Red Carpet Style: Oscars 2017

I look forward to the Oscars every year and gush over all the gowns and glamour on the red carpet! This year's fashion was all about the metallics, embellishment and standout accessories (see: Jessica Biel). Sharing my favorite looks from the night below. Who is your pick for Best Dressed?

{Olivia Culpo in Marchesa}

I loved Olivia's beaded fringe dress - it looked like it was dripping in crystals and the little black bow was perfection! Even better that it was designed for a good cause.

{Emma Stone in Givenchy}

Emma Stone was one part Goddess and one part Academy Award Winner in this look! I loved the Old Hollywood vibe, perfect for her role in La La Land, which I'm already dying to see again!

{Janelle Monae wearing Elie Saab}

The biggest fashion risk of the night, but she totally nailed it! The details and embroidered appliques were stunning!

{Hailee Steinfeld in Ralph & Russo} 

I'm so ready for Spring after seeing this sheer floral gown - it was so pretty and ethereal! The ruffled back was gorgeous!

{Taraji P. Henson in Alberta Ferretti}

Taraji took a refreshing twist on a classic red carpet look, opting for navy velvet, rather than black. The neckline was so flattering and I loved that she served the sass to match!

images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Varsity

I love monochromatic looks, especially white on white. Just add some bold accessories (blue mirrored sunnies and an olive suede bag in this case) to keep it interesting. I'm such a jeans & tee kinda girl (evidence here, here & here). This tee has everything I look for - super soft, a little oversized and slightly sheer - but what really sold me were the varsity-inspired stripes and ring collar. Boyfriend jeans & a denim jacket top off the old school vibe. 

In other news, we have officially booked all of the vendors for our wedding! Feeling slightly relieved but let's be real, wedding planning is like a second job and there's still so much to do! Getting so excited - only 7 months away!

{outfit details}

Tee - Billabong || Jeans - Current/Elliott (last seen) || Denim Jacket - Current/Elliott (similar) || Bag - Rebecca Minkoff c/o Shopbop || Sandals - Steve Madden || Sunnies - Ray-Ban || Nail Polish - OPI "strong coal-ition"

Striped Tee

It's crazy that one of my most worn pieces of clothing has yet to make it on the blog until now. A striped tee is a stand-by for me - from work to weekend, pencil skirt to cut-offs, heels to flats. I got this one from Zara a couple of years ago so it's perfectly worn in. I'm a huge fan of the half-tuck - a styling trick that I love to use with slouchy tees. By tucking in the front hem of my shirt, it creates a lengthening effect which helps me appear taller than my 5'2 frame claims. I recently went shopping in my own closet and re-discovered this olive and faux leather jacket. No clue why I stopped wearing it before but it's back with a vengeance. 

I'm so looking forward to this weekend! My god-sister Amanda and her boyfriend Bryan are in town for her birthday. We're going camping and (weather permitting) watching the rocket launch from Space X  Saturday morning! Hope you all have a good one.

{outfit details}

Striped Tee - Zara || Olive Faux Leather Jacket - Zara || Jeans - Current/Elliot || Fringe Bag - Zara || Leopard Booties - Sam Edelman || Aviators - Ray-Ban || Lipstick - Maybelline "touch of spice"

JORD Wood Watches + Giveaway!

{Frankie Koa & Ash Watch c/o JORD}

When it comes to Valentine's Day, I prefer a romantic night in - I love making dinner together and snuggling on the couch watching a movie. I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with Greg this year, especially since he has been working over-nights for the last seven months and time together in general is rare lately. My favorite way to spend quality time together is in the morning enjoying a cup of coffee. It's a relaxing ritual that allows us to really talk without any distractions like our phones or tv. We make it a priority to carve out part of our day to just be together.

A watch is the perfect Valentine's Day gift to show that special someone in your life how much you love to spend time with them. JORD Wood Watches are so cool and unique! When I received this Frankie Koa & Ash watch, I was blown away by the quality and creative design. It's surprisingly lightweight and so stylish. I will definitely be borrowing this men's watch from Greg - I love adding menswear accessories to my outfits. JORD has a huge selection of wood watches for men and women, made from all different types of wood including bamboo, sandalwood and walnut.

I'm hosting a giveaway from JORD Wood Watches!

The winner receives a $100 gift code and EVERYONE who enters receives a $25 gift code - it's a win win!

To enter the JORD Wood Watch contest click HERE! 
(Contest ends February 12th)


This post is sponsored by JORD Wood Watches. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

Watch Gift Ideas

Layer + Link Up

Layering is key with our current "winter" weather - 50s in the morning, 70s by noon. I love wearing cropped sweaters over my usual tank so I can easily slip it off mid-day. For this look, I kept it monochromatic with faux leather leggings but added standout accessories. Still wondering how these heels haven't made it into an outfit post yet. Oh yeah, I live on a island and wear sandals 90% of the time!

I'm so excited to be co-hosting the Fashion Frenzy Link Up this week with Annessa from Seeking Sunshine and Kelly from Rosy Outlook! These babes are so stylish and sweet - check them out and join the link up below!

{outfit details}

Cropped Sweater - BCBG (last worn here) || Silk Top - BCBG || Faux Leather Leggings - Zara (last seen) || Heels - Zara || Leopard Clutch - Clare V. c/o Shopbop || Choker - DIY || Watch - Michael Kors

Don't forget to join the Fashion Frenzy Link Up!

An InLinkz Link-up

Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili

Chili is one of those comfort foods that I associate with football. Not only does it feed the masses, but it tastes extra delicious when snuggled on the couch enjoying the game. I'm looking forward to making this crock pot chicken taco chili for Super Bowl Sunday! 

ingredients

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 (15 oz) can of black beans

1 (15 oz) can of garbonzo or kidney beans

1 (15 oz) can of corn

1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

2 (10 oz) cans of Rotel diced tomatoes with chilies

1/4 cup cilantro

1 onion, chopped

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 packet of taco seasoning

directions

{1}

Combine beans, onions, corn, tomato sauce, diced tomato, cumin, chili powder and taco seasoning in a slow cooker and mix well.

{2}

Nestle chicken in and completely cover with mixture.

{3}

Cook on Low for 8-10 hours or High for 4-6 hours. 30 minutes before serving, remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return to the slow cooker and stir well. 

{4}

Serve hot with your favorite toppings. We used jasmine rice, cilantro, shredded Vermont white cheddar cheese, sour cream, onion & a little Cholula hot sauce for an added kick. I like to scoop mine with corn chips!

Golden

Today is my golden birthday! (27 on the 27th) I'm officially in my late twenties, but honestly I couldn't be happier about it. I'm loving this stage in my life, and trying my hardest to live in the moment. Much easier said than done, but I am a work in progress. 

Tonight I'm fully embracing my old soul and staying home for a relaxing night of take-out sushi, wine and catching up on This Is Us. My niece Alexa turns 7 on Monday so we are having a girls day (lunch, shopping & pedicures) on Saturday with my mom. Then we're having a party at my sister's house on Sunday. Greg won't let me get away with a birthday month so we're making the weekend as eventful as possible. Hope you all have a great one!