Jan 21st Frumpy to Fab!

DSCN6434DSCN6435Well, I don’t know about fab– but the comparison between these two looks is quite a contrast, don’t you think?

Let’s start with the look on the right- these baggy rolled jeans paired with my UGGs looks frumpy. The plain white t shirt (part of the problem is the ultra high neckline) under the boyfriend style cardigan also contribute to the frumpy look.

In the look on the left I have replaced the frumpy (and baggy) mom jeans with some cute skinny jeans (please know that you DO NOT have to be a size 0 to wear skinny jeans- I am somewhere between a size 4 and 6). I’ve got on brown boots instead of the UGGs. I then switched out the plain white shirt for a cute tank- it’s a very small detail, but notice the cute ruffle around the neckline. Small details like that add so much interest to a look. Lastly, I added a cute necklace to tie the whole look together.

Tank- NY and CO, Cardigan: Nordstrom, Jeans: Madewell, Boots: DSW, Necklace: gift
Tank- NY and CO, Cardigan: Nordstrom, Jeans: Madewell, Boots: DSW, Necklace: gift

Jan 17th, Three for Thursday

Hello Friends! I’m having a little procedure today on my back*- so I’m not able to show you what I am wearing (besides, hospital gowns are so last year!).

Instead I decided to show my favorite dress worn 10 different ways. Looking back through some old pictures really showed me how versatile this dress is! If you think about it in terms of cost per wear- this dress cost around $150 (I think- I bought it so long ago I honestly can’t remember). If I’ve worn it  10 times- then my cost per wear is only $15. What a bargain!

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*If you were wondering…I am having an epidural to block the pain in my back.

Jan 15th, Needing Some Color

DSCN6423 DSCN4356As I look back over my outfits these past few weeks, I noticed that I haven’t been wearing much color (which shouldn’t be a surprise since I feel most comfortable in neutrals). But today I decided I needed a little burst of color~ something about the grey skies and lack of sunshine I guess!

That being said- here is today’s look. I’ve decided to wear jeans and a bright orange top. I love this top- it’s a great color and super comfy. For my first look I simply paired it with jeans, added my orange bracelet and brown boots- easy does it.

Then I decided that I should maybe add another layer- especially for working moms- so I tucked the shirt in and added a blue blazer. Instead of the boots, I chose ballet flats (and yes, my feet will probably freeze- this look is for you lucky moms who live in warmer climates). I also chose my leopard belt as a fun little surprise.

Now let’s take a moment to discuss my ‘before’ look. I chose an old one for you today (so I apologize if you’ve seen it before) but it’s perfect to compare with today’s look.

This is another example of how to wear a bright shirt- yet this outfit isn’t working for several reasons. The tight orange shirt with the high collar and strange cuffs looks awful (especially tucked in), and the mid calf cropped jeans are really unflattering for many reasons. The high waist being one of them. Lastly, the tennis shoes- please, please don’t wear tennis shoes with jeans. It’s not cute. We’ll talk more about that another day…

Adding this blazer polishes the outfit up a bit.
Adding this blazer polishes the outfit up a bit.
I love this orange bracelet, thank you Julie!
I love this orange bracelet, thank you Julie!
The leopard belts adds a little flair!
The leopard belts adds a little flair!

Jeans: J Crew, Blouse: Nordstrom, Blazer: Land’s End, Belt: Target, Boots: Target, Ballet Flats: Frye

 

Jan 8th, Faux Suit

DSCN6374I have a work meeting this morning, so I want to look somewhat professional- but notdscn6038 too formal. I decided to go with a pencil skirt and my leather jacket- to make sort of a ‘faux suit’.

I paired my brown pencil skirt with my lace t shirt and then layered my leather jacket over the top (instead of a suit jacket). To complete the look I opted for my brown boots.

Looking at the photos, I don’t like seeing my bare legs peeking out, I may need to go put some tights on. What do you think? Should I add tights?

Skirt: Nordstrom, Top: Madewell, Jacket: Nordstrom, Boots: DSW
Skirt: Nordstrom, Top: Madewell, Jacket: Nordstrom, Boots: DSW

Jan 4th, Big Brown Scarf

DSCN6362 DSCN6366My friend MaryAnn gave me this scarf last year on my birthday- and I wear it often, yet never seem to photograph me in it- so today here it is.

As per usual, I chose another very simple- very neutral outfit- just skinny jeans and a plain long tunic and brown boots.

Alone this is just too blah- but by adding this cool infinity scarf (complete with fringe) and a fun orange bracelet (also a b-day gift from a dear friend) I have given the outfit some texture and interest. So easy!

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Dec 18th Neutrals

DSCN6287DSCN6289If you’ve been reading for a while, you will know I wear very few patterns and that I rarely wear anything too bright.

I try to incorporate colors into my wardrobe, but I’m much more comfortable in classic neutrals.

So here is today’s outfit: I really love this look; just simple cream cords, a chambray shirt and a light camel colored sweater. To complete the look I chose my brown boots. It’s an easy and comfortable look for work or running errands or attending a holiday lunch at school (which I am doing!).

The outfit on the right is to illustrate that you can’t just throw on any neutral and think it will work- this outfit is clearly not working!

