Unseasonal

Jacket: J.Crew, Vest: BB Dakota, Dress (worn as skirt): Willow & Clay, Belt: J.Crew, Bag: Vuitton, Shoes: Fergie, Watch: Timex for J.Crew

So a couple weeks ago we had a warm snap of a few 40 degree days where I felt like, sure I'll go out with bare legs. It may sound crazy to those of you from warmer climes, but to your friends here in the frozen north, a 40 degree day in the middle of winter feels like a heat wave. Everyone goes around talking about the lovely weather and how warm it is. Don't laugh.

What I'm getting at here though is that ever since that little warm snap, winter has been back at it with a vengeance. High temps below zero, winds, ice storms. It's snowing as I write this. Any gumption I once had to stand outside in bare legs or a tee-shirt is long gone. In fact, outfit photos have been the very last thing I've wanted to do lately. It's been stressing me out, wondering how I'm going to keep this up. And I've decided... I'm not. I never want this blog to be something that stresses me out or feels forced. It's not my job, it's just for fun. And since winter is making it very un-fun, I decided it's time to give myself a break and take a hiatus.

So this is the last outfit post from me until spring dawns it's beautiful face on us. That's one lovely thing about the midwest - we have real, distinct seasons, so we can appreciate them that much more. There is nothing better than spring here (why do you think I was a June bride?) and believe me, I'm counting the days.

I do think I'll throw in some miscellaneous posts here and there until then. Since I'm so over winter clothes, I've been enjoying playing around with different makeup and perfumes, so I may have a few posts related to that and whatever else strikes my fancy. I'll also probably keep posting outfits on my Instagram.

I'd love if you followed me on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram so you'll know when I'm posting!

Stay warm fellow midwest bloggers!

Guest Blogger - Style of Sam

Hey guys! Remember this, a fun post that my blog pal Sam of Style of Sam featured me in? Well, as promised, she's here with a guest post on Lily Says Go today. I know you will love Sam's super chic yet fun style, plus she's so pretty and so sweet! Not to mention smart - she's a pharmacist. Enjoy getting to know her, and make sure to click over and check out her blog!

Hello Lovelies! I'm Sam from Style of Sam. Lily and I became Instagram friends, and I just think she has the sweetest style and personality (even if we haven't met in person)! Thanks for letting me visit here at Lily Says go from way of Texas. I'm a pharmacist on the hunt for the happy life prescription, and fashion is my drug of choice! I call myself a style gypsy since I adore anything from glitter and glam to boho. My daily style depends on whats on the agenda and the weather. Isn't it fun to play dress up?! Blogging has been a great creative outlet while my sweet husband and I try to start a family! We have three fur kids (a dog and two cats) and hope to have a kid soon!

Thanks so much Sam! And now that you all love her as much as me, head on over to her blog!

FLOTUS

How insanely beautiful was Michelle Obama in Jason Wu at the Inauguration Ball last night? She's two for two on Inauguration gown choices in my book. So gorgeous. Earlier at the ceremony, her Thom Browne coat with that perfect punch of purple in her gloves was another home run. And Sasha and Malia coordinating in sweet Kate Spade and J.Crew coats? Well done Obamas!

Obviously the country is pretty divided politically. But as the President said, "Some may dispute the quality of the President, but no one disputes the quality of the First Lady." Whatever your politics are, how can you not be proud of a First Lady like her?
source 1 source 2 source 3

In the Navy

Sweater: Gap, Chambray: J.Crew, Skirt: Jack, Tights: J.Crew, Shoes: Seychelles, Bag: J.Crew, Necklace: Forever21

Navy and white is probably my favorite and most worn color palette. It's classic, and I have so many pieces in these colors that I can mix and match quite a bit. Luckily I took these photos a week or so ago, because the temperature has now plummeted to the well below zero regions. It's awful. Really.

Side note - these J.Crew tights are kind of awesome. They are skin-toned and slightly sheer with a cute Swiss dot pattern that keeps them from looking too much like nylons. They give you a little bit of warmth and coverage without giving your outfit that heaviness that opaque tights sometimes do. They are not available at J.Crew anymore but Forever21 has similar options. I've been wearing them quite a bit so I just wanted to pass that along. Anything to brighten a freezing cold January day!

...

I'd like to talk to you about something that has been on my mind all week. It has occupied my thoughts night and day. I can't get it out of my head. Is it something serious?

No. It's Downton Abbey. I know I'm very late to the party on this, as we are now in season 3. I had been hearing the rave reviews about this show since it began, and always knew I would love it - this sort of thing is always right up my alley. But I'm really bad at watching current shows. I never know when anything is on or what station or anything. Totally a cable re-run kind of gal. 

Anyway, I finally realized I could probably watch it on OnDemand. So I watched the first episode of season three, and instantly was hooked. I needed the whole story from the beginning, so I bought seasons one and two on iTunes right away and just finished them. I can't get over how much I love this show and all the characters! Honestly, every character is so perfect, from the cook to the Countess.

I find myself sitting alone at my computer watching and literally gasping at the drama, clapping for the triumphs and laughing at the subtle humor. I'm obsessed. If you haven't seen this show yet, I can't recommend it enough!

OK, got all that off my chest. Here are a few Instagram snapshots from the week.

On Friday morning, I had the wonderful and unexpected pleasure of being drawn by the talented fashion illustrator Inslee Haynes. She posted the pictures to Instagram and tagged me, which was how I found out. I was so surprised and it made me feel so special! She also put up a little blog post on her website (click here to read it.) Inslee also was kind enough to offer to send me the original artworks. I can't wait to see them in person!

