WHAT TO GET W/THAT GIFTCARD: GAP EDITION

Okay, so you've already done your shopping at ShopBop and J.Crew...now it's time to use up your GAP giftcards!

Here's what items get my vote:

LIGHT GREY QUILT HAT: Anything with a pompom is good in my book.

DARK + LIGHT GREY QUILT POUCH: Perfect for storing your tissues, cough drops, and chapstick to get you through flu season

IVORY KNIT HAT: This just looks beyond warm & cozy!

GREY STRIPE SCARF: This scarf looks like it'll pair well with any outfit.

BLACK LEATHER TOTE: A classic everyone needs.

NAVY PLAID SCARF: A play on Blackwatch that is a total must-have.

GREY LEATHER TOTE: In case the black tote look isn't your jam.

GREY TIGHTS: Keep your skirts and dresses in the closet and just pair them with some cozy tights!

GREY LEATHER HANDLE TOTE: This is my favorite bag on the Gap site right now- those saddle color handles are the best!

GREY + BLACK GLOVE/MITTENS: Mittens that you can flip off the top so you can text? Sold.

GREY QUILTED SLIPPERS: It wouldn't be a winter list without some slippers- love these quilted guys.

If you have a Gap giftcard- what are you planning on getting with it?

xo, lp

*Psst: if you're an online shopper, you HAVE to use Ebates. Fer real, y'all. Find out more HERE*

Also: 

Are we friends on Instagram?

If not, WHY NOT!?

You can find me here: @lpodlich

Friday's Fancies #74: Black Friday Fashion

Well, I won't be Black Friday shopping this year, because:

1. I'll be at work.

2. Crowds of middle-aged women fighting for KitchenAid mixers terrify me.

If I waaaaaas, this is what I'd be wearing to get my game face on:

Obviously a black theme is in order, including black skinnies, black ankle boots, and a black polka dot scarf.

To get in the right mindset, chug some coffee in this boss coffee mug! And to assure you can stuff as many things away as possibly, bring along a big Madewell Transport Tote!

Finally, a cozy sweater and some nice mittens will keep you warm waiting in line for that 50% off item, right?

Are you shopping on Black Friday?

If so- what are you shopping for?

xo,lp

Friday's Fancies #70: Color Crush: Cranberry

Happy Friday lovelies!

This week's Friday's Fancies is always one of my favorites - Color Crush! 

With Fall here to stay it's time to put away the pastels and jump head first into the deep jewel tones-  cranberry being my favorite. I don't what was up with everyone calling it "oxblood" last year. I mean, burgundy, maroon, bordeaux- all MUCH more appealing than "oxblood" #amiright?

Here are a few of my faves:

1. This faux-leather crossbody bag from Forever 21 is fantastic! I haven't seen it in stores so I might need to order it online- but for under $20, it's worth the wait.

2. I wonder how many times I've included different colors of these Kate Spade studs in my posts. Fuh real.

3. I don't know when Gap stepped into the bag game, but they've been rocking it the past few season. Mama like this deep red tote!

4. This vampy NARS color makes me wish I watched Trueblood so I could be one of those characters for Halloween. I heard that's about vampires? Right? Maybe? No?

5. This Essie shade is excellent. I'm thinking a deep deep red will be my fall neutral.

6. This simple bracelet from Baublebar is perfect for the person not quite ready to give up summer- the light blue crystal middle tones down the dark red surround!

7. I mean, well done with this beauty, Baublebar! LOVE this necklace, seriously gorgeous!

What color are you loving for Fall?
Pleeeease don't say oxblood.

xo, lp

Friday's Fancies #69: Fall Must-haves!

GAHHHHHHH Fall is HERE! Picture me doing flips around the house and running around unearthing all of my favorite sweaters. Because that's what I'm doing. Because Fall.Is.Here. 

Here are my top 8 fall must-haves:

1. Waxed Cotton Parka: More than just your average military jacket, this parka is something special for sure. The price tag is steep, so if y'all wanna chip in to help me get it, that'd be great.

2.  Herringbone Loafers: As far as I'm concerned, these are THE shoes of fall. Anything herringbone is good in my book, and these are complete perfection.

3. Basic Infinity Scarf: Nothing is better than a basic scarf that's easy to throw on with any and every outfit, right? This one is soft, silky, and sweetly priced!

4. BareMinerals Eye Shadow Palette:  I'm not usually much of a eyeshadow girl, but I think this fall I'm going to give it a go with these gorgeous dark & dusty shades of shadow from BareMinerals.

