A Day At The Aquarium

Recently my mom and I went to visit the The Living Planet Aquarium. It's a beautiful aquarium with everything from otters to sharks to penguins! It was fun, and I of course had to wear something with an aquarium theme to it.  Here is what I wore:

Sunglasses: Stella McCartney

Linen Crab Top: J.Crew

White Tank Top: BP (Nordstrom)

Bracelets: Alex and Ani 

Jeans: AG Jeans (Nordstrom)

Plaid Boat Shoes: Payless

Make It Do

Okay people, here it is, full dis-closer... I have too many clothes.
Not only do I have too many clothes, I have too many I'm not wearing.  From pajamas to shoes to headbands, it is totally out of control.  Not only is my walk in closet packed to the brim, but my dresser can't close. Plus, my living room and garage are starting to have giant containers full of clothes.  (Lets not even start on the trunk of my car...)
I've been working hard trying to sell and give-away clothes but my progress has been slow.   I've also been better about not buying new things, but clearly something is not working.  But since I've started having actual nightmares about clothes, where I wake up in a panic, something has to change.
I believe that the worst part about all of this is most of the items I'm hanging onto have not been worn more than a few times.  What a waste of money!  I sometimes think about how much money I would have if I hadn't bought so many clothes.  I could of easily, bought a condo, visited Paris, fed a small county among other things.

So, I've decided to do things a bit differently.  I am setting a fairly hefty goal for myself this fall. 

The goal is this, to buy no new clothes for the rest of  2014.  Not a pair of shoes or jeans or a sweater. I already have a bag in my closet of new things I purchased at the July Nordstrom sale and a sweater from J.Crew. I should be set. I realize this is easier said than done. But my closet absolutely needs to be trimmed down. I need to figure out, what I like, what fits, and what I really love and is worth keeping. The point of clothes is to wear them. Wear them until they are worn out. Then you replace them. When I was in Fashion school one of my favorite teacher's was doing a lecture on the 1940s and  told us a quote that stuck with me: 

So I'm going to try to do just this. I'm sure it will be hard, and there will be setbacks, but I'm going to try my best. I'm going to try and write about my progress on here. I will also do my best to be honest if I slip up. As far as my portion on the blog, I'm still going to be showing my fave new items coming into stores as well as my daily outfits, There will just be less new items featured. So here goes nothing guys! xoxo

Sunglasses: Stella McCartney

Button Up Shirt: J.Crew

Skirt: Nordstrom

Bracelets: Alex and Ani 

Photo by: Chelsea Yeates Crompton 

Red Skinny Jeans

Sunglasses: Cole Hann (Similar)

Button Up Shirt: Rubbish (No Longer Available)

Red Skinny Jeans: Bullhead from PacSun (No Longer Available)

Belt: BP fro Nordstrom (No Longer Available)

Bracelets: Madewell (Here and Here)

Ballet Flats:  Dexflex Comfort from Payless (Here)

Mixed Prints- Nautical Style

`

Bracelet: Madewell (Online Store)

Necklace: Nordstrom (No Longer Available)

Cardigan: Merona (Target)

Anchor V-Neck: J.Crew Factory (No Longer Available)

Skirt: Joe Fresh (Online Store)

Shoes: Mossimo (Target)

*Photos by Valerie Jensen

Stripes and Bows

Here is what I wore to work:

Necklace: Kate Spade, Finishing Touch Bow Pendant (Nordstrom/Available here)

Striped Shirt: Stem (Nordstrom)

Black Skinny Leg Dress Pants: Old Navy 

Ballet Flats: Dexflex (Payless Available here) 

French Inspired and Linen

Two of the biggest trends in shirts this summer are absolutely going to be French inspired and linen.
Pretty much every shop at the mall has t-shirts with a French inspired flare to them.
Whether or not it features the French language or the Eiffel Tower, it's easy to find one for you
whatever your budget may be.
Linen is a great option for shirts the summer.
The lightweight fabric is perfect for when the temps start to soar.
While it can wrinkle easy, laying it flat to dry after washing can help with that.
One option I went for, is wearing a t-shirt that is French inspired and linen.
Mine is from J.Crew , but below I have posted several shirts that are linen, French inspired, or both!
Here is what I wore with my French inspired linen t-shirt.

