TBO Gets Married: Updates

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68 days and counting until we say "I do!" Wedding plans are in full swing around here (my latest project above).  I will pop in where I can within the next few weeks, but I need stay focused on my wedding plans as we get closer and closer to May 31st. Next weekend I have trial runs for my hair and make-up and one of my final dress fittings. The first weekend in April we have Go Blog Social in Kansas City (can't wait to see all my girls again!) - you can still get a ticket here, followed up by my bachelorette party in Galena, IL with my bridal party and a few of my closest friends. Time is flying and I can't seem to slow it down! 

In the midst of all of this wedding planning, Emily and I are hard at work for StyleEsque, so stay tuned for updates for our new endeavor! As always you can find wedding updates here and my latest DIY projects for Divine Caroline here. I'm currently taking a mini-absence from Juice Magazine, but will return this summer after my honeymoon! 

I can't wait to bring you fresh content in the coming weeks, but thank you all for understanding if things are a bit quiet around here!

XOXO

WWDMAGIC Gift Haul

A few things about this video before you watch. It was once edited through its entirety before my computer deleted it, so this is the second run of it. It's a bit obvious I'm new to this 'vlogging' thing. I say the words 'amazing,' 'um,' & 'great' more than I should, I need some new words to add to my vocabulary when describing things. If you hear the pitter-patter in the background, that would be my Lola Bear making the rounds on our hard wood floors. But alas, that is not what this video is about.

It's about the amazing generosity we were shown at WWDMAGIC. Over 90 brands gifted product to all of us bloggers. We showed up and each of us had our own little corner of goodies to sort through. It like Christmas and your birthday, combined! So without further adieu, my gifting haul!

Democracy Denim | Julie France Shapewear | Rume Tote | Jolie USA Headbands | Three Birds Nest | Kikkerland Kitchen Timer | Fashion First Aid | Half Tee | Kix'ies Thigh Highs | Girly Go Garters | Sox Fifth Ave Stars & Stripes Socks | Sock It To Me | Zad Necklace | Love Me Knot Hairbands | RMD Designs Bracelet | Loveia Bracelets

If you watched that video in its entirety, thank you for following along :)

Brands that were mentioned in the video and in the photo...more updates to come; however I'm still recovering from last night's PLL season finale episode (#gahhhh). 

Ducks in a row
Nomad
Chinese Laundry
Two Lips
Henry Hanger
Mellow World
Delicious Agent
Imoshion
Galian
Urban Expressions
Melie Bianco
Ampere Creations
Jaleh Clothing
Ark & Co

Amarillo Limon
HitList

Kaii
Eli Noir
Debut
BoomBoom Jeans
Mia Melon

My Style: Blanket Cardigan

gifted Lush Cardigan | J.Crew V-Neck | J.Crew Jeans | Converse | gifted Urban Expressions Bag {similar}

Sometimes I struggle more with what I am going to wear on the airplane than what I actually end up packing. After sorting through all of the goodies while repacking for home, I knew that this sweater was going to be coming with me on the plane. It's big enough to keep me warm and cozy when they turn up the AC on the plane, but light enough to stash in my carry-on!

What's your airport attire? Do you have any go-to outfits, tell me below!

What's In My {Lo & Sons} Bag?

gifted Lo & Sons O.G. Bag

In the weeks leading up to WWDMAGIC, I knew I had to find a new carry-on/computer bag since mine was stolen back in September. I needed something durable, functional, and of course, stylish. That's where Lo & Sons comes in. L&S sent me the OG Bag, and let me tell you, it was love at first sight. As a chronic last minute packer, this bag made it easy packing late at night prior to catching my flight the next day. There was a pocket for everything and the addition of the adjustable strap was a life saver when my Mary Poppin's habit made the bag heavier as I stuffed it to its brim, even Lola wanted to come along to Vegas! See my bag in action!

Carry-on Essentials:

Magazines | gifted Fashion First Aid Kit | Laptop & iPad (chargers) | Kate Spade iPad Case | Lodis Business Card Case | GiGi NY Wallet | Revlon Lip Stain | Kleenex | Sugar Paper for Target Notebook | ban.do iPhone Case 

Of course, the one thing missing in these photos are my in-flight essentials, a package of Sour Patch Watermelon!  

