Tuesday, 11 November 2014

my everyday style: a plaid scarf!

Let's all face it… the plaid scarf is THE accessory of the season this year.  Am I right? (we are going to be so sick of these guys come spring) Any shape or size or color - or let me add: price point, these babies are ripe for the picking and ready to be worn!  Especially since temps in my 'hood have absolutely plummeted lately.  Here I paired it with a denim jacket (which reminds me, I should do this again… I loved the combo!) and a striped tee I bought this summer.  See how I just use and abuse my closet and bend it to my will?  Somehow a summer tee + jean jacket + plaid scarf = a late fall outfit. I like that kind of math.




(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:
Scarf, H&M (old but similar, similar, similar or similar)
Jean Jacket, American Eagle - ℅ (old but similar)
Striped Top, J.Crew (similar or similar)
Jeans, Gap (similar or similar)
Bag, J.Crew (similar or similar)
Boots, Sam Edelman - on sale!!!!
Sunglasses, Warby Parker

Or shop more plaid scarf picks below! (Scroll to the left for tons of options!)

Monday, 10 November 2014

more of a good thing… (pssst! the Nordstrom Clearance event is almost over!)

The Nordstrom Clearance event is almost over and if last week's picks weren't exciting enough I have another fresh crop of slashed prices on your favorite brands and styles.  The most amazing thing about this sale is that all these gorgeous fall goodies that are on sale will be great investments for the winter… so you can have your proverbial cake and eat it to with this sale!

Beautiful handbags, shoes, sweaters and accessories… this sale has it all.  But it ends tomorrow and stock will start running low - so check it out soon!



This post is brought to you in partnership with Shopstyle and Nordstrom.  Thank you for supporting the retailers that make this blog possible. All opinions are my own.


Friday, 7 November 2014

the minimalist packing list (how to fit everything in a carry on!)

The other day I posted on Instagram how I was packing super minimalist for an upcoming trip.  You guys wanted some more details and so here is how to fit everything on a carry on or just pack super minimalist for an upcoming trip.  With these ten pieces you can go for 3 - 5 days depending on how many outfits a day you need… if you just need one outfit a day these pieces could mix and match into ten outfits (or more!).  If you need one day and one night look, these ten pieces could last 3-4 days or more.

These are my minimalist packing tips:
- Be sure to choose the most versatile pieces in your closet to pack.
- Don't pack a piece unless you can envision multiple ways to wear it with the other items packed. No one hit wonders allowed!
- Choose neutral pieces that will mix and match easily for your entire trip.
- Use jackets to keep warm and as a layering piece to create a new look with a top and bottom that you have worn already.
- Creatively layer to make new outfit combinations, think of all the under and over possibilities that you can.  For instance, beyond the standard 'tee under a blazer' look you can use a sweater to drape over your shoulders for a new look or try a tee underneath a button front top.
- If you won't have access to laundry facilities, choose dark pieces that won't show wear or dirt during your trip.
- Let shoes, accessories and jackets add new life to pieces you've worn already.  Try unexpected combinations like sneakers with a blazer or pumps with a tee to change things up a bit.
- Always carry baby wipes or Shout wipes for any spills or potential stains - the quicker you catch a stain the better!
- And lastly, always wear your bulkiest items on the airplane or in the car. It frees up more space in your suitcase that way!

Did I miss anything? What would you add to this list of tips?


Thursday, 6 November 2014

It's the fall Nordstrom clearance event!

The fall Nordstrom clearance event is here and it's officially time to get your shop on!  Featuring top brands, the fall's top trends and up to 40% off fall merchandise - it's definitely time to stock up.

And with pieces like boots, jeans, sweaters, outerwear and accessories you will be saving big on pieces that you can wear all through the winter. Here are my top picks for the sale… it's hard to chose a favorite but I am always partial to boots and denim on sale.  What are your favorites?

This sale goes through November 11 - but hurry, because your favorite pieces will sell out quickly!



or, shop the pieces below…
This post is brought to you in partnership with Shopstyle and Nordstrom.  Thank you for supporting the retailers that make this blog possible. All opinions are my own.

Wednesday, 5 November 2014

my everyday style: a wool camel coat!

Of all the investments I've made for my wardrobe I think that a wool camel coat is the one that earns the most dividends.  I try to add a new coat (or two!) to my closet each winter and I never regret it.  And for some reason, this simple coat is my favorite of the bunch.  A warm and beautiful coat can really dress up any outfit.  Not to mention help pass the dreary winter days that we are in for over the next couple of months.   

I particularly like a belted wool coat like this one to define my waist, even while wearing several layers.  It feels lady like and slim while still keeping me warm.  

wool camel coat

wool camel coat

wool camel coat

wool camel coat

wool camel coat
(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)
Details:
Coat, J.Crew Factory (similar or similar)
Scarf, J.Crew Factory 
Chambray Top, J.Crew Factory (similar)
Jeans, Gap (similar)
Boots, Coach (similar)
Bag, J.Crew (similar)


Tuesday, 4 November 2014

keep warm. stay stylish.

November is here and it brought with it the standard cold temps… I almost think of November as winter, but technically it is still late fall.  Either way you are going to need a little extra something to keep you warm and stylish in the weeks and months to come.

I always love stocking up on a few new cold weather essentials this time of year to make sure that I am looking and feeling warm.  I tend to wear scarves from now until March all day long, so a few new ones in the stash are a must.  I happen to always be freezing.  I always like to make sure I have a hat and gloves on hand too just in case.  These stylish pieces will make staring down the long cold winter a little brighter!





Monday, 3 November 2014

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!)