My Absolute Favorite Leggings

A T T E N T I O N. I have found the perfect pair of leggings. More like perfect brand of leggings, but you know what I mean. If you have ever had the pleasure of slowly maneuvering/dancing/struggling to get into a pair of SPANX leggings, you understand when I say this might be the greatest gift to the females of the world. Guys are great too, and I still think kids are the spice of life, but damn SPANX, I just want to say THANK YOU.

I bought my first pair of SPANX leggings last winter, and my life was forever changed. I went through multiple years of trying different faux leather leggings (because who wants to wear real pants when you can wear leggings that look like pants), and was never truly satisfied. It was a mix of the material not being that great, to fits that just weren't as flattering as they could be, to the length not being long enough for an ankle boot. These leggings take care of all of those issues; they're long enough (I'm 5'10"!!), suck you in in all the right places, and the material is top notch. I bought the original faux leather leggings last year, and added this camo print faux leather pair to my closet a couple weeks ago. And the best part? These new arrivals are currently marked down for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and will be for another week! Stop buying multiple pairs of cheap leggings, and just splurge on a high quality pair. You'll thank me later (and so will your closet space!). Happy shopping Loves! xoxo

T-Shirt: No Longer Available (Similar here and here)

Denim Jacket: No Longer Available (Similar here and here)

Leggings: SPANX

Shoes: Nike

Sunglasses: Prive Revaux

Necklace: Designs by FMC (Similar here)

Watch: Movado

A Picnic on the Boat with Muddy Boot Wine

Happy Wine Wednesday loves! The weather here has been G O R G E O U S lately (finally!!), and I've been soaking up the sun and fresh air every chance I get. Summer is the perfect time to get your friends together and plan a picnic in the park, on a boat, or anywhere that your heart desires in the moment, as long as you're outside. Don't forget the essentials: lots of wine, an unspeakable amount of yummy cheese (especially if you're in the great state of Wisconsin), and in this case, doughnuts. I truly think wine and doughnuts could be the next big food pairing trend; not only is it surprisingly good (make sure you're pairing complementary flavors), but it makes drinking wine before 5pm on Saturday more acceptable. Ok, it may have been before 1pm, but it was Saturday, and who's keeping track?! If you're looking for a good, inexpensive wine to take with you on all of your summer adventures, make sure to check out Muddy Boot Wine! Just go to Broncowine.com to find a retailer in your area!

P.S. All outfit details are linked below. Happy shopping (and sipping) Loves!

My Outfit

Sweater: VICI Collection (Also available in pink)

Jeans: William Rast (Similar here and here)

Sunnies: Ray-Ban

Necklace: Designs by FMC (Similar here and here)

 

BFF Outfit

Dress: Forever 21 (Similar here)

Sunnies: Forever 21 (Similar here and here)

The Book You Need to Read NOW + More Gingham

Happy Tuesday!! If you guys haven't caught on yet, I'm loving E V E R Y T H I N G gingham! This print is so versatile, and very summer-esque, but can easily be worn during transition months by adding a few layering pieces. I'm especially loving the black and navy gingham prints - so classic!! This look can be taken from running errands during the day to happy hour and dinner with friends - I love when I can get some miles on my outfits!

I also want to tell you guys about a super inspiring book that I just finished. Shout out to my bestie, Erika, for borrowing this book to me; she knew exactly what I needed to hear/read during this time of transition in my life! This book, titled You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life, by Jen Sincero, is a must read for anyone who wants more out of their life; more out of their career, more out of their dreams that they're chasing, or more money to do the things that make them happy. I have never been more faithful in the future and what that will look like for me after reading this book, and it gave me the kick in the butt that I needed to chase my dreams. I've included a few of my favorite quotes from the book below to give you a little Tuesday inspiration, whether it's to get you through that boring meeting you're sitting in, helping you look forward to the weekend, or just maybe, giving you that extra push to chase after something you've been wanting -

• "Our fantasies are our realities in an excuse free world."
• "Faith smothers your fear of the unknown. Faith allows you to take risks. Faith is the stuff of 'leap and the net will appear.' Faith is your best buddy when you're scared shitless."
• "Become one of your own die-hard fans, look at yourself from the outside, where all your self-doubts can't crawl all over you, and behold what shines through."
• "In order to change your life, and start living a new one that you've never lived before, your faith in miracles, and yourself, must be greater than your fear."
• "Those who achieve success share one key thing: the belief that they can be, do, and have whatever they set their minds to accomplishing."

