Pointing Fingers

 

Pilcro Pointing Fingers Graphic Tee (old, similar style on sale here) / Aeropostale White Boyfriend Blazer (similar boyfriend style here and cropped style here) / DIY Boyfriend Shorts (similar under $25 pair here) / Target Oversized Watch / Ombre Mirror Lens Sunglasses / Vintage Red Faux Leather Loafers (similar style here) / Layered Bracelets (under $5!)

While Fall is technically in session right now (and I am not complaining about that one bit, it's my favorite season from the scent of cinnamon all throughout the halls to the fashion!), our Minnesota weather decided to throw us for a loop and put 70 degree weather back on the table this past weekend. Thus, my closet cleaning was put on hold to go out and about and enjoy the beautiful weather. Usually when wearing a graphic tee or sweatshirt like this one, I like to add structure with light layers. In this case, I chose to wear one of my favorite boyfriend blazers cuffed at the sleeve, but sometimes, if I'm wearing a sweatshirt especially, I'll wear it layered over a button down shirt that's buttoned all the way to the top for a more polished look. The truth is, I think Fall is my favorite season simply because of the layers, I just love layers. 




xoxo

Brazilian Breakfast of Champions: Acai Bowls

Lately, I've been really big into blended fruit bowls for breakfast. They contain enough sweetness to wake me up and give me energy for a long day full of whatever it decides to throw my way. I find that it’s also a great snack any time you need a pick-me-up or some added energy around that slumming 2:00 feeling time. What I've found though is that although they taste delicious, they can quickly add up if you’re buying them everyday, not to mention the fact that they're nearly impossible to find where I live, and since have decided to start making them on my own. If you’re not familiar with acai it’s an antioxidant rich berry from the Brazilian amazon, loaded with protein, and a host of omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids - making it a wonderful way to start your day!

Ingredients:

2 packets frozen acai puree (3.5 oz)
1 banana frozen (cut in pieces)
1 handful of frozen blueberries
scant 1/4 cup orange or apple juice
scant 1/4 cup almond milk
1 scoop protein powder (optional

Toppings (have a little fun here!):
mango
blueberries
strawberries
banana
granola
goji berries

Take the acai packets (I usually get mine from the brand Sambazon at Whole Food's - so good!) out of the freezer and and break them apart before opening. I suggest letting them set out on the counter for a few minutes to make this a little easier. Now, put the acai chunks, blueberries, and frozen banana pieces into the blender. Pour in a small amount of juice or almond milk and (optional) protein powder. Between blends you may have to open up the blender, move things around a bit, and scrape the sides or push down the fruits to keep things moving. Once you begin to blend you will be able to see how much liquid you need - go from there and adjust the thickness to your own desire, although; most people (like myself) like to create a very thick sorbet-like consistency.

And, walla! You can use whatever toppings you like - I prefer and always seem to cut up any leftover bananas or fresh fruit and usually add coconut shreds, almond slices and for an added kick of energy I'll pour on a little bee pollen.


Enjoy!



xoxo

Pearly Girl

1) The Limited Pearl Ring

2) Bauble Bar Double Pearl Earrings

3) FOREVER 21 Faux Pearl Ring Set (under $5)

4) ASOS Double Pearl Ring (under $10

5) C. Wonder Stud and Pearl Cuff 

6) Crystal Pearl Drop Earrings

7) Anthropologie Double Pearl Necklace

8) C. Wonder Pearl Cuff 

9) Sole Society Pearl Bracelet

Happy Friday!

Today is the final installment of Extraordinary Fashion Week, and we're ending it on a glam note. I have to be honest here, this girl is all about pearls. I'll admit, I am probably a bit biased to them because they're my birth stone, but that in no way lessens how glamorous they are. The way I see it is that they add that certain je ne se quois to an outfit by simply being these - just take my new double pearl earrings for example. Alone the combination of a sweater and jeans is simplistic and understated, but add a pair of pearl earrings to the mix and you suddenly have a look worthy of date night. After all, the best glam is done in the simplest way, and what's simpler than throwing on a pair of earrings or a bracelet?


xoxo

The Double G Standard

1) French Connection Knee-High Boots
2) Ambition Military Vest
3) Halogen Cashmere Sweater
4) Kain Oates Green playsuit
5) Vince Robe Coat
6) JOA Polka Dot Midi Skirt
7) Halogen Grey Scarf
8) Segal Green Quilted Jacket
9) H&M Green Dress
10) Cheap Monday Grey Jeans
11) Current/Elliott Grey Tee
12) Current/Elliott Green Jumpsuit

I don't know about you, but come Fall all I really want to wear are neutrals. And lucky for me, this trend surfaced just in time. Only recently did I realize how chic an entirely grey outfit can be; gone are the days of the middle school groutfit and in are the days of the sophisticated monochromatic look. Even green, which I always feared would make me appear as a giant lime or military brat is taken down in level of ostentatiousness to become a sleeker, and more slimming color, and who doesn't want to look a little thinner when there are 5 different coats piled on top of them?

