Falling for Faux Fur

I have always loved wearing at least a little bit of faux fur when it gets snowy and cold outside. I think part of me is clinging to the cold-weather girl inside of me. What can I say? I grew up in northern Michigan, and I love cuddling up to something cozy when it gets cool outdoors. My winter coat has a faux fur trim around the hood, I had a fun pair of tall boots with fur trim around the tops, and I even wore a faux fur jacket on our wedding day. I guess you can say I'm a little crazy for faux fur.

picture by Alison Rose Photography in Denver

Finding the perfect faux fur vest for fall has consumed me recently. I searched online for quite some time and thought I knew what I wanted, but there are so many different styles out there. For now I found a really affordable option (under $40) at Forever 21. I can't wait to wear it once the temperatures drop a bit!

 :: some of my favorite faux fur vests ::

1. Forever 21 Open-Front Vest I recently bought this and can't wait to wear it in cooler temps. The Arizona weather isn't exactly faux fur friendly at the moment.

2. H&M Brown Fur Vest I almost purchased this one. It's a little looser fitting than I wanted, so it would be great for layering over top of larger items of clothing like sweaters.

3. Mark & Graham All-Over Fur Vest this is a nice versatile, brown vest for fall.

4. Camille Faux Fur Vest by Lovers + Friends This vest is a little pricey, but I love the color variation in this one. I think this vest looks a little more like real fur than some others.

Do you have any favorite faux fur items?

Happy Friday!

Cozy Christmas Morning

After quite a long absence from blogging, I've been craving getting back into it. Even if it probably will be slowly. I'm sure I won't be devoting as much time to this blog as I used to, but it would be nice to share some of the happenings around here every now and then. Earlier today I mentioned the news of a baby on the way. My husband and I are so excited!

I took this picture while visiting Michigan in December a few years ago

I can't believe that Christmas is already less than a week away. If there's one time of year I love the most, it just might be Christmas. The Florida weather has taken some of that excitement away, since it's warm enough outside to wear flip flops, but this balmy weather can't take away the joy of Christmas. No way.

This week's Friday's Fancies theme on Long Distance Loving just so

happened to be cozy Christmas, and I couldn't help myself.

All I'd love to do on Christmas morning is wear some cozy pajamas with warm fuzzy slippers and sip coffee next to the tree and a roaring fire. That sounds like a pretty cozy Christmas morning to me. How about you? What does your perfect Christmas morning look like?

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Stars & Stripes

Hopefully you had a fun & safe 4th of July yesterday. The fun doesn't have to end just because the holiday has passed us by though. Stars and stripes don't necessarily go out of style. Heck, navy and white are classic colors that can be worn most of the year. So let's celebrate our country and summertime with some red, white, and blue fashion. Bring on the stars and stripes!

striped tank  |  wedge heels  |  skinny jeans  |  bracelet  |  earrings  |  star tee  |  purse

Do you have any fun plans for the weekend? We're going to enjoy some time with friends, and hopefully that includes plenty of grilled foods. Now if only that star top could make its way into my closet before the weekend. I could use some clothing with a pep in its step! Couldn't we all?

Happy Weekend!

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now go link up with {av}
at Long Distance Loving

What's In My Beach Bag

Packing a beach bag is simple, but there are a few items I cannot live without for the day. Living in Florida allows us to enjoy summer just about all year long, so I've really honed my beach bag packing skills since moving here. Sometimes we take a car full of stuff to the beach for long days, but I do have a few essential items that are must haves no matter what.

... my must have beach bag items ...

1. gold sandals  2. cat eye sunglasses  3. iphone case

4. sunscreen  5. spf lip balm  6. baseball cap

7. straw bag  8. striped beach towel

I spent my summers swimming and playing in the lake where I grew up in northern Michigan. Over the years, I experienced my fair share of bad sunburns. Today, I'm aware of my increased risk of skin cancer due to those sunburns. That scares the heck out of me, so I rarely (almost never) set foot outside in the sun without skin protection these days. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm with sun protection are all non-negotiable items when it comes to packing my beach bag. A hat helps keep the sun from my already prematurely aged skin. Even though I've had a lot of bad sunburns, today I'm much more proactive when it comes to my skin.

walking along the shore of the Atlantic on South Beach in Miami

Oh, and I always bring along my iPhone for impromptu pictures on the beautiful beach!

I just know that Tory Burch flamingo case would look perfect in my hand

while enjoying the sound of crashing waves. :)

. . : . : . What's in your beach bag? . : . : . .

