The Perfect Plaid Skirt for the Holidays

|| Tissue turtleneck || A-Line Skirt || Heels (available in a pointy-toe pump) || Earrings || Necklace (sold out) || Photos: Melanie Foster Photography ||

You might not know this, but I am a sucker for loyalty and reward programs. I have a carrying case dedicated to all of my cards in my purse. I am almost embarrassed about how many cards I have when I whip one out at my favorite coffee shop. But hey, I love getting free stuff! One of my favorite perks to take advantage of each year is the Anthro Loyalty. If you are not a member, you can join online or in store. Take my word; it's worth it! In early November, I happened to pop into my local Oklahoma City store to check things out. This is one of the stores I love searching for inspiration, even if I don't purchase anything. When I saw this skirt on display, I knew it was meant for me. It is colorful, cheerful and gives off a retro vibe of sorts. I must say, I am glad I had the chance to see it in store versus ordering online. It did run small, so I had to go one size up. Next time you purchase something in your size, and it doesn't fit, don't be alarmed. Sizes of garments vary from brand to brand and style to style. Don't be discouraged!

Working retail throughout college gave me a certain empathy for sales associates. I go out of my way to be kind to them. I also always take the items with me out of the dressing room, on hangers, to the associate helping me. Heck, sometimes I even take them back out on the floor if they are okay with it. I knew that I missed my birthday month discount (by a few days). However, I really wanted this skirt, and it was full price. I went out on a limb explaining my situation and asked if there was any way they could find some wiggle room for me (you never know until you try). To my surprise, they were able to give me the birthday discount! I was so appreciative and thankful they did that for me.

One of my favorite months each year for putting together outfits has to be December. This month is filled with festive parties, get-togethers, and celebrations! It is a time where you can be bold with patterns, texture, and prints. December is a time to break out the red, green, plaids and sequins (if you are into that sort of thing). I don't want anything to feel like a costume, but I do like to play into the theme of this time of year. When I was working on styling this particular outfit, I tried numerous different necklaces before I landed on this one. Looking at it alone, you would think it was an odd choice. However, after I pulled it all together, I knew it was the finishing touch to tie together the colors in the skirt and the glittery shoes.

Whichever occasion you are dressing for this holiday season, I hope that you can find joy during this time. Here's to wishing your holiday is filled with love. I hope you get the chance to celebrate with family and friends — I know I look forward to doing that starting this weekend!

How to Go Grey Gracefully with Dark Hair

|| Wrap bodysuit (also available in dark seaweed) || Sequin Track Pants (also available via Rent the Runway) || Heels || Sequin flower earrings || Photos: Melanie Foster Photography ||

This post is something that has been a long time coming. Six months ago, I embarked on a journey. In June, I decided to let my hair do its thing. You see, I started going grey at 22. At that time, it was not a big deal. There were just a few hairs here and there. My hairdresser (and friend, Jordan) and I decided we could manage it with semi-permanent hair color and cut appointments every six weeks. Until about a year ago, that was working fine. My hair has always been pretty healthy (minus the time I pretended to be blonde in college for a hot second) and grows like a weed. I honestly could color it every four weeks due to root growth alone. It just got to a point where it was unrealistic — I cannot spend that much time in a salon chair. I do not feel like that many hours in the salon chair is a good use of my time.

Here is the deal, you don't get an award for coloring your hair, and you sure do not get an anything special for embracing your natural color. It is just hair! If I get to a point and I do not like where I am at, I can change it. Since June, we haven't done a thing other than a cut and a trim. Most of the feedback has been positive. I found the first four months to be the hardest. Random people have made comments to me while grocery shopping, mostly thinking I highlighted it grey to be trendy and cool. Most of them are older men and women joking ‘look honey, she paid money to look like me.’ I politely inform them that this is my natural color and I am embracing it with open arms. It gets a little awkward sometimes, but I try to change the conversation and make them feel comfortable.

If you are considering going grey with grace, I want to extend my support to you! You will have some people in your life that don't understand your decision, and that's okay. All that matters is that you are happy with who you are! There is an inspiring community on Instagram that I have been leaning into. Grombre, going grey with (grohm)(bray), is a radical celebration of the natural phenomenon of grey hair. They spotlight different women and their self-love stories. I am telling you, this is one of the things that has given me permission to love my new normal. I must say, my husband has been supportive of this 100%. I told him I was considering it in May and he said go for it! He has the same thought; I could always go back to being a brunette if I wanted. Growing older, we are faced with decisions about how we want to handle the aging process, choose whatever makes you happy.

