Ross Park Mall

I picked it up off of the rack and thought, "The last time I had one of these I think I was about 7. Maybe that's a sign..." But instead, I pulled it from the rack and took it into the dressing room to give it a shot. The one thing I know about shopping - it takes a lot of trying on of clothing to figure out what works. 

I'm here now to say: I'm a believer. In the adult jean vest. Why?

The style that I chose fits tighter to the body, so I can button the bottom and it becomes an instant waist-cincher. You know how you may hear that blazers can help to create a waist? A jean vest can do the same thing! Wear one in the summer time for the same figure-flattering effect.

Think wearing the same black pants and colored tee is getting to be boring? Adding a vest on top of your standards can add just the right amount of layering and visual interest. Add a cool bracelet and you've taken your outfit up a notch. Even try pairing them with pastel pants - a great way to sport the new spring/summer trends!

Summer is great for dresses, but what if you think your daytime selection may be just a bit too dressy? Add a jean vest and you've taken it down a notch! Wear those dresses no matter what!

Here are some jean vest options for you - that can all be found at Ross Park!

Nordstrom: love the darker shades

Forever 21:  Flatter your figure and your wallet with this selection from Forever 21.

Macy's: Thinking you'd like to wear your vest with blue jeans? Try a vest in a different color!

Are you going to give it a try? Let me know what you think!

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 12th - and that's quickly approaching! If you're anything like me, you're thinking that maybe this year mom would really like another scarf to add to her collection. The collection of 29 scarves she has...one for each year since you've been around.

But fear not! There are so many options out there this year, and I've created some easy go-to categories that will help you to find the perfect gift for Mom based on what she's really into (or needs to get into *ahem - technology category...*)

Pamper mom with some of the AWESOME products at LUSH - Ross Park's newest store. Safe to say, I'm pretty obsessed with LUSH, and for good reasons! Their products smell amazing, and make you feel like a goddess. I received some of the Volcano Foot Mask as a sample recently, and it's perfect for a mom who is on her feet often. If you're not yet familiar with LUSH products, try one of their gift packs like this "A Mother's Day in Paradise" gift set. Mom will love you, and you'll love that mom smells nice.

Are you tired of mom wearing the same cheerleading sweatshirt she got as a parent gift during your years on the JV squad? Update mom's wardrobe in a friendly way by gifting her with some of the latest styles at your classy store of choice. Since it's the spring, a nice Calvin Klein Double Breasted Trench Coat from Nordstrom would be a perfect staple piece and shield from the rain. Looking for something she can wear as it warms up? This eyelet shirt from J Crew will keep her stylish at your family BBQs throughout the summer.

Mom always feeds you when you drop in at the house, so why not take mom out to eat as a special treat? The Cheesecake Factory at Ross Park Mall is bound to have something delicious (or you could always just skip straight to the dessert). Looking to win at the family's competitive Trivial Pursuit game this year? Buy mom a lovely bottle from Deer Creek Winery and watch your team magically gather your pie pieces while mom's team tries to remember the president's name.

Men know it - and you should too: you can't go wrong with jewelry. This Cozumel Bouquet Necklace from Francesca's is a wonderful addition to any wardrobe. Mom will be amazed by how often she can wear it (think... wear with black, white, reds, tans, etc etc)! Is your mom working on creating the perfect Pandora bracelet? Gift her a new bead and she'll remember this Mother's Day until she gets her next bead forever.

Does mom still leave you the never-ending voicemail? Looking to help ease her into this century? Gift her an iPhone and watch the confusion start! (kidding!). Spend some time with mom on May 12th teaching her how to send texts and look up directions. Help to keep the family connected. If your mom is already tech-savvy, an adorable iPad Folio Kate Spade will keep her style chic.

Mom deserves the best. Do something sweet for her this May 12th. Happy shopping!

It's about summer time, and I work from home. That means I could potentially hang out in my PJ's all day long and really - no one would know. Maybe you're a busy mom or a college girl on-the-go. Maybe you view weekends as a time to finally get out of those work clothes and relax. If you find that looking fashionable is difficult, consider how you could possibly stylize a fashion staple .... the T-Shirt. 

Really, Leeann? How to stylize a T-shirt?! Absolutely! Hey - there are lots of days when I really don't want to put in much effort, but I do like to make sure that I look at least reasonable when picking up some fruits and veggies from the market. So what do I go to? A simple T-shirt! There are lots of ways to stylize this basic that you'll constantly look as though you have numerous outfits with just a simple accessory or shoe change. 

On my recent trip to Nordstrom, I picked up this simple, gray tunic tee in the SAVVY department. I actually apologized to the nice sales associate for going with such a boring basic, but let's be honest - doesn't everyone need a basic gray tee in their wardrobe? On top of that, this tee is long enough to cover my bottom on those I feel gross today days, and it's incredibly soft. Those two factors alone ensure that it'll be worn quite often.

How will I style it? Here are some ideas:

Spruce Up The Neckline:

Today I'm wearing this tee with a bauble necklace from Francesca's. You may be hesitant to buy something as large and colorful, but I can practically guarantee that you will wear a big, bold necklace as often as a simple gold chain.

Add Colored Denim:

Do you have pastel denim? Black pants? Blue jeans? Mix up whatever you're wearing on the bottom and you'll have an instant outfit change. I'm digging these cropped mint jeans currently at Express!

