Looking Back

Hello Readers-Sorry it’s been a while since I wrote.

The holiday season was so busy for me (as I’m sure it was for you too!) that I just couldn’t find time to write.

Today I will simply be showing a bunch of outfits that I wore in Dec. Some I blogged about, others I just wore and took a picture of. Enjoy!

I hope you had a safe and happy New Year!

Dec 18th Neutrals

DSCN6287DSCN6289If you’ve been reading for a while, you will know I wear very few patterns and that I rarely wear anything too bright.

I try to incorporate colors into my wardrobe, but I’m much more comfortable in classic neutrals.

So here is today’s outfit: I really love this look; just simple cream cords, a chambray shirt and a light camel colored sweater. To complete the look I chose my brown boots. It’s an easy and comfortable look for work or running errands or attending a holiday lunch at school (which I am doing!).

The outfit on the right is to illustrate that you can’t just throw on any neutral and think it will work- this outfit is clearly not working!

Cords: Nordstrom, Shirt: Target, Sweater: Land's End, Boots: Target
Cords: Nordstrom, Shirt: Target, Sweater: Land’s End, Boots: Target

Dec 17th, Black and Gray

DSCN6285DSCN6281Again, I have no time to write this morning- things are in full on crazy mode around here (is it like that at your house too?).

Here is my outfit for the day… Changing the sweater for a more fitted turtleneck and adding a scarf adds texture and interest.

Have a great day. Smile at someone new today.

Turtleneck: White House, Black Market, Grey Jeans: Banana Republic, Scarf: Lucky, Boots: Frye
Turtleneck: White House, Black Market, Grey Jeans: Banana Republic, Scarf: Lucky, Boots: Frye

Dec 14th, Making a Statement (or not!)

DSCN6272dscn4777 I actually have very little time to make a statement this morning… I’ve got loads to do, and surely the pictures say it all?

One quick little thing I will say though;

is isn’t it amazing how something as simple as a necklace can make an entire outfit?

Having the proper fit of cargos and wrap top helps too…

Gotta run, have a great Friday!

Megan

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Dec 13th, A Peek Inside my Closet

I’m skipping posting my outfit today- to give you a little peek inside my closet. I get lots of emails from readers asking how to organize your closet, so today I decided I’d show you what I do.

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I think the most important thing to keeping your closet organized is to make sure everything has a place. I’m talking jeans, sweaters, belts, purses, scarves, slips, bathing suits… everything!

By planning out where everything goes- it is so much easier to put laundry away and stay organized.

I also suggest that since most of us only wear about 25% of the items in our wardrobe, about every 3 months do a closet edit. Go in with an open mind and just start getting rid of things that you haven’t worn. Keep a laundry basket on the floor and fill it with items to donate to charity.

A great tip I read was to turn all your hangers one direction- and then after you wear something turn the hanger the other way. After a few months you will see what you are wearing or not wearing- which will help when it comes time to edit.

My organization is that I like to group like colors and like items together. I have all my dresses in one section, all my blazers in another, skirts are separated as well.

Here are all my blazers/ jackets.
Here are all my blazers, jackets and vests.
For my tops- I have them all hanging together and grouped by color. Looking at the picture- it's fun to see what color I tend to gravitate to- and what color I'm lacking (green?!)
For my tops- I have them all hanging together and grouped by color. Looking at the picture- it’s fun to see what color I tend to gravitate to- and what color I’m lacking (green?!)
I wish everything was on wooden hangers, but alas- I have a mix of everything.
I wish everything was on wooden hangers, but alas- I have a mix of everything.
My jeans are folded on the shelf for easy access.
My jeans are folded on the shelf for easy access.
My socks, underwear, bras, bathing suits and work out tops are grouped together in this plastic storage unit.
My socks, underwear, bras, slips, tights, bathing suits and work out tops are grouped together in this plastic storage unit.
To the right of these bins I have all my sweatshirts, hoodies, fleeces... casual stuff.
To the right of these bins I have all my work out jackets, hoodies, fleeces… casual stuff.
Scarves are tossed in these bins (not the most organized way- but I have so many that it's easiest for me to group them this way.)
Scarves are tossed in these bins (not the most organized way- but I have so many that it’s easiest for me to group them this way.)
Shoes sit on shelves for easy organization.
Shoes sit on shelves for easy access.
I hang my necklaces on a belt rack.
I hang my necklaces on a belt rack.
I keep style books on hand for instant ideas!
I keep style books and magazines on hand for instant ideas!
By keeping a clean and organized closet you will have a much smoother time getting ready every morning. When you can see what you have it's a lot easier!
By keeping a clean and organized closet you will have a much smoother time getting ready every morning. When you can see what you have it’s a lot easier!

Dec 12th, Work/ Day Dress

DSCN6267DSCN4331I have a meeting this morning that I need to be dressed up for- yet I also have a bunch of  errands that I will be running before my meeting- so (as usual) I want to look professional, but also be comfy enough to wander around Target!

I chose this blue jersey knit shift dress. It’s a great basic piece that every working woman should own.

I love this fabric because it really moves with your body, it is not stiff or restrictive at all. I also love this dress because of the gorgeous draping in the front. It’s really hard to see on the left- but in the ‘before’ picture on the right you can sort of see it.