xoxo

Floppy, Not Sloppy

1) Preston & Olivia Milford Hat

2) Urban Outfitters Felt Floppy Hat

3) Janessa Leone Fedora

4) Saint Catherine Felt Hat

5) David & Young Floppy Felt Hat

6) Jasmine Camel Floppy Hat

7) Topshop Floppy Wool Hat


Oh, floppy hats. Long gone are the hot Summer day's, but these beauties will live on in our Fall and Winter wardrobes this season. As I mentioned a couple days ago in this post, the 70's are back. Wide-brim hats were born and raised in this era and continue to live on for multiple reasons - one being that they provide invaluable protection from the sun, and the other being, well, fashion. However, what a lot of people don't realize is how well these hats transition into Fall and Winter. They're not only great for blocking the sun in the Summer, but also fantastic at saving your blowout from the rain and snow in during the other seasons. When I first came across this concept years ago I found it a completely genius idea, and pretty stinking adorable. Just picture all of the little snowflakes lining the brim of your hat, I mean could it get an cuter? You could say I'm a little excited to try it out again, and a little advance warning to all my Instagram follower's; when the opportunity presents itself, you know I'll be sharing it.

xoxo

Shear Delight

1) BCBG Faux Fur Coat (on sale!)

2) Kenneth Cole Faux Fur Jacket

3) MANGO Leopard Faux Fur Coat

4) GRAHAM & SPENCER Faux Shearling Vest

5) SKIES ARE BLUE Cropped Fur Coat

6) C&C CALIFORNIA Faux Shearling Vest

7) JOA Grey Shearling Jacket

8) MANGO Shearling Vest

9) Fairy Pink Faux Fur Coat

Another trend for Fall is shearling jackets, and thank goodness for that. Around here it get's pretty chilly come the winter months (negatives are sadly not an uncommon occurrence), and though wearing multiples of these under my favorite trench coat will make the process just a little bit easier, I'd gladly make do without the the cold, thank you! Even during the beginning of Fall however, they make great transitional wear. Just take last weekend for example, I wore a new shearling jacket I purchased cuffed at the sleeves for a chillier Fall day and felt cozy and fabulous (two of the best feelings if you ask me) all day long. Not to mention all of the complements I got for an outfit that felt like a blanket had been wrapped around me. So, even though this may be coming from a girl biased to jackets, I can guarantee you that once you get your hands on one of these silky soft and cozier-than-a-teddy-bear jackets, you won't be able to take it off.

I also mean that last part very literally, I wear mine when I'm working in my office just about every single day because it's that comfortable!

xoxo

60's & 70's Spunk

1) Kate Spade silk dress
2) ASOS Blue Boyfriend Coat
3)ASOS Boxy Embellished Jacket
4) MANGO Fitted Dress
5) J. Crew blazer
6) TFNC Polka Dot Shift Dress
7) Alice + Olivia Oversized Coat
8) Manolo Blahnik Polka Dot Pump
9) ASOS Sunflower Midi Skirt
10) FOREVER 21 Boxy Jacket
11) H&M Tan Turtleneck Sweater
12) *Topshop Rose Midi Skirt

I've decided, in honor of Fashion Month, to dedicate this week on Extraordinary to finding the best (and affordable!) pieces for this upcoming Fall based off of this Springs FF14 Runway shows and the SS15 runways this month. One of the big prevailing trends for Fall and Spring is a modern take on the 60's & 70's. From the feminine shapes, to the pungent colors, to the high necks mixed with short hems, I'm loving it all. Especially the mixture of yellow and tan: nothing says 70's fox quite like it. A more modern take on the palette would be to mix this adorable ASOS yellow midi skirt with this H&M tan turtleneck for comfort and polish beyond compare, or if you're a little timid and don't want to dive head first in the combo go for this neutral floral Topshop skirt instead. And for my neon daredevil's out there, mixing this Kate Spade yellow dress (less expensive style here) with this ASOS baby blue coat and belted at the natural waist will not only create a spunky look, but also a smaller waist (win!). The possibilities are really endless though: the 60's and 70's were all about experimenting and breaking tradition, so don't be afraid to test the limits and have a little fun.

*(It wouldn't let me put the picture in but it's absolutely GORGEOUS!)

xoxo

For The Home

Tall, Medium and Short H&M candle holders / H&M Pencil vase / White & Grey Desk Arm Chair / Jonathon Adler Phone Docking Station / PB Mirror Trays / Lauren Taylor Creates Red Dress Painting / Jonathon Adler "oui oui" Hat Stand / Kate Spade "odds & ends" plate / "The Little Dictionary of Fashion" / Watercolor Pillow / Lulu and Georgia Gold Lamp / Lulu and Georgia Elephant / Target Bar Cart (on sale!) / Anthropologie Coaster Set

Happy Thursday!

With the beginning of the school year leaning over head, I felt the sudden urge to re-decorate my office space. I've never had a very colorful or eye-catching space to work in, just somewhere to go to get my work done and then leave to carry out other tedious tasks. That was until lately, when I started practically living at my desk, and the drab, dull space started to have an affect on me - and not in a good way. Although, what I've noticed since I've started to update it and bring in some color and inspirational pieces (like the ones above) is that I feel more at home and inspired being surrounded by the things I love. Maybe a little materialistic and superficial, yes, but it's made working a lot less painful and even somewhat easier for me. So, try it! It doesn't have to be anything major either - a colorful piece of art, a new tray to display your favorite jewels, even a vase to hold those beautiful flowers (fake ones are great for year-round!) - just that one piece of love can make a world of difference! Also worth mentioning for all of my frugal ladies out there, I may or may not have some home decor DIY's headed your way in the upcoming weeks... stay tuned... (:

Stay Extraordinary,
Shelby ♥