November 2017 / Organized Mess

Plaid and (Faux) Suede

11.29.2017

Plaid and suede, what could be a more perfect fall combo? I've always been a sucker for plaid tops but I love how this top has the added ruffle which has been so on trend this fall. This (faux) suede skirt is one of my go-to pieces for the fall because it goes with absolutely everything. It looks chic with a black turtleneck, fun with a tee and scarf and it created the perfect Thanksgiving outfit with this plaid top. What trends are you mixing with your go-to fall pieces?

LOFT TOP AND SKIRT (SIMILAR STYLE FOR UNDER $50) | SMAK PARLOUR EARRINGS (SIMILAR STYLE FOR $50) | OLD NAVY BOOTIES | MICHAEL KORS WATCH AND PURSE

Shop for On-Trend Plaid Tops

11.28.2017

There are few better ways to spend a brisk, fall day than outdoors. I love hiking and camping all year long, but it always feels much more special in the fall. I love the sound of the leaves crunching underneath my sneakers, the smell that the crisp air brings and the array of autumn colors in the woods. Derek and I had taken a trip towards the Poconos and went hiking at Hickory Run State Park for an afternoon where we were able to see the beginning of the fall foliage.

We're lucky in Philadelphia to have so many great state parks around us. Hickory Run State Park is only an hour and a half away. If you get the chance to go make sure to check out Boulder Field while you're there. Where are your favorite places to hike?

11.22.2017

I'm sure nearly everybody is aware that Taylor Swift has released her 6th studio album, Reputation. This album came out 3 years after her release of 1989 and it's safe to say I'm hooked. It seems like this new album has been the biggest topic on social media for the last two weeks - which songs and lyrics everyone is loving and hating. These are my top 9 picks from the album - although, I will admit I'm loving all 15 tracks!

9. This is Why We Can't Have Nice Things
It was so nice being friends again. There I was, giving you a second chance but then you stabbed me in the back while shaking my hand. And there's the issue, friends don't try and trick you - get you on the phone and mind-twist you.

8. Dancing With our Hands Tied
We love without reason, 25 years old. How were you to know my love had been frozen deep blue? / I loved you in spite of deep fears that the world would divide us. So, baby can we dance through an avalanche and say that we got it? I'm a mess but I'm the mess that you wanted.

7. So It Goes...
Cause we break down a little, but when I get you alone it's so simple. / And all our pieces fall right into place. Get caught up in a moment. Lipstick on your face, so it goes. I'm yours to keep and I'm yours to lose. / You did a number on me, but who's counting? 1, 2, 3.

6. Look What You Made Me Do
I don't like your little games. I don't like your tilted stage. The role you made me play, the fool, no, I don't like you. I don't like your perfect crime. How you laugh when you lie. You said the gun was mine. / But I got smarter, I got harder in the knick of time.

5. Dress
Say my name and everything just stops. I don't want you like a best friend. Only bought this dress so you could take it off. / And if we get burned, at least we were electrified. I'm spilling wine in the bathtub. You kiss my face and we're both drunk.

4. I Did Something Bad
I can feel the flames on my skin, crimson red paint on my lips. If a man talks shit, then I owe him nothing. I don't regret it one bit, because he had it coming. They say I did something bad, then why's it feel so good? / This is how the world works. You have to leave before you get left.

3. Don't Blame Me
For you I would cross the line. I would waste my time, lose my mind. / Don't blame me. Your love made me crazy. If it doesn't, you ain't doing it right. / My name is whatever you decide. And I'm just going to call you mine. I'm insane but I'm your baby. Echoes of your name inside my mind. Halo, hiding my obsession. / I would fall from grace just to touch your face. If you walk away, I'd beg you on my knees to stay.

2. Call It What You Want
My castle crumbled overnight. I brought a knife to a gun fight. They took the crown but it's okay. All the liars are calling me one. / All my flowers grew back as thorns. Windows boarded up after the storm. He built a fire just to keep me warm. All the drama queens taking swings, all the jokers dressed up as kings. They fade to nothing when I look at him. / I want to wear his initial around my neck. Not because he owns me but 'cause he really knows me. I recall late November, holding my breath, I slowly said "you don't need to save me, but would you run away with me?"

1. New Year's Day
There's glitter on the floor after the party. Girl's carrying their shoes down in the lobby. Candle wax and polaroids on the hardwood floor. You and me from the night before / Don't read the last page. I stay when it's hard or it's wrong or we're making mistakes. I want your midnights but I'll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Years Day. / You squeeze my hand three times in the back of the taxi. I can tell it's gonna be a long road. I'll be there if you're the toast of the town babe, or if you strike out and you're crawling home. / Please don't ever become a stranger who's laugh I could recognize anywhere. / Hold onto the memories and they will hold onto you. I will hold onto you.

Images from Billboard.com

11.21.2017

I don't know about you but I do not handle the cold well. Once the temps dip close to freezing I am bundled up. 90% of my winter wardrobe just consists of chunky oversized sweaters. Lou and Grey tends to be my go-to for the ultimate cozy sweaters and this hunter green one does not disappoint. Paired with velvet pants and a pair of slightly heeled booties, adding an oversized sweater to your #ootd doesn't have to look sloppy. I find that balance is key, adding a slim pair of pants, a shoe with a heel and statement earrings takes the look from the sofa to out for dinner.

