StyleSaint

Work Wear: Trousers

Every girl needs a pair of trousers that fit just right. These felt pants have a high-rise, straight-leg, cropped fit; perfect for boots & heels.  The kimono-tie front detail is begging to be topped off with a great tailored or cropped jacket.  Finish your look with a cognac briefcase & gold tone jewelry and you'll be ready to take the office by storm. 

Boutique Spotlight: Annie Griffin Collection

Last weekend in Steamboat, the mornings were crisp, the days warm, and the evenings cool. It had me longing for fall like you would not believe. These pieces from the AGC will make the perfect leap into autumn. 

 The Annie Griffin Collection is an absolute splendid collection of retro inspired, feminine silhouettes that echoes eras past. Founded in 2009, Memphis sisters, Annie Griffin and Robin Gerber have set to create a collection of pieces for the girl on the go that can easily transition from day to night to the girl with a packed calendar of special occasions, weddings, dinner parties & events. 

Shop the collection here & let me know which pieces are your favorite!

bombom Jewelry

If a jewelry brand could encompass my personal style, bombom Jewelry would be it. Classy yet fashion-forward, sophisticated yet avant-garde, and simple yet bold, bombom Jewelry combines elegance and quality of fine jewelry and the design elements of fashion jewelry. The best of both worlds.  

One of my favorite pieces, the 18K Gold Plated Bringing Sexy Back Earrings {1.}, was designed as an alternative to the regular stud earring {which I wear everyday, cannot wait to switch things up}. Breaking all the rules, the designer made the earring long in the back and short in the front.  With a matte finish and a high sheen on the edges, the flowered design stands out. 

 Handcrafted with real gemstones & materials, these pieces offer one-of-kind designs that will leave you wanting more!

  

1. Gold Plated Bringing Sexy Back Earrings 2. Gold Dainty Diamond Stackable Ring 3. Gold Pop Droplet Topaz Ring 4. Gold Pop Lumi Ring 5. Gold Pop Hooked On You Topaz Earrings 6. Rose Gold Confetti Twist Topaz Bangle 7. Classic Blush Earrings 8. Rose Gold Confetti Lace Topaz Mini Earrings

bombom Jewelry is offering the lucky readers of The Brunette One 25% off your next purchase. Get to shopping!

My Style: Polka Dots + Pink Heels

Wallis Dress // American Eagle Jacket // Jessica Simpson Heels

After spending a long weekend in Steamboat, Colorado, I have found it hard to get back into the swing of things. Though I've never visited Colorado in the winter, summer in the mountains has to be one of the best.  The wedding was held atop the mountain, after being taken up by gondola. Gorgeous views, a breathtaking wedding, and a kick-ass dance party to celebrate the newly married couple. It was a perfect evening {proceeded by a karaoke welcome party on Friday night and ended with a backyard BBQ at a neighboring family ranch on Sunday evening}. 

Robert Marc Glasses // BCBG Dress // Sam Edelman Heels

Wedge Sneaker

While there are some shoe trends I will never support {flatforms}, I can say that I 100% support the wedge sneaker fad that every fashionista and/or celebrity has been spotted wearing. With a hidden wedge lift, these sneakers work great with skinny jeans, dresses, & maxi skirts. To switch things up, swap out the laces with different colors! 

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LACE + CUT-OUTS

The cut + print of these Valentino RTW SS12 dresses are to die for. 

And pockets? Pockets! Sigh.

Hanneli Mustaparta and Tamu McPherson

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My Style: Jet-Set Style

My mom and I are headed to Colorado for a long weekend & wedding celebrations of a dear family friend! I'll be wearing something along these lines today {just need to add a jean vest} as we jet set across the mid-west.  Can't wait to start the wedding festivities!

Make sure to follow along on twitter {@samipeterson} & instagram {@_thebrunetteone}!

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Hints of Leopard

While the heat has subsided, at least for now, here are two ways to incorporate leopard into your transitioning wardrobe.  I can agree with most that I refuse to wish summer away, but it's always a bit refreshing once the temperatures start to drop {if only a brief moment in time}.

Shop these looks:

Are you brave enough to rock the bold peplum top or would you prefer to subtly add print with your accessories?

