.:Date Night:.

//Coat:  Old Navy (old; love this one for under $50) // Shirt:  Banana Republic (love & debating ordering this one for $13) // Denim:  Hudson // Handbag:  Tory Burch // Heels:  Valentino (love these for under $60) //

My husband and I went for an easy date night on Friday night to one of our old favorite restaurants and to see a movie.  As part of my resolution to wear heels 3 times a week, I decided to wear them for date night.  That being said, I've been on vacation the past three weeks, so wearing heels has been even less desired than normal because I'm most often shopping or catching up with friends that I haven't seen in a while (all of which require a lot of walking…not so fun in sky high pumps).  However, today is my first day back to work from vacation (I hope there's enough coffee to keep me going) and I'm planning on strutting around much more often in my power shoes (heels!).

As a side note, you may notice a super sweet pup in the photo.  He is the  neighbor's adorable dog and, while on break, became my running buddy.  I am trying to get back into my old running self (I used to LOVE it more than clothes…yeah, I know…it's a lot.).  Anyway, my last mile of every run that I went on last week, this little pup would catch me and run right by my side.  When the hubby and I went to take outfit pictures, he decided to join in on the fun and come to visit us!  

Please be sure to check in at 6pm PST tonight for an announcement that may really surprise you!

xoxo,

Abbie

.:Casual Fur:.

//Vest:  Banana Republic (love this one) // Turtleneck:  J. Crew (love & super affordable ($7)!) // Denim:  7 for all Mankind (love these even more) // Brooch:  Chanel // Boots:  Ariat //  Handbag:  Tory Burch //

One thing that I have loved about being on Winter vacation from work is wearing casual looks daily.  Now, I love trying to find new ways to spice up jeans and a tee.  One of my favorite ways to add some glamour to denim is by pairing it with luxe textures (such as this amazing fur vest) and a little bling.  I love how the small addition of the vest completely transforms the outfit into something a little more dressy than just plain old jeans and a turtleneck.  

xoxo,

Abbie

.:Striped Love:.

 Poncho: The Limited (identical for $35) // Denim:  7 for All Mankind (love these even more!) // Heels:  Sam Edelman // Handbag:  Rebecca Minkoff // 

I am severely addicted to poncho.  This poncho completely fits the bill because it is constructed out of a striped fabric (I am what's not to love).  I absolutely love the effortless appeal of this sweater.  I wish it came in other color variations…I would be stocking up on all of them.

This mini bag is by far one of my favorite purchases as of late.  As discussed in this post on mini bags, I love how it simplifies my life and fits just the essentials. I also adore that it adds a fun pop of color to just about any neutral outfit!

xoxo,

Abbie

.:Buffalo Girls:.

 

//Shirt:  Macy's // Vest:  Banana Republic (love this one) // Pants:  Express (lovely as well) // Heels:  Sam Edelman // Handbag:  Tory Burch //

I know that it's early to say this, but this might possibly be one of my favorite outfits of the year.  I love the neutral color palette.  For some reason, I've been completely feeling neutrals lately.  I love how adding texture such as leather and fur completely dress this outfit up.  The heels and handbag add a hint of girlie to a menswear inspired ensemble.  

Be sure to check out this post featuring my resolutions for the year & this post for my thoughts on mini bags as of late.

xoxo,

Abbie

.:mini bag madness:.

I may have found a new love in mini handbags.  My husband purchased the Tory Burch mini bag featured below for me for Christmas and now I feel as though I'm obsessed with the smaller handbag!  I NEVER thought that I would fall in love with smaller bags.  However, I absolutely love that these purses fit just the necessities, don't allow for you to turn your handbag into a mess, and make shopping handsfree a breeze.  The following bags are listed in order from high to low prices.  I honestly cannot tell you which one I love the most as I am completely in love with all of them.  I may or may not have just found a neon yellow crossbody on Poshmark that I cannot wait to receive in the mail.  Now, I am on the hunt for a red or fuchsia mini bag.  

// Investment:  Tory Burch Handbag //

//Mid Range:  Cobalt Crossbody//

//Budget Friendly:  Woven Black Crossbody//

Happy Shopping!

xoxo,

Abbie

.:Mixed:.

