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Winter to Spring Transition Outfits

5 Fashion Tips for Winter to Spring Transition Outfits

I am ready to pack away all my chunky cable sweaters and pull out the flowy dresses. But we still aren't quite out of cold. Winter to Spring Transition outfits is all about combining a little bit of winter with a whole lot of spring. Sharing 5 fashion tips for Winter to Spring Transition outfits || Darling Darleen Blog #darlingdarleen

5 Tips to Winter to Spring Transition Outfits

With winter that has been mostly in the 20s and below, we are so eager for spring to begin. Can it not come any faster?! Daylight savings time is here and the tulips are breaking ground but there is still a cold wind chill in the air to give it a bite and the need to wear a warm jacket. I am ready to pack away all my chunky cable sweaters, but still need to stay warm. Winter to Spring Transition outfits is all about combining a little bit of winter with a whole lot of spring.

Shop Spring Styles and New Arrivals at Darleen Meier Jewelry

Here are my 5 Tips to Winter to Spring Transition Outfits:

Don’t put away the Coats…yet. Keep the out the ones that are lighter weight. The mornings are still chilly. I like to wear lightweight wool wrap coats. They have still a winter look and with a mix of a cardigan style. I also like wearing denim jackets and trench coats.
Show a little ankle with a block heel or loafer shoe. This is the time to pull out those close-toes flats like loafer shoes, ballet flats, block heels. They are a classic Spring staple and polish off any outfit.
Wear an Eyelet top. Did you know? Spring is known as the eyelet season, which is so appropriate. Wear a white pretty eyelet top with denim jeans, and you will be feeling like spring is right around the corner.
Wrap it, tie it, put it in a bow. Time to pull out your Wrap Dresses. Wrap dresses are the perfect transitional winter to spring dress. Wrap dresses are lightweight, but can be worn with tights and boots if needed. On those warm days, sandals or mule slides look appropriate without look like it’s the middle of summer. I also like how the wrap dress can be worn from work week to weekend.
Say goodbye to neutrals and wear spring colors. My color of choice is pink. Put away the dark neutrals and pull out the bright colors. You’ll be feeling like you are matching with the spring flowers.

Spring Coats

Loafer Shoes

Eyelet Top

Wrap Dresses

Spring Colors

Classy Pink Dresses

Pink on Pink Classy Pink Dresses

Dancing around in pink on pink classy pink dresses this past weekend in celebration of Valentine’s week. I love the week of love!

Keeping it short today! We are on a ski trip with the kids and you can follow along with us on Instagram! Also, I have an amazing Valentine giveaway happening that will last through the weekend and it’s all up on Instagram.

Finds Under $100

Winter Sale Items Under $100

February is here, which means it is still cold outside and winter sales have arrived. So this is the perfect time when it is best to buy that coat you’ve been eyeing and that is now on sale for half off or those coveted boots you’ve been wanting to keep your feet warm. You will still get about six weeks out of them! There are so many great winter finds under $100. Usually around this winter sale time I like to find items that are deeply discounted or take advantage of those great additional discounts. The sales are quite amazing. I’ve also found some items that are can be worn into spring.

Some finds under $100 are colorful sneakers that style as streetwear. Also love the teddy coats in multiple colors. If you been following along my shop Darleen Meier Jewelry is doing their Valentine’s discount of 15% off which is good through Valentine’s Day. Use code “DMJLove” to get the discount. I am only offering this discount to my followers!

Best Faux Fur Coats

The best faux fur coats I am loving right now

Living in a cold area where winter temps are usually in the 20s and 30s, the best faux fur coats become your must-have winter item. Actually, quite a few people in my area of the world wear real fur coats because it’s just so, so cold. But it’s been quite a shock to my beliefs and ethics having so many people I know wear real fur coats. Like it’s the norm? But maybe it’s the norm in the northeast?? I don’t know. I thought society was over wearing real fur but it seems to be making a comeback in the fashion world. I am trying not to judge because I’ve been one to believe that there are really great synthetic fibers that can give you the best warmth or close too it for cold winter weather.

I will say that I love this faux fur bomber coat. It’s so soft and has this luxurious feel. I’ve been wearing it with casual attire or dressing up for date night. I styled it with these leopard bootie heels. The best faux fur coats are plush with a cozy-chic look. Go glam with these best faux fur coats that I am loving right now. Most of them are under $100!

