Wednesday, October 31, 2012

I Covet Kate Spade

First up, thoughts and prayers to everyone out East being effected by Crazy Lady Sandy. Stay safe! 

Kate and I go way back. I did an internship at the Kate Spade boutique in Chicago when I was in college, plus, Kate herself is a Kansas girl just like me! It's safe to say I truly love anything Kate Spade.

Right now, I'm obsessing over the shoes! When I worked at the store we had to wear the shoes, but I haven't really allowed myself to splurge on very many pairs since {it sure is a shame when the employee discount goes away!}.

Here are just a few that have caught my eye recently:


Left {top to bottom}
1. Charm: Can we say fancy? This shoe would make any party outfit!
2. Reena: I think I would wear this as my go-with-everything fall shoe. I was in love with these the first time I laid eyes on them when I was in NYC... and now they're on sale... time to pull the trigger? Just maybe!
3. Fondue: A great leopard print and a statement heel? What a perfect combination!

Middle
1. Mandie: Oh Mandie! You had me at the bow!

Right {top to bottom}
1. Loire: A little something extra to the basic black? Yes, please! We all know I love my polka dots! And a little sparkle never hurts!
2. Leslie: Well hello neutral with a twist! Love the wooden heel.
3.  Kalla: And of course, Miss Spade knows how to add a smart splash of color. 

My closet needs each and every one of those! 

On another note, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! Hope you all are trick and treating yourself to a sweet treat or two! I wonder if I hop down to the Kate Spade boutique and trick or treated, if they would give me a pair of shoes from my wishlist? Might be worth a try!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Go for the Gold

Now that I have a little time off from travel, I think need to get back in touch with my inner crafter! 

I have eight weeks between now and when I hit the road again, so I'm making a one-project-per-week goal. {Whoa! I just said that out loud, so now I really have to stick to it.} You better believe I'll keep you lovely people posted here on da blog.

First up: Something gold...

left / middle / right

I think I'll start with the picture in the middle... I already have a 4-pack of frappuccino's just waiting to keep me caffeinated this week! 

Stay tuned for my crafty after pics!

Monday, October 29, 2012

Comfort Food

It's Monday... again! How does the weekend fly by so quickly? Homecoming at KU was a blast, even though the Jayhawks lost, I was so happy to be surrounded by my best friends and fun family! Nothing could have made this weekend more fun. 


Not to say the fun we had this weekend wasn't worth it, but as much as we all tried to act like we were 21 again, we definitely don't bounce back like we did when we were 21. 

I think comfort food is in order for dinner. Here's what I'm going to whip up:


Found the recipe on my Pinterest, of course! Hope it's yummy!

Friday, October 26, 2012

Rock Chalk Jayhawk

Happy Friday folks! And a happy Friday it is indeed... my bestest friends have come to town! Tomorrow we'll be heading to our alma mater, The University of Kansas, to celebrate homecoming. We're not having the best year as a football team, but that doesn't stop 35 of my favorite Jayhawks and I from piling on the good old party bus and acting like we're 21 again. Ohhhh the glory days.

And it gives me the perfect opportunity to pull out the little red booties I snagged from my boot wishlist!


blouse / jeans / boots

Rock Chalk JAYHAWK!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Peplum

Peplum is one of those trends that I like, but I'm nervous to try. I don't think my hip region needs any help looking larger. Somehow though, I still think I want to try it!

This is one of those situations where the fit is key, so investing in a good quality piece is important, however, since this is a trend that may not stick around, it's also tempting to find an inexpensive option.

What would you do?


J.Crew or Target


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Southwest Style

I'm traveling in the Southwest this week and it's got me wanting to spice up my style! I already love chunky turquoise jewelry and bright colors, so I think a little southwest influence is destined to make its way into my wardrobe.

