Julie Collection

Clockwise from the top: Santorini Necklace, Madeline Cuff, Crisscross Ring, Loire Earrings

I fell in love with the Julie Collection the moment I set eyes on the lovely Madeline Gemstone Cuff pictured above. I fell even more in love when I stumbled upon the {Under $65} collection.  Rings, bracelets, necklaces galore affordably priced for the working girl on a budget, or as creator Julie Lindsay refers to her pieces, "affordable luxury!"

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Her Way // My Way: Katherine McPhee

Topshop Blazer // Jessica Simpson Pumps // Velvet Maxi Dress {Similar} // Harlem Bag

If I could design an outfit to wear every day, for both work and play, this would be it.  It has just the right amount of comfort & pops of color with these great Jessica Simpson heels and a bright blue blazer! 


What would you pair with your brights?

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My Style: OOTD

..the view looking down..

Floral to the Office

Sweater // Floral Top // Pencil Skirt // Nine West Wedges 


If you have been reading any fashion magazine or style blog and picking up  tips about what is on-trend as of late, you know that floral is making it's statement.  I've had people ask, how they can wear certain trends to the office. I'd suggest keeping it simple.  I paired this floral blouse with a pencil skirt and topped it off with a navy cardigan.  Paired with gold accessories and cognac wedges, you can rock the trend and still stay within your 'work' dress code.

dahl

metallic pink, silver, gold dress

I found the most dahling party dress by Alison Kelly. I want to wear it as I sip champagne & dance the night away to a little Frank Sinatra.

Event: Behind the Scenes - Catwalk for Water

In between getting my hair and make-up done for Aveda Institute Des Moines' Catwalk for Water, I managed to snap quite a few photos of all of the lovely models as we got ready for the show.  Here is a preview of what went on behind the scenes. Stay tuned for more photos to come!

{all images are my own - The Brunette One}

The Denim Look

1 // 2 // 3 

I love denim everything. Especially when it comes to dresses. I would love to add one of these three beauties to my wardrobe for the upcoming warmer months.  "The Denim Wrap" dress by DVF would be perfect for the summer months at the office!

{images via shopbop}

My BCBG Spring Picks

jumpsuit // maxi dress // waterfall blazer // wide-leg pant

Of the items modeled Friday for the Aveda Institute Des Moines' Catwalk for Water, these are just a few of my favorite BCBG items {stay tuned this week for a full recap!}. I cannot decide which I love more, the pleated maxi or the cutout jumpsuit! I feel I would have to be a few inches taller to rock either of them, but hey, that's what heels & a good tailor are for!

her way // my way

Peplum Dress (worn as skirt) {similar} // Motel Lolita Top // White Maison Blazer {similar} // wedges // Azalea Necklace by J.Crew Necklace // Liverpool Street Tote Bag

This look can't help but be recreated.  It is a mix of all the best trends this season - bright colors, floral prints, & peplums. A perfect spring look.

Classy Lady

I will be spending the day cramming a long to-do list into a short day at the office.  I have dress rehearsal for Aveda's Catwalk for Water this afternoon, followed by ballet class {new session starts tonight at Glaza Studio}! Another busy day for this girl - I hope I can spend it looking as classy & pulled together as the lovely lady shown above.

Ps. Enjoy the lovely text over the image? No Picasa for me - finally teaching myself how to use Photoshop & InDesign. Baby steps...stay tuned!

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My Style: Polka Dot Pants

Forever 21 Jacket, Top, Pants // Steve Madden Heels // LC Lauren Conrad Blazer

Lately you couldn't pay me enough to wear plain old black pants to work.  It's either a dress, skirt, or printed pants as of late. These pants from Forever 21 are the closet things to pajamas and I wish I could wear them every single day. 

I had a fantastic weekend celebrating not turning 25 with two of my other sorority sisters who were also celebrating their birthdays! We toasted with yummy martinis & even spent time in the kitchen/basement of the bar as we experienced a tornado warning! That's Iowa for you!

Happy Hump Day!

Reader Question: Packing Essentials

Q: What are your packing essentials for a spring or summer vacation?!

A: I would begin building around neutral-colored pieces that can be mixed and matched.  Starting with four outfits, I was able to remix & match 16 times. And while you may not be on vacation for that long, you will be working with versatile pieces that can be put together to satisfy one's ever changing moods.

Don't forget to pack for nights out on the town - I picked two different styled dresses. A fun & flirty, short dress & a long maxi dress.  If you don't want to wear one of the 8 pieces meant for day, you can easily pair the maxi dress with a jean jacket or cardigan and flat sandals for a dressier day look. And while some people may choose to pack a few pairs of shoes, 6 seemed plenty enough for me. :) Tennis shoes for walking around sightseeing, flip flops for days at the beach, wedge sandals to pair with my dresses for going out or even dressing up a day-time look, and flats if I'm in the mood.