Sunglasses: Cole Haan (similar styles available at Nordstrom Rack)

Bracelets: Madewell (available at Madewell)

Over Sized T-Shirt: J.Crew (no longer available see below for similar options)

Jeans: AG Jeans (similar styles available at Nordstrom) 

Sandals: Merona (available at Target) 

Nail Polish: Butter London in Petrol (available at Ulta and Nordstrom)

Nail Polish (Toes): OPI Diamond Series (no longer available)

Summer Shirts by heidihanson featuring J.Crew

Elephants

This week I worked downtown and needed to dress up a little.
I decided it was time to wear my new elephant button down.
I picked up this "Elephant March" shirt at Madewell when I was in NYC.
It was too adorable not to buy.
The motorcycle pants have become a new favorite of mine.
I love the fit, and the zippers, as well as the interesting details down the legs.
Here is what I wore to work this week:

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Wayfarers (Nordstrom)

Necklace: Holding Pattern Necklace (Madewell)

Button Up: Elephant March Boyshirt (Madewell)

Pants: Motorcycle Pants, (American Eagle Outfitters, no longer available) 

Ballet Flats: DexFlex (Payless-Similar) 

*photos by Valerie Jensen 

Go Bright or Go Home

It's no secret that I love bright colors. I love the energy they project. They scream fun!
What better time to wear bright colors then Spring!

At The End Of The Rainbow by kaya-nielsen featuring a red polka dot dress

Dorothy Perkins red polka dot dress / Chooka leather wellington boots / Melie Bianco blue handbag / Roberta Chiarella pink ring / Jose Maria Barrera crystal jewelry / John Lewis wedding fascinator hat, $35 / Pink glasses / ASOS belt / Charlotte Russe nail polish / Nordstrom 'So Fine' Microfiber Tights (Toddler Girls & Little Girls)...

Classic Black and White

If you are ever in need of a classic look that never goes out of style, black and white is the way to go! It always looks classic and chic and is so easy to throw together if you are in a hurry. A white t-shirt and black pants should be a staple in everyone's closet. This look works for everything from a day in the office to a dinner date with your significant other. Here is what I wore when I wanted to wanted to wear something classic for a day at work.

Earrings: Harajuku Girls (Nordstrom Rack)

"Love" Necklace: Airella Collection (Nordstrom)

Tweed and Pleather Jacket: (Nordstrom)

Braclet: Until There's a Cure (www.until.com)

Ring: Airella Collection (Nordstrom)

White V Neck T-shirt: Stem (Nordstrom)

Black Skinny Trousers: Leith (Nordstrom)

Booties:  Brand Unknown (Famous Footwear)

Cross Body Bag: Madden Girl (Nordstrom)

Nail Polish: Butter London/Petrol (Nordstrom)

 

Lobsters Are Perfect For Spring

I am absolutely in love with this lobster sweater I picked up last week at the J.Crew Factory Store.

It's incredibly soft and has a great fit. Plus it's so fun! The jeans are Rock and Republic. I bought them years ago at Nordstrom Rack. I have yet to find another pair of distressed jeans that I like as much as this pair. I like that the distressing is subtle and the color is great. I picked up the yellow statement necklace along with the sweater at the J.Crew Factory Store. I always like the color yellow but I have a hard time wearing it because I am so pale, but the color is so great and so spring! It makes me think of sunshine.

Here is what I wore for a beautiful Spring day:

 

 

Gold Hoop Earrings: Nordstrom Brand Similar here.)

Yellow Statement Necklace: J.Crew Factory (Get it here.)

Bracelet: Madewell (Similar here)

Lobster Sweater: J.Crew Factory (Get it  here.)

Distressed Jeans: Rock and Republic (Nordstrom Rack, years ago)  (Similar here)

Booties: Charlotte Russe (Similar here)

Product Review: butter LONDON in Petrol

butter LONDON

 Hardwear P.D. Quick Topcoat

3 Free Nail Lacquer in Petrol

Nail Foundation Flawless Basecoat

 

Awhile back I picked up the butter LONDON 'Backstage Basics' Customizable Set.

(Find it at Nordstrom )

I am pleased to report I am thrilled with the results!

The color is so fun and the combo of the three butter LONDON products works great!