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now go link up with {av}
at Long Distance Loving

Summer 2013 Wish List

Let's ring in the first day of summer with a seasonally inspired wish list. Why not, right? The past couple of months have found me doing very little blogging, and I'm hoping to get back into the swing of things. What better way to get back into regular blogging than by dreaming up a fun summer wish list for Long Distance Loving's Friday's Fancies?

photo taken during our recent trip to Miami

Summertime has been a hot-button subject around here the past couple of years. Mainly, my husband and I have had a tough time adjusting to the summer heat and humidity in Florida. I'm cautiously optimistic, but this year we aren't dreading the summer season as badly as the past couple of years. I really hope we continue in this positive direction, because summer lasts a really long time in Florida. Let's see how we're faring come August. On to my summer wish list shall we...

{ clockwise from top }

Michael Kors Jemma aviators

C Wonder iphone case
Sun Bum sunscreen

Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C. handbag
Sam Edelman Gigi sandal
Hipanema beach bracelet

Summer in Florida deserves some colorful and fun accessories, and it also requires some stylish sunglasses for all the sunny days we get. I'd be happy to get my hands on any of these summer wish list items. What about you.... what's on your summer wish list?

Oh, and to really set the mood for summer:

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now go link up with {av}
at Long Distance Loving

Friday's Fancies | Neon and Pastels

This week's Friday's Fancies theme had me excited, because it's always fun to make wish lists. There are so many things I love about the spring merchandise that's out right now. I'm loving all the touches of neon, the classic blue and white color scheme, pastels, and of course pretty nail polish too. The sun is shining and temperatures are climbing here in Florida, so colorful clothing is the perfect choice for this time of year.

- - { my spring inspired wish list } - -

 colorful scarf  |  studded bracelet  |  tribal print dress  |  nail polish  |  neon moccasins

Spring may not last long in Florida, if at all, but I'm trying to make the most of this weather we are having. It's been warm but not hot, and nights are still dipping into cooler temperatures. I wish the weather was like this every day in Florida. We're afraid of the summer heat, and it's unfortunately coming quicker than we'd like. So here's to *spring weather while it lasts!

* For those who are still getting snow (sorry Michigan friends and family), spring will be with you soon enough.

What are your favorite spring items this year?

 

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go link up with {av} on long distance loving

happy friday!

Friday's Fancies | Winter Birthday Style

What better way to celebrate my birthday than by putting together a winter inspired outfit? You know how much I love snow (and these boots), so a winter birthday outfit is right up my alley.

the look : left to right 
AllSaints Elgar Cowl Neck Sweater  |  Kate Spade Sailor's Knot Hoops  |  Fur-Collar Puffer Coat
Sorel Conquest Carly Boot  |  J Brand Rail Jean Skinnies

A girl can never have enough tall winter boots to tromp through snow banks with, or maybe even wear while making snow angels. I cannot say enough how much I love, and miss, the beautiful winter snowfall. I'm even hoping to get a little snow for my birthday this year!

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did you link up with long distance loving too?

Serious Sparkle | Black & Gold

I can't lie. This week's friday's fancies theme had me super excited, because it revolved around the word sparkle. Now I'm not really one to wear sparkly clothes, but I do love plenty of sparkly accessories to complete a more tame outfit. Can a girl really ever have enough sparkly items in her wardrobe? The correct, and obvious, answer would be no.

The idea of each week's friday's fancies is to throw budgets away and create whatever your little heart desires, so I went big this week. There's no way that Louboutins are in our budget, and I'd most likely need to save for years life to afford them. That gorgeous Michael Kors runway watch is a stretch too, so again I had to include it in my black & gold sparkly outfit. Nothing would make me feel more sparkly than some timeless pieces like a chain link pavé bracelet and some ridiculously high black suede heels. I think the cost of this entire outfit could pay our rent for quite some time. This seems like an appropriate clothing budget. Homeless or heels? You choose.

dress  |  watch  |  bracelets ( 1 -  2 -  3 )  |  shoes

this song seems appropriate for today's look:


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I may not have the most popular blog, the most followers, or make the most money...

but at least I'm #1 at something!

Now I'm off to drown my sorrows in a bottle (or two) of wine.

No, I kid! Sort of...