Faux Fur-Lined Collar Coat

Best of Black Friday Cyber Monday

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Black Friday Cyber Monday Sales

Here is the breakdown of the best Black Friday/Cyber Monday (BFCM) SALES! And the first one is from my own shop, Darleen Meier Jewelry, which is having a 30% off everything with code: BLACKFRIYAY

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WOMEN’S/CHILDREN’S:

NORDSTROM // UP to 60% off select items

AMAZON // Deal of the day, free shipping, discounts on all departments

ANN TAYLOR// Free Shipping + 50% off with code: BLACKFRIDAY

TOPSHOP// Up to 50% off at everything

MACY’S//20% off Macy’s Cyber Monday

URBAN OUTFITTERS//50% off Sitewide

BODEN // 30% OFF everything plus free shipping

J.CREW // 40% OFF everything with code: TOGETHER

ASOS // 25% off site wide with code: EPIC25

BANANA REPUBLIC // 50% OFF regular price items

HOME:

SERENA & LILY // 20% off everything with code GATHER. 25% OFF everything (11/26-11/27) with code BIGDAY

THE HOME DEPOT // save up to 70% off with end of season furniture

TARGET // doorbusters, up to 40% off home items, extra 15% off rugs with promo TURKEY

POTTERY BARN // 25% off site wide plus free shipping with code BLACKFRIDAY

WORLD MARKET // buy 1 get 1 free, save 40% off select items

WEST ELM // buy more save more with code SAVEMORE up to 30% off

WAYFAIR // doorbusters deals plus free shipping

MC GEE AND CO // 20% off store wide Use code: THANKYOU

CAITLIN WILSON // 15% OFF SITE WIDE. Use code: BF15

PARTY ITEMS:

BEAU-COUP// Thanksgiving, BlackFriday & CyberSavings//20% off Sitewide with code TURKEY20SS// Valid: 11/21-11/26

MINTED // 20% off holiday cards with code BF2018

Best Knit Sweaters

Best Knit Sweaters + Fall in Hudson River Valley

One of the best things about Fall is pulling out those warm, chunky, like-a-bear sweaters! The air is getting crisper, and bundling up on cozy sweaters in the closet is the best way to go from fall to winter. I’ve got a stack of the best knit sweaters, but adding a few to the rotation just keeps the season’s assortment chic.

To fully enjoy the fall season and wear my best knit sweaters, we have been spending the in the Hudson River Valley , which is right outside Manhattan to the north and east of Connecticut. We love it because it runs right along the Hudson River, dotted with old quaint, charming towns, historical landmarks and beautiful foliage. The towns come a live during the season. Tourists are attracted to the area because it is the home of Sleepy Hollow and many Rockefeller and Carnegie mansions. When we visit for the area, we usually go for a hike then head to an attraction spot. I usually pack a different pair of shoes and of course one of my best knit sweaters. Here are a few other sweaters I’m obsessed with:

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How to Wear Leopard Print

How to Wear Leopard Print

Leopard Print is now considered a fall neutral, when it is done right! So how do you wear leopard print? Keeping the frisky print classy is the key and also wearing it with other neutrals like white or black. The bold animal print is the perfect pattern-mixer, but still keep it simple by not going head to toe in leopard print. The easiest way to feel feminine in leopard print is by wearing it in simple form like a button-up cardigan, pencil skirt, or booties. Pair it with denim or a chambray button-up shirt or a black sweater. You can start simple by adding it in your accessories like with a simple fold-over clutch or mules. It will add a pop to your outfit! Or go bold and rock a faux fur Leopard print coat and let the animal print take centerstage.

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Shop the Post of Leopard Clothing and Accessories:

Don’t forget to sign up for my $750 Nordstrom Gift Card Giveaway. It runs through 11/9 so just one more week!

Two questions I’ve received:

1) What are you supposed to put in the text box under each entry? Enter in your corresponding username or email address for whatever social channel is being prompted.

2) For the rules of the giveaway does anyone who enter have to follow through with it all? As the giveaway rules state, you receive one entry per completion. You do NOT need to complete every prompt, but the more you do, the better chance you have of winning!

Now…it’s time for a fabulous giveaway!
I’ve teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers
to give YOU a chance to win:
a $750 Nordstrom Gift Card, just in time to shop for the holidays!

Simply enter below by completing the rafflecopter.
You’ll receive one entry per completion.
This giveaway is open to the U.S. and Canada only and runs until 11/9.
Winner will be announced here. Good Luck!

