Oh Hay

Well hello strangers.
For some reason this feels awkward, like this isn't my blog anymore.  Like I need some grandiose reason to return and a big declaration.  

My New Year's Eve outfit that never graced the interweb | Perju Blouse c/o

But really, I decided I wanted a break, and then the break was kind of nice and I didn't think I missed blogging.  Frankly, blogging is a lot of work.  And blogging used to be a lot of work that was pretty financially profitable.  Then Instagram changed and my engagement plummeted and affiliate income nosedived, and while money was never why I started a blog, it was hard not to get discouraged.  Just being honest.   Blogging also served as an excuse to shop a lot.  Too much.  I consciously shopped considerably less in 2018, but even so, the first half of 2018 while I was blogging, I bought a lot more than the second half. 
Then the other night while getting together with girlfriends I hadn't see for awhile, nearly every single one asked about my blog.  "Why haven't you posted?! I miss seeing your outfits!"  Compounded with a few other blog-related conversations I didn't start, I realized there actually were aspects of blogging I missed.
Like you guys.  I have real life friends, don't get me wrong, but frankly I don't see them very often and many of them could care less about trying all the tinted moisturizers, my new favorite workout leggings, or the woes of switching to natural deodorant (and let me tell you...).  
I also miss the journaling aspect- sharing anecdotes about travel, work, and hobbies.  Selfishly, it's fun to look back at meals eaten, attractions visited, and highlights of travel.  And if one person gets a good restaurant recommendation out of it, all the better!  
There's also something very gratifying about something that I truly own.  I have a job where I create a LOT of collateral (I joke I have a job because of my PowerPoint skills, and we all know there's truth in every joke...) but so much of what I do in my 9-5 (or like 8-6, who are we kidding...) is heavily influenced by corporate expectations and frankly whatever my boss wants.  Here, I get to do what I want, when I want, or do nothing at all.
So all that is a long way oh saying "Oh hay, I'm back" and I missed you guys.  But trust that I'm back for the community, the sharing, and the fun parts (because my full time job is what I do to make the monies and I've decided caring about money ruins blogging for me).  So stay tuned for more content, because I have a list of 32 posts I want to write, and at last year's pace that's enough content to last through September.
Happy Belated New Year, friends.  It's good to be back.

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The Last Hurrah

You guys, this is it.  It feels like the end of an era.

143 linkups later, Caryl and I are calling it.

Not on blogging, just the linkup.  We both agreed that the pressure to post every Monday took some of the fun out of blogging, and balancing work, travel, additional activities, and blogging is a lot.  Sometimes too much.

I'll certainly still be blogging, and hope you'll still pop by, it just may not be on Mondays.

Striped tee [exact]  //  Pleated skirt [exact on sale]  //  Leather bucket bag [exact]  //  Madewell bandana [exact]  //  Leather sandals [exact]

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Weekend Tee + Hello Monday Linkup

Well hello!  Happy June!

You know who hasn't had a cameo on the blog for awhile??  This pup.

Panda bamboo sunglasses [similar]  //  Diba True 'No Evidence' convertible flats c/o [exact get $30 off with 'JENNAMARIE']  //  Weekend t-shirt [exact]  //  Elizabeth & James jeans [similar]  // Straw tote c/o [exact]  //  Madewell bandana [similar] 

You know what has had its feature?  These jeans, shoes, bag, sunnies, and scarf.  I tend to pick favorites, and all of these qualify.  I could definitely see this tee joining the ranks too.  It's SO soft and I love the casual drape.

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Olive Green Overalls + Linkup

Happy Monday!

We had planned to visit Memphis this weekend, but plans shifted last minute.  So instead I did some organizing/cleaning and may have binge watched season 4 of Jane the Virgin (OMG that cliff hanger at the end?!  I can't take it).

On Saturday, we also stopped by Frankly Sausages and Ikea.  While their namesake sausages are delicious, I live for their fries.  They are SO crispy, while being insanely creamy in the middle.  The house smokey catsup doesn't hurt either.