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now go link up your sparkle with {av} @ long distance loving

Friday's Fancies | Dress Yourself for Winter

This week Friday's Fancies on Long Distance Loving suggested dressing yourself in an outfit that resembles you best. I'm a northern Michigan girl through and through, so it only makes sense that dressing myself in an outfit that's typically me would most definitely include comfortable jeans and cozy winter boots. I feel most at home in a winter hat and cozy boots, so that's exactly what I chose first for this week's outfit. I topped it off with a couple pops of neon to bring some brightness to the grey winter days.

sweater  |  jeans  |  earrings  |  hat  |  boots

Northern Michigan is in my heart this time of year, because it's the perfect setting for Christmas. Not to mention my parents still live there, and it's also the place where I formed many of my most favorite Christmas memories. Who knows, maybe I'll slip on my winter boots and a cozy sweater just for fun this winter and pretend that I'm there....

... Christmas time in Petoskey, Michigan...

This song is just because... I like it.

thanks for viewing

* * to see more of my past Friday's Fancies posts you can click here * *

The Beauty of a Bonfire

When I saw the theme for this week's Friday Fancies, I couldn't get help but get excited. Some of my most fond memories include sitting next to a roaring fire in our yard on Burt Lake in northern Michigan. Cooking s'mores on the fire was a summertime ritual, and the heat of a fire was the perfect complement to a cool Michigan summer night. I can almost hear the crackling of the fire now.

photo taken during my August visit to Michigan this past summer

I feel so blessed to have grown up in such a beautiful location. Growing up I most definitely took it for granted, but now I know what a rarity it is to experience such peaceful and thought provoking places. They surely don't come along every day. That is unless you're one of the few who is lucky enough to live in such a place. I hope you'll enjoy a bonfire for me.

Sitting next to a burning fire in the cool northern Michigan air will make you very thankful for warmth. It will remind you to slow down a little. It might also send you into deep thoughts where you may solve a world problem or two. Who knew that a little fire could make one feel so thankful.

Growing up in a small rural town with a lake as my backyard, I had no idea that people lived in suburbs and cities without fire pits to enjoy their very own fire on summer evenings. Living in a small apartment in the most densely populated county in Florida, I now understand how very special a roaring fire in the backyard truly is. I had no idea.

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... if I were sitting next to a fire in Michigan right now, I'd be wearing something like this ...

 vest  |  chambray top  |  jeans  |  shoes  |  hat 

Not only would I wear a comfortable layered outfit, I'd be eating plenty of s'mores too. No summertime fire is complete without eating at least one melted chocolate s'more for good measure. It might be a little cool outside, so a vest and warm hat or hood are a necessity. Stay warm out there!

happy friday

.... a song to end your week ....

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Friday's Fancies | Big 100 Bash

Put on your best party dress, because today Long Distance Loving celebrates the 100th week of Friday's Fancies. If you don't know {av} then you definitely need to head on over to her blog and get yourself acquainted. Then go ahead and check out all of the beautiful party outfits while you're at it.

If you like fashion, clothes, and ogling dream outfits...

then hop on over there and take a look around!

dress  |  ring  | clutch  |  shoes

There's something about a gold dress and a little bling that shout party,

plus how can you not feel pretty in an outfit like this.

I'm not actually sure I can pull of this look myself.

Maybe I could use a tan first.

What would your party outfit look like...

can you see yourself wearing this much gold? 

Friday's Fancies | fall leaf love

If there's anything I know about fall, it's the color of leaves that fall from the trees in northern Michigan. Imagine a color, and you can most likely find it in the palette created by the tree canopy. People visit from all over the country just to see the colors of the trees in Michigan each fall. It's pretty amazing.

I know that fall is beautiful in Colorado too. You'll find the landscape turning more yellow and brown with each passing fall day. Fall in Colorado is different from a Michigan fall, but you'll still see yellows and browns for as far as the eye can see.

a fall drive through Rocky Mountain National Park

Fall is one of the times each year when I feel compelled to wear at least a little bit of color in my wardrobe. It just might have something to do with the leaves changing colors, and the fall color trends don't seem to hurt either. I love the warm, rich colors that can be found everywhere from clothes to nail polish this time of year. Time to bundle up in color!

scarf   |  sweater  |  jeans  |  nail polish  |  bracelet  |  shoes

Do you enjoy the colors of fall leaves?

would you wear any of the colors in my fall leaf inspired outfit...

Now imagine the following and listen to this song:
You're wearing cozy clothes and are sitting next to a blazing fire with a loved one... you've got a warm drink in one hand... and it's snowing outside. It's a great feeling to know you're inside in the warm and couldn't ask for much more....



Happy Friday!

Friday's Fancies | monotone

Monotone outfits have to be one of the easier trends to pull off in real life. Most of us probably have the items we need for a monotone outfit right in our very own closets. Shopping your closet is a great way to save some money while also putting together a "new" look. I'm learning to buy items I can wear for a long time, because I dislike nothing more than realizing I've bought something and worn it only once.

