WINTER STYLE RUT SOLUTION

Every year I look forward to the cooler months where I can finally break out my cozy sweaters, boots and scarves, but after a month or so of wearing these clothes I start to crave color. You see, it seems to me that every pair of boots is either black or brown and every winter coat is also black or brown. Add a bunch of jeans and black leggings to the mix, and you have quite the boring color palette. 

So, what's my solution? Throw some red pants and patterned shoes into the mix. You can find pumps and flats in a variety of colors. I especially love these black and white houndstooth pumps from Land's End. The block heel makes them super comfy to walk in, and they are great for dressing up a casual weekend outfit or for wearing with a dress to church.

I am also obsessed with HUE leggings. After having Levi, stretchy pants are what I live in until I can fit back into my jeans. These red jeggings are festive and stylish. They sure pack a bunch in a sea of black and brown. 

If you're nervous as to how to wear these bold winter fashion statements, just remember to keep what's on top simple. A black tank and blazer is totally acceptable when they bottom half of you is so bright. Try it and get out of your black and brown winter rut.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer ; product was sponsored by Land's End for this post.

Wear Your Gym Clothes All Day and Look Stylish

This post is sponsored by Mountainside Fitness.

Let's be honest...Sometimes what can keep us from the gym is simply the fact that we have errands to run before and after our workout, and we don't want to look a hot mess. I totally get it, and getting sweaty and stinky can definitely be an inconvenience, especially when you're in a time crunch. So, I thought I'd share with you how I wear my gym leggings and sports bra while running around before the gym. To help, I've included before and after photos. After this post you won't have an excuse not to hit the gym!

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When I wear my gym leggings I also choose boots and a tunic top to wear along with them. You could also choose a long sweater as well, and look fall ready in a snap. I don't wear too much makeup because I don't like to workout with a ton of product on my face. So, I simply wear tinted moisturizer, concealer, blush, eye primer, mascara and lipstick. You are set for the day and in style.

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When I get to the gym all i have to do is change my shoes and my top.

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After my workout I'm all sweaty, but I don't always have time to take a shower and do my hair. This might sound really gross to you, but I blow dry the sweat out of my hair. It acts as natural sea salt spray and gives me a ton of volume. I just go back through with dry shampoo to make sure I'm not too stinky. If you carry face wipes with you, just go ahead and wipe your face, armpits and chest with them and then apply some body spray and deodorant. Then apply your 2 minute face like I mentioned above.

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Lastly, put your other top and shoes back on, and you're set to go run more errands or even meet friends for dinner.

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Photos by Sarah Gray Portraits.

Halloween

Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, so there's a chance that you could be headed to a costume party. I haven't received an invite yet, but I thought I'd create a couple of easy costume ideas that incorporated fashion trends such as leather, leggings, plaid, fur, boots, boy friend jeans, etc. Here's what I came up with... You got your basic cat outfit, your Eskimo/Russian/Norwegian gal (haha) and your lumberjack. Comments are welcome. =)

Halloween Ideas by Alexandra Evjen featuring Seven For All Mankind jeans

Leopard. Meow!

I've never owned an item that had an animal print on it. This year may be the first because I'm diggin' the leopard print. Now, I'm not really a bold print person, so I'm thinking of leopard print accents for myself. There are, however, a lot of leopard leggings, sweaters and shirts out there if you're wanting to make a big statement. So, what do you think...are you over the animal prints or are you just getting into it like me?

Leopard Print by Alexandra Evjen featuring Matthew Williamson

Black & Blue

Denim shirts and black jeans are making a HUGE come back in fashion right now for men and women, respectively. I can't believe it, but I'm really liking it! For men, denim shirts are going to be seen everywhere, but I think the styling and wash of the denim shirts are important to keep in mind. Double pockets, worn in, light-weight, denim with snaps are where it's at.

For the ladies, black denim, skinny jeans are taking over leggings. Note: this does not include faded, bleached black denim.