I'm Thinking Ahead!

If you know me, you know that I love any and every opportunity to buy a new dress, new heels, and do something special with my hair. When my husband's unit's military ball came up, I basically forced him to take me-I had been dying to go since we first started talking. 

So needless to say, New Year's Eve (or NYE as I prefer to call it) is one of my all time favorite "holidays". I love that everyone gets gussied up in their best duds (fellas, I'm lookin' at you) and toasts the new year together. There's just something so magical about the whole night. Plus, the champagne is usually freely flowing, and I won't complain about that.

Now, I'm well aware that it's not even November, but when you have a 2 year old (who obvs won't be joining in on the festivities with us) and you'll be traveling for the holidays, these things need to be planned well in advance! There's hotels that need to be booked, babysitters that need to be contacted, and the biggest task-an outfit that needs to be picked out. I always say that I'm going to have my outfit picked out well in advance, but usually find myself scrambling the day before trying to find something that suits what I had in mind. Well not this year my friends, I am vowing to have my dress and shoes in my possession well before Christmas (and while we're at it, I need a new skirt for Christmas Eve church-my newest record was shopping at Maurice's in my hometown 2 hours before the service). 

So, to kickstart my NYE planning, I've started my very own Pinterest inspiration board with the cutest dresses, skirts, bustiers, pants, and shoes. Want a sneak peek of what I've got so far? First, check out a pic of me and my [seriously underdressed] hubs from last year-hot mess central!

 

 Aren't we just adorbs? Ha.

Moving on...

I'm slightly obsessed with Lulu's again. I've found that I like the majority of the dresses they've got posted, and it seems like their prices have been lowered a bit. Plus, they have a fabulous selection of shoes too! 

Yeah, I'm loving the cutout/sheer trend right now. For me, NYE is all about feeling and looking sexy. It's about expressing your fashion sense and really glamming it up. For me personally, it's an opportunity for my husband and me to go out sans the nugget, and enjoy each other's company-so of course I want to look my best!


NYE is the one time that I wear heels higher than 3". My husband is only about 1/2" taller than I am, so I normally don't like to tower over him. I'm really eyeing the pair in the middle-I am loving the metal and the black together, so hot!

Of course, there are numerous other options for you to rock, and it's all about your personal preference and what you're comfortable in. For me, it's a cocktail dress and heels-for you it may be tuxedo pants, a flowy top, and booties-whatever you feel sexy in!

For more inspiration and all the links to the looks you see featured here, check out Fashion Lust on Pinterest, and make sure you follow me to be kept up to date on all the hottest looks for NYE!

jcp Classics!

I'm assuming that if you have a television, you've seen the commercial for JCP's (JCPenney for those not up to date on their "name change") new collection of classic pieces. They're a step up from your basic pieces, and every item they've got can easily be incorporated into any wardrobe. The best part of this collection is that basically everything is between $25 and $35! Buy a new piece each paycheck and before you know it, you'll have an entirely new wardrobe that can be mixed and matched into your current one! Read on for some of my favorites and how to wear them with what you've already own.

1. jcp Button-Down Cardigan- $25 | jcp Striped Grandfather Cardigan- $30

I love everything about cardigans. They are so effortless and are great for fall, because they can easily be layered. I'd definitely recommend having three essential cardis in your wardrobe: one solid colored neutral (black/brown/navy/gray), one solid colored "fun" (like the one posted above), and one patterned. This can be stripes, abstract, floral, anything that catches your eye. I love the gray striped one above, and especially love it paired with colored denim-a great way to take those from summer to fall. You can wear the cardi in so many different ways, check out my list:
-over a white/colored button-down shirt
-belted with a fun tank underneath
-open with a high-waisted pencil skirt and tee
-buttoned under a blazer (for those extra chilly days)
-open with a tank and statement necklace

2. jcp Long-Sleeve Voile Shirt- $25


I love how preppy this button-down shirt is! You can take it so many different ways, and it's perfect for work! I love a gray tank and statement necklace with this (try one of those bubble necklaces you see everywhere!). Tuck it into a pair of trouser pants for work or put a skinny belt over it and wear it with jeans on the weekends.

3. jcp Ankle-Length Pants- $20

These are a complete steal at only 20 bucks. Seriously. Get them in the black, fierce blue, and lafayette rose. So adorable, and perfect for work (yet again, see a pattern here?). I love the length of these because they are perfect for wearing with heels and flats. You don't have to worry about your hem dragging on the ground or covering your shoes. The colors are super fresh and can be worn during any season, just adjust your top and accessories accordingly! You could make a great color blocking effect with these rose-colored pants and a voile button-down (I like the ultramarine green solid colored one). Super chic.