Panda bamboo sunglasses [similar]  //  Diba True 'No Evidence' convertible flats c/o [exact get $30 off with 'JENNAMARIE']  //  Baggu leather crossbody [exact on sale]  //  Linen blend overalls [similar, similar]  //  Ruffle sleeve henley [exact on sale]  //  Madewell bandana [similar]  //  Dior Lip Glow in 004 Coral Glow [exact]

This time, I got their wild boar sausage with pickled green strawberries and mint.  The sausage was pretty tasty, but I was indifferent about the topping.  Husband got their burger (a recent addition to the menu) and oh my.  It was SO good.  I might cave and get that next time, despite their self-proclaimed specialty.

Since we were going to Ikea after, comfort was key in outfit selection.  I went with an old favorite pair of linen overalls, and these super comfortable, soft leather shoes from Diba True.  They very generously let me pick a pair from their new releases, and it was a tough choice because there were SO many cute options.  I ultimately settled on this style, No Evidence, because I think they'll look adorable with both skirts and jeans, and I love that the back is convertible so they can function as slides too.  They also provided a coupon code for readers- get $30 off any pair with 'JENNAMARIE'.  Winning!  I also love this wedge sandal style and these olive suede wedges.

I finished my outfit off with a few other items I've been repeating over and over- this $14 scarf (last seen here and here) which I recently ordered in another pattern (sheer pink multi) and this ruffle-sleeve henley.

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The $100 cashmere sweater + linkup

Last weekend we were in Chicago, and this week was a whirlwind between after work commitments and planning a big event for my team at work.  So I was excited for a chill weekend at home and cooking dinner for my mom to celebrate Mother's day.

Panda bamboo sunglasses [similar]  //  Cashmere sweater [exact only $100]  //  Tunic tee [exact under $20]  //  Release hem jeans [similar]  //  Everlane Day Glove flats c/o [exact]  //  Straw tote c/o [exact]  //  Ear crawlers [exact - my fav, these are fun too] 

She love veggies, so I went with an arugula, beet, citrus, avocado, pistachio, and goat cheese salad, steak (not pictures cause steak's not pretty), and husband's homemade bread.

I also made Girl & the Goat, Stephanie Izard's sauteed cauliflower.  It's SO good, I highly recommend making it, even though there's quite a few steps involved to make the peppers and the compound butter.

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Picnic Apparel + Linkup

Hi Friends!

I wore this on Saturday in Chicago.  We grabbed sandwiches (and I had to try the black cherry chocolate chunk rice krispy treat...) at Publican Quality Meats, threw them in our picnic basket, and headed to the park for an afternoon catching some rays and enjoying the warm Spring weather.

Panda bamboo sunglasses [similar]  //  Ruffle sleeve henley [exact under $20]  //  Pleated knee length skirt [exact]  //  Madewell bandana [similar]  //  Everlane Day Glove flats c/o [exact]  //  Straw tote c/o [exact]  //  Ear crawlers [exact - my fav, these are fun too] 

This tote was perfect for the occasion.  I fit a few more goodies for lunch, plates, a cheese board, my camera, and my usual purse contents with ease, and the strap fits over my shoulder too!  I loved this 100% cotton ruffle sleeve henley too.  It's under $20 right now, comes in a bunch of colors, and is also super cute tucked into or left out high-waist jeans.

And these shoes <3

Not sure I can say enough good things about them.  I've worn them SO much since getting them, and I usually share the shoe love across my collection pretty evenly.  Not anymore.  These are so insanely comfy and the pale blue seems to just go with everything.  And speaking of over-wearing, this skirt has become a staple as well.  I love that it has a zipper and elastic in the waist for the most perfect fit.  The pleats and length are also super flattering.  I've worn it at least once a week since receiving it in the mail.  

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Spring Flowers + Hello Monday Linkup

Happy finally feels like Spring!

