recent [style] resolutions

In full disclosure, New Year's resolutions just aren't my thing. I think a year should only measure finances & the length of friendships - not the number of times you plan to go to the gym or the start of a "new you." If you want to do something - do it. You don't need a calendar date to determine the start of personal goals.

That being said, I am always looking for new ways to improve upon my personal style and love the pieces again that I become sick of. Far from New Year's resolutions, these are style resolutions that I have been working on recently, in an effort to refresh my personal style and appreciate the items I have.

Mix & match the crrrrap out of my wardrobe | In an effort to be more Glitter & Gingham-esque, I am challenging myself to mix and match patterns and colors that aren't my usual go-to. Of course it's great to have a classic "go-to" look, but I also love discovering new and exciting style combos. Plaid & leopard? Black & navy? All of the above, please.

Wear more lipstick | I alluded to this in my last blog post, but I am making a serious attempt at incorporating a colorful lip into my looks. I must admit, wearing lipstick makes me feel polished, put-together, and feminine. Plus, it's easy and inexpensive to change up your makeup look with lipstick.

Use what I have | Instead of always going out to buy the latest item of makeup or a new dress for an occasion, I am making a conscious effort to take a new perspective on items that I already own, whether it be in home accessories, makeup, or clothing. It's amazing what a quick search on Pinterest, a new pairing, and some rearranging can do. And remember: inspiration is often free [a trip to Nordstrom rarely comes with a small pricetag]. As far as makeup goes, I'm realizing I need to first use up what I have, because having less stuff just makes me feel lighter and good.

Of course these non-New Year resolutions aren't as serious as someone who wants change the world or hit the gym five days a week, they're just a few fun fashion goals I've been working on. So expect to see lots of pattern play, lipstick, and new takes on old items in upcoming style posts.

Do you have any recent style resolutions? Let me know by commenting below.

xoxo,
G

marley lilly love

I don't think I can explain my excitement when Marley Lilly sent me a beautiful monogrammed scarf in the mail last week! I am a sucker for all things plaid in the winter months, and a sucker for monograms in all months. This scarf fit the bill perfectly!

The scarf has a cashmere-feel to it and is super cozy without being itchy. The colors in my particular scarf are relatively neutral, while the red adds that perfect hearty pop of color that I crave around the holiday season. Not your style? When ordering your own scarf, you can completely customize the tread color, font, and scarf pattern to your liking. So if you have simple style or colorful style, you can create a scarf that is just for you.

I love mixing plaid with a striped shirt... Throw a monogram in the mix, and I am practically in love. What girl doesn't love an item that is uniquely theirs?

[ scarf | c/o Marley Lilly
trench coat | Forever 21, old
striped top | LOFT, old
jeans | LOFT
packable boots | Hunter ]

For a custom monogramming service, Marley Lilly has a quick turn-around time and are very receptive to questions on social media. I have a few other Marley Lilly items, so I can say with confidence that their quality and customer service are both superior. They always have flash sales, so follow them on Instagram to keep up with their latest promotions!

Thank you so much to Marley Lilly for sending me this lovely scarf! I can't wait to style it again and again.

Be sure to also check out Marley Lilly's other great products!

xoxo,
G

my tips for a happier closet

I'm a huge believer that half the battle of getting dressed lies in how well you organize your clothes. I must admit, after following these simple tips I have found myself saying "I have nothing to wear," a lot less and my closet is much happier.

1] Hang all shirts on the same type of hanger. This small tip has been a game changer for me. This summer, I decided to ditch any hanger that wasn't a thin huggable hanger. It makes me closet look much more neat, and because these hangers are so thin, my closet can also fit more items! Win-win. In addition, I decided to hang all my blazers on wooden hangers. This gives heavier items more structure, and again, keeps my closet more uniform.

2] Don't buy something simply because it is on sale. Buy an item because you love it, it fits well, and you know you will wear it time and time again. Otherwise, that item that seemed like a good deal is just taking up valuable space in your closet. Some of the time, sale items stand out in the store simply because of the low price tag, but end up being an item that is forgotten about once it's in your closet. In the end, you are not saving money if you never wear the item. Instead, put your money towards an investment item that will last you years to come.

