Twenty Twelve.

This is it folks. The last hours of 2012. The minutes that we pause to ask have we done everything we wanted to do this year? Were we kinder, more generous, more ambitious, more adventurous? Did we take the chances that were presented to us, did we try our best at absolutely everything including our relationships with one another?

Personally 2012 was the most emotionally devastating year of my life. I usually don't share personal things here but I decided I would make an exception tonight. This past spring I lost my younger brother. He was 18 and we were only 16 months apart in age. His death shook my entire world and I, nor my family will never be the same because of it. No one can tell you how incredibly much the loss of someone close to you feels until you experience it yourself. I miss him so terribly every single day and only have peace knowing he is with the Lord and free of pain.

As far as adventure and taking chances 2012 was full of them. In May-June I studied abroad in Brussels, Belgium through my University. It was my first time going abroad and my first time flying by myself. I didn't know anyone going on the trip yet still went, which was a huge step for me. It was the time of my life. While in Europe I traveled to London, Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Florence, Pisa and Bruges. Traveling abroad was such a bucket list item for me and I experienced SO many amazing things and am so blessed to be able to have done them. I am endlessly thankful to my amazing parents to make this trip possible. If you want to hear more about the trip read here.

School wise I had my first 4.0 semester and declared my major (English: Writing & Publication Studies) which was wonderful. Having a direction and knowing what I want to do with my life is an amazing feeling and I couldn't be more pleased about where my future is headed.

My little blog was created in July of this year and is one of the best things I did all year. I love blogging and the blogs that I read every day. I get endless inspiration from the posts all you lovely ladies create and share each day. 2012 was really a style defining year for me. I took my personal style in a specific direction and couldn't be more pleased with it. I feel as I grow and mature I am figuring out more and more who I am and who I want to aspire to be as I get older. The preppy way of life and classic style is absolutely the road I want to take with my life and 2012 was the beginning of my journey down that road.

Overall I loved 2012 and really matured more than I have any other year. The incredible ups and downs this year has taken will never be paralleled by any other year. I climbed to the top of the Eiffel Tower, tossed a coin in the Trevi Fountain, swam in the Mediterranean Ocean, made a 4.0, started a blog I am so passionate about, determined my personal style, made new friends, fell in love with my state/the South in general, turned 20 and became more independent than ever. It can only get better :)

Cheers to an amazing, healthy, happy and prosperous and even better 2013!!!

-Lanie W.

God Bless Us, Everyone

Can y'all believe it's Christmas Eve? This holiday season has flown by. I feel like I say that every year but it's true! This year we had a need for a change to distract from the loss of a loved one so my parents and brother and I are spending the holiday in a cabin nestled in the mountains of North Carolina.

I hope each of you has a lovely holiday filled with love and family. Take advantage of all the time you get to spend with your loved ones because you never know when it will be the last holiday you have with them. God Bless you all!

Remember the reason for the season! Merry Christmas! <3

-Lanie W.

Getting Snood-y

Snood. A funny word for a decades old trend. Once very popular in the 1940's and 50's the snood has come back in full force this fall and winter and I can't get enough! Scarves are an obsession of mine. They can turn an otherwise plain outfit into a major statement and come in so many different colors and textures. The best part is that they're available at so many different price points! From Target to Burberry the fashion world is embracing these beauties in their own unique way. Heres a few fun examples of some lovely ladies rocking this timeless trend:

Selena dresses her snood down with a cozy cardigan.

Blake looks fabulous in this classic Burberry plaid version.

Confession-Winter is my least favorite time of year. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas time but January through March just seems to drag on and on. Perhaps because my birthday is in April...but, I digress. The only thing that gets me through the dreary winter season is the fun cold weather clothing I get to wear! This year I have had one motto: the cozier and chunkier the knit, the better. The snood fits so perfectly into that category. With one of these babies around your neck you can face the chillest of January days. Here's a few of my top picks!

Have y'all jumped on the snood bandwagon? Can't wait to hear what you think of this cozy trend!

-Lanie W.

Christmas Wish List: Item #1

We've finally come to the number one item on my 2012 Christmas Wish List 5 part series! Classic/timeless items have been a running theme in my list this year but none more so than my first choice pick, Barbour. Just the word brings to mind a misty English country side, spaniels on the hunt and the crispness of autumn in the air.

