Dec 3rd, Month in Review

Well- it’s that time again- the beginning of a new month. So- here is a summary of what I wore in November!

 

 

Nov 30th, Cream Sweater

I apologize- I am lacking in creativity this week- not only in my titles (‘Cream Sweater’- come on, surely you can do better than that?) but also in my outfits..

I think I’m suffering from jet lag- or writer’s block- or maybe there’s just too much on my mind.

Is anyone else a bit Christmas crazy at this time of year? Yesterday I made a spreadsheet of all that I need (or want) to do this time of year. And truth be told- getting it all down on paper (ahem, Excel) actually made me feel better.

But back to my outfit,  I’m wearing another tried and true one today. I am really into this look this fall/ winter (bet you figured that out already).

I love the classic, polished look of a checked shirt peeking out under a cable knit sweater paired with skinny jeans and boots. It’s simple, stylish and totally me!

Be careful though- your sweater should be fitted- not loose and baggy like the look on the right. I also prefer the dark skinny jeans as opposed as the loose boyfriend style on the right (I love this style, but these are a just a little off).

Hope you have a great weekend!

Sweater: Madewell, Blouse: Land’s End, Jeans: Anthropolgie, Boots: Target

Nov 29, Three for Thursday- Fur Vest

I want to be cute and comfy today (I think I say that every day!). So I decided to go with my cream stretchy cords. They are so soft and so warm, perfect for a cold winter day. I love pairing black and cream together- it’s an easy, classic combination.

My first look on the right I have on a large, baggy black top. It’s not doing much for me- too loose, too boring.

On the left I have replaced it with this slimmer, long sleeve V neck black t shirt- and then to add warmth (and some style) I added my faux fur vest. To finish it off, I added a long pendant necklace that ties all the colors together. For my shoes I chose my desert booties. I can wear socks with these- so my feet are nice and toasty and the subtle color doesn’t distract from the rest of the outfit.

Now, being that it is Three for Thursday, I’ve decided to show you some other ways I’ve worn this faux fur vest. It’s a fun piece to have in your closet- a great little way to dress up an otherwise plain or boring outfit. Plus, it makes me so warm!

Nov 28th, You Again?

 You again?

I know, I’ve worn this dress so many times you all are probably sick of it. But, since I only show my own clothes from my own closet you will have to bear with me as I wear one of my favorite dresses again!

This time I decided I needed to add a little color so I paired it with a bright pink cardigan, black tights and black boots. I originally thought I’d skip the tights, but the dress looks too short with just my bare legs (I think I might have shrunk it on accident! Darn it!). Since the dress is so short, adding the tights (or leggings) makes it more appropriate for work.

Let me share with you a little lesson I have learned here- when you are out shopping, if you find a great, versatile day dress- buy it!

You will be amazed at how many different ways you can wear it- and it’s so nice to have a ‘go to’ day dress in my closet! Look for something somewhat neutral- so that you can change the look of it easily. A bold print is great- but not nearly as versatile.

Don’t let the price scare you off, this dress was well over $150, but for the amount of times I’ve worn it- it has paid off. Another great hint is that I have found fabulous dresses at TJ Maxx and Marshalls- so go check them out! Just be very critical in your decision making- just because something is a great deal- doesn’t mean it’s great. Also, just because something is ‘designer’ doesn’t mean it is fabulous for your personal style. I bought a Calvin Klein maxi dress at TJ Maxx that looks like a nightgown (as seen here). Big mistake- even if it was only $39… I would suggest having something pretty specific in mind when shopping, so you don’t end up with an impulse purchase you will regret.

Dress: Nordstrom (Michael Kors), Cardigan: J Crew, Boots: Frye

Nov 27th, Back to Work

After a wonderful vacation, I am now home and have to get back to work. Lucky for me, jeans are appropriate in my office, but I still want to look professional, so I like to add a blazer.

As you can probably tell (if you are a regular reader), I am a huge fan of blazers. I used to love cardigans and twin sets (yes, I am that old), so a blazer is a great alternative to that look.

The thing to be careful of with blazers is to not look too serious or too dated. So, if you have a bunch of old blazers lurking in the back of your closet- you might want to check a few things before wearing it. Are there large shoulder pads? Is the cut fitted (does it nip in at the waist or is it a boxy cut), is the length too long (aim for the waist).

