With the change of weather for a bit warmer temps, I find myself wanting to bring some spring and cheer in with my outfits, but not go full-on summer florals just yet.  How I do that, is by carefully mixing in layers, because goodness knows the weather fluctuates like crazy until it’s scorching hot in the summer!  

My favorite spring layering pieces include: cropped jeans with a raw hem (on CRAZY sale right now…50% off!) that hint at warmer weather ahead.  This striped mens-wear inspired shirt (sold out, but 1 left here and a similar one here).  I’ve always been a huge fan of blue & white anything, and that of course extends through my closet with my #1 wardrobe staple.  And while blue and white stripes can often scream summer, they’re balanced out here by an army green cargo jacket (mine is old, but here’s another one I want from J.Crew).  I really just love transitioning into spring with a button down, because if it gets a little too warm, I simply unbutton another button and roll up my sleeves…making it feel very easy and carefree.  

To accessorize, I grabbed a blue and white floral purse that brings just the right amount of femininity to, what would otherwise be, considered a tomboy outfit, with hints at spring.  And these Chanel flats (similar pre-owned here, and more flats linked below…I especially love these by Vince).  The flats are a splurge, but they’re the most comfortable shoes I own.  Nothing is worse than buying a new pair of flats, only to have them tear up your feet and give you blisters for days.  Because of this, I fully advocate investing in quality shoes like these that you’ll have for years.  And I personally splurge on accessories more than clothes; you’re always the same size in accessories!  

Tell me friends, what pieces are you most looking forward to pulling out this spring?  Truly, MKR

If you were following along on Instagram and Snapchat (username WAITINGONMARTHA) the other week, you stole down the streets of New Orleans with us as we set out to paint the town red (by noshing on all of the food, of course).  Not only did we have some pretty amazing bites (more on that soon), we peeked charming details almost everywhere we turned.  It was incredibly important to me to be stylish and comfortable during the day, but have the ability to make an easy quick change to something on the dressier side at night.  Enter my ultra comfortable, ultra flattering faux leather leggings I paired with an easy dress/coverup and my platform laceless sneakers (which yes, are seriously amazing). 

We popped in and out of distilleries, cheese shops, and straight into happy hours and dinners, so a versatile outfit like this was an absolute must.  The dress is actually an off the shoulder dress I wear all of the time on it’s own.  But for running around during the day I pulled it up, which allows for an exaggerated collar, and paired it with these leggings and a leather jacket making it super comfortable and super easy.

As far as the actual faux leather leggings go, I searched high and low for months, trying on high-dollar to low-dollar, real to fake, before finally settling on this pair by Lysse.  I’ve also had my eye on this pair because they look like pants not leggings, and then this pair for being super movable and having GREAT reviews. For me, the key is really having a pair that I can move in; one that doesn’t feel suffocating or limiting (while still sucking me in in all the right places!). 

Have you found your end-all-be-all pair of faux leather leggings?!  Below are a few of my picks, but I’d love to hear if you have a tried and true pair! Truly, MKR

You know those dresses that just make you want to twirl??  They’re always the ones comfortable enough so you can actually eat a full meal in them(!), effortlessly hiding any signs of it.   Which, of course, was perfect to have on our recent stay in New Orleans with Atlanta Food & Wine Festival and Louisiana Travel!  

The second I found this easy black off the shoulder dress, I knew it would be a super versatile item in my wardrobe. I could dress it up in a pinch with my go-to “forever heels” and some statement jewelry (earrings are from our shoppe…I’m obsessed!).  And I’ve said it before and I’ll always say it again: these strappy black heels are one of my favorite investments; they literally go with everything, they hold up really well and they’re absolutely timeless.  It’s SO worth the splurge for a high-quality pair like these sandals. 

But when I say versatile, I mean it.  I could easily dress this dress down with a leather moto and my Golden Goose sneakers, too.  It’s not too fussy (nor expensive…it was under $90!). Sadly, this exact dress is not available anymore, but it’s very similar to a few great options I linked below.  Tell me friends, which dresses make you want to twirl and skip through the streets?!  Truly, MKR