Love Is In The Air

Since the season of love is right around the corner I thought I would take the opportunity to share the love with you! In honor of Valentine's Day I have joined with Courtney Mattern of Pleasant Avenue for a giveaway as well as promo code!

First, let's meet Courtney. 

She is a full-time copy editor who moonlights as an artist and calligrapher. 
She hails from the great state of Nebraska.
She also believes in hand-written notes, like I do. 
She just happens to be the cutest and sweetest pregnant lady around. 
I'm hope she has a Valentine's Day baby because I bet he'd be extra sweet! 

Together, we have decided to bring you some of my favorites from her Valentine's Day collection. She also has a wide variety of other cards and prints.  

Now, tell me these just aren't the most beautiful cards. Each card is individually created with so much love! I will be giving away these three adorable cards to three lucky winners. 

All you have to do to make your January a little better is comment below! 

[It's super easy. For comment as - hit Name/URL.]

Tell me what you love about the blog, what you don't love, what you want to see more of, or anything really; just comment!

I love feedback from you!

Winners will be chosen at random and I'll announce the winners in one week; just in time for Valentine's Day!

You can enter as many times as you like. All you have to do is follow me on Instagram and post a picture of the blog! Don't forget to use the hashtag #annachristinablog! For every picture you post AND hashtag you get an extra entry, so go ahead and stack your chances!

Courtney is seriously so talented and I had an amazing time styling her beautiful handwritten cards. I think handmade cards are the perfect touch to make holidays and gifts extra special. So I suggest you spend some time pursuing her Etsy shop, Pleasant Avenue because until February 6th you can use CUPID15 at checkout for 15% off your purchase! 

PHOTO CREDIT | Jeff Collins

On Wednesdays We Wear Pink

As much as Mean Girls taught us about high school, "fetch," and as the title suggests, females with cruel streaks it also had plenty of fashion advice to offer. As a true devotee of the film knows, on Wednesdays, we wear pink. Has there ever been a more authoritative style mantra. Mean Girls's had many of the best fashion moments - because who doesn't want to wear a Juicy Couture tracksuit and pretend it's 2004? 

Wearing pink on Wednesday does not mean borrowing Damian's extra-large Lacoste polo. Take note from me and keep your hump day classy. 

Much of my closet is devoted to timeless pieces that just happen to be pink. Spring may be around the corner, but it feels like it has already arrived. Here in Nebraska we've been blessed with highs in the fifties these past few weeks. Therefore, I felt it was the perfect time to show you have to take your favorite pink pieces and transition them into Spring and Summer. 

I love statement pieces, like this cuff. 

Not only is it pink, but it can take your outfit from drab to fab. 

I truly believe everyone needs a Kendra Scott Rayne necklace in their life.

Who doesn't love a simple tassel necklace?

This one is perfect because it truly is classic. 

Let's stop trying to make "fetch" happen. It's not going to happen. Mean Girls on the other hand, totally happened, and we loved every second of it. So, let's all start embracing pink once a week on Wednesdays! 

CLOTHING DETAILS 

 Vero Modo Simpel Tank Top  (LOVE THESE!)

J.Crew Factory Demin Roll-Up Shorts
Banana Republic Striped Foral Blazer [Similar]

Kendra Scott Rayne Necklace 
Tory Burch Patent Leather Reva Flat [Similar]

Vintage Clutch [Similar]
Ray Ban Wayfarer Folding Classic

PHOTO CREDIT | Chelsea Stromer

Monday's Muses

I thought it would be fun to put together some of the pretty things that have been catching my eye this season from some of my favorite designers spring collections. I threw in a few things that I've recently added to my wardrobe as well. Can you guess which ones those might be? 
(Click to shop!)

J.Crew/ J.Crew Factory 
J.Crew has come a long way, evolving from its '80s catalog roots to a fashionable powerhouse of neo-American style. The brand has broken away from its shopping mall associations and become a go-to destination for fashion editors, bloggers, and just about everyone else. 

    

Kendra Scott
Kendra Scott was once referred to as "Texas' best kept secret," this jewelry designer has taken the fashion world by storm. Kendra Scott has become a household fashion name to women around the world. And while many celebrities adore her designs, she still strives to keep her luxurious and quality products attainably priced. 

    

Gap

Gap is centered around the attitude of american optimism. Casual style is their aesthetic as well as clean, confident, comfortable, classic and modern. Their collections are a modern interpretation of our denim roots and signature pieces that are a staple for every wardrobe. 

