ALL ABOUT THESE BOOTS

Houston's weather dipped down to a perfect 68 degrees and I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day! It got me in such a mood for fall, I just had to shop for the season's necessities - including boots. I picked up a pair of Steve Madden 'Troopa' combat boots (yes, the ones I've borrowed from Jill) from Nordstrom. 

And obviously one pair isn't enough! It's time to build up my boot collection all over again, so check out my favorites below.

Top to bottom, left to right: 1. Jaegar Booties ($160.00) - Dolce Vita, 2. Steve Madden 'Troopa' Boot ($79.90 - On Sale!) - Nordstrom, 3. Kandice ($150.00) - Sam Edelman, 4. The Caleb Boot ($238.00) - Madewell, 5. Shirley OTK ($498.00) - FRYE, 6. Ubel ($175.00) - Kelsie Dagger Brooklyn, 7. Eisner ($220.00) - Jeffrey Campbell, 8. Women's Original Short Refined Back Strap Rain Boots ($185.00) - Hunter, 9. Belle by Sigerson Morrison Cynna Embellished Booties ($395.00) - Shopbop.

Do you have your fall boots yet?

Jess

SWEATER WEATHER

It's officially the first day of fall and you know what that means - it's finally sweater weather! Oh, did I mention it's still hitting 95 degrees here in Houston? It's time to drop the AC and sacrifice my electricity bill for the sake of fashion.

There's nothing better than curling up with a cozy sweater and taking in the cool temps. In my case, sweat it out a little. Anything for the feeling of my favorite season of the year! I'm loving the cool textures and prints to spruce up your wedding this fall.

See my favorite sweaters below.

Top to bottom, left to right: 1. Rachel Comey 'Fringe Hem' Sweater ($391.00) - Nordstrom, 2. Zadig & Voltaire 'Faro Yu' Knit Sweater ($470.00) - CUSP, 3. Geometric Fringe-Deatil Sweater ($110.00) - Madewell, 4. Moschino Bear-Intarsia Wool Sweater ($650.00) - Net-A-Porter, 5. Moth 'Zigged Formation' Pullover ($138.00) - Anthropologie, 6. Silence + Noise 'Placid Herringbone' Pullover Sweater ($69.00) - Urban Outfitters, 7. Oversized Mohair Jumper ($125.00) - COS, 8. 360 Sweater 'Salem' Sweater ($300.00) - French Cuff Boutique, 9. Cut Out Sweater ($49.90) - Zara. 

And here's a bonus one for your dog!

Jess

WEARING BLACK IN THE SUMMER

It's quite obvious that I love to wear black. From my frames to my nails to my shoes - it's all black everythang.

Wearing black outfits in the summer everywhere I've lived before (Miami, Chicago) is a recipe for disaster (and now Houston is no exception). But it's not something I can ever give up! Just gotta figure out how to wear black head to toe without any chances of internal combustion. My advice? Get skimpy with it. Now, you don't have to wear itty bitty clothing, but don't be afraid of showing some skin! Just apply SPF 80 if you're pale like me. 

Bare those arms, show off the legs, don a backless dress. All in black, of course.

Top to bottom, left to right: 1. Straw Oversized Floppy Hat ($29.00) - ASOS, 2. Vince 'Sawyer' Ankle Flat Sandals ($15.00) - Shopbop, 3. Ecote Clary Godet Trapeze Dress ($59.00) - Urban Outfitters, 4. Neoprene Beach Tote ($72.00) - Athleta, 5. We The Free Queen Tank ($48.00) - Free People, 6. Cabrillo Black with Flint Polar ($265.00) - Oliver Peoples, 7. Linen Maxi Shirtdress ($148.00) - Madewell, 8. Gathered Halter One-Piece Swimsuit ($88.00) - J.Crew, 9, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Short ($195.00) - Bloomingdale's.

How do you wear black in the summer?

