Leopard. Sparkle. Birthday.

What does a girl need on her birthday? I can't answer for every girl, but for me it's really quite simple. A little bit of leopard, a dash of sparkle, and a whole lot of laughter! I like to dress up on my birthday so I paired this cute midi dress (on the clearance rack at Target!) with my favorite buffalo plaid flannel and my favorite suede booties. Then I threw on a furry leopard coat and grabbed a sequin clutch and voilà ~ birthday bliss!

As for the laughter? Well, there's always plenty of that to go around...especially when all your favorite people call you to give you birthday love! Throw in a sushi dinner, a homemade cake, and my kiddos singing to me and my smile never left my face! Happy Kicks for 36!

Coat: Tulle (similar, on sale).  Shirt: J. Crew Factory (similar).  Dress: Target.  Booties: Steve Madden (similar).  Clutch: Similar here, here, and here.  Watch: Michael Kors.

Make a Statement.

And boom goes the dynamite. Love this graphic sweatshirt I snagged last year from Target. Such a statement maker that I kept the rest of my outfit simple and black. And speaking of Target, almost my entire outfit is from there which is proof of two things: 1. I shop there often (let's be honest, I never leave with just one item) and 2. Target makes some pretty darn cute stuff! I'd love to own designer items, but let's be realistic. I'm a teacher. Target is more my speed. I can shop there with confidence and feel on trend in their clothes. On the rare occasion that I do sport a designer item, I'm likely to mix in a Target piece. Making a statement in style ~ Target style. 

Note: Target did not endorse this post. I just really love shopping there and want you to know that you can be a fashionista on a budget! Happy Kicks!

Jacket: Asos (similar).  Scarf: Target (similar).  Sweatshirt: 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target (old, similar here, here, and here).  Skirt: Target (similar).  Bag: Target (old, similar).  Booties: Steve Madden (similar).  Watch: Michael Kors.

All Dressed Up.

All dressed up...and somewhere to go! My handsome husband (see below) and I had the privilege of attending the Chesapeake Regional Hospital's Annual Gala. This event is the hospital's big fundraiser for the year and I was more than happy to dress up for it. I fell in love with this dress immediately and while I tried others on, I just couldn't pass this one up. I love the mermaid cut and the vintage looking lace. I felt quite glamorous especially with my dapper date standing next to me!

Happy Kicks for a gorgeous gown!

Gown: Caché.  Earrings: Target.  Bracelet: Target.  Clutch: Target (similar).

Nikes.

I really can't get enough of sneaks lately (as will be evidenced in future posts). The fact that they are now having a moment in fashion is both exciting and relieving. As a teacher, I am on my feet for most of the day and while I love my heels, my feet don't love them after 6 hours. So I am totally embracing the idea of pairing my new Nikes with, well, everything! Today it was a snappy blazer tossed on over a simple tee and jeans. But I'm also looking forward to wearing them with something a bit dressier...so stay tuned!

Happy Kicks for my new Nikes and the era of the sneaker!

Parka: Old Navy (similar).  Blazer: Target (similar).  Tee: Polo Men's.  Jeans: GAP.  Sneakers: Nike x J. Crew.  Watch: Michael Kors.  Bag: Old Navy.

Fancy.

Fancy heels. Fuzzy sweater. Cargo pants. For me, these pieces compliment each other so well. A mix of slouchy casual and dressy extras. Plus it was warm enough the other day to not wear boots so I grabbed the chance to wear these new heels. I found them on clearance ($13!) at Target the other day, but they are still full price on the website. Certainly worth a trip to the store if you are sucker for pretty heels like me!

Sweater: Target (sale).  Tee: Target.  Pants: Zara (similar).  Heels: Target.  Bag: DKNY (similar).  Watch: Michael Kors.

Baby It's Cold Outside.

When the temps drop, I immediately reach for my big cozy sweaters. Oh, and fur, anything fur. (Faux of course!). I also love oversized fleece pants, but those aren't really suitable for work! So instead, I threw my big, warm, and bright sweater over a casual dress. Tights were a must and then some combat boots to keep my feet warm. A suede bucket bag finished my look on this cold winter day. 

Sweater: Old Navy (similar).  Dress: Tulle (old, similar).  Boots: American Eagle (similar).  Bag: Target (old, similar).  Fur: Vintage.  Watch: Michael Kors.

Winter Pastel

Pastels in winter? Why yes, I think I will! Especially if it's in the form of an oversized, soft, warm coat. In the winter, pastels pair nicely with darker neutral colors. I chose a pair of faux leather leggings and a striped top. Speaking of this striped tee ~ it's amazing! The most comfy and soft tee I've ever owned. I literally want to wear it everyday and now wish I had purchased more than one! Perhaps a trip to AE is in my near future! 

Coat: Old Navy (on sale).  Tee: American Eagle.  Pants: Michael Kors.  Booties: Steve Madden (similar).  Bag: Old Navy.  Watch: Michael Kors.  Earrings: Jewelmint.  Bracelet: Target.