Spring Dreams

It's hard to believe that when Chelcey and I went out to take these photos just a couple weeks ago, temperatures were in the mid 60s and I had a glimmer of hope that we might actually get through this winter without a big snow storm.  Needless to say, I was wrong and Mother Nature had other plans.  Even though I've been living in my duck boots for the last week or so, I wanted to share this fun spring outfit!  This gingham button-down is pure perfection and you best believe I will be layering it under all of my favorite sweaters this season.  And these rain boots were a Christmas gift that I have been itching to wear and I absolutely love them.  They hit mid-calf, so if you have problems with boots fitting properly I highly recommend them!  I can already tell that pattern mixing will be my go-to spring look.  Given the current state of things outside - snow everywhere - this shoot seems like something straight out of an episode of Glee, a la Singing in the Rain and me dancing down the sidewalk with my polka dot umbrella.  Queue the fake rain sprinklers now.  Here's to hoping this snow melts pronto and I can rock some colorful spring looks again!


Sweater || The Limited (old) || Similar
Gingham Shirt || Mindy Mae's Market
Jeans || Loft
Necklace || Gifted
Rain Boots || Joules
Bag || Rebecca Minkoff


Photos by Chelcey Tate

xoxo,
Amanda

Black & Red

I love the combination of black and red, not only because that just so happens to be my favorite team's colors but also because it's so effortlessly chic.  This amazing coat was a gift from my parents for Christmas and it has been a winter staple for me ever since.  The length is perfect for dresses and jeans alike and there's plenty of room for layers underneath.  It also has a hood, which is something I really wanted for those mornings when Elsa decides to unleash her furry it's snowing.  Boxy coats don't really work for my body shape, so the fact that I can define my waist with the belt is perfect.  As far as the shoes, I've had these heels for a couple years now and just recently rediscovered them for Wear Red Day.  I love them because the heel isn't outrageously high so I can comfortably wear them all day, and the Mary Jane strap adds a retro flair.  Since the 12 inches or so of snow that we got this week won't be melting anytime soon, I can safely say that this coat won't be getting packed away anytime soon.


Coat || Michael Kors
Heels || old || Similar
Jeans || Old Navy
Bag || Ann Taylor


Photos by Chelcey Tate

Midi & Mint {Galentine's Day}

Today I've teamed up with the one and only Chelcey to bring you two different looks for your Valentine's and Galentine's Day enjoyment!  This midi skirt is definitely my new favorite thing in my closet right now, and it's perfect for a fun night out with the girls.  Nothing will ever be more flattering than this kind of cut for me, so I am looking forward to pairing it with many different tops to create different outfits.  The brightness of the red with the mint is also going to be my new favorite color combo, I can already tell.  Like I've been saying, I'm trying to shake it up a bit with print mixing and the unexpected, so this is right up that same alley.  I picked up a couple new statement necklaces recently as well, so they will be on heavy rotation this spring!  PS - peep the new hair color and more importantly, lack of roots.


Head over to Chelcey's blog for her fun and flirty date night look, perfect for Valentine's Day with your sweetheart!


What are your Valentine's or Galentine's Day plans?


Top || Loft (old) || Similar
Skirt || Mindy Mae's Market
Necklace || Benevolent Jewels (sold out) || Love this!
Clutch || Charming Charlie
Heels || Target


Photos by Chelcey Tate


xoxo,
Amanda

Leopard and Dots

Anytime the temperature reaches over 50 degrees in January, that's cause for celebration.  Especially in the Ohio River Valley, where the weather is about as predictable as the next episode of the Bachelor.  These cropped red pants are a summer staple for my office wardrobe, but it was nice to be able to bring them out in the winter as well.  The combination of the red, leopard flats, and pop of polka dots is one of my favorites, and you can never go wrong with a little sparkle in the mix.  Layering is one of my favorite ways to mix different patterns and textures, and you know I rock a lot of polka dots!  PS - this is your last chance to get a glimpse of my ombre hair (and roots!) before it's going, going, gone!

Polka Dot Blouse || Target || Similar
Sweater || Loft
Pants || The Limited
Flats || Target
Necklace || BaubleBar || Love This!
Bag || Ann Taylor

Photos by Chelcey Tate

xoxo,
Amanda

Jewel Tones

I love to wear jewel tones in the colder months as a way to add color without being obnoxious - I'm looking at you, my bright floral dresses tucked away in my closet just begging to be worn.  Not that I wouldn't throw on tights and boots with a good floral dress now, especially when the temperatures randomly get a little warmer and spring fever sets in, but sometimes I'm not in the mood for so much, you know, much.  This Anthropologie sweater has been a favorite of mine ever since I scored it in the sale room a few months ago.  I love the crocheted look and side sheer panels because it's something different than your typical cable knit.  With the purple scarf and burgundy bag, it's the perfect combo of jewel tones.  Since it's so light and breezy, you can even take it into spring sans scarf and with a statement necklace instead.  Here's to hoping Mr. Groundhog doesn't see his shadow in a couple days and we get an early spring!


Sweater || Anthropologie
Scarf || Loft*
Jeans || The Limited
Bag || Ann Taylor*

*I'll link these items once Ann Taylor and Loft have their websites back up and running!

Photos by Chelcey Tate


xoxo,
Amanda

Perfectly Fair Isle

You may remember a couple weeks ago when I shared my budding fair isle obsession, and from this outfit it's pretty obvious that the obsession is very real.  I'm usually a chunky and slouchy sweater type of girl, but this fitted fair isle is absolutely perfect for a more put together look.  The jeweled details are nice too, because you get to rock some bling without having to throw on another piece of jewelry.  Although, let's be honest, that probably wouldn't stop me.  Paired with a pencil skirt, this is my new go-to look for the office.  And of course for a little fun, I added a chambray button down underneath and mustard yellow pumps.  I've been in a footwear rut recently (although I love those Crown Vintage booties, don't get me wrong) so I am trying to challenge myself to give some love to some of my lesser worn heels.  So far, so good.

Sweater || The Limited
Chambray Shirt || Loft
Pencil Skirt || New York and Company (old) || Similar
Pumps || Urban Outfitters (old) || Love These!
Bag || Ann Taylor

Photos by Chelcey Tate

xoxo,
Amanda