Sporty

Tennis shoes. Sporty. Not something one would always characterize as fashion forward, however times are changing. I personally have always had a pair of 'chucks' in my closet, and grew-up wearing comfy shoes in the summer with cut-offs (hello, slip on Vans! which are back again, yay!). Especially if your day includes even the tiniest amount of physical activity - anyone else knees/ankles start to ache after a day of walking miles in no support?

But street style from around the web are starting to show us that we don't necessarily need to wait for warmer weather! I am on board 300%, have been known to wear versions of this all winter long to brunch on Saturday!

But of course, who doesn't want options! Lots and lots of options! Whether it's a classic, Van slip-on or New Balance cross trainer circa the 80's, or Nike Air Max's, you can't really go wrong! Have you integrated any tennis shoes into your wardrobe lately?

Here are some great options! Go grab a pair, or two!

Grammy's 2014

Did you guys watch last night? What did you think?

I was underwhelmed. I watched the Red Carpet on E!, then Bey and Lorde perform....then it lost me. Snooze fest. And Downton was calling, so I answered!

I also thought the Red Carpet was kinda boring as well. Many of my favorites to watch....Beyonce, Rihana, Lady Gaga - three powerhouses who always know how to make an entrance were not there. And I really only liked one dress. One dress, how during award season is that possible?!?! Any who, I really liked Rita Ora's Lavin dress. I thought it was perfectly Grammy's. Funky, off-beat, but very glam!

Maybe because I could see myself wearing it. Now your turn, what did you think of the show? Of the Fashion? SPILL in comments, I want to hear!

dreams of spring

Winter is in full force, I'm not complaining (swear)! But all my online shopping...err, online window shopping are items to be worn in temps about 70-80 degrees warmer than it is right now.... which is a whopping 4 degrees! Time to start planning a winter escape!

Birkenstoks  // Lace Blouse // Bikini // Leopard Sandals // Lace Espadrilles

Who has a winter escape planned???!?!?! Where are you going? The Hubs and I are thinking a quick escape to Mexico, sun, sand, endless guac & margaritas!!! 

weekend!

Checking out a bit early this week, going on a little road trip up north for an extended weekend away! Skiing, snow, small town exploring, friends, a great weekend of fun awaits! I've packed the camera so there can be pictures taken....and hopefully I actually use it! :)

What are your weekend plans?! Anyone getting away this holiday weekend?!

thoughts on.....

What are your thoughts on....Birkenstock's?!

Love

Hate

Hideous

....I want to hate them, but a giant a$$ part of me is dying for a pair! I know they tried to come back last year. I was all, ewwww, but now I'm like hey, comfortable is a hell of a good place to be! Ripped up shorts, oversized T, birk's - might be my summer uniform! Love the patent leather!

Available HERE

What do you think? Dish it, in the comments!

the line-up

Merci T // Parka // Diptyque Candle // Mansur Graviel Bucket Bag // Gold Rimmed Water Glasses // 

Camp Socks // Joie Silk Shirt // Kinfolk Table - Recipes

Sometimes things are worth repeating. Over and Over! Currently I've had a little line-up of items that 'heavy rotation' barely begins to describe it! LOL Hey if it ain't broke don't fix it! :) Lately all of these item's have been on repeat in some form or fashion. What have you been wearing, reading and or repeating a lot lately? 

Silk Shirt, Jeans // Cozy Socks, Sweat Pants // New recipes, bottle of wine // exploring and shopping in new 'hoods // couch, comfy T, lit candles // playing in the snow .....Now, your turn! 

Combat the Cold!

Parka with Fur // Leather Gloves // Bright Lips // Embellished Beanie 

// Thick Sweater // Cashmere Scarf // Camp Socks 

You guys it's been just miserably cold up here. Womp, womp. We are talking windchill temperatures of -40F, MINUS FORTY! This is the first time my poor southern California raised bones have ever experienced anything like this! Ultimately it is what it is, complaining can't change to the outside temperatures, however you need to be safe if you venture out! Layer, on layer, on layer - yesterday I wore tights under my pants, 3 pairs of socks and just as many tops & then a thick sweater! :) Just can't not do it... frostbite is real!

