Oct 13th, All About Me!

I feel a little silly dedicating a post to talking about me- but throughout the past year I have received lots of emails from readers asking personal questions.  So, I figured that it was time to answer them.

1. How tall are you?

I am 5’5″- so I am very average! Believe it or not, I’m also curvy (my hips are bigger than my waist). I share this because for years I would look at magazine articles talking about body types and could never figure out which one I was. I mistakingly thought that because I was thin I couldn’t be curvy. Not so- even thin girls can have curves!

2. What time do you get up in the morning?

Well, it depends- but usually I am up at 6:00 so that I can shower and get dressed before my kids get up. My son gets up at 6:25- (his bus picks him up at 7:00 for school- UGH!) Sometimes I don’t get showered and dressed until after both kids are off to school.

3. How do you pick out your outfits?

I spend a lot of time on the weekends going through my closet and putting together looks. I then photograph them so that later I can remember what works and what doesn’t. It’s amazing how looking at a picture of yourself (instead of the mirror) gives me a totally different perspective. I also am always watching other people- and when I see an outfit that looks fabulous on someone else, I make a note of it- then try to re-create that look.

4. What shoes do you wear in the winter to keep warm?

I love my boots and knee socks- my feet are always cold, so I tend to wear my black boots almost everyday. For a little variety, I have added my new desert booties and my short cowboy boots to the mix. I also love my Hunter rain boots (I do live in Seattle after all) and my Sorel snow boots for those really slushy days.

5. What is your favorite item in your closet?

This is a hard one- I love a great pair of skinny jeans, love my black turtleneck, love my denim shirt, my navy blazer- and love a good comfy sweater.

6. Why do you call your style American Classic?

Well, I have a great style book that I love called The Lucky Guide to Mastering any Style, in this book they break down different styles- and show examples of outfits from each one. They even include a list of ‘must have’ pieces for each style.  The different styles are:

Euro Chic

California Casual

Rock and Roll

Posh Ecletic

Mod

American Classic

Bombshell

Arty Slick

Bohemian

Gamine

Mix and Match

I relate most to American Classic- meaning I like traditional, classic clothing. I’m inspired by Jackie O, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Ralph Lauren- I love blazers, white shirts, turtleneck sweaters… all in earthy tones.  I am trying to add a little of my own personality by incorporating a few (mild) trendy pieces in- and I’ve definitely tried to add more color!

7. What is your favorite store to buy clothes?

Well, if you are a regular reader you will know I love Nordstroms! I know lots of people avoid departments stores because they are so overwhelming, see my post here to help !

I also love Target because they have trendy and usually well made pieces at really reasonable prices! I always walk through the clothing section when I’m at Target- they are constantly getting new stuff in- so it’s always fun to see what they have!

I also love J Crew- but it’s funny, when I get their catalog I actually don’t like much of what I see- I think sometimes they try too hard to be edgy or combine crazy colors. That being said- J Crew is a classic store with well made pieces at somewhat reasonable prices.

I am a pretty careful shopper- meaning when I am clothes shopping I have a list of exactly what I am looking for- this helps me stay focused and avoid making impulse purchases! Just because something is on the sale rack does not mean I have to own it!

8. Why are you headless in your photos? It’s weird!

I know it takes a little getting used to- but I really prefer to not have my face in the pictures for several reasons. One- I am very un-photogenic. I look really goofy in pictures- and to get a good one I’d have to take about 100. Since you can’t see my face I can snap 3 quick pics of my outfit and I’m done. The second reason is so that I don’t have to do my hair or makeup for the pictures! I also like being anonymous! Lastly, I really want this blog to be about clothes- and not about me.

9. What inspired you to start this blog?

I started this blog because one day I was on the internet and stumbled across the blog What I Wore. I had never seen a style blog before and I was immediately hooked! I started to look at more and more blogs- looking for women who were wearing clothes like what I wore- and I couldn’t really find any (although I’m sure they are out there- I just hadn’t found them yet!). I decided that maybe I should start my own blog- using the format of before and after pictures- because that’s what always interests me when reading makeover stories in magazines. Also, I really wanted a creative outlet- and this is a great chance for me to have a little hobby and follow my passion for clothes.

10. Does anyone send you clothes to wear?

I wish! No, all of the clothes you see me in are clothes that I have purchased over the years- which is why sometimes I show pieces that are several years old. This is my real closet- so there are things in there I bought 10 years ago! (which is why being an American Classic is perfect- classic pieces never go out of style!).

The lighting is so bad in my bathroom that you can’t see the true color of this top- please click here to go to the CABi site to see the top in better lighting.

