DIY FRIDAY: MAXI TO MIDI REFASHION

h&m maxi dress (in-store only) -- refashioned by me (similar options for sale here and here)

rock and republic heels, similar heels

nordstrom clutch, similar here (for under $30!)

asos sunglasses

stella and dot bracelet, c/o

michael kors watch 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANA LAURENE

I went on a crazy cobalt kick toward the end of the summer and this dress was one result of it. This dress used to be a sleeveless maxi dress, and I picked it up at H&M (in their basics section) for $15, I think, with plans to turn it into a midi sleeved dress with lace embellishments. But when I was done with the dress and tried it on to determine the lace placements, I loved it so much as is that I decided to leave the lace off altogether. 

This is a super easy and quick refashion, and one that I love doing (in fact, I did a very similar refashion right here). So if you're needing a weekend project, go snag a maxi dress (or use an old one in your closet), and get to work!

Click through for the full tutorial!

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EASY DIY FRINGE SCARF TUTORIAL

flannel from jo-ann's

similar chambray here and here

petunia pickle bottom bag, c/o

similar denim

similar boots

similar jacket here (under $30!) and here

urban outfitters sunglasses

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANA LAURENE

With the holidays quickly approaching, I'm excitedly getting into the holiday spirit. I've begun buying a few things for my family, planning out all my holiday DIYs (which, of course, I can hardly wait to show you!), and even catch myself humming Christmas songs during the day! 

But before the holiday spending frenzy begins, I want to take a minute to reflect on one of the greatest parts of the season -- giving. Every year my little family makes an effort to help those less fortunate than we are, and this year I wanted to do a little something over here on the blog to help give back, even if it's just in a small way. So I teamed up with Target and TOMS to share an easy and fun DIY that you can make for friends and family, but also for the less fortunate so you can also give back this season! 

As you might know, TOMS gives a pair of shoes to someone in need for every one pair that is purchased, and this month they're coming to Target stores and expanding their One-for-One model to give a blanket, a week of meals, or a pair of shoes to someone in need for every TOMS for Target limited edition gift. After hearing about this program, I was inspired to make something to give back to those in my community who need help, so I'm making a bunch of these easy DIY Fringe Scarves and donating them to a local shelter to help a few extra people stay warm this year. And I'm encouraging you to do the same! 

(Just make a few extra and you can cross off a bunch of people on your list at the same time!)

click through to see the full tutorial!

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3 WAYS TO SPICE UP YOUR MOMIFORM

sheinside tee, c/o

dittos jeans, c/o

downeast basics hat, similar

buyamba flats, c/o

petunia pickle bottom bag, c/o

gold bib necklace, c/o

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANA LAURENE

I think every mom would agree that the momiform is one of the best inventions (if you can call it that) ever because every mom needs something easy, quick, and comfy to jump into and last through a day of errands, chasing after children, driving the carpool, etc. For me, a striped tee and jeans is my go-to momiform outfit, but the basics often beg to be spiced up a bit (and changing up accessories makes it less noticeable when you wear it three days in a row...not that ever do that...). 

Try these additions to spice up your momiform basics -- they're items that won't get in your way during the activities of the day, but will take your basic outfit to the next level:

1. Hats. I'm super in to hats this year, and think they're such a great and unexpected addition to a basic mom uniform. Floppy hats, fedoras, beanies, and baseball caps are all acceptable (even encouraged), and will go with everything. Find some of my favorites right here.

2. Jewelry. I feel like nothing makes me look more put together than jewelry. Lately I'm super in to delicate jewelry, but wearing your basics is a good time to pull out the statement jewelry, like with this gorgeous bib necklace I'm wearing here (although it's hard to tell with my hair). See some of my favorites in this post here. 

3. And lastly, shoes! When your outfit is so basic, let your shoes do a little more talking. Go for a bright color, a bold pattern, or something unexpected like these gorgeous hand-beaded buyamba flats that make a little statement. 

What do you mama's do to make your momiform a little more fun? 

p.s. Buyamba (who makes my gorgeous beaded flats) is an amazing company that is helping women in Uganda earn a living by hand-making the beads and adding them to the shoes. They have an amazing mission, an even better story, and are doing such a great thing by helping these women in need. You can learn more about their mission and company here and here! Anthropologie is also now selling some of their fall collection, which you can check out right here, or find their full fall collection (including these flats) right here. 

RAIDING MY SISTERS CLOSET: WINTER COATS UNDER $100

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Now that Halloween is over, I'm so excited to start focusing on winter (even though it's still sunny and pretty warm here in SoCal). The coats, the boots, the tights, the hot cocoa -- all of it just makes me so happy. 

There are so many good coats out there this season, so my sisters and I are sharing a few of our favorites today! Most of these are on sale (including a few from the Nordstrom 40% off clearance sale that ends today!), so snag them while they're cheap! Most are way under $100! 

And even more coats in the widget below -- click the images below to shop!

Now hop over and check out what coats Janssen and Landen are loving right now!

DIY GOLD THANKSGIVING TABLESCAPE

With Thanksgiving only a few weeks away, I teamed up with Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts today to share a fun and super easy tablescape. The thing I love about this table decor is that it looks so luxe and intricate, but it didn't cost very much and was super easy to put together. You'll impress all your guests and still have time to cook the turkey!

The key to creating a gorgeous table scape like this is to pick one color (or two at the most). Filling the table with lots of gold pieces makes it feel rich and full, but it doesn't get overwhelming or cluttery.

Click through to see the full instructions and materials list!


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THREE WAYS TO WEAR A TUNIC DRESS

Outfit 1: 

topshop dress // similar fur vest here and here// black tights // 

similar black booties // baublebar earrings

Outfit 2: 

topshop blazer // topshop dress (worn as a blouse) // 

boyfriend jeans //similar black heels // similar cobalt bag

Outfit 3: 

topshop dress (worn as a top) // similar leather skirt // 

similar heels // mirrored aviators // similar clutch

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANA LAURENE

As I get older, building a capsule wardrobe becomes more important to me. Don't get me wrong -- I love a good inexpensive, trendy piece, but I'm trying to be more methodical in my purchases and find pieces that are well-made, classic, and super versatile. For as long as I can remember, I've had friends that were obsessed with Nordstrom, but it wasn't until this last year that I discovered that goldmine. Not only does it have the a huge selection, a million different designers and brands, and the best sales, it sells well made pieces that will last me for years and fit right into that capsule wardrobe I'm trying to build. 

TopShop is one of my favorite shops in Nordstrom, and as soon as I saw this grid tunic dress, I had to have it. It's so versatile, so I wanted to show you three easy ways to wear it:

1. With Tights. A tunic with tights and booties is one of my favorite fall/winter looks. Pair your black tights with a pair of black heeled boots to make your legs look super long and lean. I added a touch of glam to this look with a fur vest and some sparkly accessories. 

2. With Jeans. This tunic has pockets (my favorite!), so turning it into a shirt is a little tricker if you want to avoid bunching at your waist. So I tucked it fully into my boyfriend jeans and then pulled it out to give it a loose and blousey look. Then I threw on a blazer, heels, and a brightly colored bag for a casual work day or pretty date night look. 

3. Tucked Into A Skirt.  The A-line silhouette is so feminine, and this pretty top was just screaming for a classic look. I paired it with my A-line pleated leather skirt, some basic black pumps, and some edgy mirrored aviators for a classic feminine (with a touch of edge) look. 

Now tell me, which look is your favorite??

Also, there's tons of other good stuff at TopShop right now -- check out my favorites in the widget below! 

This post was brought to you by TopShop Nordstrom