Jess

READY FOR COACHELLA

We have to admit it, every time Coachella rolls around and our Instagram is clogged up with photos of that damn ferris wheel, we feel insane amounts of FOMO. One day we will make it out there ourselves to stalk Leonardo DiCaprio and his sweet dance moves, but until then, we're living vicariously through our Instagram feed. Let's see that ferris wheel, people! 

To get you ready for Coachella (even if you're missing out like us), we put together some fun festival pieces that are a must. Take it from us... combat boots are perfect to fight a crowd.

Top to bottom, left to right: 1. Dalia Flower Crown ($20.00) - Urban Outfitters, 2. Troopa ($99.95) - Steve Madden, 3. Haru Tasseled Kimono by Blank ($168.00) - Anthropologie, 4. Multi-Row Charm Necklace ($25.00) - Topshop, 5. Adirondack Short Overalls ($118.00) - Madewell, 6. Suns Out Buns Out ($42.00) - Rad + Refined, 7. Sunnylife® Geo Beach Towel ($55.00) - Gap, 8. Fringed Suede Backpack ($32.90) - Forever 21, 9. Wanderlust Metallic Tattoo Pack ($18.00) - Free People.

Have you made it out to Coachella?

Jess & Jill

SPRING BREAK ACCESSORIES

Sunglasses. Floppy hats. Oversized beach totes. These are just a few of the things that pop into our mind when we think of spring break. Yes, they're all fashion related!

We hope you have somewhere warm to go, because we've just made your shopping a whole lot easier. These accessories are perfect for a beach getaway, where your biggest worry is what you'll be drinking. And how you're going to fit us into your luggage.

1. Sovay Wedges ($90.00) - Dolce Vita, 2. Forestbound Escape Tote Bag ($100.00) - Urban Outfitters, 3. Piper ($95.00+) - Warby Parker, 4. Straw Floppy Hate with Coin Trim ($33.00) - ASOS, 5. Zahra Metallic Tattoos ($22.00) - Moorea Seal, 6. Classic Panama Hat ($7.00 - On Sale!) - Forever 21, 7. Fever Aviator ($20.00) - Free People, 8. Cause a Stir Francis ($198.00) - Kate Spade, 9. The Lana Knotted Sandal in Suede ($108.00) - Madewell.

What are your spring break plans?

Jess & Jill

MONOGRAM IT!

When in doubt - monogram it!

Whether it's for birthdays, the holidays, or just because - monograms are the perfect personalized gifts. (And perfect for yourself, as well!) With wedding favors on my mind, I found the tip of the monogram iceberg. There's serveware, jewelry, towels, leather goods... You name it and there's a way to get anything imaginable with someone's initials on it. Make sure no one's forgets your name or go that extra step in gift-giving with these monogrammed goods!

Top to bottom, left to right: 1. Monogram Boxed Candle ($7.95 - On Sale!) - Anthropologie, 2. Navy Greek Key Monogrammed Initials Tray ($86.50) - Jonathan Adler, 3. Monogram Card Set ($25.00) - Kate Spade, 4. Lock It Up ($75.00) - Lola James, 5. Colofield Clutch ($45.00) - Mark and Graham, 6. Signet Ring ($220.00+) - Bittersweets, 7. Front Door Key Fob ($19.50) - Madewell, 8. Block Monogram Necklace ($150.00) - Erin Gallagher, 9. Organic Brighton Matelasse Euro Sham ($29.99+ - On Sale!) - West Elm

How do you like to monogram?

Jess

EASY WAY OUT TO MIXED METALS

One quick look into my jewelry box and you'll notice, I don't judge. I've got rose gold, silver, gold, brass - you name it. I'm all for mixing metals, but sometimes I don't know how to make them look cohesive all by myself. It always looks cute when I see someone layering different necklaces, but all I end up doing is taking half of them off midday!

My easy way out? I just find jewelry that's already done the mixing. And since I've now done the work for you, it's time to get shopping!