Tuck It In:

This tunic tee can be worn long, but I'll also be tucking it in (in the front even) to a pair of colorful summer shorts! J Crew has an amazing selection.

The Emergency Scarf:

A simple tee can be worn on not only those warm summer days, but also into the fall using any "emergency scarf" in your stash. I buy scarves like a pro, because I wear them with tee shirts all. the. time.  How about a simple, inexpensive one from JCPenny?

What other ways do you dress up your simple tees?

Today I drove up to Ross Park Mall excited to check out the newest department at Nordstrom: SAVVY. This department is extra exciting, because not only are the featured pieces really cute and functional, but they're also at a great price point for Nordstrom shoppers. Looking for something on-trend, but a little tight on budget right now? Check out the SAVVY department, where most everything is under $100.

But it's not just all about price point, SAVVY comes through in even more ways! I loved when the girls (super adorable and extra-nice!) explained to me how the department is laid out. The SAVVY department, catering to 20's-30's female shoppers, always as 3 sections. There's a "Girly Girl" area, an "Edgy" area (most my style), and then something different for every season. If you're really all about pastels, lace, and everything girly - you'll know that there will always be something for you in the SAVVY department. If you like motorcycle jackets and graphic tees - you'll always be catered to as well! Can't beat that!

The department launched in February, and is already bringing in a loyal group of women who buy out their weekly maxi dress (YEP!) In addition, their denim has a great fit and washes, and their vegan leather is proving to be really popular as well. 

Brands at SAVVY include: MINKPINK, WAYF, Tildon, Leith, Go Make Noise, and ASTR. In fact, I picked up an incredibly soft gray split Leith tee while there, and I'm excited to show it to you in a coming blog post (including styling tips).

I woke this morning trying to mentally plan my day's schedule around a 75 minute hot yoga class. I stumbled downstairs, started my morning coffee, and looked out the back window of my home.  Sunshine.

Stepping outside to get the morning mail, I was greeted by incredibly warm temperatures, green grass, and blossoming trees. That's when I completely scrapped the idea of going to a 100+ degree yoga room, and instead decided to take my workout outdoors. 

For too long, this winter hung over our heads and forced us into gyms and exercise rooms, but now that the sun is out in Pittsburgh and the temperature is right - it's time to get outside!

Whether your workout consists of a long run (prepping for the marathon?), a bike ride on your favorite trail (my personal favorite), or simple yard work (which I always try to avoid) - finding the right outdoor workout gear is essential. Looking great and feeling energized will truly get you ready for the summer months!

**You can pick up all of the items listed below at Ross Park Mall!**

I live in Lululemon. Pretty sure that anyone who has a pair of their Wunder Under pants must also live in theirs. Not only are they slimming and comfortable, but (guilty!) they can also double as a pair of leggings if you're really in a pinch! Give them a shot and you won't regret the investment in "...but they're just workout pants!" Trust me on that.

Victoria's Secret has their own line of VSX Sport wear - and not only is it versatile, but the colors are great! I'm loving the fun, bright colors they have for all of their tops, and I have a hunch they might know what they're talking about when it comes to finding the right sports bra for any shape and size!

Foot Locker will keep your feet happy, with some fun running, biking, and tennis shoes. I personally, for some reason, love black sneakers instead of white ones. There are so many options out there now, that someone at Foot Locker can surely help you to narrow it down by needs, how you move, and the all-important - which shade of neon you'd like.

PS: Don't forget that Mother's Day is right around the corner! Get mom something she'll love using this Simple Guide to Mother's Day Gifts!

I sit here this evening with my face covered in Love Lettuce by LUSH: Fresh Handmade Cosmetics. It's pretty amazing, and smells yummy as well! 

I visited the new LUSH in Ross Park Mall today, and I have to say - I'm in love. I have been for a while, and I'm glad to see a LUSH store at my favorite mall. Their products are amazing, and I love their fresh, natural, and creative ingredients. Haven't been to LUSH before? Here's an introduction to some of my favorite things they have to offer!

All of their products have unique names, and their store is very welcoming - this includes the staff! The two girls that were working today were incredibly sweet and helpful. LUSH also has a recycling program for their black pots of products, so I make sure to save mine up so that I can get a fresh face mask by turning in 5 of them.

Their "Bath Bomb" products are some of my favorite to purchse, and I usually get different scents each time. This visit, I got the "Enchanter" and "Fizzy O'Therapy". One of the bombs usually lasts me for two baths, and I just break them up under running hot water and soooooakkkkkk. It's wonderful.

In addition to bath products, LUSH also has a lot of different ideas for face wash and care. Each of these above are different types of face wash, which break down with a bit of water to help relieve excess oil, moisturize, or reduce redness. Whatever you need, the friendly staff can recommend a product for it!

One of THE BEST parts of having a local LUSH store? Fresh Face Masks!! You can't get these from their online store, and they are an ah-mazing treat for your skin! The one I have on tonight is the Love Lettuce, but really - they're all wonderful. A must try.

Last, but certainly not least - the staff. They're wonderful. Really knowledgeable, and helpful answering any questions to you may have. You can even test the products, and they'll walk you through how some of them "work". (Like this "jelly soap") A total benefit to your visit and true treat all-around.