Date Night Kimono

What do you do for date night? We usually keep it low-key (I'm trying to become regulars at nearby Park Tavern or Texa-Tonka—#class), but sometimes you gotta get in a dress and go out for truffle fries and fancy wine. A kimono is kind of stretch for me (or, more boho than I'd typically go), but it's one of my current favorite ways to give an LBD a fresh look when I do dress up a little. I'm obsessed with the luxurious drape and goddess-like feel—and I love it just as much with a simple black cami and high-rise denim. I packed this when I went to Door County last month and wore it with cutoff shorts and a t-shirt while we sat around eating cheese, so it definitely dresses down! 

This week is going pretty fast so far, although it's been busy! Monday night, Chris and I met his sister for a play at the Swandive Theatre. She had to see it for a class and invited us to go along. Chris and I agreed we're not really "theatre people" (the passion and earnestness in the actors' voices just annoys me and I start getting RLS by act two), but it was fun to stop through Seven Corners, a charming part of Minneapolis I don't go to often. Tuesday, I woke up early to get going on some work deadlines. It's so much easier for me to be productive from home—with my coffee pot mere inches away—when I'm feeling the pressure. Then I had a meeting at Barrio for a volunteer committee after work while Chris watched the Twins/Yankees wild card game with friends—I'm excited to have him to myself tomorrow! Maybe we'll go to Texa-Tonka. ;)

OUTFIT DETAILS

Kimono | Dress | Heels (old, Sam Edelman) Similar

Clutch (old, Target)—love this velvet one! | Necklace | Sunglasses (old, Kate Spade)

October Wish List

We made it to Friday! I felt like I had already worked a full week by 2PM yesterday, anyone else? I just wanted to pop in quickly to share a few essentials on my wish list right now! It's hard for me to find brown boots that I like, but I am obsessed with this pony-brown suede pair—how cute would they be with this striped dress and leopard pouch?! I'm also starting to think about sweaters for fall and pops of velvet (so fun with denim!)—and a metallic belt is such a great flash of fun with any outfit. A LOT of this is 30% off from J.Crew through TONIGHT only, so shop fast!

Our kickball team got beat 23-3 last night under the lights (it was brutal, but then it was hilarious) and Chris & I have a wedding on Saturday, so we're planning to lay low tonight and watch The Big Sick. I hope you have a great weekend!

Skinny Metallic Belt | Leather & Calf Hair Pouch | Sequin Cardigan 
Striped Turtleneck Dress | Velvet Cami | Suede Bow Pumps | Suede Ankle Boots
Velvet Hair Tie (4 colors) | Rollneck™ Sweater | Off-Shoulder Sweater

Fall Bucket List + 3 Must-Have Topcoats

OK, fall appeared OVERNIGHT. It's so disarming to suddenly see crunchy orange and red leaves swirling around the streets! It's bittersweet to move on from sleeveless tops and 9PM sunsets. But fall brings slow cooker chili, a general sense of coziness (give me all the candles)—and really pretty coats. I deffffinitely do not need another wool coat, but I'm dying over these refined ladylike topcoats that would brighten the sh** out of a dreary day. Ties were trending all summer long and I'm loving how they give these heavier coats a waist, too. They're the perfect thing to throw over your shoulders as you head out into the crisp air to tackle your fall bucket list. Scroll for 5 things I'm penciling in this season.

Wrap Coat in Majestic Purple | Tie-Waist Topcoat in Bright Plum | Daphne Topcoat in Bright Red


TWIN CITIES MARATHON
I have a couple of friends running "the most beautiful urban marathon in America" this Sunday, and I'd love to post up on a patio along the river and watch all the ambitious athletes pounding the pavement of this beautiful city while I sip a mimosa.

LEAF PEEPING
We're spending a weekend near Leech Lake with Chris's extended family in early October—peak season for the leaves (I realize I sound about 85 years old)! Nevertheless, I'm excited for pontoon rides in sweatshirts, overnight oats and late-night card games against the backdrop of a fiery landscape.

IOWA VS. MINNESOTA FOOTBALL GAME
I'm a Hawkeye (go Hawks), my younger sister is a Gopher. The Oct. 28 showdown is a good excuse to hang out now that she lives allll the way in St. Paul—and bond over a friendly rivalry, cheap beer and hot wings while soaking up the campus atmosphere in Dinkytown.

HAUNTED HOUSE
Chris's older sister turns the big 4-0 next month, so we got tickets to the haunted basement (she loves all things spooky). Head out to Aamodt's for apple picking (I want to attempt an apple crisp!) and alllll the autumn things if you prefer PG fun.

PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST
Pick up growlers of seasonal brews and invite your friends over to make jack-o-lanterns and sample all the limited-edition flavors. Strap into some lederhosen and hit up Gasthof's Oktoberfest for the after-party.


Walking through the newly remodeled Minneapolis sculpture garden before it snows (I've never been!) and trying Trapeze, a Champagne bar coming soon from Barbette (how perfect for a special occasion) are a couple more things I'm keeping in mind as we wind through the season. What's on your list for fall? 

Camo Jacket + Culotte Jumpsuit

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? It was 90º in Minneapolis for the first day of fall, so while I was anticipating trying Starbucks' new maple pecan latte, INSTEAD—Chris and I last-minute decided to take off early and head up to his sister's for one last day at the lake (the hot drinks can wait). After a couple of hours on the boat, we drove into town for dinner at the local Mexican restaurant, then sat around the fire until I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. Basically, my ideal day. 

It's back to reality today, and I'm sharing two fall essentials you can wear now and will love all season long: a camo jacket and a culotte jumpsuit. Think of a camo jacket as the cooler, edgier version of your denim jacket—you can wear it all the same places and it's truly a neutral. Everyone at my office has one. Mine is almost as lightweight as a shirt, so it's easy to layer onto any outfit and doesn't feel overbearing or bulky when you're trying to GSD. A link to my exact jacket is at the bottom of this post, and here are 5 more must-have styles! 

Also, if you haven't started wearing jumpsuits like jeans, get on board, girl. I could wear one every day (working on that). They're so effortlessly stylish—making them great for casual weekends and special occasions alike, and they're the perfect thing to wear under a cool fashion jacket. I love this breezy J.Crew version, but with colder days around the corner, you may not want to invest in summery linen. Here are 10 culotte jumpsuits you can wear now with heels and into winter with ankle boots (can.not.wait)!

OUTFIT DETAILS
Hair Ribbon: mine is literally from a craft store (this is a great option, too)
Sunglasses: old, Madewell (similar styles here) | Camo Jacket | Jumpsuit | Tote Bag (note: I really wanted a luxurious, real leather bag, but am really liking this faux alternative as I try to save more money! I'm finding that expensive bags aren't where I want to invest.) | Denim Heels

5 Things Making Me Happy This Week

Last Sunday I woke up, spent an hour at the gym and ran a few errands before the Vikings 12 PM kickoff. Productive, with all the makings of a low-key and content day. But Chris called me out, saying I seemed quiet and asking what was bothering me. Nothing was wrong. I think not having anything particular planned for the day and then rolling right into the work week was making me feel BLAH. Like I was just waiting for Monday to arrive (dun dun dun). 

I started planning my fall bucket list (coming soon!)—a fun way to get more out of the season and, yes, avoid some empty Sundays—and it ironically inspired me to write down the simple things making me happy right now. It's easy to get caught up in the swirl of the routine and glaze over your perfect morning cup of coffee, but if you can't enjoy what's happening on the sidelines of the bucket list stuff, something's not right! Here are 5 little highs from my week! 

THE DAILY

a daily (!) 20-minute news podcast from The New York Times that dives a little deeper into need-to-know topics than GMA. I can usually get through an episode driving to and from work (easy!) and it makes me feel a lot more informed. 

AMERICAN HORROR STORY

Chris and I loooooved Ozark on Netflix, and AHS is satisfying our thirst for another thriller. Lame as it may sound, it's fun to have a really good show to snuggle up with mid-week. 

LATTES AT HOME 

I survived on black coffee for the last few months and recently rediscovered how delicious a cappuccino or latte from my Keurig can be—just the thing for chilly fall mornings. Sorry, Folgers.

ADULTING

Checked doctor and dentist appointments off my list! There's a lot I don't understand about insurance and benefits, but at least I'm doing the basic check-ups! 

BIRDS OF PARADISE

The Aveda F/W hair color & makeup collection went live on Monday!!!!! (So far I only see the makeup portion online, but I'm planning to meet a former coworker this week to pick up a copy of the look book.) This was my biggest project while I worked there. First of all, I'm proud of myself for working and earning my way into a brand like Aveda. Second, for then navigating the difficult territory this launch involved: i.e. writing quotes designed to inspire and intrigue professional stylists, and then articulating how birds had inspired the artists in creating different hair colors. I spent daysss creating collection name lists, reading through interview transcripts and researching minerals, flowers and plants to create makeup shade names and hair color names. It was Christmastime when the final creative was approved (feels like a lifetime ago!) and it's so fun to finally see it for real, 9 months later!  I'll definitely be swinging by Aveda soon to purchase the collection as a keepsake. 

