jeans / similar booties / purse (on sale for less than $20!) / Rimmel lipstick in "bordeaux" / Revlon lip liner in "plum"

There's nothing better than cozying up in an oversized sweater when the cool weather hits. I love the versatility of cardigans, and the chunky knit of this one adds the perfect amount of texture to any ensemble. I paired it with a simple graphic tee here and added a dark oxblood lipstick for a fully "autumn" look. But honestly, you can wear this cardigan with so many different things. I've already worn it multiple ways, including over my favorite flannel.

The forecast is supposed to dip down into the 60s the rest of this week, so I'm excited to bring out even more sweaters and layers. I can't believe October is almost half over already... I guess it's time to start thinking about Halloween costumes, but I've never really been into dressing up for it so I have no clue what I'm going to do! Adam wants to do a couples costume, though, so that narrows it down. Any ideas for a great costume for two?! I need advice!

P.S. Fall for flannel, cobalt and cutouts, and polka dot maxi skirt

Cobalt and Cutouts

Charlotte Russe dress (not online, similar here, here and here) / Jessica Simpson sandals / Francesca's clutch (similar) Versona earrings (in stores) / Maybelline lipstick in "Blushing Bud" 

There is nothing quite as classic as a maxi dress, but when you add a few strategically placed cutouts and the right color, it becomes the perfect mix of sexy and elegant. I wore this maxi to a friend's wedding last weekend — the long length was perfect for a fall evening, and the cutouts and flats fit right in with the casual outdoor setting just before sunset. I couldn't find this dress online anymore (I'll be sure to update this post if it comes back!) but I linked to a few similar options.

So, since I've gotten in the habit of posting outfit photos on special occasions, I decided to share this dress because today's my birthday! I'm going out for drinks tonight with some friends and then tomorrow night Adam is taking me out to dinner here. I can't wait! Although I've been trying really hard all week to stop a cold I feel coming on, so hopefully I don't get sick first... I'm 23 today, and I have to say I don't feel any different, haha! Do all birthdays between 21-25 feel the same? Or maybe 21-30? I don't know when I'll finally feel like I'm getting older, but I promise you'll be the first to know when it happens ;)

Do you like the cutout trend? What are your go-to sexy-but-elegant style pieces?

P.S. A polka dot maxi skirt, fall for flannel and sundress at sunset