Sometimes being fashionable is hard. It takes serious effort and thought, and sometimes I neither have the desire nor the time. I LOVE getting dolled up, but from a practicality standpoint, sometimes it just isn’t an option.

For instance, say you overslept because you went a little overboard at 2-4-1 margarita night last night and now have (fill in the blank important event), but you’re going to be lucky to get a toothbrush in your mouth and still make it on time. We’ve all been there (haven’t we??). Those ratty sweatpants and greasy ponytail just aren’t going to cut it today. What to do?

Enter in today’s look. I call it, Smoke & Mirrors, the fashion illusion.

First step: hat. I LOVE hats; particularly on those days when blow-drying/flat ironing/curling(or even washing) just aren’t an option. Hats have helped me perpetuate a put-together look when I’ve been anything but on several occasions. Admittedly, I have been the margarita drinking girl I mentioned above more than once, and I am notorious for oversleeping.

Step two: Buffet dress. No, that’s not a real thing, but it’s so fitting! What I mean by buffet dress is one where you can hit the buffet multiple times and not worry about scorn and ridicule from passersby due to your now bulging belly. I believe the correct term is ‘trapeze dress’ or ‘empire waist.’ But I think buffet dress gets the point across just fine. Bonus if you can find it in some sort of soft cotton. This makes me feel extra sneaky as I feel like I’m secretly wearing pajamas.

Step three: Accessories.  Remember how I said I love hats? (I hope so, cause it was two paragraphs ago.) This is another added bonus. A hat makes such a statement, you can really tone down on accessorizing. I generally find over-sized sunglasses and maybe a necklace to suffice.

Step four: Make up. This is key. If you’re one of those natural beauties that doesn’t need a lick of makeup, well, I have some choice words for you, but suffice it to say I’m jealous. I am not one of those ladies, so in this instance, tinted moisturizer, mascara and lipstick. If there's only time for one, go lipstick. Pick a shade, it doesn’t matter. To me, no matter what, lipstick looks elegant, (assuming you keep it off your teeth) makes you look like you put in an effort, and you can throw it on in no time flat.

Now this, in my humble opinion, is a fashion contribution. We can all look lovely when we have hours and hours, but this is a 5 minutes or less look. And I am telling you…there is no sweeter feeling than when someone yells, ‘hey, cute outfit!’ on a day like this. Your soul will sing as you smile and think “I have pulled it off!”

Outfit: Dress: Express (sold out in grey, only a few left in plum) similar here // Hat (old) very similar here //Necklace: Stella and Dot // Booties: BCBG (old) nearly identical

6:19 AM

I may be biased, but I believe this dress to be one of the most perfect articles of clothing I own. It’s really hard to see in the photos, but all those differently textured lace pieces are sewn together with glimmery gold thread, so it almost appears to glow when wearing it. Tie the whole look up with a satin bow, and voila! The perfect dress. It is also completely season-less thanks to the ivory shade and longer sleeve length, so it can be worn in the fall/winter months with a jacket or the summer/spring months on cooler evenings. The finished look is incredibly feminine and lady-like, although when I wore this last winter, my mom kept barking at me to keep my legs crossed, so not too sure how well I pulled off the whole ‘lady-like’ illusion. It’s still a great dress though…

A funny story about these pictures. Given that we use a telephoto lens, Nate usually has to be quite far away from me when taking photos. Like, several yards away usually, so it’s not always immediately obvious that we are together. This has caused some interesting reactions from passerby, as Nate usually seems to be some creepy voyeur in the bushes somewhere, and I appear to be either really narcissistic doing pose downs by myself or completely insane depending upon your perception.

On the day these photos were taken, Nate and I stopped in front of the park (or so we thought) pictured here to take photos, and a couple walking their dog stopped and were watching us. I instantly started sweating and wanted to curl up into a ball as I hate being photographed in the first place (I know, interesting for someone that wants to write a fashion blog) and now random strangers are watching me. So, after a few minutes, this couple and their giant dog walks up to me and says, “Pretty dress! Do you know you’re standing in our backyard?” Ugh, it was embarrassing. I stuttered something about ‘nice landscaping’ and ‘fashion blog’ and then they told me to pull the weeds while I was there, to which I laughed awkwardly and then SPRINTED to the car. I hope you’re laughing at this, because I am still cringing.

Happy Wednesday! Halfway there! Outfit details below. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to follow along!

Outfit: Tahari Dress // BCBG Shoes // Louis Vuitton Purse (similar here) // Michael Kors Watch

This post linked with http://lizzieinlace.blogspot.com/

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6:27 AM

My, my, those are some highly waisted shorts! Yes, yes they are.

