Outfit of the Day 2/18/16

I had a lot of fun with my Stitch Fix post from yesterday, so I thought I'd share my outfit from today too. And honestly, I hope that the more of these I do, the better I'll get at taking these photos. :)
 

I mentioned yesterday how much I love kimonos. They're so comfortable and you can throw them on over just about anything for a little more coverage.

I got this colorful version at Unlisted, during one of their fun Ladies Nights. It was on sale and only cost me $30. I've worn it so much and I always get compliments on it. Well worth the investment.

The simple black dress came from the consignment store called Bump and Co. I also found a pair of jeans there. I love thrifting!

The earrings are Stella & Dot and the turquoise jewelry is from my collection, purchased over several years from small vendors.

I had a really nice day today. I stopped by the store and took some photos of furniture pieces that might work for a friend as she relocates to a new apartment. Then I met my friend Erin for a long lunch. We caught up on life and enjoyed salad and pizza from Racca's Pizzeria (used to be Marco's Coal Fired Pizza). Afterwards I ran some errands to get more of my favorite new hair cream. Love the texture it provides for my fine hair.

I hope you had a great day!
Karli

Maternity Stitch Fix #1

If you follow me on social media, you may have seen that I ordered another Stitch Fix. (If you don't know what Stitch Fix is, then check out this post.)

I was happy hear a while back that they would be offering maternity sizes now. Perfect timing for me! So I revised my style profile (since I no longer need so much business casual) and placed my order.

Today my fix came and it may have been one of the best yet! My stylist, Kate, wrote me a sweet note about the pregnancy and picked some wonderful items. And this time, I actually tried everything on so you can see how it looks on me versus the hanger.

I asked for pieces that could grow with me as I go through this pregnancy. I also wanted everything to be transitional since we'll soon be out of winter and into the heat.

Liverpool Collen Maternity Straight Leg Jean

Tops from TJ Maxx, Shoes from Nordstrom Rack, Jewelry from Stella & Dot

Leave it to my stylist at Stitch Fix to FINALLY find me a pair of maternity jeans that I feel like myself in. These are stretchy and a nice dark color, so they are slimming. (You can see the almost-five-month baby bump here). I also really appreciate that the back pockets are in a flattering position. Most maternity jeans are just so frumpy! They are a touch long so I've cuffed them here, but I'm not worried about that at all. I'm keeping these!


Madigan Ailene Lace Sleeve Maternity Top

Shoes TJ Maxx, Jewelry Stella & Dot, Purse 1154 Lill Studios

When I took this top out of the box I was worried it might be too small, but it is stretchy and oh-so-comfortable. I think it can easily be dressed up for date night, like I showed here (with the jeans above), or worn a bit more casual. The high crew neck isn't the most flattering neckline on me, but as long as I add a long necklace, I should be fine. I'm keeping this top.


Daniel Rainn Narline Button Down Maternity Blouse (made especially for Stitch Fix)

Jewelry Target, Shoes TJ Maxx

I knew that I loved the colors and the fun print of this blouse, but I could immediately tell it was huge! As you can see in the pic above, everything was just too blousy on me. Not flattering.

I pulled the back tighter just to prove to myself that it was an ok shirt, it was just the wrong size. I also think the stripes at my hips were in the wrong place on my body. This one is going back.


Market & Spruce Sollas Maternity Knit Top 

Jacket very old K-Mart, Shoes DSW, Pants Motherhood Maternity, Jewelry Stella & Dot and RocksBox

I was so happy when I saw the color of this top. I had something similar in my pre-maternity clothes, but I could no longer wear it. This top is short-sleeved, so it will be great to layer up, like I show here, or to wear as-is once summer hits. It is very soft and comfortable. Keeping this one!


Paradigm Gwenifer Kimono 

Jewelry my own found turquoise pieces

Oh how I love kimonos! I can wear them now and again when I'm not pregnant. I have a few in my closet and I enjoy wearing them. When I saw this, I was just sure it would be a no-brainer. My stylist even coordinated the top above to wear underneath. BUT, the front hit me in just the wrong spot. It made me look very boxy, so I, with a very sad face, had to send this back too.



