Fur snoods

Oh hey, Winter, you finally showed up!

After my snowbound adventure home from Chicago last night, wearing my LLBean boots, jeans and a band t-shirt covered by two coats, I thought about how in winter, it's hard to look good. Your skin is all dry, your hair has 10volts of static electricity, and you're constantly covered by fabrics designed for people in Antarctica. I thought a fur snood might be just the solution. What do you think?

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Dressed for: a Bucks game

camel sweater, green pants, phone case , boots tote bag , Bucks hat, boots

When going to a NBA game, you have two sartorial options: dress like you're going to a club or dress like you're at a basketball game. I guess it depends where your seats are as to which way you lean. I like to dress in the middle - dark skinny jeans and a nice top or colored or patterned pants and a warm knit sweater. Fun wedge booties or polished riding boots are nice footwear options because you'll inevitably have to walk outside in January. Instead of doing the traditional graphic tee to support the team, I often look to add subtle details like team earrings, a fun hat to wear into the building, socks, or iphone cases to support the team in a more controlled fanatical manner. After all, I'm not in tryouts for Squad 6 or anything.

Now, let's talk shop. I know the Packers lost last week and that's depressing. It's gonna take a while to shake that off. But it does leave lots of extra time to watch more Bucks games. Wisconsin's pro basketball team has a winning record and a season that goes into April. And if you go to a game, you don't have to wear long underwear. I see this as a win-win.

New year, New shoes

My feet are very excited about 2013. They were in need of some more fashionable, err functional attire (no offense ol' puma sneakers with holes in them). I was pretty dang happy when I opened the boxes on Christmas. Thanks Matt!

These saucony running shoes are simply way too comfortable. And I love how they look. How many outfits can I put together with sneakers? Not that many it turns out. But at least working out is a lot more fun an frequent because I love wearing them.

The snakeskin wedges are from anthropologie but just sold out. They are also very comfortable thanks to that nice inset wedge. A good tip: inset heels support your weight more evenly and don't put as much pressure on the plantar ligaments. The brand is Miss Albright.

Sartorial bucket list: Cowboy boots

Cowboy boots have been on the sartorial wish list or bucket list for ....quite....some time now. They're a good thing to have around. Sometimes an outfit just needs a little rockabilly added. That, and for when Taylor Swift comes back to town (we all have vices, folks). I found these Volatile Denver boots in Camel on sale at Ma Jolie at Bayshore Mall for $68. For pleather, they look pretty good. I've been pairing them with black skinnies, tunic tops and my cheetah scarf.

Hello Kohl's!

The new Narciso Rodriguez collection at Kohl's is coming out this month and with these looks, my mind is a little blown. Wisconsin's own Kohl's department store has taken it to a whole new level with their designer collaborations (insert slow applause here). My favorite piece has got to be that top color blocked dress. I can see wearing that for upcoming holiday parties with some black tights and booties. The prices for this collection range from $50-$150 but don't worry - they always have a sale going on - I don't think I've ever paid full price. The best is their Kohl's cash, $10 cash back coupons when you spend $50. It's pretty freakin' awesome around the holidays. It makes me want to walk in with my Kohl's cash in hand like THIS.

Shop the entire collection online HERE.

Sara's Staples: ankle pants

There are a handful of things in my life that count as sartorial staples. Going back to school hit my wallet pretty hard so when I shop it's all about value and function and practicality....but mostly value. I learned how to find key pieces - the few go-to items that are affordable, versatile, stylish and practical that I can't live without. So if you're on a budget or just need some good recommendations, here are some of my staples.....

One of my fashion secrets is that when I find something that fits great and looks great, I buy it in another color. These ankle pants are one of those items. I first bought a pair in June and realized that they work well for my business casual needs and they're a little stretchy so comfy when I'm out running errands, so I bought them again in black. I'm not saying you won't ever see me wearing yoga pants (aka glorified sweatpants) to the grocery store, but having these pants around give me more options. The cropped cut hits right at the ankle giving a modern look but still feeling classic. Think Audrey Hepburn. The black ones are great for traveling because of the stretch. Lately, I've been wearing those with a denim chambray shirt and leopard scarf. So they've been transitioning into fall quite well.