5. Brown Leather Bag: I've said it before and I'll say it again - this bag is the bees knees. Cognac. Tassel. Love.

6. Camo Sweater: I have been fighting the camo trend for the last year but dangit if it isn't growing on me! 

7. Leopard Pointy Flats: Leopard just won't die, and I'm totally okay with that. Pointy flats are my favorite because they help my short lil legs seem a little longer, so these are awesome.

8. Crystal Necklace: Target did a pretty solid job copying the classic J.Crew Venus Flytrap necklace. I already have the J.Crew one but I got the Target one too to layer 'em up!

What's on your Fall must-have list?

Tell me those herringbone loafers aren't perfection!

xo, lp

Friday's Fancies #67: Transition Time

Geez. I haven't done a Friday's Fancies in AGES.

I figured this week would be a perfect one to jump back in, since I loved the theme {av} chose this week. The challenge? Take a purely summer piece and make it work in your fall wardrobe. 

Here's what I'm workin' with today:

This Madewell minty silk dot cami is so sweet to just keep in summer. Slipping it under this grey Wallis blazer & adding some jeans takes it from strappy summer to fitting for fall. Throw on some camel driving mocs from Gap, and you're good to go! I mean, as soon as you have your colorblock crossbody & silver hairties in hand..of course.

If you don't already have this Madewell top- you can find this biddy in the sale section at a major discount. Scooooore!

What summer piece will you be wearing into fall?

Seriously, throw a blazer over just about anything and you're good to go!

xo, lp

Friday's Fancies #66: Outfit Crush

Happy Friday, lovelies! 

I'm not going to lie to you all : I. Am. Tired.

I forget how much work moving is- like all the little details of getting everything set up, address changed on every service provider, waiting for hours for the internet guy to show up, searching for the freaking salt for 20 minutes because YOU DONT KNOW WHICH BOX IT IS IN.

Yeah. The usual.

So this week for FF I'll be keeping it short and sweet with the perfect summer outfit:

I love the feminine look that Anna Joyce Design styled (image from here) with her dot bag. I mean, everyone has a basic chambray in their closet, right? If not, go here and get yourself one for dirt cheap. 

I'm not sure how that skirt color would look on my skin so I'd snatch up this petite pleated skirt from ASOS in a poppy yellow, to go with my semi-existent tan. 

And finally, the bag that makes the look - this charcoal dot lovely from Anna Joyce. She's based in Portland, and since we're going there soon I've contacted her to see if she has a full shop there. Clearly I'm not cool enough for a response since I haven't heard back from her, so if you happen to go buy this dot bag, ask her again for me, would ya? ;)

Have an amazing weekend everyone!

Oh, and if you know what box I put my damn salt in, please let me know. Sigh.

xo, lp

See past outfit crushes HERE , HERE and HERE!  

Friday's Fancies #65: Tanked

This week's Friday's Fancies theme was a no-brainer. I mean, create an outfit around a great summer tank? 

Done and done.

I centered this outfit around the most perfect minty Madewell dot tank... see below for more details:

Tank: this lightweight minty Madewell tank is the perfect summer top!

Jeans: Light. Stretchy. Comfy. Perfect for lounging on a picnic blanket.

Shoes: Best shoes at Gap this summer. Love the laser cut look!

Necklace: Simple spiked chevron- under $6!

Sunnies: Tortoise is always best- and under $25 makes these a no-brainer.

Bracelet: Per usual, well done j.crew.

Purse: Perfect neon pop! 

Where do you find your great summer pieces?

Share away, friends!

xo, lp

Today is the LAST DAY for the special A MANO offer! Click here for the code!

STOP TRYING TO MAKE "SUMMER" HAPPEN.

Have you guys all seen the movie Mean Girls? You know when Regina George is being a real wench to her friend Gretchen (who is trying to turn the word "fetch" into a cool word)? 

She says to Gretchen:

"STOP trying to make "fetch" happen. It's not going to happen"

I feel like that is what Mother Nature is trying to tell Wisconsin about summer, that it's just not going to happen...and Wisconsin only semi-listens. 5 days of 50 degrees and rain....followed by 1 day of 74 and sunny. ::repeat::

Hope you're following me here. Either way, this weekend kicked butt, and we had not one but TWO days where it didn't rain most of the time. I even got to wear short sleeves one day. Amazing.