Oh, did you think the title was referring to my current state of inebriation in these photos? I'm not wasted! Slightly buzzed at best....

Anyway, the high-waisted trend. I wasn't sure what I thought of this, thanks to Jessica Simpson's debacle with the 'mom jeans' a few years ago, but, I really love these high-waisted button shorts. They have a cute sailor vibe that I played up on here with the striped shirt and shoes. And I just LOVE a good pair of shorts. The ones I am wearing here have pockets (always a bonus) and are really soft and stretchy, so very comfortable.

The photos were taken over at Boom Island in Northeast Minneapolis yesterday. It's a cool spot! It's got river views and city views, so it's a good representation of what Minneapolis is all about. Have I  mentioned how happy I am that summer has finally arrived? Minneapolis' 10,000 lakes/rivers/streams are a LOT more appealing when they aren't frozen. Just sayin'.

Happy Monday! Thank you so much for reading, and don't forget to follow along! Outfit links below.

Outfit: Shorts: Express // Shirt: Forever 21 (old) similar// Shoes: Similar // Bag: Gucci

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6:09 AM

Do you know what I love about summer?...Trick question. I live in Minnesota, so the answer is EVERYTHING. No, but seriously. When it comes to clothing, I absolutely love that neon attire is so widely embraced. Granted, I am not one to shy away from bright colors at any time, but in summer, anything goes. And I am going to prove it, just you wait.

This summer, I can't seem to get enough of this particular shade of neon yellow/green seen here. Combine the color with the hi/lo cut and the fact that I practically stole it with the insane deal I got on it, suffice it to say, this is the sartorial version of true love. Take it in folks. They say a love like this is rare, and I haven't even gotten to the footwear yet...

Gladiator sandals. I believe Stuart Weitzman put out the first pair of the flat, knee-high type shown here (don't quote me on that) a few years ago. I saw them on a blog somewhere and drooled over them for months. I even considered purchasing them for the bargain price of $400 until I remembered that I'm not a millionaire. So I waited until normal-people designers started making their $100 versions, at which point I bought them in 4 colors. Now that is restraint! Plus, the shorts (last seen here) are from Target, so it all balances out. (Logic at its finest)

In any case, lots of my most beloved things in today's post--neon, fierce sandals, bargains, and summer weather. Suffice it to say, this post is choc full of love. Summer, I welcome you with open arms.

Shop the post below, and don't forget to follow along! Thank you so much for reading!

Outfit:
Top: Romeo& Juliet Couture (marked down to $17(!) & still available!) Shorts: Target // Shoes: Similar here// Purse: Gucci // Sunnies: 2014 Coach, 2015 version

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5:55 AM

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Well, let's see. I've got florals, lace, shades of peach, heels...I think this outfit pretty much contains every feminine piece a person could wear at once.

I recently went to the outlet mall and had a religious experience at Ann Taylor and Coach where I purchased just about every piece you see here. I really feel like this outfit is about as quintessentially 'spring' as is possible to be. I also love the different patterns and textures at work here. The skirt is a silkier material, and the florals against the lace give the look texture without being over-the-top. Also, while I love pink and blue together (remember this post?), the softer peach hue seen here leaves a more delicate impression than a bright pink would.

This look, however, is really brought together beautifully (if I may say so) with the accessories. I've been on the hunt for a blue purse for quite awhile, and I love the color, size, cut, and metal details on this one. Best part: it was an outlet find! I found the almost identical current version as well which I linked to below. Also, the ring! I saw this ring and fell in love with it, but it was a little spendier than I would have liked for an adjustable ring. So, I searched high and low for something comparable, and it just isn't out there. This ring is just too unique, so I bit the bullet and am glad I did. It doesn't have a cheap feel to it at all, even though you can bend it to fit your finger.

It's been raining pretty much constantly for the past few days, so I haven't been able to get out for pictures. Hopefully it clears up soon and there will be another post in the next day or two.

Thank you so much for reading! Shop the outfit below, and don't forget to follow along!

Outfit:
Skirt: Ann Taylor outlet, very similar here // Lace top: Ann Taylor outlet, non lace version here // Shoes: Old, almost identical here // Purse: Coach, identical minus metal detail //Ring: Pink Peonies Collection

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5:36 AM

50 shades of grey...or, more like 2 shades of grey. Also, not only am I NOT wearing bondage attire, but I'm about as buttoned up as is possible. For weird, kinky fetish stuff, go see the movie. (No, really. Go see it. Let me know if it's good)

ANYWAY, in the last few years, grey has really become my go-to neutral color. I guess you could say grey is the new black in my book. Incidentally, we are down to mere WEEKS until season 3 of Orange is the New Black is out. I fully plan to do a week of posts wearing sweatpants and dripping in ice cream since that will be my reality once it's on Netflix. Classy? Absolutely...

