{ outfitted } a walk in the park

On Friday afternoon, we went to Governor Dodge State Park. I was lured with the promise of paddle boats and swimming. But when the beach proved to be too crowded, we opted for a walk through the state park - in entirely inappropriate hiking gear. I spent most of the walk looking at the ground to avoid stubbing a toe on wayward stones.

Contemplative? Intrigued? Confused?

Outfit Notes: Top - Banana Republic; Necklace - Forever21; Shorts - J.Crew; Bag - Foley + Corinna; Sandals - Sam Edelman

Friday Finds Under $50

I have beaches on the mind this week with only (ahem) two days, 10 hours and 59 minutes left until take off. But lounging on an ocean shore doesn't come often for Wisconsin gals; we usually opt for time at the lake - ideally in a feminine bathing suit, offset by a jaunty fedora.

1. Stetson Straw Fedora, Madewell, $60 $49.99
2. Liberty-Print Bikini Top, Undrest, $105 $42
3. Liberty-Print Bikini Bottoms, Undrest, $115 $46
4. Woven Road Bracelet, Banana Republic, $45 $30
5. Beaded Hoop Earrings, Topshop, $20

Last Day!
Enter to win a Kendall K. coat!

{ outfitted } Ahoy!

Yesterday morning was covered in an unexpected blanket of wet, heavy snow - and the city's snowplow drivers were caught unprepared. It didn't bode well for my dinky Honda Civic (I got stuck at an intersection) or my punctuality to an event that I was hosting on behalf of the magazine. After a few answered prays - and a fair amount of four-letter words - I arrived [un]fashionably late for event preparations. It's safe to say that March rolled in like a lion; let's hope it's gentler on the way out.

I'm crushing hard on this necklace from Kate at Third Culture Jewelry. If you love her work as much as I do, you'll be tickled pink by an upcoming giveaway. Hint. Hint.

And speaking of pink, this photo reminds me of the Barbie logo. You know the one; the profile with the perky ponytail. You totally see the resemblance don't you?

Outfit Notes: Jacket - Banana Republic; Shirt - Forever21; Skirt - Banana Republic; Bracelet - Forever21; Earrings - Marc by Marc Jacobs; Necklace - c/o Third Culture Jewelry

{ outfitted } Easy Elegance

As much as I'm looking forward to springtime brights, I'm still enjoying the neutral zone with camel-colored pants and an oversize gray sweater. I added a bit of metallic shimmer and sparkle in the accessories to keep it from feeling too humdrum; after all, yawn-worthy accessories are the last thing anyone needs on a Monday morning! How are you beating the Monday blues?

It was far too chilly to attempt an outdoor photo, even if the lighting is better.

Outfit Notes: Sweater - J.Crew; Earrings - J.Crew; Bag - Banana Republic; Pants - Banana Republic; Shoes - Guess; Scarf - Target; Bracelet - Ann Taylor Loft

{ outfitted } Little Leo

Open-toe shoes and white after Labor Day?! It seems I'm balking at Mother Nature's insistence that it's autumn. She executed her revenge remarkably well yesterday. I had a Marilyn Monroe moment when the high winds whipped my skirt up outside of Walgreens. Well played, Mother Nature, well played. Pants it is.

Outfit Notes: Jacket - Banana Republic; Shirt - H&M; Jeans - Joe's Jeans; Shoes - Guess; Clutch - Hayden-Harnett for Target; Necklace - vintage Trifari pendant; Earrings - courtesy of Wendy Mink Jewelry

Can't Change Its Spots

It took a couple of months, but I finally tracked down a wallet-friendly leopard-print scarf. Feline spots and a khaki jacket left Nate with plenty of ammo to tease me for the safari-ready getup, but he didn't take the wind out of my sartorial sails. After all, what could be more chic than globetrotting safari gear?

Outfit Notes: Jacket - J.Crew; Scarf - Target; Bracelet - Banana Republic; Bag - CC Skye

G.I. Jane

An unexpected - albeit welcome - side effect of this blog has been pinpointing personal style trends. In fact, it wasn't until after snapping photos did I realize that today's outfit is essentially the dressier version of the one I posted last Tuesday. It seems that this year's go-to outfit includes army green, topped by black, and adorned with a statement necklace. What's your uniform of choice this fall?