Here's what's been up lately:

1. It was finally nice enough to wear this soft, amazing GAP tee:

2. Saturday we had a full day/night with our friends that was Mexican themed. Only Mexican beer, pop, food. It was awesome. Especially because Jarritos are pretty to look at:

3. I stole this picture from Dani- but she captured the best shot of our watermelon basil margaritas.Yum.

4. Naturally I had to make guacamole. I mean, come on. It was DELICIOUS. You may just see a recipe for it on the blog soon :)  

5. I had to take this cheesy picture to prove there were blue skies. And because I painted my nails and didn't pick off the polish for like a solid 8 hours (new record).

6. In other news, I bought some awesome colorful paper straws from an Etsy shop a bit back and they arrived this weekend. SUPER cheap, and so cheery! If you're looking for fun straws or washi tape for a party- I highly recommend the shop Loollipop (no, not a typo).  She was super accomodating when I bought these straws and some other goodies. Yes, I compulsively put them in rainbow order...

7. Sunday Michael and I headed downtown to fish with our friend Ben. It was STUNNING on lake Mendota. I even stole Michael's iPhone for a few panoramas!

How was your weekend, friends?

Tell me something good!

xo, lp

psssssssssssst: do you love instagram as much as i do? find me HERE!

Friday's Fancies #63: White Hot

White wasn't the cool thing to wear growing up. Being an 80s baby and a 90s kid, we were all about neon, jewel tones, and distressed denim. I went to an overnight summer camp growing up and we had to dress up in all white for Shabbat - and I remember it was IMPOSSIBLE to find white dresses and skirts. Who wants white when you can wear a teal and fuchsia wind-suit,  am I right?! 

Well lucky for those kids going to camp now, white is everywhere- and here are a few of my favorite white finds:

I feel like a white dress is a summer necessity. Especially for those days when you're outside and the sun is completely beating down on you- the only thing that will do short of running around in your birthday suit is a bright white dress! This simple one from TopShop looks great on its own or with a fun, colorful necklace like this stunner from C.Wonder.

I'm not big on white accessories, but this white enamel J.Crew one keeps popping in and out of my shopping cart. And since there is no way in hell I could keep a white bag clean, this little clutch with a bit of white is about as far as I could go! 

If you feel like ditching all the accessories, just stick with the best basic flip flops from Gap. Super comfy, super simple.

What do you wear with your white?

Bright accessories or simple shoes?

xo, lp

Friday's Fancies #62 : Simple Stripes

PEOPLE!!!

It is FINALLY nice out in Wisconsin. I mean really, really nice. PLUS it's wedding season, which means it's buy-a-pretty-new-dress-season. 

This stripe-inspired outfit is one I'd wear again and again!

This lovely buttercup striped dress is so perfect for summer weddings- easy to dress up with pumps for more formal weddings, or dress down with gold flip flops for the backyard shindigs! Pair it with a fun floral necklace and a catchall mint clutch and you are good to go.

OH! And this honeycomb gold bracelet is my favorite find recently. How cute is the bee detail??? Nothing like a little conversation piece to make a good talk with your random wedding table-mates! 

Where have you been finding fun wedding/summer party wear at?

Leave a link in the comments!

xo, lp

*HEY! did you enter the monogram necklace giveaway yet?? If not you can do so HERE!*

Friday's Fancies #61: Easy Weekend Wear

The Friday's Fancies theme this week was Easy Weekend Wear-and it was definitely easy to come up with an outfit for it! This is what my weekend wear looks like:

This charcoal dress from TopShop (only $45!) is one you NEED in your closet. Everyone should have a few pieces that are so easy to wear and versatile that if you're in a rush to get ready you can just throw it on and now it'll work with whatever occasion you've got. This one is casual enough to run out to the farmer's market in sandals or dressy enough to pair with sparkly jewels,tights, and some black pumps! 

For easy weekend wear, I'd wear it with some simple black flats (Gap), the most perfect Transport Tote (Madewell), and a few basic bracelets in gold (Gorjana) and white enamel (J.crew). Oh, and since I'm never without a necklace, why not layer two BaubleBar beauties? Love this gold nameplate one and teal teardrop beauty!

What does your easy weekend wear look like?

If you like this dress but are looking for a sleeveless option, this one from Old Navy is super comfy! 

xo,  lp 

Friday's Fancies #59: Shoe in.

This Friday's Fancies was an easy one- {av} simply gave us the theme shoes- and that's something I can run with. 

Mother Nature has a cruel sense of humor, and has decided to give us a week of rain & snow in APRIL. Rain, I get-all that "april showers" and crap. But snow? C'mon man! Killing me. 

