June 2, Day Dress

For my OOTD I am wearing a black safari style dress. I bought this years ago, but this is a classic style that will be around a long time. A safari style dress is characterized by a few things. It usually is very similar to a shirt dress, yet has a little bit of a ‘going on an adventure feel’ to it with pockets, open neckline, belted waist (usually a tied belt)… if you need a visual, think Indian Jone’s sidekick!

I made a few small changes to create the look I wanted.

1. I rolled the sleeves- which is a subtle change, but it does make a difference.

2. I added a chunky belt to define my waist. I chose brown braided leather to play up the safari look.

3. I chose brown ankle strap sandals. Some might think it’s weird to pair brown sandals with a black dress, but in this case I think it works, especially with the brown belt.

I think I bought this at Off 5th, but honestly it was so long ago I can’t remember. It’s made of a jersey fabric, which means it hangs really well and doesn’t cling anywhere!

That’s it- a super easy, yet cute outfit appropriate for my National Charity League meeting this afternoon.

May 31, Neutrals

For my outfit today I have chosen to wear my white jeans and a neutral top.

While I love my Gibson guitar shirt for sleeping in, I think the shirt on the right looks a little more stylish and appropriate for work. As you can see I’ve done the half tuck to emphasize my waist, but if you hate the half tuck, below I show another option where I tie the shirt on the side.

One thing I like about this shirt is the neckline (have you noticed that the V neckline is my favorite?). I also like the way the neutral color pairs with the white jeans. In the before picture, my jeans are regular length, but since it is summer, I think a slightly cropped leg is a more stylish. (Remember yesterday when I talked about tiny details mattering? This is one of those small details that make a difference!). I’ve also swapped out the flip flops for these cute snakeskin sandals, which tie the outfit together.

Happy Friday everyone! Have a great weekend!

Jeans- Gap

Shirt- American Eagle

Sandals- Clarks (old)

May 30, All in the Details

I talk about details a lot on this blog, and I apologize for being repetitive, but truly, it’s the little details that matter. Take the two outfits below.

They are similar in that they are both showing cropped jeans and a black top. However, the outfit on the right looks a lot more put together than the one on the left, and it’s all because of the little details.

1. Notice the neckline of the blouse on the right. I love the deep V. It’s so much more flattering than the high neck on the left. Check out the cute notches on the side of the neckline, and did you notice the fabric on the shoulders? It’s layered- I’m sure there is a technical word for this, but I don’t know it- but I love the way it looks!

2. Notice the leopard belt. A small, minor detail like this adds a lot of instant style to an outfit. Don’t be afraid of animal prints!

3. Add some jewelry. Do you see all the cute bracelets I added to my wrist?

4. And lastly, ditch the flip flops. In my opinion, they aren’t very stylish. Even the adorable (and expensive) Tory Burch ones are not appropriate for the workplace. A cute pair of sandals is a much better option. Save the flip flops for the pool, beach or for after yoga class!

Top- this was from when I did Stitch Fix years ago, so no idea where it came from!

Jeans- Joe’s (Nordstrom Rack)

Belt- Target

Shoes- Lucky Brand

Bracelets- gifts

May 29, Floral Blouse

Today I am wearing this cute printed floral blouse that I have paired with my white jeans in the past. Wanting something different, I first tried them with dark blue jeans, but then thought that since there is a tiny bit of black in the pattern, I’d try them with my black skinny jeans instead.

Comparing the two looks, I love the contrast between the dark jeans and the light blue blouse. I also think it looks better tucked in (you know I love my half tuck), and I think these pointy toed shoes are an improvement over the ballet flats. They dress the outfit up a bit, and add some style with the pointy toe. Plus, these are seriously comfortable shoes and I am going to be on my feet all day! 

Happy Hump Day! 

Blouse- Nordstrom, old- but here is a similar one

Jeans- Gap

Shoes- Paul Green, mine are old- but here are a similar pair (and they are on sale!)

May 28, Black Dress

I bought this simple dress three years ago when I was going on a trip to Europe. I wanted something super casual, super easy and super versatile. This dress is definitely all that! It fits loosely, is made of cotton and is incredibly comfortable.

Alone it might be a little boring, but by tying a J Crew denim shirt at the waist, I have added interest and variety, not to mention made my legs look a lot longer! The cute long necklace also adds some style. Since I’ll be on my feet all day, I’ve chosen my Superga tennis shoes. A sandal would also be really cute.

Now for my public service announcement. Yesterday I was at our local pool and a 5 year old boy was found unconscious at the bottom of the pool. It was absolutely terrifying. Fortunately, a few bystanders (one of which was a doctor) sprang into action- pulled the child out and performed CPR until the paramedics arrived. The child survived (thank God), but it was a horrific moment that I hope no one ever has to witness.