My Style: Graphic Print Cardigan

gifted Kersh Sweater {similar} | J.Crew T-Shirt | Gap Boyfriend Jeans | Wolverine 1K by Samantha Pleet Boots | Kenda Kist Necklaces {1 and 2} | Target Hat | Maui Jim Sunglasses | gifted Ampere Creations Crossbody

My friends, this is my daily uniform: lived-in jeans, my favorite boots, and a cozy sweater. Whether I'm catching up on PLL #guiltypleasure {I cannot wait for next week!}, running errands for StyleEsque, or casual Friday at my day job, this is my no-fuss go to look (sans coat). I'm hoping this string of warmer temps is a sign that spring is officially on its way because I'm ready to kick my coats to the back of the closet. 

This weekend I'm headed to Penelopie Beauty Bar {PS. SE helped style their look book!} followed by drinks and dinner with the girls. The rest of my time will be spent wedding planning, the big day is getting closer and closer! Happy weekend! 

WWDMAGIC Day 3

Day 3 at MAGIC has everyone running on empty, but it was was another day and opportunity to connect with new brands. First up was a panel at the Social House where we discussed the working relationship between brands and bloggers. Key takeaways below:

1. As a brand, when reaching out, be personable in your email. Make sure you know the bloggers aesthetic, name, blog name, etc. Reference recent posts, call out favorite looks, if you show that you care, the blogger will be more apt to work with you if it's the right fit!
2. Be social, make sure you follow the bloggers you work with. Cross promotion is key.
3. Be specific and know what your expectations are when working with brands and brands working with bloggers. It's a win-win situation for everyone when campaigns are executed correctly.

Our second panel of the day was pulling our favorite accessories from the floor. I pulled three different accessories that pair easily when all you have the effort to wear are jeans and a t-shirt. First, Cailyn Cosmetics, Jolie Hair Accessories that not only function as a headband but can be worn as necklaces or bracelets, and a statement necklace from Isabel Iny, seen below.

To end our last day we spoke with Emerging Designer, Isabella Rose Taylor. Can you believe this young lady is only 12 years old? Her juniors collection is perfect for the festival going gal. My favorite piece is these lace cut-out pants. If she is creating these pieces at 12, I can't wait to see what else she has up her sleeve in the years to come.

That wraps up the last of the WWDMAGIC daily recaps, but I have a few more posts to come including my haul video!

The Blogger Buzz, vol. 8

The Blogger Buzz is back. This month, we share which shoes will add a little pep to our step this Spring!

1. Meghan Anderson of Downtown Daydreams // I am such a sucker for DV by Dolce Vita neutral-colored wedges. These fun shoes can be thrown on with white pants or sundresses and I love that they're so easy to walk and dance in. I run them into the ground every spring/summer!
2. Samantha Peterson via The Brunette One // I love 'The Lauryn' from Sole Society. I'm excited to bust out all of my favorite flats without worrying about them being ruined my the salt and snow!
3. Katherine Nolden of The Duchess of Plumewood // These Kate Spade 'Fab' Jelly Sandals are outstanding! A bow, bright punchy color, and in jelly! Sign my feet up!
4. Laura Podlich of Beauty & the Beard // These Gap Striped Pointy Flats are beyond cute—they get me so excited for Spring!
5. Lauren Felix of La Petite Fashionista // I'm obsessed with these Lasercut Leather Heels. I can totally imagine them with all my sundresses (or packed in my luggage for a last-minute Mexico vacay)!
6. Ashley Fine of One Fine Day // These Kate Spade 'Josse' Flats make me want to jump for joy. The color is fabulous and that bow is major! 

So we want to know - what's your favorite shoe for spring?!

My Style: Floral Print Pants

gifted Debut Sweater {similar} | Forever 21 Tank | gifted Hit List Pants | Wolverine 1000 Mile by Samantha Pleet 'Bonny' Leather Boots | Target Bag | Kenda Kist Necklaces {1 and 2}

Nothing screams spring more than floral print. Paired with a cozy open knit sweater to battle the cooler temps as we transition to warmer weather, this look epitomizes weekend casual. I picked up this Target handbag on a whim the day before I left for WWDMAGIC. It ended up being the perfect size to carry my essentials on the show floor, plus when I had my camera, I used the the cross body strap, did I mention it's the perfect shade of cognac? 

What's your definition of weekend casual?

