ON THE HUNT: NEW BOYFRIEND JEANS

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  A few of our friends were in town for a comedy show.  The show was great and afterward we made moscow mules, had a fire, and stayed up late (later than this old gal has been up in a long time).  It was pretty perfect, and so nice to catch up with friends.

I couldn't come up with a clever way to transition into today's topic... boyfriend jeans.  So, that was my non-transition transition.  The first time they were a "big" thing (about 4 years ago?) I snatched up a cheap pair at forever 21, and I wore them all the time.  Gradually they sort of made their way to the bottom of my jean stack.  Recently boyfriend jeans are having a resurgence - and that is just fine with me.  I love the laid back, undone look they add to any outfit.  I just need to update my old pair, so I'm on the hunt.

The newest style I have seen is a bit more straight leg and cropped (the two images below).  I suppose you might not even call them "boyfriend jeans".  Either way, I really like them.  They're a bit more classic, and feel fresh and new. 

(image source: one | two | three | four | five | six)

Below are a few options I've come across in my search for a new pair.  And I use the word "options" loosely because some of these are too pricey to actually be options.  I really am liking the more straight, less baggy, cropped without having to be rolled style.  I also like it when they are at least a bit distressed.  

What do you think?  Did you jump on board with this trend the first time around?  Are you now?

(Gap $69.75 // Asos $59 // Genetic Denim $231 // NSF $298 // J. Crew $168 // 7 For All Mankind $225)

MADEWELL SPRING 2013

Have you seen Madewell's Spring 2013 Lookbook yet?  I think it's a little bit different for them, but not in a bad way!  Lots of indigo, khaki, white and leather accents.  The color they do show is a bit muted and candy colored, like the marshmallows in Lucky Charms cereal (yes, I still eat that).  My favorite looks are the top two (#4 and #10), and I would kill for the dresses in #13 and #22.  Well, not really "kill"... but I sure do like them! 

What looks or pieces are your favorite?

BASEBALL HATS (THEY'RE NOT JUST FOR HIM)

(image sources: one | two | three | four | five)

I love hats.  I usually gravitate towards wide brim, a bit western inspired (like this), or knit stocking caps.  But right now I am loving that baseball hats are having a fashion moment.  They're unexpected and a bit playful... like wearing a cotton tee with a sequin skirt, or layering on rhinestone necklaces with jeans.

In the images above - I love the burgundy leather hat in the second image, but I think I'd wear one like the fifth image much more often.  

So, what do you think?  Are you on board like me?  If so, here are a few options! Personally, I want a gray wool or something simple like number one from Madewell.

(one. Madewell - $22 // two. Sears - $12 // three. Rag & Bone - $125

four. Pendleton - $39 on sale // five. Archival - $40 // six. Asos - $26)

(I adore this leather brim hat via Free People, but at $263 I'm going to have to keep on dreamin'.)

BRAND LOVE: HELLO

Via their website, "Hello Merch is an independent company started in 2008 by Sam Means as an outlet for artists to manufacture and sell merchandise online and on tour, without giving up their rights by signing major label-style merch contracts."

Hello Merch also has their own line of shirts - Hello Apparel (shown here).  These tees and sweatshirts are extremely popular right now with bloggers and readers, and are blowing up on social media (check out their instagram!).  Click here to see all of the shirts they carry, and here to see the rest of their own line.  

I have been wanting the "I'M SO TIRED" tee, but after they just released the below styles - I think I might have to do the crossed arrows instead (since it's my logo!).  I also love the baseball stripe tee just below.

Have a wonderful weekend, friends!

xoxo

ZARA: TRF

Zara's TRF collection is just. so. good.  

I feel like Zara can do no wrong.

TRF (Trafuluc) is like the casual litter sister to the more sophisticated main line.

And as always - certain pieces are selling out quickly.

I'm not really an impulse buyer.  I actually don't like shopping in stores because I get overwhelmed, can't decide, and end up leaving with nothing.  I'm an online shopper... I need time to think about my purchases and make decisions.  However, after missing out on items from Zara numerous times before (remember those leopard sandals?) this time I got a jump on it, and ordered a few of these pieces.  SO not me to do that, and I was actually quite proud of myself.  Yep, proud of myself for shopping.  

GIRLS ON BIKES

Free People's January 2013 lookbook - Girls On Bikes -  arrived in our mailbox late last week, and I immediately sat down to study every page.  It is beyond good.  The lookbook was shot in Amsternam by Guy Aroch, and I simply felt transported there.

And it's especially cool while flipping through - to see Ax + Apple jewels on the gals (above right - ax necklace).  Jamie Lyn, you are a rockstar, my friend!

