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?
Does anyone else remember that song? Probably not… 
Anyhow- I’ve decided to wear my purple skinny jeans again today. I have a casual client meeting, so I thought these would be appropriate. I wanted to pair them with something simple- so I chose this cool black cardigan.
It’s made of sweatshirt material, so it’s super soft, super warm and super comfy! I like how it’s different than your typical cardigan too!
To add a little personality to the outfit I decided to wear my animal print tank underneath the cardigan. This way, you get a tiny little glimpse of the pattern, but it’s not overwhelming or too busy.
Lastly- I opted for my black boots- these are such a wardrobe staple! As you have probably noticed- I wear them almost every day. Definitely worth the investment!
Hope you have a great day- and thanks for all your comments yesterday. Wearing the dress without the belt seemed to be the consensus! Thanks!
Jeans: Target, Boots: Nordstrom (Frye), Tank: Express, Cardigan: Nordstrom (Bobeau)
I’ve already worn this polka dot top (from Target), but it is so cute, I had to bust it out again.
Plus, I thought it was the perfect backdrop for my new Stella and Dot statement necklace. I’m sure you’ve seen lots of this style necklace (J Crew started the fad), but I just got mine- and am so excited!
I actually wore this outfit to dinner at a friend’s house over the weekend. I like the casual, rolled boyfriend jean, the polka dot top and the casual cardigan. It’s so much better than a pair of mom jeans, a white t shirt and a matronly cardigan. Don’t you think?
It’s the small details that make this outfit look pulled together- the patent leather ballet flats, the skinny belt, the statement necklace…
And here’s a secret. These are actually not boyfriend jeans- they are just a pair of straight leg jeans that I rolled at the cuff a few times- and now I love the way they look (before they were too long, unless I wore heels). I know that sounds so obvious- but I honestly didn’t figure this out until recently- so had to share! Just because the jeans are not rolled when you buy them doesn’t mean you can’t roll them! Aha!
We actually have a term for this weather here in Seattle- June Gloom.
After a truly gorgeous May- we have now entered into the rainy season. And by rainy, I mean RAINY.
It looks like it could be December out there… UGH! Seriously?!
So while the rest of the country is basking in the sun, we are donning our rain gear and making the best of it.
Rather than look like the picture on the right- I decided to skip the bright blue (unflattering) rain coat and tacky pink boots and instead opted for a cute mini skirt (it is summer after all) paired with my Hunter rain boots and a cute striped tank. Since it is only 55 degrees out there, I had to add a cute little black cardigan so I don’t freeze!
Even though it is very ‘un Seattle like’ to use an umbrella- today I will be doing such that!
Enjoy your day by the pool and if it makes you feel better, think of me sloshing around in the rain.
A reader asked what coat I would be wearing, so here you go! I also had to add tights because I was wrong about the temp- it’s actually 48, not 55. BRRRRRRRR!
I’m wearing… you guessed it, black cropped pants today! For some stupid reason I really struggle when wearing black on bottom.
I know, black is a neutral & EVERYTHING goes with it- and yet, it took me 20 minutes to put this outfit together.
What’s wrong with me?
On the right is a good example of what NOT to wear with them. This solid long sleeve t shirt is too blah. I look boring!
On the left I have opted for a cute light pink top with a ruffle collar. I’ve paired it with a black cardigan.
Now, to be totally honest, I originally thought I’d pair this top with this jacket (see below), but then I looked at the pictures and I think it is too boxy paired with this loose top- and the whole thing makes me look large in the middle.
The black cardigan was my before picture- until I actually saw the picture, and then I thought, ‘wait, that actually works…’ I like the fact the outfit is only 2 colors- tying the top and bottom together.
Even though I’m wearing black on top and bottom, I still look ‘springy’ because of the shoes, cropped pants and light colored shell.
Pants: Nordstrom, Shell: J Crew, Cardigan: Nordstrom, Shoes: DSW
One thing I’ve learned in this ‘fashion journey’ is how a very simple outfit can either look stylish or not- depending on small details.
A good example of that is today’s outfit. I’ve paired blue jeans with a white t shirt and a black cardigan.
But- as you can see on the right, this outfit is awful.
The loose, baggy jeans are too long (see how they puddle around my ankles). The white t shirt has a neckline that is too high- and the cardigan looks awkward (the neckline is so much lower than the t shirt). And to be honest, the outfit is just a little too boring.
On the left I have replaced the baggy jeans with these cute slim and cropped ones (Old Navy, Diva style)
I’ve switched out the cardigan for this longer, short sleeve one and then added a scarf to add interest and color to the outfit. Now my outfit has a focal point.
For my shoes, instead of the ugly black Sketchers (on the right), I’ve got on cute black ballet flats.
Simple little changes that make a big difference! Enjoy your weekend. The sun in shining in Seattle today! Thank you Mother Nature!