Pants: Gap, Top: CABI, Necklace: Lia Sophia, Boots: Nordstrom

March 17th, 3 Ways to Wear a Grandpa Sweater

Love these cropped pants, polka dot top and flats.

The longer work out pants and flip flops don't quite work.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Sorry for the delayed post, we were up celebrating KU’s win last night (Rock Chalk) so we are moving slow this morning.

We’ve decided to show how versatile a grandpa sweater is by showing 3 totally different looks.

Erin has paired hers with cropped black pants, a cute polka dot blouse and a gorgeous necklace.

Kara has chosen cropped skinny jeans, a silk blouse tucked in and has added a belt, bracelet and two necklaces.

Her before is loose, faded baggy jeans, a plain white t shirt and birks just doesn’t have the same elegant look, does it?

I’ve chosen a black pencil skirt, a polka dot top and a pink cardigan. I’ve added a pink belt and have selected these cute espadrille wedges.

My before look of the plain white tank and baggy pants is unflattering and too messy.

I am so jealous of these gorgeous snakeskin wedge heels.

These baggy faded jeans are way too long for her.

I love the pink and black together. It's a good combo for spring.

These baggy pants are not flattering and the plain white tank is also making me look large in the tummy area.

Let me be totally honest, since it is snowing again here today- we will not be wearing any of these outfits- instead we will be bundled head to toe in the warmest things we can find. UGH! Spring- please come soon. We miss you!

Don’t forget to vote for Top Mommy Blogs- I need your vote each day (thank you!).

Now, go drink some green beer! And, if you’re feeling really festive, try a green blazer! Isn’t this cute?

This jacket is from Talbots, isn't it cute?

Feb 7th, Black and Blue

  I have a work event this morning and I want to look professional, yet current so I’ve opted for this gorgeous silk shirt and black pants.

On the right I am wearing baggy dress pants- and although they are very nice pants, paired with this large and loose top it looks out of balance.

On the left I have re-worked it by pairing the large top with skinny pants. This works much better because  when you go large on top you should go small on bottom, and vice versa! Adding the long necklace and black boots finishes the outfit.

Remember, when wearing pants these tight, just be sure the top is large enough to cover your bum.

If you are not comfortable wearing skinny pants- try a cigarette  (or straight leg) style pant- they are not as tight- but still very slimming.

As long as your top covers your bum, anyone can rock the skinnys.

Blouse: Nordstrom, Pants: Gap, Boots: Nordstrom, Necklace: Gift

Jan 31st, Chic Blog of the Week, Who Me?!

 Oh my gosh, this is so exciting. Sweet Melissa (I love that song by the way) of All Things Chic, has selected Everyday Mom Style to be the Chic Blog of the Week!

I am so flattered! Thank you Melissa for highlighting my little project! It means the world to me- not only because I am a huge fan of your blog but also because I love getting style tips and ideas from you!

If you want to check out her post, and if you were ever curious what my face looks like click here (I swear this is not a mug shot- although I don’t blame you for wondering. Now you know why I chop my head off in all my pics!).

And thanks for all those votes for Top Mommy Blogs- you all are amazing! If you want to vote for me, it is so simple, just one click on the ‘vote for me’ button on the right. That’s it! Thanks! You can do it every day if you want- it will keep me in the running! (I’m getting greedy, sorry! :))

In celebration of today I have decided to dress in my alter ego- rocker chic! I bought this tweedy, Chanel inspired jacket thinking it was a very serious jacket and would be perfect for work. In the picture on the right you can see how I had it zipped up and paired with baggy black trousers. I didn’t look like a serious employee- I looked old fashioned!

On the left I have updated my look. By unzipping the jacket and pairing it with these sexy skinny pants and boots- then adding a oversize, flowy tank layered with lots of silver chains- I have made my outfit more current and stylish. Rock on!

From dowdy gal to rocker mom!

Pants: Gap, Tank: H&M, Jacket: Nordstrom, Boots: Nordstrom, Necklace: Kohl’s

Jan 15th, Weekend Wear

Weekend casual- day 2. I’m rushing out the door for more basketball games, so I don’t have time to post much. (I should have gotten up earlier- sorry!)

I’ve opted for black skinny pants, black booties and a funky t shirt under a cableknit cardigan.

I NEVER wear t shirts like this, so this is a bit of a stretch, but my hubby liked it- and in the end, that’s all that matters, right?!

Hope you have a great day!

I actually bought this t shirt for my son, but I stole it from him!

