Well, it’s the end of another month! And here is what I wore. Let me know which was your favorite- or what inspired you- or what I should get rid of!
By the way, it’s Monday Mingle– so click here to see more inspiration.
I am Megan’s sister, Kara, and she has asked me to write today. I live in Kansas City, and one of the advantages of living in a smaller city (as compared to Seattle) is that when fun things come to town, it is easy to get up close and take full advantage of them! Case in point: one of our local and upscale shopping districts, The Country Club Plaza, hosted a fashion show yesterday featuring clothes from Kate Spade and Lucky Jeans, and it was hosted by Tim Gunn! I was invited to the show, and I brought my good friend Mindy (who’s fashion sense if off the hook and totally inspiring!). We made a girls’ day of it and had so much fun listening to what Tim Gunn had to say (if you are unfamiliar with who he is – he is the fashion mentor for Project Runway and writes for People Style Watch among other things). He was very honest and funny, and had lots of great tips. (He also filled us in on great insider gossip with all sorts of fascinating insider tidbits about Project Runway and what Michael and Nina are really like as judges. Such fun!!!) I frantically tried to memorize everything he said so I could avoid future fashion disasters (the horror! what if I wore the cropped cargos he said were the worst mistake in the entire history of fashion??). I was later telling this all to my sister, and thus here I am – sharing it with whoever wants to hear it. Hopefully I am fairly representing what all he said. So without further ado, here are the tips I took away from this fun experience.
1) Don’t try to overmatch accessories (purse, shoes, belts, etc), but go for complimentary colors. (note: I was wearing cork ballet flats and a matching cork clutch and was horrified when he said this, and spent the rest of the fashion show trying to hide my new purse that I had been so excited about 5 minutes earlier)
2) Only tall(er) and thin people should wear cropped pants as they make you look shorter. By tall, I think he means around 5′ 5″ or taller. He reiterated that the short length just visually cuts off your leg. (note: I of course was wearing cropped pants as well. Gee whiz – what more could I do wrong?)
3) Never wear cropped cargos as they make you look shorter and wider.
4) When mixing prints (which he loves!), keep the color scheme the same (as in every item is navy and white) and make sure the patterns are on much different scales (i.e. a small print on the top and a huge print on bottom). When you squint to look at it you should not think it is all the same pattern.
5) A wrap dress is almost universally flattering. (they had a darling Kate Spade one in the show which was navy, Kelly green and white, and it was worn by a plus size model who looked absolutely amazing!)
6) If you have a lot of detail around your neckline, such as ruffles or a really intricate color, you don’t need a necklace as it will only compete.
7) Horizontal stripes are OK to wear as long as they are not too large or dominating. You don’t want them to overwhelm you.
8) If you are petite, avoid big patterns as they will swallow you up.
9) Unexpected punches of color are always fun and playful, like bright pink shoes or purse, especially if paired with a neutral or conservative (like all black and white) outfit.
10) Always dress down a maxi dress – use a big hobo purse or something big and casual and always wear sandals. Don’t try to dress it up. A jean jacket is a great layer for over a maxi dress.
11) A great white shirt is a must have for every closet. He showed several options – long sleeve, short sleeved, casual and dressy. It goes with anything and can be dressed up and down.
12) When dressing, visually split your body in thirds. He is an advocate of tucking in a shirt as a long shirt makes your body get split in half rather than thirds. It is OK to have a shirt tucked in with a long cardigan or open shirt over it, as the inside, tucked in shirt will do the visual “thirds” trick while the outer and longer layer just adds interest.
13) Belts are the greatest accessory as they are versatile and can accentuate your shape. He put belts on almost everything.
14) Anyone can wear skinny jeans! Just make sure they fit right (and aren’t too tight or too big). Their plus size model wore skinny jeans from Lucky and they were fabulous. They made her legs look great as they didn’t add too much bulk, but just skimmed the shape of her leg. He emphasized going somewhere where the sales clerks really know how to fit you.
I realize that Megan has mentioned a lot of these tips before (go megan!), and think it is fun to hear them again straight from the fashion icon himself! Hope you are all having a great Sunday!
Kara
I’m on the run!
My son has 3 games today, so I’ve opted for a casual, layered outfit of cargo pants, a tank and a cardigan (this seems to be my uniform these days).
On the right I have on my old loose black cargos. Paired with this baggy tank, I look frumpy- and large in the middle.
The bright pink cardigan is cute- but it’s lost in this outfit. Everything just looks too big.