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Jeans: Old Navy, Cardigan: Standard Style Boutique (Kansas City), Flats:Nordstrom, Scarf: gift from hubby!
Well, it’s finally time for Kara and her kiddos to head back to the midwest. It’s been a great girls week- and I hope you all enjoyed seeing pictures of someone other than me!
Today Kara is wearing greenish grey cords (from J Crew), a white button down top, black cardigan and a gorgeous scarf. She’s finished her look with these cute short Frye boots. Her look is casual, comfy and totally appropriate for her plane ride home.
I’m stuck here in rainy Seattle, so I’m sporting one of my new scores from our shopping adventures.
I finally splurged and bought the Hunter boots I’ve been coveting for so long.
Both of my sisters were shocked that I didn’t already own these- and now that I own them- I kick myself for not buying them sooner.
Yes, they are pricey. But, considering how often it rains here- they should be a staple in everyone’s closet.
Here’s why:
Unlike my checkered rain boots from Fred Meyer- these are actually WARM and COMFY (not to mention stylish).
These boots offer arch support so they are actually extremely comfy when you’re going to be on your feet all day. My old boots had absolutely no support, and after standing for about an hour, my back would ache.
Plus, I’ve talked about price per wear before- and if you take the price of these boots- and divide it by how many times you will wear them- they actually seem pretty reasonable. (I say this because although my sisters loved these- they chose not to buy them because it doesn’t rain every day in Kansas City- hence the price per wear goes up!).
I’ve paired my boots with skinny jeans with a pair of socks peeking out of the top of the boot. This is a super trendy look- and I thought I’d give it a try. I think it’s cute!
On top I have on another one of my new purchases- this black cape-like thing. It’s made of sweatshirt material, so it’s uber soft and warm. I love the asymmetrical hemline. I’ve put a grey and black striped shirt underneath to add a little pattern- and then piled on my chain necklaces to amp up the look even more.
This is a perfect rainy day outfit- and from the looks of things, I’m going to need it. I know I keep saying this- but seriously- anytime spring. We’re ready and waiting!
One more thing, I apologize for not doing more ‘before and after photos’ this week. It was so fun having my sisters here- but we were so busy we ran out of time! Sorry! I’ll show one quick before pic below- you’ve seen this before, but just for fun I’ll show it again.
Here is what I looked like before I started caring about style. The bright blue coat, the pink boots. Not a sophisticated and stylish look.
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I have a very early flight to sunny southern California today, so I’m showing what I am wearing on the plane.
To me, comfort is key- but I also don’t want to look like I’m in sweats or my pj’s (I’ve actually seen adults wearing pj’s on planes!)
Instead of sloppy sweats, I’ve chosen comfy leggings. To be honest, I resisted leggings for a long time- thinking I am way too old to be wearing them.
I remember when they were popular in the early 80’s (thank you Madonna). I figured that since I wore them the first time around I should probably resist the second.
So, that being said- I don’t wear them a ton- but when I do- boy are they comfy. For my top I’ve chosen this loose tunic. As with the skinny jeans, with leggings it is VERY important that your shirt hangs down way below your bum. It can’t just graze the butt- it needs to be full coverage. Trust me.
I’m showing my original look on the right- and then on the left I’m showing how by adding just a few pieces I turned this boring outfit into something more interesting. Plus, having layers on an airplane is essential.
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I’ve hooked up with Girlmama for Fashion Friday. Check it out!
Leggings: Nordstrom, Shoes: Nordstrom, Tunic: H&M, Scarf: Gift, Cardigan: Standard Boutique (Kansas City)
Are you beginning to notice a lot of my titles are related to music from my youth? I’m not sure what that’s all about- but let’s just go with it!
Today I am going to be on the sidelines for yet another soccer game! I want to be warm, comfy and stylish. Since it’s not supposed to rain (cross your fingers), I’ve opted for my black Frye boots with black leggings. One note about the leggings, these are actually skinny pants from the Gap- so they are nice and thick and warm. A lot of the cheaper leggings are so thin that you can actually see skin underneath. Not a good idea!
For my top I have this cute oversize tan tunic that has buttons down the front. For warmth I added this long, super cozy black cardigan and then I simply threw on a necklace and called it good. But- when looking at the photos, I realize this just looks a little plain. Boring.
So, to change things up a bit I threw on a scarf- what’s that you say? Another scarf?! I know, I know! But really, they just make the outfit so much more interesting. Because of the gorgeous colors, this particular scarf is one of my favorite fall pieces. I picked it up at Target- and as Jessica Quirk (What I Wore) suggests, when buying cheaper scarves, iron them and cut the tags off! I might have forgotten the iron part! Whoops!
Leggings: Gap, Tunic: H&M, Sweater: Kenzie Girl, Boots: Nordstroms, Scarf: Target
Everyday Mom Style 