look of the week 7

I'm hoping to put a good dent in my Christmas shopping this weekend. It's a great feeling to have all the gifts wrapped and ready, with nothing to worry about except the household supply of sugar cookies and outfits for holiday shindigs. This look is perfect for December festivities and will translate into 2015. First, the cotton jersey dress is super versatile—understated, but form-fitting. It looks the part whether dressed up with glam jewels or kept casual with a hoodie (if you're anticipating an end-of-year bonus, get this one!). A longer vest has the effortless vibe of an oversized topcoat—drapey is in, my friends—and fur feels so right this time of year. And these heels? They're simple, clean and just $80. It's the only shoe I really need for nights out. The navy and black combo is a little more dimensional than black on black, but has the same sleek monochromatic effect. A croc-embossed bag adds fun color and texture, and mandarin lipstick is a confident, modern twist on your mother's red. Soooo, finish up your shopping, pop some peanut butter blossoms in the oven and join in the reindeer games. A sleek 'n cozy midi dress strikes the perfect chord. 

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*Nail polish in Night Flight

*Lipstick in Le Orange

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look of the week 5

Do you guys watch Parks & Rec? I just started a week or so ago after a friend suggested it, and I'm passing that rec right on to you. It literally makes me laugh out loud. And watching it in my little apartment with just the Christmas lights on and a candle burning is the best way to end the day. And the best way to start the day? This outfit (and a blueberry smoothie). I've been stalking these drapey sweats since early fall, resisted for a few months, and now the need has reached a fever pitch (Santa?!). My work and weekend wardrobes are begging for some variety beyond jeans, and the Turner pants offer that plus chic comfort (in nine colors!). It's freezing out, so I paired them with a warm sweater, but they look just as good with a silky cami or super-soft tee (love these from Illinois artist Megan Lee). Gray is big right now, and somehow I don't have a plush, classic pullover in the smoky shade—this one's colorblocked sleeves and side zips make it even cooler. Beige pumps will take you everywhere, and a chunky chain necklace adds texture to this otherwise soft ensemble (plus, great turquoise jewelry is timeless). A light toffee nail lacquer and tortoise accents (stack on something slim and something wider for depth) complement all the colors happening here without being too busy. Now I just need to know: what color Turners are you getting, and what's your favorite quote from the Pawnee crew?

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*Marc Jacobs nail lacquer (yes, again!) in Louise

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look of the week 3

Hey guys, happy Friday! Hope you had a good week. The highlight of mine was a junk food and wine pairing Wednesday night. The corned beef egg rolls and au gratin potatoes were amazing! This weekend I'm looking forward to swinging by the last farmers market of the season and restocking on some Clinique essentials before hunkering down for the Iowa-Minnesota game, catching up on my November issues and mixing up an excessive amount of homemade chex mix (my mouth is already watering!). A sleeveless turtleneck is the perfect cozy-meets-chic style for my casual plans. You may already know about my love for the turtle (catch up here!), but to reiterate, it has my heart because it's—well—everything: youthful and modern (in its minimalism and unexpectedness), relatively conservative (higher neckline) and COZY (this one's wool and cashmere). Listen to The Cut: turtlenecks are everywhere this season. And adding a sleeveless one to your repertoire will keep you a step ahead of the crowds and your wardrobe fresh and fun. If you're into blanket scarves (who isn't?!), this is like having one built in. At the same time, it lets a little skin show, so you're not too prim-'n-proper or just a giant sweater blob. Wear it with high-waist jeans on weekends or silk trousers for holiday parties to be trendy at every turn. This moody teal nail polish goes perfectly with the kicked-back vibe happening here (you have to check out the entire Marc Jacobs collection—the colors are perfection!), and layering a chunky cuff and slim bangle adds some edge. Finish it off with a bouncy topknot—because it's cute, better for scoping out the best Brussels sprouts, seeing every TD (go Hawks!) and baking your tastiest batch. See ya next week!

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*nail lacquer shade is Warm Blue. 

Also love Cora! 

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(that Pendleton bag!)

look of the week 2

My grandpa's pretty cool. Sunk a hole-in-one in his eighties. Let me cruise around the backyard on his riding mower just for kicks. Captained countless boat rides with a constant smile, uses weird words like "crumps," made me co-accountant in recording the daily car wash profit. Even more than those things, I admire the adoring relationship he still, at 94, has with my grandma (75th anniversary is around the corner! Get ready Willard Scott!), and the underlying selflessness that has defined his whole life. He gave up studies (and who knows how many other opportunities) at the University of Michigan to serve as a bombardier in World War II. When the war ended, he followed a different path, and though it was a much more modest one than an M.D. might have carved out, never looked back. He was, and is, content to live in the same small town where he was born and when reflecting on almost-a-century-long life, his service—in addition to his family—is what makes him proudest. Veterans Day is in two weeks. Observe the federal holiday with fashionable respect this year in a style inspired by the flight jackets worn by the pilots and bombardiers who defended our freedom throughout history. Bombers blend sporty comfort with masculine, utilitarian style in a don't-mess-with-me way. A mini skirt, sculptural jewelry and cherrywood lips soften up the look and ensure you're not surrendering all femininity. And in a season when outerwear is as important as the clothes underneath, a bomber jacket adds essential, of-the-moment variety. If none of that makes you feel airborne in the best sense, get one in salute of our serviceman—consider it a patriotic high-five.

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9 | This French Connection backpack is under $100!
10 | Audacious Lipstick in Cherrywood

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look of the week 1

For the 4.5-hour drive from Madison to Minneapolis last Friday, I wanted to be comfortable and look somewhat polished. While tempting, that ruled out my ratty (but beloved) sweatshirts. And though it was chilly outside, I didn't want to wear a "full-on" coat in the car for several hours, which gets to be stuffy. (Dressing for a weekend away is hard, right?!) The LOFT cape I snagged a couple years ago came to the rescue: warmer than a sweater (as November approaches, it's getting more difficult to deny those wintry winds), equally cozy, and prettier than most traditional outerwear. I wore my cape again to work on Tuesday and, as it felt like being wrapped in a blanket all day, don't have plans to slow down. Comfort, ease and versatility are normally sufficient incentive for me to buy, but Burberry's Blanket Poncho—the season's it item—is also making the style hothothot. You'd think the flowing silhouette might be unflattering, but in a smooth fabric like cashmere, the look is surprisingly sleek. And worn with sharp shoes and skinny pants (I like how this distressed denim contrasts with the poncho's refinement), it's decidedly chic. Add colorful accessories for a cheerfulness not even a snow-day tow can melt away.

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