Void where prohibited.
By entering the giveaway you acknowledge that you are agreeing to complete each task,
which involves following, liking and subscribing to newsletter’s.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

10 Tips to Styling Your Family Pictures

10 Tips to Styling your Family Pictures

Every year I tell myself I am going to get our family pictures taken before the month of September, Christmas cards ordered by November and all the cards mailed out by the first of December. But every year it never happens quite like that! Here we are the first of November, and now I am finally thinking about family pictures. The panic is starting. What am I panicking about? All the shopping to get everyone dressed in matching outfits. It can be quite stressful and time consuming styling your family pictures. Why must it be such a daunting task? Well, these cute family pictures were taken last year during the first part of November. They are some of my favorite! We even got Scout in the pictures. I would say after 15 years of family pictures with my peeps, I have become quite a pro at styling family pictures. So, here are my 10 tips to styling your family pictures:

10 Tips to Styling your Family Pictures

Begin with one outfit you love. Just like a blank canvas, you must begin with one color. Styling is similar. You begin with one outfit and then build. The first outfit can be either for you, a child, or husband. Something you love and are drawn too. The outfit will set the tone of the picture. So, think about the seasons and location and what kind of story you want to portray with you family pictures. Do you want a beach theme, outdoorsy theme or city theme? These are concerns to be consider when picking out that one outfit.
Coordinate your Color Palette. As you build from that one outfit, look for other outfits that coordinate with the color of your first outfit. If you wear a dress then pull from the colors of the pattern. If you are going a more casual route, then pull from the color of the top or a jacket. Make sure not to match though. That’s when family pictures get a little over the top. So, if someone is wearing a plaid top, not everyone wear the same top. Instead pull from one of the colors and coordinate the rest of the outfits with that one color.
Mix patterns with solids and patterns with complement patterns. Add texture and variety to a family picture by mixing complementing patterns with each other. Plaids, stripes and florals always go together when they are in the same family color group. But don’t wear two patterns with one person. Instead mix the patterns throughout the family. Then wear one pattern with a solid, similar to what we did above. Avoid graphic t-shirts!
Consider your Location. When you shop for your family pictures, consider where you are planning to have the pictures taken. If you are doing a mountain theme in the middle of Fall, you won’t wear shorts or an evening gown but instead probably casual clothes. Or if you were taking pictures in a city setting, you’d probably wear more street attire.
Layer clothes. I like to layer clothes when styling my family pictures because it adds variety and texture to the pictures. Also, it looks more finished and complete. Layering clothes works great with boys and men. Layer with sweaters, jackets, vests, button-up shirts. With girls, a cute scarf or bow headband can add character to the photo.
Add props. Why not? If you want to make the picture seem more casual then bring in a prop into the photos. It’s not necessary, but we have done it the last couple photos and it makes it so fun and less stuffy. We did the Christmas wreath and wagon last year and it helped lessen the stress when we were taking the pictures.
Dress for comfort. Family pictures are already so stressful. Make sure to dress comfortable so you don’t have whining children (or husbands) during the photoshoot. One of the keys to great family pictures, is when every one is happy.
Groom Prior to the Photos. After you have your coordinating outfits together, then focus on grooming your family! What I mean by groom is getting hair cuts, coloring hair, manicures (yes, fingernails do show up). I like to try and do these things about a 1-2 weeks prior to the photoshoot. The closer to the date the better and cleaner the results.
Shop the Collection. One of the easiest ways to save time and sanity (but maybe not money), is pick a store that carries all clothing lines (children, men and women) and shop their collections in all their departments. They design the collections to have a cohesive look throughout their store. So if you are having a hard time matching a mustard yellow top, stick within the store’s collection and you will most likely find a complement colors. I am sharing my favorite family clothing stores below.
Lay it Out and Take a Picture. This will ease your concerns once you see it all next to each other. Lay the clothes on the floor and you can move items or eliminate items that don’t line up with the other items. This will save you a ton of time and hassle.

