July 30, Monochromatic

There are some days when I go into my closet and can’t think of what to wear. If I’m not feeling creative or inspired, I go back to the basics and stick with what I know works. One look that always works is monochromatic.

Dressing from head to toe in the same color is a simple and easy way to look stylish and slim. However, you can’t just throw on two items the same color and call it good. Take the outfit on the left. Here I have on straight leg jeans that are too big and look messy. See how they bulk and gather at the knee? I also have on an oversize blue pullover. This isn’t stylish at all- it’s perfect for working out, but not so perfect for a lunch date with friends.

To improve the outfit, I switched to my dark denim skinny jeans. The dark color is slimming, as is the cut. I then added a blue silk button down top. By tucking it in and adding a cute leopard belt, I have given the outfit some interest, but not strayed from the monochromatic look. To complete the outfit, I’m wearing my faux Hermes sandals. These have a 2 inch block heel, which also adds to the slimming effect and make me look taller! And the color is perfect with my belt and purse.

Some of you may wonder where I get my ideas from, so I wanted to share one of the books that I love as a resource for dressing for your shape. I’ve included a link for it on Amazon, and it’s only $10!

This book is a great resource!

A quick glimpse at her advice (and where I get my expertise from! )

Jeans- Gap

Blouse- Ann Taylor

Shoes- TJ Maxx

Belt- Target

No links because all everything I am wearing is OLD!! Sorry!

July 27, Coffee Date

I had a coffee date this morning with a friend who I haven’t seen all summer. It was great to catch up with her and a good reminder that I often get so busy that I forget (or don’t take the time) to nurture friendships. Gotta get better about that!

It’s a lot cooler here today, so I wore jeans and a cotton top, but my dark jeans and plain grey t shirt on the left look frumpy. The cropped and lightly distressed jeans on the right are an improvement. The sleeveless, v neck grey t shirt is more stylish than an oversize t shirt from my husband’s closet! The silver bracelets and cute sandals add some interest to the simple look.

Another outfit idea with this top is to pair it with black joggers- see below.

This is a super casual and comfy outfit that I love! If it’s chilly I can throw on a denim jacket!

T shirt- Madewell

Jeans- Joe’s

Joggers- Fabletics

Sandals- Lucky Brand

July 26, LBD

In my opinion, every girl (or, mom) should own at least 1 LBD (Little Black Dress). When you can’t think of anything else to wear, you can always throw on your LBD. Personally, I own at least 6…

Today I am showing 2 different cotton versions that are perfect for casual summer day.

Both of these are SUPER old- the one on the left is Lucky Brand. The one on the right is from Macy’s. Both are made of cotton- so comfy, casual and easy to wear. It is perfect for running errands, lunch out with friends or even date night.

Now I have to decide which one I will wear this evening…

July 25, White Shorts

Today I am showing a super ‘summery’ outfit of white denim shorts, a bright yellow top and white sandals.

First of all, look really closely at the 2 photos- do you notice a teeny tiny difference in my shorts? After looking at my before photo, I immediately realized my shorts needed a haircut! The stringy hanging strands look messy- so I quickly cut them off.

I also don’t like the way the yellow t shirt clings to my body. No one wants to see my lumps and bumps! I also think the length looks odd- it practically covers my entire shorts.

So, instead I have opted for this patterned silk shirt from Banana Republic (old). I love the neckline of this top, plus the silk fabric is much more flattering. Tucking it in also makes for a more polished look.

This blue cross body bag is perfect for running errands. I bought this in Paris at a little boutique years ago.

Top- Banana Republic

Shorts- Target

Sandals- Target

July 24, Denim Dress

Today’s OOTD is a denim dress that I bought at Costco a few years ago, seriously! I don’t normally buy clothes at Costco, and truthfully I wouldn’t recommend it- but I was shopping one day and saw it- and thought it would be a good dress to wear to school.

The problem is- it just needs to be styled correctly. In the before photo- the dress looks shapeless and dull, but when I tighten the drawstring waist, roll the sleeves, unbutton a few buttons, put on cute sandals and add some jewelry- I now have a cute outfit. It’s a casual, easy look- perfect for running errands, brunch with friends and teaching school.

