Kimono Chic

Tank | Necklace: c/o Julie Vos 
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Ruffles and Twirls

The kind of dress that makes you want to twirl – am I right? I love how bold and girly this dress is for spring and the price tag ($110) isn’t bad either! Definitely be sure to size down – this is an XS and the shoulders were a tad loose. I’ve been wearing the dress paired with block heels or even gold mules or slides for a more paired down, casual vibe! 

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Click Clack

Jacket: Gap | Blouse: Joe Fresh | Skirt: c/o LOFT | Necklace: c/o T Audrey | Sunglasses: c/o Illesteva | Tote: Target | Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington | Shoes: Nudistsong c/o Stuart Weitzman {also available here}

Since my career change to agency life, and an office full of guys at that, my wardrobe style has definitely been more relaxed. Pumps have been swapped out for kitten heels or flats and blazers are now more like jean jackets or cardigans. While I do like the more casual vibe, feeling a bit girly at the office is sometimes a fun change. Even if the boys do claim you ‘click clack’ around on the hardwood!

When the team Stuart Weitzman asked me to select a style from the spring collection, I knew I had to pick a pump that would easily work with distressed boyfriend jeans or the perfect pencil skirt. The Nudistsong in Bambina was an easy choice ;) While I don’t believe I have a wide foot, similarly shaped shoes such as this have always given my toes a rough go. I was skeptical but given the great reviews and my love for the 5050 boot, I figured it was worth a shot. The longest I’ve gone in them to date was over 4 hours and I’m proud to say my feet were blister free :) (No Hello Kitty bandaids to hide!)

Trust me when I say that the price is worth it for this pair of classic heels. The shape, fit and look is sleek and perfect if like me, you find your style quite different from one day to the next. Ive already got my sights set on the black pair! 

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Guest Room Makeover Challenge with Mogo

It’s been almost a year since we moved into our house and now that the main floor is nearly completed, I’ve had my sights set on moving towards the bedrooms upstairs. I was challenged by the team at Mogo to complete this bedroom makeover project with $500 and I’m actually shocked to say I did it. With so many projects on the go for this house, setting and sticking to budgets has never been more crucial to ensuring we can keep our lives and our bank accounts in check. Scroll down to see how we turned this room from old and dull to fresh and fun.

The curtain is actually a sheer panel from Ikea which we dressed up with pom pom trim for a fun, eclectic touch. If you follow along on Instagram, you likely saw the ‘before‘ scene of this canvas before its big reveal. The piece of art I had wanted for this room was $120 a canvas and since we needed two, my dreams quickly turned into a DIY.  

We had a major score with this light fixture at Bouclair. The chain was damaged around the top (which we wouldn’t need) so we were able to get a hefty discount and repair it ourselves. 

I love the pop of pattern that the pillows bring to our otherwise-neutral bed. I visited Stacie from Switch Studio (who’s such a doll!) and already have some plans in store for another project. She is the queen of upholstery! 

Headboard: Homesense | Table: Target | Lamp: Target | Magnifying Glass: Target {similar} | Candle: Diptyque | Rug: Rugs USA | Bedding: Crane and Canopy | Leopard Print Pillows: Switch Studio | Dalmatian Print Pillows: Aurelia | Tray: Homesense  | Mugs: Chapters | Blanket: Ikea | Pouf: Ebay | Sheer Curtain: Ikea (pom pom trim not included) | Canvases: Michael’s | Light: Bouclair | Pant: Behr from Home Depot | Gold Star Bursts: Target

As you can see, we had some basics to begin with: the bed, headboard, rug (from an old project), side table and a lamp. With these items in our back pocket and $500 to boot, we knew we’d have to get creative on how to stretch our dollars for this project. This included painting the canvases ourselves, sprucing up our budget curtains with decorative trim or scouring lighting stores for a great bargain. Overall, I’m beyond thrilled with the final product. Mogo’s challenge to stay on budget was tricky at times but when you’ve got multiple projects on the go, a mortgage to pay and other things in life to save for, sticking to a plan helped us to stay on track for our long term plans. So how did we do? Here’s the total damage:
Curtains: $7
Pom Pom Trim: $9
Canvases: $30 x 2 = $60
Blanket: $30
Paint: $30
Bedding: $199
Pillows: $110
Light: $99
Total: $540

Ok, ok so we overspent by $40. Technically, we failed our challenge but if it took an extra $40 to have a room that we absolutely LOVE, than I think it was worth it ;) Right?

