Event: Savior Magazine Launch

As I mentioned yesterday, Saturday evening was spent honoring this beautiful creature, Lucy Shay. She is the mastermind behind Savior Magazine. This semiannual publication is made up of editorial fashion photography with collaborations by stand-out artists and up-and-coming models and designers. If this magazine isn't showing the world that people in the could ole' Midwest know what we are talking about, I'm not quite sure what will. I was beyond honored to be able to share this moment with her and the rest of the Savior team. I can't wait for the next issue, so until then, join me here & here for all the latest updates!

The goods. 

 Laughing with Katelyn

The women of Aimee, Trouble Lights, Ms. Lucy Shay, Bethany

Em & I

Trouble Lights

Closet Craving: Printed Sweatshirt

MinkPink Floral Sweatshirt | Chan Luu Bracelets | Friendship Bracelets 
 3.1 Phillip Skirt | Prabal Gurung for Target Heels

This photo from Jak & Jil encompasses all of my favorite go-tos. A trusty iPhone, stacks of friendship bracelets, and a cozy printed sweatshirt. To translate this look to real life, I would pair with my midi leather skirt, add a few DIY friendship bracelets, and add these oh so affordable Prabal Gurung for Target heels. 

My Style: Lace & Fur

Fossil Dress {on sale in stores} // UO Faux Fur {similar} // BaubleBar Necklace // ShoeMint Wedges

A little weekend recap. Friday night we went to Django - great film, a bit too graphic at times for my taste. Now we just need to see Le Miz and Silver Linings Playbook and we will be set for the Oscars. I slept in Saturday morning and caught up on much needed blog work {also known as stayed in my sweats as long as possible} and got ready just in time for a girls night out. Katelyn, Emily, and I made our way to City Bakery to celebrate the launch of Savior Magazine, a semiannual editorial fashion magazine created by the ever so beautiful and talented Lucy Shay. Then proceeded to talk big about dancing the night away and ended up at Perkins for a little late night breakfast instead. Sunday was spent in pajamas, cuddling with the pup, and catching up on the DVR. 

Hope you had a great weekend!

{...well, I'm a model. Duh.}

Giveaway: Happy Clam Monogram

Two things I've come to love over the past few years are monogramming and the color gold. I've been itching to get more pieces with my monogram {and will have to get a few more pieces when my initials change next year}, and jumped at the chance to feature these Happy Clam Monogram acrylic earrings.  And now it's your chance to win one set of these gorgeous earrings! Enter below for a chance to win a pair of Ava Etched Earrings, the winner will get to select the acrylic color {so many to choose from} and type! Good luck, the giveaway ends next Sunday!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This post is sponsored by Happy Clam Monogram. As always I only feature brands and products I absolutely love and that reflect the general aesthetic of this blog. All opinions are my own. 

Accessorize: Black & White

Pour La Victoire // Marc Jacobs // Rebecca Minkoff // 3.1 Phillip Lim

I'm on a black and white kick this week. Classic and chic. What colors are on your radar as of late?

Wishing you a happy weekend! 

Closet Craving: Madewell

Team Jacket // Peter Pan Peplum // Silk Rose Print Blouse // Skargorn Slouch Jeans // The Frankie Pump // Leather Skirt

I have never shopped at Madewell but after seeing their new arrivals, consider me sold. This is my ideal outfit that would easily transition from winter to spring. Layer the floral boyshirt over the peplum top, and finish the look with the team jacket. And all you have to do is add tights! And I think these white heels would be the perfect addition to my spring wardrobe. 

My Style: The Little Leopard Print Dress

J.Crew Dress {similar} & Necklace Similar | ShoeMint Wedges

This is what I look like when I'm celebrity spotting. While on our way to dinner we spotted Martha Stewart, along with a wedding party playing craps. Of all people to see in Vegas! After these photos were snapped we headed to Sinatra at Encore to grab dinner and enjoy a few cocktails, then to Caesars Palace to catch Matt Goss' show.  We ended up at the Bourbon Room at the Venetian until the wee hours of the morning dancing and singing. Man, my parents know how to party. 

Happy Hump Day!

