Spring in the PNW is a tricky thing. Our mornings start off very cold- and it takes most of the day to finally reach a comfortable temperature. That’s why I love a good spring sweater.
For my outfit today I’ve chosen a knit sweater and paired it with distressed jeans and slip on tennis shoes. This cream sweater doesn’t scream winter (as some sweaters do), and the cropped jeans help keep this outfit from looking too wintery.
In my before photo the distressed jeans are rolled too short which looks super awkward. The blue tennis shoes are not cute and the shapeless cream t shirt doesn’t do much for me. The outfit on the right is almost the same idea- just with subtle changes to make it more stylish.
This sweater is Vince and I bought it at Nordstrom Rack. I love it’s simplicity and classic style.
I’m calling this look my “rock star” look because it is inspired by Steven Tyler, lol!
Seriously though- he always wears flowy scarves. When I wear a scarf, it’s usually an infinity scarf looped around my neck. Today I thought I’d take a little risk and try wearing it loose. And to be honest, I really like it!
I love the color it adds to this otherwise plain sweater. Plus, even though it is technically spring, it’s still a bit chilly, so this scarf actually provides a little warmth- while still looking ‘springlike’ with the pretty floral pattern. Speaking of being chilly…
I had a reader write asking how to keep your feet warm, while still showing a little skin at the ankle. Here is how! Wear Smart Wool socks. These keep my feet toasty warm- and they work with my booties, as well as my slip on tennis shoes.
Originally, I was planning on wearing this scarf with a tee shirt- as pictured below, but it was just too chilly. However, if its warm where you live, consider trying a scarf with a tee shirt. It’s a fun way to dress up a plain shirt.
Today I’m wearing a pink tee shirt and off white jeans. A simple, easy outfit. But what is the first thing you notice when comparing the two photos?
For me, it’s how much longer my legs look in the after photo. By tucking in the shirt- and defining my waist with a belt, I have added several inches to my legs. Wearing heels also makes them look longer (obviously)!
I love a good graphic tee shirt, but the one on the left is too large, and the neckline is too high. So, I replaced it with this much softer pink v neck shirt from American Eagle. I then threw on this cute grey cable knit sweater because our temps are supposed to be back in the 60’s today, so I will need the extra warmth. To complete the outfit, these peep toe neutral heels are perfect. They don’t distract from the overall look- but rather compliment the neutral colors while adding some height as mentioned earlier. And, the heel is only about 2 inches high. Super comfy!
Have a great day!
Shirt- American Eagle
Jeans- J Brand
Sweater- White House, Black Market (this sweater is possibly 10 years old… or older!).
My before look in today’s outfit is something I actually wore a few months ago. It was such a comfy outfit, and I thought it was cute at the time. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my joggers, but now looking at the photo I realize that the bulky sweater needs a slimmer bottom to balance everything out.
I love this sweater for both the color and the texture. I’m not sure if you can tell from the photos, but it’s a soft lavender color, which is something I never wear! Paired with my ripped skinny jeans and cute slip on tennis shoes and I am ready to go run some errands today. My sister gave this purse to me years ago, but I thought it would be fun to show with my outfit. Do you change out your purse everyday? I never used to, but now that I’m trying to be more stylish, I am making more of an effort with purses and jewelry!
You may have noticed this about me- but in case you haven’t, I’ll state the obvious. I love neutrals! I feel very comfortable in neutrals- and especially love wearing clothes in the same color family. The only problem is that it can be really plain and boring- as seen on the right!
In my ‘after’ look, I replaced the tan t shirt with a cable knit sweater. The cable knit adds a subtle pattern, and the denim shirt underneath is a nice contrast. I especially like the tails hanging out below the sweater (breaks up the solid cream) and the sleeves rolled up (another place to add a bit of color). As for my feet- I chose my loafers.
Now I have a comfy, warm and cute outfit- too bad I’m just heading back to lay on my couch! LOL!
Hi friends! Sorry I skipped yesterday. I actually had a very early appointment with a specialist about my sciatica- and then spent the rest of the day in bed resting. ARGH!
Anyhoo… it’s Thursday, so time for another edition of Three for Thursday. For you new readers, this is where I show 1 item worn 3 ways. Pretty simple stuff!
As usual, my lighting in my bathroom is terrible, so you can’t really tell- but these are my purple skinny jeans. They look black in the pictures- but they are actually purple- I swear! To give you a true idea of what color they are, I included the picture (above right) from Pinterest.
In my first outfit I chose to keep it very casual and just added my blue and white striped shirt and my denim jacket. For shoes I chose my short boots.
For the next outfit, I also kept it really casual. This is a great weekend outfit- very simple, yet stylish. I chose my denim shirt and then added this cool infinity scarf and some fun bracelets. For shoes I chose my brown boots.
Denim shirt- J Crew, Scarf: Macy’s
My third look is more for a casual work outfit. Here I chose to wear a sweater (notice the cute ruffle detail around the neckline), and then I added a necklace and a stack of bracelets. For fun, I rolled the hems of the jeans and chose my leopard ballet flats.