I definitely try and make use of the clothes already in my closet, but today I'm putting together my dream monotone outfit. Price tags are thrown out the door today, because it's time for this week's Friday's Fancies! I look forward to this fun outfit daydream each week.

Go visit {av} at Long Distance Loving for more information on how to take part in her link up.

There's nothing like a good pair of neutral colored skinny jeans that go with just about anything. I'm loving these Current/Elliot skinny stretch print jeans. The fishnet pattern is a fun touch too.

Peplums rock my world, especially because they usually flatter my short torso. When I spotted this peplum leather jacket, I had to use it in my outfit this week.

I've had my eye on Alexander McQueen's skull scarves for quite some time, so I just had to throw this beautiful scarf into the mix.

The birds on this Marc Jacobs bag did it for me. I told you I'm obsessed.

Plenty House of Harlow items have made my want list lately. This ring in no exception. Kate Spade jewelry has been coming in a close second. These earrings also come in lots of other fun colors too!

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What would you wear for your own monotone look?

It's almost the weekend. Do you have any fun plans? I know that we're going to do some relaxing in the air conditioning. Yeah, exciting I know. Who knows. Maybe we'll get adventurous and make the first visit to our pool in months.

Here's a song for you. Enjoy. (:

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Friday's Fancies { football frenzy }

My love affair with football began when I was a student at the University of Michigan. I had the opportunity to purchase student season tickets to watch the Wolverines play in the Big House, and I took full advantage of those student tickets during my entire time at the University of Michigan. I shouted, cried, and cheered my guts out in that stadium, and I loved every single moment of it.

Needless to say, I'm happy putting together two outfits for this week's Friday's Fancies.

You will see a college and NFL outfit from me this week!

sweatshirt  |  denim  |  earrings  |  shoes

Moving to Denver, and meeting my husband, turned me into a well rounded football fan. I no longer just cheered for my college team. The Denver Broncos became not just my husband's team, but our team. We both enjoyed watching training camp games, and we even held Broncos season tickets for a season before moving away to Florida. Go Broncos!

t-shirt  |  bracelet  |  boots

What do you wear to support your favorite football team?

I know sometimes I can't wear these outfits, because it gets downright cold in Michigan and Colorado at times. Freezing weather calls for anything that will keep you from getting frostbite, but when it's nice outside I try and wear some cuter football outfits. (:

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The University of Michigan fight song is the best college fight song out there! I'm sure everyone else is saying the same thing about their college too, but I mean it you guys.

Hail! to the victors...

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Now go and link up your football outfit!

Friday's Fancies { autumn lust list }

As a young girl I never imagined that fall would be my favorite season, but it's slowly grown on me over the years. The fact that football, pumpkin spice lattes, and boots enter my life this time each year definitely doesn't hurt fall's chances of being my favorite season. There are currently many things I love about fall, and the list just keeps growing.

With that being said, I'm also excited about some of the fall trends this year! That's just another thing to add to my list of fall goodies.

Now let's get to my lust list shall we....

A cozy and comfortable sweater, that just so happens to go with anything, should be on every one's fall lust list. For that reason, this gorgeous sweater is on the top of my list!

I have fallen for JadeTribe bags. The fall colors of this weekender bag are a perfect combination. I think I need this in my closet.

We all need a little bit of rose gold in our lives, right? This watch is the perfect solution.

Burgundy is popping up everywhere this fall, and I think it looks fantastic in denim... especially these Paige denim verdugo skinny jeans. I can see myself wearing the heck out of these!

My fall lust list is absolutely not complete without a cute pair of boots. These beaded moccasin booties are killer. Get in my closet.

What fall trends, if any, are you looking forward to most?

Do you love any of my favorite items?

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Oh and have you heard this song?

If not you might be living under a rock, because it's everywhere right now.

It's Gangnam Style by Korean rapper Psy.
If you have not seen this, please do yourself a favor and watch it.
And dance to it. You're welcome.

He tells people to "dress classy, dance cheesy". Love it.

Britney Spears danced to it on the Ellen show.

You also saw it on Good Morning America.

thanks for viewing

Friday's Fancies { Back to School }

A return to school is something I haven't had to consider for over five years now. The inner nerd in me enjoys learning every day. I'm not sure I'll ever stop being a student, so I think it's only fair that I still get to brainstorm fall 2012 'back to school' outfits. What's the harm in that?

When I found out that "back to school" was this week's Friday's Fancies theme, it definitely got my creative gears turning. I ended up with a somewhat scholarly-looking, but also cute and comfortable, outfit for back to school. I hope you like it!

