Ms. Mia Maree

Trend Challenge: Yellow

2013-05-15T05:47:00.001-07:00

Dress: Target {high low option 1, 2} | Heels: Michael Antonio | Bag: Steve Madden {similar} | Necklaces: Various {yellow, turquoise}| Glasses: Cole Haan | Rings: Jcrew, Kate Spade

Today I am participating in Marionberry Style's Trend Challenge of the Month. It is Yellow. While browsing through my closet I realized I absolutely love the color yellow, but don't own very much of it. I'm absolutely crazy about this monochrome look. But I chose to incorporate yellow through a print and accessories. It is a great way to add a new trend lightly.

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Random Wednesday, Casual Friday

Summer Black

2013-05-14T06:28:00.005-07:00

Top: JCP | Skirt: The Limited | Shoes: Target {recent} | Hat: F21 {old, similar here} | Necklace: F21 {old, similar here} | Bracelets: F21, Stella and Dot | Ring: Kate Spade | Glasses: Cole Haan

I have been in the process of "summer-izing" some pieces in my wardrobe. I love an all black look, but how can I make it look less "cold-weatherish." Here I added a straw hat and shoes with a tribal print.

Linking up with Style Sessions

Orange and Berry

2013-05-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

Dress: Target | Necklace: LOFT {similar} | Shoes: Steve Madden | Ring: jcrew {similar} | Glasses: LC Lauren Conrad

I was very reluctant to give up the color oxblood for these warm summer days...but I will very well settle with this gorgeous Berry color! I've said it before, but I love when a dress can do the colorblocking for me!

Linking up with Casual Friday

Iphone Apps that Organize My Life

2013-05-08T06:37:00.001-07:00

Between being out of town and all the rainy weather we have been having, my outfit posts have been put on hold. So I wanted to share with you guys a few iphone apps that have made my life SO much more easier and efficient during this very busy schedule I've been keeping.

For me, this has been THE year of weddings. I am a bridesmaid for three weddings and attending several others. Working out and eating better has been an essential part of my every day schedule. Two apps that I use constantly are MyFitnessPal and MapMyRun.

MyFitnessPal helps me keep track of what I'm eating during the day and tracks all my nutritional information. It also helps me keep track of exercise on a daily basis. I use MapMyRun when I go on long walks. There is a GPS component that helps me keep track of how far I've gone and an estimated calorie loss (It lets me indicate I'm walking rather than running.)

Nike Training Club and my local gym (O2 Fitness) apps help me plan my gym exercises. Nike Training Club gives me several different routines to chose from and my local gym app gives me a weekly calendar with all of my favorite classes.

Since I have had to make time for all of this exercise, I have also had to make sure I don't miss any other appointments in my personal and professional worlds. Plus I combine my schedule with my husband's and it all gets a little hectic. I have found the SimplyUs app has changed my life! This application allows me and my sig other to sync calendars, to do lists, and grocery lists. It also allows me to indicate what I want him to see so he isn't overwhelmed with my daily work meetings, just appointments that concern him. It is incredibly simple to use and we use it on a daily basis!

I hope I have given you a few ideas if you are in need of a little streamlining in your life. I know I am always in need of figuring out what is the best, most efficient way to run my schedule. Plus I love being able to track what I've accomplished!

Have you found any other apps that help with this?

*This is NOT a sponsored post. All opinions are my own and I wanted to share with you what works best for me.

Neon May

2013-05-01T07:21:00.003-07:00

Dress: Calvin Klein | Shoes: Guess {similar} | Earrings: Premier | Bracelets: Givenchy, Premier | Ring: Kenneth Cole | Glasses: Cole Haan

This is my version of adding neon to the workplace. A simple stripe is bold yet not obnoxious. If you've been following me for a bit, you know sheath dresses are my favorite look for the work place. Easy to throw on, yet you arrive put together. I include light jewelry because I don't need an entire arm party clanging around my desk. Don't get me wrong...I love a good arm party, when the time is right!

Happy May Day!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Random Wednesday, Style Sessions

Quick Break

2013-04-29T09:23:00.003-07:00

via

Taking a quick break from blogging the next few days to focus on a few things flying around in my world right now. Can't wait to be back later this week!

Hope everyone is off to a great start to their week!

Kiss with Snakes

2013-04-24T05:29:00.000-07:00

Lace Top: Marshalls {old, similar} | Blazer: F21 {old, similar} | Jeans: Gap | Scarf: c/o Brianne Faye | Shoes: Michael Kors {old} | Jewels: Baublebar {similar}, Jcrew | Glasses: Calvin Klein {loving these ones}

What an interesting name huh? Kisses with Snakes. This is the name of the scarf pattern. I'm such a sucker for great marketing! I was drawn to the scarf because of its gorgeous mint color and intriguing pattern. When I read the name...I was hooked. Accessories should be fun, right? The great news is Brianne Faye offers this pattern in a variety of colors, including black and white! (sigh.)

