A Bow and a Bun

Shirt: NYC Boutique, Skirt: H&M, Belt: F21, Jewelry: F21 and J. Crew, Lipstick: CoverGirl Fifth Avenue Fuchsia, Tights: T. J. Maxx, Shoes: Jessica Simpson 

Bows and Buns scream femininity and the combination of the two together creates such a classy ensemble. I have always been a bow lover. I guess the love was instilled by my mother when I was just a young lass. My sisters and I grew up wearing bows bigger than our heads and the love never died. I am so glad big buns are in these days for three reasons:

1. They are elegant and beautiful.

2. They make getting ready so easy.

3. They prolong the amount of time I can go without washing my hair. 

Don't worry, Andy always lets me know when I've taken it too far. Thank heavens for that boy, without him I just might turn into a greasy haired, bun loving, wacko. 

A Russian Babushka

Winston wanted to join in oh so badly. How can anyone deny that little face of gold?

Hat, Gloves, Belt : H&M, Shirt and Sweater: J. Crew Factory, Pants: Unknown, Boots: Sorel via Nordstrom

This, my friends, is what I call my Russian Babushka outfit. Yes I know Babushkas historically wore headscarfs, but I just feel like I belong in Siberian Tundra. And sometimes campus feels like the Siberian Tundra. So what do I do? Gear up like a fur trapper. The combination of the fur boots, hat, and oven mitts often draw strange looks from fellow students and sometimes even laughter. And you know what I think? My ears are warm and toasty, my hands might even be sweating! And you my dear fellow students, are freezing. Who's laughing now? 

*Disclaimer. I do not condone the slaughtering of animals. This is indeed faux fur my friends. 

My Mother's Closet

Blouse: J. Crew Factory, Jacket: H&M, Pants: F21, Belt: H&M, Shoes: Jessica Simpson, 

Purse: NYC Street Vendor, Glasses: Lookmatic, Jewelry: J. Crew, Nordstrom Rack

Much of what I'm wearing today came from my mother's closet. Yes, my mother has fabulous taste and great clothes! It hasn't been mentioned in previous My Sister's Closet posts, but my mom is always in on the clothing swap. I guess it's more of a one way swap- we usually just snag her clothes. If you saw her closet you would too! Needless to say, my mom is a fashionista! 

When I saw this gorgeous purse I knew I needed to borrow it. Match it with a belt and lipstick and I was sure to stand out in any crowd. No kidding, I think these lips could be spotted from miles away! That is part of what makes this outfit so great, it's classy and chic with a punch of sassy boldness. What elements do you add to give your outfits that extra sass? 

P.S. I finally got my hair done! You like? Goodbye natural melt. Hellooo fresh head blondie! 

Equestrian Prep

Jacket: Ralph Lauren Factory, Shirt: J. Crew Factory, Pants: F21, Boots: Tory Burch

There is just something about the Equestrian look...I can't even name it. Those boots they wear, the blazer, the usually long, thick braid trailing out of the helmet. It's so preppy and classy. I love it. Aaand I try to mimic it- minus the helmet. As Old Spice would say, "Now i'm on a horse!" Have I ever ridden a horse? No. Do I want to? Absolutely. I've always dreamed of a romantic horse back ride that ends with a lovely picnic. (Hint hint, Andy!) But for now I'll just pretend and use the broom as my makeshift horse. You know you do it too! 

Golden Slippers

Scarf: Ann Taylor Loft, Sweater: H&M, Belt: J. Crew, Pants: Unknown,

 Shoes: F21, Jewelry: J. Crew, F21 

These shoes make me feel like Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. They are glamorous and comfortable and maybe, just maybe, magical. Yes indeed I have clicked my heels together oft while wearing these beauties, but I have yet to do so while repeating three times "There's no place like home." I'm not sure if they would take me to Kansas or back to my own abode. Returning to the warm comfort of my bed would be nice. I don't know what would await me in Kansas, but I sure would enjoy a nice vacation. Winston could even sub in as Toto! And Andy could be a munchkin...Ha! Nevertheless, I love these sparkly, spiffy oxfords no matter where they take me! 

Sleeping In

Shirt: Ralph Lauren, Sweater: Madewell, Pants: Unknown, 

Socks: Husband's, Boots: Steve Madden 

Sometimes there is just nothing better than sleeping in. Especially when it means extra snuggle time with the big, warm, friendly giant with whom I share a bed. He's like my own personal electric blanket. And let me tell you...It. Is. Awesome! Our church got moved to 11 A.M. which means Sundays are now designated sleep in days. As if Sundays couldn't get any better? I am now anxiously looking forward to every single one of them.

Inspiration

 Scarf, Caridgan: J. Crew Outlet, Dress: Talbots, Belt: F21, Tights: T. J. Maxx, Shoes: Mia via DSW

The last time I wore this dress was to our wedding dinner the night before we got married. I have been wanting to wear it again for a while now, but wasn't quite sure how to without looking like a spring bride. Thankfully, I remembered some great blog posts from last week. In the most recent My Sister's Closet post, my sister Mike gave advice on how to winterize a summer dress, and Rachel, of The Pink Peonies, wore a great "white winter" outfit.  Using inspiration from them, I pulled together this lovely ensemble. I was pleasantly surprised with how it came together. Andy however, LOVED it. In his words, "You look like a freakin' supermodel"...followed by a bum squeeze. Wife points for me!! 