Top to bottom, left to right: 1. Bonnie Jonas Boxed Set of Three Square Rings ($22.00) - Nordstrom, 2. Full Heart Necklace ($60.00 - $600.00) - Catbird, 3. Split Section Ring ($12.00) - Topshop, 4. Margin Bangle Bracelet Set ($32.00) - Madewell, 5. Diamong Studded Bar Post Earrings ($440.00) - Melissa Joy Manning, 6. Mixed Arrowhead Cuff ($615.00) - Zoe Chicco, 7. Tri-Color Ring ($250.00) - Bittersweets NY, 8. Metal Drop Necklace ($88.00) - J.Crew, 9. Skinny Mixed Rings Set ($88.00) - Bing Bang NYC.

How do you mix metals?

Jess

SWIM SEASON PREPPERS

Too soon?

While it's not quite swimwear season just yet, we're getting ready for those rising temperatures and our adult versions of spring break (hello, classier wine). From one-pieces to teeny-tiny bikinis, we've curated a few swimsuit looks that work for everyone tastes. Now let's hope summer gets here quickly!

Top to bottom, left to right: 1. Lasercut Top ($132.00) and Lasercut High Waist Bottoms ($132.00) - Free People, 2. Georgica Beach Stripe Underwire Bandeau ($98.00) and Georgica Stripe Classic Bottom ($67.00) - Kate Spade, 3. Vogue Vibes One-Piece Swimsuit ($137.99) - ModCloth, 4. Zimmermann Verano Playsuit ($27.99) - Madewell, 5. Bambi 'Candy Sunset' ($79.00) - Triangl, 6. Wildfox 'Mai Tai Drinker' Cover-Up Tee ($88.00) - Nordstrom, 7. Double Scallop Swimsuit ($68.00) - Topshop, 8. Confetti Waterfall Bikini ($240.00) - Zimmermann, 9. Hibiscus Maillot by Lenny Niemeyer ($251.00) - Anthropologie.

Don't forget your SPF!

Jess & Jill

WINTER WHITE WARDROBE

Whoever made the rule "no white after Labor Day" should take a seat. In a room. By themselves.

Winter white is in (has it really ever been out?) and we can't get enough of it. And while it's a color we wear on days we don't plan on eating spaghetti, the risk is worth the reward.

Check out some of our favorite winter white pieces!

Top to bottom, left to right: 1. Solid Mock Neck Mini Dress ($78.00) - Free People, 2. Nixon Small Time Teller P Watch ($60.00) - Shopbop, 3. HD in Paris Dotted Jacquard Skirt ($128.00) - Anthropologie, 4. Miu Miu Metal Cap-Toe Skate Shoe ($490.00) - Neiman Marcus, 5. JAKIMAC Daredevil Leather Harness ($98.00) - Nasty Gal, 6. Gramercy Drive Deena ($398.00) - Kate Spade New York, 7. Tapered Boyfriend ($184.00) - Henry & Belle, 8. Amazing Grace ($18.00) - Deborah Lippmann, 9. Offduty Sweatshirt ($55.00) - Madewell.

How are you incorporating white into your wardrobe?

Jess & Jill

DRESSING FOR TEXAS

I am officially on my way to Texas! (With a quick stop in Memphis and Graceland - check out my journey south with #JessInTX on Instagram.) 

There's a lot of differences between Chicago and Houston, with the winter weather being the first and biggest change of all. My serious winter clothes are packed and let's be honest, will stay packed for a while. The majority of my wardrobe is black, black, and a little grey here and there. With the sun and humidity the way it is in Houston, it's time to update my closet - yes, for even as soon as January. Check out the new arrivals that I can't wait to get my hands on!

Top to bottom, left to right: 1. Stripe Silk Sleeveless Tank ($88.00) - J.Crew, 2. Sun 'n' Sand The Madeline Hat ($38.00) - Free People, 3. Heartbeat Tee ($49.50) - Madewell, 4. Suer Skinny Ankle Sky Denim in Harrison($180.00) - Henry & Belle, 5. Beneita ($129.95) - Steve Madden, 6. Sam & Lavi Chambray Midi Dress ($128.00) - Anthropologie, 7. Paddleboard Mini Cover-Up in Thistle Paisley ($88.00) - Madewell, 8. Lost in Paradise Fringe Wrap ($168.00) - Free People, 9. Cotton Faille Short in Epoque Floral ($69.50) - J.Crew.