Time for: Fall Layers

Apple Hello Dolly Bars, triangle coin purse, orange sweater, leopard oxfords, trouser socks, vintage plaid throw

Last week I could hear the treetops rustling in the wind and knew......it was time to break out the fall layers. Fall is my favorite time to get dressed - because I love my accessories - colored tights, leather boots, textured skirt, a cardigan belted over a shirt. That's me. And since it's been so darn hot this summer, I have been at a wardrobe loss. So here are some of the things I have been eyeing up for fall... to layer of, course.

Totally Into: Ankle boots

(clockwise from top), Muse blue boot, Quincy lace up boot, swedish hasbeens jodhpur, sam edelman lisle boot, madewell red suede boot madewell buckle boot

My last paper for the summer is almost done so the clock to official summer vacation starts in less than a few hours. BUT, all I can keep thinking about is back to school shopping. What gives? And ankle boots are at the top of my list. I love the fun colors, but I feel the need for a good basic leather boot as well. Either way, it will have to wait a few paychecks. I got a little crazy at Ikea yesterday. My home apparently benefited from my shopping urges more than my back to school wardrobe. Patience, wardrobe, patience.

Wedding Weekend

Black lace dress. camel clutch. Kate Spade earrings (last season). mint shoes.

I'm back from a long, long weekend in Toledo, Ohio for my brother-in-law's wedding. The ceremony and reception were both held in the amazing and ornate victorian private club, The Toledo Club. From the marble floors in the foyer and Tiffany stained glass light fixtures to the hidden doors from its days as a speakeasy, it was truly an amazing place. The sheath dress I bought just days before the wedding (read: procrastination) had a great open back and a black lace overlay. As for the mint shoes, I bought those the day of the wedding (read: major procrastination problem) after deciding my other ones just weren't as fun. When doing a real feminine fabric like lace or ruffles, I try to keep the silhouette clean with basic lines and a straighter look. I also accessories with the same philosophy, but also try to add a bit of modern (so that I don't look like Barbara Streisand in My Fair Lady). And since mint is way hot right now, I just had to do it. Sadly, I don't own it, but this camel clutch is at the top of my wish list right now. How fun is that camel without being silly? Pretty fun. The earrings were a birthday present from my husband last year. When in doubt, guys, Kate Spade can't go wrong!

Girls on Bikes!

sources: 1., 2., 3., 4.

Last week, I FINALLY for the first time in years....was able to ride my bike to work. I just switched jobs and work at a women's health clinic downtown so it not only combines my love for nursing, but for bicycling as well! After college, I lived on the east side alone in a small apartment and worked long hours. To keep myself sane, I began biking after work and got really good at it. I then raced competitively for 2 years, spandex shorts and all. Nowadays I wear a t-shirt and ride a commuter bike. Oh, and I bike really slow. I know if I keep working at it I could work up to competing again, or I could just work at looking cute and trying to avoid helmet hair and pit stains. I'll take my inspiration from these ladies above. p.s. all these gals should be wearin' a helmet.

Shopping List: grapefruit and calf tan

1. Ann Taylor tote, 2. necklace, 3. blush, 4. sandals, 5. scarf

It's summer! Lately, my eye has been drawn to coral pinks and anything that screams "backyard lounging". I'm a little obsessed about our new backyard. And since I'm trying to avoid the lounging type where I stay in my "workout clothes" all day long, I'm also looking for anything that screams "I put on real clothes". So for me, this summer is all about effortless summer chic. Nice sandals, a quick swipe of pink blush, and easy accessories and I'm out the door and onto the patio.

Etsy Finds: Thief and Bandit

top tank, $58 left bracelet, $18.50 right bracelet, $14 lower tank, $54 (images via thief and bandit)

I'm really digging these handprinted fabrics from Thief and Bandit. Even though navajo prints are oozing trendiness right now, I think these designs are pretty unique (aka unlike anything you'd find at f21 or Urban Outfitters) because they're done simply and classically with a color palette that doesn't burn your retinas. So, go ahead and add some tribal inspired pieces to your wardrobe when they're like this.

They even makes little kids clothes!