P.S. This striped Kate Spade shift is also making me pretty happy. It's perfect for these 80º one minute, 60º the next temps, and the options really are endless—I wear it to work with wedges, on weekends with sneakers, and am even considering it for a farmhouse wedding at the end of the month. Kate Spade is usually out of my price range, but I knew I'd get plenty of mileage out of this super versatile style—and had a discount code. Here are a few styles I'd also wear non-stop: knit flounce dress, sleeveless midi (so cute with a leather jacket!), ruffle shift, long-sleeve midi (obsessed!). 

OUTFIT DETAILS 

Dress (old, Kate Spade) | Sunglasses | Crossbody Bag (similar here) 

Sneakers (Superga) | Bandana | Denim Jacket (old, BlankNYC. can't go wrong with this classic style.) 

Labor Day Weekend Packing List

The long weekend is (almost) here! I'm heading to Door County (I've never been!) for a bachelorette party and can't wait—here's what I'm packing.

 A chic and travel-friendly bodysuit for Friday (we'll get there around 7 PM for a low-key dinner) + a hat to hide end-of-week hair. Saturday: a breezy dress that goes from day to night and a bandana wrapped around my wrist as a "bracelet"—new favorite thing. Appropriate for Wisconsin, right? Sunday: another easy dress (feeling very boho lately), accessorized with an iPhone crossbody so I'm ready to 'gram at every moment. Easy nude sandals that I can wear with every outfit and an under-$100 faux leather jacket* to throw on at night will be clutch—and save suitcase space for all the wine, duh.

Follow along on Instagram for real-time updates! Spoiler alert: a goat & cheese tour is involved. Happy Labor Day loves!

*check out my fall jacket guide for more must-have transitional options! 

Hat | Bodysuit | Jeans 

Bandana | Maxi Dress (3 colors and under $80!)

iPhone Crossbody Case | Mini Dress | Sandals

5 Jackets for a Fall Wedding

Happy Friday, friends! I am in complete denial that September starts next week—except it's only 65 degrees right now (brr) so I guess that makes it feel pretty real. Up until last week I was all about sleeveless summery tops, but with the arrival of an October wedding invite, I've started thinking about fall events. I'm excited to wear a gown to the black-tie-optional ceremony that is quickly approaching and decided on this easy but elegant maxi that could lean casual (with slides and a jean jacket) or dressy (with big sparkly earrings and a gold tassel necklace).

The tricky part of an October Midwest wedding is the jacket (right?!). I want to wear something heavier than my trench, more fun than my puffer—and the glossy pashminas I stocked up on while studying abroad circa 2009 (ha) feel dated. I spent some time searching around this week for new options and found 5 amazing layers that would be great for a wedding AND every day. I want them all!

1. A cashmere wrap or long draped cardigan—the ultimate travel accessory and a lusciously elegant layer on top of a flowy gown.
2. A velvet quilted jacket—love this sport-luxe mix. Velvet is going to be everywhere this fall.
3. A delicate kimono—obsessing over these goddess-like caftans. So pretty poolside or on date night.

4. A faux fur vest—the glam outfit-completer to wear to work and special occasions.
5. A faux leather jacket—the all-season staple for indoors and out. 

Do you have any fall weddings this year? Tell me: what are you wearing?! 

My Summer Playlist

Happy Friday! I'm feeling the relief in a different way this week. I really like my job—but working at a smaller company has its pains. Processes are mushy, roles are blurry. I came home last night and just cried. The cure for a rough week? Good music and fun clothes. I've been blasting my summer playlist as I work from home today and it's definitely helping. (Lots of Francis and the Lights—we saw them in March and it was so.good.—and new Haim. Scroll down to listen!) And I bought this lavender peplum top before all the drama went down, but it's still cheering me up to know I get to wear it this weekend. The color is to-die. We'll be up north-ish again for Chris's family's annual summer Lake Day and I plan to pull it out for the birthday party happening on Saturday. I'll be posting pics and stories so follow the fun on Instagram!

Earrings | Top | Clutch | Shorts | Sandals

SUMMER JACKET EDIT

We made it! Happy Friday! I hope you have some fun plans ahead for the Fourth! It's actually my favorite holiday—with how busy summer can be (it is shocking that tomorrow is July), it's nice to have a dedicated day to slow down, hang at the lake and watch some fireworks.