My Style: Striped Sweater

Old Navy Sweater {Similar}| Paige Denim | Sincerely Me Monogram Necklace

On Saturday my mom and I did a little more shopping, getting lost in Kate Spade & Henri Bendel. I ended up with a new gold bangle that fits perfectly, I have small wrists and bangles usually slide right off. My mom picked up some orange skinnies & some new stationary. I may have also found my bridal heels. What do you think, should I get them?!

My Style: The Denim Shirt

J.Crew Top & Scarf || Express Pants {old, similar} || Fossil Watch || Lo & Sons Claremont Crossbody

After three days of being in Vegas for work, I caught up with my dad who was also in town for a conference and my mom who flew in for the weekend. We got checked into our hotel and walked through the shops at the Palazzo.  My dad ditched us the moment I stepped into the DVF store to simply browse and left my mom and I to wander the shops. Friday evening we had a fantastic dinner at Sinatra, spied Martha Stewart playing craps with a wedding party at the Encore, caught Matt Goss' show {those eyes, swoon}, and finally ended up at the Bourbon Room {where Loverboy seemed to have quite the crush on my mom}. While some can't imagine traveling to Vegas with their parents, mine sure do know how to have a good time!

Congrats to Catherine for winning the Milani Cosmetics Kit inspired by Rebecca Jordan! 

Thanks to all who entered!

My Style: #MyCarrieStyle

A few weeks ago I entered the StyleCaster || The CW #MyCarrieStyle contest on Instagram. I entered the look{s} below, my favorite outfit that I wore to our first Des Moines Area Blogger event. And yesterday admist many work emails, I received an email from StyleCaster saying my look was selected as the winner! Thank you so much to StyleCaster & The CW for selecting me as the winner! Carrie Bradshaw continues to prove what an influence she has on all of us fashion mavens. 

Anthropologie Necklace | J.Crew Turtleneck | Shabby Apple Skirt {Splurge} | Steve Madden Heels

I entered this look as well. Every girl knows that Carrie loves her Vogue. Playing around at Aimee with a bit of tulle & fur. 

Happy weekend!

Viva Las Vegas

After a long day of travel {delayed flights, etc.}, we made it to Vegas just in time to hit up a bit of Fashion Show Mall {picked up this, this, these, & this - Zara, in person, is the one exception to my shopping hiatus} and a delicious Mexican meal at El Segundo Sol, hello tableside guacamole, and the penny slot machines. I will admit the time change and the long day of travels put me to bed rather early last night, but today,Vegas - I'm ready for you!  I'm here for a work conference the next few days and then staying on through the weekend for a little fun in Vegas with my family - my dad is here for work as well and my mom will meet us on Friday! 

Post may be a bit sporadic the rest of the week - but to make sure to follow along on twitter & instagram!

PS. Make sure to enter the Milani Cosmetics Giveaway - ends on Sunday!

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My Style: Layering with Peplum

You may have seen this post over on Katalina Girl last week, but in case you missed it, here it is!

Layering your favorite pieces is key to remixing one's wardrobe. This ASOS top works great on it's own and perfect with that trusty cardigan or blazer. A cardigan, though a life-saver for a working girl, can only get you so far. When you don't want to hide that great top, simply layer it over your favorite button up. Add a chunky necklace and your work-friendly heels and out the door you go!

Gap Boyfriend Blouse || ASOS Peplum {Similar} || BaubleBar Necklace || Express Pants {Similar} || Steve Madden Heels

Giveaway: Rebecca Jordan + Milani Cosmetics

So I love finding new music and new artists to keep me company throughout the day. And Rebecca Jordan is no exception. You may not have heard of her but you have heard her amazing tunes sung by the likes of Kelly Clarkson and John Legend, to just name a few.  And lucky for us, she has just released her new single, Eve. 

I've partnered with Milani Cosmetics to giveaway the make-up that helped create the Cleopatra look seen in Rebecca's new music video. This is one giveaway you don't want to miss out on {I told you this month was all about amazing giveaways}! I can't stop using Milani's instant volume mascara and the black cherry lipstick - you know I'm all about the dark lip this season. 