The Barbour Ladies Utility Jacket. Swoon. This has to be the world's perfect jacket, hands down. From the rich brown corduroy collar, plaid lining, gold hardware and gorgeous olive waxed cotton exterior I could not love a jacket more. It looks amazing layered with just about anything and I can't stop dreaming about all of the outfits I could pair it with. Yet again this is an item that would get endless use and will never go out of style. Sigh.. Please Santa? I've been so good! ;)

If it's good enough for Princess Kate, it's good enough for me... hehe :)

Hope y'all enjoyed my Christmas Wish List Series! Let me know what's on your list this year!

-Lanie W.

Christmas Wish List: Item #2

I had a hard time deciding between my top two items. Both are items that I would use for years to come and that would never go out of style. I have held out from asking for this item for what feels like a long time now. Partly because I wasn't sure what color to choose, there are just so many options. Of course there are the classic black with the gold TB logo on the toe but I wear way too much navy for those to be practical in my every day wardrobe. Finally I settled on the camel leather.

They really are the perfect go-to ballet flat. Named after Tory's mother, Reva, these flats emulate the classic while also feeling current. They can be paired with absolutely everything from skirts to skinny jeans to dresses, and look great dressed up or down. I know that I would wear these shoes to death and probably never take them off. Not only are they beautiful but I really admire Tory Burch and her wonderful brand she has built in the past decade. Her vision for the company and her personal style are just perfect and I can't wait to hopefully get my very first Tory Burch item! 

Do y'all love Tory and her clothing as much as I do? Can't wait to hear your feedback!

-Lanie W.

Christmas Wish List: Item #3

Y'all. I have become unhealthily addicted to researching and trying to find the perfect vintage version of  the next item on my list. While brainstorming what to ask Santa for I tried to think of what was missing from my wardrobe. I quickly realized I was lacking one of the hallmark, must have, perfectly preppy clothing items owned by true blue preps everywhere- the L.L. Bean Norwegian and Fisherman Sweaters.

Originating in Ireland and Norway and made for fisherman in frigid northern climates these sweaters are incredibly warm and perfect for fall and winter. In the 80's preppy revival combined with the mention of these sweaters in the cult classic "Official Preppy Handbook" took the popularity of these to the next level and Bean couldn't keep them re-stocked before they flew off the shelves again.

The sweaters disappeared sometime in the early 90's and have been brought back in recent years due to popular demand. The newer sweaters cost around $150 on the L.L. Bean website however sites like eBay and Etsy offer authentic vintage versions which are what I have my eye on. If you're lucky maybe you can find them in a local thrift store but I'm banking on finding one online.

Sigh. They are just so completely perfect- thick and warm and perfectly preppy in every way. Practicality and timelessness and clothing that gets better with age are the hallmarks of preppy fashion and I don't think one could build a preppy wardrobe without these beauties. I am currently day-dreaming about pairing them with perfectly worn in skinny jeans, boots and a cozy scarf while Christmas shopping for loved ones. Please bring me some Santa, I've been so good! :)

Do y'all have any of these sweaters? Are they as amazing as I'm imagining them to be? Let me know!

-Lanie W.

Christmas Wish List: Item #4

It seems as I grow older and figure out my personal style more and more I ask for increasingly classic items that I will have and use endlessly. Last Christmas my sweet boyfriend surprised me with the gold Michael Kors watch I had been dreaming of for months. I was not expecting it and don't know if I've ever loved a gift more. I seriously wear it every single day without fail, and now feel naked without it's perfect heaviness on my wrist. I tend to wear more gold jewelry but lately I have been thinking I need to add another watch to my rotation to switch things up.

The number four item on my list is the Daniel Wellington St. Andrews ladies watch. The perfectly weathered rustic leather band paired with the sleek and simple silver face are a match made in heaven. The band gives the watch a more casual look that would look wonderful paired with any casual outfit or incorporated into an "arm-party". I feel like this is an item that would only look better with age and I could pass down to later generations. The best part about classics is they never go out of style! :)

Do y'all love watches as much as I do? What do you think about leather bands? Too masculine or perfectly classic?

-Lanie W.

Christmas Wish List: Item #5

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! With the holiday season upon us my mind can't help but wander to my Christmas List. First of all, if I haven't mentioned this before I am ob-sessed with lists in general. I can't live without my reminders app on my iPhone and I have four calendars going at all times (phone, computer, planner & wall calendar). So for me, list making comes as natural as breathing. Out of all the lists I make I think my Christmas List might just be my favorite, other than my Christmas giving list. Who doesn't love day dreaming about the pretty things you could possibly receive?

