Pretty Little Liars and Teens for Jeans

If you've been around here for a while, you'll know that I'm an Aéropostale VIP, and as such, I get early access to their newest lines & products (previously: August, Live Love Dream, and November). They're really pulling out all the stops lately - have you heard of their new Pretty Little Liars collection?

No?

Let me tell you!

Aéro paired up with Mandi Line, the costume designer from the show, Pretty Little Liars, to create looks like you'll see on the show, but to be sold in the store, so, pretty easily obtainable! Each character has at least 1, if not 2, different looks devoted to their style. The girls on the show have some pretty great looks, and I know I tend to think "That looks great on her. Wonder if I could pull off XYZ?" 

Below is the first part of the line that landed in stores earlier this month. 

 

Unfortunately, I couldn't pull the trigger on anything from the PLL collection - nothing was left in my size! Although I did come home with a blue dress similar to the one in the bottom left, perfect for some weddings this summer.

Below is a preview of the styles that are going to be in stores on March 16th - which is your fave?

Are you more of an Aria, Hanna, Emily or a Spencer?

I love these hi-low hems!

I'm thinking a dress or skirt with a hi-low hem has my name all over it. Or maybe a denim jacket - the one I currently have has seen MUCH better days...

So, not only does Aéro have some really cute stuff in stores now, but they're also into giving. They've launched their 7th annual Teens For Jeans campaign in partnership with DoSomething.org. The campaign encourages folks to donate their gently used jeans in the store so they can be given to someone that is in need. One of the most requested items by teens in need are jeans. So, in exchange for donating your gently used jeans in your local store, Aéro will give you 25% off a new pair of jeans. What better way to replace a pair (or 2! or 8!) of jeans that don't fit quite right, or have been hiding in the back of your closet for the last 6 months to a year, than by giving them to someone in need and replacing them with a newer style and/or wash that will get a lot more wear?

Confession: I donated 4 pairs of jeans that I liked (but hadn't worn in ages) and got 25% off 4 different pairs of new jeans. I've been rotating these 4 new pairs nonstop - it's love. For whatever reason, I like to hang on to clothes from high school and college that don't reflect me and the person I've become. So, after hearing about this great deal, I told myself I could get some new jeans, but ONLY if I was willing to part with several pairs. It's a lot easier to part with old favorites knowing that (1) they're going to someone who will wear them a lot more than I will, and (2) I'm filling my closet with some new pairs that are more "me." It's a win-win for everyone, really. 

So, do a quick inventory of your jeans and donate some oldies (but goodies) so you can save 25% on a new pair (or several new pairs)!

For more information, check out this PSA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbVhfuM4Rgs.

as well as: www.teensforjeans.org

and: DoSomething.org

Below are some really great things that are now (happily) living in my closet.

L to R:
Lola Grey Wash Jegging; Bayla Skinny Core Dark Wash Jean;
similar: Bayla Skinny Dark Wash Jean; Lola Core Dark Wash Jegging

These are the 4 (!!!) pairs of pants I came home with after I donated 4 (!!!) pairs

similar: PLL Hanna Lace Dress; solid full-zip cardigan

This dress is not from the PLL line (the one from the line is linked above), but looks pretty similar, don't ya think? And this sweater - worn it twice already. You know I like to fill holes in my closet, and I didn't even know how big the hole of a cream cardigan was, but now that it's filled, I can sleep at night am pretty excited about it.

capris: similar - LLD inset capris; sports bra: similar - LLD Contrast Racerback Sports Bra

Another pair of workout capris in bright teal (remember, brights/neon make you run faster!) and a new sports bra (essentials, my friends).

similar: earring 3-pack

New earrings. I love fun little studs. You can never have enough pairs of bow earrings.

or wishbones.

or rose gold hearts.

Any favorites??

Hope you had a great weekend!

Florals Made Cold Weather Appropriate by...(you guessed it!) Navy!!!

This sweater is something I found at Old Navy a few weeks ago, when I found a lot of other things I didn't "need" didn't know my closet was missing! Two of them being this navy blue sweater & peacoat. And a navy blue down vest.

I feel like you're judging me for buying so much navy.

*crickets*

Haven't you heard navy is the new black??

Affirming my love of the dark hue of blue is my sweet godmother. She texted me a few days after this post and told me that we must be related, since she's always loved navy! She's got great style and we love to talk fashion and shopping, especially our fave, Lilly Pulitzer. She's also who I have to thank for introducing me to the magical land that is Nordstrom.

