If you're anything like me, just a regular old pale-skinned Minnesotan, then the weather from the past few days just makes you want to crawl under the covers until the warmth of spring can coax you out. I've honestly debated whether I should petition the government for an extra week of PTO for all Minnesotans just because of the endless winter we seem to STILL BE ENDURING.

In April. #goodnesssakes

But, for every complaint I've made about this darn white stuff the past two days, I'm starting to realize there are so many other things about this great state that keeps me from just packing a suitcase and heading south (don't get me wrong, I've come veryyy close in the past 24 hours).

Some of these MN perks include:

-The grand and marvelous Mall of America. Because when you live less than 5 miles away from 550+ stores at all times, can you really get mad about a few inches of measly snow in your way? With a Chipotle, J.Crew and Doc Popcorn all among them?

No, not really.

-Tater tot hot dish. The key supper recipe in all Midwestern's homes. Because nothing says "enjoying winter" than consuming half a pan of this cheesy goodness, piled under four blankets and binge-watching an entire season of "One Tree Hill" on a Saturday night. Am I right?!

-Four seasons to enjoy every year. While sometimes I envy the eternal spring weather of our friends in California, it's got to be a little weird not to experience more than 1-2 seasons in a year. Is it Christmas? Who knows? Still 65 degrees and sunny outside. And when do you know it's fall time without breaking out your coziest sweater and curling up with a hot pumpkin spice latte to get you in the spirit? We Minnesotans are lucky for the ever-changing weather and all the fun activities that go along with it!

-And finally, our overall MN pride. I'm sure anyone who was watching the Superbowl this year just chuckled to themselves as the reporters interviewed attendees outside the stadium in the record-breaking-freezing temperatures this year.

Those fools. Who in their right mind would want to live in Arctic-circle conditions?

Yes, we endure long hard winters (like this one). And yes, it isn't always enjoyable digging out your car from under five feet of snow in the pitch black darkness of winter mornings.

BUT. We are who we are. We know what we can get through.

We are Minnesotans. And we are home.

*insert Vikings horn sound here*

And what better way to show off our love for this great state, than wearing the coziest of sweatshirts during this chilly season. LakeBound Clothing has the best outwear to throw on whether your running a late-night Target errand or just lounging around the house. All of their apparel has such a cute rustic feel to it, making you dream of cozy nights tucked next to a crackling fire in the northern woods of MN. 

Plus, it makes these last few nights of winter *fingers crossed* seem a bit warmer with a new favorite sweatshirt to throw on. Just sayin.

sweater// Nordstrom (from fall anniversary sale)

necklace// old (gifted)

jeans// AE jeggings

booties// Target

It's that time of year again - where every Midwest blogger gambles the chance of catching hypothermia for every outfit post set outside #worthit

Luckily we were just in our backyard to swoop into the house for a quick warm-up between shots. 

Is anyone else in denial that it's already November? I feel like I blinked and this entire year has flown by. I'm a little uneasy going into the next two months since working in retail creates a love-hate relationship with the holidays. However, I am looking forward to some snowy mornings at home, curled up with some hot coffee and decorating the house for Christmas (anyone else resisting the urge to put up the tree until after Thanksgiving?! It's literally an everyday battle in our home...)

Another favorite part of this season is full-force sweater weather. Gone are the 30 degree mornings and 80 degree afternoons. Sweaters are here to STAY. And this one has been itching for a night out since I bought it back in July during Nordstrom's anniversary sale. I love the open sleeves and it's beyond soft. Like coming-home-from-a-long-day-at-work-and-falling-asleep-on-top-of-the-bed-in-this-sweater-comfy. Plus it's easy to throw on over some leggings when lounging around the house or paired with jeans for a date night out.

So here's to November, its wonderful chilly evenings, insanely comfy big sweaters and counting down the seconds until Christmas season officially begins. Who's with me?!

plaid//Old Navy
jeans//Gap
booties//Target
watch/Target

If I could describe my closet in three words, they would be:

Neutral. 
Denim. 
PLAID.

