Thursday, March 31, 2016

Pink & Gray


If it's one color combination that I adore it is blush pink & gray.  The two of them together create such a chic, wonderful vibe.  I'm loving blush pink leather jackets for Spring.  This one is a few years old but I find that I reach for it year after year.  In other words, it's an investment you won't regret.  I've linked up some fabulous ones for you!
xoxo,
Abbie

PS- The bow flats that I showed on Snapchat are available here.  Considering that they are made in Italy and are leather, they are an excellent price point.  They are as soft as slippers.  

Leather Jacket:  Muubaa (old; updated version here; love & own this less expensive option)  | Tee:  Madewell (size up for a relaxed fit; I'm wearing a medium)  |  Pants:  AG |  Clutch:  Saint Laurent (less expensive but beautiful here)  |  Sunnies:  Chanel  |  Pumps:  Louboutin (love & own this more cost effective option; size up) |

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Springtime Tweed & White

If I had to pick my favorite spring jacket in my wardrobe, this would be it.  I love that this tweed jacket can be worn for work or play.  It can easily be dressed up to the nines with a dress and pumps or presented in a laid back manner with a white tee, destroyed denim and flats.  I love pairing it with neutrals and allowing it to take center stage.  This all white look is so classic and clean.  The addition of the jacket dresses it up and elevates the look.  It is a look that can be worn anywhere from lunch with your girlfriends to work. 
xoxo,
Abbie
 |  Jacket:  J.Crew (on super sale with code: ShopNow) |  Tee:  Madewell (size up for a loose look; I'm wearing a medium here)  |  Pants:  Gap (old; wanting these)  |  Pumps:  Christian Louboutin (love this affordable version; size up)  |  Handbag:  Vintage Chanel (find more wonderful vintage items here)  |  Sunnies:  Chanel  |

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Peonies Dress

 Hi Everyone!
It's starting to feel like Spring here!  I am so in love with starting to be able to wear dresses again.  Spring dresses, heeled sandals, and light jackets are all that I seem to have on my radar lately.  This dress is on sale and comes in multiple colors.  It's just too cute!  I adore the easy swingy fit of it.  Dresses like this look just as adorable with heels as they do with sandals and wedges!  Are you ready for spring style?
xoxo,
Abbie

| Dress:  Anthropologie Heels:  Christian Louboutin (love this affordable version; size up)  |   Clutch:  Saint Laurent (similar here for less) |  Sunnies:  Chanel | 

Monday, March 28, 2016

Spring Dress

Hi Everyone!
I hope your Easter was absolutely wonderful!  We enjoyed spending time with family here!  If you're ever interested in my behind the scenes life, you can see much more on Snapchat.  My user name is abbiemadsen….head over and follow along! :)  I love Snap because it's so casual and I feel free to be my normal ridiculous self!
Anyway, onto the outfit.  We were headed out to blog shoot this weekend.  We decided to stop by the mailbox on the way out and this little dress was in there!  I couldn't help but squeal with delight.  When I ordered it, I didn't have high expectations because it was only $20!  I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised when I opened it up.  It's fully lined and beautiful!  I would love to pair it with a leather jacket and heeled sandals or  bright heels next!  
Hope your week is off to a bright & beautiful start!
xoxo,
Abbie
 | Dress:  Asos (around $20!!!; I'm wearing a 4 for reference) |  Heels:  Ann Taylor (40% off using code:  March40 | sizing: TTS)  |  Clutch:  Saint Laurent (similar here for less)  |  Sunnies:  Chanel |

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Pink & White

Happy Wednesday!
I purchased this trench during my birthday weekend in Santa Barbara (read more about that here).  I have worn it multiple times since then.  It has truly become one of my favorite pieces.  I love the girly edge that it has while still remaining a classic shape.  I have worn it with everything from a lace dress to leather pants!  I'm obsessed.  
xoxo,
Abbie



| Trench:  Nordstrom  |  Tee:  J.Crew (old; similar here)  |  Denim:  Gap (old; loving these)  |  Heels:  Christian Louboutin (love this affordable version; size up)  | Handbag:  Prada (love this less expensive version)  |  Sunnies:  Chanel  |

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Spring Trench

Happy Tuesday Everyone!
If it's one staple that's in my closet for spring, it's the trench coat! I seriously cannot get enough of mine and find myself wearing it at least twice a week.  It's that easy to pair with outfits.  The best part is that any outfit that you add it to gets an instant chic upgrade the second you put it on.  Trenches that fit well are one of the most versatile and easy to style pieces in your closet.  To be completely honest, if I had to pair my closet down to just a few pieces, a trench, without a doubt would be one of those pieces! 
xoxo,
Abbie




| Trench:  Burberry (love these affordable quality ones here & here) | Sweater:  Loft (old; love this updated version) |  Denim:  Gap (wanting to order these)  |  Heels:  Sam Edelman (under $70!)  |  Handbag:  Prada (love this one for under $50 here)  |  Sunnies:  Chanel  |

Friday, March 18, 2016

White on White

Happy Friday!
I am so ready for the weekend!  I cannot wait to put on some destroyed skinny jeans and flats and relax!  Work has been so busy lately that I've been craving the weekends like mad.  I'm excited to spend the weekend by the pool at my in-laws and do some lunching and shopping with my husband and cousin!  Does anyone else start envisioning what they will do with their days off by lunchtime on monday?