Please note some decorative items were borrowed to complete the styling of this room ;)

Sentimental

Jacket: Urban Outfitters {old, similar} | Turtleneck: J. Crew {old, similar} | Skirt: 424 Fifth | Shoes: Christian Louboutin {similar} | Sunglasses: Celine {similar} |Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelet: Madewell | Brooch: Vintage {similar} | Lips: Ruby Woo by Mac | Bag: Gucci {similar}

Is there an item or two in your wardrobe that you wouldn’t trade for the world? I’m not necessarily talking big-ticket name items but rather more sentimental gifts or treasures you’ve held onto for years? For me, that item is this brooch. The two grandmother’s in my life (well one Grandma and one Nana to be exact) have always been women I look up to in regards to class, style and poise. Both very different in nature and yet, two women I’ve learned important lessons from.

Anything I can get my hands on from these two is always a valued item to me. There’s always a story, a smile or some background piece of information that gives me insight into the women that I have always known and loved. The brooch in today’s post is from one of these women and I’ve treasured it for years. It holds little to no value but yet it means more to me than any piece of jewelry I could every try purchase myself. It’s not just a brooch or an object, it’s a treasured item from someone you love. Every time I wear it, I’m reminded of her. And sentiment mushiness aside, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love having two stylish women with a closet full of costume jewelry and vintage goods they can pass on down to you?

In a similar manner, Target and TOMS have come together to show their sentiment. Starting November 16th, for every Target + TOMS limited edition gift that is purchased, Target will give shoes, a blanket or meals to those in need. One-for-one. For all. Why not share in a sentimental moment during this special campaign and help donate more than just an object, but provide a sense of comfort for someone in need. 

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Embroidered

Trench: Zara {similar} | Blouse: J. Crew | Jeans: Rag & Bone | Shoes: Target | Clutch: Clare Vivier | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: J. Crew, Kate Spade 

Boho Flare

Dress: H&M {old, similar} | Vest: M for Mendocino {similar} | Shoes: c/o Ann Taylor | Necklace: c/o Ily Couture | Sunnies: Karen Walker | Hat: Target | Rings: Gorgana & Griffin | Watch: Micheal Kors | Pave Bracelet: J. Crew
Stretch Beaded Bracelet c/o The Online Escape

Right before the weather took a turn for ‘0’, it was kind enough to grant us one more bearable Saturday afternoon where coats and scarves were not a requirement. Naturally, I took full advantage of this weather by donning layers upon layers and my best floppy hat. I was also sure to pile on the gold accessories to compliment this boho-inspired look and loved the fun accent that these gold beaded bracelets from the Online Escape brought to the mix. I’ve been mixing and matching this set with black bangles, a black watch or a stacked hand of midi rings. Be sure to check out this shop’s unique selection of bracelets, necklaces, rings and more! 

On Repeat

Blazer: Phillip Lim for Target | Trousers: Ann Taylor | Shoes: Zara {old, love these!} | Sunnies: Karen Walker 
Necklace: c/o Jeweliq | Watch: Micheal Kors | Bow Bracelet: c/o Jeweliq, Stella & Dot 
Bag: Prada | Rings: Asos

I love an item that can be re-purposed in your wardrobe and this blazer certainly fits the bill. I styled this blazer the day after the Phillip Lim x Target launch here, and I’ve worn it multiple times since. As the cold weather sets in, the buttoned up style of this blazer works great in the office. Since the neckline drops quite low, I’m always sure to pair it with a bold statement and this White Daisy Necklace from Jeweliq, is perfect! I’ve worn it solo in these photos, but I’ve also paired it with a rhinestone necklace such as this and they look fab together! Be sure to stop by Jeweliq for more darling items like the Triple Cuff Bow Bangle styled above! 

Anchors Aweigh

Blazer: Target | Tank: c/o C.C. Lake | Jeans: c/o Old Navy | Shoes: Zara {old, similar}
Sunnies: Karen Walker | Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim | Bracelets: Stella & Dot, Lauren Elan

Well there’s no denying it now – fall is officially here. As we begin to prep our wardrobes for the bitter cold, there’s one thing I’m at least partially excited for: a heavy rotation of fun denim. I’m a big fan of skinny jeans and their versatility. The latest line from Old Navy not only nails the fit for women of all shapes but they’ve also got some amazing styles such as tuxedo, coated, snakeskin and various printed patterns. This chic wardrobe item pairs perfect with flats, ankle boots or the fall must-have item, over-the-knee boots. From now until October 2, Old Navy will be offering these skinnier starting at just $19. Run don’t walk to snag this fall staple for yourself!

On another note, how much are we loving this anchor tank? I know everyone is bundling up for fall but the nod to warmer days never hurts! This glitter-embossed tank from C.C. Lake is just too adorable. This versatile item layers perfect under blazers for fall and will look great with a chunky knit in the colder months. Be sure to hop on over to their website for more fun finds!

xx Krystin

Since its first post in 2012, Krystin Lee has become a daily destination for women with varied interests in fashion, home decor, beauty and travel. My hope is to inspire you as I share my journey and I encourage you to join in on the adventure!