All in all, this was a hugely successful box. The stylist nailed my style!

If you're interested in getting your own Stitch Fix box, the sign up process is fun and simple. Just click on any of the links in this post! Sharing is caring!

Best,
Karli

*This post contains affiliate links. While I was not compensated to write this post, I may receive credit for sign ups. All opinions are my own and I only share what I love!

How to Host a Stella and Dot Trunk Show

So what is it really like to have a trunk show at your house? What do you have to do? What do you get in return? Now that I'm a Stella & Dot stylist, I can give you the inside scoop and help you decide what's right for you!

Before I became a stylist, I attended trunk shows and I even hosted one of my own. What I love about the Stella & Dot experience is that it doesn't feel "salesy" at all. In fact, the first show I went to, I kept waiting for the moment the stylist would make us all sit down and listen to a 20 minute demo. It never happened. We just drank wine, laughed, and tried on lots of fun jewelry while she provided style tips. Awesome.

Now, you all know I love to host a party---be it a dinner, brunch, big ole BBQ or whatever. So I went all out with my brunch items when I had my trunk show as a hostess. But in reality, all your friends really need is one drink and one snack. Don't feel overwhelmed! Just keep it simple so you can have fun as the hostess.

As the hostess, you do need to invite all your friends to the party! The more people you invite, the more your rewards stack up. Talk up the party, wear some of your Stella & Dot items if you've got them in the days leading up to the show, even pass out catalogs. Also, make sure to send the invitation to friends near AND far. Everyone can shop online!

One last tip for hostesses. Wear something simple. And then when your guests arrive, make sure you kick off the fun by trying on your favorite items. Show them off. And if your hostess doesn't already do this, ask her to style you. That's what she's there for!

Now, sit back and watch your hostess rewards build. The average show earns hostess about $200 and 4 items at 50% off!

If you're at all interested in hosting a party, let me know. It really is one of my very favorite things to do. I also LOVE to do one-on-one styling sessions. I can bring the bling to you or you can come to me.

And finally, if you know you just LOVE the entire line, consider joining my team as a stylist. For only $199 you get $350 in product credit and you get to shop at 50% for 30 days. I made my initial investment back in my first trunk show. The rest is just cake...on top of beautiful accessories that I now own and love!

Best,
Karli

Stitch Fix #8

I received my most recent Stitch Fix package yesterday. I asked for business attire that I could easily wear to work, but I also wanted items that could be worn with jeans for a semi-casual look too. My stylist delivered!

If you follow me on Instagram you saw a sneak peek in my box...

Here's a recap of the items in my box and what I ended up keeping.

This top was the first thing I saw and I thought "Oh I love the color and the pattern." It fit well, but the high round neck is one that doesn't look good on me. The material the front of the top was made of was also sort of odd. It reminded me of something my step-grandmother used to wear. I sent this back.

 

This was the second top in the box. The color was gorgeous...a rich teal that wasn't too turquoise or blue or green. I also loved the cut and style of this. Sadly it was too tight across my chest. I just couldn't keep it.

I loved this blazer the moment I touched it. The material is a lovely weave that's stretchy but not as flimsy as jersey. It fits perfectly and can easily be dressed up or down. It was the most expensive item in my box, but I can imagine getting a ton of use out of this, so I kept it.

 

This was the item I was the most excited about!! I LOVE the ruffles in the back. Sadly, it was really small. It didn't come close to meeting over my chest. I loved this so much that I tried to get one of my co-workers to take it. In the end, I had to send this back. I thought I would find it online and buy the size larger. Turns out this is a StitchFix owned brand, so you can't buy it elsewhere. (sad face)

(Sorry for the terrible picture of these black slacks.)

I knew when I pulled these out of the box that they were entirely too small. Granted, the material was a bit stretchy, but there was no zipper or elastic to put these on. I tried just to humor myself, but they weren't going on. They went back.

Everything I got was a size large and each item ranged greatly in actual fit. Crazy how that happens.