Back to clothes. Yes, grey seems somehow more unexpected as a monochromatic look than black in my opinion. While I love pops of color, sometimes combining neutrals--in this case, grey and tan-- really makes for a put-together look without too much effort. Grey is also appropriate in all seasons. I wore this on a spring day that was quite chilly. This outfit kept me warm while still having a Spring-y vibe to it. The sweater also has jewel embellishments, so it gives what could be a 'blah' sweater a sweet, feminine touch.

So, just a quickie (another 50 shades reference?) post on this pre-Memorial weekend Friday. I am off today on what will surely be an epic road trip with hubby and friends. Have a safe and fun weekend!

Outfit links below. Don't forget to follow along! Thank you so much for reading!

Outfit
Grey skinnies: Ann Taylor (these run HUGE. I'm wearing a 2, normally wear a 6) // Embellished sweater: Ann Taylor outlet find // Sunnies: Coach 2014. Current version // Purse: 2012 Louis Vuitton. Same pattern. // Shoes: BCBG (old) very similar d'Orsay version here

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7:59 AM

The letter of the day is ‘P’ folks!

Peplum, polka dots and pink, while 3 of my favorite things on their own, somehow create some new brand of sartorial magic when combined in one outfit. I wish I could say I was being over-dramatic with that statement, but the combination of the pattern, cut and colors really does take me to my happy place.

Peplum! Everyone thought it was a passing trend when it became all the rage a few years ago, but it appears that this feminine cut is here to stay. I feel that peplum is love/hate for some, and I can understand that if you are one that tends to shy away from overly feminine styles. Also my guess (and it’s just a guess) is that it may not be the most flattering on pear shapes due to its tendency to emphasize the hip area. I, however, am on team love when it comes to peplum!

Polka dots! I have loved polka dots for as long as I can remember as evidenced by my first ever Caboodle case (if you have no idea what this is, I’m really sorry you never got to experience the magic) which was both pink and polka-dot patterned. While I don’t feel like the classic patterns, i.e. stripes, polka dots, plaids, etc. ever really go in or out of style, polka dots do seem to be everywhere lately.

Pink! I could have paired this ensemble with a neutral shoe/bag combo, however I can never resist an unexpected pop of color. This is especially true with pink since it is undeniably my favorite!

Happy Wednesday! Halfway to a 3-day weekend...

Shop the post below, and don’t forget to follow along!

Outfit:
Peplum top: Express (old) Similar // Skirt: Limited (on sale!) // Shoes: Aldo via DSW // Purse: Marc Jacobs (no longer available) similar Michael Kors version

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5:36 AM



Did you catch my sundress post? I just LOVE a good one piece outfit. Namely because it really takes so little effort to create an ensemble. Throw on one piece of choice, accesorize, done!

So, the romper. Bloggers everywhere are singing their praises this summer. And what's not to love? It's easy, there are so many cut and pattern options. They are so feminine and easy. And yet?

Well, I have a love hate relationship. I DO love the one piece concept, however, I also love dive bars.

Wait...what?? How are these things related?

I shall explain. Dive bars. I LOVE them. They are known for cheap drinks, great people watching, pool and dart leagues, sassy bartenders, and many a regrettable decision that makes for GREAT stories down the line. What they are not known for? Spacious and clean bathrooms. The point? Think carefully before deciding to break out a romper. A romper is typically fastened at the top, meaning, you need to hit the bathroom? You're getting naked. Imagine being at a dive bar. You've had some drinks, it's time to head to the ladies room. Enter a tiny stall, one inch of standing water on the floor. You are dressed in a delicate, frilly frock like this one. Now wrestle it off and try reeeeeallly hard to not drag it through the pool of water (water??) on the floor.

Not a drinker/dive bar frequenter? (I don't understand you, but I digress...) imagine the naked scenario anywhere. It's just not pretty. This, ladies, is what you will not hear about the down-side of the romper. I love them, I'm just saying, wear with caution. 

So, the outfit. I really do love this romper. It's such a perfect shade of blue, and I love the ruffle detail. I also scored an amazing deal at the Coach outlet on this orange clutch. I am lucky enough to live very close to an outlet, and I may have purchased a bag or 10 on my last visit.

In any case, definitely add a romper to the arsenal this summer, just think about where the night may lead when determining when to wear it.

Thank you so much for reading! Click the links below for my outfit and for other romper options as well.

