November 1st, Month in Review

Well, it’s the start of a new month- which means I show all my outfits from last month and you all can comment and let me know which is your favorite!

Hope you had a great Halloween!

Oct. 31st, A Little Bit of Orange Goes a Long Way!

When it’s a holiday, especially Halloween, some people really feel the need to dress for the occasion. If you have small children, it can be fun for them to see you get into the spirit of things- but keep in mind, a little goes a long way.

No need to rush out and buy a pumpkin sweater, vest or earrings! Just look in your closet for something that has a little orange in it- and incorporate it into your regular outfit.

Today’s outfit is another dress that I have turned into a skirt. By layering a white tank over the top- and then adding a long cardigan I have transformed the look of this dress. I then added a touch of orange with my scarf. Because it’s soggy and wet out- I’ve selected gray tights and my Hunter rainboots! It’s a cute way to recognize the holiday without going overboard!

A little orange scarf is the perfect touch!

Please don’t wear this!

Or this!

Or this!

If you want a little more orange- here is another option!

This orange top would work!

Dress: Anthropologie, Cardigan: J Crew, Tank: Gap, Boots: Nordstrom, Orange Top: Nordstrom

Once again, my pictures are blurry! If anyone has a tip for me- please send it. I can’t figure out what is wrong!

Oct 30th, Checked Shirt!

I have collected a few plaid/ checked shirts over the past year.

I really love the way they are preppy, but can also be great layering pieces.

Just be careful, alone a checked shirt can look a little too cowgirl or too grunge. My faded, baggy mom jeans and sensible black shoes aren’t helping much either!

On the left I have replaced my red plaid shirt with a cute blue and white one. I then switched the mom jeans for these dark skinny ones. I then decided to throw on my fur vest- loving the contrast of the preppy shirt with the rocker vest. To finish it off, I chose my light brown boots from Target.

It’s cute, funky and fun!

Enjoy your day!

Shirt: Land’s End, Vest: Marshalls, Jeans: Anthropologie, Boots: Target

Again, I have skipped jewelry… probably should add a bracelet or a little dainty necklace… something small and understated.

Oct 29th, Inspired by Pinterest

 I love finding outfit ideas on Pinterest- because it makes me re-think ways to wear clothes I already have!

Last night I spent about an hour pouring over outfits ideas on Pinterest! I’ll admit it, it’s a total time suck, but also inspiring and fun!

Today’s outfit is a good example of an outfit I especially liked!

In the picture on the right she has paired cropped boyfriend jeans with a striped shirt and a tan front tie cardigan. She also opted for sky high heels- which (as many of you know) there is NO WAY I could wear.

Even though I just wore this striped shirt last Monday, I decided this outfit was so cute- I’d wear it again.

For my sweater- I’ve had this for years, and worn it several times. But truthfully, I’ve struggled a bit on what to wear it with. I would have never thought of a striped shirt- which is strange since I LOVE my stripes!

As for my shoes, instead of platform shoes I opted for my more practical (and warm) booties!

Looking at the pictures I realize I forgot a necklace! Whoops! I’ll add that!

Happy Monday- and for all you East coast readers- Stay Safe!

Linking up here! Covered in Grace

Sweater: Nordstrom, Jeans: Madewell, Booties: J Crew, Shirt: J Crew

Oct 26th, Silk Painter’s Smock- Two Ways

Today I’m showing this cute painter’s smock blouse worn 2 ways- both of which I think look really cute.

On the right I have paired it with bootleg jeans- tucked it in and added a leopard print belt. Since this picture was taken last spring, I’m wearing open toed wedge sandals. For the Fall I would chose wedge boots.

On the left is today’s version- here I have opted for skinny jeans. I left the blouse un-tucked and added this cool statement necklace. For my shoes I chose my snakeskin heels.

Both outfits work for different reasons. On the right my legs look a longer- but then again the look on the left  seems more ‘current’.

I’ve decided I’m sticking with the untucked- just cause it’s so comfy!

Have a great weekend and I’ll see you all Monday!

This top is actually faux silk- I got it at H&M

I apologize- this picture is blurry. Something seems to be wrong with my camera (I’m sure it’s user error!).

Top: H&M, Jeans: Anthropologie (on left), Nordstrom (Paige Premium Denim) on right, Shoes: DSW, Necklace: Stella and Dot, Leopard Belt: Target

Oct 25th, Purple People Eater

Does anyone else remember that song? Probably not… 

Anyhow- I’ve decided to wear my purple skinny jeans again today. I have a casual client meeting, so I thought these would be appropriate. I wanted to pair them with something simple- so I chose this cool black cardigan.

It’s made of sweatshirt material, so it’s super soft, super warm and super comfy! I like how it’s different than your typical cardigan too!

To add a little personality to the outfit I decided to wear my animal print tank underneath the cardigan. This way, you get a tiny little glimpse of the pattern, but it’s not overwhelming or too busy.