What item can't you wait to wear again once it warms up?

Jess

CLASSIC 4TH OF JULY

We're big believers in getting into the spirit of things. And there's always a way to do so without having to buy something you'll only wear once a year. (We're also believers in being repeat offenders!)

Fourth of July is only days away, and while you've probably planned what you're going to do, we can help you plan your outfit with pieces you'll wear year round. Here are some options that get into the American spirit classically - not the Amurrrican spirit (get what we're saying?)

1. Silk Playa Dress ($138.00) - Madewell, 2. Set Sail Tassel Scarf ($9.80) - Forever 21, 3. USA Necklace ($130.00 - $445.00) - Maya Brenner Designs, 4. Stripe Dolphin Skirt ($49.95) - Gap, 5. Slidee ($49.95) - Steve Madden, 6. Stripe Tassel Top ($68.00) - Topshop, 7. 1.STATE Asymmetrical Zip Tweed Vest ($98.00) - Nordstrom, 8. Tiny Star Stud Earrings ($22.00) - SeoulLittle, 9. Allen Allen 'USA' Tee ($58.00) - Nordstrom, 10. Vince Camuto Leila Tote ($198.00) - Zappos

How are you celebrating the Fourth of July?

Jess & Jill

SUMMER ESSENTIALS

The heat is up and the sun is out... it finally feels like summertime in Chicago. And while we're definitely loving the fact that we can say bye bye to layers for now, there are a few essential items that we couldn't brave this season without. Check out our summer essentials that we're currently loving!

1. Keynote Dress ($74.50 - On Sale!) - Madewell, 2. Spa Sea Salt Hydrating Body Gloss ($18.00) - H2O Plus, 3. Printed Canvas Tote ($44.95) - Gap, 4. Sam Edelman 'Beck' Sandal ($99.95) - Nordstrom, 5. Summer 2014 Aster ($16.00) - LVX, 6. Simple Skincare Protecting Light Moisturizer SPF 15 ($13.49) - CVS, 7. Paula Sunglasses ($125.00) - House of Harlow 1960, 8. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green ($9.99 - On Sale!) - Barnes & Noble, 9. Neutral Straw Tie Hat ($39.50) - GUESS, 10. Le Shine Halter Maillot ($151.00) - Marc by Marc Jacobs.

What are some of your summer essentials?

Jess & Jill

UPDATED DENIM SHIRTS

We're not ashamed one bit to admit that when it comes to our favorite denim shirts, we're repeat outfit offenders. Unfortunately, with all that use, sometimes you have to retire your favorite pieces. Jess's shirt is looking a little rough, and Jill is mourning the loss of her favorite after it bit the dust. (R.I.P.) 

We're both on the hunt for new ones, and luckily, we found some good-looking contenders!

#TBT! Jess at 25 Degrees and Jill with Mark Hill curls.

Left to right: Perfect Chambray Short-Sleeve Ex-Boyfriend Shirt ($69.50) - Madewell, 1969 Western Denim Shirt ($59.95) - Gap, AG 'Dakota' Faded Denim Shirt ($158.00) - Nordstrom, rag & bone/JEAN Loose Sleeveless Chambray Tent Blouse ($154.00) - Neiman Marcus, Classic Collar Shirt ($178.00) - Eileen Fisher, Mao Collar Denim Shirt ($49.90) - Zara, MOTO Fitted Denim Shirt ($64.00) - Topshop, and Embroidered Collar Chambray Shirt ($19.80) - Forever 21.

Do you have a favorite denim shirt?

Jess & Jill

KEEPING IT CASUAL

This weekend, I'll be off to Florida for a week and a half to visit family and friends! Before you say you're jealous, it's not the spring break type of vacation you typically think of when someone says Florida. My best friend had a baby boy earlier this month and my sister is due to have twin boys tomorrow (in addition to already have a twin boy and girl - yes, she's crazy and Superwoman.) And since I'll be chasing four-year-old twins and changing newborn diapers, keeping it casual will be a must for my vacay.

