Favorite Wears: Oversized Blazers

  I have been wanting to get into the oversized blazer trend - a blazer more for fun than work (though they can certainly work for both) - since last Spring when the casual blazer look started being such a thing. I loved the look on other people, but couldn't find the right one for me, without spending a ton.  On a whim, I got this one, because I thought the color (while I wasn't totally sure about it at first) felt good for Spring/Summer, and the price was right.
What I learned after getting this one, was that the double-breasted style added more fabric to drape and apply that "oversized" look without being too bulky around the shoulders/back (making me look even broader).  I also had fun styling this blazer casually with a t-shirt and sneakers.
I wear these sneakers with everything - and have over the last year (or more) I've had them. They are super comfortable and feel like they make any outfit a bit cooler. ;)
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What do you think about the oversized blazer trend?

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Favorite Wears: White on White

  Summer is coming, it's really coming even though it definitely doesn't feel like it.  But regardless of the current temps, I'm already switching my mind to lighter colors and fabrics in anticipation. Whether you work in an office or not, you NEED a light weight white blazer in your life for sure. I especially love it layered with other white pieces, making sure to use different textures for interest.
This outfit is my current favorite!  So easy, comfortable and yet chic - take it to the office, on a date or to your weekend errands.  And you can easily up the ante by pairing the top of this outfit with a pencil skirt or nicer pair of slacks for a more dressed up look.  
I'm not typically a big blazer wearer, but the light weight fabric of summer ones makes it more comfortable, and I'm obsessed with the white blazer look for something more unexpected.  I can't wait to see how others style this jacket.  
Shop this outfit and similar pieces here:

 Photos by the talented Elizabeth of Elizabeth Ladean Photography.  

She shoots portraits, engagements/weddings and lifestyle sessions all around Kansas City.  You can follow here on Facebook here and on Instagram here to see more of her work!

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Palm Springs, Part 2: The Parker

 

See Part 1 (Day 1 & 2 in Palm Springs/Joshua Tree) here!   On our third day, the morning of, we headed to The Parker for breakfast and to explore this iconic hotel.  You might know this hotel by the bright orange front doors (that's really all I knew about it), and while this property is small, every inch is amazingly decorated.  We probably spent way to much time wandering the space taking it all in before breakfast.
You can see some of my favorite spots in this hotel below! ...and shop my comfy exploring outfit here:

On the backside of the Parker, is a sweet little restaurant with amazing patio called Norma's.  We had a super yummy breakfast here, started out with smoothie shots served to us upon sitting down.  The latte I had might have been my favorite part! It came with a chocolate dipped scone, which tasted great dipped in my latte.

Stay tuned for more from our Palm Springs vacation!

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Favorite Wears: Winter Neutrals

  It's still cold (and snowy), and despite being just about over winter clothing, we got 6 more weeks of it according to Groundhog Phil (is that his name?).  I've been turning to a lot of neutrals lately. I think mostly it's a reflection of my mood and my goal to be calmer this year, but I think it's also just been easy. I like mixing different shades of neutrals to make it feel a little more luxe, but also remains easy.
The other key/tip to making neutrals not seem boring, is playing with the textures. I like the rugged jeans matched with the delicate white t-shirt and the long cardigan with ribbing.  The cozy teddy bear styled jackets this season has been everywhere - and I love it. This is such a soft coat and the texture adds so much to a look.
 Accessories also help bring any outfit all together, especially a more neutral one. I've been into more delicate gold pieces for the last couple of years, but love amplifying that style with these Nickel & Suede gem shaped earrings for this more simple look.
This is a typical work outfit/style for me - since I work at a relatively casual company, but I also wear this on the weekend. It's an easy everyday look with the ability to elevate it as needed - like a white button down shirt under the cardigan if you need to add a bit more professionalism.
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P.S. My jeans on sale, and I love them (high-waisted and suck ya in!)

Photos by the talented Elizabeth of Elizabeth Ladean Photography.  

She shoots portraits, engagements/weddings and lifestyle sessions all around Kansas City.  You can follow here on Facebook here and on Instagram here to see more of her work!

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Favorite Wears: Monochromatic in Grey

 

  The past couple posts, I was sharing some outfits that have been easy for me to pack and travel with on work trips (along with some travel packing tips!).  This is one outfit I wore to work, on a more casual day, sans travel, but that would also be easy to travel with!  Monochromatic looks are easy to wear, so longs as you have varying textures and then a jacket or accessory in another color that can break it up a bit.  Then, parse out and wear with other items easily for a totally different look.
What do you think? Would you rock and all-grey outfit?
{Outfit Details: Jacket (another option), Sweater (similar option), Jeans, Sunnies, Pom-Pom Sneakers, Bag c/o Wallis (similar), Ring}
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 Photos by the talented Elizabeth of Elizabeth Ladean Photography.  She shoots portraits, engagements/weddings and lifestyle sessions all around Kansas City.  You can follow here on Facebook here and on Instagram here to see more of her work!

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Off the Beaten Path: Hammerhand Coffee

 

  I love playing a tourist in my own city. Often times on the weekends (when the weather and attitudes are right), we have ourselves little family adventures, exploring new parts of our home town (see our last adventure here).  But, I also love finding new and interesting coffee cafes, restaurants and local shops to meet friends or for a date. 
I'm someone that will go the extra mile(s) for the good coffee that is in a unique environment.  And sometimes, the look of a restaurant trumps the best food. I mean, the food has to be good, but it's the whole package.  So, every now and again, I'll try to share some of those unique places that has good food/coffee/shopping, but a unique ambiance - like Hammerhand Coffee in Liberty, MO.
The coffee and food offerings at Hammerhand Coffee were great, right on and worth the extra miles but the sweet turquoise tile detail on the wall and counter and chairs coupled with the lovely table in the sunny bay windows, made this coffee shop worth heading to Liberty for!  It's also in the historic downtown part of the city of Liberty, surrounded by other cute little shops, restaurants and tree lined sidewalks.  It's definitely worth the trip outside the KCMO metro area for that good cup of coffee, snack and time in a new area.
Any other unique places I must check out??
{Outfit Details: Long Sweater Cardigan - last year's Loft (similar here, here and here), Jeans, Tank (another options here), Sneakers (this version is on super sale!), Necklace c/o Tulip, Ring, Lips}

Photos by the talented Elizabeth of Elizabeth Ladean Photography.  

She shoots portraits, engagements/weddings and lifestyle sessions all around Kansas City.  You can follow here on Facebook here and on Instagram here to see more of her work!

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