Happy Fashion Friday friends! With Spring just around the corner, I've brainstorming ways to get the most use out of my wardrobe, and hands down layering is going to be key. I want to get the most use out of my boots, faux fur vests, and cardigans, and I'm sure many of you do as well!

Since I'm not one to wear a dress unless its a maxi dress or cocktail date night dress, I like to figure out multiple ways I can wear one or two pretty spring dresses as the weather warms up.

LOOK ONE:

FLORAL DRESS WITH CASUAL CARDIGAN AND KNEE HIGH BOOTS

***long sleeve floral dress / cardigan /* *handbag (similar) / necklace / boots (similar)***

I'll be the first to admit I LOVE this cardigan and also own it in navy (no surprise there!). It is currently under $20, but even at full price it's a great layering piece!

When it's chilly in the mornings, but warms up by the afternoon, it's nice to have a casual cardigan to put on or take off with weather changes.

LOOK TWO:

FLORAL DRESS WITH FAUX FUR VEST AND TAUPE SUEDE HEELS

Black Faux Fur Vest / Floral Dress / Black Handbag / Taupe Suede Heels / Necklace

I love how this still has a bit of a Pacific Northwest Winter vibe to it with the touches of black, but that the heels and dress will transition nicely into spring. The lower heel on these is nice for everyday wear to when you want to look dressier, but are looking for something more than a flat shoe to wear. ;-)

LOOK THREE:

FLORAL DRESS WORN AS SHIRT WITH WHITE DENIM

long sleeve dress / white jeans / handbag (similar) / tan open toe sandals

One of my favorite tricks is to tuck the front of a dress into denim for a completely different look! You can't do this with every dress obviously, but if it's flowy like this swing dress and falls nicely, it can work and nobody will know the difference. ;-)

And by the way, I am LOVING those sandals! Pretty sure they are going to be my go to sandal for Spring. I love my high heel pumps, but when you have a heel like this that wraps across the top of your foot, it makes it easier to walk in. Plus the height on these isn't too crazy, so they still feel "mommy friendly" when on the go with the kiddos.

Photography via: Kayla J Photography

I hope this helps you as you are planning outfits and transitioning into Spring weather, not to mention wedding season!

xo,

Anneke

P.S. If you're new to Coastal Collective Co., I'd like to invite you to take The Make It Happen Challenge! It's a FREE 5-Day Video Series I made to help people meet their goals.

>>>>If that sounds like something you're interested in, click HERE

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Winter Boots 2015

November 28, 2015Boots, Fashion, Fashion Blog PostsAnneke McConnell

We just got back from our Christmas tree farm adventure and, well........we never quite made it to the location! Sad right?! I'm so bummed that somehow our maps failed us.

We spent the morning getting bundled in sweaters, scarves, winter jackets, and of course our warm winter boots, and seemingly all for nothing! At least we were together. ;-)

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales in full swing (see the Gift Guide HERE), I've rounded up some great winter boot options. Unfortunately, I've searched and searched, but can't find my Ralph Lauren boots shown above (a few years old).

I'm finding that when most sites get low on sizes, Amazon always seems to have more in stock. We live in Washington state, so that's my personal reference for the choices I picked, just so you know.

I love the Sorel and Tory Burch brand boots for high quality and style, but there are some GREAT alternatives that are just as stylish and affordable. Hope this helps you find that perfect warm boot for this winter!

xo,

Anneke

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How To Make Getting Dressed Easier

October 15, 2015Fashion Blog PostsAnneke McConnell

Have you ever felt like getting dressed in the morning was a struggle?? What to wear when the weather isn't what you thought? Want to know the secret on how to make getting dressed easier and fun??

When I've talked with friends and family about style and fashion, I find that there are many of them who honestly just don't know what to put on in the morning, how to put pieces together, and where to find quality items at a good price.

Today I'm sharing this tips and my faves on the 25% off ShopBop sale! Just make sure to enter the code INTHEFAM25! BaubleBar is also having an amazing 25% off sale with the code AMIGOS.

5 Tips to Make Getting Dressed Easier

1. Pick items that mix and match well.

It is a major stress relief when you have multiple items that work together well. It's easy to spice things up a bit with a shirt, scarf, and accessories. Pick items within the same color scheme and don't let anyone let you feel about "same old, same old". We dress for what works with our lifestyle. If that's a dress everyday, then have those go-to pieces you can mix and match with certain shoes. If that's jeans and a sweater - go with it! I LOVE color, but I personally have a ton of tan, blues, grays and navy in my wardrobe with the occasional jewel tones. It's what I love and they work well together. :-)

2. Get Your Items Organized.

Not much needs to be explained here - get your stuff organized. Nothing screams difficulty more than hard to find, hard to reach, random pieces of clothing and accessories everywhere. Take the time to make things neat and tidy up at least once a week to stay on top of things.

3. Let Go of the Past.

Every day women stare into their closets, and they end up seeing the items they used to wear that they still love but don't fit quite right or they are in a different season of life. I remember facing this for YEARS as I was pregnant with each of our three kiddos, then nursing, etc. Nothing fit the same. When these items stop staring at you every day, it is easier to get dressed and a boost of confidence when you have a closet of things that work with your current season. Even if you don't want to donate certain clothes, consider putting them away in a tote until it's a more appropriate season to bring them out again.

4. Speaking of Seasons - Box Up Non-Season Clothing.

Even if you have a big enough closet, getting those summer clothes out of site when it's freezing outside makes it a million times faster to get dressed in the mornings! When you see only the actual available items, your mind can make a quicker decision about what to wear.

5. Buy less. Choose well.

It's true. I'm a style blogger encouraging you to buy less. You really don't need 10 plaid shirts and 100 pairs of heels. I promise. Unless you really love it, it fits you properly and will last (is good quality), my advice is to pass it up. Save the money from those cheap impulse buys and it will add up to you being able to buy something you love that will last.

If you find these tips helpful, make sure to pin it and share! Here are my faves from the ShopBop sale and don't forget to check out BaubleBar with the code AMIGOS! They have some super pretty new arrivals. :-) Have fun with your clothes, your closet, and living out loud every day!

xo,

Anneke

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Splurge vs. Save: All Things Leopard Print

October 7, 2015Fashion Blog PostsAnneke McConnell

Hello friends! Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for all the behind the scenes, not to mention my new FAVE app Periscope!!

When it comes to fall patterns and textures, the leopard print is one of my top five favorites, along with faux fur, velvet, cable knit, and plaid which I've already highlighted here for the season.

I love putting this weekly series together because even this girl who loves higher end, high quality items also wants to know how to get the look for less at times! So whether you have been looking for a super cute leopard clutch, coat, or high heels - here's my faves for Splurge vs. Save. Take note, not all leopard on all things is good....keep it classy ladies. ;-)

Here are other leopard finds that I think look stylish. It's kind of amazing just how much pops up on search engines for leopard, so I hope this helps narrow things down for you. ;-)

Sometimes I feel like I live in two worlds of all things girly and dressy and heels and hair and the other side that that's messy painting furniture and working on decorating projects for the house. I wouldn't have it any other way! Today is a painting project day and I can't wait to dive into sharing about our KITCHEN MAKEOVER!! Time to hammer it out and share all the good and the bad (yup - there was some of that)!

Thank you for visiting and enjoy your day!

xo,

Anneke

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