St. Louis: Mardi Gras & a Leather Jacket

Secret passages!

G playing on a wooden piano at the City Museum

Downtown St. Louis

Arch

Fashion Fundamental:  Leather Jacket

It's Mardi Gras! I'm celebrating in St. Louis with G and some friends!  We ate BBQ, visited the Gateway Arch, and explored the crazy City Museum. This is really just a playground with a series of art installations. Everything from a 10 foot slide to secret tunnels to a giant pencil make this an intriguing funhouse.

I put on some comfortable clothes because I knew I would be crawling around. However, I added a bit of flare and function with a piece I don't pull often enough -- my leather jacket. I found this one in a French boutique 5 years ago. I was obsessed with the hood, and convinced myself I needed to buy it. I'm really glad I did... beads for everyone!

How are you celebrating Mardi Gras?

Shirt: Hollister | similar
Jacket: French boutique | similar
Jeans:  Bullhead skinny, PacSun | shop
Purse: Crossbody, Kate Spade | shop
Shoes: Chuck Taylor All-Star Slip-On | shop
Earrings:  from Mom | similar

Cali Part III: French Inspired in Lake Tahoe

G aka Pepe "the model"

Our last stop in California is the gorgeous Lake Tahoe! With simply breathtaking views, this Lake was an awesome place to visit. However, there were a ton of references to the Donner party everywhere we went. That was pretty creepy...

Good thing I had a cheerful outfit to help me forget the creepiness and focus on the beauty of the lake. I picked up this sheer, French inspired blouse from Forever 21. The collar is a bit oversized for my taste, but I really like the overall look. Even G got into the Pairisan vibe sporting my yellow scarf - oui, un beau garçon.

Are you wearing any sheer items in your outfits? Tell us how you're styling it!

Shirt:  Collared Sheer Blouse, Forever 21 | shop similar

Tank:  Seamless Nude, Limited | shop

Pants:  1969 Gap ponte | similar

Shoes:  Cece Suede Ballet Flats, JCrew | shop

Earrings:  Very Audrey JewelMint | shop

Purse:  Kate Spade | similar

Sunnies: 01OS, Prada | shop

Cali Part II: Napa Valley - Wine Not?

Napa Valley is the next stop on the California tour. G & I drove along one long, winding road. We saw green hills and row after row of beautiful, wine country. Literally, there are hundreds of vineyards and great samplings of food and wine.

We visited Castello di Amorosa for a tour of a Tuscan style castle and tasted some wine. This is a destination that I'd definitely like to revisit.

Coat: Military Green, Gap | similar

Scarf:  Target | similar

Cardigan:  Jackie, JCrew | similar

Shirt:  Embroidered tank, Talbots | similar

Pants: 678 Colorful Skinny Jean, The Limited | shop

Shoes: Moccasin Kilty Suede, Minnetonka | shop

Bag: Classic Q Hillier in Faded Aluminum, Marc by Marc Jacobs |shop

Sunnies: 01OS, Prada | shop

Cali Part I - Foothills

G

I took a quick trip with G to Cali and we got to see some of the coolest parts of California. Living in the midwest -- we don't see much land variation. So, I was pretty impressed seeing such drastic changes in the state. Check out the Sierra Nevada Foothills! 

Shirt:  Ruffle Shirt JCrew | shop similar
Cardigan:  Gap | shop similar
Jeans: Sweetheart Jeans, Old Navy | shop
Shoes:  Cece Suede Ballet Flats, JCrew | shop
Sunnies: 01OS, Prada | shop

G's Look
Shirt:  JCrew | shop similar
Jeans:  514 Slim, Levi's | shop
Shoes:  Runell Chukka, Johnston & Murphy | shop
Sunnies:  Prego | shop