There is a great style blog called Ain’t No Mom Jeans– I love checking it out from time to time. It’s amazing how something basic and simple as a pair of jeans can really change your look.
The jeans I am wearing on the right I bought at the Goodwill for a Halloween costume- but they are so bad, I decided to show them today so that you can see a side by side comparison of what a difference jeans can make.
It’s not helping that I tucked my tank in- but I wanted you to be able to see the 18 inch rise and the elastic waistband. That’s not all that’s bad though- the color is awful (acid wash is not my favorite) and the baggy- yet gathered at the ankle- style isn’t flattering. The one nice thing I can say about these jeans is that they were so comfy!!!
Luckily, the jeans on the left are also comfy- and a lot more stylish. The dark wash is much better- the cut is slimmer (but not too tight) and the slight flare at the ankle is a great alternative to the boot leg cut. Paired with pointy heels and this cute blazer- I’m ready for work!
If you haven’t already- do a personal jeans assessment. Are your jeans dated? When did you buy them? Are they still ‘in style’? If you think you need new ones- there are lots of great options in lots of price ranges. Shop around and try on lots and lots of different pairs/ styles/ brands… My favorites are Madewell, CABi, Old Navy, James Jeans.
As you all know I have an obsession with stripes! I just can’t get enough of them- and I apologize if you are getting bored with seeing me in stripes day after day…
Today I am wearing a blue and camel colored striped sweater. As you can see- the stripes on this sweater are much wider than I usually wear- and I will warn you that you have to be careful with stripes this wide- they can add bulk to your frame. That’s why I went with the skinny jeans- the contrast of large on top means the bottom must be small. It’s all about balance.
On the right I have left the sweater all alone- and simply paired it with skinny jeans and flats. I think this works- its plain, simple, yet I like it.
On the left I have added a light blue oxford shirt under the sweater, and then also switched out the ballet flats for my ever present Target brown boots! By adding the shirt underneath I have added a layer of interest- and warmth. I like the shirt tails peeking out under the sweater- and I love the boots because I can wear socks and my feet will be toasty warm all day!
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
I am attending a charity lunch today- so my goal is to look professional, tasteful and appropriate.
I opted for a gray pencil skirt, a gorgeous peach toned shirt layered over a tank and my snakeskin heels.
To accessorize, I chose this cool beaded necklace- unfortunately- in the pictures it doesn’t look right- in person the colors are more similar (I swear!).
I don’t really have a before picture for you today- because I actually like the top with pants as well… in fact, if it’s cold out- these pants might be a better option.
Sorry for the bad lighting- I took these pictures so early it was still dark outside!
I’m so excited- I finally reached over 300 for my Facebook ‘likes‘!
Thank you- and if you haven’t had a chance, come like me (please!)
A closeup of this silk top- it’s very sheer- so needs a tank underneath. Don’t be afraid of this color- it is flattering on anyone!
Boots are another great option- especially for keeping warm!
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
There is a great style blog called Ain’t No Mom Jeans– I love checking it out from time to time. It’s amazing how something basic and simple as a pair of jeans can really change your look.
Everyday Mom Style 