Oct 11, Dress

My week of Nordstrom inspired outfits has come to an end. I have to say, I liked having a theme for each day. It really did make getting dressed a bit easier! Today’s theme is a dress.

I wanted a dress that is casual enough for school, and then can be easily transitioned to a going out outfit for after work.

I choose this cute black and grey dress from Banana Republic (I bought this on my 40th birthday and I am 48, so it’s really old!)

For school today I have paired it with black tights, black booties and a super chunky, cozy grey sweater. Then, if I had a hot date tonight with my hubby I could take off the tights, replace the booties with heels and remove the cardigan and I’m all set for a fancy date night. Truthfully, I will be going to the high school football game tonight, so I will definitely not be wearing this! But one can dream of a fancy dinner out somewhere warm where one can have bare arms and legs…right?!

Have a great weekend! 🙂

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

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!

March 10, Leopard Flats

Momma got new shoes!! I’ve always loved the look of leopard shoes- and I’ve had this pair of ballet flats (on left) for years. But now I think a pointy toe might be a more current style. So… off I went to my favorite store Nordstrom Rack (I actually went online) and voila, there were the perfect shoe for me. They were inexpensive ($50), low heel, and so on trend with the d’Orsay style and cute print.

In my before look I am wearing a black t shirt under this cute cream blazer. Are you sick of black and white yet? I’m clearly not!!

The problems with this outfit are that the neckline is too high (gotta show a little skin ladies!) and the blazer tied in front is awkward. My straight leg jeans and round toe flats also date the look.

Switching out the tee shirt for this cute faux silk shirt (with gorgeous detailing- see photo below) and opening up the blazer and rolling the sleeves make for a more stylish outfit. The pointy toed leopard flats complete the look.

Jeans- Gap

Blazer- Banana Republic

Blouse- Stitch Fix

Shoes- Franco Sarto, Nordstrom Rack

Jan 14th, Cargo Style

 If you are a long time reader you’ll remember that a while back I was on the hunt for some skinny cargos. My sister ended up finding these for me- they are Michael Kors (did you know he had a clothing line in addition to purses and shoes?!).

I really love these pants- they are exactly what I was looking for- soft cotton, enough stretch that I can actually move in them, and I love the skinny style.

Now my only problem is what to wear them with?!

Today I decided to go with a blue open knit sweater. Like the pants, this sweater is super soft- and the long length is perfect for skinny pants (read: my bum is covered). It’s really hard to see in the photos- but this sweater actually has a cute striped pattern to it. I tried to take a close up photo- but it didn’t translate very well (sorry!).  For my shoes I opted for my black wedge booties*. And to finish the whole look off, I chose this Stella and Dot necklace.

I think this a much better outfit than the one on the right- the short cardigan is too plain on it’s own- and the length doesn’t work with the skinny cargos (absolutely no bum coverage here). The black sneakers are also a distraction- they seem dated and frumpy.

Kind of a weird pose, but I wanted you to see the cute slit on the sides!

I tried to take a close up so you could see the subtle pattern.

Sweater: Banana Republic, Pants: Michael Kors, Necklace: Stella and Dot, Shoes: DSW

*Full disclosure- I’m actually working from home today- so I’m not wearing these heels around the house. I have on my comfy Birkenstocks- but I know you don’t want to see those! 🙂

Nov 7th, Feeling Patriotic

 I probably should have worn this outfit yesterday- but I didn’t- so here I am feeling very patriotic today.

The thing is though, wearing red jeans can be tricky. They are so attention seeking, it’s important that the top doesn’t compete too much with the bottom. On the other hand you don’t want to be too boring!

As you can see on the right- the white t shirt and the jean jacket are a little too plain. Plus, the jean jacket sleeves are too long and the fit is too boxy. Finally, my red shoes are a little to ‘matchy, matchy’!

On the left is my reworked outfit. Here I’ve selected a blue and white silk tank with an interesting print. I layered it under a more fitted jacket and rolled the sleeves up.

I love the loose, flowy style of this tank because it allows my tummy plenty of room to breathe- and the jacket ads a layer of warmth and texture. To complete the look I chose my Stella and Dot statement necklace. As for my shoes, instead of the matching red shoes I chose my wedge loafers. Now I can wear socks and my feet are toasty warm.

Jeans: Marshalls, Tank: Banana Republic, Jacket: Gap, Shoes: J Crew, Necklace: Stella and Dot

Oct 24th, Un Original!

Here’s a little trick I thought I’d share- in case you hadn’t seen it before!

I can’t claim it as my own idea as I’ve seen many gals on blogs do this-which is why I titled my post un-original!

Rather than let this little summer dress sit in my closet unworn for 3 seasons, I’ve transitioned it to a fall piece by layering a sweater over the top. I then added my light brown Target boots and a belt to emphasize my waist.  To complete the look (and follow my ‘rule of 3’) I’ve added a necklace.

