April 2, Anything But Boring

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?

Jeans- Gap

Blouse- Madewell

Shoes- Franco Sarto, Nordstrom Rack

Jacket- Evereve

Nov 16th, Polka Dots!

I bought this cute polka dot blouse at Target a while ago- and haven’t had the chance to wear it yet.

Has anyone else noticed that I have found some really cute things at Target lately! Gotta love Target!

Polka dots are really trendy right now- and I will say that personally, I only like them in small doses! On younger (or perhaps hipper) women- they can look lovely- but on the other hand- you DO NOT want to look like Minnie Mouse!

However, a nice, subtle polka dot can be a great addition to your wardrobe.  I’m wearing black work pants today- this is a very typical working mom staple. I prefer the pants on the left (even in the winter) than the long, baggy version on the right. Yes, my ankles look a little cold- but I’ll survive (as long as I am inside most of the day).

I also think by tucking the blouse in I look more polished- and the pink belt is a fun way to add a little color into the look.

Pants: Nordstom (Vince Camuto), Shoes: Macy’s, Blouse: Target, Belt: Target

November 1st, Month in Review

Well, it’s the start of a new month- which means I show all my outfits from last month and you all can comment and let me know which is your favorite!

Hope you had a great Halloween!

Oct 19th, Date Night

Sorry for the late post- I ran out the door early this morning and didn’t have time to write!

Instead of showing you my outfit for the day- I decided to show my outfit for tonight!

I’m going out tonight to a CCFA fundraiser- (supporting one of my good friends who has Crohn’s disease). The theme is Casino Night, so I wanted a fun outfit- similar to something I would wear in Vegas.

The invitation said ‘smart dress’, which really could mean anything. Some people might opt for dress pants and a cotton top- like the one you see on the right.

The problem is- the dress pants are boring (perfect for the office, but boring for a night out),  and the cotton long sleeve shirt is too plain. All in all, I’d say the outfit on the right is too safe.

Instead- I opted for skinny black pants, a silky top with a modern print and pointy toed black heels. It’s basically the same outfit as on the right (black pants, off white top) yet the sleek pants and silk top make it much more dressy- and the pattern adds interest.

Now I look modern, appropriate and ready for a fun night out!

Another cool top from CABi! Pants: Gap, Shoes: Nordstrom

April 24th, Black Cropped Pants

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.

A boxy jacket needs to be paired with slim pants- or skinny jeans.

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.

This is a very simple outfit, yet perfect for work.

Pants: Nordstrom, Shell: J Crew, Cardigan: Nordstrom, Shoes: DSW

April 19th, Ugly Blouse Contest

This is one of those blouses that I can’t decide if I like it, or if it’s ugly!

I bought it at Marshalls last fall- trying to expand my wardrobe with some color and pattern.

On the right- loose and untucked with these work trousers- it’s definitely not working!

On the left, tucked in and paired with the skinny pants and these cute ballet flats it sort of works, right?

Maybe not…

Please comment and let me know if this blouse deserves to be worn- or is it the winner of an Ugly Blouse contest?!

Going for the 'skinny girl' crossed leg pose again! Why not?!

Outfit update- it’s a lot colder outside than I realized- so I have now switched my pants to my black long skinny pants- added black boots and a long black cardigan. One person just commented that this blouse looks like it’s poor quality- and she’s totally correct- which is why the stripes don’t line up- and also probably why I don’t like it. It feels cheap!

This looks a little wintery, but at least I'm warm now!
Please keep the comments coming- this is interesting to hear everyone's opinion!

 

 

Jan 22, Hooker Fashion?

I’ll be the first to admit I’m getting old, which probably means I’m out of touch with what is current.

I was at the mall last night (yes, sad life that I lead- I’m at the mall on a Saturday night) and I saw several women dressed like hookers (except they weren’t – at least I don’t think so).

They were simply out  on a date wearing (in my opinion) totally inappropriate clothing.

I swear, I saw 3 different women with skirts so short I literally couldn’t believe it was even possible. And heels so high, I don’t know how they were walking.

Where is my camera when I need it?!

The thing that really looked weird to me (besides the fact they were at a mall dressed like this) was that their dates were dressed perfectly normal. Jeans, jackets and casual shoes…

Is this fashion? Am I too old to recognize style? Possibly!

To me, this picture above is an appropriate date outfit. I’m wearing black skinny pants, wedge shoes (open toed sandals or heels would have been even better- but there is snow on the ground), a sequined top and a black blazer. I don’t think anyone will confuse me with a working girl- and my hubby will have no fear that the entire world will see my private parts.

Call me old fashioned, call my judgemental- but let’s leave something to the imagination people.

Enough preaching. Enjoy your Sunday.

More and more style bloggers are wearing sequins during the day. Would you?

Top: Marshalls, Blazer: Nordstrom, Pants: Gap, Shoes: DSW, Necklace: Gift

Sept 27th, I Spy With My Little Eye

This busy pattern works with a solid base.

Untucked seems messy to me.

Yesterday I talked about how Jessica Quirk, from What I Wore, said to always dress in 3’s, and then here I am today breaking the rule, or am I? Today I’m wearing a patterned blouse, black dress pants and pointy toed heels. But, if you look closely- I have still followed the rule of dressing in 3’s by adding 3 accessories.  I added a skinny belt, a black bracelet and a Van cleef Arpels knock off necklace that my mom picked up at the Palm Desert flea market- (thanks mom!).

In the photo on the right I show this blouse just worn plain- untucked. Nothing special…

On the left layered it over a black tank, tucked the blouse in, added accessories and now I’m ready for work. This blouse I bought at Marshalls for $15. I have mixed feelings about it. I think it’s fun because I rarely wear patterns, and I almost never wear green- but the pattern is a little wild. I think it works?! What do you think? Is this pattern ugly? Or is it ugly/ cute?

Sometimes even the smallest details make a difference.

Heels: Nordstrom, Pants: Nordstrom, Blouse: Marshalls, Bracelet: Kohls, Belt: Ann Taylor