Just because you're comfortable, it doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style entirely. Dressing a little bit more casual is a great excuse to mix prints. (Oh, this? I just threw this on.) In the case of aunt duties, I'll avoid a necklace or earrings and go for a bangle (trust me on this), adorable hair ties for a top knot or a beanie to hide day three of dry shampoo, and a funky sneaker is always comfy and fun! I'll finish things off with a super speedy top coat to my manicure, because let's be real, I'm not going to have time for them to dry.

Oh, and get ready for a lot of kiddos on my Instagram.

1. 501® Selvedge Jeans for Women ($98.00) - Levi's, 2. Corsshatch Knit Beanie ($20.00) - Moorea Seal, 3. Cocoon Cardigan ($90.33) - ASOS, 4. Wild Rose Leggings ($10.80) - Forever 21, 5. Glider Bangle ($24.00) - Madewell, 6. Addicted to Speed Top Coat ($20.00) - Deborah Lippmann, 7. Yang Scarf ($48.00) - von Z, 8. Asymmetric Hem T-Shirt ($19.90) - Zara , 9. Bora Bora Hair Tie Set ($9.00) - Moorea Seal, 10. Nike Free TR 4 ($100.00) - Nike, 11. LP Blue 'Kiki' Folding Nylon Tote ($72.00) - Nordstrom

How do you dress casual?

Jess

PERFECT FOR FOURTH OF JULY

Whether you wanna get cheesy with it, or stick to some Americana classics, here's a few things perfect for Fourth of July. So grab something red, white, and blue and celebrate USA's 237th birthday!

1. Project Social T USA Peace Hand Crop ($40.00) - Topshop, 2. Wishing Star Ring ($56.00) - Anthropologie, 3. USA Bracelet ($9.00) - 2020AVE, 4. Freedom Scarf ($16.00) - 2020AVE, 5. BP. American Flag Aviator Sunglasses ($14.00) - Nordstrom, 6. Seychelles Lost Continent Platform Wedge Sandal ($95.00) - Urban Outfitters, 7. Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Reluctant Stars' Stud Earrings ($48.00) - Nordstrom, 8. Jacquard Pattern Shorts ($29.99 - On Sale!) - Zara, 9. Lauren Moffatt Dropshot One-Pieces ($210.00) - Madewell, 10. Flag Pullover ($128.00) - Free People, 11. Tommy Hilfiger Stripe Cover-Up ($120.00) - Nordstrom, 12. Bistro Dress in Ridgestripe ($118.00) - Madewell

'Murica!

Jess

SHORT STATEMENTS

Make a statement (even if it's a mini one) with these bold shorts!

T-B, L-R: Rauol Border Stripe Silk Shorts ($295.00) - Matches Fashion.com, Beaded High Waisted Shorts ($100.00) - Topshop, MSGM Printer Short ($273.00) - Les Nouvelles, Gabriel Shorts ($175.00) - Tory Burch, Fluro Paisley Shorts ($76.00) - Topshop, Chiffon Hems Sequined Shorts ($39.99) - MANGO, Zig Zag Mini Shorts ($88.00) - French Connection, Something Else Paradox Printed Shorts ($138.00) - Madewell, Mara Hoffman Animal-Print Crepe Shorts ($110.00 - On Sale!) - The Outnet

x Jill

FAVORITO FRIDAY: DENIM JACKETS

Get spring ready with denim jackets - it's finally 60 degrees today! (Which reminds me, pretty sure I left my denim jacket at Jill's.) Spruce up you look with hardware detailed, colored or printed denim jackets,  or layer your outfit with different shades of denim. A denim jacket is great from now on to the fall, so if you don't have one or need a new one - it's time to invest in a piece that is low as $25!