Today I am wearing one of my old blazers. I bought this a few years ago at Ann Taylor- and while I love the color (it is especially popular this season), I had to cut out the shoulder pads and roll the sleeves to keep the look modern and current. I also decided to replace the stiff, formal button up white shirt with a black and gray striped t shirt. I added a black bracelet and necklace to finish the look off.

I have paired the blazer with my boot cut jeans. This is another common question I get from readers- asking how to wear boot cut jeans. Lot’s of women prefer this style to the skinny jeans- and I understand. They are a lot more forgiving for any figure flaws! I like to pair them with something slim and fitted on top and definitely with heels! Wedges are a great option.

Jeans: Nordstrom (Paige Premium Denim), T shirt: Macy’s, Blazer: Ann Taylor, Shoes: Nordstrom (Me Too)

Nov 23rd, Disneyworld, Day 4

I must take a minute to apologize to anyone who’s feelings I hurt by posting the photo of the tie die family and the lady with the socks. I meant no harm! In defense, this is a style blog- and in my opinion- those items really aren’t very stylish. But- as many readers pointed out- in Disneyworld anything goes- and dressing alike in huge crowds can be a great way to keep a group together.

Today’s post is actually from Universal Studios, not Disneyworld!

Again, I’ve gone with comfort, warmth and layering! I’m wearing my cropped skinny J Crew jeans, a white tank (which you can’t see), my polka dot top and a gray cardigan. I’ve chosen my Dansko sandals again- and again I must sing their praises! These shoes are awesome! I will admit, looking at the picture, they aren’t super stylish, but for the sake of having comfortable footwear, I don’t care!

In my hand is my 2nd glass of Butterbeer, from Harry Potter world. If you’re planning a trip to Universal, I highly recommend trying some (get the frozen kind- and don’t wait in line to get it, go into a pub).

Jeans: J Crew, Top: Target, Cardigan: Banana Republic, Shoes: Dankso, Belt: Ann Taylor

Nov 22nd, Three for Thursday

Three for Thursday is perfect when you are on vacation. It’s great to be able to pack one staple item and get several different looks out of it.

That being said- here is today’s 3 for Thursday! I’m starting with my little black cotton dress all alone:

And here it is with a gray t shirt over the top:

A simple t shirt over the top of the dress totally changes the look- it now looks like a skirt with a top…

Not my favorite look- but since I’m working out of a suitcase, tying my denim shirt over the top of the dress also gives it a fresh look.

A simple, cotton dress is a great item for your wardrobe- especially when on vacation. As you can see- there are so many options and your look can easily be changed with a few simple changes. In case you didn’t see my outfit from the other day- here is a 4th way to wear it!

Since it’s Thanksgiving, I think it’s appropriate to share what I am thankful for- and without trying to sound cheesy- I am incredibly grateful for my health. I have come to realize that being healthy is truly a gift, and I am so grateful for that- and that my family is healthy. Thank you God for that blessing. May I never take it for granted.

Nov 21st, Disneyworld: Day 3

We did Epcot yesterday, and I am exhausted! I loved every minute of it though… friends had told me that it wasn’t that great- and to even skip it- but boy am I glad we didn’t! We had so much fun, saw so many things, and did some amazing rides!

Here is what I wore:

Again, I dressed in layers- and am glad I did! I kept changing my outfit throughout the day- it would be warm, then cold and windy, then warm again… crazy!

I wore my skinny cargo pants, a tank top, a white waffle style cotton shirt over the tank and then my denim shirt on top. As you can see, I have a small black cross body bag to hold my essentials (lip stick, sunglasses, map and tickets) and then on my back I have my backpack with the bigger stuff. I’m wearing my Puma’s- which proved again to be a great choice! My feet never hurt!

As I stated on the first day- I know this isn’t the most fashionable look in the world- but it is cute enough to not embarrass my family!

Pants: Micheal Kors, Shirt: Micheal Stars, Denim shirt: J Crew, Shoes: Puma

Not to be mean- but I did see some things I would advise not to wear.

It’s a horrible picture, but can you see this gal’s stretch pants? I wonder if she looked in the mirror before she left the hotel room? This is awful!

This family decided to wear matching tie dyed shirts…

It’s hard to see, but this gal has little Winnie the Pooh on the back of her socks… seriously?!