So all in all, I only kept one item, but I LOVE it and it made the whole process very worthwhile.

If you want to know more about StitchFix, check out my previous post here. And if you decide you want to try it out, I'd love it if you use my referral code. Sharing is caring.

Have a great weekend ahead!
Karli

Shop Your Closet 1.18.15

I love Instagram. I've found so many great fashion and style bloggers to follow. One of them was posting pictures of outfits that she was "re-styling" as part of a #ShopYourCloset2015 challenge.

I figured I could join in, with an added twist. I'm going to take an item from my closet and style it four different ways. This way I can stretch the use of each item I invest in.

For this post, I just set out two separate outfits, which I'm planning to take with me to our Annual Convention in San Antonio. I'll be around all my favorite cowboys, cowgirls and ranchers, so what better time to rock the boots?!

 
I love this army green jacket. I wear it A LOT! I've found it to be very versatile and its seen me through several different sizes. I can wear it loose and open or belted and buttoned. I think I bought it at K-Mart when I was in college. You guys, that was 12 years ago now. If that's not a classic piece, I don't know what is!

 
The shirt underneath is a purchase I made this year. I found it at TJ Maxx. The sleeves are capped, which look terrible on me, so I always have to wear something under or over it. But the beading on the neckline is beautiful!

Since there is so much going on with the neckline, I'll add some fairly simple earrings, but I'll bling it up with stacked bracelets and fun rings.

Jacket (Similar), Shirt (Similar), Skirt (Piperlime Similar), Boots (Ariat similar), Earrings (Stella & Dot discontinued), Chevron Ring (Stella & Dot), Large Silver Ring (Silpada), Simple Silver Bangle (a gift), Renegade Stretch Bracelet (Stella & Dot), Chain Bracelet (Loren Hope), Black Leather Wrap Bracelet (Similar)

The next outfit is less cowgirl, but still borders on casual/dressy. I may set it aside for a dinner out with our team during the convention.

 
I bought these eggplant jeans on a whim and I've gotten so much use out of them. Surprisingly this color goes with so many items in my closet. They are skinnies, which I like to roll up and pair with this season's "it" booties.

Because this sort of neckline is not the most flattering on me, I need to add long pendant necklaces like this great one from Stella & Dot. It elongates my upper body in just the right way.

Sweater with Shirttail (StitchFix), Jeans (KUT from Nordstrom Rack), Boots (DSW last year), Earrings (Stella & Dot discontinued), Rebel Pendant (Stella & Dot), Renegade Stretch Bracelet (Stella & Dot), Chain Bracelet (Loren Hope), Vintage Crystal Bracelet (Stella & Dot)

I'll share my "Shop Your Closet 2015" outfits in upcoming posts.

I hope you all had a great weekend. And if you need to do a little bit of Stella & Dot shopping, you can take part in my Mystery Hostess Online Trunk Show. For every $25 you spend, you'll get an entry into the drawing to win all of the hostess rewards (usually about $250!!)

Cheers,
Karli

Stella & Dot Announcement

You may remember me talking about hosting a Stella & Dot party last spring. I've purchased a handbag, numerous earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces and more over the past four years. I'm happy to say that each and every piece has held up and is still in my rotation.

After my stylist moved to Louisiana, I was left with the desire to see the new pieces without an easy way to do so. I knew my friends (Sarah, Susan and Michelle I'm looking at you!) would be in the same boat. So being the problem solver I am, I decided it was time to put all this passion and my purchases to use. I'm officially a Stella & Dot Stylist! Trust me, you're welcome!

Between all the great items already in my collection and a few new purchases I've just made, I'll be up and running soon--ready to show everything off in mid-January. If you want to get your hands on anything, browse the catalog with me, explore my website in your pj's or even host a trunk party (hello, hostess rewards!) I'm here for you.

Here are a few of my favorites to whet your appetite. All images are courtesy of Stella & Dot.

My sister in law, Caren, purchased these earrings and she loves them. They look so great on her!