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11.20.2017

Nothing like the holidays to make you lose focus. Between family and friend get-togethers, cooking mass amounts of food, baking too many sweets, drinking too much (let's be real here) and holiday shopping - and meanwhile it's dark outside all the time while you're doing all of these things - it's easy to feel overwhelmed and to lose motivation in other areas of your life, whether it's at work and/or your side hustle. This is the time when it's important to rely (heavily) on your planner and to maybe look up a motivational quote or two. And who could be more motivational than Parks and Rec's, Leslie Knope? Nobody. That's who.

1. "Go find your team. Get to work. Whatever that work is that you find worth doing. Do it, and find some people to love who'll do it with you."

2. "What I hear when I'm being yelled at is people caring really loudly at me."

3. "I am a Goddess. A glorious female warrior."

4. "I am big enough to admit that I am often inspired by myself."

5. "You go big or you go home."

6. "Hey Leslie. It's Leslie. Hang in there. I love you. Bye."

7. "Hobbies? Organizing my agenda. Wait. That doesn't sound fun. Jammin' on my planner!"

8. "Winning is every girl's dream."

9. “There’s nothing we can’t do if we work hard, never sleep, and shirk all other responsibilities in our lives.”

10. "I'm ready."

PS: If you haven't see Parks and Rec yet please go binge watch all of it on Netflix. This is the only legitimate excuse for not getting anything done. (I'm joking - kind of).

GIFs from parksandrecquotes, tvcriticism2014, headoverfeels. All images are owned by NBC.

11.16.2017

I love a good graphic tee or sweater and I definitely couldn't say no to this adorable Merci sweater. Plus, it's my favorite color combo - red and blue! Layers are essential once the temps start to cool down so I paired it with a heart printed striped top with a collar. This top will be so perfect both for layering and tucked into refined pants or a fit and flare skirt. To keep it casual I paired this top and sweater combo with a pair of cords - my go to in the fall instead of denim.

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11.15.2017

It looks like the cooler weather is here and here to stay! After weeks of 70 degree weather this fall the temps have finally dropped below 50 degrees and I'm kind of loving the brisk air. When the season changes I always crave a refresh in my wardrobe. Living in Philadelphia, I still spend a lot of time outdoors even during the winter months so options in outwear are always necessary. I'm currently on the lookout for a new coat that won't break my budget so I'm sharing a few of my favorite finds under $100.

8 COATS UNDER $100

The Faux Fur Coat - This is such a fun (and warm) style! Faux cheetah or leopard print is always fun to throw on during the cooler months. It's the winter comparison to throwing on bright colors during the summer. It remains a neutral but adds a little bit of fun and personality into your style. Loving this H&M $80 Faux Fur Coat.

The Belted Shawl Coat - I love the details in a belted shawl coat. The oversized collar, the tie of the belt and the way it looks oversized without looking frumpy. This chic option from Boohoo is the perfect military green color that goes with absolutely everything.

The Duffle Coat - The duffle coat is my go-to during the winter. Usually they include a hood and the shape of the coat is great for zipping up and staying snug, plus, they're usually roomy enough for a little bit of layering underneath. I love this affordable duffel coat from Nordstrom Rack.

The Plaid Coat - Plaid is hands down one of my favorite patterns. For outwear if I'm going to choose a patten, I try to stay more in a neutral color range so it isn't to difficult to pair outfits with. I love how this Guess Plaid Print Coat drapes.

The Faux Shearling Coat - This coat is probably one that's at the top of the trending list right now. I'm obsessing over this fun take on a warm winter coat. I love how cozy it is! Who knew looking like a fuzzy polar bear could be so fashionable? Loving this budget friendly Old Navy coat!

The Wool-Blend Maxi Coat - Guaranteed to keep you warm! The maxi coat is the ultimate choice for a gal who is always freezing. Plus, I love the way maxi coats drape and always look so effortlessly chic. I'm loving the burnt color of this Line & Dot option.

The Double Breasted Tan Coat - This is a style that will always be around. If you're aiming for a piece that you can carry with you for winter's to come and always be on a trend - this Boohoo double breasted coat is the way to go.

The Mustard Coat - Mustard is my favorite fall color. It can act as a neutral, pairing well with nearly any other color. This Steve Madden belted coat has a hood attached which makes it perfect for frigid winter days as well.

*Image from Free People

11.13.2017

Last month Derek and I packed our bags for a one night camping trip to French Creek State Park. Camping is easily one of my favorite weekend activities. We don't get to go that often but I always appreciate when we're able to spend time outdoors. I find activities such as camping or hiking to be an ultimate anxiety reducer and I always feel refreshed after spending time in nature. I would normally prefer to travel a few hours outside of Philly more towards the mountains but we've been tight on time and money this year so we decided to check out French Creek State Park since it takes less than an hour to get to from Philadelphia.

We spent our 30 hours in the woods staying warm by the fire, drinking hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows and catching up on reading. All day on Sunday afternoon we spent the day hiking and accidentally strayed off of the path we were following and ended up a national historic site called the Hopewell Furnace Site which ended up being a fun detour. Overall, we had a great time but the campsites were a little close together for my liking. I tend to prefer more remote camping locations instead of family-focused campsites. But if you're nervous about camping or wanting to try it out for the first time this would be a great place to start! There were so many hiking paths close to the campsites and there was even a lake which would be great for the warmer months. Where do you like to camp at?

Organized Mess

SLIDER

Plaid and (Faux) Suede

11.29.2017

Hiking at Hickory Run State Park

11.28.2017

Reputation: Top 9

11.22.2017

The Perfect Oversized Sweater

11.21.2017

10 Motivating Leslie Knope Quotes

11.20.2017

Merci!

11.16.2017

8 Coats Under $100

11.15.2017

Camping at French Creek State Park

11.13.2017