April 30, Leggings

I’m heading out of town tomorrow and will be spending today getting ready for my trip, so I am super casual in my leggings and cotton tank top.

In my before photo I have on my full length Athleta leggings. I love these for warmth, and in the winter they are cute paired with boots, but for spring time I like the cropped version better. These are from Lululemon. When it comes to leggings, I think it is worth the money to splurge on either Lulu or Athleta ones. The fabric is thick enough to cover any lumps or bumps, and it washes and wears well for years.

I also replaced the tight (and ugly) workout top on the left with this cute KC, MO tank. It fits better (not as snug in the tummy). You may have noticed that I don’t often wear tops with any writing on them, but I am so proud to be from Kansas City that I wear this tank with pride (plus it’s cute!)! Next I threw on my long grey open cardigan, besides keeping me warm, it does a nice job of covering my butt and hips- creating a slimmer look. To complete the outfit I am wearing my black tennis shoes.

Leggings- Lululemon

Tank- Bunker

Cardigan- Gap, old but this is similar!

April 29, Spring Sweater

Spring in the PNW is a tricky thing. Our mornings start off very cold- and it takes most of the day to finally reach a comfortable temperature. That’s why I love a good spring sweater.

For my outfit today I’ve chosen a knit sweater and paired it with distressed jeans and slip on tennis shoes. This cream sweater doesn’t scream winter (as some sweaters do), and the cropped jeans help keep this outfit from looking too wintery.

In my before photo the distressed jeans are rolled too short which looks super awkward. The blue tennis shoes are not cute and the shapeless cream t shirt doesn’t do much for me. The outfit on the right is almost the same idea- just with subtle changes to make it more stylish.

This sweater is Vince and I bought it at Nordstrom Rack. I love it’s simplicity and classic style.

Jeans- Target, old but here are a similar pair!

Sweater- Vince, Nordstrom Rack, old- but here is a similar one!

Shoes- Dr. Scholl’s, TJ Maxx

April 28, My Perfect Dress

I honestly think this might be the perfect dress (for me)! I bought it on a girl’s trip to Vegas celebrating my 40th birthday, which was 8 years ago! So it’s definitely old, but boy have I worn it a lot! When I need a ‘go to’ dress for any occasion, this is the one I usually turn to. Today I’m going to a brunch to celebrate the seniors in our local National Charity League* chapter.

There’s a lot to love about this dress.

1. I think the pattern is cool and fun- and easy to transition between seasons. Plus, having a black base makes picking shoes easy!
2. The rayon fabric is flowy, which means it flatters most figures and the cinched elastic waistband is super comfy.
3. The knee length is appropriate for someone my age (way over 40).
4. The neckline is flattering, and if you don’t want to show your arms (or it’s cold) a cute jacket or sweater covers you up.

If the blazer and pointy heels are too dressy, you can make it casual by pairing with a cardigan and open toed shoes.

When you are out shopping, if you see a dress you love, my advice is buy it. Even if you don’t have a specific occasion in mind, it’s always nice to have one on hand. This cute dress came from Banana Republic. They are a great source for reasonably priced dresses.

*I wanted to put in a quick plug about National Charity League. This is a mother- daughter organization that was created in the 1920’s. Their mission is service, culture and leadership. Girls (and their mothers) join the year they are going into 7th grade- and continue for the next 6 years (until they graduate high school). It is an amazing organization and I highly recommend you looking into it if you are interested. Hopefully there is a chapter in your area! The website is https://www.nationalcharityleague.org

As mentioned earlier, my dress is really old, but here’s a link to Banana Republic to check out their Fit and Flare dresses!

April 27, Wide Leg Jeans

I’ve really become a fan of my wide leg jeans, they are a nice change from my skinny ones! The important thing to remember with wide leg jeans is balance.

Looking at the before photo- this top is just too big and baggy, and paired with the loose jeans it looks frumpy. The orthopedic tennis shoes are not helping!

This paper thin sweater is a better option. The cut is a little slimmer, the weight of it is perfect for spring (not to heavy) and the shape works with the wide leg jeans. To complete the outfit, I chose my cute snakeskin slingbacks and added a necklace to give the look a little color.

When shopping for wide leg jeans and important thing to consider is the cut of the wide leg. Make sure the wide cut is only in the leg- and not throughout the entire pant. Otherwise, you will just look really wide all over. I hate to share this photo below because the quality is terrible, but here I am trying on some wide leg jeans at Target. As you can see- the width is throughout the entire leg- making me look lumpy and frumpy.

Sweater- Zara (gift from my son a few years ago!)

Jeans- Eddie Bauer (old), but here are a similar pair in a lighter wash

Shoes- Franco Sarto, similar pair here

April 26, Bomber Jacket

I’ve probably mentioned a few times how much I love my bomber jackets (I have 3), but let me just express it again. I LOVE bomber jackets! To me, they are the perfect alternative to a cardigan (nothing against cardigans, I have tons of those), but it’s a fun change from the ordinary.

In today’s before look I have paired this cute v neck white shirt with a pair of dark straight leg denim jeans, a zip up fleece cardigan and flip flops. This is the type of outfit I see women in all the time. It’s super easy, casual and warm, but to be honest, it’s not very cute. Let me tell you, the outfit on the right is basically the same exact outfit, with a few tweaks to make it more stylish.

All I’ve done is switched out the dark jeans to these cute faded cropped ones. Notice the hemline of these jeans. See how the front is shorter than the back? This is a very on trend look. You can do this yourself with a pair of scissors (I did not do this to these jeans, they came this way).