 //Sweater:  Forever 21 (love this for under $20) // Shirt:  Forever 21 // Denim:  Hudson // Booties:  Joie (MEGA SALE here) & also here // Necklace:  Stella & Dot //

Wearing heels is part of my New Year's resolution list (see previous post).  These babies will most likely be in heavy rotation in order to help me meet that resolution.  Given the height, they are incredibly comfortable.  I also absolutely love the pop that they give any outfit.  I sized down a half size in order to get the best fit (I wear an 8 and purchased a 38 which fit beautifully).  Ladies, if you are still debating this shoe, snatch it up while you can because there don't seem to be many left of them.  I am so thrilled to pair them with black tights and skirts  or leather pants very very soon.

xoxo,

Abbie

.:Happy New Year & Resolutions:.

Happy New Year, Dolls!  2014 was quite possibly the best year in my life!  I am so excited to see what 2015 has to offer.  Now, I never really believe in New Year's resolutions.  I feel that they are quite often a list of things that we attempt, but inevitably fail at.  I am determined this year to make my resolutions stick.  As a part of keeping me on track, I thought that I would share these resolutions with you.  I even have a few fashion resolutions as well!

HERE WE GO:

1.  Workout until I sparkle for 30 minutes, 3 days per week.

It's by far the most generic, overused resolution that there is.  I will get back into working out.  

I WILL.  I WILL.  I WILL.

This past year, I've completely fallen off of the working out bandwagon.  However, I used to completely love it.  For me, a good workout results in an increase in my happiness (gotta love those endorphins!) and productivity!

2.  Buy less; Choose well.

This last year, I really focused on investment pieces.  I really tried to avoid poor quality clothing in general.  Forever 21 became my enemy.  However, towards the end of the year, I started remembering that stores like that often have hidden gems.  This year, I plan to continue to really look at the items, BUT not purchase so many of them.  I also really want to force myself to cover up the brand of the item and ask myself if I am buying the item for the name or because it actually is that special.  For me, this will be one of the toughest resolutions of the year.

3. Keep my closet clean by picking up for 10 minutes every night.

Every couple of weekends, I clean my closet only to endure the weekdays with it being a complete mess from me struggling to get ready in the mornings.  My remedy for this this year is to force myself to clean it for ten minutes every night in hopes of not having to spend hours every few weeks fixing it.

4. Wear heels 3 days a week.

I used to wear heels every single day.  However, times have changed, and most days I can be found running around in a cute flat.  However, it bothers me so much to see all of my cute shoes sitting on the shelf unworn.  My goal this year is to wear heels 3 days a week in hopes of wearing more of my shoe collection.

5. Complete a 30 day shopping ban. 

One of the most difficult resolutions that I have for myself is to complete a 30 day shopping ban.  Two years ago, I went on a two month shopping ban and went absolutely bananas afterwards (I ran straight to Burberry and quite a few other places…OH MY!).  This time around, I plan to not shop for at least 30 days and to create 30 different outfits from my closet by remixing things that I already own.  I really want to develop an appreciation for all of the glory that is already in my wardrobe.  I also believe that when the ban is done, I will need at set some sort of guideline as to how much I can spend so that I don't overdo it!  I'll keep you all posted as soon as I'm ready to start!  Hopefully, some of you will join me!

6. Consistently blog 5 days/ week.

This past year of blogging, I went through my streaks where I was blogging like a fiend, and then I would fall of the face of the earth.  This year, I want to make sure that every single weekday, I am posting new content.

7. Make a bigger effort to spend time with those that I love.

My family and close friends are THE most important thing to me in my little life.  This year, I want to make a big effort to place at least one phone call a week to a family member or close friend that I haven't spoken to lately in an effort to make sure that I have the opportunity to keep up with them.  I also want to plan a date to see one fabulous friend for a playdate once a month.  All too often, life gets busy and we forget to remind those in our lives how much we adore them.

8. Cherish the good; eliminate the bad.

This past year, I really discovered who my friends were.  That's the funny thing about weddings and life changes…it really bring out who your real friends are.  This year, I plan on continuing to celebrate those fabulous friends and continuing to step away from people who are negative.  I am so lucky to have so many positive uplifting people in my life.  In addition, I want to ensure that I am also positive and uplifting. After all, life is too short to focus on the bad.  To create a positive life, you have to think positively as well!

Well, everyone, wish me luck!  What are your resolutions?  Do you have any ways of keeping yourself accountable?  Please share with me!

Xoxo,

Abbie