I share this today because drowning is the number one cause of death among children ages 1-4, and can happen in an instant. And the scary thing about it happening at the pool- is that the parents were right there, but they probably thought the life guards were watching, which I’m sure they were, but there were a ton of people in the pool, and it’s impossible to watch everyone. I remember when my kids were little we went camping on Puget Sound with a bunch of families and one of the moms stated- ‘when everyone’s watching, no one is watching’ which really struck a nerve with me. She’s right, it’s easy to assume somebody else is paying attention and let our guard down a little. We simply can’t do that. So, please be safe with your kiddos this summer. Sorry to preach, but I felt it was important to share this important reminder.

Dress- Nordstrom, here is a similar one

Shirt- J Crew

Shoes- Superga

May 27, Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day! Today we honor and remember all those who have served and died for our country, so it’s only fitting that I wear red and blue to show my patriotism.

This cute red and blue striped dress is from Old Navy, and I bought it several years ago. Boy have I gotten my money’s worth! It’s such a cute and easy dress to wear, and appropriate for my age since the length is not too short. I also like the draw string waist- which helps define my shape. If it gets chilly, I can throw on a dark denim jacket. If you don’t own a denim jacket, this is the one piece that I literally couldn’t live without. It is so versatile- and so practical- and always in style. This one is also from Old Navy. As for my shoes- I mentioned these the other day. I found these at TJ Max, and they are so comfy that I can already tell they are going to be my new favorite sandal.

Enjoy your day!

May 25, Good Karma

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! It’s a bit chilly- so I’m not looking very summery today, but I also want to make sure I don’t look like it’s the middle of December (like I do in the photo on the left)!

I’ve chosen my distressed jeans, my Good Karma tank- and to keep warm- a cotton cable knit cardigan. For my feet, I have chosen these cute new sandals I just found at TJ Maxx! They are Mia brand, and I love them- they are cute and comfy! I have a feeling I will be wearing these A LOT!!

Hope you have a fun & safe weekend!

Jeans- 7 for all Mankind

Tank- Old Navy

Cardigan- White House/ Black Market

Sandals- Mia (I got mine at TJ Maxx, but here is a link the the same pair at Nordstroms!)

May 22, Head to Toe

One trick for looking slimmer is wearing the same color from head to toe. It creates a long vertical line- which in turn, makes you look thinner! Today I have chosen shades of grey.

In my before picture I have paired my grey jeans with a light grey t shirt and my black Birkenstocks. Nothing wrong with this- but honestly it’s a little dull. And since it is two different shades of grey, it doesn’t really do the trick of slimming. So, to add some interest (and a little edge to the look), I have replaced the tight grey t shirt with this cool metallic t shirt. The color is a better match for the head to toe look. This shirt drapes better (doesn’t cling to my stomach) and has a cute side slit & longer back. Little details like that add interest to the outfit. The peep toe block heel shoes also add more style.

Since it’s chilly this morning, I will throw on my pink satin bomber jacket. It also adds to the edgy look, plus keeps me warm and is cuter than a cardigan.

Gotta run, no time for links this am, my sweet sister (Kara) called and we just chatted for a bit, so I ran out of time to do the links. But honestly, I’d rather talk to my sister. 🙂 Have a great day…

May 20, Grey Monday

Good morning! It’s dark and grey outside, and I have a feeling it’s going to be like this all day, so I am wearing jeans, a sweatshirt and tennis shoes.

However, I do have to go to work, and the outfit on the left is a little too casual. While I love my Seahawks hoodie, this is not appropriate for my workplace. The cute camo sweatshirt is a little dressier (did I just call a sweatshirt dressy? Oh my!) and the black tennis shoes make my legs look a lot longer since there is one continuous line of black. Do the half tuck to emphasize my waist, throw on some bracelets for a little sparkle, and I’m ready for you 1st graders!

A close up of my bracelets today. The 3 on the left are new- a gift from a dear friend. Love them!

Jeans- Gap

Sweatshirt- American Eagle (this is similar, mine is last season)

Shoes- Adidas

May 19, Mother Daughter Tea

One of the traditions of National Charity League is that we have a Mother & Daughter tea every year. It’s a special event in that it’s a great opportunity to get dressed up with your daughter, spend time with friends, celebrate all the accomplishments from the past year and say goodbye to our seniors who are graduating.

I have chosen this cute blue dress to wear to the tea. It’s a super comfy dress in that it is nice and loose in the tummy area and has an elastic waistband- which is always a plus. The cute laser cut lace-like fabric adds interest (see photo below for a better look), the color is a gorgeous deep blue, and the length is appropriate for someone over 40 (one inch shorter and I think it would be too short). My only issue is what shoes to wear? Originally I wanted to wear the pair on the left, but then when I saw the photos, I decided they are a bit clunky and distracting. Instead I will wear these peep toe booties. The color is a little more neutral, and they don’t seem as heavy as the wedge sandals on the left.

Dress is Laundry by Shelli Segal, it’s VERY old, but here is something sort of similar!

A really cute sandal like this would be perfect!