Stichfix

Monday night I came home from work to find my first Stitchfix waiting for me in my mailbox! For a $20 fee, a personal stylist will choose five items for you to try on and hopefully purchase! All you have to do is complete out a style questionnaire about your sizing, style {likes & dislikes}, price preferences, etc. Then schedule your fix and anxiously await your delivery! If you fall in love with any of your items and decide to purchase them, the $20 will be applied to the final amount.

MM Couture Gemma Peplum Tank // Collective Concepts Koi 3/4 Sleeve Top // Finders Keepers Pippa Dress // Miilla Tasha Cropped Crochet Knit Jacket

 Rachel Reinhart Multi Spear Earrings

When I opened the package I immediately noted the peplum and printed blouses. Be still my beating heart. I loved how each of the blouses fit. The peplum top even has a fun little cut out, great with a blazer for work and for a little something special for happy hour. And the printed blouse will be great with jeans and dressed up with a midi leather skirt this fall.

The third item I received was the Pippa dress that I had seen on their blog and requested. It fit like a glove - definite keeper. The fourth piece was a neutral draped collar sweater, that I liked but didn't love.

I also received these gorgeous earrings, but for a price of $55, I didn't LOVE them enough to keep. As much as I love a great statement piece, I wouldn't spend this much on jewelry.

So what happens now?

Decide what you are keeping and what's going back. Fill out a return survey and settle up. You have three days to send back your purchases in a pre-paid envelope. Super easy process for when you don't have time to go shopping or are just looking pieces to spice up your wardrobe.

You can choose to get a Stitchfix every month or just when you feel like it, but after my first experience, I can say I will definitely be getting my fix again soon!

Get your fix now!

Fall-ing in Love

Look at all these beauties just dying to make it into my fall wardrobe. Those leather booties from ShoeMint? Amazeballs. Finding comfort in classics with boyfriend jeans, polka dots, and a cognac cross body {they can do no wrong}. And the wedge sneaker thing? I surprisingly can't get enough.  Cozy sweaters perfect for layering over scalloped edging. Drop-waists & mustard wedges to help round out my work wardrobe for the upcoming months. And my new tortoise shell sunnies that will be perfect come football season to cheer on the Creme de la Creme of the crop {Iowa Hawkeyes}!

Like what you see above? Shop the post!

#wisewords

1. Move to New York City.

2. Jump out of an airplane.

3. Chop my hair off.

What would you do?

#getontheboat

@12bytwelve // @Uber_CHI gift cards to a few lucky cruise attendees // hydrating with @PeopleWater 

twelve 'cruise for a cause' // the twelve team at Quay // the lovely sarah - visit her here

gorgeous fireworks // me & my main squeeze // my chi omega sisters & best friends

For more snapshots, make sure to follow The Brunette One on Instagram!

 @_thebrunetteone

PS. Thanks to Chris Bukowski for making it to the event, we appreciate all of your support!

Chris  {from Bachelorette/Bachelor Pad fame} sporting his twelve swag!

{Sort of awesome that the bracelet I created made it on national television!!}

Sarah, the creator and co-founder of twelve, and Chris #gotontheboat!

For more information on twelve and what we are doing this year - make sure to head over to our Facebook page and pick up your twelve swag over here! All proceeds this month benefit CFF!

Chicago

A quick recap of an amazing weekend spent in Chicago. C & I spent Saturday wandering the city & eventually made our way to Navy Pier.  We then ventured to our friend's rooftop for a few cold drinks before the storm rolled in. The storm didn't ruin our evening plans and we were able to #getontheboat for twelve's Cruise for a Cause {I am their bracelet designer, get your twelve arm swag here - this month, all proceeds benefit CFF} - even Chris from The Bachelorette/The Bachelor Pad made an appearance! Sunday was spent sleeping in, patio brunching, and convincing C to stay a little bit later so I could visit Zara {had I realized it was only a block and a half from the hotel, I would have done some serious damage on Saturday}. 

All in all, one j'mazing weekend.

the twelve team

Black + White

Sometimes there's nothing more glamourous {or reliable} than a black dress with a hint of sparkle. To switch things up, swap out the heels for oxfords {you're feet will thank you}. 

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{design - me, image}

Summer Beauty

A blushed cheek and lips drenched in color. 

That's all it takes these days.

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