Happy Blogiversary to Us!

Two years?! Yay us!! We decided to commemorate this milestone with a lil celebratory ladies brunch, and It. Was. Delicious. As you well know, I love to get good and dressed up for a Sunday brunch and who better to do that with than your fashion partner-in-crime? You can tell we’re getting old though, because instead of bloody mary’s and mimosas, hot tea and a latte were our drinks of choice.

Here’s what we wore!

JESSI:

I went for something a little bit Valentine’s inspired, but strayed from the classic red I wore on Valentine’s Day. Mint green and magenta seemed to make sense to me (yes? no?), and they most definitely matched this incredible wall that I’ve somehow never noticed before. Purrrrfection!

Dress:: Urban Outfitters | booties :: c/o Shopbop | sweater, heart necklace :: Forever21 | belt :: Hill Vintage
MARLENA:

I went full blown Valentine’s Day down to my heart tights! This top was a dress with a black skirt on the bottom but it was a super dowdy length. Think ankle length. Anyway, I had cut it shorter but it really needed hemmed. Flash forward 2 years and I had never worn it and I thought… HELLO! Just cut off this silly skirt and make it a top. Voila, kitties! I’ve already worn it like 3 times since I did it. Success story!

Outfit details: Ribbon :: Michael’s | Peplum top :: House of Vintage | Collar :: thrifted | Earrings :: Forever 21 | Skirt :: My mom’s from the 80s | Black heart tights :: Target | Black booties :: Jessica Simpson

Love you all, pretty kitties, and thanks for reading!

1 Dress 2 Ways: Lularoe Pt 2!

Here’s my take on the dress Marlena styled a few days ago! At Here Pretty Kitty we love layers and I decided to go for an old Jessi classic: throw a sweater on over a dress! While a cardigan over a dress is very practical it’s also very obvious, and I wanted to mix things up a bit! I don’t have a lot of yellow in my wardrobe but I noticed the yellow in this super cute Lularoe dress matched pretty perfectly with this great vintage sweater I so often forget about. A match made in heaven! This dress is SO comfortable and I really love the length. Trust me, I have plenty of short skirts and dresses in my closet, so the extra booty coverage is a welcome change! I actually can’t wait to bust this dress out on a beautiful spring day with sandals and bare arms. BUT none of that is happening in February in Iowa.

I’m a sucker for matching a brown belt with brown shoes, but took a detour from my usual brown booties for these wooden heels. Honestly guys, they are much easier to walk in than it looks!

Not to be cheesy, but I think all I’m missing from this yellow look is a little sunshine, amiright?!! To put a positive spin on the dreary, cold days we’ve been having I’m currently weighing which of my favorite indoor activities to partake in: cat cuddling, bad reality tv time, snacking, napping…. Everything?!

Be sure to check back because we’ve got a lot happening on the blog this week, including celebrating our 2nd blogiversary. Yay!!

Outfit details: Dress :: c/o Lularoe On the Go With Kate | shoes :: Urban Outfitters | belt, sweater, scarf :: thrifted

p.s. Check out Lularoe On the Go With Kate’s Facebook page and Instagram @lularoeonthego not only because she posts cute clothes on there, but also because she has an adorable kitty!

On Not Being Outdoorsy

Not so secret confession: I am not super outdoorsy. Sure, I’ll have a walk in the park moment but for the most part I’d prefer to be indoors. I’ve really always been that way:  when I was a kid my mom would push me outdoors and I’d just sit on my bike and read the latest Sweet Valley Twins book (am I the only one on Team Elizabeth?). My childhood (and current!) BFF Kim was (still is) super outdoorsy, loved sports (her street hockey phase was unbearable) and just being outside in general. We definitely had to take turns playing in the woods vs. playing Girl Talk.

So when we went on a little winter adventure with the frozen lake this past weekend, I wasn’t super pumped. I mean… you can literally hear the ice breaking and gurgling! Despite my husband’s soothing voice saying, “Honey, look at this ice. It’s super thick!” I just kept imagining our little family making the 5:00 news: FAMILY OF THREE DIES IN ANKLE DEEP CRACKED ICE, ALL FOR FASHION BLOG PHOTOS. This is how irrational I’ve become with my accident-prone 3 year-old!

