Pleasantly Surprised (An Outfit Post!)

This post is brought to you by CJ Affiliate’s VIP Content Service. Thank you Lucky Brand for sponsoring this post. While this was a sponsored opportunity from Lucky Brand, all content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Let's just start off this post by stating the obvious: omg it's an outfit post! My regular readers know that the once frequent and now elusive outfit post rarely makes an appearance around here anymore. These types of posts were some of the highest traffic ones on Bubby and Bean for years, but it's just not as easy these days (two kids three and under, man) to feel put together enough to photograph and share what I'm wearing - much less logistically make photo shoots happen (especially in the winter months). That said, if I'm excited enough about something I'm wearing, I'm probably going to share it. And that's what is happening today. (Essley is actually pretty excited about "mama's new favorite outer-fit" as she calls it, and wanted to join me for a couple of the pictures. Photo shoots are always more fun when her silly, giggly vibe is involved, so I was all about it.)

Before I get into why this is my favorite new outfit for spring (which is going to be here before we know it and I won't accept anything else; are your hearing me groundhog?), I have to share a quick story. When I moved back to the Chicago area ten years ago after spending my twenties roaming the world and living all over the country, I reconnected with an old friend. One night we were hanging out, and he asked me if I would give him a style makeover. Mainly, he felt that his baggy cargo pants were dated and unflattering (and while I try not to judge, I had to agree), and wanted to venture into the world of denim. I told him that he only needed to know two words: Lucky Brand. A few weeks later we were both at the New Year's Eve show for the band my now husband stage manages, and he was wearing a pair of Lucky Brand jeans. And he looked good. He thanked me profusely and now whenever I see him (he moved away so it's sadly not as often), he's usually wearing Lucky Brand and makes sure to credit me for his now lifelong love of really great jeans. It makes me happy.

So why the story about a denim brand, you ask? Because the outfit (dress, bracelet, earrings - all of it) you see me wearing in these photos is, in fact, Lucky Brand. It's true. While I've worn their jeans for years because they're freaking amazing, I have recently discovered that they also make some other really fantastic clothing items and accessories - from free-spirited, bohemian dresses (my spirit animal) to leather jackets and graphic tees to some of the prettiest jewelry and bags I've ever seen. When I first saw the dress you see me wearing here, after loudly proclaiming it was my dream dress (I mean, that color! That cut! That embroidery!) and declaring it my soon-to-be spring and summer uniform, I was delighted to find out it was Lucky Brand. After perusing their website for a while and coming across the two pieces of jewelry I'm also wearing here (this bracelet and these earrings), I was seriously stoked. You'd think that someone who had been such a fan of Lucky Brand's denim for so long would be aware of all of the other incredible styles they've been making, especially when they have the casual boho vibe that I most feel drawn to when it comes to fashion, but hey - I give myself a pat on the back when I successfully leave the house with two of the same shoes on my feet most days lately, so I'm cutting myself a break. Besides, there's something nice about being pleasantly surprised by apparel brands you've loved for years, right? I'm looking forward to stocking my spring and summer wardrobe with even more Lucky Brand goodies in the coming months. (I'm looking at you Drop Needle Embroidery Tee, Woven Braid Shoulder Bag, and Ditsy Maxi Dress.)

Dress: The Embroidered Tassel Dress  //  Earrings: Open Hoop Earrings  //  Bracelet: Gold Lace Openwork Cuff

Have you ever come across a new favorite clothing item and been pleasantly surprised by the label? Who else is a fan of Lucky Brand? If (like me) you are, you have to check out their sale styles, which are an extra 40-60% off through February 8th. Oh, and do you want an instant $20 off your order? (Yeah, me too!) Just click here to claim. Pretty awesome.

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