merlot love.

Merlot, Burgundy or Bordeaux -- whatever you want to call this color, just don't call it oxblood. Like seriously, YUCK! Merlot just sounds classier doesn't it? Here's a look I created inspired by the classics of Merlot fine wines. Enjoy!

Where you can find these outfit goodies--

I'm boycotting the name and sticking with some Merlot love!

Anyone else hate the name "oxblood" as much as me?? 

-Steph

the pink blazer.

I've been wanting to experiment more with wearing color at work, so when I saw this hot pink blazer at Old Navy a few months back I thought it would be perfect to do the job. For the first time wearing it I paired it with a basic LBD and statement necklace, but already brainstorming other ways I can style it

Anyone have thoughts of other ways I can wear this?

 Outfit Details

Pink blazer: Old Navy (similar) // Black dress (similar) tights and flats: Target

Statement necklace: boutique in Hoboken (similar)  // Watch: Michael Kors (same)

 How else can I style a bright pink blazer?

Hope you all have a lovely day! xo

-Steph

find me over at Because Shanna Said So, The Pleated Poppy

oh, darling!

It's the title of one of my favorite Beatles songs. And isn't that sweater just simply darling? If you've got the extra cash, this would be an adorable addition to your closet. But if you're like me you'll just have to admire it from afar because dammit J.Crew -- why do you have to make such expensive stuff??

Shop this post to recreate this darling look:

hope you all darlings have a lovely day! xo

-Steph

sequins, sparkles & fur.

I wore this skirt a few years back for New Years Eve with all black and I loved it, but since then have not worn the skirt. Like literally haven't touched it. How sad is that, that a sparkly little skirt gets ignored like that. So I decided it was time to break it out and wear it, remix it, and have some fun. And this is the look I came up with: complete with sparkles, fur and cute little booties to finish it off.

Outfit Details

Faux leather jacket: Express // T-shirt: Old Navy (similar) // Fur snood: Asos // Skirt: Forever 21 (similar) 

Tights: Target (good option) // Booties: Payless (similar) // Sparkle wallet/clutch: Nine West (similar)

Gold watch: Fossil // Spike bracelet: Asos (similar)

I kinda threw this look together while remixing my closet --

would you wear something like this?

Happy Monday everyone!

-Steph

linking up with Still Being Molly, Watch What I'm Wearing

winter brights

Anyone else daydreaming about being on a tropical island sitting poolside in a bikini and soaking in the luxurious sun?? Well I know I am! Need some help to get you through the dreary days of winter? This mix of pastels will brighten your day and remind you that spring is hopefully right around the corner. Oh how I love J.Crew.

Shop this post to brighten up your winter wardrobe:

Happy weekend everyone! xo

-Steph

also linking up with Casual Chic Mom for Favorite Frock Fridays and Two Thirty-Five Designs

diy: chalkboard tutorial

It's no secret that I have a love of all things chalkboard. I'm not sure what it is about chalkboards, but they are fun and remind me of my childhood. And it allows me to leave cute little notes, decorate for holidays and parties, create menus -- you name it. I've been on the search for a cute chalkboard for our apartment but only found ones on etsy.com for $200 a pop. So NOT in my budget. Then I discovered on Pinterest you can create you own with a mirror. Which was perfect because whoever lived in our apartment before us left a mirror that I didn't need. 

SWEET - I'll make my own chalkboard on the cheap!

What you'll need:

Any mirror you want to turn into a chalkboard

foam paint brushes

gray primer 

(preferably in gray so it doesn't show through)

chalkboard paint

(I really liked Rust-oleum brand)

chalk to start decorating when it's all finished!

 this was one of the easier projects I've done so far -- and definitely one I've been most happy with! The directions are simple. I took apart the mirror from the back to remove the actual mirror from the frame. Since I was happy with the way the frame was already I didn't have to do anything with it -- but if you wanted to repaint the frame this is when you would do it. Next you simply put 2 coats of primer on the mirror -- wait until it dries to start the next step. I waited 4 hours.

 Once the primer is dry, you can paint the first coat of chalkboard paint. Make sure you stir it well so the paint is even. And don't be concerned like me when you start painting and it comes out all streaky and uneven. Let it dry before you apply the next coat {three coats total} and I promise it will come out dark and even!

 Never mind the mess in the background ; )

and I forgot to take photos of the dry and blank chalkboard because I got too excited to write on it -- but here is the final product -- all ready for Valentine's Day! 

and below is my menu board for Superbowl Sunday.

Overall I'm really happy with the way it came out and how I saved myself a few hundred bucks from buying one online.

Can't wait to share all my chalkboard creations -- coming soon! xo

Anyone else love chalkboard everything as much as me?

-Steph

linking up with The Tiny Heart for Look What I Got

chambray & stripes

This outfit incorporates a few of my favorite things {stripes/chambray/boots} all in one look. I layered the button down and sweater over the dress to create a look as if I was wearing a skirt -- which is a great way to get more wear our of your clothes. 

See other ways I've worn this striped dress here, here, and here.

 Outfit Details

Striped dress: Express (similar) // Chambray shirt: Old Navy (similar) // Sweater: Kohl's (similar)

Tights: Target (similar) // Boots: Bakers (similar)

Anyone else remix their dresses into skirts?

Hope you all have a wonderful day! xo

-Steph

also linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Because Shanna Said So and What I Wore Wednesday

foxy lady.

While there's still a chill in the air {or if you're near me it's still downright COLD} it's the perfect opportunity to rock out in your faux fur or stay warm in a chic and cozy trapper hat. I love my trapper hat {seen here} and when I wear it D says I look like a cute eskimo! So wear it while you can because spring is thankfully around the corner!

Recreate this look with the goodies below:

Hope you all have a lovely day! xo

-Steph