Anyway, you will notice I am not in fact on the frozen lake in any of these pics and now you know why!

 

 

Fashion time! I bought this skirt in a moment of desperation before Jessi’s Holiday Party. Nothing was working in my closet so I made a last ditch effort at the Target 2 minutes away and luckily it all turned into a success story. This cute top came to us courtesy of Shopbop, and I love it. It’s the perfect amount of crop mixed with the a lovely combination of comfort and style. Plus it’s a color I don’t have a lot of in my closet, so it’s been fun to mix it up.

Outfit details: Crop top :: c/o Shopbop | Hooray of Light Necklace :: Xmas gift from Joe, Modcloth | Striped skirt :: Target (similar) | Cupcake Contest Bag :: Xmas gift from Joe, Modcloth | Riding boots :: Target (these are on sale for $30!)

Hope you’ve had a great week, and happy weekend!

 

The Perks of Being a Clothes Hoarder

Happy new year kittens! I don’t know about everyone else, but I’m ringing in the new year busy as a bee. I’ve started another job (!!!) that is totally different from anything I’ve ever done before and it’s great and exhausting. The dress code for my new job is suuuuuper casual, so leggings, a big t-shirt and comfy hoodie have been my recent uniform. That means that putting on a skirt, fun tights and a pair of booties has some novelty for me!

This polka dot skirt has been a wardrobe staple for me since I unearthed it from a garage sale last summer. For the rest of this outfit though, I dug into the depths of my closet for some old favorites. These mint green tights don’t often make an appearance in my life, but I keep them around just in case. I’ve found they add a perfect pop of color to a drab winter day.

I’ve had this lil sweatshirt for years and it was hiding in a plastic bin shoved in the back of my closet. It was a little big for this high waisted skirt so I tied a side knot and voila!

Here’s a fun fact: this gold headband I’m wearing is not actually a headband but all, but instead gold gift-wrap ribbon that I tie around my head and call a headband. Genius or crazy?!

I, for one, had a pretty great holiday season full of friends, family, food, gifts and wine! By the time New Years Eve hit I was partied out and gathered two of my besties to ring in the new year with me by eating takeout and watching the ball drop on TV. Newsflash: I’m officially old!

Outfit details: Headband :: gold gift-wrap | Necklace :: Urban Outfitters | skirt :: thrifted | sweatshirt :: Forever21 | tights :: Target | booties :: Fergalicious

Texas Forever: Texas Part 2!

Just wanna make sure y’all catch my Friday Night Lights reference there in the title? I think one of my favorite parts about visiting Texas is the fact that I got to tag all my Instagram pics #texasforever. If you don’t know what I’m talking about Netflix the show already, alright?!

Here is the glorious dress I bought for the wedding of one of my very dear BFFs. At the very end of this post you’ll see a picture of the gorgeous bride, but first check me out! I got this vintage inspired dress from Hello Holiday, an online store based out of Omaha very near to us in here in the Midwest. I love the colors, the fit, the pockets! It’s an exceptional dress and the quality is outstanding as well. Overall a great party dress and I got tons of compliments (yay!)

The day of the wedding we got our hair done, and I knew ahead of time I wanted some big Texas hair. Since I keep my hair short I wasn’t sure how big we could go but thanks to the help of some magical texture powder and teasing my hair like crazy I got some cute hair to go with my cute dress. Success!

I have to say I love a good wedding, and kitties, this was one of the best! The ceremony was very beautiful and magical and I was bursting with joy for my friends. And after the ceremony I was bursting with joy because of all the delicious food that accompanied the reception! We’re talking mini grilled cheeses, stuffed mushrooms, a food truck with gourmet sliders annnnnnd a Poutine station! Oh wait, did I mention 4 different cakes and handmade Popsicles?! I mean, heaven on earth, for real.

Be sure to check out the pictures at the end of this post for a peek at the bride and a group shot of me and my two oldest friends and the men we’ve gathered along the way!

Outfit details: Dress :: Hello Holiday | shoes :: vintage

Dress Rehearsal Dress :: Texas Part 1!