I have a wide variety of plaid button downs from multiple stores, but this tunic takes the cake. It's so comfortable (made with 100% rayon) and easy to throw over a pair of jeans or cinched around the waist on warmer days. Old Navy always has a ton of deals, so I got this bad boy with a 20% off coupon. I recommend sizing up a little if you like your shirts a little more loose (like moi).

ALSO was feeling a little inspired by a classic southern look this morning; I got Nashville on the mind and nothing else. We're looking to book a last-minute trip to my favorite city and I can hardly stand it. My Pinterest board was blowing up this morning as I try to look up everything I want  to see/hear/eat while I am there. Fingers crossed it all works out! Cause you know there be a blog post while I am there too ;) Keep ya in the loop!

shirt//Marshall's

hat//Express

jeans//old

watch//Target

sandals//Target

Anyone else struggling with this Midwest September weather? I feel like as soon as I started to unpack my plaid scarves and tall boots, the sun just chuckled at me and turned its heat all the way back up to 90 degrees...prompting me to once again drag out my shorts and tees.

**Still getting that PSL, of course. Iced.**

This makes planning for my day's apparel pretty time-consuming. I typically drive to work with a jacket on and my car's heat (& Thomas Rhett's new CD) on full-blast. But by the end of the day, my car becomes an instant sauna and I dread my morning decision to break out my favorite plaid shirt.

However, the one good thing about this weather is getting to mix some elements from my fall and summer wardrobe. This cold-shoulder tank is perfect for on its own OR adding a cute denim jacket on chillier mornings. My favorite felt hat and jeans are also perfect for catching some of summer's last few rays, while keeping me warm as the temperatures drop throughout the evening. Thinking of wearing this ensemble to the farmers market this weekend, while getting to pick out a sweet summer tomato AND a small pumpkin for the front porch.

 Change is hard. But it doesn't have to be unfashionable.

-Coco Chanel

**Jk. Written by moi.**

tank//Target

cardigan//Target

jeans//old - Aero

flats//Target

What's better than cozying up with on a chilly fall morning, wrapped in a giant fluffy blanket, a PSL in one hand, a book in the other and tiny little autumn fairies giving you a foot massage?

THIS TANK TOP.

The basic-ness of my soul was drawn in when I saw this little number displayed at my local Target. Because I am one of the few, with a countdown in her phone until official PSL season begins. 

Anything pumpkin spice related, you will find it in my shopping bag.

Coffee? Duh.

Trail mix? Of course.

Cough drops? Gross.

**Quickly throws them in the cart anyway**

Plus, I love the softness and versitaility of this tank - perfect to layer under an oversized cardigan or with a cute boyfriend plaid button-up. I kept this look simple with a burgandy knit sweater, jeans and some funky flats.

So to all my fellow PSL-lovers out there - I expect to see you donning this shirt along with me during the next few months. That way, as we bump elbows in line at Starbucks or see each other with mountain of pumpkin spice goods in our carts, we will give each other the silent nod and lift our cups in a "cheers" to our favorite season here once again.

#Basic #PSL #DontCare

 

jumpsuit//Xhil at Target

necklace//Sugarfix at Target

sandals (old)//Target

Let's just say, finding a good jumpsuit is like finding a the perfect photo filter these days.

Out of the many ones I've tried on, nothing seemed to be flattering.

The front would be all baggy. 

The length would be too short.

And some are just plain mean and ride up your behind.

However, all of this changed when I tried on this striped wonder. The material is perfectly soft and the length is just right. I love the vertical stripes on the legs and the cinched waist, making it impossible for a dreaded wedgie to make a surprise appearance. Overall, this was the perfect outfit to hit the dance floor and jam out to "Sweet Home Alabama" at our friends' wedding this weekend.

Plus, they could double as pjs. Win-Win.

t-shirt: old navy

shorts: DIY from some old jeans

To the summer days when...

