my everyday style: it's plaid from here on out!

This is a fall outfit of favorites… these four pieces: leopard shoes, distressed jeans, plaid top and army jacket are probably four of my most worn pieces in my closet.  So combining the four of them into one whopper look is a win in my book.

On a personal note… today is my son's tenth birthday! It's so cliche but I feel like we just brought him home from the hospital to our tiny little first home in Eastown, Grand Rapids yesterday.  With all his teensie tiny baby blue clothes and huge swings and carseats and highchairs that filled our entire home.  Now he is turning into a little man that is thoughtful, athletic and a little (or a lot) crazy! His tenth year on this Earth also marks ten years since I became a mom.  It's crazy to think back how young and clueless I was, and in a lot of ways how simple life was back then.  They say little kids, little problems and I always thought that was silly.  But it's true.  Standing on the edge of the teens as a mom is somewhat scary… but also exhilarating.  Our family's sweet little past and our hopeful future is exciting  to think about. Someone's getting lots of extra hugs today… I'm sure he will just love it (wink!).  

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:
Jacket, H&M (similar or similar less expensive)
Plaid Top, J.Crew (similar, similar or similar)
Jeans, Gap (similar or similar)
Shoes, Madewell (similar or similar less expensive)
Bag, J.Crew (similar or similar less expensive)
Necklace, Gorjana via Rocksbox (I'm totally hooked on Rocksbox! Check them out!)

my everyday style: everything plaid!

My plaid obsession has reached a new height this fall… everything plaid is basically my new mantra.  I just can't get enough!  Plus we've been having great weather where you can go with a coat or without and just throw on a scarf… it's the perfect fall set up in my opinion!

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Scarf, Zara (sold out but: similar or similar)

Sweater, H&M (similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar or similar less expensive)

Shoes, J.Crew Factory

Bag, J.Crew (similar or similar)

my everyday style: a pale pink coat!

I am equal parts totally in denial that cold weather is on it's way and also a little excited for wearing cozy layers and gorgeous winter coats (and the holidays are coming… but I'm getting ahead of myself!).  The change of seasons is always a little tricky like that.  Plus, we are having an awesome fall - the colors are so pretty! - that I am trying to enjoy the moment.

Like I said, awesome winter coats make the cool mornings and cool forecasts much more bearable.  H&M recently asked me to check out their new outerwear line for fall and winter.  I got inspired for winter by shopping their budget friendly outerwear options - most of them under $100 and right on trend for winter.  It seems like I've seen pale pink coats on Pinterest quite a bit lately… so when I saw this ultra feminine pale pink double breasted coat at H&M I snagged it right away!

Isn't it fun? And a steal at $80!

Details:
Coat, H&M - ℅
Scarf, H&M - ℅ (similar)
Sweater, J.Crew (similar)
Jeans, Old Navy
Bag, Madewell (similar)
Sunglasses, Warby Parker
Flats, Piperlime

my everyday style: casual style with a lace sweatshirt!

I absolutely LOVE the sweatshirt trend these days… but I have to be careful in which styles I choose and how I style them other wise they can look really frumpy on me (or so the fitting room mirrors have told me).  This could actually be a blessing in disguise as my closet could be about 20+ strong right now with sweatshirts but instead I only have two or so.

This lace front sweatshirt is soft as a dream and fits just right with no frump quality.  It's the perfect relaxed fall piece and while I loved wearing it on it's own, it will be awesome to layer as well - I can tell already.

On another note I recently had an a-ha fitting room moment… I am often between a size XS and S at many stores and I recently found that a Small Petite from LOFT fits perfect!  So if you are on the petite side and are often between sizes try going up a size in Petite sizes and see how that works (perfect for those stores that carry petites like LOFT, Banana Republic and sometimes J.Crew).

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Lace Front Sweatshirt, LOFT

Jeans, Gap (similar or similar)

Bracelet, Towne & Reese ℅ - old, but similar

Boots, Sam Edelman (similar)

Bag, J.Crew - on sale!! What a steal!

my everyday style: jeweled sweatshirt!

I think we can all agree that sweatshirts are a major win this fall.  In flattering cuts and super soft fabrics - I am a fan.  Add a few jewels to that sweatshirt and we are really in business.  

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:
Jacket, H&M (old - but similar)
Sweatshirt, LOFT (or similar or similar)
Jeans, Gap
Clutch, J.Crew Factory
Sunglasses, Warby Parker
Shoes, Piperlime

fall must haves 2014: loafers!

Loafer style shoes are so classic for fall and this season there are some great loafer-inspired styles that I am really loving.  While it will be sad to see sandals go along with the excuse that a pedicure is absolutely necessary this time of year - these cute shoes make me okay with putting my toes under wrap until spring.

Loafers are this season's must-have flat shoe. I love how they can be dressed up or down… you can wear them weekends and to the office and just about everywhere in between.

above: one, two, three, four, five, six

Loafers can add a great sophisticated vibe to a simple sweater and jeans combo… or are fun to pair with a dress and leather jacket for a weekend look.

above: jeans, sweater, loafers, necklace, ring, purse

above: denim shirt dress, moto jacket, flats, earrings, bag