This year I thought I would do a count-down of my top 5 must-haves I'm asking Santa for this year. Starting with number 5 and working my way to number 1! Here we go!

Number 5 on my list is the Michael Kors Jet Set Continental Wallet. I have always envisioned having a nice leather wallet as being a true mark of adult-hood. I am going into the second semester of my Junior year of college and will be entering the working world before I know it (so scary!). A quality wallet is something I will use for years and years to come. Plus the deep hunter green is unexpected pop of color while still being classic and timeless, something Mr. Kors does so well time and time again.

That's all I have for today! What are some of the items on your wish list this year? Can't wait to hear them!

-Lanie W.

Thankful

As Thanksgiving 2012 comes to a close I wanted to write a quick post and tell all of you I hope you had a wonderful holiday filled with delicious food, friends and family galore.

No matter what has been going on in your life today is a day to stop and be thankful for what we do have in our lives. A day to see things as half full rather than half empty. I am beyond thankful for my life and everything I have. For my friends, family, especially my amazing mother who never ceases to amaze me with her love, humor, generosity, strength and ability to get through hard situations with a smile on her face.

I'll leave you with my one of my favorite Thanksgiving episodes of one of the best shows ever. Enjoy!

-Lanie W.

Turkey Day Dressing

Can y'all believe Thanksgiving is in a couple of days?? Seriously, where has this year gone? Thanksgiving has always been a more low key holiday in my family, usually spent at my Mom's side's annual family reunion or with my Dad's family. A couple years ago, due to my planning, we hosted Thanksgiving at my house and I loved it. I simply cannot wait to have my own home and little family and host the most amazing holiday dinners. I plan to go all out for every holiday and think planning is just so much fun!

Laid Back Dinner

This might just be one of my favorite outfits ever. Barbour, Bean Boots, KJP bracelet, plaid button down and the most perfect L.L. Bean sweater ever? Yes please! This is close to what I will be wearing this Thanksgiving and I can't wait!

Dressy Dinner

I love the thought of having a dressy Thanksgiving Dinner celebration complete with china, crystal,  candlelight, and soft jazz music playing in the background. My senior year of high school we attended a family friends' Thanksgiving Dinner on the Upper East Side in Manhattan at their dining club and it was so incredible. Looking back I wish I would have dressed a bit nicer but alas, I was in high school and hadn't quite found my personal style yet. When I host my own dinners I plan to make them formal so everyone can dress to the nines. :)

Hopefully in about five years I will be able to hold up to this promise and actually host Thanksgiving! For now I will spend the holiday with my family in a relaxed manner eating Turkey and being thankful for the many, many blessings I have in my life. What are y'all planning on wearing for Turkey Day?

-Lanie W.

Let's Get Graphic

Lions and tigers and bears...oh my! Okay not quite but the graphic animal sweater is really taking over fashion this season. From Madewell and J. Crew to Old Navy and even Target this fun trend is accessible to just about anyone and is only getting bigger. As a general rule I try to stay away from graphic sweaters or t-shirts after going through a major phase of wearing way too much of it in middle school. However, for these cuties I may just have to make an exception.

But really, how adorable are they? This is such a whimsical trend that could be styled so many different ways. I envision wearing it layered with a button down, skinny jeans and booties for a day running around town. What do y'all think about this trend? Too much or just plain fun? Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

-Lanie W.

What I Wore: Bean Boots Edition

Yesterday was a big day. No, not just because of the Presidential election, (although I did wear red and blue on purpose) but because it was finally cold/rainy enough to wear my Bean Boots! These boots deserve a post of their own because they're such a preppy winter staple. I love how they look with thick socks and skinny jeans and the fact that they're American Made makes them even better. I layered my one of my favorite new sweaters (love the oxblood) over a chambray button up I've had for forever to grab lunch and shop with friends since we got the day off from class for the Election (a law in SC!). 

Ps- Please excuse the boring background it was dark outside by the time I remember to snap pictures! :)

Sweater- Forever 21 // chambray button down & skinnys- American Eagle from ages ago // boots & socks- L.L. Bean

The details:

(Obsessed with the corduroy elbow patches on this sweater!!)

Essie "Skirting the Issue" polish & gold Michael Kors Runway watch.

That's all I have for today! What do y'all think about this outfit/Bean Boots in general? Can't wait to hear your thoughts! 

Happy Wednesday,

-Lanie W.