WWDMAGIC Day 2

Day 2 on the WWDMAGIC Floor was a bit of a blur. I spent most of the morning scouring booths for winter wear inspiration. Being from the Midwest, right now I'm itching to ditch my puffy coat for something chic and fashionable, with a hint of functionality. When the temperatures drop in Iowa, I immediately reach for a cozy knit to pair with my boyfriend jeans or leather leggings. This knit from Sisters Knit is perfect to wrap yourself in and adds a hint of masculinity and edge with the leather shoulder detailing.

Sabrina and I fell in love with these pastel jackets from Deep or Shallow's brand, J'us {#twinning}. We have such similar taste that we couldn't help but pull the same jacket. With these colors, you can't help but feel amazing about dressing up for cold weather.

This look from Champagne and Strawberry (often sold at Anthropologie) is the epitome of winter whites. The layered pearl necklaces add the perfect amount of accessorizing to compliment the statement jacket.

Next up, Chinese Laundry, which left me swooning over these cut-out booties. I'll take one in every color.

A quick run to FNPlatform to snap a photo with Fergie, I also stumbled upon a new-to-me brand, Matt Bernson. Matt Bernson recently partnered with a popular fashion blogger, Grace Atwood. I loved their collaboration which embodies Grace's two favorite things, stripes & sequins. I also immediately gravitated to these loafers, each made with a different pattern or texture, the crackle leather was my favorite!

We had a quick panel showcasing our favorite finds from the floor, I shared my on going obsession with Lucy Paris and their great collection of separates. My love for full midi skirts has no bounds, so I pulled a few different styles, this cobalt sheer overlay number and this gray tulle skirt with a pop of neon stealing my heart.

Rounding out Day 2 we stopped by the Emerging Designers area and talked with Toy Snydrome, The House of Perna, and love+leather.

Toy Snydrome

The House of Perna

 love+leather

My Style: Graphic Tee

Signature Aimee Tee | gifted Lush Skirt  {similar}| Forever 21 Jean Jacket | gifted Imoshion Handbag {similar} | Zara Heels {similar} | Kenda Kist Necklaces {1 and 2}

Sunday called for sunshine and no tights.  Hallelujah, spring is so close! This Lush skirt is going to give every other skirt in my closet a run for its money. Between the midi length {no matter what Who, What, Wear says, I'm sticking with the midi trend} and the sheer paneling, I just can't get enough of this skirt. While my office dress code doesn't look nicely upon graphic tees, I would defintetly wear this outfit for date night or a night out with the girls! Imoshion gifted us a bag from their collection and I jumped on this studded carry-all, not only is it made of vegan leather but comes with a second cross body bag inside of it, when you need to switch from day-to-night, simply throw your essentials in the smaller bag and out the door you go!

SJP By Sarah Jessica Parker

If you've known me for any length of time you would know my love for SATC. Like Carrie, I often agree that I like my money where I can see it, hanging in my closet, or often on my feet. A recent count left to believe I have a thing for shoes, whether they be high heels, sandals, boots, you name it. With Carrie's love obsession with her heels, it's no doubt that rubbed off on the beautiful and talented Sarah Jessica Parker, the actress behind the character. SJP has teamed up with Nordstrom to debut a 25 piece collection in addition to clutches and the timeless trench coach, each a personal reflection of her taste and style. 

With the excitement of her recent launch, SJP is touring her six favorite cities and has documented those places on the Nordstrom Pinterest board, "SJP: A Day in Her Shoes." She shares with fans her personal favorites - of course,  "The Carrie", which as she describes as a strong shoe, that elongates the foot, highlighting the delicate straps and the grosgrain ribbon on the heel remind me of my beloved pointe shoes. Very fitting as SJP sits on the board for the New York City Ballet. Another is "The Allison", which is an edgy take on a high heel, paired with distressed boyfriend jeans and a printed blouse and out the door you go!

Equally as exciting is the opportunity for you to be entered to win an SJP "shoe wardrobe" and a $2,000 Nordstrom gift card {ahem, yes please!}. The contest ends March 14th, after SJP's final Nordstrom stop in Dallas.  Simply repin from her board onto any of your boards. Where would you wear her shoes, what favorite NYC haunts would you love to visit? Once you've pinned your favorites,  submit your entry here. 

For more details on the contest, click here.

See more of the SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Collection below: 

Image Source: The Coveteur 

I was asked to and agreed to promote this contest; however, this is not a paid sponsored post. I'm merely sharing my love of fabulous shoes with the world!