The whole day was special too, because with Inslee's large following, she sent me hundreds of Instagram followers and a big spike in blog traffic. Inslee, I can't say thank you enough for these beautiful pictures and your kind words on your website. I'm so grateful!

Ok, so I'm going to cheat and give a little blog love to someone who is not actually a blogger. Abigail Strock (or mrsstrock on Instagram) is one of my absolute favorite accounts to follow on Instagram. She may not be a blogger, but her feed could easily be a snapshot version of a great style blog.

Trust me, (or the 8,000+ followers she has) and search and follow mrsstrock on Instagram (or follow her here). I know you'll love her too! (Can you tell I love Instagram?)

Lastly, thank you to the sweet Morgan of Wake Up Your Wardrobe for spotlighting me this week! Click here to read the interview!

Meow

Coat: Forever21, Jeans: Joe Fresh, Heels: Target, Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters (similar), Lips: Poppy King for J.Crew

Take a statement leopard coat and just go for it - retro shades, an orangey-red lip and killer heels. I'm obsessed with this coat - read about the steal I got it for here (and you can get it too!) I've been wearing it constantly!

P.S. thank you for your sweet comments on yesterday's post! I thought it was a bit of a blog fail when I was getting it ready, but sometimes the posts I'm the least confident about get the nicest feedback.You are the best! xoxo

Nerd Alert

Jacket: Bullhead Black, Shirt: J.Crew, Pants: Gap, Shoes: Aldo, Bag: Modalu

My nerdiness is just shining right though today. Part of it is these pants, which apparently don't fit as well as I thought they did. Dusty was like, "Those look like Aladdin pants." Thanks bud. But it's winter and I stood outside in the cold for this so dangit it's going on the blog. Quality schmality. I mean I've certainly never claimed I wasn't a big nerd. Real talk.

Can You See Me

T-Shirt: J.Crew, Pants; Gap (similar), Booties: Target, Watch: Timex for J.Crew, Sunglasses: Target

I wanted to keep this outfit as simple as possible. I was in as un-girly of a mood as I get, so I just stuck with a plain tee and boots with these camo skinnies. I was laughing at how cold I was and how ridiculous it was to be standing outside in a tee shirt. In fact, my mom has been taking my blog photos a lot for me lately, and nine times out of ten we just end up cracking up. Like, what are we doing? What do people walking by think we're doing? You've got to be able to laugh at yourself, right?

Winter Ballet

Sweater: J.Crew, Skirt: DIY, Necklace: Forever 21 (still in stores), Bracelet: Forever 21 (similar), Dotted tights: J.Crew (similar), Heels: Louboutin

It's back. Sorry I'm not sorry. I'm going back to my ballet class roots with this soft pink sweater and fluffy DIY tulle tutu. (Click here to see how I made it, and click here and here to see how I've already worn it.) Now that I think about it, I could have made a very similar skirt with one of my old ballet costumes. Dance girls who read this, remember "Spring?" Bingo.

All that said, I think I've finally gotten the tutu bug out of my system, so I promise to give it a rest. For now.

Lucky Girl

A few happy things to share with you today. First, I'm in the current issue of Lucky Magazine! A few weeks ago I got an email from an editor at Lucky asking for this image and verifying my name and city, but I was never sure if or when it would be in the magazine. It's pretty exciting to see a photo from my blog in print! 

See the full post from that photo here. One of the most fun parts of blogging is never knowing what might be in that email inbox. Thank you Lucky! Below: of course I had to Instagram it.

Next, one of my favorite blog buddies, Sam from Style of Sam, is kicking off a new series featuring different bloggers. I'm the lucky first "prescription!" Sam is a seriously stylish pharmacist, and her creativity and graphic design skills, not to mention amazing wardrobe, will blow you away! Seriously, how cute is this idea?

See the rest of the post here, and keep a lookout next week for a guest post from Sam here on Lily Says Go!

This past weekend I went shopping with my mom, sister and niece Carolyn. A massive, and I mean MASSIVE (like department store size, two levels) new Forever 21 just opened at the Mall of America, and we popped in to check it out. The old F21 there was big too but always very unorganized and kind of gross. This new one is beautiful and amazing, I have to say. We just wandered through really fast, but I can't wait to go on my own and slowly pick my way though. :)

Anyway, I saw this awesome leopard coat and instantly fell in love. The price tag said $49.95, which is a little spendy for Forever 21 but I decided it was worth it. But at the register, one of those magical moments happened, and the guy announced my total: "$24.95 please." What!? Don't you LOVE when that happens? I was thrilled. Look for this spotted beauty in a post soon! 

And that wraps up this happy little post. Thank you so much to all my friends and family, and my blogger friends for your support and excitement, and for reading my blog! Love you guys!

Coast to Coast: Sparkles

Welcome to the second installment of our coast to coast style collaboration! We are girls in four very different parts of the country trying out the same trend. Just because New Year's Eve has passed doesn't mean you can't spice up your wardrobe with some sparkle. Our looks range from casual to party and everything in between. Hopefully this will inspire you to incorporate that extra flash of glam into your wardrobe.

Shirt: Gap, Pants: local boutique, Booties: Target, Scarf: Gifted (knitted by my cousin!)

So after digging around my closet I've realized these crazy sequined leggings are the only sparkly item I own. I have to admit that after previously wearing them like this I was kind of stumped on another way to style them. I decided to see if I could make sequins casual. By pairing them with an oversized chambray work shirt, minimal accessories and super relaxed hair and makeup, I do think I achieved a pretty casual look - sequins and all.

Make sure to visit Ash 'n' Fashn, Minted Glam, and Life Unsweetened for the complete looks!