I just want to put on a long flowy dress and be somewhere warm.  Click here to shop the January 2013 Free People collection.  

THE PERFECT PUMP

Check out these suede peep toe slingback heels from American Apparel!  

I love all of the colors, and they're the perfect not-too-high heel height (3-1/2 inches).

What color is your favorite?

IT'S A B+T KIND OF DAY

Hello, friends. Today I'm blogging over at Broadway+Thresher again.  So, I'm going to ask you to click here, and head on over there.  I promise it will be worth it.  And just in case you're on the fence about it, below are four of the fourteen gloves you'll find at B+T.  Now you have to click over because you're curious.  Right?  Many thanks!

one // two // three // four

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR HER

Happy Friday, friends!  

When I create these gift guides, I really try to make them practical.  We've all seen the holiday gift guide with the $100 candle.  {In fact, I love this graphic, by Kristina Mordokhovitch, that pokes a little fun at those extravagant gift guides.}  That being said, if some of the items I've chosen are still a little north of your budget - hopefully it will at least spark ideas, or you can find a less pricey version!

For the ladies in your life...

1. because she got excited when she heard Mr. Coffee + Keurig teamed up {yep, that'd be me}, Mr. Coffee Keurig $99

2. since her heart belongs to her home state, Kris Nations State Pride Necklace $48 / 3. she deserves a little luxury, Vintage Pajama Set $85 / 4. I have these, and love them. Who wouldn't? Anthropologie Monogrammed Mug $6

5. the best slippers I've ever owned... plus in case you need to run outside - they have a rubber sole, Minnetonka "Chrissy" Slipper $45 / 6. Support a small shop owner - Crocheted Infinity Scarf via Etsy {this particular one $79}

7. to keep all of her lip-glosses from getting lost in the bottom of her purse, Baggu Small Leather Pouch $20

8.  Alex and Ani have wonderful, meaningful, jewelry.  This is one of my favorites - the patron saint of travel and protection,  St. Christopher Expandable Bangle $28 / 9. available in seven colors, Anthropologie Polished Planes Earrings $37

10. for your fashionista friend, 100 Years of Fashion Coffee Table Book $40 + for the cook, What Katie Ate Cook Book $40

11. for work or play, this will hold everything she needs for the day, BLVD Monogrammed Sunday Tote - $143 at Ladybird

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR HIM

Have you started your Christmas shopping?  I hate to say - we haven't.  Time just snuck right up on us. This morning I made our list of folks to buy for, and started writing down gift ideas.  So, at least I've sort of started?

If not these exact items, I hope this gift guide will help spark ideas for the men in your life.  And if you're really stumped, cologne is always a winner.

Click here to see past gift guides. 

1. because everyone likes to try new things, Cigar Box Sample Set $45 - Portland General Store

2. get him the liquor to go with it, Whiskey Stones $19.99 / 3. so he can use his phone, Thinsulate Convertible Glove $29

4. upgrade those earbuds, V-MODA Headphones $99 on Amazon / 5. classic and cool, Timex Original Easy Reader $65

6. the hoodie he'll have forever, and it's made in the USA, American Giant Hoodie $79

7. he'll use it every time he travels, Need Supply Dopp Kit $52 + Navy Maptote Dopp Kit $28

8. a boot and tennis shoe in one, Converse Chuck Taylor "Hiker" $70 {you can also create your own here.} 

9. pricey, but it will last a lifetime, Filson Duffel Bag $225

ON THE HUNT: POM POM BEANIE

I have enough winter hats, but most of them are old-ish, and most of them I didn't even "love" when they were purchased.  I need to update my collection.  The hats I have were mostly bought out of necessity, but these days hats are another accessory.    

I finally got myself a black slouchy beanie... you know, the one you can get at any drug store.  Boyfriend beanie? Hipster beanie? Whatever you call it, you know that one.  I got mine at Target, and the Mr. and I plan to share it.  Now, I'm on the hunt for one with a giant pom pom.  Can you believe something we used to wear when we were kids is now "trendy"?  I mean, I'm not one to jump on all the trends, but this one - I like.  They're just fun and playful in the best way.  {The Mr. said he used to make his mom cut the pom pom off his hats when he was little.}  

I think number three and number six are my favorites, but I also wouldn't mind having a solid one like seven or nine.  What are your favorites?

one. Target // two. Asos // three. Asos // four. Gap // five. Nordstrom // six. Target

seven. Style Inch // eight. Topshop // nine. Topshop // ten. Asos // eleven. Forever 21

I would also like to wish my wonderful dad the happiest of birthdays!!!

