One of my worries when getting dressed is that I don’t look like a frumpy mom! It’s so easy for me to fall into a pattern of wearing jeans, a top and a cardigan. It’s casual, it’s comfy and it works… but can I elevate this look?
While I don’t HATE the before picture, in fact I kind of like it, I think the after look has a little more style to it. Something about the edgy jacket and the peep toe shoes take this regular mom outfit up a notch.
However, since I am running errands all day- I will compromise. I’ll wear the jacket, but switch to tennis shoes. My poor old feet can only stand heels for so long. #keepingitreal
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.
Today’s outfit is my distressed jeans and a cute black and white striped dolman sleeved top.
In the before photo I am wearing straight leg jeans- and I have the top pulled down way too low. It’s much cuter scrunched up at the waist and with the sleeves pushed up. Also, if you look closely, you can also see my bra strap peeking out. If you’re wearing a shirt that has an open neckline like this, try a fun bralette instead. This looks so much better than a regular bra straps. The distressed skinny jeans are also a better option than the straight leg jeans- and the strappy sandals complete the look! Happy Friday everyone!
My fear when wearing black pants and a white top is that I’m going to look like a waiter in an upscale restaurant. Yet, I love wearing black and white- I just have to make sure that it’s anything but boring!
In today’s before photo I am wearing black dress pants that are way too long to be worn with flats (see how they puddle on the floor) and a plain v neck white sweater. Since I don’t work in an office, I’m replacing the black pants with black jeans, which add a little more style to the look- but the real eye catcher is this cute white top from Madewell. I love the details of this swingy top. First off, the diamond pattern is adorable, the cut is fun and different for me, and last- it has the cutest details on the shoulders- see below.
To complete the look, I’ve chosen my leopard pointy toed flats. I think it’s a fun way to add a little pattern into the otherwise pretty simple outfit. And, if it gets chilly, I will throw on this cute black jacket. However, yesterday we got up to 70 degrees here in the Northwest! Loving this spring weather! Is it warm where you live?
Instead of a before and after post for my OOTD, I’m showing 2 different versions of my St. Patrick’s Day outfit. And a quick shout out to my big sister for her Birthday! Happy Birthday Erin, I love you so much! You inspire me daily.
The outfit on the left is my normal, safe option. A cute Ireland tee shirt, ripped jeans and white tennis shoes. Festive, comfortable and easy. But then I decided to try something totally different (and a bit of a risk for me), and pair the green shirt with my geometric skirt and black peep toe heels. To be honest, I think it’s kind of fun! I love the colors together, and the skirt is such a bold, fun eye catching pattern. Which outfit do you prefer?
I bought this a few years ago at Target for a St. Patrick’s party we were going to. I think it’s so cute, but I only wear it once a year!
Skirt- Target
Jeans- Value Village, and Distressed by me (here’s how!)
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.
A cute outfit for the weekend is a casual flannel and some ripped jeans.
The problem in the before look is the ripped jeans are not flattering at all. The buttoned up flannel looks dull this way, and the heavy black boots add weight to the outfit.
In the after version, the skinny jeans are more flattering, and to improve the boxy look of the flannel- I tucked it in and rolled the sleeves. Similar to this outfit here. I also replaced the dark boots with these cute black slip on loafers. These are a great spring shoe- and so comfy!
As for my ripped jeans I did not make them myself (as I did here)- they are 7 for Mankind, and I love them. They have a lot of elastic in them, so they are stretchy and comfy… and I got them at Nordstrom Rack (my favorite store!)
Another lame title by me- but surely by now you’ve come to expect a lame title, right?
I’m actually showing what I wore on Saturday, since today I have to go to Physical Therapy for a little sciatic nerve problem I’m suffering from. So, if you see me out and about today in sweats, you’ll know why!
On Saturday I went to my daughter’s indoor soccer game- so technically, this is a soccer mom outfit!
I wore my dark skinny jeans, a cute polka dot blouse and a bright pink (or is this purple?) cardigan. I liked the bright cardigan over the neutral blouse- it’s a good contrast, and so much better than the outfit on the right (do you notice that you can see right through this blouse? Yikes! Hello belly button! I need to add a tank underneath!).
I decided that since the blouse has so much going on (between the polka dots and the ties) that I should skip a necklace. What do you think? Should I have added a necklace?
There are black cardigans, and then there are black cardigans. I love this black cardigan (on the left). It’s long length is perfect paired with skinny jeans (hides my bum) and it’s open front (no buttons) make it hang beautifully.
Paired over this cool silk printed top, skinny jeans and my black boots- it’s a huge improvement over the look on the right, wouldn’t you agree?
I bought these bright pink pants last year- and was a bit nervous about the color, they are so bright!
But it turns out, I love wearing them! Truth be told, I feel a bit like a barbie doll when I do.
They are just so pink- and so bright- and so attention seeking! With that in mind, I figured my top must be a bit subdued- which is why I chose my off white blazer.
I figured a blazer would help my outfit look a bit more professional- and the neutral color is a perfect balance for the bright pants.
Underneath the blazer, I opted for this cute black and white polka dot top- with a cute V neck.
Let me tell you about this top- I bought it at Target (God, I love Target) thinking it was a great piece- but as you can see on the right, paired with the black cropped pants and worn untucked-something didn’t feel right. Part of the problem is the cut- it is a very loose, flowy top- and with these pants the whole outfit is too baggy. A pair of skinny jeans or leggings and it might work.
As for the cropped pants– I say this over and over again- but ladies- please don’t wear cropped pants that end mid-calf. It makes your legs look short! Go for the ankle length- much more flattering!
Back to the ‘after’ picture. Just to add a bit more polish and complete the look, I added a black skinny belt, a statement necklace and a pair of black wedges.
This outfit would be appropriate for work or for a night out on the town (I wore it out to dinner with friends Saturday night).
A close up so you can see the detail of this cute top!
For another crazy before picture- check out this one- where I had color overload!
Everyday Mom Style 