So there ya go - order this book immediately and soak up everything that it says. Then take those lessons and go be the person you've always dreamed about. Happy shopping (and reading!!) Loves!

Top: Old (Similar here, here and here)

Shorts: A New Day (Similar here, here and here)

Shoes: Hippie Laundry (Similar here, here and here)

Bag: Michael Kors (Similar here and here)

Necklace: Old (Similar here, here and here)

Bracelet: Kendra Scott

Watch: Movado

Sunnies: Ray-Ban

That Gingham Glow

Hi Loves! It's been a little while since I've been on here (sad!!), but life has been SO crazy lately! I don't know if many of you know, but I was a buyer for a large department store chain that is currently going through a liquidation process. I bought trend and sterling silver jewelry, and when I say I absolutely loved my job, I'm not exaggerating at all - I truly think that buying jewelry is the path that I'm supposed to be on. So when the company filed bankruptcy a few months ago, and subsequently had to start a liquidation process for all of our stores, I had so many emotions running through my mind. What was I going to do next? How long will it take for me to find a new job? And not just any job, but a job that I love? Going through a career change has been one of the most scary and stressful things that I've done; not knowing what's next can do a number on your sanity. I've had a lot of moments where I stop and question what I'm doing, if I'm allocating my time to the right things, or if I should take that leap into the unknown and just start the company that I've always dreamed of creating. I would love for you guys to follow along on this journey with me, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you to stay strong and believe that good things will come, if you're ever in a similar situation.

On another note, gingham has been the trend/pattern of the season! I'm L O V I N G this tiered ruffle number by Fashion Union (found at none other than my favorite store, aka Asos). This is such an easy dress for summer, and the long sleeves are so great for when the sun goes down. I paired my dress with some fun statement earrings and white booties, and I'm still trying to get over how much use I've gotten out of these shoes! I've linked everything below, as well as some of my other favorite gingham dresses! And as always...happy shopping Loves!

Dress: Fashion Union

Booties: MIA (similar here, here and here)

Sunnies: Ray-Ban

Earrings: Etsy (Similar here, here and here)

Watch: Movado

Ring: Unknown Brand (Similar here, here and here)

Closet Staples from Day to Night

I absolutely love it when I can take an outfit from day to night, and this a-line skirt and cold shoulder top combo easily fit that bill. And, not to mention, the neutral color palette of these closet staples makes accessorizing so. much. fun. This look can be quickly changed into so many different outfits, just by switching out the scarf, necklace or shoes; this is exactly how I made my outfit do the work for me just by removing my scarf for a dressier, nighttime look. No sitting in my closet pondering what to wear for a second time in one day when I have plans after work! By simply taking off my scarf and switching the focal point of my outfit to this gorgeous Kate Spade pearl statement necklace, I completely changed the aesthetic of my look and essentially created a second outfit - perfect for dinner with friends or date night with your significant other!

What pieces in your closet do you consider staples of your wardrobe? How do you make your favorite outfits work for both day and night? Leave a comment below!

Happy shopping loves! xoxo

Top: H&M - no longer available (similar here, here and here)

Skirt: H&M - no longer available (similar here and here)

Scarf: Collection Eighteen (similar here, here and here)

Necklace: Kate Spade

Tights: Simply Vera Vera Wang

Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors (similar here)

Booties: Jessica Simpson (similar here, here and here)

Bracelets: Erica Lyons

Ring (Green): Glamour Rings

Sunnies: Ray-Ban

Tassels & Embroidery

Hi loves! I've been a little bit - ok actually A LOT - MIA lately, and I feel like I've been neglecting Style Sangria! I seriously feel guilty when I'm not getting new posts up for you guys!! BUT, it has been for a very good reason. The past couple weeks I have been prepping for interviews/interviewing at work for a promotion that I've been working towards for the last couple years since I started my career. All of my hard work and lack of sleep was worth it, because I received awesome news! I got the promotion, and I could not be more excited to continue advancing my career!...and back to being MIA from the blog. After all of my interviews, I caught a terrible cold, and was dealing with that for the last week. I honestly think the stress from prepping for interviews was a big reason for why I was sick. All of my hard work paid off in the end though!