Earlier this month John and I drove to Texas because one of my very best friends from childhood got married!! We took this opportunity to turn a mere weekend trip into a week-long vacation!

On our first day of driving we made it to Tulsa, Oklahoma just in time to grab a bite to eat and see a band that’s been on my bucket list for a long time: Interpol. They were very fun to see live and although they didn’t play my favorite song they otherwise lived up to my expectations. Success!

The next day we made it to Dallas with several days to spare before the wedding. This gave us plenty of time to help the bride and groom with any last minute details and hang out and catch-up before the big day! Because they live in Texas our reunions are few and far between so getting this extra time with friends was crucial for us all. We had a couple of nice dinners and some downtime together before the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding.

The venue they chose was absolutely beautiful! It was almost like being in a whole other world apart from Dallas! The house had a lovely vintage feel and there were beautiful flowers and lush greenery everywhere. There was also this little koi pond, which is where I chose to take the pictures you see here.

The rehearsal dinner was a low key pizza party with some DELICIOUS pizzas, salad and homemade (by the bride herself!) pound cake.

I chose this wrap dress last minute. I wouldn’t normally ever buy a wrap dress; they’re just not my style. This one stuck out to me though because of the pattern. I’ve discovered a few things that are quite nice about a wrap dress: 1) since the waist is adjustable there’s lots o’ room underneath which makes for a comfortable and flattering fit. 2) no need to slip this dress over your head! Just wrap it around your body to avoid messing up your hair (if that’s a concern for you, and it usually is for me.)

We were in a hurry to get ready post-pedicures so these sandals were the perfect choice to throw on and go and I think it turned out great!

Stay tuned for part 2 where I show off my wedding attire and fancy Texas hair!

Outfit details: Dress :: Charlotte Russe | Sandals :: Hello Holiday | necklace :: Urban Outfitters (several years old)

A Summer Dress in Autumn

I love finding new ways to wear clothes I’ve had for years. I stumbled upon this match-up late one night when I crazily packed up 95% of my clothes into cardboard boxes and announced to my empty bedroom, “We are moving to our new house in 30 days so I hereby declare my participation in the 30 for 30 fashion challenge!” More on that later, since as I write this I’m only on Day 18. (Note to self: Day 18?! I have so much to do in 12 days!!)

I’ve tried this look before, and it didn’t quite look right. If the shirt underneath is too big, or too clashy, this look will just not work. I’ve said it a million times, but one trick to matching patterns is to match one color and that’s what I did here. I love being able to wear my summer dresses when there’s a crispy chill in the air. My go-to is to usually wear the button down on top and tie it at the waist, but next time you feel like doing that, why not try going under?

My cat flats are the single biggest compliment-receiver in my office. It’s gotten to the point now whenever someone says they like them, I just meow at them instead of saying thanks! I use them in place of a plain, black flat and I must say it’s working well for me during this challenge-thingy.

My little family has been trying to enjoy the beautiful weather we’ve been having in between all the packing. Last Sunday (when Joe took these pics) we walked on a pretty trail in the city, and Charlie took his big wheel bike out. He’s growing up so fast! He just whips around these curves so fast that we have to run to catch up with him. And I just have to say this: 2 1/2 is where it’s at, kitties! He sleeps through the night, he loves routine but is still pretty laid back, and every day I’m just amazed at his crazy imagination and wit. Oh and maybe the best part: he loves to snuggle! Okay, I will stop but just know I could talk ad nauseam about my little Chazberry.

Outfit details: Polka dot button up :: JCP | Dress :: Dear Creatures at Vitae Design Collective | Mustard tights :: Target | Cat flats :: Gift from Jessi, Modcloth

A fun take on mixing patterns

Kitties! I’ve been digging on some plaid + stripes these last couple of weeks. Try it out! Of the outfits I’ve tried, this one is by far my favorite. Bright colors + black and white are a no fail combination in my eyes. The last time I wore this dress on the blog I dressed it up for a Christmas party, and my goal was to dress it down for this post but it’s ended up in that fuzzy area of not overly dressed up but definitely not dressed down either. That fuzzy area is pretty much where I like to dress 98% of the time.