Grandpa Sweaters

Grandpa sweaters, grandma sweaters, ugly sweaters, chunky sweaters- Whatever you call it, I'm obsessed. The name might turn you away at first, who wants to look like their grandpa right? When I think "grandpa sweater" I immediately think either-

Bill Cosby

Or Mr. Rodgers

These iconic 80's television figures were really on to something. Not only are "grandpa" sweaters incredibly comfy and warm, but they look amazing paired with a skirt or skinny jeans and any type of boot. The best part is that you can find some great sweaters by just taking a trip to your local thrift store!

Katie does "grandpa chic" perfectly.

The 80's (and 90's for that matter) are making a comeback and the grandpa sweater might just be my favorite part of this revival! I was searching for the perfect version of this retro sweater when I came upon this beauty during a recent trip to Forever 21:

I could not be happier I found this sweater! It also comes in navy and mustard but I couldn't resist this great cream color. I wore it with a plain tee, jeans and boots for a comfy look but I can't wait to incorporate it into more outfits! Such a great staple for fall and winter.

Do y'all like the look of grandpa sweaters? Or are they outdated? Can't wait to hear what y'all think!

-Lanie W.

Shoe-Centric

Have you ever built an outfit around a pair of shoes? I am totally guilty of doing this way more than I should. Shoes change the whole tone of an outfit in my opinion so it totally makes sense to base outfits around what shoes you want to wear!

Y'all know how ob-sessed I am with the Fall 2012 Michael Kors line but my favorite shoe in the collection has to be the Lesly Bootie:

I love the simplicity or the clean lines and caramel colored leather. My only worry is that it isn't a practical shoe. I adore looking at it but I wonder if would it will fit into my life and everyday outfits since it has a heel? I do think it would look amazing with jeans and a sweater or button down. Here's a few ways I would style them:

I am so torn! They are an amazing shoe but wearing a heel during the day can be tricky. Maybe I just need to bite the bullet and wear them without shame? I need help deciding! I plan to ask for them for Christmas but don't want to get them and never wear them, which I am guilty of doing. Let me know your thoughts! I am so bad at making decisions so I need all the help I can get :) 

Thanks in advance!

-Lanie W.

Ladylike Leather

Leather is not necessarily the first texture I would gravitate towards given the choice. To me it brings to mind images of scary/old motorcycle riders and all things tough, which is nothing like me. However, the past couple of seasons I've noticed leather being used in a much more chic and ladylike way. Leather skirts in particular have taken a turn from the usual black to unexpected shapes and colors.

This is definitely a trend I can get on board with and really love the more structured and dressy aspect it brings when paired with more casual pieces like a simple sweater-

Or ladylike blouse-

And it even looks amazing layered-

What do y'all think about the leather skirt trend? I think it's super chic and can't wait to try it out for myself! I got a deep brown "leather" skirt from Forever 21 last fall but haven't found quite the right time to wear it. After seeing all of these fabulous outfits I'm super inspired to try it out for myself! Follow my Instagram (laniemw) I'm sure I'll #ootd it one day soon! :)

Have a great week y'all!

-Lanie W.

Guest Post: Anya Sarre

I have a treat for you guys today, my first guest post! I am so excited to introduce Anya Sarre! Anya Sarre is one of Hollywood’s most influential trendsetters. A nationally recognized celebrity stylist, Sarre is known for her impeccable eye and ability to tie any look together with the perfect accessory. Named “Best Television Fashion Stylist” for her appearances on Entertainment Tonight, The Insider and countless other media outlets, Sarre is the go-to fashion expert for Hollywood’s biggest celebrities.

Pair Classics and Trends for the Perfect Fall Look

Getting ready for the new fall fashion season should totally be all about what makes you feel great and super-confident in your style.  You do not have to be a celebrity to look your best; all you need is to know what looks great on your body and a willingness to creatively express yourself through your wardrobe.  Go for a look that says, “I look this good when I crawl from beneath the sheets.  It took no effort whatsoever.  Cheers!”  It doesn’t matter if it really was uncomplicated or if it took hours; always go for that effortless persona!

The new fall look is completely exciting this year, and there are tons of styles that I am dying to try.  The first on my list includes a white, scoop-neck tee complemented by a fitted, black pea coat on top.  I am all about bang for my buck, and a great white tee is never going out of style.  Consider a pea coat a great piece to invest in, too, because this traditional favorite will be a classic practically forever!  Another factor to consider is that this combo can be adjusted to look great on virtually any lady with any figure!

Add panache to any outfit with a wine-colored bag, classic in size and form, but with a chain-link strap.  Sticking with a neutral leather purse or funky knit texture is fine, as well, if that is what you are most comfortable with.  