1. Geo Print Denim Jacket ($24.80) - Forever 21, 2. Authentic Trucker Jacket ($58.00) - Levi's, 3. Denim Biker Jacket ($69.90) - Zara, 4. Citizens of Humanity Borderline Jacket ($268.00) - Anthropologie, 5. The Jean Jacket ($118.00) - Madewell, 6. Gingham Broome Street Jacket ($248.00) - Kate Spade, 7. 1969 Denim Jacket ($69.95) - Gap

Do you have a denim jacket already? If so, which one is your fav? If not, which one catches your eye?

Jess

MADEWELL RUSH STREET

Madewell is in Chicago! Head over to 932 Rush Street this Wednesday, April 3rd from 10 AM to 8 PM for the grand opening of Madewell on Rush Street. The first 150 shoppers will receive mystery gift cards from $10 to $500! If you heard it here and you get that biggie prize, we'd love to go shopping with you! ;D Let everyone know you're there with #MadewellChicago and make everyone jealous!

Madewell on Rush Street.

More event information can be found here.

Will you be there Wednesday?

Jess & Jill

FAVORITO FRIDAY: SPRINGTIME DRESSES

It may not feel like spring just yet, but I promise it's coming and once it does (Saturday works for me, Mother Nature), you will have the perfect springtime dress to bust out! I just bought the Gap dress below and I can't wait to add some more to my closet!

Printed Sateen Sweetheart Dress ($48.96 - On Sale!) - Gap, Lisa Marie Voile Slip ($88.00) - Free People, Printed Tunic ($79.90) - Zara, Pleated Silk Dress ($155.00) - Madewell, Keepsake 'Kiss the Sun' Dress ($220.00) - Edith Hart

What can't you just wait to wear this spring?

Jess

DENIM ON DENIM

Walk by any store window and you'll find a common theme... Denim! With fall coming up and back to school season here, now is the perfect time to stock up on this classic. Whether you're going for a monochromatic look, mixing color and print, or switching it up with different shades, denim on denim is taking things up a notch. And brands are definitely not hiding their love (borderline obsession) with this trend. From Topshop's Forever Denim, Madewell's Denim Bar, and GUESS's Denim Is Our World, the how-to of wearing denim on denim is right at your fingertips. With all of this denim talk around us, we're craving to wear that denim shirt, jeans, and jacket.

Row 1: Chambray Cargo Shirt ($75.00) - Madewell (299 Old Orchard Center, Skokie), Natalie Tencel Shirt ($79.00) - GUESS (605 N. Michigan Ave.), Fitted Boyfriend Chambray Ruffle Shirt ($54.95) - Gap (555 N. Michigan Ave.)

Row 2: Stretch Denim Jacket ($128.00) - J.Crew (929 W. North Ave., 900 N. Michigan Ave.), Denim Blazer ($98.00) - Levi's (600 N. Michigan Ave.), Cut Off Denim Vest ($128.00) - Free People (1464 N. Milwaukee Ave., 835 N. Michigan Ave.)

Row 3: Citizens of Humanity 'Avedon Skinny' in Paisley ($218.00) - Bloomingdale's (900 N. Michigan Ave.), J Brand 'Pencil Leg' Jeans ($185.00) - Nordstrom (520 N. Michigan Ave.), Sofia Skinny Jeans ($99.00) - Lucky Brand (520 N. Michigan Ave., 2048 N. Halsted St.), Brittany Ankle Skinny Floral Jeans ($138.00) - GUESS (605 N. Michigan Ave.)

Row 4: Denim Shirtdress ($128.00) - Anthropologie (108 N. State St., 111 E. Chicago Ave., 3532 N. Southport Ave.), Diamond Dress ($179.50) - Club Monaco (2206 N. Halsted St., 1731 N. Damen Ave.), Collared Denim Dress with Belt ($22.90) - Forever 21 (28 S. State St., 835 N. Michigan Ave.)

And to celebrate all of this denim, get $20 off all regular priced jeans at Lucky Brand and $20 off all regular priced GUESS and Marciano denim with code DENIM20!

Let us know if you find any other good deals!

What's your method of denim on denim?

XO Jess