Window Shopping: ReThreads in Bay View

There's a new addition to the stores in Bay View - ReThreads! located at 2671 Kinnickinnick Avenue. I am so, so excited to have a cool clothing store just blocks from my house. They just opened a couple weeks ago and are adding to their selection daily - I know because during my usually fast-paced walks with the dog, I find myself slowing down to a crawl as I walk passed their display windows, trying to peek inside, then picking it right back up when we hit the next building; I feel like a cartoon. The other week, I picked up a fuchsia and yellow caftan for backyard lounging this summer. I'm a big fan of caftans, but I worry it's a slippery slope to donning a moo-moo. So moderation, I guess.

If you shop at ReThreads a lot, you should check out the Shepherd Express Store because they sell 'groupon-like' coupons for 50% off for ReThreads and many other local stores like Actaea Works, The Brass Rooster, The Pedal Tavern, and Sobelman's. I have been telling everyone about this.

Head scarves?

photos: Charlotte Linton
What do you think? I love bright colorful patterned scarves (especially vintage Vera scarves) and there are so many ways to wear them, but I'm always a little self-conscious about wearing them in public. Would you ever wear a head scarf?

For the Win! Milwaukee's Best Fashion Blog

A big thanks to those readers, friends and family who voted for Cream City and Sugar in the Shepherd Express' Best of the Web Awards. I took home the gold for Best Fashion Blog, and the runner-up spots for Best Personal Blog and Best Neighborhood Blog. In addition to the sweet charging station I won at last night's awards party, I got to hang out with some cool people, eat some mini Sobelman's burgers and Milwaukee Cupcake Co. cupcakes. Pretty sweet, indeed, if you ask me. For the big night, I searched high and low for a good outfit to wear to the dang thing. And on my last stop, after hitting up imaginable store in Milwaukee, I found the perfect thing; RED JEANS. I was about to give up but decided to check out Boutique Vieux et Nouveau (BVEN) on Brady Street and am so glad I did. If you go, Heidi, the owner is great at helping you find exactly what you need.

My final look was an Old Navy chambray top, red Goodtime Premium jeans, Banana republic bangle bracelet, Kate Spade earrings, Kate Spade pocketbook and nude high heel sandals from Target. For this low-key event, I gave myself a pat on the back for dressing nice, but not over the top.

Gingham-ed Out!

1., 2., 3., 4., 5., 6.

I always thought there was a small window of opportunity to wear gingham: Picnics, 4th of July, and Mary Ann from Gilligan's Island look-a-like-contests. But through the ubiquitous gingham button-up, it has earned its place in the warm weather wardrobe. Check out J.Crew or Old Navy for some classic ginghams and up above for the more non-traditional ways to wear these fun checks!

MKE style: Miss Green Jeans

Happy St. Patrick's Day, aka 'the perfect day to rock green jeans'. They're pretty trendy, despite what Mr. Green Jeans says, but Old Navy and Target sell remorse-free options for under $30. Has anyone bought bright colored jeans this season? I'm so tempted.
Styled Existence

Kendie Everyday

A girl with a sense of humor

1. Heart tunic. I like this cutesy take on the regular polka dot.
2. Tortoise glasses. I just got these Warby Parker glasses last week and really, really like them. My nerdy quotient just tripled.
3. Bag of Tricks tote. I can't wait to see one of the moms at the pediatric clinic walk in with one of these.
4. chiffon hair clips. Girly, yes. But I think I could rock these in black with a wispy updo.
5. yellow taxi mittens. Milwaukee is a city with sporadic cab service so we need all the help we can get flagging down cabbies.
6. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling. I just finished reading this for book club. Laughed. Out. Loud. (therefore, best read at home alone)
7. Seinfeld hair iPhone case. A subtle homage to Kramer, Elaine, George, and Jerry.

purple tights

I bought a pair of purple tights last month and just love wearing them. They're a little bold, but when paired with neutrals, they look amazing.

vineet kaur

a beautiful mess

(Yes, I just posted about the color purple two days in a row.....take notice, Pantone.)

MKE Style: a good winter boot

source: The Sartorialist, source: L.L. Bean Maine Hunting Shoe

What kind of winter boots do you girls have? I have a pair of clunky shearling Sorel boots that I find to wear on a regular basis. So that's why I've been eyeing up these classic L.L. Bean Boots. And with this weekend's 15% promo code, I'm thinking about pulling the trigger.

Bean boots have even gotten the nod from The Sartorialist and other style blogs, which means if worn right (ie not with hunting gear), you can can uber fashion savvy AND stay warm.

top left. top right. bottom left. bottom right.