Christmas Window Shopping + FREE Holiday Gift Guide!

 
 

Happy Black Friday! I hope y’all are finding some fun goods and everything you need, as well as staying safe amongst the crazy crowds!

If you're having some trouble finding the right items while out and about or you’re waiting for Cyber Monday deals, I put together a downloadable- as well as FREE- gift guide for your Christmas shopping. Not only is it great for finding fun styles for your loved ones, but also to treat yourself as well! If you find it helpful, please leave a comment below- it will helpful me put together future holiday gift guides and lookbooks!

My dear friend Katie Rios took all of these photos and it was one of the BEST photoshoots I’ve ever done Check out her content and work on her Instagram at @katiemae_creative!

 
 

Hallmark Movie Moment + FREE Christmas Fashion Bundle!

 
 

My Christmas alter ego is defrosting … and ready to sleigh in style!

If you’re looking for some festively chic styles for the holiday season, I put together a FREE Christmas fashion lookbook bundle that’s downloadable to all! I included some trends and fashion inspo for every festive occasion, from a cozy movie and hot cocoa night to a fancy office party. The links to the dress, shoes, and lipstick I wore for this photoshoot are also included in the bundle!

My dear friend Katie Rios took all of these photos and it was one of the BEST photoshoots I’ve ever done Check out her content and work on her Instagram at @katiemae_creative!

Click here to download FREE Christmas fashion bundle!

 
 

Cottagecore Autumn + FREE Holiday Style Edit Download!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Hey, y’all! I hope everyone has been enjoying autumn as much as me! It’s been so nice to take the season in and appreciate the beauty of it. Even though life’s been pretty busy lately, it’s been sweet to take in every precious detail of this time of year … change truly can be beautiful!

I’ve been really digging the cottagecore aesthetic lately. It was so fun to do this apple picking photoshoot for fall with my dear friend Katie and bring out the vibes! I got this gingham maxi dress from Few Moda, which I will definitely be wearing A TON next spring and summer. It goes perfectly with this cutie satin white bandana headband from Urban Outfitters, along with these beige woven flats from Target to finish off the ensemble … and some juicy, crisp red apples, of course!

Also exciting news … now you can sign-up for emails and receive daily updates and fashion tips! Plus, if you sign-up now, you get a FREE downloadable 2025 Holiday Style Edit curated by me, just in time for the arguably most stylish time of year in my book!

All you have to do is sign-up right below to get daily emails and updates, then you’ll be able to download it and use it as a reference for this holiday season! Happy Shopping! 🛍️🛒🎁

Sign Up for Email List + FREE 2025 Holiday Style Edit!

Photography by Katie Rios (katiemae_creative)

 

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From Leaves to Looks: Fall Fashion Inspo + A BIG Announcement

 
 

Happy fall, y’all! 🍁🎃🍂

Fall is definitely my favorite season when it comes to fashion and styling, so it only makes sense to share some outfit inspo!

 
 

I’ve been getting into Western chic style lately. Even though I’m from Ohio, the west part in the Midwestern is coming out strong through me 😂🤠 I’ve been loving this black denim mini dress with cap sleeves from Anthropologie- it’s perfect for transitioning into the crisp and cool weather as it pairs well with boots and a light jacket or cardigan. It can also be worn by itself with sneakers or flats for a more warm and sunny autumn day. I love pair this dress with my white cowgirl boots, along with some gold jewelry. I don’t have the link to the exact shoes, but I included some very similar ones!

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I also linked below a few other pieces and styles I’ve been loving for the season!

Finally, want to take this opportunity to announce something big … I’m going into freelance personal styling!

This is something I’ve been praying and planning for a few months now, and just about ready to officially launch it! My business will be called Styled by Splendor (inspired by Psalm 104:1-2 ❤️), and I’ll be providing four different styling services that offer curated lookbook for clients to use for shopping and personal reference (all charged with the same fee, $25 per hour each lookbook takes). Everything can be accessed here on the website (I’m changed the name of the web address to Styled by Splendor as well!), including forms that clients can fill out to get styled or scheduling a virtual call if preferred. I also will making a separate new Instagram account that anyone with the app can follow me on. I love putting together capsules and helping people feel beautiful and confident in the image that God created them to be, so I’m very excited to be pursuing this desire!