Today we are hitting Universal Studios! I’ll post my outfit from today tomorrow!

Nov 20th, Day 2 of Disneyworld

Well, we’ve made it through 2 whole days of touring Disneyworld, my goodness this place is HUGE!

I wanted to share with you some more tips about what to wear. As I mentioned yesterday, layering is the absolute key. It is very chilly in the morning- and as it warms up (or cools down) you want to have appropriate clothes.

Today’s outfit is actually what I wore yesterday- and it worked out great. It was cold all day and I never even needed to remove any layers- but had the sun come out- I could have removed the jacket- or the leggings, or the scarf…

I took a simple cotton black dress (black works because it will hide dirt- in the heat of summer I wouldn’t wear black- but for Nov it works). Underneath, I wore black stretch pants, then on top wore a cardigan (not pictured- I had to add it because it was so cold- these pictures were taken before I left), then on top of the cardigan I wore this utility jacket. To top the whole thing off, I added a scarf. I love this outfit because of the many layers- and because this jacket has large- deep pockets perfect for holding my map, my phone, anything!

As for my shoes- these are my Dansko sandals- and they worked perfectly! My feet were incredibly comfortable, my back never ached (as it usually does after a lot of walking) and let me tell you- we did A LOT of standing in lines and walking around!  Comfortable shoes are an absolute MUST for Disneyworld.

My cross body bag ended up being too heavy to use, so instead I opted for a plain black backpack. I carried snacks, a bottle of water, my guide book and camera. Not super stylish- but it certainly worked to carry the essentials!

Drink lots of water to stay hydrated!

If you are visiting Disneyworld in the winter, be sure to pack warm clothes! Even thought the forecast was 72 degrees, it was 58 today! Very chilly, I can’t tell you how many people we saw who had to make an ’emergency purchase’ in the gift store of a dorky Disneyworld sweatshirt. Plan for chilly weather- I’d rather be over dressed than freezing! Keep in mind, every item pictured above is rolled up and stashed inside my bag on the picture on the right.

Dress: Macy’s, Jacket: Marshalls, Shoes: Dansko, Scarf: Boutique in Yakima

Nov 18th, What to Wear at Disneyworld

Over the past year and a half of blogging, one question I hear over and over is ‘what should I wear at Disneyworld?’.

Well, this week my family is on vacation at Disneyworld, so I thought it was the perfect time to share with you my suggestions!

Here are my top 5 things not to do:

1. Wear new shoes

2. Wear high heels (think of Gloria from Modern Family)

3. Wear a bikini top as a shirt (I’ve seen this on hot days).

4. Wear a fanny pack (See picture below for further proof)

5. Dress your entire family in matching outfits

Now that I’ve gone over the “dont’s” let’s talk about some “do’s”!

In my opinion, the 2 most important “do’s” are: 1) comfort, 2) layering.

The weather in Florida can change quickly- so you want to be prepared for anything! Also, you will be walking ALOT so you definitely need shoes that are ultra comfy.

Let’s look at the photos above. As you can see from my picture on the right I am wearing a colorful t shirt, cropped jeans and my comfy tennis shoes. Problem is, I look like a total dork!

On the left I have on much cuter cropped jeans (ankle length is much more flattering than mid calf), a striped tank and a bright zipped hoodie. During the day when it’s warm, I can take off the hoodie and the tank is cute enough to stand on it’s own. In the evening, I’ll throw the sweatshirt back on.

As for my feet- I have replaced the clunky (and dorky) tennis shoes with my Puma’s. These are as comfy as tennis shoes, but much sleeker and stylish.

The last item I would recommend is either a cute backpack (especially if you have small children who can’t carry their own stuff) or a large cross body purse. I’ve opted for the purse option. My kids are old enough now (9 & 11) that they can carry their own drawstring bags with sweatshirt, sunglasses, water bottle, hat, snack). That leaves me to carry wallet, camera, guide book, scarf and a bottle of water.

My aim isn’t to be the most fashionable person in Disneyworld- but I at least want to look somewhat cute- espcecially since we will be looking at the photos from this trip for years to come…

This large, cross body bag will hold my phone, camera, water bottle, scarf… the essentials!

Surely this picture doesn’t even need an explanation.

By the end of the episode, Gloria was in slippers!