Here are my favorite Family Clothing Shops for Styling your Family Pictures:

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Fall Staple Pieces + $750 Nordstrom Giveaway

Fall Staple Pieces + $750 Nordstrom Giveaway

Good morning and Happy Friday! I wanted to share some of my fall staple pieces and am excited to offer a $750 Nordstrom gift card Giveaway to one luck winner to help add some amazing fall staple pieces to your own wardrobe! As a stay-at-home working mom, I am not ashamed to say that I tend to wear the same thing everyday. If I could, I’d probably wear my workout clothes all the long day with my Adidas shoes. But I think taking a shower is quite important! So why not look somewhat presentable after the fact? During the summer my go-to is usually t-shirts, skirts and flip flops. My fall staple pieces are usually casual clothes of jeans, sweaters and loafers or booties and a jacket. I don’t have a ton of time shuffling through my closet in the morning so I tend to go back to classic pieces that are comfortable and non-conforming. Do you do the same thing? Go back to the basics…it’s always the best option, right? With a change of season, you need a few new items to mix your basics up. Here are my top pick of Fall Staple Pieces. Don’t forget to sign up for my $750 Nordstrom Giveaway at the end of the post!

Chunky Sweaters–the oversized sweaters are still going strong this season and is a perfect fall staple piece to have in your closet. I recommend wearing on your lower half skinny pants or leggings.

2. Leopard Print–Animal print that is basically becoming a fall neutral color! Leopard print is a fun stylish statement print to add to a basic outfit. I’d say invest in either leopard print shoes or a leopard print skirt for this year’s fall staple piece.

3. Plaid–The best time of year to wear non-stop plaid is the fall season! Plaid is huge this season with pencil skirts and wide-leg pants. There are some many colors and plaid print combinations, you could really have fun styling an outfit with plaid.

4. Prairie style–long dresses or tops with simple prints and ruffly sleeves with high necks, the Prairie style is strong this season and I’d say to add one prairie style top or dress to your fall staple pieces.

5. Blazers and Army Jacket–I’d say every Fall season will bring back the classic look of a good blazer silhouette and military jacket. You can see some of my top blazer picks here and below is my favorite military jacket that keeps giving year after year.

6. Camo–Camo is back! This army print always seems to sneak back in around the Fall season. Love the look of camo with leggings and jackets of course!

Don’t forget to enter in my giveaway for a $750 Nordstrom gift Card! Giveaway will last until 11/9 ! Make sure you are following me on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook or DMJ’s Facebook!

Now…it’s time for a fabulous giveaway!
I’ve teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers
to give YOU a chance to win:
a $750 Nordstrom Gift Card, just in time to shop for the holidays!

Void where prohibited.
By entering the giveaway you acknowledge that you are agreeing to complete each task,
which involves following, liking and subscribing to newsletter’s.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blazers for Fall

Blazers for Fall

The blazer is back. Yesssss! Blazers for Fall season this year are huge, and they come in just about every style–corduroy, velvet, oversized, wool, menswear. A variety of colors for those styles are big in blazers for fall. I am excited because I love blazers and I have a collection of favorites that I’ve held onto. They will be making their appearance this fall and winter season. The blazer is the item to finish off an outfit that says fall-is-finally here. If you don’t have a blazer, they are truly a classic fall item, but just happens to be going strong this season. So you really can’t go wrong with snagging a blazer this fall season. I’d say pick up a corduroy and a tweed if you have to narrow the styles. Blazers are the perfect layering item for fall.

I picked up this blazer while playing tourist in New York City this past weekend. It was the perfect fall day, which began a little chilly then warmed up in the middle of the day and then toward the end of the day there was a breeze. This fitted blazer was easy to take off, carry then put back on for a classic tailored, put-together look. So add a little preppy perfection that is easy to throw on with jeans and a t-shirt. I wore this blazer with my favorite long dog tag necklace from my shop and these Quay sunglasses. I also wore these slipper flats that I’ve had for a long time and now the slipper style has come back! Here is a similar item.

Here are a few of my favorite Blazers for Fall:

You can see more of how I styled these blazers:

Summer Solstice Dinner Party

My Home Buying Process

Summer Travel With Brita Filtering Bottle

Exterior Home Reveal

Graphic Tee Summer Trend

Winter to Spring Transition Outfits

5 Fashion Tips for Winter to Spring Transition Outfits

5 Tips to Winter to Spring Transition Outfits

Spring Coats

Loafer Shoes

Eyelet Top

Wrap Dresses

Spring Colors

Classy Pink Dresses

Pink on Pink Classy Pink Dresses

Finds Under $100

Winter Sale Items Under $100

Best Faux Fur Coats

The best faux fur coats I am loving right now

Best of Black Friday Cyber Monday

Black Friday Cyber Monday Sales

Best Knit Sweaters

How to Wear Leopard Print

10 Tips to Styling Your Family Pictures

10 Tips to Styling your Family Pictures

Fall Staple Pieces + $750 Nordstrom Giveaway

Blazers for Fall

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