It's kind of like animal prints... you don't need a lot... just a touch here and there. Here are a couple of pieces on my wishlist:

1 / 2

Let's play dress-up, shall we?

top / earrings / ring / cords / boots

Look 2:

dress / necklace

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Taco Soup

Every once in a while there is a pin on pinterest that I see or read that I can't wait to try. Enter 8 Can Taco Soup

I was intrigued by the title, as it seemed like it just had to be easy! I'm all about the easy when it comes to cooking. Since I am gone so much, I don't go to the store often and recipes that are too complicated don't appeal to me, but I still love to eat at home when I am in town since I eat out so much on the road. This Taco Soup and I were meant to be friends.

highheelsandgrills.blogspot.com

I ended up whipping up a pot of this soup for myself and friends and it was delicious! Such an easy meal that is perfect for a chilly fall evening! 

Ingredients:
  • 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14.5 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 (15.25 oz.) can sweet corn, drained
  • 1 (12.5 oz.) can white chicken breast, drained
  • 1 (10.75 oz.) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 (10 oz.) can green enchilada sauce
  • 1 (14 oz.) can chicken broth
  • 1 packet taco seasoning

Directions:
  1. Mix all ingredients together in a large pot.
  2. Heat until warm, stirring occasionally.
  3. Serve with tortilla chips.
Really! That's it... it's that easy! You've got to try it! You'll love it!


Monday, October 22, 2012

Crew Cuts

Oh my goodness! I know I already said when it comes to crafting, I want to be young again, but I'm having another case of 'let's turn back the hands of time!' 

I received a J. Crew Crew Cuts catalog in the mail and was seriously in love with every page. It was not the usual "awww that's so cute" sentiment when it comes to cute kiddos, but I was in love with the fashion in a "I want to wear that!" kind of way. 

I would take this little lady's wardrobe in a heartbeat:

www.jcrew.com

I better start saving my pennies now for my future mini fashionista. Thanks for the warning, J. Crew!

Friday, October 19, 2012

TGIF

Thank goodness it's FRIDAY! Hope you all have a great weekend!


What's everyone up to this weekend? I think I'll get to work on my personal pumpkin patch, do some shopping and hit the refresh button.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

We're All Friends and Family Here!

Guess what, guys! Saks is having their Friends and Family SALE now through October 21st! Check out their website and stock up on necessities for fall like Tory Burch flats and cozy scarves all for 20% off using the code "FRNFAM2".

As for me, I'm leaning toward this cute Rebecca Minkoff crossbody I've had on my shopping list for a while!


So if any of you are looking for what to buy me for Christmas, here's your cheat sheet :)

Happy Shopping!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Wardrobe Re-Style

Do you ever buy those pieces that you feel like you can only wear one way? Well, I just purchased a military jacket for the fall and I am determined to take it past my day to day wardrobe of jeans and t's and make it work for dressy days too!

Take this jacket for example...
Current/Elliot Infantry Jacket


And wear it casually during the day by pairing it with a fun pair of colorful denim jeans and a classic denim button down:


And take that same jacket out for a night on the town! Complete the look with a silk top and fun skirt:






Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Pumpkin Party

We all know what writers block is, but I think I have pumpkin block. I would have to clear out an entire pumpkin patch just to complete all the pumpkin pictures I've pinned!

Here's where I'd start my pumpkin party:
ribbon / glitter / brights / golden / dot / patterns
Any votes for favorites? Where oh where should I begin?

Luckily I'm home all week, so pumpkin painting/carving/glittering is definitely on the agenda. Better go get me some pumpkins to start this party!!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Pillow Pretty

As the seasons begin to change and the weather is getting colder, we are upon the time of year where we will be spending more time indoors, and if we must be indoors, we might as well make it pretty!

One of my favorite things to horde buy are great throw pillows. Pillows are for sofas like scarves are for wardrobes -- pillows can totally change the look of a room while a scarf can change the look of an outfit! 

Let me show you what I mean... Imagine you have a basic couch. Grey, beige, white, brown, whatever! Picture your room with a POP:

Today's Tribal
1 / 2 / 3

This combo has a well-traveled vibe in fun and updated colors. I love that the middle pillows bright colors are balanced by the presence of black and brown... it helps add a bit of a sophisticated balance so it doesn't look like it belongs in a teenage girls room {although it could be super cute in there, too!}.