Thus, for today's post I rounded up my favorite collection of must-have spring flats. I figure if I think sunny spring and show sunny spring on the blog, maybe sunny spring will come. Fingers crossed.

Now, for those of you who are oh-so quick, you'll notice these are all from one place: Gap!

I absolutely love their spring flats because they're not only comfy- but they come in an array of patterns and colors. Not only do they have springy dots and stripes, but also the basics like a great rich tan and a simple black. I tried a bunch of these on this weekend at Gap and they were super comfy- now if only the weather could stop stinking so I could WEAR SOME!

Which of these would you add to your spring assortment?

I'll take the tan, coral, and navy/white dots, please!

xo, lp

Find those pretty shoes here- Gap usually has online only deals that rock, and their shoes run true to size!

I'M BECOMING A BOWL HOARDER LIKE MOM.

Happy Monday friends!

Hope you all had a lovely weekend. It was raining all weekend here, but it was almost 40 degrees- so I can't complain- HEAT. WAVE. 

Here are a few things that have been keeping me happy lately:

Thing 1: BaubleBar love.

If you don't already ready BB's blog, you should! Each week they do a weekly Top 10- and last week they were cool enough to throw my DIY Jewelry Display in there- pretty awesome Friday surprise!

Thing 2: Having a talented sister

I've mentioned my sister Louisa on here before, and I can never gush about her enough. Having a professional photographer as a sister ROCKS. Especially one who's actually talented. A while back she gave me this amazing photograph that's a compilation of thousands of tiny squares from other pictures she's taken. I shared a shot of it up close on Instagram this weekend. Amazing, right??

Thing 3: Tomorrow's Recipe

A (semi) healthy version of scones. Nom.

Thing 4: Bowls. Yup.

I'm officially turning into my mother- who has the largest pretty bowl collection this side of the Mississippi. No really. We lovingly tease her about it all the time...and then for every occasion feed her addiction and buy her - you guessed it - more bowls. 

Sorry. Babbling.

West Elm is having an awesome sale on tableware- tons of gorgeous plates, bowls, and mugs 20% off with free shipping! This is one of the lovely bowls I bought, thus starting the cycle of becoming my mother:

Most of the bowls/ mugs start at $6 + have free shipping. Go get yo'self some!

Thing 5: This clutch.

So this weekend I went shopping with a few friends- which is the first time I've met people at the mall since... the 10th grade? It was awesome, don't get me wrong- but they were all BAD influences. They made me think I needed this guy (currently 25% off). Dang girls. Last time I make the mistake of going out with you!

Those are my top 5...what are yours for the week?

Anyone else hit up the West Elm sale going on?

xo, lp

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Friday's Fancies #55: Lovely Lace

FRIDAY I LOVE YOU.

I'm so happy it's Friday I'm not even going to complain about my dentist appointment today. Even though I really want to. Really really want to.

{av} wanted to have this Friday be all about lace, so here we go friends:

Putting this outfit together makes me laugh, because it is going to be MONTHS until I could wear this in Wisconsin. A girl can dream, right?

This bright lace skirt from TopShop pairs perfectly with a toned down chambray. 

Oh, and the necklace? JUST like the J.Crew one we all know and love but a third of the price! Add on some blue BaubleBar cushion studs, a green ostrich wallet, and polka dot flats and you're set for a warm spring day.

Man, if someone wants to free me from my boots and down coat anytime soon, that'd be lovely. Bring on the warm weather so I can wear this, okay?

What's the weather look like for you this weekend?

If it's warm enough to wear the outfit above: please invite me over.

xo, lp

THE POST IN WHICH I TALK ABOUT GAP TOO MUCH

It is Monday and I am officially freaking sick of winter. 

We're supposed to get another 10 inches of snow by tomorrow afternoon. Cool. Me and my 45 minute commute are fully flicking you off, Mother Nature. NOT COOL.

Last week I tried and rebel against the weather and wore flats. I mean, it was sunny when I left home in the morning... but then karma got me on the way home as it was blowing snow/freezing rain. Crap.

I finally have started taking #ootd shots again. For those of you who are new around these parts I usually share what I wear to work on Instagram...but it's been dark when I go to work and when I come home, so the whole outfit shot thing has been thwarted lately... or at least that's the excuse I've been using. So until daylight savings time (next week) I'll try and post some!

Speaking of these shots, last week I figured I'd do a realistic shot. Normally if I'm inside our apartment I kick everything out of the way so I don't have a ridiculous amount of mess around me. True story. But last week well... I was too lazy. So here you have it. 