I went against the norm and pulled out my white denim. I love a monochrome look and I loved keeping it in the light/pastel family. If you've been a reader for a few weeks now, you've noticed I've used a lot of "old" pieces lately. My husband challenged me to build more looks from my closet and I am happy to announce I've had fun digging around in what is in there! I challenge you to do the same!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Style Sessions, Random Wednesdays

Next to Me

2013-04-23T06:15:00.000-07:00

I have a "thing" that I associate certain songs with certain people.

My best friend... Keg in the Closet - Kenny Chesney

My sisters... Everything's Right - Matt Wertz (But who am I kidding? We'll dance to anything)

My mom... Mama's Song - Carrie Underwood

Football Season...yes, football season get's its own song, two actually... Lighters - Bruno Mars // Boys of Fall - Kenny Chesney

But my husband has racked up quite a few songs on my playlist. Every time I hear a new one, I bombard him with it. I can't help it, it makes me think of him!

So today, on his 32nd birthday...I am sharing with him and all of you guys my new favorite...

Happy Birthday Baby. I'm a lucky girl to have you always "next to me."

Spring Floral

2013-04-22T06:52:00.000-07:00

Top: Cynthia Rowley via TJ Maxx {similar on sale!} | Blazer: F21 {old, similar here} | Skirt: Banana Republic | Shoes: Steve Madden | Bracelets: unknown, jcrew | Rings: Coach {updated}, Kate Spade | Necklace: LOFT | Glasses: LC Lauren Conrad

Any pop of floral makes me think of Spring and I immediately crave the warm sunshine. Here in NC, we are still in a bit of transition weather. It will be very hot during the day, but remain startling chilly in the mornings. Adding a blazer to my look is my perfect solution to that problem. Adding a bright colored blazer is a bonus!

Linking up with #YOLOMondays

Lavender Brocade

2013-04-17T04:45:00.002-07:00

Jacket: Cynthia Rowley via TJ Maxx {similar} | Blouse: c/o Zamrie | Pants: Cynthia Rowley via TJ Maxx {swoon worthy and expensive option} | Shoes: Guess {similar} | Necklace: old | Bracelet: old | Ring: Kenneth Cole | Earrings: Nordstrom | Glasses: Cole Haan

As much as I love the bright, bold colors of the Spring season - I am just as much in love with the light, soft pastels. They give such a fresh, clean look. I also love making the softer colors more interesting with different textures, like the brocade on these pants!

Loving this blouse like I am?
You should check out this gorgeous Opry Print Dress...inspired by the crowd at the Grand Old Opry in Nashville! Love!

Zamrie is offering 50% off to ALL Mia Maree readers! Use the code: MAREE

Have fun shopping!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Style Sessions, Random Wednesday

Orange

2013-04-15T04:38:00.000-07:00

Dress: Michael Kors {old, crazy about this color in this sheath} | Belt: with Dress | Shoes: Coach {old, snakeskin wedge alternative} | Braclets: jcrew, stella and dot | Ring: Coach {old, updated version}, Kate Spade | Necklace: Bauble Bar | Glasses: Calvin Klein

Orange is one of my favorite colors to wear. Probably right under red. Both are such bold strong colors. When wearing such a strong color, I like to keep all my other accessories simple. Small gold jewelry with this look. I also like to play with different belt knots to add intrigue to a simple shirt dress. A fun Spring look!

Linking up with #YOLOMondays

With Heart

2013-04-10T04:34:00.002-07:00

Top: JCP {sold out online, similar here} | Skirt: Cynthia Rowley via TJ Maxx {crazy about this one on sale!} | Blazer: H&M {old, similar here} | Shoes: Guess | Necklace: c/o Vivienne Kelly | Bracelets: Michael Kors, JCrew | Ring: T Tahari | Glasses: Calvin Klein

I love how you can still have small jewelry stand out in a big way by choosing a piece with a bold color. The heart may be small...but I think it stands out brilliantly against the white and navy. All of this warm weather we have been having in NC makes me want to wear nautical stripes every day!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Random Wednesdays, Style Sessions

Team Jack

2013-04-09T05:40:00.000-07:00

If you were following me this Fall, you know that I like a good college athletics story. I posted a few this past year and even though we haven't reached the 2013 Fall season...I have a great one to share with you! Below is a video of the Nebraska Spring Game from Saturday. I am an alumni of Nebraska and this is so heart warming and just plain cool.