Also in classic Marlena fashion, I have three different bows on (belt, shoes, and a small bow on my purse). Bows! I just love them. This top has no bows but does include ridiculously puffy sleeves, and every time I wear it I definitely get some sidelong glances. I feel like a space commander in it, albeit the type that wears purple kitten heels.

So I do have to take a time out and talk about my new purse, especially since I never want to use another one again. Joe and I just celebrated our 3 year wedding anniversary, and we like to do the traditional wedding gifts. Joe was like, “Leather? That seems hard; any ideas?” haha uhhhh yeah! So now here I sit with easily the nicest purse I’ve ever owned and I love love love it! I got him some cute oxford shoes by Cole Haan. We definitely went overboard…

Speaking of presents, I can’t believe it’s my birthday month already. Yesterday I had a blast at our company golfing trip (I was lucky enough to score the position of Gator Driver instead of Golfer… I can say with real confidence I left all of my athletic hopes and dreams back in high school) but the entire time I was like, “Why is it so hot?” Uh, because it’s June, dummy! Still isn’t kicking in I’m afraid, but now I have sunburned knees to remind me.

Outfit details: plaid ruffle top :: thrifted | black and white stripe dress :: Charlotte Russe | brown belt :: Francesca’s | purple bow heels :: Grey Dog Boutique | Kate Spade bag :: gift from Joe, Kate Spade

Pssssst! Did you miss our $50 ASOS gift card giveaway, happening right now? Hop to it and good luck! We will announce the winner on Monday.

 

A chameleon in winter

Looking at these pictures I feel a bit like a chameleon. The black/white/brown/blue palette i’ve got going on blends in pretty easily with the barren landscape… Thank goodness for those red lips!
I wear this denim shirt shirt often but rarely button it all the way up. I’m a big fan of a plunging neckline, both for aesthetic and comfort, but I guess the button-up bug bit me on this particular day. I was rummaging through my jewelry drawer and found this cutie bow pin. (And by “rummaging” I mean grabbing anything that wasn’t tangled together and swearing a bit. Anyone semi-disorganized with a jewelry drawer knows what I’m talking about!) As far as my other accessories go I’d love to say they were strategically plotted, but my scarves are about as well organized as my jewelry drawer, so I grabbed the first favorite I saw and tied it atop my head.
I pulled the ole ‘wear a dress as a skirt trick’ (is that a thing? I guess it is for me!); I love this dress but it’s sleeveless, and therefore not conducive for a February photo shoot.

Something that’s been getting me through the last bit of winter is my obsession with Spotify. I know I’m the last person on the planet to jump on this train but I’ve had a lot of fun discovering some new music and revisiting lots of old favorites. Suffice it to say, I’ve been spending many nights on the couch with my Spotify and a cat on my lap, and it’s pretty great!

Outfit details: shirt :: Charlotte Russe | dress, earrings :: forever21 | pin, scarf :: thrifted | boots :: Dorothy Perkins

My Holiday Outfit Post Holidays

Kitties! I say this is my holiday outfit because I’ve literally worn this dress for every major holiday as of late. Thanksgiving? yep. Jessi & John’s Holiday Party? you got it. Christmas Eve? totally. And I would’ve worn it on New Year’s Eve but we stayed in and I wore pajamas.

I do have to admit I didn’t wear it the same way at any point. This top happened for Jessi & John’s party, and it was a total accident. I was walking out of the door wearing this amazing vintage black velvet bolero and the arm sleeve ripped when I pulled my coat on. Devastated and panicky, I threw this garage sale find on and I am so happy I did! I had never worn it before (proof being Jessi found the $2.99 tag still on it when I arrived) and it was one of those instant gratification pieces.

Mixing sequins on sequins is over-the-top and I love it.

Can we bring back old lady bedazzled tops? Please? I’ve always loved them, but the price tag on most are pretty steep. The only drawback is that they are so delicate and I’m not super…. nice…. to my clothes. Case in point, this top has been leaving little sequins behind, like a graham cracker trail of glitz.

Outfit details: Bedazzled top :: thrifted (here’s a $795 By Malene Birger top that’s amazing and similar!) | dress :: Charlotte Russe (similar) | polka dot tights :: Target | teal boots :: Charlotte Russe | sequin clutch :: thrifted (similar)