Pastels. Vintage keys. And sunshine.

    What a beautiful day in Holland, MI! The sun was shining, and besides a little wind it was quite warm out! It almost makes it seem like we should be able to wear all of the fun spring clothing that is filling just about every retail shop! Soon enough:)
    Color is going to be everywhere this season! There will be tons of brights, but along with the brights comes soft pastels too, that will be equally as popular. Soft pinks, nudes, and cream sickle oranges will be found on everything from denim to tees to ballet flats.
    My outfit today consists of a pastel green 525 America boyfriend cardigan, layered with a nikibiki long sleeve top (only $25), a vintage key necklace, and my fidelity skinny jeans. Cardigans like this are great pieces to buy for the transition time from winter to spring where you want to start wearing a little color, but also still need a little warmth. They are also great to have to throw over a cute dress or with a t-shirt and skirt.

525 America cardigan: Jb and me
Abby vintage key necklace: Jb and me ( new just arrived too )!!!
Fidelity ace jean: Jb and me
Boots: FOUND

*winner will be chosen tomorrow for my whoopie cream giveaway! Don't forget to sign up! Just tell me your favorite bath and body product, and why you would like to win! It's as easy as pie!

Yes there is a charm with little vintage skis ( I don't ski, but thought they were adorable)

The lace is vintage too- so pretty. I love lace.

Cardigans are great transition pieces from winter to spring

Win this Whoopie Cream just click HERE

My Plaid Blazer.

    My Plaid blazer has been in my closet now for a good three years and counting.  It's one of those pieces that keeps being saved from the consignment store pile each season.  Lucky little blazer!  I've kept it around because A. Blazers are a timeless piece of clothing to have in any wardrobe, B. It's an item of clothing that can easily transform outfits into looking new and different, and C. It has a 3/4 ruched sleeve...something very hard to come by in the blazer department:)
    In my outfit today I simply paired my black and ivory plaid jacket with a black tank, some skinny jeans, a pair of knee high suede boots, and a multi-strand necklace. Casual yet pulled together.

    ALSO...Don't forget to check my last post and register to win my giveaway (Farmhouse Fresh Whoopie Cream-  One of my favorite bath products!).  All you have to do is tell me your favorite bath product, and why you would like to win!  Easy enough:)
http://lauraloves2shop.blogspot.com/2012/01/whoopie-cream-giveaway.html

My BB Dakota Blazer

Suede Knee Boots by Naughy Monkey

Multi Strand Necklace from a Boutique in New Hampshire

New Sally Hansen Nail Color Called Commander in Chic

Whoopie Cream Giveaway!

 
    As I've mentioned before Farmhouse Fresh Products are my all time favorite, so that's what I picked to use as my giveaway today: Whoopie Cream. All you have to do is tell me what your favorite bath product is, and why you would like to be the lucky winner.  Pretty easy huh?  Be sure to leave your e-mail address so I can contact you if you are the lucky winner!  Winner will be selected on Wednesday!

P.S. Be nice and share this with your friends they'll be happy if you do:)

Stay Tuned For a Giveaway!

I will be posting a giveaway on my blog today....be sure to check back, and also remember to tell your friends about it!

P.S. It's one of my favorite products!

Think Spring Colors.

    With all of the colorful clothing arriving at the store, it's made me in the mood to wear bright, fun colors. I think that's the reason why I love this jacket so much. The corals, pinks and purples were just the color splash I needed. Another thing I love about this jacket is the style... Something a little different than your typical blazer fit. I added my cameo necklace that happened to have the same peachy-pink color as the jacket, pink lipstick, and thought my light colored vintage boots added an extra springy touch.
     I keep thinking Spring must be close with this odd Winter weather we've been having, but I have a feeling I'm going to have to keep my chunky knit sweaters available for a while... the snow will be back... probably sooner than later...but as much as I love spring clothes I love a good snow:)

Laura

My Blue Sweatshirt.

    I find myself alternating...one day I dress up at work...the next I'll show up casual.  I'm pretty happy that I have the option at work to do that.  I think I would get sick of wearing dresses and skirts to work everyday (although like I said on yesterdays post I do love a cute skirt).  Today as you can see was a casual day:) Very casual.  I paired my Wilt royal blue sweatshirt with a white layering cami, skinny jeans and a pair of brown boots.  Since my top was pretty simple I decided to layer up a few necklaces that hung nicely together, which added some color and sparkle to my outfit.  This top also would have worked well if I had added a nice bright scarf, since vibrant colors are everywhere this season!   

P.S. I had to add a picture of me in my co-worker Laurie's reading glasses, I couldn't see a darn thing  but I just love the grey tortoise shell frames!  ADORABLE!

Top: Blue wilt sweatshirt (available at Jb and me now)

Jeans: Fidelity Ace Skinny

Necklaces: Vintage rose necklace, and Jordan Bell crystal necklace.

Reading glasses: Anthropologie

A Simple Look.