*sighs & dreams*

So, thanks for always talking clothes with me, Auntie!

the newest addition to my modest coat collection - it's love

On a different note, I REALLY liked this outfit. I really want to repeat it, or recreate something similar with some of these pieces (and soon!), and then wear the heck out of this skirt in the spring and summer. I mean, are florals better suited for any other season(s)? 

Except for when you pair them with a warm sweater in a darker shade, tights and boots, that is ;)

sweater: Old Navy sort of similar below

skirt: J CREW Factory similar below

boots: Rack Room Shoes similar below

scarf: gift similar below

coat: Old Navy similar below

SHOP SOMETHING SIMILAR

Colorado-ey

In looking at this outfit, I don't know that I could have been more "Colorado-y" if I tried.  If you're wondering, that was not my intent, originally. I was just trying to wear one of my favorite t-shirts with a plaid flannel that I really love to wear. The scarf was to keep me warm and the boots, too - they're also comfortable, no matter how much people hate on them. But in retrospect, I think I pulled off cute-mountain-lady-chic-showinf-off-some-state-pride pretty well without going completely over the top. With a Colorado flag shirt, flannel, a scarf & UGG boots, the only things I would add if I were headed to the mountains would be a Subaru, a North Face jacket, my skis, and a Nalgene bottle.

Thanks for stopping by!

linking up with:

The Style Record for Monday Must Haves

Fizz and Frosting for Mix It Monday

Everyday Fashion and Finance and Perfectly Coutured for Three-Fer Thursday

DC in Style for Monday Bloom

Style Elixir for Style Sessions Link Up AND Friday's Fab Favorites

Life's a Party Dress Like It for Stylish Tuesday

Still Being Molly for Funday Monday

t-shirt: store in Breckenridge sort of similar below

flannel: Old Navy similar below

scarf: thrifted similar below

jeans: GAP similar below

boots: UGG exact below

SHOP THE LOOK...OR SOMETHING SIMILAR

Mr. Picks Mondays: Clearing Snow

subtle print mixing. sneaky sneaky.

The Mr. chose this cream sweater that I found at Old Navy a few weeks back. I've worn it twice already, because I just looooove it. It's just the right weight, a nice cream color, isn't itchy (this is BIG, people), and goes with just about everything. I didn't realize what a huge hole I had in my closet until I brought home this lovely cream cable knit sweater. Who knew?? Makes me wonder what OTHER holes I have in my closet...care to take me shopping, anyone?

Bueller?

The day I wore this we had a lot of snow. This is myself with my darling co-worker and a big shovel that has been dubbed "Sultan of Snow." No big deal, we just had to clear two HUGE sidewalks, (mostly) by ourselves. But the snow kept coming down, so 5 minutes after we'd cleared an area, you couldn't even tell! boo hoo :( You might have seen this before on my Instagram, but if not, as soon as we started clearing this big area behind us, someone turned on the big loader behind us and back-dragged the snow, so, that was nice :)

linking up with:

Because of Jackie for Favorite Winter Trend

Vodka Infused Lemonade for Tres-Chic Fashion Thursday

Simply Lulu Style for What I'm Loving Fridays

Two Thirty-Five Designs for Casual Friday

Simple Sequins for Fashion Item Friday

shirt: Old Navy exact below & similar below

sweater: Old Navy exact below & similar below

necklace: Old Navy many similar below

pants: Plato's Closet (Old Navy) similar below

booties: Old Navy exact below

coat: Coldwater Creek similar below

scarf: I made it! something sort of similar below

snow boots: SOREL exact below

SHOP THE LOOK...OR SOMETHING SIMILAR

Some Football, and a WiLd sweata'

I'm writing this post during the last quarter of Super Bowl 48. 

*shakes head & sighs*

I do not profess to really "follow" football, but this season I HAVE been watching the Broncos with my husband. I provide a really funny commentary peppered with comments like:

"That was dumb."

"Why did he do that?"

"What does THAT mean?"

"Wait, what?! I thought the rules were THIS way...do they keep changing them??"

"Why are their pants so tight?"

Confession: even being married to my husband-who-was-previously-my-high-school-boyfriend who was a tight end and a defensive end, and having a brother who was All-State Football, played the O-Line & D-Line, and attending almost every game since he started playing tackle football at the tender age of 10, I'm not TOO sure on all of the rules. I mean, I get the premise of the game (you have 4 tries to move 10 yards, touchdowns are worth 6 points, yadda yadda yadda), but some things trip me up: the names of ALL of the positions; when and why you can't tackle someone (you mean tackling is not the name of the game?), etc. etc. 

