First Lady of stylish outerwear

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Regardless of your political views, there is one thing we can all agree on:  The First Lady has incredible style. I cannot imagine the schedule and the stress behind being the FLOTUS and living in the White House, but Michelle does it with grace and a clearly positive attitude.

I'd like to point out that aside from mixing designers and mass market retailers like nobody's business, this lady is a graduate of Princeton and Harvard Law, is an attorney by profession, and focuses her time as First Lady on nutrition, poverty awareness, and getting rid of childhood obesity.

Smarts and style = lady's got it all!

blue coat from J.Crew (on sale!) // fuschia coat from J.Crew (on sale!) // bridal belt 1 from Etsy // bridal belt 2 from Etsy

women who inspire me: Rhi of Hey Gorgeous

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Rhiannon is an event planner with great style- her house is decorated in a way that makes me want to jump right into the photos (see what I mean here- I have been hunting for a bar cart for a while, and I love the vintage look of hers). Her blog is covered with gorgeous photos and fun couples, and it is also sprinkled with FAQs in regards to being a small business owner/event planner, delish recipes, and more.

Hey Gorgeous (the blog) has become one of my go-tos for pretty inspiration. One of my favorite things about it is that it seems so accessible, style-wise. Definitely check it out if you haven't seen it yet!

women who inspire me: Alex of Things That Sparkle

Alex of Things That Sparkle and Alexandra Berlin Design has a gorgeous style, which she shows in her work in interior design as well as in her clothes (please tell me you read her blog and have seen the dress she recently chose for her rehearsal dinner!). 

She's able to speak (through her blog) in a very relate-able way. Her features are practical but stylish, like her home decor gift guide under $100. And anyone who knows me knows that I'm a sucker for a really great before and after interiors post. Alex, you're welcome to redo my entire house anytime. 

images via The Glitter Guide's feature on Alex

by invitation only

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Last night I attended an event with Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, one of the 5 cofounders of Gilt Groupe. She spoke about working with her best friend, about starting a company right before the recession of 2008, and about her reaction to the many people who told her that the business would not take off.

She seemed so down to earth, and I would have loved to have a chance to talk one on one with her for longer - I'm sure I could learn a lot from her! One of my favorite things that she said was regarding women in business:  "We have to support each other." So true.

I am so excited to delve into the book she wrote with Alexis Maybank, her best friend and cofounder.

women who inspire me: kendi (kendieveryday)

Kendi not only has a pretty cool name, but she's a style blogger from Texas with an incredible, affordable fashion sense.

images from Kendi's blog

A few reasons I'm inspired by this brunette beauty:

• She left the world of online marketing to start her shop, bloom, which features affordable pieces for "the everyday woman". Being an online marketer myself, I can't imagine taking the leap to move into a potentially unstable environment. But clearly this entrepreneuress has made it work!
• She blogs things like, "And then I talked to bloggers and showed them my jazz hands. They were impressed." Her humor is a little sarcastic and a lot funny.
• The outfits she posts include items from stores like J.Crew, Gap, Kohl's, and other budget-friendly spots that can be found around the country. In a world full of bloggers who turn to Lanvin, Givenchy, and other brands that are impossible to afford on a less-than-six-figure salary, Kendi helps fashionable young women look good without breaking the bank.

If you don't know her blog, you definitely need to check her out.