    

Boden 

Boden is a British clothing retailer selling womenswear, menswear and childrenswear online and by mail order. They are known for their bright, patterned clothes as well as their casual basics.They sell  in several countries, with websites for the UK, US, Germany, and Australia.

      

The Flared Skirt

If you're like me, you can’t resist a good voyeuristic peek into the closet (or makeup bag, or home, or … well, you get the idea) of the most stylish and fashion-forward. Lucky for you, I am only too happy to indulge you.  For this sneak peek, I'm going to let you see one of my ultimate can't-live-without-'em picks in my spring arsenal, the flare skirt!

I know what you're thinking, "Where in the world would you wear a flared skirt?" 
Well, let me list the places:

1. Holiday Parties

2. Work

2. Birthday Dinners

3. Your Birthday Dinner

4. Date Night

5. Bachelorette Party

6. New Years

7. When you can't tell if you can get away with a dress or pants and heels

8. Add tights and a sweater and you can even go to a  shower

Every time I see a girl rocking a fun flared skirt she looks hip and inviting and it  just really makes me want to be her friend. She kind of personifies the "Kate Spade" mantra, so when I saw this  flare in ever-classic black a few months back at J.Crew Factory I grabbed it in 3 more colors colors [navy, bright poppy, and pale citrus]

Tights and booties are perfect to pair with this skirt and surprisingly I can get away with it at a lot more places than I assumed. This jeweled shirt is a an outfit saver, because it is a classic yet sparkly take on a white button up. I paired it with a pair of metallic oxfords and threw on my leopard print Rebecca Minkoff purse to add a bit of flare! 

CLOTHING DETAILS 

 J.Crew Factory Classic Button-Down Shirt in Jeweled Oxford [Similar]

J.Crew Factory Flared Skirt

J.Crew Crystal Shimmer Earrings [Similar]
Alex and Ani Bracelets

Marc by Marc Jacobs Baker Watch 

J.Crew Factory Metallic Oxfords
Rebecca Minkoff Leopard Print 'Mini Mac' Bag

PHOTO CREDIT | Jeff Collins

Work It Girl

Etsy is my best friend. I love that the heart and soul of Etsy is our global community. It represents creative entrepreneurs such as working women or mothers who want to share their talent. I recently discovered Sam Taylor Jewelry. The quality is amazing and a majority of the pieces are one-of-a-kind! 

When it comes to jewelry, I'll spend money on a watch or a statement necklace even stackable bracelets.  Maybe that's because I in fact wear 15 bracelets on one wrist at a time. 

I guess I take dress up literally and sometimes I can't decide.
That's why I don't believe in wearing one bracelet and instead wear stacks upon stacks.  

I may be super girly, but I also love classic simple pieces.
I adore stackable bracelets, dangle earrings and statement necklaces, which is why I love Sam's incredibly unique pieces!

The best part? Her jewelry isn't heavy, AT ALL.

I love a lot of designer jewelry, especially Kendra Scott. But, I freak out wearing super large pieces because after an hour I think I'm dying from the weight of the jewelry.  

 Sam is one of the kindest girls on Etsy as well, I had an amazing time styling some of her pieces. So you should spend your work day perusing her Etsy shop, Sam Taylor Jewelry because until January 25th use ANNACHRISTINA at checkout for 15% off your purchase!

   

PHOTO CREDIT | Jeff Collins

Meet Sam Taylor of Sam Taylor Jewelry

Sam is a Omaha self-taught jewelry designer with over seven years of experience. She specializes in one of a kind pieces using beadwork. She is incredibly creative and prides herself on thinking outside the box. Her inspiration is largely drawn from the intricate beaded jewelry created by the Zulu women in South Africa and the design and aesthetic of ancient Egyptian jewelry. She has some fabulous new pieces she is working on! Stay tuned! Oh and she is a sweetheart, too! If only, I had her talent. I had a fun interview with her to give you the scoop on her beautiful handmade jewelry collection as well as an exciting collaboration, which will featured Wednesday!

Name: Sam Taylor 

Title: Jewelry Designer 

Location: Omaha, Nebraska 

Facebook: Sam Taylor Jewelry

I think I speak for most girls when I say I love jewelry! 

What made you want to get started in the industry?

Honestly, I have always loved working with my hands and creating things so I started experimenting from a young age. When I was sixteen, I noticed that International Bead Market in Rockbrook Village was hiring, so I started working there and still work there today. The rest is history! 