I know not everyone lives where the temps are this extreme, but it needs to be known the gorgeous street-style photos, blogger outfit posts of "this is what I wear wear in the winter" aren't real or realistic (like above, which I love & would wear in a heartbeat!). I'm sorry but (even in mid 30 temps) you don't walk around with your coat draped over your shoulders, wide open, gloveless or shoes/booties without socks! You might in the lower half of the country but not up north! You can't! It's a a smoke and mirrors situation - I get it, you can see the sweater or cute tops underneath, but they are staged. If you are in my camp, you might even say goodbye to caring what goes with what, because warmth is key! I just hope you all know that, and if you didn't realize I apologize for bursting your bubble. But don't worry getting dressed for winter isn't the worst thing in the world. I actually enjoy it!

Bundled up can still be hot! Evidence:

*Now, we can't see her bottom half, and that looks like chiffon, but for demonstration sake, we'll pretend she is wearing fleeced lined leggings under there and boots and thick socks! :) 

The best advice I can give is stock up on basics {Hat/beanie, gloves/mittens, scarfs, and of course outerwear} so you have options! Options make it fun! And as this stunner above shows us, not everything needs to match. And some great hair and a bold lip, no one will be the wiser! That's the motto I've been rocking for the last 3 weeks! Yes, me in lipstick! :P 

How have you been combating the cold? What are your tricks? 

Here are a few layered combos, with items I love, to inspire you! 

Leopard

I know Jenna. I know! Some days I find myself searching for the right shoe to wear to work. The right belt to wear with my slacks. Or the right shoe to wear out to brunch. Given the outfit sometimes it's hard! Do I wear black with this? or brown? tan? gray? More often than not I find myself reaching for a leopard/cheetah print to put on. They just always seem to go. And go so dang well! 

Whether it is at home, on your body or in your hands....it always goes!!!!!! 

And there are soooooooo many goodies to help you look fab in Leopard too! Here are a few of my favorites! Mark my word - 2014 the year Taylor finally breaks down and buys the leopard pumps from JCrew!!! ;) 

Snow Leopard Nikes // BaubleBar Necklace // Clare Viver Clutch // 

Leopard Sunnies // J.Crew Pumps // Leopard Slip-Ons

Do you leopard?!?!!!!! 

** If you live in Chicago or the Midwest PLEASE STAY SAFE AND WARM!!!!!! I trekked to work today and regretted every second, this girl is not cute out for -40! yes, MINUS FORTY windchills!!! BARF! 

DIY: Embellished Beanie

Happy New Year friends!!!! Time to start anew, start fresh and time to tackle another year!

Taylor and hats don't always get along, it's the curly hair (most days) but this snow! THIS SNOW! 50 hours of straight snow..... at my house we have at least 12 inches of new fluffy snow! So while I've been 'snowed' in...I got inspired to embrace the beanie! I thought go big and splashy or go home! Recalling the sweetest embellished beanie at Club Monaco a few weeks ago, and I gave a go at my own version. So enter a cold snowy day (or just about an hour of relaxation and crafty good times!) & you have a very easy and fun DIY!

You will need a beanie, I chose plain gray and muted plaid. Sequins, beads, needle & thread. A good TV show, a little time and some inspiration! 

I started by mapping out the 'distance' across my forehead I wanted the embellishment to be. I used 2 straight pins to mark the distance for a guide.

Then I flipped the beanie inside out. Since mine had a fold up at the front, this will make it easier to sew the beads and get a flat surface to layout your design. Now start laying out your sparkle. Do you want starburst? or more linear? Lay them out and have some fun!  Once you find the sparkle you like, start sewing or glueing depending on the type you have.

I started with the larger sequins and then started sewing at random with various smaller sizes and shapes.

Et voila!!!! I love it, I've been wearing it mith my PJ's for two days.....a better picture once I dig out!

Here are a bunch of other embellished cuties if sewing isn't up your alley! But I say try!