Candy Crush

Okayyyyy...what is with me and pink lately? I swear to you I have NEVER been a pink girl. I did have a hot pink room once because it matched my dark denim bed set that I copied from some Disney Channel star (probably Lizzie McGuire). Anyway, for some reason I have been giving pink a chance lately. It started with lipstick (thank you, Pink Pearl Pop) and has been spreading into my wardrobe! I mean, why fight it?

I snagged this pink sweater from J Crew Factory for less than $20. The bubble gum pink color is seriously PINK, but for some reason I had to have it. Each time I have worn it, I have gotten so many compliments. Apparently, pink compliments my skin tone. Who would have thought?

Not to mention, hellooooo, how perfect does it look with the Candy Crush necklace from Kute N' Klever? I put this necklace on hold for spring/summer. But, you know what, this necklace is such a refreshing pop of color in this dreary winter we've been having (wah, wah, wahhhh). So, on the first 60 and sunny day we've had in 2847829085 weeks, I thought, what a perfect time to rock this necklace and enjoy the sunshine. (I wore this around Old Town, Alexandria and I was seriously the brightest thing around town...ha).

Outfit Details: Necklace-Kute N' Klever (c/o) // Sweater-J Crew Factory // Sunglasses - Charming Charlie (similar here) // Booties-Target (Love these)

So, the motto of my story is....give PINK a chance (or whatever trend you thought you didn't like)!

XOXO-Courtney

Instagram: @Courtney_m_b & KelseyMKipp

A trip to Old Town just wouldn't be complete without some s-h-o-p-p-i-n-g (outside shopping=windblown hair, okay).

The Midi Skirt

Sweater Old Navy // Midi Skirt (obsessed! And only $20?!) here // Shoes CathyJean // Necklace Target // Earrings here // Lips MAC Russian Red // Nails Essie I'm Strong //

I found this lovely red midi after receiving a request from a fantastic blog follower with a dilemma. In the summer, she loves her maxi skirt but struggles to make it winter ready. Here is my solution--allow me to introduce you to the midi skirt. 

Now, don't get me wrong fashion friends, you can definitely find me rockin a maxi skirt in the summer, but using this piece in the (Buffalo) winter posed a lot of problems for me. Naturally, my first thought it what shoes would I wear. Maxi skirts look great with sandals {wedge to gladiator} but not so much with a boot or stiletto. Length of course plays a factor, but I think it is the fabric that presents the biggest hurdle. Most maxi skirts are made from cotton or linen, such a summer fabric. Of course, depending on the skirt, maxi skirts are often full of bright colors and loud floral patterns--again perfect for summer.

Since I didn't want to abandon the skirt trend, how could you right? I found the perfect solution--hello MIDI! The fabric, the color, the length... just perfect for winter. Easy to dress up with a stiletto and some fabulous jewels, but also easy to wear with ballet flats and a t-shirt (yes like a 'hi, I borrowed this from my husband's closet' t-shirt).

...must I add, how can you pass up such a great deal for only $20!? The hardest part is choosing the right color! Oh, so Polished.

Hope this helps! Much love,

--Kelsey

PS Follow us on Instagram @KelseyMKipp and @Courtney_m_B 

Praying for Sunshine

Shirt Gap // Crop Sweater Gap // Denim Target now $14 // Booties Nine West // Bag H&M (literally just sold out) similar here // Necklace Kute 'N Klever c/o // Lips MAC Snob //

I am dying for some SUNSHINE! Remember, I live in Buffalo (home of blizzards, and now, a vortex?!) You know you live in Buffalo when... 28 degrees feels like a warm front!! So, when I saw this sweater, I had to have it in yellow.

Since I try avoiding all things that make my 5'2" self shorter, you would have never seen me sport a crop top. Hello, I live in heels--not because I like the air up here but because I'm trying to appear eye level {at least to my husband who calls 6'4" home}. When these sweaters were an additional 50% off, I decided to try it on and found it was a great layering tool. You can actually see the shirt underneath it! Who knew?!

Moral of my story--try not to create a "You would have to kill me to wear that" list. Try something knew (especially if it's on sale). 

Thanks for stopping reading. Feel free to leave suggestions on recommendations you would like to see on Polished. 