Back to School Fall 2012 by ashjane55

I love how this J. Crew peter pan collar tee says "I'm not afraid to be intelligent and also well dressed." This top would be adorable with dark skinny jeans, colored denim, or maybe even a pencil skirt.

This shoulder tote by Longchamp is perfect for stashing books, notes, and ipad. I love how this Brahmin chevron print ipad sleeve keeps your tablet safe but also doubles as a clutch.

I adore my leopard print Sperrys, but these gold Sperry boat shoes go with just about anything. They add a little shine to any outfit. Not to mention, they're comfortable for lots of walking.

What back to school outfit would be complete without accessories? I love this la mer safari wrap watch from anthropologie and these gorgeous House of Harlow sunburst stud earrings.

Of course my back to school outfit wouldn't be complete without one of my very favorite nail polish colors, chinchilly by Essie. I just love how this gorgeous gray goes with everything!

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I don't miss college all-nighters in the architecture building, but I do miss my friends from college. We all ended up in various corners of the country. Thinking about architecture school evokes many emotions for me: excitement, frustration, annoyance, and even fun. I have many great memories of people and places from college, and I'm thankful for that.

With that, I'd like to end today with a song that reminds me of my college days.

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Friday's Fancies { Labor Day }

I love taking part in Friday's Fancies over at Long Distance Loving, because you're encouraged to throw price tags aside and choose any piece of clothing or accessory that suits your fancy. My actual closet contains much more affordable items than my Friday's Fancies virtual closet, but why not dream a little. I had fun dreaming big with my colorful outfit for Labor Day this week.

labor day outfit by ashjane55

This silk pocket top by Joie is the perfect neutral palette for adding fun pops of color.

A cute chevron pattern never gets old. I just love these 7 for All Mankind Carlie Ikat shorts.

Adding these Tory Burch dandelion flip flops to the mix definitely gives this outfit a primary color theme. Nothing like a bright pop of yellow to make your feet happy.

My Labor Day outfits needs some cute accessories like this House of Harlow Rocky Mountain cuff and these Baublebar southwest boho drop earrings for a nice touch of blue and red.

This Marc by Marc Jacobs nylon Natasha bag is the perfect size to carry my Labor Day necessities like cash, lipgloss, and maybe even our point and shoot camera.

I'd finish off my Labor Day outfit with these gorgeous Tom Ford FT0224 sunglasses. I cannot live without sunglasses in the sunshine state!

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Do you have any plans for Labor Day weekend?

Growing up in northern Michigan, we always had a big Labor Day get together at the lake. I also knew that Labor Day always meant the imminent return to school. Now Labor Day signals the upcoming return of the snowbirds to Florida. My how times have changed.

this song talks about what I'd really love to be doing this Labor Day....

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Friday's Fancies { Road Trip }

It's been a while since I've participated in Friday's Fancies over at Long Distance Loving. The Road Trip theme definitely caught my attention this week. Let's be honest. I'm always up for a good road trip!

With some possible trips in the near future, that really got my creative juices flowing in order to create a fun road trip outfit for this Friday's Fancies! I love putting on a cute, comfortable outfit and heading out on the open road. Fall is beckoning, so I turned my outfit into a fall-inspired collection.

Fall Road Trip by ashjane55 

My outfit is centered around a bright pop of red in this Madewell shrunken dot cord boyshirt. I love the versatility of a good button up. You can wear a tank underneath or a cardigan over top.

This Topshop knitted military jumper sweater is a comfortable and warm piece for the perfect fall road trip. It's perfect over some skinny jeans and a necklace layered over the top.

I love to travel in skinny jeans, like these Earnest Sewn Audrey jeans, because they're comfortable and easy to wear with so many different types of footwear. Plus they're made in America!

I love these Koolaburra Serenity fringe boots! I have a very old pair of Koolaburra classic boots, and they're the most comfortable thing my feet have ever had the pleasure of wearing. Plus, anything comfortable and stylish, that's also easy to slip on and off while road tripping, is a winner in my book.

House of Harlow 1960 has some unique and interesting jewelry. I've been eyeing these 5 Station necklaces for a while now. The black will pop against almost any color! This is a perfect piece of jewelry for any season.

This indigo blue convertible bag by Bottega Veneta would hold all of my road trip essentials like maps, an ipod touch, sunglasses, makeup, and maybe even some sour patch kids.

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Now if it would just cool off here in Florida...

either that or my husband and I need to take a road trip somewhere cool!

Where should we go?!

and here's one of my very favorite road trip songs:

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