Dec 28th, 30 for 30- Day 28

Work it Wednesday– today’s theme is my ever favorite- the black turtleneck. I’ve done this before, (here) but thought it’d be fun to try again today, especially since my choices are so limited.

My first look is my Rachel Zoe inspired, night on the town, all black with faux fur.

I like the way the necklace picks up the color in the fur.

My next look is more of a daytime look- I’ve added a cute jacket and bright scarf. This jacket works well because it has elastic at the waist, which helps define my middle- and doesn’t let the jacket overwhelm me.

Perfect for a cold and rainy day- like today!

My 3rd look is another daytime look. I’ve paired this oatmeal sweater with this gorgeous scarf, added some thick wool socks (scrunched down) and these cute boots.

Love these shoes with this sweater! Looks like they were made to go together.

Since I was on a roll, I decided to try a few more looks:

This outfit is all about the gold scarf.

Audrey Hepburn inspired look.

Return of the grandpa sweater!

As you can see, my black turtleneck is probably the most versatile piece I own. Since I’m always cold, it works well to keep me warm, and acts as a base for me to add items to.

Which of these looks is your favorite? Any?!

Pants: Gap, Turtleneck: White House, Black Market

Dec 22nd, 30 for 30- Day 22

Boy it’s a frosty morning- but still no sign of snow, so I’m thinking we will not be having a white Christmas this year. Darn!

Today I’m wearing my black skinny pants with this cute animal print top and my grey grandpa cardigan.

I used to be afraid to wear animal prints like this during the day- thinking they were too dressy, or too wild for ‘everyday’ style. But then I decided- what the heck?

Wearing this tank makes me feel fun- and gives my outfit a little kick. I’m needing that right now…

I’ve also changed out my shoes. On the right I have on these awful black things. They make my feet look enormous, and do nothing for my style. It’s hard to see in the photo how bad they are, so I’ve included a picture below. In theory, they are sort of cute, right? Unfortunately, they don’t work with skinny pants.

Nice mud on the sole! Yuck!

Instead of the black shoes, I’m wearing my black boots- yes, I do wear these almost everyday (in the winter), but they are warm, comfy and stylish. Why mess with that?

The long sweater hides my butt- which is important when wearing pants these tight!

Pants: Gap, Tank: Express, Cardigan: J Crew, Boots: Nordstrom

Dec 7th, 30 for 30- Day 7

 I’ve got some Christmas shopping to do today, I’m heading to University Village- (for you non locals, it’s an outdoor shopping area) and I want to be warm, stylish and comfy- so I’ve opted for my skinny black pants, my cable knit turtleneck, black flat boots and then added this cute coat. It’s wool, so it’s super warm, and the belt helps emphasize my waist.

It’s easy to look enormous in a coat- so be sure try on lots to find one that is flattering. I recently went shopping with a petite friend, and we realized that many lengths/ styles of coats just didn’t look right.  She finally found one that is hip length and belted- so it doesn’t cut her legs in half (making them look even shorter), while also emphasizing her waist. To see it, click here.

I found this great coat at Target, and recently saw that now it's on sale!

Boots: Nordstroms, Pants: Gap, Turtleneck: J Crew

Dec 2nd, 30 for 30- Day 2

I’m off to a running start- although not sure how well yesterday went! I shouldn’t have worn jeans. We had an office open house, and I was too casual. Don’t you hate it when that happens? I swear, I feel like I always miss the mark.

Oh well, I’m trying!

Today I am wearing my black skinny pants and this incredibly soft grey sweater. I love the hemline- how it covers my bum, and has some movement to it.

To add some interest to the look I threw on this scarf. One thing about scarves- go for the largest, thickest material you can find. A skinny, anemic scarf looks awful. Wrap it around your neck a couple of times, then tie it in front. Volume is key!

Speaking of missing the mark, I’m showing a picture of some boots below- I bought these many years ago and wore them recently. I felt so dorky- the square toe seems dated. I usually wear flat boots, but I probably ought to invest in some with heels as well. They will last me for years. Any recommendations? Comfort is essential!

Is this square toe still stylish? I think not, but need advice!

Outdoors you can really see the gorgeous color of this sweater!

I should take all my pictures outside, the lighting is just so much better- sadly it is so dark here so early (and so cold) that sometimes I just have to make due with the indoor shot! Sorry!

Pants: Gap, Sweater: Louis Permilia, Scarf: Lucky, Boots: Frye

Nov 30th, Month in Review

Here is a review of all my outfits for the month! Click on any of them and it will take you to the slideshow (sorry mobile users- the slide show doesn’t work on phones- you have to actually go to my site!). Thanks! 🙂