4. jcp Colorblock Pullover- $22


I love how comfy this pullover looks. There's an array of colors and each one would look awesome with a pair of boyfriend jeans rolled at the ankle and loafers (I'm slightly obsessed with masculine touches this season). I also love it with a pair of skinny cords. You can even wear your colored denim, just make sure the colors complement each other! The pop of orange in this sweater is really fun and adds a bit of character to what could be an otherwise "typical" pullover sweater.

5. jcp Long-Sleeve Hi-Low Sweater- $18


Another great staple to add to your wardrobe. This is an updated, more sophisticated version of a sweatshirt. Just as comfortable and easy to wear, but a little more polished. The back is a little longer, which will help to cover your behind (I'm a freak about that). I would wear this with jeans, knee-high boots, a polished bun, and killer earrings. Dress up from the head up, and dress down from the neck down kinda deal. ;)

6. jcp Denim Jacket- $35

$35 for a jean jacket is an amazing deal!!! Seriously, go out and snag this now before everyone else does. There are SO MANY WAYS you can wear a jean jacket, and it can change the look of just about any outfit. Got a cute patterned dress that is just a little "too much" on its own? Throw the jean jacket over it, add some tights and boots, and you've got a whole new look. The white tee/colored denim or cords combination will never get old either, so this jacket will always be a "do". It can even be brought into Spring with shorts or a skirt (maxi skirts look adorable paired with jean jackets).

So what do you think? Do you shop at JCP? How do you feel about their new image? I think it's awesome and am super excited to check out this stuff in store and hopefully snag a few pieces of my own!

Until then, Happy Shopping-enjoy your weekend!

Apricot Lane Must-Haves!

It has been awhile since I've posted about my favorite little boutique, so it's time for me to play a little catch up! If you're a new reader, you'll quickly learn that Apricot Lane (or AL as I'll refer to it) is one of my all-time favorite stores. I love how they have ultra trendy pieces that are both affordable and high quality-you don't find that too often! The best part about this boutique (I'm a fan of the Peoria location, it's the one I always blog about and whose products I showcase) is that you can order everything either online or by phone. So, if there's a shirt that you absolutely love but can't order online, they will take your order over the phone and send it right to your doorstep-how awesome is that?! Not many boutiques are willing to take the extra step and guarantee that you're able to get anything you have your eye on. I use the "Shop Now" tab on their Facebook Page, but you can also head over to their website and shop there! So many awesome ways to order your favorite looks. With all that said and done, let's get down to the nitty gritty and all my favorite new arrivals! Be sure to like ALP on Facebook to be up-to-date on all the newest arrivals-order quickly because things sell out fast.

1. Don't Turn Back X2- $45

 

I adore this backless tunic/dress. It is perfect paired alone, but would also look great with leggings or patterned tights. For a night out, add a pop of color or sparkle with your heels and jewelry. For a day at school, pair it with some patterned leggings and booties. 

2. When The Cat's Away- $32

Every girl needs a little bit of animal print in her closet. I personally prefer leopard/cheetah print because it's a great neutral and can be paired with pretty much any color. Again, this dress is fabulous on its own, but also looks great with tights or leggings. For a super sexy date night look, pair this with some caged heels and a pile of bracelets.

3. Funky Leggings- $26

If you need a fun pair of leggings to go with your "Don't Turn Back" dress, these are perfect! I'm a huge fan of the middle zig-zag pattern, but the herringbone and the leopard ones are just as fab. A chunky sweater and comfy boots will complete this sassy and attention-grabbing look!

4. Nude Pumps- $42

These are the perfect staple for your wardrobe. The platform makes them possible to walk in, and the color goes with everything. Literally. Everything.

5. Skull Light Bright- $45

Doesn't this look suuuuper comfy?! I love how it's casual enough to throw on with jeans and Uggs on a lazy day, but doesn't make you look like a huge slob. The color is gorge as well. Wear your hair in a high bun, add some sparkly studs, and head out the door. You don't need much with this awesome sweatshirt!

Welp, that's it for tonight! Head over to Apricot Lane Peoria Warehouse (this is their Facebook page, and you can shop directly from it, isn't that awesome?!) to order these looks and more!

Happy Shopping!