The Long Vest: A Go-To Layer for Spring

Spring weather can be so unpredictable. It had been so warm prior to my recent blogger retreat to the lake that I had plans to wear items like shorts. An extreme weather change, though, prompted me to rethink all of my planned outfits. One staple layer that survived all the outfit changes is my long vest (or sleeveless trench). Why? Because it’s versatile like that.

What I’m wearing:

Long vest: W118 Walter Baker (similar, similar, similar)

Tee: Gap (on sale)

Jeans: c/o Denizen (under $30!)

Boots: BP (old, similar)

Earrings: Kendra Scott

Necklace: Kendra Scott (similar newer style)

Ring: Kendra Scott (on sale)

Bangle: c/o Kendra Scott (on sale)

Lip: Mac “Carmine Rouge” lipstick (love new Mac “Starlett Scarlet”), Mac “Brick” lip pencil

I don’t know how I’ve resisted the long vest trend for so long because it can be such a wardrobe staple. A long vest can be that perfect additional layer for adding interest and warmth to an outfit. Look at how it transformed my simple combination of a white tee and jeans. It’s versatile and can be worn with anything from dresses to leggings. See how I wore this vest before with a short tee and leggings.

Nordstrom has a wide selection of long vests. You should definitely enter (and claim all the chances for entry), then, the cool giveaway I’m currently cohosting for a $100 Nordstrom gift card and an amazing stash of Kendra Scott jewelry. Enter the giveaway.

Photography by Amy Rau Photography

Shopping for a long vest? Here are a few fabulous and affordable options:

Lake Style and an Epic Giveaway (Kendra Scott + Nordstrom)

Happy Monday! I’ve been so excited to launch today’s post because there’s a special opportunity in it for you. You have the chance to win the most amazing collection of Kendra Scott jewelry (see details below) and a $100 gift card to Nordstrom! One winner takes it all. Enter using the widget below.

Left to RightJenna, Me, JacquelineCaryl, and Annie

Today’s post takes another peek inside my recent blogger break from the city. This bright-color-loving gal had to get a tad creative with her style to make it work for the countryside. I opted to pack pieces from my wardrobe that had more earthy tones. The dress I’m wearing is from H&M. If you can find it in-store, it’s on a mega clearance (I believe $15 or less).

What I’m wearing:

Dress: H&M  (sold out online, option, off-shoulder option)

Scarf: Anthropologie (love this)

Belt: Anthropologie (optionnew Anthro style)

Tights: Express (on sale)

Booties: c/o Rhea Footwear

Rings: Kendra Scott, Kendra Scott (on sale)

Bangle: c/o Kendra Scott

Lip: Mac “Carmine Rouge” lipstick (love new Mac “Starlett Scarlet”), Mac “Brick” lip pencil

Since I knew we might do a little trekking, I wore my most comfortable brown booties. They’re water resistant and crafted with NeverSlip™ outsole technology to prevent accidental falls. The weekend was surprisingly chilly, too, so I’m glad I packed tights. This black pair by Express worked well because the tights are sheer and blended seamlessly with the browns.

If you look closely, you’ll notice that we’re all wearing Kendra Scott jewelry. We’re huge fans of the brand. I’m wearing my go-to Kendra Scott Odette ring and Kendra Scott Hagan bangle. If you win the giveaway, you’ll receive a Kendra Scott travel case (see how I use mine in Traveling with Jewelry), Kendra Scott Tessa earrings in teal, a Kendra Scott Candice cuff, and a Kendra Scott Elisa gold pendant in iridescent drusy.

Here are a few more of the stunning images captured by Amy Rau Photography.

Kendra Scott jewelry and case is provided by Kendra Scott St. Louis.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Break from the City, Styling by the Lake

Sometimes you just need to get away! A few weeks ago, fellow St. Louis blogger Jenna of Sincerely Jenna Marie hosted a few area bloggers out at her parents’ lake house, a dreamy location in the Missouri countryside. As you can imagine, when you get five bloggers together in a picturesque space, lots of fun, fashion, and a photoshoot ensued.

We all had such a blast that day that we want to share some of that positive energy with you, so we have a special collaboration planned for Monday. Be sure to come back and see what’s going down.