Iconic Styles: Rollneck Sweater

|| Sweater: J.Crew (available in numerous colors) || Jeans: J.Crew || Smoking slippers: J.Crew (sold out) || Earrings: SUGARFIX by BaubleBar (from last fall) || Purse: kate spade new york (different style, similar vibe) || Photos: Melanie Foster Photography ||

Growing up, my mom had a fantastic selection of sweaters for the fall and winter season. A lot of them had shoulder pads, most of them full of color and silly themes, some with detail and others on the simple side. The best one might have been a Christmas sweater with different breeds of dogs wearing hats. From what I remember, she kept them neatly folded in a deep cedar chest. Each time I smell anything cedar-scented, I think about her crazy sweaters and it makes me laugh. I may not have a cedar chest of my own, but I do have fur and firewood private label Blue Volcano candle that I scooped up a few weeks ago at Aldi (and I know many of my followers did too thanks to my Instagram story PSA).  This fall, J.Crew brought back a style that was made extremely popular in the 1980s (it wouldn't surprise me if my mom or her friends had one like this).  Not kidding, I was so excited about this timeless style, I scooped up one in mustard yellow and another in oatmeal cream.

I spend a lot of time on a computer between my full-time job and blogging. During my lunch break, I like to take a pause (even if it is for thirty minutes). I pack my lunch, shut my office door and turn on Hulu. For the six months or so, my show of choice has been "Boy Meets World." Man, you want to talk about a wholesome entertainment — this might be one of the greatest shows of all-time. I watched it religiously growing up but I must say, I think the show might be more impactful as an adult. Even though I am not a mom, I cannot help but think of seeing this show as told by my future children. I have cried more times than I would like to admit. BMW had so many valuable life lessons intertwined with hilarious situations.

While watching this summer, I noticed this great sweater Eric Matthews had on. It was a rollneck sweater in a light evergreen color. It seems to be a go-to in his high school wardrobe. He wears it multiple times throughout the season, that is why I remember it vividly. You can imagine my surprise when I saw this sweater online at J.Crew earlier this fall. I think I laughed out loud and clicked add to cart immediately! You can wear it into the office, on the weekend or over your gym clothes on your way to brunch. I can't help but to smile and think of BMW each time I wear this outfit (especially paired with my pair of light wash high waisted jeans). Maybe next time I wear it, I'll post a side-by-side of who wore it better, Lindsey or Eric Matthews.

How to Style a Moto Jacket

|| Sweater: J.Crew Factory || Jacket: J.Crew Factory (available in black faux-leather) || Skirt: J.Crew Factory (same pattern, different skirt) || Booties: kate spade new york (from previous season) || Necklace: kate spade new york || Earrings: kate spade new york || Photos: Melanie Foster Photography ||

Believe it or not, I am a little shy when it comes to trendy items. Let's take moto jackets for example. They were everywhere last fall, and they have bounced back for another season. At the time, it seemed like a risky purchase. I couldn't decide if they would stick around or be a one-season and done type of thing. Much like the teddy coat, they seem to have some staying power. You can find them at high-end retailers and lower price points. It's all about finding the one that works for you and your budget.

Before our vacation to Paris this fall, we took a trip to the outlet mall to stock up on a few things. Our main mission was to find Jered a few more casual outfits. Wouldn't you know it, I would find something for me! I took a moment to browse J.Crew Factory and stood in shock. When I saw this jacket in person, I knew I wanted to add it to my collection. I will admit, it is a little less edgy than the black faux-leather moto jacket (and I am 100% okay with that). The best thing was the price point! There was a promotion through the entire store, and I had a coupon from the mail, so it made it very affordable. I love this jacket paired with a black turtleneck and black jeans, very monochromatic and effortlessly chic. I love mixing camel and black — especially when I can sneak in a leopard print accessory to tie it all together.

This sweater comes in three colors: burgundy (which I am wearing), heather dusk and black. I thought that this red wine color was the perfect addition to my fall lineup. Even with the bell sleeves, it worked as a layering piece. Honestly, I am considering getting the black sweater as well. For one, I think it would be great under or over a few shift dresses I have. Secondly, it would be great with a pop of orange for an Oklahoma State University occasion in the fall and winter season.

Last fall, I picked up that adorable hot pink ruffled mini skirt from J.Crew. I was so excited when I saw the same style at J.Crew Factory. I thought that this pattern was interesting. When it comes to tops, there are so many different color pairing possibilities! If you like this camel houndstooth, you are in luck, it's available in a pencil skirt. This is a timeless piece that you will enjoy for many seasons to come.