Lastly- I opted for my black boots- these are such a wardrobe staple! As you have probably noticed- I wear them almost every day. Definitely worth the investment!

Hope you have a great day- and thanks for all your comments yesterday. Wearing the dress without the belt seemed to be the consensus! Thanks!

Jeans: Target, Boots: Nordstrom (Frye), Tank: Express, Cardigan: Nordstrom (Bobeau)

Oct 24th, Un Original!

Here’s a little trick I thought I’d share- in case you hadn’t seen it before!

I can’t claim it as my own idea as I’ve seen many gals on blogs do this-which is why I titled my post un-original!

Rather than let this little summer dress sit in my closet unworn for 3 seasons, I’ve transitioned it to a fall piece by layering a sweater over the top. I then added my light brown Target boots and a belt to emphasize my waist.  To complete the look (and follow my ‘rule of 3’) I’ve added a necklace.

For you newer readers, my ‘rule of 3’ is that I feel like the top half of my outfits must always have 3 elements to it. In this case, the sweater (1), the belt (2) and the necklace (3). It isn’t a hard and fast rule- but one that I usually try to stick to.

And, for you gals who hate wearing belts (ahem, Erin I’m talking to you)… here is the look minus the belt.

I think it still works even without the belt, don’t you?

This outfit is really comfy- and casual- I could wear it anywhere!

Ok gals- I want to hear from you- belt or no belt?! Please comment!

It’s been a while, so I thought I’d link to Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday. Be sure to check it out, there are literally hundreds of ideas!

Dress: Old Navy, Sweater: Banana Republic, Boots: Target, Belt: so old I honestly can’t rememeber!, Necklace: Stella and Dot

Sorry about the dreadful lighting- it was still dark outside when I took these photos.

Oct 23rd, Outerwear

I’ve been asked a few times to do a post on outerwear- and now that it has turned really cold in Seattle, I figured it’s time!

The important thing about outerwear for me is that since I live in a cold, wet climate- I need a coat that will not only keep me warm, but also keep me dry. This Greta coat from North Face is my favorite!

Look for a coat that fits well- and doesn’t look enormous on you! One with a belt is a great idea- because it emphasizes your waist- reducing bulk. I also like having my butt covered- so the length is important! And lastly, a hood is a must!

It’s cute to pair your coat with something sleek and skinny underneath- and a cute pair of boots always finishes off your look!

I love having a hood!

When trying on coats- wear something bulky underneath- so you can make sure that it will fit over sweaters!

I scoured Pinterest and found some really cute examples of coats- see below!

Here’s a cute option! I love it paired with the turtleneck underneath! This one is from Zara.

I love winter white- but it’s not practical for a mom (gets dirty too easily!). This one is from Zara!

A nice bright color is always cute! This one is from Land’s End.

A cute one from LLBean!

That being said- if you live in a climate that is just really cold- a cute wool peacoat would be adorable!

I love this look!

 

Oct 22nd, Tried and True

It’s nice to have an outfit in your closet that is your old standby, something that is tried and true and will look great no matter what.

It’s perfect for those days when you look in your closet and think “I have nothing to wear”!

Believe me, this happens to me all the time!

And when it does- I simply reach for one of my many striped shirts- add a pair of dark denim jeans and then throw on a cute blazer (rolling up the sleeves- of course). Finally, I add a statement necklace (or scarf) to finish the look.

It’s a simple, classic look that works for almost any occasion.  In my opinion, sometimes it’s ok to be safe!

I actually wore this over the weekend to an awards ceremony I was attending for my daughter. I was worried about wearing jeans- but being Seattle- there were many people in jeans (and some even in sweats! Really people?!).

Jeans: CABi, shirt: J Crew,(similar) Blazer: Land’s End, Booties: J Crew, Necklace: Stella and Dot

Oct 19th, Date Night

Sorry for the late post- I ran out the door early this morning and didn’t have time to write!

Instead of showing you my outfit for the day- I decided to show my outfit for tonight!

I’m going out tonight to a CCFA fundraiser- (supporting one of my good friends who has Crohn’s disease). The theme is Casino Night, so I wanted a fun outfit- similar to something I would wear in Vegas.

The invitation said ‘smart dress’, which really could mean anything. Some people might opt for dress pants and a cotton top- like the one you see on the right.

The problem is- the dress pants are boring (perfect for the office, but boring for a night out),  and the cotton long sleeve shirt is too plain. All in all, I’d say the outfit on the right is too safe.

Instead- I opted for skinny black pants, a silky top with a modern print and pointy toed black heels. It’s basically the same outfit as on the right (black pants, off white top) yet the sleek pants and silk top make it much more dressy- and the pattern adds interest.

Now I look modern, appropriate and ready for a fun night out!

Another cool top from CABi! Pants: Gap, Shoes: Nordstrom