Anyways, given my limited knowledge & understanding of the game of football, I DID watch (almost all of) it. And I was really disappointed in the Denver Broncos. I did just jump on the bandwagon, but hey, they're a Colorado team, and I'm obligated to cheer for a team from the Mile High City. And I'm a big fan of Peyton Manning. He seems like such a genuinely nice guy (like you could backyard BBQ with him & his family and have such a great time - I have many dreams in life: 1) hang out with Peyton Manning; 2) get to be Dinger [the Rockies mascot] for a day (or 5. or forever. whatever); and 3) be BFFs with Tina Fey & Amy Poehler).

That being said, I'm shaking my head over here at how the Broncos played. I'm wondering why it took us 3/4 of the game to show up and put some points on the board?! I'm also wondering why we played the way we did. Was it really the "12th Man"?

Anyways, I'm sure you don't want to hear more about our terrible loss, and Seattle's win...

Oh, did you want to read about my outfit? I'm sure that's why you're here. That, and my dazzling smile & fabulous sense of humor, no? ;) 

This outfit is nothing super special, but I've come to realize that every outfit simply can't be a home run (or, ahem, Super Bowl win *sigh*). They can't all be knockouts. And that's ok. Some days I just can't get the creative juices flowing while I'm picking out my outfit. Especially when it's early in the morning and I haven't had my coffee IV hooked up just yet (I wish someone would hurry up and get those on the market). Not to say that this outfit is bad (far from it!) but it's not my most creative. 

Wait. What am I saying?

Back up.

This sweater is pretty wild (let's hear it for leopard print, the new neutral!), and I knew that, so I let it steal the show while keeping everything else pretty simple, with dark wash skinnies & black and white ;) 

Quick recovery, huh? See what I did there? Very unlike Denver today...oy.

P.S. I know it looks like I'm wearing the same vest from yesterday, but you'll have to trust me that there were a few days in between these 2 favorites.

sweater: Target similar below

vest: Aéropostale similar below

jeans: Gap very similar below

boots: UGG similar below

SHOP SOMETHING SIMILAR BELOW

when traveling home from Minnesota

Here is what I wore home from Minnesota. Layers, layers, layers.

I had never before thought to pair my black skinnies with my long dark chambray, but paired them together by chance this fall while I was cleaning out my closet (yet again), and was really excited about this simple look. I put the gray tee underneath simply for comfort and to wear more layers. In the future I'll probably wear the chambray buttoned up, and maybe topped off with a colorful scarf.

brrrrr! are you cold yet?

These boots are getting a lot of wear this winter. As I'm writing this, it's snowing outside. And we've got skiing on our agenda this weekend. Snow, snow, snow! The worst part of having really great & fashionable furry snow boots? Having to actually shovel the snow. Blegh.

linking up:

Run Style Run for What She Wears

ColorBlind for Thrifters Anonymous

t-shirt: from a clothes swap with friends similar below

chambray: thrifted similar below

pants: Aéropostale

scarf: thrifted similar below

vest: thrifted (Aéropostale) similar below

boots: SOREL exact below

SHOP SOMETHING SIMILAR BELOW

The First Wedding of 2014

Like I mentioned last week, I traveled to the Land of 10,000 Lakes to celebrate my cousin's wedding. They're a couple that's been together since high school, so, I'm kinda partial to them.

#highschoolsweethearts #HSSoftheworldUNITE

Here are some pics from their big day. My sister-in-law couldn't make it, as she was in one of her best friend's weddings on the same day - we still had a really great time, but really missed her.

with MY high school sweetie

Big Brother and us

Mr. & Mrs.

originally my youngest cousin agree to split 1 of every flavor with me, so I wouldn't be a TOTAL glutton. However, he filled up on Shirley Temples and couldn't help a girl out

Cousins - 1 of them was the Best Man!

me & Dad. sorry for the grainy pics - the lighting was low at the reception so we could get our dance on

ain't he handsome?
*swoon*

my family has a long tradition of breaking out hats at a wedding.
don't believe me?
proof from our wedding is below

I made a dainty little fascinator-top-hat, and my groom sported Nemo. don't worry - he's only kissing one of my besties/bridesmaids because she traveled the farthest for our big day (all the way from Hawaii!)

It's tough to see, but the dress I wore was a really pretty plum color, originally from Banana Republic,  but I thrifted it before we bought our house this fall - thrifting for the win! See something sort of similar below...



SOMETHING SIMILAR...