June 23, Swiss Dot Blouse

All my house guests have left (sniff) and I am spending the day in my grubby clothes cleaning and doing laundry. Instead of showing you that, I am showing what I wore last night to a friend’s grad party.

I decided to go with a classic, simple look of black and white. I chose my white jeans, this time I went with the un-distressed pair (is that even a word?) and a black sleeveless top. On the left I show a tank- which I really love, but it’s very simple and plain. To make my outfit a little more dressy I wore a cute J Crew Swiss dot blouse with a ruffle collar- see below.

To complete the look, I added a blue and black necklace and wore peep toe block heel shoes instead of my black Birkenstocks. I was actually a little chilly, so I threw on my denim jacket- (not pictured). A denim jacket is probably my #1 staple item- it goes with everything! If you don’t have one, I suggest buying one. Mine is from Target!

Jeans- Gap

Blouse- J Crew (but found at Nordstrom Rack!)

Shoes- TJ Maxx

April 12, Green Jacket

Today for our tour I’m wearing my olive green jacket with a cute black patterned top (they are actually little stars, but they look like polka dots) and my faded Joe’s jeans. It’s a simple casual look that’s comfy and perfect for walking around a college campus.

As you can see in my before photo I have on the same top, but it’s untucked & paired it with a cargo style jacket, boyfriend jeans and clunky tennis shoes. The untucked shirt and boxy jacket paired with these baggy jeans makes for an overall messy look. By just making some small changes- I have really improved my outfit.

April 5, Friday Casual

It’s finally Friday! Has this seemed like the longest week ever? It has to me! 

Today I’m going super casual with my distressed boyfriend jeans and a black top. It’s hard to see in the photo- but this top has really cute details- the fabric has vertical subtle stripes, the sides split  & at the shoulder there are zippers. Cute, right? 

The after look is an improvement for 3 reasons!

1. The jeans in the before are weird. I can’t put my finger on what is wrong, but to me- they just look strange. I think it’s the holes. They are in an odd place.

2. The slip on tennis shoes are a huge improvement over the bright orange and blue tennis shoes- and just as comfy- but way more stylish!

3. The fleece is warm and all, but it has absolutely zero style. This cute top- with side slits, zippers, and a better neckline is much more interesting. 

Another cute top from my friend over at @shopocstyle

Jeans- Target

Top- OC Style

Shoes- Vince, Nordstrom Rack

Oct 8th, Red Jeans

Today I am sporting my bright red jeans- which I love! It’s fun to have an alternative to plain old blue jeans!

When wearing pants this bright, it’s important to keep the top neutral- however, the outfit on the right is a little too neutral,  ahem, boring!

In the outfit on the left, I have replaced the white crew neck t-shirt with this cool black wrap shirt I bought several years ago at a boutique in LA. The asymmetrical hemline gives the top interest, and then I added a striped scarf- which adds a subtle pattern to the look.

It’s a simple and extremely comfortable outfit.

Here’s a hint about the scarf- I bought it at Target- and in order to make it into an infinity scarf, I simply safety pinned the ends together. I then looped it around my head 3 times. So easy- and it looks great!

A close up of the wrap top and the ‘infinity’ scarf.

When wearing bright pants, I am more comfortable keeping the top neutral- but that doesn’t have to mean boring!

Pants: Marshalls, Top: Old, Scarf: Target, Shoes: Nordstrom (Puma), Bracelet: Khol’s

June 14th, Reader’s Request- How to “Summer-ize an Outfit”

  Today’s reader request is from a local Seattle gal- who wants to dress ‘summery’, but also realizes that it’s only 55 degrees outside.

This is a tough one- because while everyone else in the country seems to be wearing summer clothes- we in the Pacific Northwest are still faced with really cold temps.

We want to look appropriate for the season- but we are also a practical bunch of people!

Today I’m showing how I took a black long sleeve wrap top and by making very minor changes- made it look a little more ‘summery’.

To do this I need to show more skin!

I opened the neckline a bit (this was done by loosening the wrap a bit), added a white tank underneath, pushed up the sleeves and rolled up my jeans. I added to bangle type bracelets and switched out my ballet flats for sandals.

Now I’ll be warm, but also don’t look too wintery.

What are your suggestions for dressing for the season?

Feb 3rd, Black and Tan

With the high neckline and plain pants, this outfit is boring!

I am wearing such a simple outfit today (khaki and black) that I almost didn’t post it- but I wanted to show that black and tan doesn’t have to be boring, especially when paired with a gorgeous necklace. This pendant, with it’s vibrant green color, draws the eye immediately to it.

It is from one of my absolute favorite jewelry lines, Stella and Dot*, which my friend Carrie happens to represent.

Every girl needs a statement necklace- and I think this is a perfect addition to this otherwise plain outfit.

Paired with my cargos and a black tank and a black cardigan, it makes for a stylish, yet very easy outfit.

I never would have worn black on black, but I think this works.

Love this bold statement piece!

*Stella & Dot is found only through Trunk Shows or Carrie’s personal website.  Book a Trunk Show with Carrie and  receive $50 in additional Hostess Rewards!

Pants: Louis Permilia, Top: Nordstrom, Tank: Gap, Boots: DSW, Necklace: Stella and Dot

I am not being compensated for this post.