Days at the pool become a regular routine, giving you plenty of time and opportunity to perfect those pesky underwater handstands.

When the perfect game of kickball became interrupted if the ice cream man rolled down the street and the neighborhood kids split *punny* to retrieve their hard earned quarters for a Sponge Bob Popsicle stick.

Waiting for the sun to go down to earn back the coveted spot of first place in Cops and Robbers during a neighborhood tournament of night games.

When waiting for the newest Disney Channel movie seemed like an eternity and you planned sleepovers based around the premier of the newest Hilary Duff and Shia Labeouf flicks.

Sunny days turned into starry nights like a hazy blur, causing your brain to barely recall what day of the week it was, with only the Fourth of July indicating the hot middle of summer.

When matching with your sisters in your patriotic flag t-shirts from the local Old Navy was the coolest thing ever, letting strangers know you were even related at all in the first place. Duh.

Firework displays became a moment of reflection on all of the summer memories had thus far, but providing you a noisy daydream about the many adventures to be had the following morning.

Thanks Old Navy for the chance to be back in the good 'ol days of summers past.

tee//Target

cardigan//old...like real old

jeans//AE

shoes//DSW

caffeine addiction//Starbucks

Bringing some bad blood over to the blog here. But if you're from MN or WI, you get it.

Gophers vs Badgers

Lakes vs Wisconsin Dells

Caribou vs Dunkin

Cabins vs Cottages

Drinking Fountains vs Bubblers

These are just a handful of the major differences between our neighboring states. Even though we are both located in the Midwest, there are distinct characteristics that align with both Minnesotans and Wisconsin-ites. We're like two brothers constantly picking on each other and fighting over the last piece of mom's infamous tater tot hot dish.

But as much as we like to jab, we still love each other. Because where would Minnesotans be without our favorite cheeses or bratwursts? And Wisconsin-ites, wouldn't you miss out on all corn and glorious state fair? And who would give us our epic football games if it weren't for our beloved Vikings and Packers.

We agree to disagree. And that is quite alright with me.

^^what my real-estate-bench-face looks like^^

blazer//Target

button down//Target

jeans//Gap

flats//Target

necklace//J.Crew

Do you have an outfit that makes you feel like a straight up #GirlBoss?

*cue montage scene from the Devil Wears Prada where Anne Hathaway undergoes her chic makeover and rocks those Chanel boots, thus telling Miranda Presley where she can get her own darn steak*

For me, any well fitted blazer can motivate me to take on the world. I love this blazer from Target because its so easy to throw on over a button down shirt & wear to work OR pair it with some jeans and flats for a dressed-up date night. I have the dark blue style, which compliments the striped tee and jeans flawlessly. I also like adding a pop of pattern to my feet for a little fun to this structured look.

Business on top, party on the bottom

What pieces make you feel like a #GirlBoss? Let me know!

Or your favorite chick flick motivational montages? Cause those are pretty boss too. 

tee//Humble & Kind Designs

plaid//Target

jeans//old...honestly can't remember...

boots//target

I am so excited to be collaborating with Humble & Kind Designs for this week's Wardrobe Wednesday! Karlie is a friend from work and is UBER talented, crafty and just the best redhead around ;) Check out her page @HumbleandKindDesigns to see more amazing handcrafted works of hers!

When I first saw this graphic tee on H&K's Instagram, I knew it immediately belonged in my closet.

1) It's the softest baseball tee EVER.

2) It declares my love for all things Fixer Upper and the love between Chip and Joanna <3

I paired the tee with my favorite pair of ripped-up jeans and a soft plaid button-down for extra warmth during these last few MN winter months (to counteract the holey jeans...) Perfect for a day lounging around the house or running errands on a Saturday. Plus, you'll run into other Fixer Upper fanatics, guaranteed ;)

Again, don't forget to check out Humble & Kind Designs on Instagram for this tee and so much more!

Let's be #twinsies <3