I then replaced the bright hot pink fleece jacket for this cute rose colored bomber. First of all, this rose gold color is also very on trend this season. You will see it in shoes, sunglasses, purses… you name it! Secondly, this bomber is as warm as the fleece, and much cuter! Best part is that it is machine washable, so I literally throw it in both the washer and dryer. That’s what I’m talking about!

I hope everyone has a fabulous Friday! I’m thankful it’s the weekend. It’s been a long week! 🙂

Jacket- H&M, mine is old, but here is a similar one.

White top- Trina Turk, Nordstrom Rack

Jeans- Joe’s

Shoes- Unisa, Marshalls, here are some similar ones!

April 25, Yellow Skirt

I think one of my favorite color combinations is sunny yellow and navy blue. It’s just so cheery and fun. Today I am showing a spring outfit of a bright yellow skirt paired with a blue and white gingham blouse.

In my before picture I have paired the skirt with a plain white sweater and black ballet flats. I honestly think this looks fine- but I think the outfit on the right is a little more fun! A few key details to point out.

1. I tied the blouse at the waist. I’ve been seeing a lot of this online- so thought I’d give it a try today.
2. I rolled the sleeves and unbuttoned the blouse to show my white tank underneath.
3. The white tennis shoes are a sporty and fun change from ballet flats.

This cute skirt is from Old Navy. The name on the tag is Sunny Disposition. I love that! Unfortunately, mine is old, but Here is a similar one! Cute and comfy! The blouse is from J Crew. Tennis shoes are Superega.

*In the effort of full disclosure (and because my teenage daughter threatens to start her own blog called “Everyday Mom Revealed” for days when I am not wearing the outfit I show on the blog), I am not actually wearing this today, but thought this would be a cuter ootd than what I’m really wearing (my tennis clothes). I want you to know that most days I actually am wearing what I show, but some days I may start in my blog outfit and end the day in my yoga clothes, or pj’s! Keeping it real here folks! 🙂

April 24, Camo Again

I was out with three friends last night celebrating a birthday- and of the four of us, I was the only one not wearing camo! I’m telling you- this pattern is all the rage. So, to keep up with my stylish buddies, today I am rocking my camo v neck t shirt from American Eagle!

I’ve talked about these American Eagle shirts before, but I’ll mention it again- these are the softest cotton shirts in the world! In my before picture, I am wearing the shirt loose and paired it with my joggers and tennis shoes. It is super comfy, but not stylish. By simply rolling the cuffs a tiny bit, doing the half tuck, adding my denim jacket and changing the shoes- I now have a much cuter, more stylish outfit.

Joggers- Target

Shirt- American Eagle

Denim jacket- Target

Shoes- Dr. Scholl’s (Marshalls)

sorry ladies- no links today, I’m running late!

April 23, Grey and White

Even though it’s technically spring, it is still pretty chilly here in the PNW, so I need an outfit that looks springy, but is still warm and cozy! So today, I’m wearing white ripped jeans and a grey ribbed V neck sweater.

In the before photo, I have paired the sweater with dark jeans and Uggs. This could be a cute outfit in the winter, but today I’m thinking the white jeans are a fresher/ springier look. I’ve also done my half tuck to give my waist some definition, as well as swapped out the Uggs for cute grey booties. Pushing up the sleeves and adding some jewelry are small details that make a difference.

White Jeans- Mine are from H&M that I distressed myself here!

Sweater- Gap (old), but here is a similar one. And another!

Shoes- Paul Green, Nordstrom, mine are old- so here is something similar!

April 22, Rainy Monday

It’s supposed to be gray and rainy today- so for my OOTD I’ve chosen a very casual, easy look of a black tank, jeans and a cardigan. I call this my grandpa cardi, because it reminds me of something my grandpa would have worn! The heathered cotton creates a great neutral color that literally goes with everything. Sometimes I keep this in my bag to have in case I get cold while I’m out.

All I’ve done to change up my before look is swap out the wool cardigan for this lighter weight one. The one on the left is too wintery, and also looks a bit like a bathrobe! I then rolled up my jeans to show a little ankle. Last, I threw on a long necklace to break up the solid black.

I love this sweater! It’s old (from 2015) and I tried to find something similar to link to- but failed. Sorry!

Super easy, super casual and so me! I love outfits that are comfy, relaxed and warm.

Jeans- Rich and Skinny (similar)

Tank- Gap

Cardigan- Gap (old, no link- sorry!)

Shoes- Vince

April 21, Easter Sunday

Happy Easter everyone! It’s supposed to be a gorgeous day here in the Pacific Northwest, so I’ve decided to wear a white dress to celebrate. Question is- which dress?

Because we are going out for brunch, I think I’ll chose the option on the right. This cute J Crew dress has a looser fit, making more room for all the delicious food I’ll be eating. I love the sleeves , plus how the eyelet changes below the waist. The neckline is also super cute.

The dress on the left is from Zara, and I love it for all it’s simplicity. This fit and flare style is a super flattering for people who are curvy and have wider hips (like me).

Both dresses look great with neutral wedges- keeping the focus only on the dress. If it’s chilly, I’ll throw on a cute jacket!

Eyelet Dress- J Crew Mine is old, but here is a similar one! Here’s another! And one more here!

Fit and Flare Dress- Zara, mine is old- but here is a similar one! And here’s another cute one!

Shoes- Clarks! Again, mine are old, but here is a similar pair! And these are cute too!