Before you totally tune out in favor of stars, stripes and sparklers, I had to post a PSA about jackets. I'm not sure how I missed the memo on these cute outfit completers, but I really hadn't thought much about jackets as a fashion piece (or thought I needed a selection) until this spring. I was at a wedding in Chicago in April (read: chilly and rainy). My Rent the Runway dress didn't fit (awesome) and my sister assured me that my destructed denim jacket was highly inappropriate for the The University of Chicago chapel. I felt so unprepared and uncomfortable throughout the ceremony and reception, and really couldn't believe that I didn't have a lightweight, tailored jacket to toss over an easy shift for that kind of occasion.

Never again. I'm course-correcting with this adorable persimmon swing jacket. It's the chic way to stay warm after the sun sets at summer weddings and elevates your jeans, shorts and skirts for work and nights out. I wore it to dinner at St. G's on Saturday and felt SO put together. Click through below to see more jackets I'm adding to my collection (first up: floral, camo, classic chambray) and have an amazing Fourth of July!! xo

My jacket is 50% OFF with code SPARKLER! 

Swing Jacket | Graphic Tee | Denim Skirt

Snakeskin Sandals (old, J.Crew. similar here and here)

Le Specs Sunglasses | Earrings | Clutch 

June Wish List

Happy Tuesday! I'm already halfway out the door for the long weekend, anyone else?! It's been pretty quiet at the office with the upcoming holiday, and some fun evening plans on the calendar are making it hard to get in (and stay in) work mode.

Last night I had dinner with a college friend who was in town for business. It was a beautiful night to catch up on the 6Smith rooftop overlooking Lake Minnetonka. The plans are similar tonight—it's our last golf lesson so we're celebrating our new pro status (note the sarcasm) with drinks at Maynard's, another fun waterfront spot. I like living near the city, but I have to admit there's a lot to love about the western suburbs.

Eyelet Ruffle Top | Tie Front Cami | Sleeveless Woven Top | So Long Lover Ruffled Top

Embroidered Shorts | Pavé Ring | Denim Jumpsuit (40% off)
Stripe Jumpsuit (30% off) | Pom Pom Sandals | Sunglasses | Stripe Espadrilles | Clutch

I'm sharing my latest wish list today which coincidentally includes red, white and blue if you're still looking for a fun outfit for the Fourth! I cannot stop buying feminine tops with ruffles and bows. Cannot. Stop. These are all perfect for date night, and I love the drama of this one for an engagement party (it looks more expensive than $118, don't you think?). 

I'm also really into jumpsuits right now as an alternative to dresses—especially Rebecca Taylor's white denim overalls after seeing Mickey wear a similar pair in an episode of LOVE I streamed this week. 

If you're grilling every chance you get, these embroidered cutoffs would be super cute with all the graphic tees I've been stocking up on. LOVE this pretty blue one from Club Petanque™. (A simple pavé ring adds a touch of glam to a barefoot-in-the-backyard-sipping-Bud-Light situation. Cheers!)

Shoes are a quick way to summer-ize any look, and I've been eyeing these happy pom pom gladiators and striped espadrilles to put some (seasonal) pep in my step. I also like to lighten up this time of year with a no-fuss clutch, and this one's camel and pink combo would look great through the fall.

The lens popped out of my cheapo Target wayfarers during the Tour de Lucé, so I'm desperate for new sunglasses before we head up north! I love the Madewell x Surfrider's spruce frames, and your purchase helps protect oceans and beaches. Picking them up over my lunch break today—they'll make my Patagonia pullover feel a lot less granola while hiking and hangin' around Grand Marais. 3 more days! 

3 Must-Have One-Piece Swimsuits

I've been considering adding a one-piece swimsuit to my lake day lineup since last summer, but hadn't found a style persuasive enough to make me go there until this week. Leave it to J.Crew to nail the look and convince me that the one-piece is very much happening. All three of these styles have an irresistibly sweet and playful quality, and I love how they make swimwear more of a look, encouraging me to accessorize and "outfit" them the same way I would style clothes. Going to the lake just got more fun! 

Today feels like it should be Friday, doesn't it? We have a busy weekend ahead, starting with our end-of-season kickball tournament, an overnight visit from my mom and a belated Father's Day BBQ for Chris's dad. I can't believe our trip to the North Shore is already next week! Chris already has our itinerary plotted out in Excel (classic), but I'd love to hear your recs for what not to miss. Have a great weekend! 

Panama Hat | Classic Stripe One-Piece | Floral Slides

Bandana | FRIDAY One-Piece | Adidas Slides

Baseball Cap | Seersucker One-Piece | Crisscross Slides 

Shop all ONE-PIECE SWIM at J.CREW.
Shop all SWIM at J.CREW. 