 

 
I have these fun citron drops and I get compliments on them every time I wear them. So fun!

 

I bought this ring on a whim and I love it so much that I wear it at least four times a week. It is simple with a fun twist!

 
I just ordered this ring and I can't wait for it to arrive. This shows the funky, edgy side that I love from Stella & Dot. They make classic pieces to wear every day as well as statement pieces for special occasions.

 
This is another bracelet that I personally own. I wear it much more often than I first imagined. I love that its a bit "rough" but the metal is classic and it blends well with many of my other pieces. I usually layer it with a few additional bracelets.

 

My friend Michelle owns this necklace in the gold version. Every time I see her wear it, I feel a pang of jealously that I didn't order it myself. Check out how many ways you can wear this thing! So versatile!

 
And my favorite new piece is a real showstopper. Like the necklace above, you can wear this at least five different ways. I love longer necklaces, so this is perfect for me, but you can also wear it short, peeking out of the professional button up shirt.

If you have any questions about the products or if you want to see it in person, just shout! Odds are I'll be wearing something the next time you see me anyway.

Enjoy!
Karli

Stitch Fix #7

It's a beautiful Sunday afternoon here in Colorado. The snow flakes are just starting to fly, the Broncos are on the TV and I've got my Christmas decorations 90% up.

Earlier this week I got a Stitch Fix box. I hadn't ordered one for almost a year! I love getting these fun boxes of clothes and accessories. If you want to know more about what I'm talking about check out my introduction post.

I requested a few versatile tops that could be dressed or down and a vest. Like usual, the folks at Stitch Fix did a great job and even threw in a surprise for me :)

The first thing I saw was this black and white striped dress. I could tell just by holding it up that it ran small. When I tried it on, it was too tight on my bust and it was too short. I obviously sent this one back.

 

The next thing I tried on was this cute vest. The material is like a jersey stretch but it almost looks like denim. The interior is lined with a furry gray material. I love all the zippers and the fact that its asymmetrical. I kept this piece!

 

When I pulled this next top out of the box I immediately knew I'd love it. It was soft and cozy. The back is cut longer than the front, which I love. I kept this top and I've already worn it twice. What a great find!

 

When I saw this pop of bright blue in the box, I was thrilled. I love tops like this! Unfortunately, this top was also too tight across my bust and the buttons where gaping. I had to send this back.

 

The final item, I dreaded trying on. They'd never sent me bottoms and I just knew it would be a wasted effort. These skinny ankle jeans are a very dark navy, almost black. To my absolute delight and surprise, these fit like a glove and I LOVE them. I'm keeping these babies! Way to go Stitch Fix!

 
So I kept three of the five items this time. I consider that a win!! I also had a friend try Stitch Fix for the first time and she loved two of the items in her first box. What fun!

I also wanted to show you the style card they send with each box. They give you two examples of how to wear each item. Just in case you need a little inspiration when you pull the pieces out of the box.

If you have any questions about how Stitch Fix works, let me know. And if you decide to give it a try, feel free to use my referral link. I love hearing other people's experience.

Best,
Karli

My Heirloom Wedding Bouquet

I had this post planned from the moment we started this blog but finally got around to finishing it this week. When I got married I didn't consider wearing my mom's dress...I just tore it apart. With her permission of course!

My grandmother made my mom's wedding dress. And there's a rumor that some of the buttons were "stolen" from my aunt's dress, which my grandmother had also made. 

In an effort to include heirloom items in my wedding, my mom decided to let me use a sleeve/cuff from her dress to make the decorative holder for my bridal bouquet.

Here's the finished, beautiful product! It made my bouquet just that much more special.

(PS we purchased all the flowers for the wedding from Costco for a steal!)

 

 

Our wedding was photographed by A and A Photography. LOVE them!

Thanks Mom, for letting me "borrow" part of your dress for my special day.

~Karli

Vintage Brooch and Earring "Necklace"

I've been seeing lots of very expensive necklaces that look like they're made of old vintage brooches. Instead of buying a new one, I decided to make my own for a wedding we were attending this winter.