Cords: Nordstrom, Shirt: Target, Sweater: Land's End, Boots: Target
Cords: Nordstrom, Shirt: Target, Sweater: Land’s End, Boots: Target

Dec 12th, Work/ Day Dress

DSCN6267DSCN4331I have a meeting this morning that I need to be dressed up for- yet I also have a bunch of  errands that I will be running before my meeting- so (as usual) I want to look professional, but also be comfy enough to wander around Target!

I chose this blue jersey knit shift dress. It’s a great basic piece that every working woman should own.

I love this fabric because it really moves with your body, it is not stiff or restrictive at all. I also love this dress because of the gorgeous draping in the front. It’s really hard to see on the left- but in the ‘before’ picture on the right you can sort of see it.

All alone this dress works all right, (especially if I add a great necklace or shoes) but since it’s freezing out- I’ve added cream tights, brown (flat) boots, a brown belt and this polka dot cardigan.

To finish the whole thing off I added this cool statement necklace. As I was putting it on I remembered how a few years ago I NEVER wore necklaces, thinking they were ‘too dressy’ for day wear! Funny how things change over time. Now I feel almost naked without a necklace!

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Dress: Marshalls, Cardigan: Target, Boots: DSW, Necklace: Stella and Dot
Dress: Marshalls, Cardigan: Target, Boots: DSW, Necklace: Stella and Dot

Nov 30th, Cream Sweater

DSCN5906dscn3222I apologize- I am lacking in creativity this week- not only in my titles (‘Cream Sweater’- come on, surely you can do better than that?) but also in my outfits..

I think I’m suffering from jet lag- or writer’s block- or maybe there’s just too much on my mind.

Is anyone else a bit Christmas crazy at this time of year? Yesterday I made a spreadsheet of all that I need (or want) to do this time of year. And truth be told- getting it all down on paper (ahem, Excel) actually made me feel better.

But back to my outfit,  I’m wearing another tried and true one today. I am really into this look this fall/ winter (bet you figured that out already).

I love the classic, polished look of a checked shirt peeking out under a cable knit sweater paired with skinny jeans and boots. It’s simple, stylish and totally me!

Be careful though- your sweater should be fitted- not loose and baggy like the look on the right. I also prefer the dark skinny jeans as opposed as the loose boyfriend style on the right (I love this style, but these are a just a little off).

Hope you have a great weekend!

Sweater: Madewell, Blouse: Land's End, Jeans: Anthropolgie, Boots: Target
Sweater: Madewell, Blouse: Land’s End, Jeans: Anthropolgie, Boots: Target

Nov 15th, Three for Thursday, Utility Vest

Welcome to another edition of Three for Thursday, where I show 1 item worn 3 ways!

Today I am highlighting my utility vest.

I first saw this vest all over style blogs last summer. I immediately drove to my local Old Navy and snatched one up! It is a fun piece to have, and I continue to see women wearing it, so this trend is going to be around for a while.

My first look I have paired the vest with jeans, a striped shirt and a scarf. This look is super casual, easy and fun. Don’t be afraid to mix a striped shirt with a floral pattern scarf. Pattern mixing is another trend that is here to stay. Quick note about my scarf- please make sure you buy scarves that are large and have some bulk to them. A scrawny scarf will not look cute, instead it will look like you are trying to hard- and missing the mark.

This scarf is one of my favorites! I love the floral pattern!

My next look is a fun one- I decided to pair the rugged vest with a dainty lace shirt. To add a little more  interest I chose my red jeans and my Tory Burch flats. I think a necklace might be the perfect final touch!

Contrasting the feminine lace top and the rugged vest is a fun way to mix things up.

My last look is one you’ve probably seen me do before (and will see a different version of next week).  Here I have layered my vest over a dress. It’s a fun way to make a dress casual enough for day use (you could wear this anywhere!). To keep warm, I have on socks and boots. To add a little color and interest, I chose my Stella and Dot statement necklace.

I love this necklace, but not sure it’s totally right for this look… hmmm…

Top Picture: Jeans: Nordstrom, Shirt: J Crew, Vest: Old Navy, Scarf: Boutique in Yakima, WA

Middle Picture: Jeans: TJMaxx, Lace shirt: Madewell, Vest: Old Navy, Shoes: Nordstrom

Bottom Picture: Dress: Land’s End, Boots: DSW, Necklace: Stella and Dot

Nov 14th, Brown and Blue Together?

A year ago I would have never combined brown and blue together.

When wearing brown (or gray) pants or skirt I always took the safe route and opted for a white or an off white shirt on top. But how boring is that?!

On the left I have replaced the white shirt with this bright blue silk top.

I love this silk shirt- it can be worn un-tucked over skinny pants as a tunic, or tucked into a skirt as shown here.

As for my shoes, instead of the matronly heels on the right, I decided to go for my brown boots. I also added a belt (following my rule of 3).

To finish it off, I added this cool beaded necklace to tie the blue and brown  together.

This statement necklace ties the skirt and blouse together.
Don’t be afraid to mix brown and blue (or brown and black as we saw the other day!)

Blouse: Nordstrom, Skirt: Nordstrom, Boots: DSW, Necklace: Forever 21

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