Updated Classic
1 / 2 / 3

I feel like the color red saw it's day in the sun as far as home decorating a few years back, but if you still love the color, there's no reason not to use it in your home. Try this updated combination.

Fun for All
1 / 2 / 3

Love me my blues and greens! This center pillow would look especially fabulous on a grey couch. And I love how the diamond pattern on pillow 2 coordinates with the diamond pattern on pillow 3. 

Go ahead! Get comfy and cozy up to one of these great pillow combos... you know you want to!

Friday, October 12, 2012

Leap List: Art

Have you ever heard of a "Leap List"? It's similar to the idea of a "Bucket List," but rather that making a list of things you want to do before you die, you make a list of things you want to do in a shorter time frame... say by the end of the year. Starting this blog was on my Leap List. Check!

Another item on my Leap List is to get back to creating art. I wouldn't even dare coin myself an "artist," however I do love color {as mentioned here and here} and expression through creativity. I could spend hours at art fairs and in art supply stores! Recently, I wondered around an annual art fair close to my house, and I kept catching myself thinking, 'I could do that!' Now, it's just about actually doing that.


 clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Here are a few inspiration pieces that I'd love to try and create for myself. Interesting that all of them seem to have a similar color scheme with a touch of metallic. I guess I know what I like.


Now the question is when will I find the time to do it? I'm going to have to make the time! I've been gone more than I've been at home for the past couple of months, so I think this would be a great project to do over the holidays when my travel schedule calms down a bit.


Leap List, here I come!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Happy Birthday Mama!

Today is a very special day! It's my wonderful Mom's birthday!!!


I don't even know where I'd begin to list all of the amazing things about her... she's a great Mom, awesome Mimi {her version of Grandma}, ultimate cheerleader, with my Dad an inspiring example of love and one heck-of-a shopping partner! She is the reason why I love fashion and why I write this blog. She always made sure my sister and I were dressed in the best of the best {I mean just check out the matching peter pan collars in the pic above, along with the white hair bows... a signature Mary move!}, even if that meant sneaking our mall finds in past our Dad. In fact, still to this day I feel guilty when my Dad catches me with a shopping bag, even if it's something I bought. Hello Catholic guilt! 


Thanks Mom for always being my biggest supporter and such a loving friend. You are truly the heart of our family... oh and the pups love you, too!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! I love you!

{P.S. Does anyone else ever go through old pictures and realize how few your Mom or Dad are actually in?!? Always behind that camera! Good think I found that gem above.}

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Boot Season

It's that time again.... BOOT SEASON! I love this time of year when the summer steam has faded away and it's time to start wearing boots and scarves and layers and all things cozy!

Let's play a little game of dress up boot up, here...


1. Everyone needs a little fringe for the fall, don't ya think? And these are a great go-with-everything find!

2. I'm not going to lie, I tried to pick these up at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, but sadly my calves were too big. I should be happy I saved the money because they are a pretty penny, but I still have dreams of having these classic riding boots in my collection. I've never had a problem with my calf size before... maybe it was a sign they were too expensive.

3. Gotta love a wedge! Gives you the height, but doesn't sacrifice the comfort. Plus, again, this is a great all-around color! AND even better, these are on sale.

4. Another classic pick. Have you seen Coach's Legacy Collection? It's pretty amazing. Coach was off my radar for a while, but the Legacy Collection has brought them back full-force and I absolutely covet these boots!

5. I don't know if it's because I'm from Kansas and the whole Wizard of Oz/Dorothy connection, but I am endlessly attracted to red shoes. These red booties are no exception! Keep your eye on the price on this site... it varies day to day and I scored this exact pair for less than $40! 