--Kelsey

Follow us on Instagram @KelseyMKipp and @Courtney_m_B

Radiant Orchid

On Wednesdays, we wear pink Radiant Orchid! This year we are wearing orchid-Pantone's color choice of the year. A what a great choice this is! Orchid is a youthful and bright fuchsia, with a bit of pink and purple. It's easy to see how eye catching this color is. Best part? It looks great on everyone and through each season! 

Top Old Navy // Skirt Express // Tights H&M $5 // Booties Target  for $15// Clutch here (different color) // Necklace (loving) Kute N' Klever c/o // Lips MAC Snob //

Spoiler Alert: I am not a millionaire {shocker} or even close! I cannot afford to recreate my wardrobe when a trend blows through. Instead, I like to stay trendy through my accessories. It's simple and affordable to pick up an orchid belt, bag, or even statement necklace. Once I saw this necklace from Kute N' Klever, I knew it was the perfect fit. Um, hello!? Radiant orchid. Check. But, it has so much more--crystal jewelry, rather than beads, (another trendy idea) and it's multicolored (staying trendy for longer). 

When I invest in a trend, it has to be one I like.  Seems simple, right!? By definition, trends are constantly developing and changing. So, if I am going to ride the trend wave it must be fitting-right color, fits my style, looks great on me, and can be easily incorporated into my wardrobe {unless it's worth recreating my entire identity, which could happen!}. 

Thanks for checking out my newest loved trend!

--Kelsey

Follow on Instagram @KelseyMKipp and @Courtney_m_B

Neon With a Side of Mint Please

Let's just bask in the glory of this necklace for a second...

Did you take it all in?

I am completely in LOVE with it! First of all, I LOVE mint and what an amazing chance to wear mint all year round! Second of all, I LOVE the Aztec trend happening right now. Thirdly, it is just beautiful! 

Statement jewelry is all over the place right now! Sometimes I find myself having a difficult time finding the perfect piece because there are just so many options! Stumbling upon this piece by Shamelessly Sparkly solved all of my problems...jewelry wise, anyhow ;).

Let me just sing my praises for darks and neutrals for a second. I love them and 90% of the time I will gravitate to them first, especially in the winter. This piece, however, inspired me to brighten up my look. I mean, lighten up Courtney, it's only winter (see what I did there?). This neon sweater is sort of like a slap in the face of color. I mean, it is seriously bright...in a major way! I am so pleased how the necklace ground the look. A neon this bright with the wrong accessories can lean toward...overdoing it. But with the cool tones of the necklace, the neon look is instantly Polished.

Find this stunner at Shamelessly Sparkly! Check out the website for this beauty (under $20!!!) and so many more! 

Outfit Details: Necklace-Shamelessly Sparkly c/o // Sweater-Forever 21 (Sold out online...similar here) // Jeans-Express // Booties-Jessica Simpson // Sunglasses-Charming Charlie (similar here) // Clutch-Francesca's (similar here) // Spike Bracelet-Francesca's (similar here) // Ring-The Limited (Love this one)

What's your favorite way to wear neon? Comment below!

XO-Courtney

Instagram: Courtney_m_b & KelseyMKipp

     

Winter Bliss

Turtleneck JCrew // Denim Express // Jacket Loft-similar Old Navy // Vest Aeropostale // Boots here // Statement Necklace Shamelessly Sparkly // Bag Francesca's Collections // Mittens H&M //

Have I mentioned I live in Buffalo? You know, home of blizzard weather. Last week, we experience the Vortex of 2014--city shut down, state of emergency, complete white out! Well, thankfully the snow belt has passed but it is C-O-L-D. Needless to say, layering, mittens, and boots have become essential, literally! So, I make no excuses for living in my fur. It feels even better knowing I only paid $20 for this winter white vest!

 

Since my winter bliss attire is full of layers, I needed a piece of jewelry to Polish it off. I chose this statement necklace from Shamelessly Sparkly. Ode to the statement necklace-such a selfish piece, isn't it? Even wearing multiple layers, patterns, destroyed denim, and still it steals your attention. Isn't it FABULOUS!? Doing what it does best... making a statement! Check out their website, I am so glad I found it :)

 

--Kelsey

 

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @KelseyMKipp and @Courtney_m_B