    As I've said before I love a cute skirt. You can wear them with blazers, simple tees or a good chunky knit sweater. Today I'm wearing a high rise, pleated skirt with my favorite niki biki long sleeve, scoop neck tee. The top is just fitted enough to tuck nicely into the skirt so you can see all of the detail. I added a two tone necklace with coral beads for some added color, and chose to wear my Hunter rain boots since they matched the skirt and today's weather called for them! Since my necklace is more of a statement piece I decided to wear my simple pearl earrings so they weren't overpowering.
    Best thing about this outfit is the skirt has pockets... I don't know about you, but dresses or skirts with pockets are my all time faves!

Top: Niki biki long sleeve top (Jb and me)
Skirt: anthropologie
Boots: Hunter rain wellies
Necklace: Jb and me (1 left in bronze)
Earrings: Thomas a. Davis jewelry (gift from my Dad:)

A Sunday Shopping Trip.

Usually Sundays for me consist of a lot of hanging around the house, but today I felt like venturing out to Grand Rapids to visit the new Anthropologie with my friend Laurie. I had heard from my other fellow shopping buddy, Abby that they were having a bunch of great sales, so I had to check it out for myself. It was a little picked over, but I managed to find two items that I really liked. The first being this Kelly green skirt. It's a bit high waisted, and has a great bronze zipper on the backside of the skirt. The other item I picked up was this floral jacket, which I thought would be cute simply paired with a black tank and jeans. All in all a successful trip. Now it's time for a nap...shopping made me tired. Have a restful and enjoyable Sunday!

Laura

Time For A New Do.

    It's been a countdown all week, and finally Thursday has arrived. The day I get my new hairdo. I've been a red head for a few months, and although it's been fun, it's time to go back to my roots of being a brunette, not to mention my bangs had grown so long I could hardly see, and my bobby pinned bang look today wasn't anything I was to proud of;)
    I decided to go quite dark... The darkest brown without being black was my color request... which Jordan my all time favorite stylist achieved to a T! We added some fun choppy bangs to add some style to my simple cut, and gave the length a trim.
Doesn't getting your hair done just brighten your day sometimes? It sure did for me today...

Anyone interested in a new stylist? I go to Jordan Kleinheksel @ Salon Cheveux she is AMAZING.
Salon Cheveux's # 546-2824

Changing my Color!

NEW LOOK!

Red Lips And A Pair Of Snow Boots.

I've been in a bit of a creative clothing rut all week with this wintery weather... All I've wanted to do is find the warmest/coziest outfit options possible, hence my outfit today. Long sleeve top, open cardi sweater, skinny jeans, and my ever so warm sorel boots (don't worry I don't wear the boots to work in, even though some days I wish I could;)) I've kept my outfit simple by adding a fun pearl necklace, my everyday watch, along with a bright pair of red lips.

Happy Wednesday Friends!

Laura

My Favorite New Bath Line.

    Normally I will stick to writing about fashion, but every now and again I will switch it up...like today:)  Some of you who shop at Jb and me might recognize this line since we carry it, but for those of you who don't let me tell you about my new favorite bath line Farmhouse Fresh.  The first product that got me hooked was the whoopie cream, not only because it is like the best moisturizing lotion for these winter months (has shea butter in it), but also because of the glorious scent it has...think of homemade butter cream frosting- but better!
    Next comes the face masks, I don't know about you, but I have always liked using face masks, reminds me of my childhood slumber parties, and buying the cheap peel off masks at Walgreens- always a good time.  They offer two different kinds: Splendid dirt which is a pumpkin scent and is a pore minimizer/skin de-gunker, and also the pajama paste, which is a honey & oat scent and is a skin tightener/redness reducer/super hydrator.   I bought many of my friends these face masks for Christmas, and they are all hooked now.
    The new lotion I just started using from them is called the sweet cream body milk, with sweet almond oil.  If you like a lighter lotion this one would be for you, and the light scent is perfect if you can't wear a heavy scent.      I also just got the one fine day face scrub, because my friend Rachel was telling me how much she loved hers,  so yet to try that one, but if it is as good as the other Farmhouse Fresh products I know I will soon become obsessed with it:)

*If you are interested in trying any of the products I mentioned I included the Farmhouse Fresh link, so you can read up on them a little more, or stop by Jb and me to check them out~!

Have a great day!

Laura

Gracie Makes Everything Cute.

   It's my weekend off at Jb and me, so I decided to make my weekly trip to FOUND to visit Abby, and my little furry friend Gracie.  For those of you who know me well, you know I am an animal obsessed person, so for the fact that FOUND has a little kitty, and little Gracie pup roaming the store makes my visits there all the more enjoyable:)
    Today I'm wearing my new purchases from Jb and me...My new favorite striped sweater from 525 America,  my new AG leggings in a very dark wash and my infinity scarf knitted by my friend Rachel.   Gracie isn't wearing anything special, just her fur coat and a flashy turquoise collar:)  I was checking out Abby's new rings at the shop and came across this cute dog ring for $15, and my big purchase for the day was this awesome cookbook called "Meat Club Cookbook, For Gals Who Love Their Meat" $12 (sorry to any of you vegetarians I may have offended from buying the book, but I love a good cheeseburger).  Happy snow day!