I had it on 6 days before I noticed major chipping.

All three layers dried fast and the polish went on smooth and didn't streak.  

Two other great things about butter LONDON is that it is made in the USA

and that it is not tested on animals.

(This is a major selling point for me because I don't buy products tested on animals.)

Butter London comes in a ton of really fun colors and I can't wait to try out more of them!

Visit the butter LONDON site.

 

Do you have a favorite nail polish?

Tell us about it!

We would love to hear about it and maybe even feature your review on the blog!

 

Saturday Chic - Midi Skirt

Right now I am really loving the midi skirt trend. It is such a great transition piece from winter to spring! 

This is one of my new favorite go to skirts for a simple, chic, professional look.  

The midi length is fabulous with heels!

It has been super warm here lately so a simple denim jacket works great when I am  running around town, heading to dinner with Kaleb, or meeting friends for brunch.

Here is what I wore with my striped midi skirt: 

Necklace: Brand Unknown (Gifted)
Shirt: Lush (Nordstrom Rack)
Tank BP (Nordstrom)
Denim Jacket: Bitten by SJP (Steve n' Berry's)
Midi skirt: Full Tilt (Ross)
Ring: Icing by Claire's
Heels: Charlotte Russe
Phone Case: Juicy Couture (Amazon.com)

Sweater and Scarf

Although you can't tell by the snow in the background, the weather here in SLC has been pretty warm lately. To the point that I haven't worn a coat in weeks. It's the perfect time to layer up.

One of my favorite casual layering looks is a scarf with a sweater.

It's so cozy and warm. It's always a plus when my puppy and I can match too.

The boots I picked up at Payless on a whim and they have been one of my go to pairs this past winter.

Earrings: Lucky Feather (Dolly's Bookstore)

Scarf: Rubbish (Nordstrom)

Sweater: Maison Jules (Macy's)

Jeans: A&G (Nordstrom)

Boots: Brash (Payless)

Kaya's Top Ten Beauty Finds For Travel

It's important to stay looking fresh when flying.
And what better way than with these travel size goodies?
I put together a bunch of my travel must haves.
These are always my go to products when I am heading out of town.
I feel they are a good mix of quality brands that are a little more on the pricey
side, as well a shop awesome affordable finds too!

 

Chi Helmet Head Hairspray (Ulta)

Kent Color Care Dry Shampoo (Ulta)

Visine Eye Drops (Target)

Vaseline Lotion (Target)

Estée Lauder Idealist Eye (Nordstrom)

Vaseline Rose (Target)

Loreal Balm (Target)

Icing Mousse Blush (Icing by Claire's)

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye (Nordstrom)

Estée Lauder Double Wear Concealer (Nordstrom)

 

 

Kate Middleton Inspired

The other day at work a girl I work with was pursuing photos of the beautiful Kate Middleton. Every since she burst onto the style scene I feel like I often find myself saying. "This is SO Kate Middleton. I have to have it!" Such was the case with the blazer I wore to work. I was digging through the clearance rack a few years back at Nordstrom Rack when a friend of mine found this gem. I am obsessed with this blazer, yet somehow I always forget to wear it!
Well after spending a good chuck of my day looking at Kate's photos with my coworker. I was inspired. So here is what I wore that was inspired by the stunning Duchess of Cambridge.
Who do your draw your style inspiration from?

Hoop Earrings- Nordstrom Brand

Necklace- J.Crew Factory

Shirt- Stem (Nordstrom)

Blazer- Gibson (Nordstrom Rack)

(Gibson makes the BEST blazers and you can usually

find them at Nordstrom Rack for a reasonable price.)

Bracelet- Madewell

Riding Pants- Leith (Nordstrom)

 Boots-  Merona (Target)

Working the Ballet

It seems like all I do these days is work! I recently worked a ballet at the ticket office, and thought it would be a great time to wear my new tweed skirt. I love that it has the faux leather pocket detail.
Its such a fun update on a  classic tweed style.
Here is what I wore:

Floral Shirt- J.Crew Factory

Red Sweater- J.Crew Factory

Locket- Brand Unknown (Nordstrom)

Tweed/Faux Leather Skirt-  Frenchi (Nordstrom)

Boots- Charlotte Russe