I hit up my local antique mall and started my hunt for the perfect old jewelry. I found one fantastic brooch and several sets of clip earrings. I purchased them and then began planning how I'd lay them out.

While Mom was visiting, we took a trip to the craft store to purchase a chain and some safety pins to attach all the jewelry on a necklace. Seems easy enough...


Except it wasn't. The jewelry didn't lay right and I had a terrible time attaching them all in the layout I had planned.

So what does a girl do? Understand, I'd pretty much planned my entire outfit around this necklace... (forgive the slightly blurry picture...it was taken at the wedding)

I pinned the suckers right to my dress. That way I was sure I liked the placement and they wouldn't fall out of place. I had a couple girls say they loved my dress and the bling sewn on. (HA! My trick must have worked...it was a $20 Target dress!)

Because I love the large brooch so much, I've worn it a couple more times just clipped on a chain. It looks great by itself too.

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season!

Here's to more projects in 2014!
Karli

I linked up to That DIY Party @ DIY Showoff 

 

One Shirt, Five Ways: My Favorite StitchFix Top

In a previous post I mentioned how much I love StitchFix--an online retailer who assigns me a stylist to shop for fun a unique clothing. In my very first "fix" I received a shirt I never would have thought would look good on me. They proved me wrong.

It is a slightly sheer fabric, so I have to wear a cami underneath. And you're not seeing things, it is cut shorter in the front and longer in the back.

 
Not only did they prove me wrong, but this shirt has become one of my very favorite pieces of clothing. It's full of colors that are easy to mix with, it's comfy, it has great details and the cut is so versatile!


 Up-close so you can see the colors, light material and detail at the neckline.


I decided it would be fun to do a few posts about how I change up the items in my closet and get lots of good out of them--especially with something as trendy as this top. If you're going to buy something that's "hot" one season, you'll want to make sure you get your money's worth. (It may be "not" next season!) 


Style #1: Business Casual Office Wear
I've actually worn this outfit to the office a few times and to a meeting. It's comfortable, yet stylish while looking professional. I simply throw on my black leggings, a black cami, then the top, a bright orange cardigan and my go-to reddish orange ballet flats. I kept the jewelry simple, so just some woven black earrings.

Daytime office wear

Style #2: Casual Friday
I also like to wear the shirt on the outside of skinny jeans. Since the top is long and loose, I feel like I need to keep the bottoms rather slender. I paired this with my "I can't believe I just found this on sale" leather jacket, brown riding boots, a tomato red textured scarf and some large silver earrings.

I like that this could transition to a Friday casual date night too

Style #3: Saturday in the Park (I think it was the 4th of July)--sorry couldn't resist finishing the lyric
In this case, I tucked the shirt in and bloused it out a bit with my black Bermuda shorts. I added some sandals and lots of silver jewelry.


A skinny colorful belt might be nice here too, but since I bloused the shirt, I didn't feel like it needed one.


Style #4: Dressy Date Night
I feel really put together when I wear something like this. Since we aren't really "dressy" people I think I've only worn this once. But it's still a good look! I tucked the shirt in smooth--not a lot of blousing this time--with a slim fit black skirt. I added a tan belt and tan wedge sandals. Since I wore a blue cami underneath, I punched up the color with bright blue woven earrings and an orange bangle.

My "I've got it all together" look

Style #5: Sunday Brunch
While we're being colorful, we may as well embrace it. In this case, I paired the shirt with my tomato red denim skinny cropped pants and kept the shirt on the outside since they're skinnies. To add another color to the mix, I wore my turquoise ballet flats and lots of turquoise jewelry.

Embrace the colors!

You might not have even noticed, but I didn't do any necklaces with this shirt. I'm sure you could, but I wanted to let the fun neckline speak for itself, so I just stuck with larger, statement earrings instead. With my short hair, I also think the earrings keep it looking feminine.

I hope you enjoyed this post. It was really fun to put together. I'm already scheming a few more soon (maybe my mustard yellow cropped pants--who knew those could be so versatile?)!

Karli