Laura

Ag Leggings: $176
525 Sweater: $119
Gracie: Unfortunately not for sale
Cookbook: $12
Ring: $15

My Green Wellies

    Everyone needs a pair of colorful wellies (aka rainboots, but I like to refer to them as wellies, because it sounds cute)  I very well could have worn my heavy duty winter boots today, with this snowy weather upon us, but instead decided to layer up with leggings, a pair of tall knee high socks, and my cute Hunter boots.  I love the fact that I can wear these throughout the day because of their comfort, and the fact that they look cute too, and when I am ready to bare the elements outside I'm ready...bring on the snow!

Hunter Boots
Ark& Co Dress: Jb and me
Laurie B Sweater Jacket: Swirl.com (website now closed)
Knee socks: Jb and me

The Baggy-Boxy Look.

The baggy/boxy sweater look is a really popular look right now, but at times can be a little difficult to pull off if not worn the correct way.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when wearing these tops:
1.skinny jeans, or a straight fitting jean will be the most flattering bottoms to wear with this style top or sweater.
2.belts are a great way to take a baggy look, and make it more flattering, and will also help define the smallest part of your waist.
3.If the top is long enough (like mine shown) these tops are often great options to wear with leggings since they aren't to clingy and form fitting.

Laura

Free people sweater (Jb and me)
Fidelity ace jean
Vintage boots (FOUND)
Abby vintage medal necklace $110 (all one of a kind!)

The Beaded Layering Cami.

This is what I call a steal of a deal for an adorable top. I was recently surfing through Urbanoutfitters.com, and found this adorable beaded top for... get ready for this... $5.99! I wanted to order like three, but then decided I didn't need three tops that were all the same, just because it was a good deal:). One reason why I love stocking up on little tops like this one is that they are so easy to throw under a blazer (like shown) or with a cardigan, and you easily have a few different options that can switch up a look. Another example for bringing this piece through the seasons is that I could add a ribbed tank underneath it, and wear it sleeveless for the summer months. Endless possibilities all for $5.99!

Tank: urban outfitters.com $5.99
Ivory blazer: vintage
Jeans: fidelity ace (Jb and me)
Necklace: h&m
Boots: ruelala.com

The Cuffed Jean.

The boyfriend style jean is always a favorite of mine... It has an effortlessly stylish look, and is perfect when worn cuffed with flip flops in the summertime, and this time of year with little flats (like shown in my pic). The style I have on is called the AG tomboy...it's more of a casual jean, because of the distressing and wash, so I tend to wear it with casual tops and t-shirts. A perfect style jean for someone who likes a casual and comfy fit! Top: Free People crochet sleeve top Jeans:AG tomboy (Jb and me)

The Sparkle Loafer.

    Don't these shoes just make you smile?  It's like Dorthy from the Wizard of Oz's shoe, but in the style of an old fashioned men's loafer!  What's not to love about that?!?
    I ran across these little shoes the other day while I was visiting my previously mentioned friend Abby at FOUND.  She carries mostly vintage shoes at her shop, but has recently started carrying a few "new" options like these loafers.  They aren't a shoe that I will be wearing as an every day shoe option, but with the right outfit they are just fun.  Plus they were only $29 so I couldn't pass up the price!  If any of you like the look of the shoes, but the sparkle is a little much, she also has them in a faux suede chocolate brown option, which were really cute too!

The Infinity Scarf.

    I received this beautiful infinity scarf from my friend Rachel who knitted it herself!  The talent some of you knitters out there have is just amazing, I only wish I knew how to make things like you all!  I've tried to have my Grandma teach me before, but only made a half of a simple dish towl before I giving up.
    This is more of an outdoor scarf because of the warmth of the wool, but I love the way it is such a chunky knit and can easily be looped around to create such a cool style with any jacket.  For those of you who have trouble tieing normal scarves....try the infinity style...it's easy, and makes you look like a scarf twisting pro while wearing them:)

Laura

Cowgirl Plaid.

    I was told twice today that I looked like a cowgirl in my flannel plaid top...whether or not that is actually the case I love this top. The print of plaid always reminds me of Christmas time, and staying warm on a snowy day for some reason, which are two things that make me very happy.
    Plaid was such a huge trend last year, but for those of you who still love it, don't fret, you can still wear your plaids from last year, or even 10 years ago (well, maybe not the ones from 10 years ago). I think plaid will always be around, and will always be a classic look.

Top: DREW plaid top (purchased last year at Jb and me)
Denim: fidelity ace skinny (Jb and me)
Large hoop earrings
Sixty seven boots

Laura