Blushed

Blush is one of my favorite spring neutrals. Though lately I’ve been going out of my comfort zone and playing with color more, my default is always neutrals. But even I can’t totally embrace black in the summer so with the warmer months coming blush is a nice neutral to stock up on. The right …

Everyday Sparkle

This month has been crazy busy so I’m dreadfully delinquent on my posts here! For that I am sorry however when you hear what I’ve been working on I hope you’ll forgive me ;). The past few weeks we’ve been in Spain! We took a ton of great photos there and I am hard at …

Cape Convert

You guys, this cape is EVERYTHING. And it’s only $40 at Target. I love it. I’m usually such a blazer fan but this cape has made me a convert. You get the versatility of a blazer but you can move! I love blazers but sometimes they can restrict movement so I’m loving that this cape gives …

Vested Interest

According to the calendar it’s officially Spring but here in The Mitten mother nature hasn’t quite gotten there yet. As such I have to resist the urge to put away all my sweaters and pull out my espadrilles and sandals. It’s not an easy thing to marry Winter and Spring together. No two seasons could …

Denim for Days

Spring is finally starting to sprout up here in The Mitten and it has me storing up my warmer season staples. This H&M Conscious chambray shirt is def going to be my go-to along with my distressed denim. The trick to keeping all denim looks from going Canadian tuxedo is to vary the shades of …

Studly

  One of the best investments you can make in your wardrobe is a statement jacket. This leather jacket I scored from Zara looks like it could have come from a high-end brand like Acne or AllSaints. Instead I got it on sale and have never been able to find one like it for much under …

No Stone Unturned

One of the things I love most about fashion is its ability to make you feel like you can do anything. Like when you’re excited to get dressed in the morning because you’re feeling inspired by putting things you already have together in a new way. Shopping your closet is one of my fav ways to get a new perspective and that helps carry over in my attitude for the rest of my day. Accessories are the best and easiest ways to update and add interest to an ensemble that’s been around more than you care to admit. I’ve probably worn this combo of wide leg jean and tuxedo jacket a million times but adding the ear cuff elevated it to new heights. So open your closet, grab your fav outfit, and then mix it up. Add a different cuff bracelet, statement necklace, or shoe and voilá! You’re ready to see things differently today!

0065HouseBlend3WEB

0071HouseBlend3WEB

0070HouseBlend3WEB

0062HouseBlend3WEB

0075HouseBlend3WEB

Photos by Amie Akers

jacket by Express – similar here, bow blouse by H&M – similar here, jeans by Banana Republic, earrings by BaubleBar,

Monochrome State of Mind

I’ve never been interested in rules of fashion. In fact, I was embracing trends long before I knew there was such a thing. I’ve always felt like rules were meant to be bent, nowhere more so than in fashion. Here is one that I actually can get behind though – monochromatic dressing. As someone who needs 2 inch heels to reach 5 feet tall and is constantly asking people to reach the top shelf in the grocery store, I can appreciate anything that makes me look taller. The trick is to add interest by playing with texture. Here I’ve played with knits and leather and added layered wrist-wear for a little extra something. After all, every girl needs a little bling ;).

0089HouseBlend3WEB

0090HouseBlend3WEB

0098HouseBlend3WEB

Hint: Any writing on your jewelry should be worn so those looking at it can read it right-side up.

0097HouseBlend3WEB

0092HouseBlend3WEB

0099HouseBlend3WEB

Photos by Amie Akers

Pants by H&M – similar here and here.
Sweater by BCBG – similar here.
Scarf by Zara – similar here and here.
Watch by Cluse.
Bracelet by Michael Kors – similar here.
Cuff bracelet by BaubleBar.
Glasses by Krewe – similar here.

Trench Coat with a Twist

There are few things I love more than a designer collaboration with one of my favorite fast-fashion retailers. Something about all that hype and anticipation makes them like the Rose Bowl of the fashion world. Probably one of my favorites to date is the Altuzarra for Target collection. This trench combines the versatility of the trench with the elegance of a dress. The contrasting coated jean sleeves give it an edge so it’s the perfect balance of femininity, classic, and fashion forward style.

img_0281 copy

img_0247 copy

img_0262 copy

img_0324 copy

Trench Coat – Altuzarra for Target, similar here and here
Jeans – 7 For All Mankind, similar here
Heels – Zara, similar here
Watch – Cluse, similar here

Photos by Amie Akers

New Year’s Dreams

Today started a new year and with all this beautiful snow at our lake cabin I couldn’t resist a walk on nature’s blank slate. It was as if nature knew we were all starting over and wanted to join in! Our lake cabin has always been my second home so it’s only appropriate to celebrate the holidays here. The property has been in our family for almost 60 years! One of my favorite things is to go for a walk amongst the trees and down paths that have watched me grow up over the years. Today as I walked, I reflected on the year past and wondered what 2016 would bring. As Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living,” and this time of year brings ample reminders to be mindful and purposeful in the year to come. Having just celebrated all of life’s blessings amongst family and friends, we give thanks for the things God  has given us. It is under that influence that we are invited to see what we may endeavor to contribute in the coming year. As someone who has always enjoyed dreaming and setting goals, I revel in the chance to indulge in that for the coming year. The challenge is to set goals that are both beneficial and achievable. So this year as you set your sights on the seasons ahead, remember to set one goal each for improving yourself, your relationships, and your community. After all, our resolutions are just reminders to live a life more mindful of others and less involved in ourselves.

 

0005houseblendwinter copy

0013houseblendwinter copy

0009houseblendwinter copy

0017houseblendwinter copy

0023houseblendwinter copy

Coat by Michael Kors – similar here and here. Scarf and hat from Harajuku WEGO – similar here. Gloves and boots from H&M – similar here and here. Diamond Earrings – similar here.

Photos taken by DJ Kelley and edited by Amie Akers.