What does this mean for the blog? Don’t worry, it ain’t going anywhere! I won’t be posting as much as I used to, but I still plan on posting fashion inspo content whenever I create some outfits I wanna share with y’all! I’m so thankful for how much of an impact this blog has made over the past 10 years (how has it been exactly that long now?!), and I hope and pray that it, along with the addition of freelance personal styling, will continue to inspire and uplift all who stumble across it!

Yours Truly,

Caroline, XOXO

Other Autumn Pieces/Styles I’m Loving!

Retro Summer Aesthetic

 
 

I don’t know about you, but something about going to a retro diner (especially an outdoor one) during the summertime hits different … it’s giving 80’s in the Midwest!

I recently did a retro style photoshoot at this Northeast Ohio diner called Danny’s Ice Cream & Burgers with my friend Abby. I definitely recommend as the food and milkshakes are delicious (pro tip: it’s cash-only!) For the theme, I went with these denim shortalls I found at Target. I thought pairing them with this white strapless top would make a very chic and summery look- I think the shortalls would also look super cutesie with a white high neck tank top! Then, I went with my go-to off-white sneakers by Dr. Scholl’s, white ankle socks, and some gold jewelry as always. And of course, for one final vintage touch, I put on my favorite red lipstick at the moment: Kind Words Matte Lipstick by Rare Beauty in the “devoted-true red” shade!

If you want to check out my friend’s photography and even DM her for a portrait session, her Instagram is @abbymaru_ !

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Surf, Sand, & Style

 
 

Happy belated Summer Solstice!

Nothing beats summertime, especially if you’re a Midwest girly like me. It’s an amazing sensation when the days finally last longer, when you step outside into the warm sunshine, and go out to a patio restaurant to chat with friends over wine and apps. As exaggerated as it sounds, I do feel like the best version of myself when summertime rolls around!

When it officially gets above 70 degrees in Cleveland, the beach girl within me comes out. There’s currently a popular fashion trend called Surf, Sand, & Style, and it’s exactly what it says in the title! Summer is the perfect time to break out crochet sets, all things linen, gold sea-themed jewelry, woven bags, and so much more. Lately, I’ve been living in this openwork midi sweater skirt from Target that not only makes a good swimsuit coverup (especially if you plan on taking advantage of the surf and sand part of the trend!) but a great staple piece for going out for dinner. I love to pair it with this black strapless top I got from Marshall’s as a set in three different colors (white and grey being the other two). I also have the red openwork sweater tank from Target that I like to pair with the skirt- I feel like I’m cosplaying Moana every time I wear those two pieces together! 🤣

I also caved at Target and bought this “Amore” top handle crochet tote handbag … because I’m Italian of course! It also makes a great statement with the black top and crochet detail of the skirt … all that’s left to finish off the beach/resort ensemble is black backless slide sandals and spunky gold jewelry!

What are your thoughts on the Surf, Sand, & Style trend for summer? Comment below and share! 🏄‍♀️🏝️ 🌊

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Spring to Summer Transitional Dress

 

Hey, y’all! It’s hard to believe it’s almost summer!

This post is a little overdue, but it makes a good transition from spring to summer! Back in April, I did a spring golden hour photoshoot with my dear friend Abby and wanted to share the results! I wore this red and white floral maxi dress from Steve Madden Apparel that’s been a go-to staple since last summer, and it will no doubt be that once again for this year. It pairs well with a light neutral-colored cardigan or denim jacket, along with a pair of sandals or wedges!

 
 

If you want to check out my friend’s photography and even DM her for a portrait session, her Instagram is @abbymaru_ !

 
 
 

Dress/Jumpsuits For Wedding Guests This Spring & Summer

 
 

Hello, darlings! Though it’s not summer quite yet, I’m coming in HOT with some fun dress and jumpsuit options for anyone who needs something for wedding season!

I went to my cousin’s wedding in Cincinanti last weekend and wore this powder blue 3D floral dress from Lulu’s that I absolutely adore, and I got so many compliments on it! It’s unfortunately out of stock in most sizes but may come back since it’s very popular, so you can include your email on the site to get notified if it does - it also comes in navy if you’d prefer a more deep tone!

 
 

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