Onto the outfit…
It's no secret that I've been loving neutrals lately.  There's something so crisp and clean about an outfit that contains a lot of white.  This jacket has become a staple in my wardrobe and I wholeheartedly love it.  I love the white on white look paired up with a slight pop of print.  It's easy and chic…what else could a girl ask for on a busy workday morning?!

Hope you all have fantastic plans this weekend!
xoxo,
Abbie
| Jacket:  Banana Republic (on sale; size up) |  Top:  Loft (old; own & love this one that's on sale)  |  Denim:  old; love these  | Heels:  Christian Louboutin (less expensive here; size up)  |  Clutch:  Saint Laurent (love this less expensive one)  |  Sunnies:  Chanel |

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Chanel-esque

Hello!
If you've been reading my blog for any amount of time, I'm sure you're aware that if it's one thing that I love it is a classic look with a little bit of edge.  This jacket is just that.  I'm stunned by the quality and detail of it.  I'm in love.  I honestly wish that I could wear it more often.  It screams classic style and has a chanel-esque feel without the price tag. It's one of those pieces that I know I will have ten years from now and love just the same.  
xoxo,
Abbie

 | Jacket (OBSESSED!!!):  J.Crew |  Tank:  Urban Outfitters  |  Denim:  Joes  |  Heels:  Christian Louboutin (have and love this less expensive pair (size up))  |  Sunnies:  Chanel  |  Clutch:  Saint Laurent  |

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Santa Barbara Travel Guide

Hi Everyone!
If there's one thing that my husband and I love to do, it's explore new places.  For my birthday this year, we took a weekend trip down to Santa Barbara, CA.  I thought I would share my favorites with you as we had an absolutely outstanding time & I really believe that we discovered some gems!


Where to Stay:
Luxe:  San Ysidro Ranch

Moderate:  

1.  Fess Parker

{picture via Pinterest}

2.  The Canary

This is where I would like to stay next time we go.  It is in the heart of SB and astonishingly beautiful!
{picture via Pinterest}

Affordable:  Hotel Milo

 {picture via pinterest}

 What to do:

Shop State Street:

{picture via Pinterest}

State Street is the shopping mecca of SB.  I enjoyed the boutiques and regular stores alike.  My favorites included Restoration Hardware, Nordstrom (I mean who doesn't?!), various antique shops, and Wendy Foster (a glorious boutique full of cashmere & quality pieces-shown below).




Visit the Courthouse:
{picture via pinterest}
We explored the courthouse and I must say it is like a mini mission!  There is so much history and beautiful architecture!  In addition, if you climb all of the stairs to the top of the bell tower, there is a beautiful 360 view of the city that is absolutely breathtaking!  We spent about a half hour just staring off at the city and taking pictures of the beauty!  It is a must see!

Visit the Zoo & Santa Barbara Mission:
These are two things that are on my list for SB next time we visit.  I am so excited to see both!



Where to Eat:

Coffee:  The French Press

I enjoyed a snazzy Almond Milk Vanilla Latte and eyeballed all of the pastries.  I loved the atmosphere here! 

Lunch: Pickles & Swiss
 We had an amazing lunch here.  I had the Chipotle Turkey Club & Tomato Soup.  It was so scrumptious.  I wish it was a chain so that we had the ability to have it more often.  Simply Delish!


Dinner:  Finch & Fork



This restaurant was the highlight of my birthday weekend in Santa Barbara.  This was literally the best dinner that I've ever had in my life.  I'm not exaggerating.  
DRINK:  
I started off my night with an amazing Guava Margarita that was infused with habanero extract that was nothing like anything I'd ever had before in my life.  It was so unique and yummy!
APPETIZER:
We enjoyed the breaded macaroni and cheese.  It was the best mac & cheese with a luxe flair that I've ever had.
MAIN COURSE:
The star of the show was the Rib Eye.  Every single bite of steak was cooked to perfection and seasoned better than any piece of meat I've ever eaten.  I honestly would have paid triple the price for such a good steak.  I'm dying to go back to SB just for this alone.  
DESSERT:
This wonderful restaurant brought me a delightful SMORES surprise for my birthday.  I devoured every bit possible and honestly wished my stomach was bigger to accommodate all of it.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
This is now the reason I was craving going back to SB.  This dinner was the best I've eaten and honestly wish it was closer to our home so that we had the ability to go much more often!

{picture via pinterest}


Hope you enjoyed this guide!
xoxo,
Abbie