These cute sandals are from Target. I bought them years ago- and have been on the lookout for a replacement pair. I LOVE them!

July 22, Camo Skirt

Normally I would advise against raiding your teenage daughter’s closet. There is nothing worse than a ‘forty something’ mom trying desperately to look young and hip… but today I am breaking that rule.

My 16 year old is away at camp in Canada this week, so I ‘borrowed’ her camo skirt to try out some outfit ideas. To avoid looking like a teenager, I am wearing the skirt low on my hips to add length. One less inch and I’d be in trouble! I also have kept things really simple by pairing the skirt with with a plain tank or graphic t shirt. My daughter would probably wear this with a tube or cropped top- but no thanks! Simple black slides or sandals complete the casual look.

I’d love to hear from you on which top you like best?!

July 21, Sunset Sail

My hubby and I are continuing to embrace our kid free weekend by going out on a sunset sail tonight in Puget Sound. Below is what I will be wearing.

It’s going to be hot, so I will wear shorts. I chose these cute madras plaid shorts from Old Navy (old). They are a good length, and the pattern is fun and preppy! And wouldn’t you agree they are much better than the sweatpants shorts on the left? These comfy shorts are great pj’s, but not very stylish.

Sometimes when out on the water it can get chilly, so I will want a sweater. In the photo on the left, I have on one of my favorite Vince sweaters, but for a summer outfit, it isn’t working. I’ll replace it with this cream v neck with the sleeves pushed up. This sweater has a fun texture, and it a lot lighter weight than the heavy knit one on the left.

As for my feet, I love these Mia sandals. The rubber sole is so comfy, and the brown goes with everything! And they are much cuter than my ugly Birks.

Shorts- Old Navy (old)

Sweater- I bought this years ago at a swim suit shop in Palm Desert

Sandals- Mia, bought at TJ Maxx

July 20, Date Night

We have a rare weekend where both kids are gone- so my hubby and I are having a date night tonight.

One of my favorite Insta style gals is @Fashion_Jackson. She wears a ton of neutrals and always looks amazing! So, with her as my inspiration, I have chosen black jeans and a simple white top. However, as you can see- there is a huge difference between the outfit on the left and the right. On the right I have replaced the regular jeans with a distressed pair. This gives the outfit a little attitude and edge. I also replaced the orthopedic sandals with my pointy toed heels. I’ll be honest, these kill my feet and I will only wear them if I know I will be sitting most of the night. But don’t they look good?! Lastly, I swapped out the thin white tank for this cute faux silk draped tank. It’s a dressier, and dare I say, sexier look. I purposely kept the neckline clean- I have on a delicate necklace (hard to see in photos, sorry) but to add some interest, I am wearing a statement bracelet.

Jeans- Zara

Top- Uniqlo

Shoes- Kenneth Cole, Nordstrom

July 18, Concert in the Park

One of the things I love about the community I live in is they do outdoor concerts in the park during the summer. It’s a fun, free event that is perfect for all ages. When my kids were little, I used to take them every week. But, tonight it’s a girls night out!

It’s going to be about 60 degrees this evening, so I want jeans to stay warm. We are meeting at my friend’s house and walking to the park, so I need comfy shoes. However, the outfit on the left looks really awkward and weird. The length of the jeans is off- and the shoes are awful. The casual, faded, distressed jeans on the right are a much better option. As for my blouse, by unbuttoning an extra button, rolling the sleeves and loosely tucking it in- I have created a much more casual, and in my opinion, cuter outfit.

Jeans- Target

Blouse- Nordstrom Rack

Shoes- Dr. Scholls, TJ Maxx

July 17, Graphic T & Moto Jacket

This outfit is a bit of a stretch for me (and a bit of a risk as well), but I love the way a cool graphic t shirt and jeans look on everyone else, so I thought I’d give it a try.

However, it’s a bit chilly, so I wanted a jacket. I think the blazer on the left is too formal, and didn’t feel like ‘me’, so I decided to try this more casual jacket with a Moto collar. I also thought the booties were too wintery, so the4se t strap sandals add some edge to the look and keep it summery. My shirt says ‘build bridges, not walls’ in case you wondered!