3] Always fold your heavy sweaters. If sweaters are hung, their weight tends to stretch the sweater downward. I always fold my heavier sweaters so that they keep their shape and refrain from stretching.

4] Use an old bookshelf to display your shoes. There is no need to buy an expensive shoe rack when an old or inexpensive bookshelf works just as well! When I can see all my shoes at one time, I feel a lot less overwhelmed. I can quickly scan the shelf, grab my shoes, and be out the door.

5] Be brutally honest with yourself when you purge your items. Every season, I try to go through my closet and donate items that I no longer wear or need. If something has a hole in it, an unremovable stain, or simply doesn't fit the way it used to - pitch it or donate it. This frees up space for something new and exciting in your closet!

What is the best way that you have found to organize your closet? Please let me know by commenting below! Also, stay tuned for a post in the future about how I found my personal style - it's going to be a good one.

xoxo,
G

easy transition

Like most young professionals, I often try to stretch the life of an outfit by picking pieces that can easily transition into a post-work setting. Lately, I've been all about the skirt, tights and boots combo. It's so easy, chic, and comfortable! Below is one of my latest outfits that you can easily transition into happy hour or dinner with friends.

[the base.
skirt, last year, similar | LOFT
sweater | LOFT]

I like to call these two pieces the base. These items can stay constant throughout the day. It might come as no surprise that both the skirt and sweater are from LOFT. I love these pieces because they are both comfortable and seasonally appropriate. When paired together, they create a nice textural appeal. The unique pattern on the skirt is modern, while the basket weave on the sweater is super cozy. Bonus: the sweater goes with literally everything. If I could get away with wearing this sweater every day, I would.

[the variables.
tall boots, two (three?) years ago | Steve Madden
ankle boots | BP. by Nordstrom]

Next are the pieces that you can wear to make the outfit work-appropriate or happy hour-appropriate. As you can see, my tall boots are well-loved. When I wear these with a skirt at work, I tend to pair them with tights. For this particular look, I went with navy tights (at work, the less skin, the better in my eyes). To transition into a post-work look, you can keep or lose the tights, and put on these heeled ankle booties. They are perfect for fall and winter, because they are still dressy enough, but also provide warmth.

[more variables.
monogrammed necklace | Etsy
statement necklace, last year, similar | J.Crew]

When it comes to necklaces, I am definitely not shy with rocking a statement in the workplace. However, with the pattern on this skirt, I would pair it with something more simple, such as this monogrammed necklace. However, when you're ready to add some glam, I would throw on something edgy like J.Crew number pictured above.

Two simple changes can take your look from day to night. I would love to know, how do you transition your outfits from work to play?

xoxo,

G

bright flannel+neutrals: weekend OOTD

This past Saturday morning, the boyfriend and I went down to East Liberty, one of our favorite neighborhoods in Pittsburgh (more on this later this week). Because I am dressed business casual all week, I knew I wanted to relish in comfy-cozy duds on Saturday.

I've been dying to wear a good flannel/sweater combo lately, and this colorful flannel was the one that stuck out to me that morning. When I popped my sweater over top of the flannel, I realized that the plaid actually had hints of burnt orange in it. I was pleased that the colors tied together so well - enough of a contrast and not too matchy.

[All about neutrals with a hint of color.]

[flannel, similar | Target
sweater, last year | Madewell
pixie pants | J.Crew
boots | Karen Scott
purse | Tory Burch]
[Sidenote: I'll never get over the awkwardness of fashion blogger pics. Now I see the argument for blogger selfies... Kind of.]

[I'm a sucker for a good elbow patch.]

[My J.Crew Pixie pants are on repeat throughout fall and winter. Think of them like your favorite pair of leggings, but thicker and more structured.]

Next time you want to resort to your favorite neutrals, add a pop of color! You won't regret it.

xoxo,

G

hunter packable rain boots

One of my favorite things about fall is getting cozy. Wearing layers, lighting candles, and snuggling up on the couch with a cup of tea = yes. yes. and yes.

I'm always looking for fashion pieces that will transition well into winter, because, let's be real, the winter in Western PA never ends. The Hunter 'Tour' Packable Rain Boots are definitely an investment that will last you for many seasons and years to come.