Did you have any formal training in jewelry design and creation?
How did you come to realize your talent?
A lot of my technique is self taught or something I've learned from one of my co-workers at the bead store. I did take a few jewlery making classes at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, where I learned about metal working and lost waxing, although I don't have the set up to make that kind of jewelry right now. I am finishing up a BFA in Studio Art with a concentration in Sculpture at University of Nebraska at Omaha. I feel I've definitely developed more of an eye for color and composition through my classes.

If you could choose a fashion designer to collaborate with, who would it be?
I think my designs would look perfect paired with Free People. 

If you could see any woman wearing your beautiful designs, who would it be?
Honestly, I design almost everything for myself. I definitely have a young woman with a relaxed yet fun and eclectic style in mind when I am thinking up new designs. However, I want women of all ages to able to wear my pieces so I create variety in my designs that is fairly versatile. If I had to pick a celebrity, I would say someone like Elizabeth Olsen or Emma Watson.

Can we purchase online?
You can! My Etsy Shop is SamTaylorJewelry. You can also find it through my website at www.samtaylorjewelry.com. 

Do you have a favorite piece? If so, why is it?
I'd hard to pick, it's usually just the most recent piece that I've finished, which is why I end up keeping way too much of my jewelry for myself! It's really a problem. Right now, I'm loving this long knotted necklace with faceted black stones and a pumpkin colored tassel that I made. 

Are all of your pieces one-of-a-kind?
Some of my pieces are, it depend on the materials I use. A lot of my beads I've bought while I'm traveling, so they are automatically one-of-a-kind. If I sell something an I have all of the materials to make another one then I might re-list it, but more often than not I get tired of doing the same thing and am eager to move on to something new! 

PHOTO CREDIT | Jeff Collins

The Little Black Dress

At the ripe old age of 22, I already know a few things about myself that will never change: I'll always rather get my nails done then do them myself, I sleep in my jewelry and I believe everyone should own a little black dress or LBD as it is affectionately referred to.

The LBD, that holiday party staple, is a bit of an enigma. It is both one of the blandest elements of a woman's wardrobe - as the default option when stuck for what to wear for an occasion - and a stubbornly timeless, persistently revisited icon. 

The concept of the black cocktail dress never changes, much unlike the trend-crazed industry. It remains the height of chicness. 

It knows no social, style or size boundaries. Whether it costs $1,000 or $50, is a size 2 or a size 16, it is still a little black dress. And everyone should own at least one perfect little black dress. 

The LBD is the perfect go-to for events or parties, but hangs forgotten in our closets the rest of the time. Your little black dress can be as versatile as as your skinny jeans. Pair your LBD with a jean vest and a pair of pumps for a ladies night out or throw a hat with it for a stylish and sassy daytime look.

CLOTHING DETAILS 

Urban Outfitters Black Silence Noise Hart Cutout Dress [Similar]

Hudson Vintage Studded Vest [Similar & Affordable and Similar]

Free People Extended Brim Clipperton Hat
J.Crew Crystal Shimmer Earrings [Similar]

Henri Bendel Deluxe Hand Me Down Stack Ring

Sam Edelman Platform Suede Pumps [Similar]

PHOTO CREDIT | Chelsea Stromer

Hidden Gems of Omaha: Hot Shops Art Center

Over 80 artists invite you to explore this 92,000 square foot repurposed space that was once a Serta mattress factory in North Omaha. More commonly referred to as the NoDo area of town. Four "hot shops" featuring glass blowing, pottery, bronze casting and blacksmithing, as well as over 50 individual studios.

 With four galleries and three floors of wall space, you'll find a great variety of art during your visit. Artwork includes watercolors, oils, acrylics, photography, pastels, jewelry, printmaking, stained glass, metal and wood sculpture, ceramics, mixed media and more. 

A wide range of workshops and art classes are offered at the Hot Shops on a continuing basis, ranging from glassblowing and blacksmithing, to drawing and painting. Classes are offered for groups to individuals, these classes are a great way to express your creative side.   

Come visit the studios, view the artwork, and see how it is created!

CLOTHING DETAILS 
3.1 Phillip Lim for Target, [Similar]
Hudson Harkin Crop Jean,  [Similar and Similar & Affordable]
Burberry Brit Checked Parka,[Similar]
Vintage Clutch, [Similar]
BCBGMAXAZRIA Ring, [Similar and Similar]
Kristin Cavallari - Chinese Laundry Raylin Bootie

Hot Shops Art Center

1301 Nicholas Street

Omaha, NE - 68102

Hours of Operation
 Monday thru Friday: 9:00AM - 6:00PM
Saturday and Saturday: 11:00AM - 5:00PM

PHOTO CREDIT | Jeff Collins