On the left I have slimmed the look down. The first thing I did was match my tank to my pants (almost). This creates a long vertical line, making me look taller and thinner.
The cut of these cargos is skinny, which also helps create a more slimming look. This tank (in this cool shiny fabric) is also more fitted- and partially tucked in. To add some brightness to the outfit, I topped it with an orange cardigan.
The small details of the belt and dainty necklace help create a more pulled together look. To finish it off, I’ve got on my leopard ballet flats. It’s a fun way to add an unexpected pattern into the outfit.
Go enjoy your Saturday! I see sunshine in Seattle! Yippee!
Pants: Michael Kors, Tank: French Connection, Cardigan: Target, Shoes: Target, Belt: Target, Necklace: made by my sisters!
By the way, you can still vote for me for Top Mommy Blogs! Just one tiny click at the top of the page, above right. Thanks!
One of my daughter’s absolute FAVORITE days at school is pajama day! When we went to Hawaii the first day there she realized she was missing pj day at school and was completely hysterical.
Seriously, she would rather wear her jammies to school than be in Hawaii… What’s wrong with this kid?!
Luckily, she has another pajama day today! Thank goodness!
That being said, I decided if she gets to be all comfy and cozy all day- well then so should I!
But, since my office wasn’t really keen on the whole pajama day theme- I had to improvise. Hence- the maxi dress.
This is THE trend of the season, and if you haven’t already purchased one (or two or three… ahem) then what are you waiting for?
I have seen them at Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Gap, Target, TJ Maxx, Old Navy… everywhere. They come in all colors and prices. They are flattering to almost all figures. Please, take my word for it- you will not regret this purchase.
However, on it’s own- it can look a little like a nightgown. It is very important to accessorize your nighty, I mean maxi.
Today I have added ballet flats- but sandals or wedges would be really cute. I’ve also added a necklace and a bright green cardigan. This will help keep me nice and warm- and also covers my shoulders- making it more appropriate for the workplace.
It’s Fashion Friday– so be sure to click here for lots of other great blogs.
Also, if you haven’t come over to Facebook to ‘like’ me- please do! I’m lonely over there…
Dress: Target, Sweater: Thrifted, Shoes: Frye, Necklace: Forever 21
And a special thank you to my bloggy friend, MJ, who passed on the ABC (Awesome Blog Content) award to me. I am honored. Thank you!
Just to be clear, I’m not talking about my weight here- I’m referring to my scarf.
As you can see by this scarf on the right- being too thin can actually be a problem.
The scarf looks awkward and doesn’t really make any sense.
I have a few girlfriends who refuse to wear scarves- and I honestly wonder if it’s because they haven’t found the right one yet!
As you can see on the left, this bright orange scarf not only is a lot thicker than the one on the right, but is also has amazing texture due to elastic thread, giving the scarf some bulk and some interest.
Now it’s the focal part of my outfit, instead of a distraction.
When you are out shopping and you see a scarf- try it on! Loop it around your head twice and see if there is enough fabric to still tie it. I have turned down many amazing scarves because they are too thin- or not long enough.
A few more suggestions, i.e.: note to self:
You might also want to get rid of your plain white long sleeved t shirts, and mom jeans…
There, now isn’t that better?
Jeans: Anthropologie, Shirt: H&M, Scarf: Boutique in Queen Anne (Seattle)
Yesterday I 
was nominated for a Sunshine Award- which was so sweet! Thank you Laura from Who Planned This.
Since it’s another grey, rainy day in Seattle, it’s nice to have a little sunshine coming from somewhere!
I’m wearing jeans, a tank and a blazer today.
On the right you can see the original look-a bright blue zip up fleece.
I wanted to show that by changing 1 tiny thing- in this case replacing the fleece with a blazer- and the whole look changes.
A blazer with cropped jeans just looks so much more polished and put together. Don’t you think?
I’m linking up with Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday- be sure to click here to see other great ideas!
Jeans: Old Navy, Tank: Express, Blazer: White House, Black Market, Shoes: Cole Haan
Sunshine Award rules:
Answers to the 10 questions about myself:
I now get to share 10 of my favorite sites for a Sunshine Award!
Here goes:
1. Accessory Challenge– online inexpensive jewelry auction. Love this!
2. A Happy Habitat– cool style ideas for the home!
3. Memoirs of an Evil Stepmom– this gal makes me laugh each week!
4. Pixiwoo– makeup tips/ videos. Love these sisters!
5. Cozi– online organziation/ calendar for moms
6. Living in Yellow– another really funny gal!
7. Hostess with the Mostess– great party planning ideas!
8. Seattle Boutique Blogspot- love this site for finding all the cool places to shop in Seattle
9. Gracefully 50– this is one HOT momma! She radiates elegance and class!
10. Passive Aggressive Notes– again, a great place to sit for 5 minutes and just laugh!
I’m wearing… you guessed it, black cropped pants today! For some stupid reason I really struggle when wearing black on bottom.