Seriously though, Mother Nature has been a little cruel these last few weeks (not that it matters since I literally (but not really) lived at my office.  (I did go home at night, but late, and to eat/shower/sleep in preparation for back to back marathon days at the office, YAY WORK!)

But I made it out alive, and those deadlines were met, so I celebrated Spring and my recently rediscovered work-life balance with flowers 💜

Chambray blue plaid print dress c/o [exact]  //  Large straw tote c/o [exact]  //  Floral embellished sandals c/o [exact]

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Under $50 Distressed Skinny Jeans + Hello Monday Linkup

Howdy friends!

I just got back from a few days in Arizona (where these photos were taken) for husband's sister's wedding (yayyy!) and dang do I miss the weather already! Although it did get a little chilly at night, so it was rather unfortunate when I arrived Tuesday night and realized I somehow didn't pack jeans 😒

So Wednesday, when we were out running a few last minute errands for the bride, I also tracked down a reasonably priced pair of jeans to wear the rest of the week.  I didn't want to buy something I basically already had, so when I found these super soft, lightwash destroyed skinnies for under $50, I was stoked.  They run true to size, if not a tiny big, and are super comfortable and lightweight.  Perfect for Summer.

Destructed skinny jeans [exact on sale for $44, orig $108]  //  James Perse tee [similar]  //  Birkenstock sandals [exact, similar under $40, love these too]  //  Vince crossbody [similar]  //  Madewell bandana [exact under $13]  //  Panda bamboo sunglasses [similar, similar]

Also perfect for Summer- these sandals.  I love LOVE and wear mine so often.  They're as comfortable as traditional Birkenstocks, but the more delicate, shiny straps look so much more feminine.

Spiced up one of my favorite Vince crossbody bags from last year with a fun, affordable scarf.

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Pink Suede Loafers + Hello Monday Linkup

Hello friends!  Happy Monday.  

I hope everyone had a great week and weekend.  We laid pretty low, which is rather unusual, and it was wonderful; take-out Chinese, binge watching 24 (which I've somehow never seen?!),  lots of pup cuddles.

Speaking of unusual- hot pink anything is very unusual for me.

H&M utility jacket [similar]  //  Wildfox tee [similar $20 option, similar]  //  7 for All Mankind jeans [similar]  //  Vince blush tote [similar]  //  Suede loafers [exact under $50]  //  Nadri ear crawlers [exact]

Yet when I saw these suede loafers online, I fell in love.  They seemed like such a fun pop to add to my otherwise very monochromatic-feeling work wardrobe.  They're also buttery-soft suede.  I've found that they are a great way to spice up casual basics too, like my trusty utility jacket and favorite white tee.

If hot pink is a little much, these loafers also come in tan, black, and navy.  They run true to size and are super comfortable.  Oddly enough, I liked the pink the most though!

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A White Blouse One More Way + Hello Monday Linkup

Recognize this shirt?  Yup, this is the third look in a row featuring this machine-washable white silk blouse.  I've worn it many more other ways already too.  I wish I found the perfect white blouse earlier.

Speaking of repeated wear, these pants and shoes are absolute workwear staples.  I have the pants in charcoal and black and wear each one probably once a week.  They look polished, but are insanely comfortable and don't stretch out at all.  It's amazing.

Outfit Details

Banana Republic white silk blouse [exact]

Vince ponte pants [exact]

Banana Republic neckerchief  [similar]

Express blazer [other colors]

Vince Camuto flats [similar]

Nadri ear crawlers [exact]

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The DVF Find & Hello Monday Linkup

Hey Strangers!
These last couple weeks have been insane; sorry for the unannounced radio silence.  Work was very hectic there for a bit, and it caught up with me.  I got hit hard by a nasty bug and while I'm much better now, I'm definitely still recovering.  Thankfully, we had a warm weekend earlier in February, so I still have a few looks left to share.