Do not forget; the crème de la crème is in the accessories, my friends.  Work your wardrobe from the ground up by finding the perfect shoes and go for those awesome bangles without a second thought. Just make sure that the metal matches the strap of your purse, as well as your other accessories.  Metallic jewelry is a great way to make a statement this season.  Personally, I’m going with a simple pair of earrings and a pendant necklace to complete my fall outfit!  It is totally acceptable to wear some dangly earrings if you skip the necklace altogether.  

Fall fashion is definitely at its best this season, and the styles are amazingly diverse and fun.  Remember, the key to looking great is feeling great about you.  Choose a style that you feel complements your body, and that makes you feel vibrant and alive.  Fashion trends are great, but don’t be afraid to pair trends with classics if that is what it takes to make you happy about your look.  All of that confidence is going to radiate outwards, touch the people around you and bring positivity to you all.  

Americana: An Ode to Michael Kors

I know I've talked about this collection before, but one post just isn't enough. I took a shopping trip to Atlanta with my roommate this past weekend and had the opportunity to go into an actual Michael Kors store and see all of these items in person for the first time. Being able to touch and try on some of the pieces from the collection made me fall deeper in love than I even thought possible. 

The combination of laid back elements like the most perfect wash/fit jeans and a chunky knit cream sweater with polished elements like a silky equestrian print blouse, exquisite gold jewelry, and beautifully constructed jackets is absolute genius. 

  

    

And can we also take a moment to appreciate the footwear and accessories in this collection? I have never been so enamored with a shoe as I am with the Lesly bootie. The design is so sleek and easy, and the color of the leather brings to mind vintage riding boots or marled caramel. And as usual is jewelry and handbags are as simple yet gorgeous as ever.

(all images via) 

The colors of this collection really hit the nail on the head. Washed out blue jean, orange, camel, hunter green, gold, cream, and chocolate brown work together and separately so beautifully. I have never seen a collection that walks the line between glamour and simplicity so wonderfully. I can't get enough.

His collection is so essentially American, which I love. Some designers are very out-there for my classic taste but season after season he sticks with looks that make me proud of our fashion legacy in this country.  Kors is one of the designers, in my opinion, that can capture the American style to the T. My current inspiration file is full of his leathers, knits, blouses, gold jewelry and beautiful handbags. Can I pretty please just have it all? Sigh.. that would be the ultimate dream. Until that day comes I will continue to dream of this collection and all of the ways I would style it if it were mine. 

Happy Humpday!

-Lanie W.

Outfit Inspiration: Mackenzie Horan

If you have not heard of Mackenzie Horan or her genius blog and online boutique Design Darling you need to head to her sites immediately...like, right now! In all seriousness this girl has amazing personal style and walks the fine line between classic preppy and on trend girly so perfectly.

I found this picture while obsessing over pursing her blog and immediately put it in my "outfits I need to re-create" file. I love the unexpected use of the classic leather belt and trendy booties with a puffer vest and stripes. Perfect example of her preppy girly style.

For my take on this outfit I incorporated a navy puffer vest and lighter jeans so it wasn't such a dark color palate since I don't have a raspberry vest like Mackenzie.  My booties are J. Crew and one of my favorite purchases ever, I have been able to style them so many different ways! My vest was a steal ($15!) from Forever 21 and the jeans/striped tee are Gap. I wore this outfit on a chilly day running errands with my roommate and love how it turned out!

What do y'all think about this look? Would you like to see more personal style posts or posts with me re-creating outfits? Let me know what you think! 

-Lanie W.

Tall Black Boots

To me black has always been a tricky color. It is definitely a color that changes drastically by the way you style it. Black can be either very harsh and rock inspired or incredibly sophisticated and chic. Of course it is the most universally slimming color and every girl needs an "LBD" but I have never been able to incorporate it into my wardrobe very well, especially in regards to shoes. I have a pair of black flats but lately on blogs and Pinterest I have been seeing a lot more simple and polished black boots that have really been catching my eye. Take a look at some of the pictures sparking my interest:

I love the way these ladies chose to style these simple boots with various layers and textures. They look amazing with black pants or tights and can be so easily styled in different ways whether dressed up with a silk blouse or down with a chambray shirt and scarf! Here's so options I have my eye on:

What do y'all think about black boots? Totally chic or too harsh? I personally only have boots that are brown so black might be a welcome change in my wardrobe. Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

Happy Weekend!

-Lanie W.