Happy Birthday, Dad!  

We love you so very much.

LOAFERS FOR BROADWAY + THRESHER

Hello, friends!  

Today I'm blogging over at Broadway + Thresher.  

Below is a little sneak peek, but click on over there to see the rest {and get the links}!

You know you want to... go on - go!

YOUNG FRANKK

Young Frankk is a jewelry line that was launched in 2011 by Christine Young, an illustration artist turned jewelry designer.  It is getting a lot of love from bloggers right now, which is how I found it!  I adore the minimal, yet statement making, shapes.  I am really coveting a few of the pieces... especially the cuff above.  

ON THE HUNT: PARKA

Did you stay up watching the election coverage? I think it was about 1:00am when we turned off the tv, and stopped reading our twitter feeds. Twitter was crazy ya'll. There was one tweet I wanted to reply to so badly, and this morning I was so glad I didn't let myself get sucked in.  I could say much more about this {in fact, I've now typed and deleted full paragraphs}, but I don't like to talk politics on social media.  I guess I'm sort of old fashioned that way?  And on that note, let's talk about less important things...

I have an affinity for green army jackets...  These include, but are not limited to: an army surplus shirt from the local surplus store, a lightweight shirt jacket from American Eagle that I wear all spring and summer long {I actually lost it on our honeymoon, called around when we got back, found it and drove 40 minutes to re-purchase it.}, and a lightweight anorak from the GAP that is my go to jacket when it starts getting chilly. 

BUT I need want a warmer fall / winter version of that GAP anorak... something with lining, and maybe faux fur trim.  And it must come to mid thigh or longer.  I hate being cold, so in my opinion - there is nothing worse than a short winter coat.  I want my tush covered and my legs warm!  

These are a few in the running...

Zara Cotton Parka with lining and faux leather trim - $169

She Inside Fur Hood Jacket - $57.42

Topshop Fur Lined Parka - $190

Asos Oversized Hooded Parka - $140

What do you guys think?  Are they so similar you can't tell a difference?  I'm leaning toward the Asos parka, but my question still stands about She Inside; has anyone ever ordered from there?  I like so much stuff, but the quality and international shipping just scare me.  

ps. If you read yesterday's election day post, you know I didn't get my beloved sticker after I voted.  Well, you can rest easy now... the Mr. snuck an extra one for me.

**UPDATE**  I purchased this Asos parka, but sadly, it ended up going back.  The fit was really odd, and the color was bad in person. Overall - just not flattering or all that cute. Still hunting!!!

GREEN WITH ENVY

The color of money.

Green machine.

The Grinch. 

Kermit.

I've always had a thing for the color green.  All shades, but specifically hunter or forest green.  When I was in high school,  I had a favorite forest green sweater I wore all the time. {I wish I had it now}.  My eyes are green, so I'm not sure if that's how it started?  Maybe I thought it made my eyes look MORE green {I wish they were}.

This season, hunter / forest green is one of the big trend colors {along with burgundy / oxblood}... which just makes me really happy.

blouse // jeans // boots // earrings // tote // scarf

I really want those green jeans...

And that big green scarf...

And I think big green earrings are gorgeous.  Julianne Moore wears emerald earrings all the time for red carpet events.  I love it when red heads wear green.

*Disclaimer: I am not saying you should wear all of these pieces at once.  I know you didn't think I was, but I felt I needed to state it anyway. Just in case.

BOOT WEEKEND: DAY THREE

Hey there, hi there.  I hope you all had a great weekend, and are having a cozy Sunday evening.  Stay safe in this crazy weather!
Final day of boot weekend is about current trends...

Tapestry
Animal print
Studded
Color blocked / boots with straps a different color / multi-colored boots... I think you get it.
+
Clog boots

I actually sort of love the tapestry boots.  What do you think?  And #10 - the cognac and black... be still my heart.  If you're thinking #5 looks familiar, it's the Sam Adelman "Petty" boot again... the boot I also want in taupe from day one of Boot Weekend {I say "also" because I really want this leopard pair, too!}.  Sigh... we can't have everything we want, right?  Case in point - #8... Chloe recently re-released this 2008 "Susan" ankle boot, but at around $1,345 {choke} I think #9 from Zara is a great option for those of you that like this trend!

Last, but certainly not least - clog boots.  You know I love clogs, so combining boots + clogs is a marriage of two of my favorite things.  And actually, the first few pairs {13 + 15} are color blocked, too!  Two trends in one.  If anyone knows of a more wallet friendly option than the ones below, please pass it along!