L to R: Caryl, Jacqueline, Annie, Jenna, and Me

After a fairly long stretch of warm weather in the area, that weekend was freezing. I think we each had to undergo last-minute outfit plan changes to make sure our looks were weather-appropriate. If you’re looking for lake outfit inspiration, there’s so much in this post.

What I’m Wearing:

Scarf: J.Crew (on sale)

Shirt: J.Crew Factory (old, new option)

Camisole: Old Navy

Pants: c/o Venus

Boots: BP (similar)

Earrings: Kendra Scott

Rings: Kendra Scott, Kendra Scott (on sale)

Bracelet: c/o Kendra Scott (on sale)

My typical style is very city chic. To make it work for the lakeside scene, I pulled my most rustic pieces, including this old favorite gingham shirt. I also relied on layering to create a cozy vibe. As you’ll see in future posts I have planned from this amazing trip, I also chose very earthy colors in lieu of my typical brights.

Of course, you can’t visit a lake and not get on the lake, right? Well, actually, Caryl and I forget to pack our rain boots, so we decided to stay lakeside. We had so many laughs, almost to tears even, watching Jenna, Annie, and Jacqueline paddle the canoe. The steering was quite shaky at first, but they eventually got the hang of it. You’ll want to visit their blogs to see the amazing shots of them taking control of that canoe.

 

I think we laughed this entire trip. Behind the scenes of a blogger photoshoot can be very silly. It was fun to share that experience with four other bloggers. By the way, remember to come back on Monday for a cool surprise.

 

Photography by Amy Rau Photography

How to Transform Spring Showers into Style Opportunities

It’s officially spring and almost April, which means one thing—rain, rain, rain! And, rain can be such a pain. With chic rainy weather essentials, though, spring showers don’t have to dampen your style. An umbrella is certainly a must-have during the season. So, imagine the style opportunities if you choose a fashionable umbrella that accents your style.

I’m especially fond of the colorful geometric print on my umbrella. It’s the kind of print and color combination that’ll complement the colors and prints I wear all the time. Last weekend, with a looming possibility of rain, I made sure I had the umbrella with me. See how well it accented my mixed print outfit.

Tunic: J.Crew Factory (on sale)

Pants: Alythea (similar, J.Crew option)

Shoes: J.Crew (sold out online | might be in-store | try sandal version)
Clutch: Loeffler Randall (on sale)

Umbrella: Vera Bradley
Earrings: Kendra Scott
Bracelets: c/o Simply Chic
Watch: Movado (in silver)
Lip: Mac “Asian Flower” lipstick, Mac “Heroine” lip pencil

I’m wearing the J.Crew Factory chambray tunic in a size small.

It’s also available in white and olive.

In my original outfit, the dotted clutch (on mega sale) added the additional print.

The umbrella took my print mixing to a new level.

If you’re still looking for the J.Crew colorblock flats with pom-poms, ask a store associate to check store inventory. After being told that the flats were completely sold out by customer service, my local store associates at the St. Louis Galleria J.Crew store were able to track down this pair that I now own. If you still don’t find them, the colorblock sandals with pom-poms are a great alternative.

Suede shoes are definitely not a good choice for splashing through puddles. I’ve been casually searching for spring-y rain boots. This pair of Hunter boots in the color thundercloud, a hue that looks like a combination of mauve and lavender, would be perfect if I could find them available in a size 8.

Airport Style, The Return Trip

I just wrapped up my spring vacation style series, which featured all the looks I packed and wore during a recent trip to Curacao. My vacation, however, began the moment I stepped into Lambert International Airport in St. Louis to jet off to paradise. So, I also thought a lot about what I wore to the airport.

In Airport Style, I shared what I wore to fly out of St. Louis. Today’s post takes a look at my airport style on the return leg of that trip. To minimize my packing load, I styled both of travel outfits around the same key accessories—my comfy shoes and cozy scarf.

Blouse: Who What Wear x Target

Scarf: Anthropologie (sold out online, option)

Pants: c/o Venus

Loafers: J.Crew (sold out online)

Tote: Kate Spade Saturday (option)

Carry-on: Bric’s

Earrings: Kendra Scott (new for spring)

Ring: Kendra Scott

Lip: Mac “Fashion Legacy” liquid lipcolour, Mac “Beet” lip pencil

Hato International Airport, Curacao

Comfy flats for traveling: