Knot tee 3 ways

First off, thank you all so much for taking the time to read last week's post and for checking in on me and leaving such thoughtful comments. I didn't really want to attach the linkup to such a sentimental post, and Jenna was a bit under the weather last weekend as well, so I apologize for no notice on the linkup front, but I know you all get it. It's just a blog, it's not critical stuff we are talking here. But still. 

On top of the emotional roller coaster, I lost my voice this week, and can't decide if it is stress related or if I actually got sick again - I caught something right after the new year. Antibiotics and prescription cough meds seem to be clearing that up, so hopefully I can get back to a normal routine again. Except this month will be crazy for work travel! Blah! Anyhoo. It's been a rough last couple of weeks, but it's time for me to get back in the saddle for my own sanity. 

Outfit details--- Sunnies: Quay "High Key" | Jacket: BlankNYC (limited sizes, but on sale!) | Top: CS Gems (c/o) (use code CARYLEE15 for 15% off) | Necklace: Kendra Scott "Rayne" (similar) | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff "Moto satchel" (budget option) | Bottoms: Express "Mid-rise plaid skinny pant" | Shoes: Kate Spade "Licorice" (option, option) ---

I had no idea what outfit I was going to share with you guys this week. I feel like I haven't shopped in forever, and that affects the content sometimes that I can provide you guys. Especially since we're turning seasons here and I want to provide relevant things for you! Luckily, last week, I had the pleasure of doing a beauty products video with CS Gems. (You can find it on their Facebook page here.) While I was there, they gifted me this rose-colored knot top, so I thought I would style it for you today!

It was in the 50's this weekend, so not terribly cold at all, but certainly not warm enough to go without a jacket. I realized I hadn't officially worn this moto jacket yet, and it finished off the outfit perfectly. I was pleased. It's on sale right now for $112, regular $188, and even though burgundy feels inherently fall/winter to me, I think you still have time to work it for spring! And for the price, it's worth it to hold on to for next season anyway! I'm wearing a small in the jacket.

I wanted to take a photo without the jacket, too, so you could see the fit better of this tee. I'm wearing a small. A lot of times, tops like these are so long and voluminous that the silhouette always looks most balanced with leggings or super skinny jeans. I was pleased to see that the top worked well with a dress pant. Let's be real. This top is just a tee shirt. And tee shirts easily pair with jeans. And if something pairs with regular-blue-colored denim, then chances are it will pair with all your typical denim colors: black, white, and grey. So that's why I wanted go the route of the printed dress pant instead. Dressing up a basic tee like this with the pointiest of heels makes me happy. The plaid print may throw people off in terms of styling, but since they look grey from a distance, they're really just as versatile as solid grey bottoms.

Phone case: Loopy

I wore this outfit for brunch. We went to one of my favorite brunch places in St. Louis, Rooster. There's always a wait there, but thankfully they are on the Nowait app, so we didn't have to wait terribly long. Plus there is self-serve coffee while you're waiting, so that's a good distraction, not to mention the coffee itself is just friggin' tasty!

Rooster mo.made German Style Sausage #1 savory crepe

I got the German Style Sausage savory crepe #1 and had them add an egg to it. I know you can't see the ingredients, so you'll just have to trust me on this. It was delish. I was expecting ground sausage, but it was thinly sliced like Canadian bacon usually comes. At first I was disappointed, but that frown quickly turned upside down as soon as I tasted it. Amazing. I want more! Like right now! What you're seeing in the background is the husband's Finish Pancake. Also amazing. And for the record, that's apple juice, not beer. Beer doesn't mix well with breakfast for me! Ha!

Vest: Two by Vince Camuto (option) | Top: CS Gems (c/o) (use code CARYLEE15 for 15% off) | Bottoms: American Eagle | Espadrilles: Marc Fisher "Adalyn" (limited sizes but 65% off here, under $60 option here)

And now to the other ways I've styled this top. I had been wanting to wear my new espadrilles. I got them on crazy sale at the end of last season. I wouldn't normally wear black shoes with a bright colored top like this as I feel like the black is too harsh and draws your eyes too much away from the pretty color! However, wearing the black skinnies helps visually ground the outfit. The denim vest is a light layer for added interest and color blocking, and made it feel more spring to me than a full denim jacket did. A chambray tied around my waist was another option in my head.

Top: CS Gems (c/o) (use code CARYLEE15 for 15% off) | Necklace: Kendra Scott "Rayne" (similar) | Bottoms: American Eagle (option) | Shoes: Adidas "Superstar"

Blush and camo is one of my favorite combos! You've seen me do it before here and here. The husband and I ran to the mall and the grocery store after brunch, so I definitely wanted to switch into sneakers. Except that sneakers don't look super awesome with plaid dress pants, so I reached for another printed pant instead! My trusty camo skinnies.

And that is all I have for you today. Turned into a much longer post than I had planned, but I feel like I haven't talked to you guys in forever! Hope you're all doing well. Thanks again for sticking with me. Have a great week!

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