The kit includes the following to help you recreate the look portrayed in Eve:

Eyeshadow pencil in "Shadow Eyez" ||  Lipgloss in "Sheer Dark Honey" || Lipliner in "Sugarplum" || Instant Volume Mascara in "Black" || Liquid Eye Tech Extreme Liner in "Blackest Black" || Liquid-Like Eye Liner Pencil in "Black" || "Black Cherry" Lipstick|| Brow Shaping Kit || Nail Lacquer in "Blue Flash" || Nail Art Brush in "Black Sketch" || Duo sharpener

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck! The giveaway ends next Sunday - with a winner announced on Monday, January 21, 2013.

PS. Congrats to Katherine, winner of the Social Dress Shop $75 Gift Card!

Award Season: Golden Globes 2013

Here are a few of my favorites from tonight's Golden Globes. My favorites include Kate Hudson in McQueen, Jessica Alba in Oscar, & Julianna Margulies in Pucci {did you see the back of that dress?!}. So tell me, what were your favorites? 

A few of my favorite moments include: Tina and Amy hosting, Kristen and Will presenting, and J-Law's acceptance speech. Glenn Close 'drunk', Lena winning, and the fake nominees. Tina Fey stealing my joke about T.Swift. Jodie Foster's speech. For the record, SNL alum should always host awards shows.  

Get the Look: 

Gown | Clutch | Necklace | Lips

The Brunette One Gets Married: Initial Planning

So I'm obviously new to this wedding planning business. I attended my first bridal show last weekend with two of my girlfriends and frankly was quite overwhelmed, though we did not leave with empty stomaches - I had my fair share of wedding cake! I have this idea in my head of what our wedding will be{and a fiancé who trusts my judgement} and now it's a matter of making it come to life. We will attend another bridal show this weekend and hopefully finalize the size of wedding we wish to have, which will help us determine our available venues. 

So now I ask for your sage advice with wedding planning - anything we need to know as we embark on this journey? What websites do you recommend using to create our own couple website?

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Interiors + Exteriors: Living Room

Instead of resolutions for 2013, I have intentions. One of these intentions is to finally turn the townhouse into our home. After living here for over a year and a half, we barely have anything up on the walls.  Plus, I have this crazy nook in the living room over my fireplace that I have NO idea how to style. We have a tan couch and recently added this rug. I would love to find a new coffee table and to find some great wall art. And if any one has advice for the awkward nook - I'm all ears. 

Gold accents.

Perfect styling for those little nick nacks.

Geometric rug + a bean bag chair.

Romantic + Cozy. My dream.

The Faux Taxidermy. I love the trio on the wall, reminds me of this home tour.

I have a lucite chair, now all I need is a lucite coffee table.

My mantel is in desperate need of a mirror and some fabulous candelabras.  

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My Style: Sneak Peek - Layering

I'm over at Katalina Girl today sharing a few snaps on how this working girl layers during these cold winter months! These shots makes me wish we could have the tree up year round...

Gap Boyfriend Blouse || ASOS Peplum {Similar} || BaubleBar Necklace || Express Pants {Similar} || Steve Madden Heels

My Style: Baseball Stripes

J.Crew Baseball Tee // J.Crew Factory Jeans & Scarf // Aldo Boots

These photos were taken after I opened up my new camera lens {Thanks Mom & Dad}! This what I wore to my side's Christmas {a little late in posting - but forgot we snapped these photos}. Super casual and comfortable - typical weekend wear. And that last shot - my brother loves to photo bomb - this is real life folks. 

I recently read this post by Kelli and kept nodding in agreement as I finished the post. I realize that I may be a "fashion blogger" but I also am a normal girl with a normal full time job and this is a normal outfit that I would wear all the time if I could {and do}. And as a working girl in a conservative office, we can only wear jeans on Friday and my normal attire on the weekend {if I don't have plans} is typically jeans and a tee or sweatpants if I don't have anywhere to be. And I have this not so new goal to not shop for the next few months and walking those pennies straight to the bank! Who else is in?!

Don't forget to enter the Social Dress Shop Giveaway for a $75 gift card!