Outfit Notes: Sweater - Gap; Necklaces - J.Crew, Wendy Mink; Skirt - Target (on sale for only $8 in the store); Purse - Banana Republic; Ring - Forever21; Shoes - Nine West

Wild America

{I have an affinity for badgers thanks to my alma mater: University of Wisconsin-Madison.}

After waking up to 37 degree temperatures this week, I think it's safe to say that summer has flown the coop - or at least migrated to California. In a desperate attempt to salvage the season, we went on an outing to my favorite part of Madison: the Henry Vilas Zoo. I hadn't intended to don a coat, but the crisp air made wearing a mere sweater dress impossible. To be fair, however, the coat is one of my favorite sartorial items - especially when it causes men to fondly reminisce about vintage hunting jackets.

Outfit Notes: Coat-Gap; Dress-H&M; Necklace-Forever21; Tights-Simply Vera Vera Wang; Shoes-Banana Republic; Bag-Rebecca Minkoff

Seasonal Transition

Last week was an absolute whirlwind at work. However, as an event manager, I certainly can't complain when my late nights are filled with name tags, guest lists and floral arrangements! Wednesday's executive-level networking event had record attendance - and, honestly, I couldn't have been more relieved when it was over. I celebrated the success by picking up a sartorial item that's well-suited for my fantasy life. You know, the one where I jet set to exotic locations donned in a bikini, oversize sunglasses, and a silk caftan fluttering in the breeze. Of course, Wisconsin's autumnal wind is there to snap me back to harsh reality. So, I did the only think I could think of: channel Rachel Zoe's 1970s aesthetic to make the piece seasonally appropriate.

Outfit Notes: Michael by Michael Kors Caftan; Joe's Jeans Denim; House of Harlow Bangle; Banana Republic Bracelet; Vintage Necklace from my grandmother; Ring courtesy of Shop the Look; Guess Shoes

Three Times a Lady

When Nichole of Acanthus offered to send me one of her signature Gemma necklaces, it was the perfect inspiration to transform J.Crew's ikat bustier dress from an edgy cocktail look into ladylike daytime attire.

Each piece of Acanthus' jewelry is handmade with natural, semi-precious stones and 14k gold fill wire, chain and beads. Choosing gold accentuates the color of the gemstones and lends an old-world opulence to the collection.

I chose the necklace in smoky quartz to coordinate with vintage pieces I adore, but it wasn't an easy choice. There's a rainbow of stones to choose from and each Gemma necklace either comes with a 16", 18" or 20" chain, ensuring that you find the perfect fit for your style.

It's refreshing to abandon heavy statement jewelry in favor of a delicate, feminine piece. While Nate doesn't normally comment on my jewelry, he did pause to tell me this necklace was "pretty" - high praise from the man who cringes at my cocktail ring collection. (Though, I have a feeling this necklace will layer wonderfully with other pieces, so he might be disappointed later.)

The clasp even deserves accolades with hammered links, a bead in the brand's signature blue, and a trefoil twist. Unexpected details like this really make a piece special.

20% off for Style Obsession readers: Acanthus has generously offered 20% off to Style Obsession readers! Just enter in the code "OBSESS" at checkout to apply the discount.

Love the Gemma necklace? Come back Thursday for details on how to win one of your own!

Outfit Notes: J.Crew Ikat Bustier Dress; Banana Republic Cardigan; Acanthus Gemma Necklace; Grandmother's Bracelet; Guess Shoes

FTC-Required Disclaimer: Acanthus provided product free of charge for editorial review. All opinions stated within are my own and are not influenced in any way.

On Target

I was looking forward to Target's collaboration with Tucker, but I was also bracing myself for disappointment. After all, would the mass retailer be able to translate Gabby Basora's luxurious silk prints into a polyester alternative? As many of you already know, the answer is a resounding yes. Better yet, there's an alluring 1970s vibe to many of the pieces - especially when the mosaic-print blouse is paired with flared denim. Now I just need to find that elusive faux fur vest.

Outfit Notes: Tucker for Target Blouse; Joe's Jeans Denim; CC Skye Bag; Amrita Singh Earrings via Gilt; Banana Republic Bracelet; House of Harlow Bracelet; Guess Shoes

Killing Me Softly

There's an edgy undertone to some of my favorite outfits, like pairing provocative stilettos with a 1950s full-skirted silhouette. It's this type of playful irreverence that makes J.Crew's silk motorcycle jacket so attractive. Choosing a soft, feminine fabric to create a piece of clothing that's traditionally well-structured was an unexpected - and brilliant - move by Jenna Lyons. While I may not be able to wear the jacket in the rain, it'll definitely be my preferred layer for this year's autumnal chill.

Outfit Notes: J.Crew Silk Motorcycle Jacket; Banana Republic Silk Tee Shirt; Banana Republic Jeans; Guess Shoes; Forever21 Ring; Forever21 Earrings; Vintage Dior Clutch; Revlon Steel-Her Heart Nail Polish