milly for all

I'm alive! After truly the worst timed cold ever, and almost a week of trying to study from bed while coughing up half a lung and drowning myself in cough syrup, I'm finally getting better. 

Today was the first day I actually got dressed, and I figured a little color was in order for such a joyous occasion ;) I was recently asked to share Kohl's newest designer collaboration, Milly for DesigNation, and I jumped at the chance because I've had a secret love for Milly for a while now. It's one of those loves where you admire from afar (and behind walls) because I can't afford any of the designer pieces, nor do I have a place to wear them, so I just stalk in the privacy of "in your dreams" land. SO, the chance to try out one of their pieces for Kohl's was exciting! The collection was inspired by Capri, which is truly on the top of my travel bucket list - CR and I are hoping to go on a European trip the month after we graduate (something has to keep us going the next two years!) and I'm insisting that one of the places we go to is Capri. The entire collection is just beautiful - bright and cheerful and inviting. Besides the skirt I'm wearing, I'd love to own this striped dress for casual days off this summer...or ya know, my future vacation ;)

Skirt: c/o Kohl's [exact - I suggest sizing down!]

Tee: Ann Taylor

Trench: Burberry [save | splurge of all splurges]

Wedges: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Also planning for a vacation, or just looking to add a bit of color to your wardrobe? Here are my favorites from the collection:

one | two | three | four

five | six | seven | eight

nine | ten | eleven | twelve

Disclosure: Thank you to ShopStyle for sponsoring this post! 

trench[coat] fever

Like every good blogger, fall is my favorite season. The leaves are pretty, the drinks are spicy, and scarves are always appropriate. The best part is that I can finally wear my coats, but still get away with bare legs. I bought my trench coat last year for my birthday, and it's something I will continue to be excited to wear, even for just a few weeks this fall before the forever winter (or so it seems sometimes!) sets in.

Mine was a once in a life time kind of a deal (Nordstrom only had this style left in my size, so it was reduced by 50%!), but below are six every day kind of deal coats that are similar in style but much more affordable in price (all are under $100 - my favorite is the first one!)

Tee: Loft c/o Nokia [exact]

Skirt: J.Crew [exact on sale - use code STYLETREAT]

Scarf: gift from my friend Alexa

Shoes: J.Crew Factory [exact on sale]

Watch: Michael Kors c/o Shopbop [similar]
Trench: Burberry [similar]

Bag: Coach [similar styles]

one | two | three 
four | five | six

self-gifting: burberry langford trench

 

Just over a year ago, a friend of mine was telling me how for every paycheck she receives, she puts a small portion into a separate savings account to save up money over the year to buy herself something for her birthday. I thought that was a great idea so I was a total copy cat and did the same by tucking $10 from every paycheck away. 

In June when I was working through cleaning out my closet in preparation of the move, I took a long hard look at my coats and decided that even though the Burberry jacket I got at Goodwill was a once in a lifetime thrifting find, I wasn't wearing it very much. I started looking on eBay to see how much they were going for, and realized they were going for around $250-$300. While in Seattle, I made Bri go to Nordstrom with me (I really had to drag her there kicking and screaming) so I could try on the Burberry trench coats because we don't have a Nordstrom in the state of Wisconsin, and we definitely don't have a Burberry store, so I really just wanted to see the coats in person to get an idea of sizing. 

The very next day, Caroline told me that the jacket we had been discussing for months was 50% off because there were only a few select sizes left, one which happened to be mine. Even though I hadn't sold the thrifted Burberry yet, I knew that this jacket at this price was not something that would happen often, and that I would be able to sell the thrifted Burberry at some point. I purchased the coat, and it was waiting for me when I got back from Seattle. After careful consideration, and an email exchange with Jean, I took my pretty new jacket to the tailor. Jean said to be cautious of taking an expensive piece like this to the tailor, but I've had really great experiences with them in the past. A week later (the day before my move), I picked up my coat with the waist taken in, and the sleeves shortened to the proper length. The tailor did a great job, and I'm so happy that it now fits me correctly.

Last week (after several re-listings) I sold the thrifted Burberry jacket for $300, so that thrifting gem plus my birthday money saved up over the year allowed me to buy this beautiful coat without taking any money out of my budget. It's extravagant and unnecessary, but something I truly love and will have for the rest of my life.

So that's the story of me and the Burb.  Maybe next year I should buy myself a clothing steamer...or a polka dot trench coat ;)

Trench: Burberry [exact]

Pants: Banana Republic [exact]

Shoes: J.Crew Factory [exact now with 30% off with code THIRTY]

Scarf: gift from my Oma

Nails: Essie Chinchilly [exact]