The Patterned Blazer

One great way to add some pattern to your wardrobe is to look for classic shapes with great color.  That's why we fell in love with this great flower blazer from Nordstrom!  Not only is it a great color for Spring but the fabric is a lot lighter than most blazers making it great for warmer weather!  I paired the look with toned down neutrals to keep the outfit from feeling too busy!

I decided to throw on some pink lipstick to bring this outfit from day to night.  With such short hair I just used a bobby pin to twist a piece of my hair back for a sleeker look.

These Loft sunglasses are the perfect shape, and don't break the bank! I'm definitely guilty of indulging in expensive eyewear but these are such good quality and are at a much more reasonable price point!  I can't put together an outfit without a little animal print, and these leopard sandals are toned down enough not to clash with the outfit, but definitely gives it an unexpected, fun, pop! I also grabbed a colorful clutch to complete the outfit.

(Nordstrom Jacket, J. Crew Tee, 7 Jeans, Target Sandals, Patina Clutch, Ann Taylor Loft Sunglasses)

Tangerine Dreams

Throughout the past year I have been trying to find unique bottoms to add to my wardrobe. You see many bloggers today with an endless budget of designer clothes and you ask yourself, how do they afford all of this? The trendy patterned bottoms can be very wild and adventurous but you can't help but thinking you can't wear them very often because everyone will notice when you repeat. I frequently find myself having to say no to outrageous bottoms simply because of practicality. When is it right to say yes to those wild once in a while wears?

(Elodie Top, Ann Taylor Loft Shorts, Target Shoes, J. Crew, The Limited, and Patina Bangles, Michael Kors Watch)

Before going on vacation this year I found these floral patterned shorts at Ann Taylor. If there is one upside to working at the Mall of America it is finding great sales. Since starting at the mall I have challenged myself to never pay full price for anything (and I do pretty darn well)!! These shorts and the hot pink jeweled bracelet I got for 45% off! It's these sales that make splurging on something bold worth while. The keys to finding sales at your favorite places are shop often and shop during the week. Traffic is less during the week so store host sales to draw customers. If you walk into a store and fall in love with a full-price necklace, I come back in a week and then the week after until I catch a sale. Sales usually change weekly; tops one week, bottoms the next and so on.

The great thing about these shorts is there are so many colors in the print that you can make them look totally different by changing your top to a different color. From a white tee to a lilac blouse each time you wear them you can draw attention in many different ways!

The key to surveying sales is deciding what the item you're looking at is worth. If you think it's something that will sell out and you love it buy it while you can. Invest in classic pieces and add trendy pairings through sales! 

Where do you find the best bargains?

Florida Florals

Florals and bright colors scream summer, add the two together and you have a perfect vacation outfit. While in Florida a few weeks back I sported this look to a seafood restaurant with jeans and gold sandals, due to a chilly night. This blouse caught my eye at one of my weekly trips to Target and I knew it would go great next to a palm tree.  I love all the different colors!  The more colors you can pair with an item the more you can wear them! 

(Jcrew Sweater (on sale!), Target Blouse, Target Shorts, Ann Taylor Loft Sunnies, Forever 21 Ring, Havaiana Sandals)

To take this look from day-to-night throw on a pair of jeans and a colored, or nude heel. You can also add a brighter sweater or blazer, depending on your shoe color choice. If you choose bright outerwear go with a nude colored shoe, so the two aren't over powering each other. I added fuchsia lipstick during the night to pop my neutrals!

Where are your favorite vacation spots?

Mini Adventures

Some of the best things in life come in small packages.  At times, I go through my day-to-day and feel like I'm doing the same old things. I try to branch out whenever possible and when my friend Hillary suggested mini golf I was all for it! The same old dinner and drinks gets tired so you have to find your own adventures. I recommend going back to the basics: mini golf, bowling, arcade, apple picking, laser tag or finding a place that has it all, like Pinstripes. Don't forget to be silly and have fun!

(Jenna- Vest: Ann Taylor Loft {sale}, T-Shirt: Ann Taylor Loft {old}, Jeans: The Limited, {sale} Flats: Target {old})

(Hillary- T-Shirt: Harley Davidson, Denim Shirt: Eddie Bauer {old}, Jeans: Heartbreaker, Shoe: Tommy Hilfiger {old}, Scarf: Gypsy Moon)

It's these small carefree adventures in life that us bring laughter and friendship!

What do you do to be adventurous?

Snow Days

Full Disclosure, we braved single digit temps for these pics. Granted, we didn't make it much past the front stoop.  When you live in Minne-snow-ta you have to have your go-to Winter gear ready at a moments notice.  Case-in-point our latest blizzard; dropping a foot of snow on our heads in one night!

JC practically lives in classic button-ups, and this plaid J.Crew number is a must for snowy days.  It's the perfect pattern, the print is a great proportion and the colors are neutral enough to pair with almost anything.  Glam it up with a faux-fur scarf and a J.Crew classic necklace to keep if from feeling too Paul Bunyan, (could we be more Minnesotan?).  Also, rocking Hunter rain boots - ideal for keeping your tootsies dry and CAbi leggings.

 JW never shies from making a statement...enter faux fur head band.  A new play on the classic furry earmuffs, it feels a little more modern (and fabulous).  This Blu Pepper Aztec inspired sweater is perfectly oversized making it super comfy, and the bright pattern makes a grey day just a little brighter.  Of course, no true Northern gal can go without a good pair of Sorel boots, and this pair is high enough to allow for some serious snow trekking. 


We're always looking for more chic ways to stay warm...and judging by the forcasts, we're gonna need all the ideas we can get!  What are your Winter go-to's?