So a few months ago, the husband and I were grabbing Raising Cane's (have I mentioned I love chicken tenders?) and it's right next to my favorite TJ Maxx in St. Louis.  Favorite TJ Maxx sounds like a funny thing, right?  But this location has such a great designer section.  So, while we were in the area, husband asked if I wanted to make any other stops before chicken tenders, and I requested we peruse TJ Maxx.  Mostly I just wanted a couple new candles, but a little looking never hurt.  Right?  Well, I fell in love with this vest AND spied this skirt, but they only had a 2, and while it narrowly zipped, buying it that small was not responsible.  

\

After a bit of internet sleuthing I 1) found my size available online and 2) discovered the perfect sweater produced to go with it.  The sweater however was sold out EVERYWHERE.  Miraculously, while texting Annie whining about not being able to find an orange sweater to pair with this skirt, I decided to search for the DVF style one more time and I found it brand new with tags at The RealReal!  Since I had never shopped at The RealReal, I got $25 off my purchase, so it was such a bargain!  Such a shopping victory.

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The White Silk Blouse + Hello Monday Linkup

Hi Friends!
I recently scooped up what I've now deemed the best white blouse ever, so today I'm kicking off a series of 3 ways to wear a white silk blouse.  This blouse is a stretch-silk that's, wait for it, MACHINE WASHABLE.  I'm not a fan of dry cleaning, so this is a big win.  It's not too sheer, has a subtle sheen, and it the perfect longer length for layering.  I also have the style in the black crepe weave.  

Banana Republic white silk blouse [exact]  //  Rag & Bone vest [similar]  //  Joe's jeans [exact]  //  Stuart Weitzman Nudistsong sandals [exact, under $100 pair]  //  Tory Burch crossbody [similar]  //  Nadri ear crawlers [exact]  //  Lip liner in 'Soar' and gloss 

For the first look, I wanted to put together a look for a date or night out.  I opted for some destructed denim and rolling up the sleeves to take it a little more casual, and what I'd probably consider my sexiest sandals.  I love the barely there silhouette, and they certainly lengthen the legline.  

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New Favorite Lip Combo + Hello Monday Linkup

Hello friends!

A couple weeks ago, I shared a huge Sephora haul on Instagram stories (sidenote- do you guys like that type of content covered on the blog as well?) and a few stand-out favorites have emerged.  Namely, the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer.  It is amazing!  I haven't been big on glittery glosses lately, but after seeing Psyche and Rachelle tag Fenty Beauty over and over on Instagram, I wanted to try something from the line.  After looking through what's available, the crazy good reviews and seemingly universal shade of this gloss won me over, and goodness it didn't disappoint!  

For everyday wear, it's perfect solo, or when I'm getting a little more dolled up, I fill my lips with this liner (in 'Whirl') and then layer on the gloss.  It lasts really well and I love the shade.  Plus I'm convinced the super-shiny finish makes my lips look fuller. Ha!

American Eagle shearling coat [exact, similar]  //  BP tunic tee [exact under $20]  //  Golden Goose sneakers [similar, budget option under $30]  //  Joe's jeans [exact, similar under $50]  //  Lips [liner in 'Whirl', gloss]

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Polka Dots, Leopard + Hello Monday Linkup

A couple weeks ago I wore this blouse to work.  I walked into my VP's office for a meeting, he stopped, inspected my blouse, and titled it 'interesting' 😂  I can see how it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I love a good pattern and exaggerated sleeve.  

I also love this jumper.  I had been shopping around for one for awhile, and I was thrilled to stumble upon this one for under $30!

I wanted it to be a little relaxed, and ended up going two size from my usual to achieve that fit.  For reference, I wear a 4 at most stores.  This jumper is from a British store, and I tend to order 6s most often, and this fit how I wanted in an 8.

H&M polka dot blouse [similar, similar]  //  Column pinafore dress [exact under $40]  //  DVF heels [similar, love these too]  //  Dagne Dover tote [exact, smaller size]  //  J.Crew crystal burst earrings [exact]  //  Lips [liner in 'Whirl', gloss]

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