Outfit
Romper: Express // Purse: Coach (outlet find) // Shoes: Nine West (old) similar // Sunglasses: Ray-ban

Other romper options I love: Urban Outfitters // Nordstrom // ASOS

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5:27 AM

Since starting this blog and having so many outfit pictures in one place, I’m beginning to realize I am ALL over the place with my fashion choices. One day it’s a pink and flowy sundress, next day it’s business-looking sheath dress, next day neon pants. Then there are days like today where I channel my inner early-80’s Madonna. I really do dress based on my mood. So, I guess based on this logic, one could say I am extremely moody. Hmmmm….

In any case, I love this look. I got these boots a few years ago, and I’ve worn some mix of this outfit numerous times. This is my version of ‘edgy.’ I need ‘edgy’ outfits at times because I have friends that like to do things like go to metal concerts and punk bars. My name is Tiffany and I love pink. ‘Edgy’ ‘metal’ and ‘punk’ are probably the last words anyone would use to describe me, but this is an outfit I would wear for these occasions. I feel like studded boots and leather (no matter how 80’s Madonna-ish) somehow make up for my lack of tattoos and facial piercings. And any excuse to wear these shoes is a win in my book!

Shop the post below. Thank you so much for reading!

Outfit
Denim vest / Similar skirt / Camo Tank / Closest shoes I can find / Michael Kors ring / Coach sunglasses

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7:44 AM

Ah, the sundress. There are few items in my closet I love more than sundresses. They are so feminine and effortless and make it seem like you spent a lot more time on your outfit than you did. Even men love sundresses and can typically identify them by name! (Versus just, 'it's a dress.') I think there even may be songs about women wearing sundresses. It's truly a piece we can all agree is fantastic. Know what really makes a great sundress? When you buy one for a bargain! I got this one at Old Navy when everything was 50%, so I spent a whopping total of $15 on the one pictured here. It’s also really good quality and fully lined, so while inexpensive, it doesn’t seem cheap. The pattern is fantastic, too. Floral patterns, while once reserved for Grandma’s sofa, are everywhere right now. To keep the whole look from being over-the-top sweet and girly, (which can happen fairly easily when combining pink and flowers) I wore a chunkier heel and broke out a denim jacket later that evening. I also kept the accessories to a bare minimum since the dress really makes a statement all on its own, and I felt that too much jewelry would weigh down the airy nature of the dress.

I should also note that these photos were taken at Minnehaha Falls (yes, that’s really what it’s called if you’re not from MN) which is one of my absolute favorite places in the Cities. It is incredibly picturesque and makes for a great picnic along the water. It is also home to Sea Salt, an open air seafood restaurant with amazing food! Unfortunately, lots of people agree with me so it gets absolutely packed on nice days.

Summer is finally upon us! Here’s to sundresses, sandals, and outdoor dining. Happy Tuesday! Be sure to click ‘follow’ :-)

Outfit

Dress (comes in lots of patterns)  Shoes (old) Purse: Marc Jacobs similar here

5:30 AM

Happy Mother's Day, arguably the most important day of the year!

Did you think, based on the title, that this post was about my trying to emulate a white-girl version of our country's First Lady, Michelle Obama? Well, OK, today's post has a dual meaning. The knee length sheath dress and copious pearls DOES have a certain Washington D.C. vibe about it. I love the clean lines and classic style of this outfit, and I always get a ton of compliments on this dress. Michelle herself can weigh in on the outfit. No doubt she reads this blog religiously.

Shop the post below.

The more important message of this post, however, is an homage to my beloved momma and mothers everywhere!

Today is a day to celebrate the mothers in our lives. We all have one, but no one but me has mine! And, my mom is simply the best. Sorry, it's not up for debate. I would be nowhere, nothing...lost without my sweet mom.

It's amazing how hard it is to pay tribute to the people in this world we love the most. And there is no one (exception being my amazing hubby, Nate) on this earth I love more than my mother. I could write volumes about how much she means to me and never even scratch the surface of who she is and what she has been in my life. I don't even want to think about who I would be today without her unconditional love, support, and unwavering confidence in everything I do.

I will spare you the volumes (and volumes and volumes and volumes) of all my mom is and has been to me, but my mom is unquestionably the First Lady in my life and will be for as long as I live.

If you are fortunate enough to live close to your mother, lucky you. No matter the distance, however, celebrate her in any way you can. She gave birth to you and would likely give her life for you. I live far away from my mom and count the days until I get to see her again. (For the record, it's 2 weeks, and I can NOT wait!) Hugs and kisses, mothers. What an incredibly important job you have in this world. Celebrate today!

xoxo,
TCK

Outfit
Dress: Calvin Klein (old). Nearly identical here with different neckline/Necklace: BCBG (old) similar here/ Bracelet (old) similar here /Watch: Michael Kors /Shoes: BCBG (on sale!) Bag: Louis Vuitton (no longer available) Current version

3:34 AM