Pack accessories that will go with every outfit to minimize what you are taking with you.  This bright yellow necklace and pink scarf go with each of the outfits I've put together, and brings a pop of color to each look. Gold accessories are simple for an every day look.  I packed a cardigan and two jackets, as weather can be quite unpredictable.

For purses, I would suggest packing an extra tote that folds flat - throwing your clutch and/or cross body bag within that bag.  That way they only take up space when you are using them and they are easy to store.  If you are planning to hit up the beach on your vacay - make sure to pack your sunglasses & a stylish hat to protect your face!  Don't forget a cover up!

Bottom line - pack what you feel most comfortable in, don't pack your most expensive items, & more often then not you will over pack, you will realize you won't wear the black flats, but you wore the cognac sandals everyday.

I hope these tips help the next time you pack for vacation! Also - a packing tip - pack dresses by folding them in half and placing a tissue paper in-between the fold to prevent creasing, and roll outfits to make room for more space. Check out this great video for more tips on how to fit all of this in that.

If you have any questions about the pieces shown above, email me here!

Catwalk for Water

This Friday, I invite you to join me as I spend the night supporting clean water efforts by participating in the Aveda Institute Des Moines Catwalk for Water! Come see me & the other models debut the latest hairstyles & makeup trends. The show will also be featuring the latest fashions from local Des Moines boutiques - MintL.A., Impromptu, & Dillard's|BCBG! 

For more information visit Aveda Institute's Facebook page & website.

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menswear: colored khakis

Ray-Bans // J.Crew Wallace & Barnes 16/20s Heavyweight Tee
{similar} // Broken-in Chino Shorts // Trilby Hat // J.Crew Belt// J.Crew Bracelet // J.Crew iPhone case //J.Crew Shoes {similar}


A friend of mine asked me to put together a guy's outfit for summer.  In line with the trend of colored denim/khakis, I created this look around these amazing J.Crew muted green shorts and complimented them with a gray tee & neutral accessories.  

Coachella Fashion

Last year I was all about wearing shorts to Coachella, this year I have fallen in love with the pleated maxi.  Once again, I am wishing I was in attendance and will be living vicariously through Twitter, YouTube & Facebook updates.  

Happy Friday!

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her way // my way - tribal print dress

tribal print dress // belt // sandals // bag


Spotted. Diane Kruger looking fabulous, as always, in pastel patterns. 

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splurge vs. steal: sliver wedges

rachel zoe 'gladys' // nine west 'packurbags'

I picked up these Nine West wedges last week & have managed to pair them with just about every outfit I've worn this week. I'm happy I went with the cognac version over the black, but the black version might come in handy when I travel for work.  The 'Packurbags' just might be the most versatile shoe in my closet! 

24

I'm 24 today.  Another year older and another year wiser! I'm spending the day getting pampered with a massage & pedicure followed by grabbing lunch at La Mie Bakery {I have yet to try macaroons, this will be the perfect excuse}.  For once I'm taking a day off of work to truly relax & enjoy my birthday.  Tonight we will be celebrating at my favorite restaurant, Sam & Gabes.  Happy Wednesday!

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My Style: Remixing Patterns

j.crew skirt {similar} // forever 21 top // forever 21 necklace // nine west sandals

This skirt was quick to make its reappearance on the blog. I wore it last Monday with denim & I figured it would be perfect for Easter, remixed with stripes. Tomorrow I will be turning 24 & will be taking the day off to enjoy a massage & pedicure, no work for this girl. I'm also super excited to head to my old college stomping grounds this weekend to celebrate with a few of my sorority sisters who also share April birthdays! 

pink + florals

Ever girl needs a fancy pair of shoes to kick up their heels in.  Pair your floral heels with a feminine blouse and your favorite worn-in jeans. Don't forget to throw on you your trusty gold watch and a bright necklace - you'll be set for your day!

Blouse // BaubleBar Necklace // Michael Kors Watch // AG Jeans // Floral Heels

Lazy Saturday

Don't mind me and my little Saturday post.  I've kept myself busy today by falling in love with Paris & figuring out my new early birthday present to myself! It has been raining on and off throughout the day and haven't had much motivation to leave my couch. Perfectly acceptable if you ask me. Once I do plan to run all of my errands, I will be wearing something along these lines, comfortable yet practical. Happy Saturday!  PS. I'm on Instagram {thanks for finally coming to Android}, follow me now --> _thebrunetteone!

White Tee // Jacket // Boyfriend Jeans // Converse // Watch // Bracelets

My Style: Patterned Skirt

J.Crew Chambray Button Up {similar}// J.Crew Floral Skirt {similar}// J.Crew Necklace {via ebay} // Target Flats {similar}

I wore this on Monday - it's now Friday. A little floral, a little denim, and a little leopard - perfect combination to help cure my usual case of the Monday's.  I'll be celebrating Easter with my boyfriend's family this weekend and celebrating his niece's birthday - it's been requested that we wear our cowboy or cowgirl boots, as she corrected me, to her party! 

 Hope you have a great weekend!