I know, black is a neutral & EVERYTHING goes with it- and yet, it took me 20 minutes to put this outfit together.
What’s wrong with me?
On the right is a good example of what NOT to wear with them. This solid long sleeve t shirt is too blah. I look boring!
On the left I have opted for a cute light pink top with a ruffle collar. I’ve paired it with a black cardigan.
Now, to be totally honest, I originally thought I’d pair this top with this jacket (see below), but then I looked at the pictures and I think it is too boxy paired with this loose top- and the whole thing makes me look large in the middle.
The black cardigan was my before picture- until I actually saw the picture, and then I thought, ‘wait, that actually works…’ I like the fact the outfit is only 2 colors- tying the top and bottom together.
Even though I’m wearing black on top and bottom, I still look ‘springy’ because of the shoes, cropped pants and light colored shell.
Pants: Nordstrom, Shell: J Crew, Cardigan: Nordstrom, Shoes: DSW
This will be another quick 
one. I have a meeting for work today, so I wanted to wear a dress. I’ve said this before, but I love dresses because they are the outfit.
It couldn’t be easier- just add a few accessories, and you are done! On a rushed Monday morning that is exactly what I needed!
I’ve added a cute belt to help define the waist, and then added this cool statement necklace.
To complete the look, I have on brown wedge sandals. I like brown shoes with blue outfits (rather than blue shoes… something is weird to me about blue shoes- blame it on Elvis!)
Linking up with Monday Mingle…
Since it’s a little chilly this morning- I threw on a cardigan to start the day off. I know, I know, Kelly (one of my regular readers) hates this cardigan. Sorry, but will keep me warm! 🙂
And yes, my toenails are blue. I know, it seems strange I have a thing about blue shoes yet I’ll paint my toenails blue. I’m a walking oxymoron!
Dress: Marshalls, Shoes: Loft
Oh thank you Mother Nature for another perfect weekend in the Pacific Northwest.
This is the 3rd weekend in a row that we have seen the sun- and what a difference that makes.
In celebration, I’ve chosen a sunny yellow top.
I’ve paired it with this cute and COMFY North Face skirt. This skirt is made of bamboo- so it is incredibly soft and the fabric is eco friendly!
I love the asymmetrical hemline of this skirt too- it’s interesting.
However, looking at the photos, I wonder if the length is a tad too long? Maybe just an inch shorter to show a tiny bit of knee would be better.
At first I played it safe with a plain white t shirt. Unfortunately- this shirt just isn’t right. I think a v neck would be more flattering.
That being said- the neckline on the yellow shirt is sort of similar- but it has cute detail around the neckline- look closely and you can see little cutouts. The other thing I like about this top is that the waistband is banded. Some people hate that (my husband included). Personally, I like it because it causes the shirt to billow out a bit- disguising any tummy issues. The straight cut on the right doesn’t hide a thing! Some think the banded waist actually makes me look large (ahem, my husband again), but I have to disagree.
Oh dear… looking at the pictures he may be right. Damn it! Oh well. I’m wearing it anyway.
I’m telling you- a photo is so much more effective than a mirror. ARGH!
Please don’t tell me what you think. I can’t have you all telling me I look fat… I just don’t want to know!
Skirt: REI, Sandals: Target, Shirt: JC Penny
I know I used this same before picture last weekend– but it is so bad- and yet I see women dressed like this all the time- that I had to show it again.
Since I pointed out all the flaws last week- I won’t waste your time today.
Let’s just say that there isn’t anything redeeming about this look on the right (well, except for the color combo of orange and blue- which is one of my favorites!).
For a similar, yet a little more stylish look- try skinny jeans, ballet flats and a cute tissue t shirt from the gap.
Because it’s still chilly here in the Northwest, I’ve added this cute military style jacket. I love this piece- you can throw it on for casual wear- or layer it over a dress- it’s that versatile! Best part- I bought it at Marshalls!
What are your plans for today? I have NONE! Weird!! I’m not sure what to do with myself!
Jeans: Anthropologie, Shirt: Gap, Jacket: Marshalls, Shoes: Nordstrom
Everyday Mom Style 