Anyway, this gorgeous Aztec embroidered beauty from Loft is the perfect end of summer transition dress. The longer sleeves will allow you to wear into the early fall, and the embroidery and tassel details are very on-trend. I decided to play up the blue details in the dress by accessorizing with a blue tote and wooden block heel sandals in the same hue. Perfect for any Labor Day plans in store for this weekend! Happy shopping loves! xoxo

Dress: Loft - Sold Out (Similar here, here, here and here)

Earrings: SUGARFIX by BaubleBar

Bracelets: Alex and Ani

Sunnies: Ray-Ban

Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors (Similar here, here and here)

Shoes: BCBGeneration - Old Style (Similar here, here and here)

Ruffle Details

Happy Wednesday loves! Only three more days until the weekend - who else is counting down with me?!  I don't know about you guys, but I'm obsessed with anything that has ruffles on it lately, and this top was a must buy as soon as I set my eyes on it. I love how the cutout at the shoulder is balanced out by adding ruffles at the lower part of the other sleeve, making an "asymmetrical, but not" kind of look. And how cute is the lilac piping at the edge of the ruffles?? This top runs a little more on the cropped side though, so make sure to wear with a high-waisted skirt or jeans!

I also can't forget about this pair of denim - did you guys read my post last week? I talked about my new favorite brand of denim, and how I had found three perfect pairs of jeans in two months. Well, this is one of those pairs! I simply can't give enough praise to William Rast denim. It has just the right amount of stretch (holds you in, but doesn't show too much like most jeggings), is comfortable to wear all day long no matter what you're doing, and is always on trend with just the right amount of details. I'm loving the three button fly and released hem on this pair! For reference, I'm wearing a size 28 (equates to a size 6), so buy true to size. Happy shopping loves! xoxo

Top: ASOS (Similar here and here)

Denim: William Rast (Similar here)

Shoes: Marc Fisher (Similar here)

Bag: Michael Kors - No longer available (Similar here and here)

Sunnies: Ray-Ban

Bracelets: Alex and Ani

New Sunnies + My Favorite Jeans

Hi loves! Happy Wednesday! I hope everyone's week started out on the right foot. I know mine did (even with a few obstacles), thanks to these floral sunnies! Seriously, how cute are these?? I was looking for a pair of round sunglasses (LOVE my Ray-Bans but I wanted to change it up for a minute), and I stumbled upon these - it was love at first sight. I mean, how can someone have anything even close to a bad day when they have daisies on their sunglasses? Daisies + tortoise shell equals perfection in my book when it comes to finding that unique, stand-out from the crowd pair of sunnies.

AND, I wanted to share my new favorite jeans with you guys. You can't go wrong with a pair of black, destructed denim, and the released hem takes this pair to the next level. This number from William Rast fits like a glove, and makes me feel so good about myself every time I put them on! With the high rise cut and almost jegging-like feel, they are a great slimming skinny jean to add to your closet. My mom ended up buying a pair too because I couldn't stop raving about them! I've grabbed three pairs of William Rast jeans in the past two months, and I'm not looking back. I will gladly continue to fuel this obsession with zero guilt - how often can a girl say that she finds the perfect pair of jeans?? (Answer: three times in two months). Do you have any denim brands that you swear by? Leave a comment below! Happy shopping loves! xoxo

Sunnies: Sam Edelman (also here)

Tee: Calvin Klein (Similar here and here)

Jeans: William Rast

Sandals: Franco Sarto (Similar here, here and here)

Bag: Found in Italy (similar here)

Bracelets: Alex and Ani