Below you will see Jack Hoffman, a 7 year old Nebraska kid fighting brain cancer, score the longest running touchdown in a Spring Game in Nebraska's history. I'm proud of the players and coaches that created this moment and the pure joy they showed as they ran the field with Jack. You may have already seen this clip, I know it was even highlighted on my local evening news in NC! Way to go Jack!

Goodbye Winter

2013-04-08T05:16:00.004-07:00

Top: LOFT {similar, on sale!} | Sweater: Express {old} | Pants: LOFT {similar, on sale!} | Bag: Kate Spade {loving this bag in pink!} | Shoes: Sam Edelman | Glasses: LC Lauren Conrad

I am hoping I will get to say goodbye to Winter with this one last look. Checking out the 10 day forecast for NC...it looks like Spring is finally here to stay! And I couldn't be more ecstatic!

I spent a wonderful weekend in Athens, GA celebrating the marriage of two of our sweet NC friends Kristen and Brendan. It was a gorgeous weather, stunning scenery and mouth-watering food! On top of it all, I had a blast with great people! Congrats Kristen and Brendan!

Linking up with #YOLOMondays

Untucked

2013-04-03T04:09:00.001-07:00

Top: Target {old, similar} | Pants: Vince Camuto | Heels: Michael Antonio | Necklace: F21 {old, similar} | Bracelets: jcrew, jcrew, stella and dot | Rings: Premier, Kate Spade | Earrings: Nordstrom | Glasses: LC Lauren Conrad {on sale!}

I like to throw a little interest into an outfit by imitating what I call the "JCrew half tuck." Well just to warn you...it turns into an office fail. I can't tell you how many times I was told "Mia, just so you know, your shirt is untucked." Oh thank you.

I guess I'll leave my experimenting to the weekends...

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Random Wednesday, Style Sessions

Easter Egg

2013-04-01T04:14:00.001-07:00

Top: F21 {old} | Skirt: Halogen | Scarf: Calvin Klein {old, loving this one} | Clutch: Gap {loving these colors!} | Necklace: Baublebar | Bracelet: JCrew | Glasses: LC Lauren Conrad | Shoes: Guess {old, liking this touch of leopard}

Hoping everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend! Something about the Easter Holiday makes you want to break out all the bright Easter Egg colors and florals. I love sitting in church and seeing all the young girls bouncing around in their tulle skirts and big bows!

Linking up with #YOLOMondays

Why I Won't Be Taking My Husband Back to Nordstrom

2013-03-29T06:49:00.004-07:00

So this is a short story about why I will not be taking this guy, my husband, back to Nordstrom ever ever again.

Earlier this week Keith and I needed to run some errands and while we were at the mall, I asked him if he wouldn't mind if we browsed around a bit. He was game. We browsed shoes, make up and jewelry at Nordstrom making our way to the sunglasses counter. I began to try on a few pairs of Prada sunglasses I've had my eye on and Keith was able to give me his honest opinion which pair he liked best. I can always depend on his honesty.

We were having a lovely afternoon...until "my financial advisor" decided to make an appearance. See Keith coaches football for a living, but it astonishes me every single day he didn't go into finance. He loves working on our home budget. You should see the color coded spreadsheet. Have you seen that G&B episode with Bill's budget for Giuliana? I can guarantee you have nothing on this spreadsheet Bill. Unfortunately most of my purchases end up in the "want" column, not the "need."

Well someone isn't used to spending a couple hundred on a pair of sunglasses, so he harmlessly asked the nice lady at the counter - "Do these ever go on sale?"

Oh babe.

No, Prada doesn't usually hit the blue light special.

So me and my new friend at the counter laugh it off with me saying "oh isn't that the perfect husband question?"

But my financial advisor doesn't decide to stop there, despite my "please no more comments" look.

Keith: "Well how about those coupons you send out, would those work?!"

Now the lady at the counter gets flustered, eyes us strangely and said "well, WE don't do coupons?"

Me - mortified. I just walked straight out the store.

Keith: Was that a dumb question?

Me: Yes, you are thinking of Macys. Now I can't show my face back in Nordstrom, thank you. (Yes, I was a little dramatic)

Keith: Well I guess I did my job then.

ahhh husbands.