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

My Newest Obsession

Joe Fresh. If you haven't heard of it yet, you will! It is definitely my newest favorite store. While in NYC this past weekend for the Make It A Woman's Day event my colleagues and I had dinner with some of our friends from Women's Day Magazine and they recommended we make a stop at Joe Fresh on our weekend shopping extravaganza... {ok, so maybe "extravaganza" is a bit of an exaggeration.}  



Not only was the selection, store and staff awesome, the prices were even better! Don't get me wrong, I love designer labels, but due to the fact I'm a shopoholic, I need to get my fashion fix at a reasonable price. We loved it so much we made a second trip back before we left town. Think H&M/Forever21 prices, but even better quality. It is currently only in NY and NJ, but I'm hoping it makes it was to the midwest soon. 

Monday, October 8, 2012

I Heart NY

Hi folks! Sorry I was a little slow today getting back on the blog wagon! It was a FANTASTIC weekend in NYC with a lot of work and a little play. Here's a few snapshots of the weekend. I'll be sharing some of my new favorite finds later in the week, but right now I'm going to try and catch up on my zzz's after too many flight delays.


Clockwise from top left:
1. Grand Central Station. Love it! My company participated in an event with Women's Day Magazine to celebrate their 75th Anniversary. Talk about a great venue!
2. Monica Pedersen. What a doll! Monica, HGTV Designer and Entertaining Expert, has partnered with my company and is so lovely to work with.
3. Mama Mia. I love Broadway shows. I think they are amazing and the cast is so talented! Mama Mia is one of my Top 3 favorite shows for sure!
4. My great friend Kelsey. She and I were in NYC together about a month ago for another work event and have agreed we need to continue the frequent visits!

Friday, October 5, 2012

Let's Hear It For NEW YORK

How many of you now have Alicia Keys and JayZ in your head because of the title of this post? Sorry and you're welcome... it's a great song!

Source

Anywho, I'm in NYC for the weekend. I'll be back Monday to share all about the trip, my finds and inspiration.

Happy weekend, my friends!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Kiddo Crafting

Can we turn back the hands of time? By 20 years or so? I want to be little again so I can get in on these cool crafts, coloring books and such. When I have my own little girl, you better believe I will be living vicariously through her and buying her products such as these!

anthropologie

I think I might need this coloring book at my desk. It would make conference calls so much more entertaining.

The Paper Souce

This little wreath could be a cute addition to a colorful gallery wall in a little girls room... or a big girls room... or my room.

etsy
I might have to order these for real. Any suggestions on what I could do with them? I no longer have a trapper keeper to decorate, but these have got to make their way into my life somewhere or another!


Wednesday, October 3, 2012

House Happy

So I've shared my dream of someday buying a house, but I have to admit that one of my biggest motivations to buy is so I can decorate any way I want! I'm a renter right now, so at times, my vision can be limited to what my landlord and lease say are ok. 

A great way to add life to your design when you are limited by a lease or even a budget, is to add pops of color, just like you do in your wardrobe.




1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Ok, so I realize #4 probably wouldn't fly in a rental, but I couldn't resist sharing. How cute is that yellow fireplace???

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Shop Til You Drop

I'm heading to NYC later this week for a work trip, and of course I had to add a day or two on to shop! NYC to me is like Disney World to a kid... my favorite place on earth!

The key to making the most out of a shopping day is a comfy outfit. Here's what I'm thinking:


Top: Airy blouse. Easy on and off for quick dressing room sessions.
Bottom: Colored denim. Gotta have 'em in every color for an instantly chic outfit! 
Scarf: Cashmere tissue weight. Not too hot, but keeps you warm when needed. I don't know how it does it, but it's a must!
Belt: Add a POP of color and a bit of texture with this cute suede belt.
Shoes: NYC = tons of walking! Make sure you have comfy shoes. I stick to flats and this neutral pair adds a bit of spunk with the studs.
Bag: Classic shape and color. Shoulder strap and cross-body {not pictured}... what more could you ask for?

Happy Shopping!

Monday, October 1, 2012

Leopard Lovin'

It's true. I love adding a touch of leopard to almost every outfit I style. Whether it's the main focal point of the outfit we work around, or just a cute accessory we add in for a playful punch, I think leopard is a must for fall.

Try adding one of these pieces to your fall wardrobe:



...but please remember to play by the rules. One piece of leopard at a time. Head-to-toe leopard isn't a good look for anyone!