For you newer readers, my ‘rule of 3’ is that I feel like the top half of my outfits must always have 3 elements to it. In this case, the sweater (1), the belt (2) and the necklace (3). It isn’t a hard and fast rule- but one that I usually try to stick to.

And, for you gals who hate wearing belts (ahem, Erin I’m talking to you)… here is the look minus the belt.

I think it still works even without the belt, don’t you?

This outfit is really comfy- and casual- I could wear it anywhere!

Ok gals- I want to hear from you- belt or no belt?! Please comment!

It’s been a while, so I thought I’d link to Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday. Be sure to check it out, there are literally hundreds of ideas!

Dress: Old Navy, Sweater: Banana Republic, Boots: Target, Belt: so old I honestly can’t rememeber!, Necklace: Stella and Dot

Sorry about the dreadful lighting- it was still dark outside when I took these photos.

April 17th, The Power of 3

I really love this bright silk shell that I’m wearing today. It’s such a fun, pretty color and perfect for spring.

Originally I thought I’d wear it with skinny jeans.

But then remembered I have a few appointments for work today, so I decided to dress it up a bit by wearing trousers instead.

If you are a regular reader, you will recognize that a common theme for me is to do things in 3’s.

I’ve talked before about my ‘rule of 3’- which means I like to have 3 parts to my outfit (usually it’s a shirt, cardigan/ jacket & necklace).

I also like to keep the colors in my outfit limited to 3- anything more and it feels a bit crazy.

That being said- on the right I did add a 4th color in-  the red shoes, but it is in such a small dose, I think it’s ok.

On the left my shoes are snakeskin heels- which count as a neutral.

Comparing the two looks, I like the longer necklace on the left- it helps draw the eye down- and connects the top to the bottom.

I also realize that my wrists look so bare without any jewelry- but I sit and type all day at work- and can’t do it with bracelets banging against the keyboards. If I were going out on a date or to lunch – I would definitely add something.

This outfit feels very appropriate for spring with the light pants and the bright top.

I'm trying the celebrity trick of crossing my legs to look thinner. However, it just seems to make me look very awkward!

In both outfits I think I need a belt. Something neutral… time to go shopping!

Pants: Express, Jeans: Madewell, Shell:Loft, Cardigan: Banana Republic, Necklace (on right): Target, Necklace (on left): Forever 21, Shoes (on right): Target, Shoes (on left): DSW

March 6th, Stumped!

For the first time since I started this blog, I am completely stumped on what to wear.

For some reason, I stand in my closet and stare at my clothes and can’t seem to put together a single outfit that you all haven’t already seen.

Luckily, my sisters are coming out for a visit next week and we’ll do lots of shopping. We also have some fun blog posts planned- so be sure to tune in next week to see what we are up to!

That being said, I’m sorry if today’s outfit is another bust (yesterday’s was a toss up- but I do agree with most of you that the length on my dress was too long and the sleeves were funky. I still love the color though!).

On to today…

When I first bought these grey skinny cords I thought I’d wear them all the time, then I got home and looked in my closet and couldn’t figure out what the heck to pair them with.

The grey threw me off a bit and I wasn’t sure what colors would work as tops so I would only wear them with white or black shirts.

I’ve finally decided that the grey is basically a neutral and can be paired with anything, so I decided to try this cranberry colored faux silk blouse. It’s loose, flowy, and very on trend right now. The loose fit of the top is a better look than the tight white shirt above right.

It’s a pretty simple outfit, not much to it, but I like the way it looks effortless and carefree (I can assure you it was anything but effortless- this took me about 45 minutes to come up with, it’s that bad. I guess it’s a bit like writers block, huh?

The loose top is balanced out with the skinny bottom. The necklace adds a final touch to show I put some effort into my look.

Pants: Banana Republic, Top: H&M, Shoes: DSW, Necklace: Forever 21

Jan 20th, On the Fence

Hello Friends! After an entire day of no electricity, I’m so happy to have the power back on and access to my computer! Yeah! Thank you Puget Sound Energy!

Since it’s yet another cold and snowy day, my outfit today will need to be warm, comfy and casual! Big surprise there, huh?

I’ve opted for my gray skinny cords and this cute striped turtleneck from J Crew.

I think it looks great alone, but to add just a little something different, I’ve thrown on this utility vest. Not 100% sure that I love this outfit- the color combo is something I’ve never worn before.

Please let me know what you think. You won’t hurt my feelings, I promise!

One more thing… You know I love these link up parties, so today I’m linking up with Girlymama and All Things Chic for Fashion Friday today. Be sure to click here to check out other great ideas! I also am participating in My Greatest Hits ABC’s of Fashion.

What do you think of this combo? Does it work? I honestly am not sure!

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Pants: Banana Republic, Turtleneck: J Crew, Vest: Old Navy, Shoes: Kohl’s