Lunch Meeting

2013-03-27T04:54:00.001-07:00

Blazer: The Limited | Pants: The Limited {old, similar here} | Top: JCP | Shoes: International Preview {old, similar here} | Bracelets: Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren | Glasses: H&M

I like to pair different suit-like pieces together for work meetings rather than a full suit. It gives the outfit a bit more character and leaves you some room to have some fun! Adding the peplum top underneath the blazer gave it a modern feel. I kept my jewelry simple since it was a work meeting, but simple doesn't have to be boring!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Style Sessions, Random Wednesday, Casual Friday

Ponytail

2013-03-25T03:31:00.002-07:00

Dress: Target {similar} | Blouse: Banana Republic | Shoes: Target | Necklace: Duro Olowu for JCP | Glasses: Lauren Conrad | Earrings: Kate Spade

When I saw the first advertisement for Duro Olowu for JCP and saw this Ram's head necklace...the Tarheel fan in me made note in my daily planner when I could run to the store and pick one up! I'll admit...I couldn't wait until football season to debut this guy. I love how fun this accessory is and how it adds interest to the look. And the husband couldn't disagree...I mean "honey, I NEED this to be able to cheer on your team this fall." Cue eye roll please...

Linking up with #YOLOMondays

Sandal Shopping

2013-03-24T10:30:00.001-07:00

Nude: high, low
Lime: high, low
Crochet: high, low
Color block: high, low
Tassel: high, low

It's that time of year we are all rushing to get our pedicures done and have those tootsies looking fabulous! Sandal weather is just about here! I am drawn to the sandal section when I walk into the department stores. Above are a few of the trends headlining this season and must haves for my shoe closet. Until I commit to a certain trend, I love finding more affordable options to test it out. Stores like Target, Asos and even Forever 21 always gives me that luxury to test!

Black Lace

2013-03-20T04:02:00.000-07:00

Top: JCPenney {a wow deal} | Skirt: Target {major sale!} | Blazer: Express {old, similar here} | Shoes: Steve Madden | Earrings: Givenchy {similar} | Bracelets: JCrew, Coldwater Creek | Glasses: Cole Haan

This would be my serious look for less. I have been looking high and low for the right black peplum top that I can wear with skirts, pants and even jeans if I wanted and I found it for $10! Wow! And this skirt was a scene stealer while browsing through my local Target. Both purchases I could easily justify to the husband! I always love a good deal...but even better when it comes in sleek black!

Oh and with all this bloglovin' talk...you can follow Mia Maree here!

Linking up Marionberry's Trend Challenge of the Month: Lace

Also linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Random Wednesdays, Style Sessions, Casual Friday

Shades of Denim

2013-03-18T04:30:00.002-07:00

Dress: Old Navy {similar} | Jacket: Gap {old, similar here} | Glasses: Lauren Conrad | Earrings: Kate Spade {old} | Bracelet: Stella and Dot | Shoes: Michael Antonio

I am so thankful I never got rid of my trusty denim jacket. Every couple of years they come back raging in style. It is the perfect slip on over any outfit in this cooler transition weather. I have picked three of my favorite jackets in three different shades below. I am drawn toward darker denims, but I think I will try a lighter version for the sake of summertime!

Dark | Medium | Light

Linking up with #YOLOMonday

Macy's Shower

2013-03-16T12:48:00.002-07:00

A few weekends ago my mom, my sister and I put on a bridal shower for my youngest sister Macy! We were able to have it in Nebraska at my Granny's house so all of Macy's closest friends could attend! We convinced Granny to let us use all of her gorgeous china patterns that made for a soft vintage theme! Here are some pictures to share...

Marlo running Bridal Jeopardy

Gorgeous Bride - Macy

Delta Gammas

Macy, my mom and her MIL

Macy and Granny

Bridesmaids

Rain

2013-03-13T04:45:00.003-07:00

Jacket: Gap {old, crazy about this neon version} | Pants: Gap | Boots: Hunter | Earrings: Nordstrom | Umbrella: Coach {older, love their new black/brown one}

Yes I know, where is the rain? When I walked out the door it was a torrential downpour! So of course when I get ready to take these pictures the sky broke and it was gorgeous, yet I was stuck in my rain attire! Oh well, I love running around in rainboots all day!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Random Wednesdays, Style Sessions

Navy + Mint

2013-03-11T04:33:00.000-07:00

Blouse: H&M | Skirt: The Limited {old, similar here} | Shoes: Guess {similar} | Bracelets: Ralph Lauren, Givenchy {similar} | Ring: Kenneth Cole | Sunglasses: Cole Haan

I love mixing mint with bolder, darker colors. One of my favorite combos is navy and mint. I believe mint is going to act like a neutral this season and we are going to be seeing it everywhere! I'm quite ok with that.

What mint combos are you loving right now?

Linking up with #YOLOMonday and Casual Friday