BLANKNYC Faux Leather Jacket

What are your thoughts on leather jackets? They're generally regarded as a staple in any stylish woman's closet and I think they look great on most people. Finding one has been on my fashion to-do list for years. I finally ordered one from Nordstrom on sale a few weeks ago, but when I slipped it on, I felt super cheesy and slightly masculine—like I was headed out to meet my cronies and beat someone up on a street corner. Not the plan. 

Still, my faithful black J.Crew Jackie cardigan (now 30% off!) was wearing a hole in the elbow and after close to ten good years, I needed a replacement—a classic and versatile layer I could wear through all seasons, but something a little less sweet 'n preppy than the Jackie.

This Faux Leather Jacket from BLANKNYC is a blend of both things I wanted—it combines the structure and cool of a traditional leather jacket with the softness and ease of a cardigan—edgy and feminine, in one pretty package. I love that I can wear it all day, as part of an outfit, and cruise right onto a cocktail patio in cooler weather without changing. A regular long-sleeve tee comfortably fits underneath and I'm obsessed with the effortless drape. So happy I found something with a little personality (but still so practical) to boost my boring winter wardrobe—it needed it! 

Hope you have a fun weekend planned! We're going ice fishing on Mille Lacs (I caught a couple crappies my first time out and now I think I'm a stud or something...!), and I'm excited for a long-overdue mani/pedi. Maybe I'll even whip up some pink and red Valentine's Day cookies. Catch you next week! x

BlankNYC Faux Leather Jacket 

Anthropologie tee (ahh! so many cute & elevated basics on the site right now!)

Madewell jeans (my fave for denim)

Kate Spade backpack (similar here and here)

Sam Edelman pumps (on sale for $77. also want these and these for spring!) 

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita II 

SHOT NOTE: These pics are a little grainy, but we're a work in progress! 

(Chris is a trooper for letting me drag him into this.) 

Thanks for hanging in there while we get into our photo shoot groove. 

Embroidered Denim

Over the weekend, Chris and I toured Paisley Park, the 65,000-square foot compound in the western Minneapolis suburbs Prince called home. It was pretty unreal to walk the same hallways the mysterious, mythical legend walked just a year ago. I never saw him in real life, and so wish I could've. Not many celebs stick around Minnesota and it's crazy to think about Prince chilling just a few miles down the road from my uptown apartment. 

The tour lasted about an hour. The baby blue Bentley, club, countless guitars, Grammys, studios and sound stage were cool—and you could even sample the pancakes Prince famously served at parties—but his costumes were my favorite part. Something about seeing the actual garments he wore was really magical, and about as close to the icon as I'll ever be. Custom fit for someone half my size (seriously—these clothes were TINY!), the intricately patterned, embroidered and bedazzled blouses, suits and heeled boots seemed to vibrate with talent, stories and secrets. 

Wandering through the wardrobe displays, I was reminded of this Vogue story on fall's embroidery trend and the growing desire for clothing with an artisanal, hand-made feel. "Most people don't regularly get to wear embroidered Valentino gowns or Gucci blazers, so a little embroidery on a pair of cutoffs or a t-shirt is a playful nod to couture," says Tessa Perlow. "It just makes a piece feel personal and extra-special." 

Prince's fashions might have been a little out there, but they were undeniably him. Undeniably special. Embroidered denim gives you a taste of that custom, one-of-a kind look—so much cooler than unadorned blue jeans pulled off the rack at any anonymous department store, and still so wearable. It's refreshing to look a little different than everyone else, isn't it?—something Prince probably would've appreciated. Style yours with a simple bodysuit and sleek mules to balance the look.

Topshop Embroidered Denim for $110:

one | two | three 

The #1 Thing in My Winter Wardrobe

Happy MLK weekend! Having an extra day makes all the difference, doesn't it? I've been battling that lingering cold everyone seems to have—my nose will NOT stop running—but feeling less than 100% was a good excuse to stay in and slow down. Chris gave me a Canon Rebel for Christmas and these past few lazy days were the perfect opportunity to hunker down and figure out the manual settings. Once I got a (slippery) grip on aperture, shutter speed and ISO, my sister was generous enough to head out to Lake Harriet with me for some test snaps. I had so much fun! Basically, I'm going to have my camera slung around my neck like a nerd everywhere I go from now on. Yay!

Joggers were the name of the game this weekend, so I included a few of my favorites at the end of the post—easily my #1 winter wardrobe essential. They make Netflix nights feel chic and with the right footwear and styling, add a cool comfort factor to shopping days and dinner dates when you do find the motivation to venture out of the house (Elle Strauss agrees. I love her rule to stick with gray or black—get her tips.) Hope you had an equally restful and cozy long weekend!