1. Rag & Bone $495 // 2. Matiko $159.95 // 3. Topshop $140 // 4. Madewell $398 // 5. Sam Edelman $160 

6. Matt Bernson $320 // 7. Modern Vice "Jett" // 8. Chloe $1,345 // 9. Zara $189 // 10. Samantha Pleet $525 

11. Rag & Bone $525 // 12. Dolce Vita $129 // 13. Matt Bernson $248 // 14. Iglu - Free People $348  

15. Loeffler Randall $375 // 16. Swedish Hasbeens $334 // 17.  No. 6 Store $370 // 18. Lotta from Stockholm

BOOT WEEKEND: DAY TWO

Happy Saturday!  

I'm going to start day two of boot weekend talking about the one thing I am constantly on the hunt for, but have yet to find - vintage boots.  I absolutely love vintage boots, but it's virtually impossible to find them in my size {yes, whining again}.  You see, vintage shoes typically run smaller.  A size 10 back then is smaller than a size 10 now, so I basically need to find 11's... which they just didn't make much of.  Jealousy definitely rears its ugly head when I see gals rocking vintage boots.  But I hold out hope!

Weekend wear {my version}... I'll start with biker boots.  I have # 7 below, and love them.  The Mr. also gifted me this pair of Frye Harness boots about five years ago, and while I love them AND asked for them, I don't find myself wearing them often because they're so heavy and clunky {sorry, honey!}.  I think this Frye pair below {# 8} look soft. They also have a back zip so, unlike mine, I'd imagine it isn't a workout just to get them on {I literally have to stomp my way into mine}.  I sound so ungrateful, don't I?  I promise I'm not!  

You know the boots you throw on Sunday morning to grab brunch when you can't force yourself into anything that comes close to having a heel.  Comfy boots.  For me... you know I'm a big fan - it's always my Minnetonkas {# 12 - 14} because they have soft soles, and I feel like I'm still wearing my slippers.  I also think # 10 + 11 look like great options.  Just pull them on and go.  

1. // 2. // 3. // 4. // 5. // 6. // 7. // 8. // 9. // 10. // 11. // 12. - 14. 

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKIN'

Boots. One of my absolute favorite things in the world.  In fact, I'm going to dedicate multiple days to this topic.  I mean... there literally was no way to fit all I wanted to talk about in one post.  I tried.  It's going to be like Shark Week, only Boot Week, but actually just Boot Weekend.  So, look for posts Saturday + Sunday! 

Alright, so let's talk boots.  If you read L+R, you know I have size issues with shoes.  Last year I ordered four pairs of black boots before ending up with the pair below - Dolce Vita "Jax."  Dolce Vita has two lines: Dolce Vita & DV by Dolce Vita.  The DV line is less expensive.  I tried the DV version of this boot {DV "Jamison"} but they didn't fit, so I bit the bullet and tried the more expensive pair... and I am so glad I did.  It was the happiest day when I held my breath, put them on, and they actually fit!  I think at that point I would have paid twice what I did {but thankfully didn't have to}.  The taupe pair was only slightly easier to find {they're Report "Marks"}.  I wore these two pairs almost every day last winter.  You might still be able to find both, but I also know you could find new versions this year.  

This year I would love to add a cognac pair to the mix {like #3}.  My current pair of cognac boots are also Dolce Vita, and I love them, but they've just about had it.  I also need want a flat taupe pair {like #4}.  And then don't you think I need them in wine / oxblood AND taupe with fringe?  Fringe makes everything better.  I adore this finge Sam Edelman pair in all the colors available.

What do I actually need?  I've realized ALL of my boots are suede {well, almost all}.  I need a leather pair to kick around in.  A pair I won't mind getting a little wet if it's raining.  I would love for them to have a little of a heel, but not too much that I won't want to wear them on a Sunday to run around {like #7 or 8}.  I love the wedge on #9, but they're probably a little high?  Which also might be the issue with #10, but I wanted to show them to you because I think they're a great version of the classic chelsea boot.  Maybe a lower chelsea boot is what I need... Oh, the big decisions in life.

Happy Friday!  I'm excited for the weekend.  The Mr. and I haven't gotten to spend much time together this week {work, work} so I'm looking forward to some quality time with my hubby.  We decided to be low key, so we're planning to head to dinner one night and maybe a movie the next.  THEN my Mom is coming down Sunday to work on the Etsy store. Yay!  I have to teach her how to edit pictures and add new items to the shop.  So... in the coming weeks, look for household items to start making their way to L+R Vintage.

Have a lovely weekend, friends! 

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

**For all you locals, Rowe Boutique (in the Short North) has #3, the cognac suede booties.  And they always carry Dolce Vita, among my other favorite brands!