I received my Hunter boots as a Christmas gift last year. I had asked for the Hunter Original boots, but because of the holiday season they were sold out. My dad asked the associate at Nordstrom for an alternative option, so they recommended the Hunter packable boots (aren't dads the best?). I'm SO glad that the original Hunters were sold out. The packable Hunters are without a doubt a favorite for chilly months. This version of the boots move with you when you walk and they are very lightweight.

To be honest, I search for excuses to wear these. I wear these boots even when it's not raining, because they're super super comfortable and the forest green pairs well with a lot of pieces in my closet. Wearing these boots also gives my leather riding boots a little bit of a break. An added bonus: they are flexible and meant to be packed away. So, if you're going on a winter getaway, you can pack these and still have room all those (necessary) outfit options in your suitcase!

These boots are also great because you can insert fleece liners for extra warmth when it's snowing. And, if you're thinking ahead to spring, I find it super cute when people wear casual dresses or jean shorts with rain boots. Need I name any more reasons to snag these?

what I'd pair them with: plaid, chambray, cozy brown or grey sweaters, leggings, denim.

Do you have any favorite pieces that last you from fall through winter? Let me know by leaving a comment!

xoxo,
G

style inspo: OP

I am feeling some major fashion inspiration from Olivia Palermo as I transition my wardrobe from summer to fall. There is something so effortlessly chic and put together about her style, and I am all about it. Is it just me, or is there something so cool about Olivia, but you just can't put your finger on it? Whatever it is, keep doing it, girl.

Here are some of my favorite autumn outfits that I will be re-creating from OP.

[Layers of black patterns/textures.]

[Blue+black is a YES for me lately.]

[Fun fact: the necklace she is wearing in this picture is from BaubleBar.]

[Fall layers, complete with plaid.]

[Denim + denim + comfort. This would be a great weekend outfit.]

[Perfect option for a chilly night out.]

I'm kind of obsessed with her. And when I say kind of, I mean very. Follow me on Pinterest for more OP obsessing!

xoxo,
G

brand focus: baublebar

BaubleBar holds a special place in my heart, and it is not simply because of their gorgeous & affordable fashion jewelry. I chose this company to focus on for my senior capstone project in college. Because of this, I've researched the company from front to back, and I've concluded I'm in love with it.

BaubleBar was founded in 2011, and has seen immense growth in the past 3 years. Without getting into numbers and other boring things, BaubleBar has had awesome collaborations with people such as Blair Eadie, Courtney Kerr, and Ingrid Nilsen (to name a few) and continues to prove itself as the destination for fashion jewelry.

While in NYC this year, I was able to make an appointment with two friends at The Bar at BaubleBar in the Flatiron District. Let me tell you... It was one of the neatest shopping experiences of my life. The Bar at BaubleBar is attached to their corporate office, and it is located in a larger office building. Once we arrived on the 6th floor, we were greeted by a young girl named Isabelle, who was our stylist for the appointment. We were offered champagne, but politely declined (it was 10:30 am). The three of us shopped around the little showroom for about a half hour before we made our final decisions. It was a pretty difficult choice, because we loved so many pieces, but we each ended up getting something beautiful and unique.

Notable: If you want to stop at The Bar, you must make an appointment prior. It's totally worth it if you're in the NYC area!

Drawers & drawers of gorgeous pieces.

I love the simple aesthetic of the room, because it puts the focus on the jewels.

Big decisions!
I ended up going with the Maharaja necklace, below the pink one (no longer online - but here's one similar).

After the appointment at The Bar, my love for the company was further solidified. I currently only have two pieces from BaubleBar, but I plan on purchasing many more. They are so versatile and glamorous.

Above is the necklace I purchased while in NYC from BB. I literally wear it with everything. Black dresses. Navy tops. Florals. Plaids. Chambray. You name it, this necklace goes with it.

This mint beauty was a graduation gift to myself (#treatyourself). It is from the BBxAnthropologie collection. It is no longer online, but here is a gorgeous alternative. I usually wear this with navy or white. I like to keep things simple and let the necklace be the focal point.

Needless to say, my wish list on BaubleBar grows by the day. I'm currently most coveting this necklace & these earrings.

Do you have any BaubleBar pieces that are on repeat in your outfits?

xoxo,
G