stripes and aviators

Hello from Kentucky! Although these pictures were taken before  I left, I'm here now and that's what counts! And if you think there is time to take outfit pictures on a work trip....you're mistaken. Or maybe you're a better time manager than I am!

Lexington is adorable! I had a bit of down time yesterday after we arrived so I went for a run through the downtown and campus areas. It is really cute, well laid out and everyone is SO NICE. Some places *cough DC cough* could take a cue from these locals. 

Despite being an hour and a half away from Churchill Downs, everyone is in full Derby spirit here and its really contagious. Don't get me wrong, I was excited for this weekend but coming down here and hearing people tell stories of their first Derby gives me chills. I cannot wait for Saturday!

Follow along on Instagram for more of my trip. Hoping to have a better recap for you next week!...and possibly some outfit pictures :)

Have a wonderful weekend, amigas!

XO, Nicole

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blazer- Banana Republic
shirt- J.Crew
Jeans. J.Crew Factory
Purse- Banana Republic
Shoes- J.Crew Factory
Sunnies- Rayban

tan + mint

I've been majorly lusting over the Mira Heel from Madewell for quite some time now but could never quite pull the trigger no matter how often people raved how comfortable they were. Unfortunately, my higher ed salary doesn't lend itself well to $168 heels. Last week, I did a little outlet shopping with my mama while she was in town and I found these heels, which are strikingly similar to the Mira, at J.Crew Factory for $118 and an additional 40% off. Add in the 15% educational discount (just need to show a student ID or .edu email address!) and I think I found myself a pretty good deal! While this particular pair isn't online, you can find the style in patent or printed online. I wore them pretty much all night to a show, dinner and drinks and only at the very end of the night were they pinching a bit. All that to say, they are totally worth it -- especially if you're also looking for an affordable yet comfortable alternative to the Mira Heel.

I have a few signature events and big changes coming up at work which I'm excited for but will make for a busy April. I don't anticipate anything changing/slowing down around here but if they do, now you know why! :)

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Blazer- Banana Republic (similar this season)
Jeans- J.Crew Factory
Sweater- J.Crew Factory, old
Shoes- J.Crew Factory
Bag- Madewell

in disguise

If it weren't for my 9-5 job, there is a very strong likelihood I would live in yoga pants. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy dressing up and have fun getting dressed every morning but lezbehonest, nothing is as comfortable lounging in yoga pants on a Sunday. And if I could wear yoga pants every day, I'd be lying to you if I said I wouldn't.  But alas, I am not Real Housewife of Anywhere and I doubt my boss would appreciate me showing up in louge wear.

So what is a working lounge wear addict to do? Scour the proverbial racks for lounge wear in disguise! It started with this jumpsuit (sidenote: man, those bangs were a bust) and when I saw these pants made of 100% rayon, I knew they would do the trick. Rayon is so light and comfortable; I literally feel like I'm wearing pajamas. While a coworker razzes me a bit by calling them my hammer pants 2.0, I think I'm the one getting the last laugh since I'm in chill wear and he's in a suit and tie. *drops the mic*

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Blazer- Banana Republic

Blouse: H&M, last spring. (Similar this season)

Pants: Loft, old (same pants, different print)

Shoes: Charles David "Vibrant"

Bag: Phillip Lim x Target

Necklace: J. Crew Factory

PS- Linking up with Elle and Jacqueline today!

i really love my..... navy blue blazer

Original posts: floral and leopard / four eyes / red and plaid / for work for play

A few weeks ago I decided to start a little series called "I really love my...." and my utility vest was an easy piece to start with. A second easy piece? My navy blue blazer. I went back and forth for a long time deciding if a navy suit was worth the investment. I'm fortunate in that I do not have to wear a suit too often for work but I knew I wanted to have a bit of variety especially for the busier spring and summer months. I decided to take the plunge during one of Banana Republic's 40% off sales and I am so glad I did. A previous roommate told me she wore her navy suit more often than her black one and I didn't believe her. Until now.

 A navy blazer is really a must have layering piece as its so easy to dress up or down. I promise it's actually 100% worth the investment. If you will be wearing it as a part of the suit, you really can't cut corners. Bite the bullet and pay for a nice suit. Just look at it as a professional rite of passage. If you don't plan to wear it as a suiting piece, I would say you're safe with a more budget friendly option. Go ahead and get your H&M on girl. They have great under $50 options like this jersey blazer, this fitted jacket and this single breasted blazer. I also saw this blazer at Target over the weekend and it is really nice quality in person. It's worth considering! Some over $50 options are below..

Happy Monday!

xo Nicole

PS- Linking up with Lauren today!

florals and leopard

I'm not much of a pattern mixer because truthfully, I don't really know how to do it without looking like 6 year old Nicole dressed herself. But I want to be a pattern mixer so bad you guys! SO BAD. So I did what any modern day woman with a glass of wine, a comfy couch and an episode of the Bachelor on in the background would do- I created a pinsipration board. I'm not 100% at official pattern mixing status yet but am using my favorite neutral - leopard- to get my feet wet. It's a seemingly easy way to compliment another pattern.

I have also found that another way to ease into pattern mixing is through stripes. If you follow me on instagram you know that I have plenty of options for stripes. Between florals and stripes, I think I'll be graduating from Intro to Pattern Mixing soon. I think I'm on my way to becoming a pattern mixer!

Speaking of things I want to be SO BAD, I've really wanted to get into running but just for the life of me cannot get into it! So instead of creating another pinspiration board, Aaron and I signed up for a 10k! Its in June so I have plenty of time to become a runner (or not). We'll see how well this works out......

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Top- Gap
Jeans-Gap (this season)
Blazer- Banana Republic
Bag- Madewell
Shoes- Target (similar)
Beret- Nordstrom, old (similar)
Necklace- J. Crew Factory

Linking up with Shanna and Lindsey today!