Sweater: Loft, Shoes: Target, Necklace: Stella and Dot
Because I was inspired- I decided to try 2 more looks with these purple jeans. The first is a bit strange- and I’m not sure if I like it or not. Here, I chose a blush colored silky blouse and then added a cable knit dark grey cardigan. I like the contrast of the feminine blouse and the chunky sweater. It’s the shoes I’m not sure about. I love these slip on loafers- but the bare ankles paired with a big cardigan may be too much of a contrast.
For the last look I chose to show a date night look. Rather than just wear regular denim or black jeans, I decided to try a cute going out top with these purple jeans and added strappy black heels. Since the neckline of this top is so decorative, I skipped a necklace. Instead I added a fun chunky silver bracelet.
Which outfit would you wear? Any of them? Please comment, I love hearing from you!!
I 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).
Yesterday I left my house at 3:30- got home at 7:00- and all I was doing was driving kids from one sporting event to the next (pick up from tennis, drive to basketball practice, drive to soccer game…). Over scheduled much?
Argh! On days like these I want to be dressed super comfy- and ready for anything,
Today’s outfit is a good example of that. It’s an easy outfit for running around town in- it’s casual & comfy- yet looks pulled together.
I like the look of the shirt tails peeking out- and I love the cable knit detail on this sweater- I even decided to skip a necklace and let the sweater speak for itself.
As for my jeans- these are my old favorites! They are Diva style from Old Navy (which I’m not sure if they are still making this style- these are old). They are straight leg jeans in a shorter length that I simply roll up to make them look cropped. They are the perfect casual jeans for running errands in!
Linking up with Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday!
Below is my personal list of 10 Fall Trends- and let me warn you- it may not be the most fashionable list around town- but it is a realistic and practical shopping list for anyone who wants to update their closet -as opposed to buying an entire new wardrobe with each new season- (yeah right?!).
First on the list:
1. Boots that can be worn with socks. My feet are cold all fall/ winter and while I love my ballet flats- a great pair of comfy boots can be an everyday staple.
2. Desert booties to alternate on the days when I’m not wearing the boots above!
Last year I bought 2 pairs- one from Khol’s, one from DSW. This year I am splurging and going for the J Crew ones!
3. A perfect chambray shirt- can be worn as a jacket, over a t shirt, under a sweater, thrown over a tank, layered under a cardigan… so many options and it goes with EVERYTHING!
4. Colored denim- last year I bought a gorgeous pair of plum skinny jeans at Anthropologie- then I chickened out and returned them. This year I am much braver (plus I found a pair at Target- so it wasn’t much of an investment). I can’t wait to wear them!
5. A scarf- that can be worn with anything! I love how a scarf adds so much personality to an outfit. It makes a plain boring shirt have some personality, plus it keeps me warm! Keep in mind- buy a scarf that has some bulk. Nothing is worse than an anemic scarf! I love floral patterns, but sometimes a nice neutral one is fun too!
6. A slouchy sweater- throw this on with some black leggings, a pair of boots and you are set for the weekend. I love the effortless, casual- yet stylish look!
Photo from Pinterest.
7. A striped shirt! Yes, big surprise, huh?! I am a serious stripe fanatic and can’t seem to get enough of them. That’s ok… stripes are a classic look and you can never have too many!
8. A cool leather jacket! Last year I bought one at Marshalls, and I think I made a mistake. I was so excited about the price, that I sacrificed fit-as seen here! Find one that fits like a glove- is comfy- and is real leather. Nothing worse than a pleather jacket!
9. A shirt dress- I love this look! Paired with tights, boots, maybe a scarf and a cool handbag and you can run errands, attend meetings, go to lunch and look cool the whole time!
Notice how she has a shirt under her dress… interesting?! Photo from Pinterest.
10. A cable knit sweater- again, this one is a classic. It goes with anything- is comfy and warm- and will never go out of style.
In looking over this list- I realize I have really been quite boring- nothing to flashy, to trendy, to daring… oh well, let’s face it- my style is American Classic and I can’t change who I am! All I can say is: love it or leave it! If you love it- thanks~ please take a minute to write me a little comment! You have NO IDEA how much they mean to me! Seriously, every time I hear from a reader I am thrilled that someone has actually read my blog, liked what they saw and taken the time to write me! 🙂
If I forgot something- please let me know that too… I’ll happily update my list- or create another one in a few months!
Linking up to Pleated Poppy for What I wore Wednesday! Be sure to check out all the other cute sites!
Since these pants are so bright and so attention seeking, I think pairing them with something subdued is a good idea.
However, as you can see on the right- a plain white t shirt is a little too subdued.
On the left I’ve opted for this cute crisp white cable knit sweater- and to add a little interest I have a chambray shirt peeking out underneath. I’ve also added a necklace and then my leopard flats.
Gotta run and get the kids up. My son leaves for camp today (outdoor ed through the school), so it’s a big day- and its raining… of course! Glad I got him some rain pants on sale at REI yesterday! Hope he wears them! 🙂
A real fashionista would probably pair these pants with something bright and colorful! I'm not that brave- plain white works just fine for me.
Everyday Mom Style 