P.S. Please excuse my horribly grown out roots. Contrary to what it looks like, I don't have a bad melt. I have a hair appointment next week. I am anxiously looking forward to it. Yay for new hair! 

My Grandmother's Closet

Blouse: J. Crew, Necklace: F21, Pants: F21, Belt: J.Crew,

Shoes: Steve Madden via Zappos

Andy calls these my Grandma pants...I will have you know both of my Grandmothers are hip and happening and I would love to borrow their pants any time. These, however, are from Forever 21 and were a great deal. I don't know what it is, but there is just something about high waisted trousers. I love them! They are so cute and classy with a bit of vintage flair. So what if Andy thinks I look like a senior citizen? A very cute senior citizen to you sir! 

A shout out to my wonderful cousin Emily, who took these pictures. Love you!

My Sister's Closet: Meet Mike

Hi there. I'm Mike, Megan's older sister. Since this is my first time posting on Classy Confessions, I figure I better give you some background. Because if you're like me, you like to know who's doing the talking (er, writing). So, here I am in five fun facts: 

1. My name is Michael—and yes, I am a girl. I know, it's confusing. (Who knew clarifying your gender could be a fun fact?!)
2. I love chocolate! I can't go a day without eating some sort of chocolaty treat. If you met Papa Gigio (my dad), you'd totally understand where this obsession comes from. 
3. I'm an editor at Dance Spirit. For those of you who don't know the magazine (gasp!), it's a teen dance publication (think Seventeen for dancers). And it's awesome. And I'm not biased at all. 
4. I moved to NYC almost three years ago after marrying my dashingly handsome husband. His name's Chris. You'd like him. He's very smart (oh those finance brains) and a total goof ball. 
5. I like clothes—a lot. I blame my mom. When you grow up making daily trips to TJ Maxx and eating lunch at the Nordstrom Cafe, I guess it's inevitable. 

Alrighty, now that we're besties (I recently learned from a focus group of teen girls that "BFFs" is out and "besties" is in. Who knew?), here's a peek inside my closet. Well, not my actual closet, which consists of some plastic cubby holes and a portable clothes rack (you've got to love NYC apartments), but one of my new favorite pieces. 

This dress, from the 2011 Mad Men Collection at Banana Republic, is one of my new favorites. If you've never seen an episode of "Mad Men," you've got to check it out, if just for the wardrobe styling. The '60s era dresses, skirts, blouses, pearls—I can't get enough. So, when I found this dress—the only one, tucked away on a sale rack, in just my size—I had to have it. Technically it's a summer dress. But I winterized it in no time.

Dress: Banana Republic; Turtleneck: Nordstrom; Tights: Betsy Johnson via TJ Maxx; Shoes: Michael Kors; Belt: Forever 21

How do you wear a summery dress in freezing temps? Add forest green tights, red closed-toe pumps, a turtleneck and you're ready to go! Now you tell me. Do you ever wear your summer dresses in the winter? How do you alter them to keep from freezing your fanny off? Share your tips!

A Work of Art

Cardigan, Red Shirt: J. Crew, Blue Shirt: H&M, Belt: F21, Pants: H&M, 

Shoes: MIA via DSW, Necklace: J. Crew, Bracelets: J. Crew and F21 

For me, assembling an outfit is an artistic process. I fancy myself an artist with a glorious pallete [read: closet] of my favorite colors, attempting to break out of the box and try new things. 

When I first began putting this ensemble together, I had my doubts. I mean, fiery red pants with a red button up? It was a bit overwhelming at first. But add a few more layers and voila! A masterpiece! 

Layers can add variety, allowing you to use a lot of colors and break up an otherwise monochromatic color scheme. Thankfully it's frigid outside, because these layers in any other weather would result in heat stroke. And aren't these pants fab?! They're bright, bold, and perfect for a stand-out ensemble!

Now you tell me. Are you in to the ultra-bright pants? Yes? How do you style them?

Fate

Glasses: Lookmatic, Lipstick: M.A.C. Lasting Lust, Shirt: J. Crew Necklace, :J. Crew, 

Jacket: Nordstrom, Skirt: J.Crew, Tights: F21 Shoes: Nordstrom Rack

This skirt is my latest obsession. I found it on the post-Christmas sale rack at J. Crew and let me tell you, we were destined to find each other. I like to hit up the J. Crew sale racks because you can find some GREAT deals (if you have a college student I.D. you can get an extra 15% off). I had been in the store multiple times before Christmas looking for gifts and I had never seen this beauty. So when I found it all by its lonesome, the only one, in my size, and extra on sale... it was fate! I just had to get it, and boy I'm so glad I did!