the one with that 70s flair

Culottes, wide-leg pants, cropped wide-legs, or whatever you wanna call 'em -- I think I {with extreme surprise to myself} am a believer. First of all, they have the lady-likeness and breeziness of a midi-skirt with the practicality of...well, pants. Secondly, they pair well with the boxy tops that have been so popular lately. Third, they make me feel like Barbara Streisand in a 1970's dramedy. Can you say, "BONUS"?!?

Anyway, I'm excited to see how these bad boys transition into the cooler months. And did I mention my mom almost bought them too (twinsies)? Cross-generational style for the win! But to be fair, I'm fairly sure she wore them in 1975...but in a tasteful orange plaid.

For more ideas on how to style wide leg pants, check out my Pinterest board, "wear" -- I've pinned several looks on there that I'm pretty crazy about.

Peplum top: Banana Republic Factory

Culotte (similar): Banana Republic Factory

Sandals: Target

Necklace: Francesca's

Lip Color: Magenta in Sephora Long-Lasting Luster Matte

xoxo

A+J

the one with the {sneak-er} attack

Four days ago, we were celebrating the warmest winter ever with lighter jackets and (gasp) NOT boots. We were basking in the whole "Punxsuatawney Phil did not see his shadow" situation and the promise of a speedy spring arrival. Turns out Ol' Punxsuawtawney Phil totally Punx'd us (groan-worthy pun intended). We've had two snowstorms in the last four days and the weather is going to be absolutely frigid for the rest of the week. But honestly, I'm not even that upset about it. I savored this year's unseasonable warmth with every fiber of my Southern being, but I still wanted just a few snuggly, cozy snow days. And now, I've experienced the best of both worlds! I'm still hoping for an early spring, but in the meantime, I'm counting down to wearing my new favorite accessories again - the comfiest, coolest, most Dad-basic shoes on the planet - New Balance sneakers. Last year, I pinned (and drooled over) a bunch of wintery outfits with trendy sneakers while Snowmageddon 2015 piled 8 feet of snow outside my door. But this year, my sister-in-law and her husband (actual sneaker experts) bought me a pair of New Balances for my birthday in January - and surprise of ALL surprises - I was actually able to wear them before April! So for all of you out there wondering how to style your cute, adorable sneakers BEFORE Phil cashes in on his spring promises, here ya go. And for those of you stuck in an igloo - I listed some other links to adorable sneakers for your consideration and future buying pleasure. Because honestly, sneakers are the new flats. And no, I'm not taking that back.

 Purse & Scarf: Old Navy

Jeans: Banana Republic Outlet

Sweater: Gap

Shoes: New Balance 696 Lakeview

Other Cute Sneaker Options for your Tuesday:

New Balance 574 - Ahhh these colors, though!! Literally my kitchen - but on a shoe. I could look at all of the different vintage-feeling New Balances for hours and still want more!

Nike Elite Shinsen - So old school it's insane

Nike Air Max 1 Ultra - Available in a bajillion colors but I'm especially digging the plum. It just reminds me of something delightfully 80s and super girly all at once. 

Nike Juvenate - These have turquoise polka-dots on them. This is not a drill.

Happy Sneaker-Hunting!
xoxo
A+J

paint the town red

On Tuesday, Jesse and I and went out on a sixmonthiversalentines date (I know, I'm a nerd) and so I decided to dress up. Which means one thing: outfit post! I mean to post these more but I always feel so awkward asking someone (usually my husband) to take a picture for me. I may have dreamed about being America's Next Top Model (come on, admit it - you posed in the mirror after watching Tyra too) but translating that to real life is much more...odd. So instead, Michaela - my neighbor/delightfully amazing friend/servant extraordinaire, dropped by and snapped pictures of my outfit before Jesse got home. I'm lucky to have friends that overlook such weird requests:)

So anyway, I went with red because: 

A. I'm obsessed with it. I don't know when it happened but everything I own is now a shade of red. 

B. It's Valentine's week. Duh. 

C. It goes well with gold accessories. Which I'm also having a love affair with at the moment. 

D. This is what we call a "skinny" dress. You know one of those dresses that makes you feel like you magically lost about 5 pounds? This is one such dress. Thank you, Old Navy for the teeny bit of Valentine's cheer. 

Dress: Old Navy

Belt: Thrifted

Gold polka dot tights: American Eagle {Similar}

Booties: Baker's 

Bomber Jacket: Target {Similar}

Let's eat chocolate, people! 

xoxo