My outfit + mini garden + clutch + book about the Civil War + coaster + placemat + Spike the Punch necklace + gold tray.

All of these items were exactly there on the floor- no staging. Why was a placemat on my floor you ask? I have no idea. I promise not to use it if you come over, though!

Might as well continue on the clothes streak. Dudes, GAP spring stuff is awesome. Got these two super soft tees there yesterday. Everything is 30% off through tomorrow. Boom.

I suppose I can shut up about outfits and talk about something cooler. Like mimosa bars. Saturday Dani hosted a blogger brunch for a few local ladies (Check out Maya, Fran, Lauren, Brittany & Dani!). We had mimosas & coffee with raspberry cream cheese tarts, nutella cinnamon rolls, and other pastries...all while chatting endlessly. Not a bad way to start a weekend! 

 I happen to be real life friends with Dani & her husband Josh, so after the ladies left Michael and I proceeded to stay over for another 8 hours or so. Oops! Sorry guys!

Oh crap, I almost forgot to mention, tomorrow I'll be sharing a recipe for these:

(come back tomorrow...you'll want this recipe!)

This post is already all over the place with no hopes of turning back, so I might as well throw these in. On sale already + 30% off.  Quick Poll: Which would you go for? Brown or Aqua? 

How was your weekend, people?

Anyone else hit up the GAP sale? What'd ya get?

xo, lp

psssssssssssst: find me on Instagram here!

MORE PEANUT BUTTER THAN ANY HUMAN COULD EAT

Happy Monday, folks.

After the ridiculous ice storms hitting the country, I hope you all are getting around safely! We got a good old layer of ice yesterday, but I can't complain because it's going to be insanely warm this week. 45 degrees people! AH!! That's practically bikini weather around here. 

Michael and I declared this weekend to do nothing but hang out together & take care of ourselves...after weeks of being sick lame idiots. We did just that. We cleaned. We ran errands. We cooked meals together. We drank a ton of coffee and played a bunch of Scrabble. I baked and did Valentine's crafts. 

Wow. I just realize we sound like we're 80. Yikes.

Here are some awesome things from last week, and a few things to look forward to this week:

Thing 1: Dude, run to your nearest GAP and get this indigo striped shirt. If I didn't work in merchandising surrounded by insanely stylish people who would fully notice...I'd wear this shirt daily. Fact. Buttons in the back too. Yup.

Update: I just found the shirt online, and there's 30% off at GAP today! Treat yo Self! (Runs true to size)

Thing 2: The 24th was National Peanut Butter Day. Did you all celebrate? My coworkers are awesome and one of them organized a peanut butter tasting. Skippy Creamy still wins it for me. All those runny organic ones can go away. I like mah corn syrup in mah peanut butter.

Thing 3: Polka dot chambray, orange necklace and curls.  Again, I'd wear this all the time if I could. For reasons why I can't, see thing #1 above.

 Thing 4: Like I said, Valentine's Day baking and crafts this weekend. Tomorrow is post one of two about cookies. Yup. 

Thing 5: Did you see GAP's new clutches? Total Claire Vivier look, but about 1/8 of the price. Under $30 and with the 30% going on online right now? Done. Done. Done. 4 Colors, this is my favorite:

Okay. That's all I've got today kids. 

Tell me something good about your weekend.

Did you celebrate National PB day?!?!

xo, lp

Psssssssssssst: Find me on Instagram HERE!

TARTAN TIME

I know technically the holidays is the time you're supposed to wear tartan, but I love it year round. 

Proof:

via Instagram @lpodlich

Since it seems to be especially oh-so cool this year, I thought I'd do a round up of a few of my favorite tartan items this year! I'm loving all of the new blue patterns, especially in all the accessories like makeup bags and iPad cases:

1-3: Clearly you can't go wrong with a classic red tartan scarf. I have the one on the far right from Target, but the first deep red one from Ralph Lauren or the bright red and teal from ASOS are great options too!

4. Hi GAP, your tartan makeup bag kicks butt. Care to send me one? Great.

5. Again, I'm not cool enough to have an iPhone, but if I did I would already own this awesome case from Juicy.

6. Again, GAP, killin' it. Again, I don't have an iPad so I can't enjoy this gem. Please let me know if you get it so I can do that living-vicariously-through-you-thing.

Are you a holiday plaid/tartan fan?

...or do you wear it all year round like me?

xo, lp

Find more Tartan here....