Monday, March 14, 2016

Spring Pleats + Denim

J Crew Pleated Skirt + Calyer Wash Denim Jacket

Joie Lace-Up Sandals + J Crew Pleated Midi Skirt

Pretty pleats and springtime denim
Jacket: J.Crew | Tee: J.Crew | Skirt: J.Crew | Shoes: Joie (here in metallic or similar in black via Nordstrom) | Bag: Valentino | Sunglasses: Karen Walker

Lots of love for J.Crew this spring--I'm wearing my favorite tee, denim jacket, and twirly new pleated skirt in today's weekend look. This skirt is even prettier in person and swishes nicely when I walk (you might have seen me wearing it a couple days in a row on my Snapchat--username is helloframboise). It seems like sizes and colors are going very fast, so jump on it quickly while it's 25% off right now (code: SHOPMORE).

I've written quick reviews of my tee (read it here) and jacket (read it here) before, and these are both pieces I find myself reaching for over and over. These closet staples are 25% off as well with the current promo, so it's a great time to scoop them up to add to your spring basics wardrobe.

I've been loving all the lace-up shoes available this spring, but it's tough to find a pair that doesn't start to get uncomfortable or dig into my skin quickly. My shoes here are a Joie pair I scored at last year's Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, but they're still available at reduced prices in some other colors at Saks. If I were to choose a current-season pair that looks to be similarly comfy, well-made, and budget friendly, I'd pick this Vince Camuto pair via Nordstrom. As far as lace-up flats go, I'm still enjoying my Steve Madden Eleanorr flats, which are currently price-matched at 25% off.

Denver had lovely weather again this weekend, but I actually got to spend a little time in the mountains on Friday and Saturday doing some spring skiing. Despite a somewhat slushy conditions, Sean and I still had a great time on the mountain. We hardly missed the hour we lost switching over to daylight savings. With our jobs keeping us past 5 pretty much every day, we love having a little bit of sunlight in the evening when we finally do leave the office.

Hope Daylight Savings treats you well, too! Happy Monday!

x, Tam

Monday, March 7, 2016

Stripes, Button-Up Denim, & the J.Crew Chateau Trench

J Crew Chateau Trench
Coat: J.Crew Chateau Trench in 'Barley'-- 20% off right now with code GETSHOPPING
Striped Tee: Topshop | Skirt: ASOS | Shoes: Converse | Bag: Chloe 'Drew' in 'Motty Gray'
Bracelet: Vita Fede | Watch: kate spade | Necklace: Roberto Coin | Earrings: Gorjana via Rocksbox

I'm sharing a casual spring look from the weekend today--we are still loving our early spring weather in Denver. (And it's hard to believe that bare legs are possible in early March!) The spring temperatures have brought us some rain instead of snow recently, and my new spring trench from J.Crew is perfect for cooler, damp weather.

Converse & Trench for Spring

You may remember that the J.Crew Chateau Parka was one of my favorite coats this winter (read my review here), so I was happy to see that J.Crew had taken the same silhouette and designed a similar spring coat in a lighter, water-resistant fabric. The Chateau Trench is lined in a darling gingham fabric and has slightly longer sleeves than the Parka, so turning up the cuffs to reveal the lining is a must.

I debated between the Barley color I got and the bright red Fiery Sunset for a bit. I love bright-colored outerwear, but I felt the more traditional color was a better fit with my mostly-neutral work wardrobe. I saw the bright red on Kelly in the City recently, and love how the color looks in contrast with the gingham lining, so if red works well in your closet, go for it!

J Crew Petite Chateau Trench

Since the coat is advertised as water-resistant, I decided to take it for a spin while walking Stanley during a light evening shower. As raindrops hit me, I could see them bead up on the fabric and run off without any soaking through. While I'm not sure if it would keep you totally dry during a downpour, I'm happy with how the Chateau Trench protected me from the average spring rain. I also gave it a quick test under a faucet for about ten seconds, and my arm stayed dry even though the sleeve was completely wet on the outside.

Button-Through Denim Skirt + Converse + Trench

As far as sizing goes, I took my normal 00P, but I noticed that other reviewers thought the fit was a little small in the shoulders. I've found that many of J.Crew's coats are on the smaller side in the shoulders, so if you're looking to layer underneath, it's often a good idea to size up. The bell shape of this coat (something I really like about it) is not as obvious in photos as it is in person. If you're looking for a more fitted, classic trench, this coat is probably not for you. I'd suggest the Icon Trench instead--it's also available in petite and regular sizing and is currently 20% off as well.

This button-through denim skirt is another new addition to my closet. I have a couple denim skirts in my wardrobe already, but I liked the A-line shape and 70's styling of this one. It's such a versatile piece and can be styled for warmer or cooler temperatures. At under $40, it was a budget-friendly option, too! When shopping at ASOS, keep in mind that their sizing runs quite small. I'm wearing a Petite 0 and could have probably gone up a size if I wanted it to sit a little lower on my waist.

Stripes + Button-Up Denim Skirt

Hope you had a great weekend--happy Monday!

x, Tam

Friday, March 4, 2016

Morning Radiance with St. Ives

St Ives Oatmeal Hello Framboise

Those of you who know me in real life know I am not a morning person at all. Rising and shining is definitely a daily struggle for me! Most days, I have to be out the door at a totally uncivilized hour, so I rely heavily on my morning routine to make sure I look and feel radiant.

Enter St. Ives and OatMeals--they sent along this lovely care package that made my mornings brighter this week. It contained two servings of OatMeals' special St. Ives Radiance Boost Bowl oatmeal in cute individual mason jars along with the new St. Ives Nourished and Smooth Oatmeal Body Scrub and Nourish and Soothe Oatmeal and Shea Butter Lotion, which gently soothes skin, restoring its natural radiance. I love that the lotion is made with 100% natural moisturizers, including shea butter and glycerin.

Morning Care Package St Ives

Here's a peek at what my mornings usually look like:
  • First things first: a long, hot shower to wake me up. I like using an exfoliant like the Nourished and Smooth Oatmeal Body Scrub every other day to keep my skin soft and glowing.
  • As soon as I'm out of the shower, I put lotion on while my skin is still damp to lock in the moisture. The Nourish and Soothe Oatmeal and Shea Butter Lotion smells great and keeps my skin from becoming dehydrated in our dry Colorado air.
  • I wrap my hair with an absorbent towel, put on my cozy robe, and eat breakfast while I read my favorite news sites and blogs.
  • Next I dry and style my hair, clip it back, then put on sunscreen and makeup.
  • My last step is to put on the outfit I've laid out the night before (accessories and perfume included), pick up my already-packed bag, and rush out the door.

St Ives Oatmeal Body Scrub & Shea Lotion

Breakfast is such an important part of starting my day. I'm often on my feet in court all morning, and there's no way I'd make it until lunchtime without a healthy and nutritious meal before work. Oatmeal has nutrients that are known to give the body energy and boost overall health, like whole grain and soluble fiber.

St Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter

You can find more info on the St. Ives products I'm using here on their website. Both the body scrub and lotion are available at Target, and are a great value at $4.99 each.

I hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse into my morning routine! Have a wonderful weekend!

x, Tam

Thanks to St. Ives for sponsoring this post. The opinions and text are all mine.