All alone this dress works all right, (especially if I add a great necklace or shoes) but since it’s freezing out- I’ve added cream tights, brown (flat) boots, a brown belt and this polka dot cardigan.

To finish the whole thing off I added this cool statement necklace. As I was putting it on I remembered how a few years ago I NEVER wore necklaces, thinking they were ‘too dressy’ for day wear! Funny how things change over time. Now I feel almost naked without a necklace!

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Dress: Marshalls, Cardigan: Target, Boots: DSW, Necklace: Stella and Dot
Dress: Marshalls, Cardigan: Target, Boots: DSW, Necklace: Stella and Dot

Dec 11th, Ain’t No Mom Jeans

DSCN6238DSCN6239There is a great style blog called Ain’t No Mom Jeans– I love checking it out from time to time. It’s amazing how something  basic and simple as a pair of jeans can really change your look.

The jeans I am wearing on the right I bought at the Goodwill for a Halloween costume- but they are so bad, I decided to show them today so that you can see a side by side comparison of what a difference jeans can make.

It’s not helping that I tucked my tank in- but I wanted you to be able to see the 18 inch rise and the elastic waistband. That’s not all that’s bad though- the color is awful (acid wash is not my favorite) and the baggy- yet gathered at the ankle- style isn’t flattering. The one nice thing I can say about these jeans is that they were so comfy!!!

Luckily, the jeans on the left are also comfy- and a lot more stylish. The dark wash is much better- the cut is slimmer (but not too tight) and the slight flare at the ankle is a great alternative to the boot leg cut. Paired with pointy heels and this cute blazer- I’m ready for work!

If you haven’t already- do a personal jeans assessment. Are your jeans dated? When did you buy them? Are they still ‘in style’? If you think you need new ones- there are lots of great options in lots of price ranges. Shop around and try on lots and lots of different pairs/ styles/ brands…  My favorites are Madewell, CABi, Old Navy, James Jeans.

Jeans: CABi, Tank: Target, Blazer: CABi, Shoes: DSW

Jeans: CABi, Tank: Target, Blazer: CABi, Shoes: DSW*

Dec 10th, Leather Jacket

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I celebrated my birthday last week and my sweet husband has done it again.

Each year he buys me clothes. Now, some women would cringe at this thought- but my hubby happens to have excellent taste!

This year he surprised me with this gorgeous leather jacket from Nordstroms. Here’s how they describe it:  “it has quilted shoulders extending down to the elbow seams of a streamlined, motorsports-inspired jacket fashioned from lustrous leather.”

I paired it with my skinny jeans, a drapey top (also from Nordstrom’s) and my black boots. It’s a stylish alternative to the faded jeans and North Face jacket outfit on the right, don’t you think?

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Dec 7th, Rule of 3

DSCN6214DSCN6215 Over the past year I’ve mentioned my ‘rule of 3’ several times (and to be honest, I didn’t even come up with this idea, I think it came from Jessica Quirk of “What I Wore“), so today I thought I’d explain it again for those who were wondering what I’m talking about.

Basically it’s really simple!

I just like to have 3 elements to my outfit (on the top half). This means I might start with a plain top (or tunic as you see on the right) and then add a little something extra- like the striped cardigan and the raspberry scarf. By adding those 2 little extras- I have now made my outfit all the more interesting. I’ve added color and texture (with the scarf) and a pattern (with the cardigan).

Other options are: add a necklace, a bracelet, a belt, a jacket, a scarf, a vest, a tank, or even layer something underneath… the options are endless! Just keep it interesting!

Told you it was easy!

Enjoy your Friday!

Pants: Gap, Tunic: H&M, Cardigan: Marshalls, Scarf: Gift, Boots: Frye
Pants: Gap, Tunic: H&M, Cardigan: Marshalls, Scarf: Gift, Boots: Frye

Dec 6th, Three for Thursday

Good morning! It’s Thursday, so that means another Three for Thursday- where I show you 1 item worn 3 ways. Today I’m showing a black pencil skirt worn 3 ways.

DSCN6200A pencil skirt is often on people’s lists as a ‘must have’ item- yet I’ve realized I rarely wear mine- so today I challenged myself to find 3 ways to wear it.

My first way is a casual, everyday mom look. By pairing the skirt with a white waffle t shirt and a denim shirt I have made it very casual. The high knee socks and boots also add to the casual vibe.

You could wear this volunteering at school, running errands, meeting friends for coffee… whatever. Don’t be afraid to wear a dress or skirt during the day. I used to worry people would think I was too dressed up- but actually people always just comment on how nice I look.

My next look is for the office. Here I have chosen an open weave sweater layered over a tank. I’ve opted for my snakeskin heels to add another pattern- as well as interest.

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Lastly, this is my night out look. I always envy gals who are out in spaghetti strap tops in the middle of winter. Don’t they freeze to death? Probably, but it looks fabulous! Actually, if you have a great coat- wear that- and then hope that wherever you are going is nice and warm. Usually in a crowded party I end up getting so hot that I’m thankful for the summery top.

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DSCN6202DSCN6212Skirt: Gap, Denim shirt: J Crew, Sweater: Target, Gold Top: H&M

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