You all know I love my joggers, and today I am super excited about this brand new pair I just bought at Marshalls. They are Tencel, which is one of my favorite fabrics because it is so soft, and I LOVE the color! Gorgeous!! It’s sort of olive green/ grey, which will be a great neutral going into the fall.
One thing I like about these joggers is the length, they are just a tiny bit cropped, which gives them a super relaxed look. I also love the cargo pockets- which is a fun detail. The joggers in my before photo are too long (see how they actually cover my shoes?), plus they have this weird puckering thing going on down the sides. Not sure what that is all about?! To make matters worse, the logo t shirt isn’t adding any style. In my after photo, I have paired my new joggers with this super cute striped silk top from Ann Taylor (old). I’m always a HUGE fan of stripes, and I love how this top looks like a t shirt, but is actually silk- so fun! My Target slides complete the look.
Friends, I need your love and support for the next few days. I’m dropping my son off at his first year of college 2000 miles from home, and my heart is literally breaking. But, I’m super proud of him- and know he will have a fabulous time. It’s just hard to leave him. Please send virtual hugs my way… thanks!
If you are a long time reader you’ll remember that a while back I was on the hunt for some skinny cargos. My sister ended up finding these for me- they are Michael Kors (did you know he had a clothing line in addition to purses and shoes?!).
I really love these pants- they are exactly what I was looking for- soft cotton, enough stretch that I can actually move in them, and I love the skinny style.
Now my only problem is what to wear them with?!
Today I decided to go with a blue open knit sweater. Like the pants, this sweater is super soft- and the long length is perfect for skinny pants (read: my bum is covered). It’s really hard to see in the photos- but this sweater actually has a cute striped pattern to it. I tried to take a close up photo- but it didn’t translate very well (sorry!). For my shoes I opted for my black wedge booties*. And to finish the whole look off, I chose this Stella and Dot necklace.
I think this a much better outfit than the one on the right- the short cardigan is too plain on it’s own- and the length doesn’t work with the skinny cargos (absolutely no bum coverage here). The black sneakers are also a distraction- they seem dated and frumpy.
Kind of a weird pose, but I wanted you to see the cute slit on the sides!
I tried to take a close up so you could see the subtle pattern.
Sweater: Banana Republic, Pants: Michael Kors, Necklace: Stella and Dot, Shoes: DSW
*Full disclosure- I’m actually working from home today- so I’m not wearing these heels around the house. I have on my comfy Birkenstocks- but I know you don’t want to see those! 🙂
We did Epcot yesterday, and I am exhausted! I loved every minute of it though… friends had told me that it wasn’t that great- and to even skip it- but boy am I glad we didn’t! We had so much fun, saw so many things, and did some amazing rides!
Here is what I wore:
Again, I dressed in layers- and am glad I did! I kept changing my outfit throughout the day- it would be warm, then cold and windy, then warm again… crazy!
I wore my skinny cargo pants, a tank top, a white waffle style cotton shirt over the tank and then my denim shirt on top. As you can see, I have a small black cross body bag to hold my essentials (lip stick, sunglasses, map and tickets) and then on my back I have my backpack with the bigger stuff. I’m wearing my Puma’s- which proved again to be a great choice! My feet never hurt!
As I stated on the first day- I know this isn’t the most fashionable look in the world- but it is cute enough to not embarrass my family!
I’d like to start a new thing (well, not really that new since Jill from Good Life For Less used to do this every Wed), but basically once a week I’ll show 1 item worn 3 ways.
I think these are always really helpful posts because they show how pieces in your closet can be worn several different ways, and it also helps me think outside the box.
Today’s item is this deep purple, draped neck top. I bought this several years ago (at Nordstroms) and to be honest, I don’t wear it all that often. It’s such a gorgeous color and I love the ruching- so I’m not really sure why I don’t wear it.
My first look is what I’m calling the ‘typical mom’ look. Here I’ve paired the top with a cable knit gray sweater. I love this sweater because it is so warm, it’s long enough to cover my bum and the dark gray color goes with everything! To tie the purple color in, I chose my Stella and Dot necklace and wrapped it around my neck twice. For my bottom half, I chose my James jeans and my black boots. I think this is a great everyday outfit- it’s warm, comfy and cute!
My next look is the ‘office look’. Here I have paired the top with dress pants and pointy shoes. You’ll notice I changed the chunky cable knit cardigan for a light gray cotton sweater. I also changed out my necklace for something with a little more texture and interest. If you work in a conservative office, this look is perfect for you!
My last look is the ‘trendy mom look’. Here I am wearing my skinny cargo pants and let the top shine on it’s own. Looking at the pictures though, it seems a little too plain… maybe my fur vest would complete the look?
I don’t know why my arm looks cut off in the photo. I’ll admit, it looks a little strange.
Jeans: Anthropologie, Top: Nordstrom: Classiques, Entier, Cable kbit cardigan: White House, Black Market, Cargos: Michael Kors, Shoes: DSW, Boots: Nordstrom (Frye)
My son has 3 games today, so I’ve opted for a casual, layered outfit of cargo pants, a tank and a cardigan (this seems to be my uniform these days).
On the right I have on my old loose black cargos. Paired with this baggy tank, I look frumpy- and large in the middle.
The bright pink cardigan is cute- but it’s lost in this outfit. Everything just looks too big.
On the left I have slimmed the look down. The first thing I did was match my tank to my pants (almost). This creates a long vertical line, making me look taller and thinner.
The cut of these cargos is skinny, which also helps create a more slimming look. This tank (in this cool shiny fabric) is also more fitted- and partially tucked in. To add some brightness to the outfit, I topped it with an orange cardigan.
The small details of the belt and dainty necklace help create a more pulled together look. To finish it off, I’ve got on my leopard ballet flats. It’s a fun way to add an unexpected pattern into the outfit.
Go enjoy your Saturday! I see sunshine in Seattle! Yippee!
Strange pose, I know- but I wanted to show this cute belt- from Target! It's also a great way to see how large my caboose is! My girlfriend commented the other day, 'wow! you've got junk in your trunk!'. Thanks to JLo I don't mind having a big butt!
Technically, my shoes don't match- but since they are leopard- it works. Think of leopard as a neutral- it goes with anything!
Pants: Michael Kors, Tank: French Connection, Cardigan: Target, Shoes: Target, Belt: Target, Necklace: made by my sisters!
By the way, you can still vote for me for Top Mommy Blogs! Just one tiny click at the top of the page, above right. Thanks!
I’ve worn this asymmetrical sweatshirt top with skinny jeans, but today I’ve paired it with my skinny cargos.
While I really love this top- it’s warm, comfy and interesting with the cool hemline… something is definitely missing!
I think I need a necklace! Something to tie the look together!
At least it’s better than my original look on the right.
These are my old cargos- and they are just too baggy and shapeless (sort of like my khakis from yesterday).
I have to say, this outfit is cuter in person… I swear!
I really love these pants- they are so comfy and a great alternative to jeans!
Outfit update! Great minds think alike- my sister saw my posting for today and emailed me a pic of herself- totally by coincidence she is wearing basically the same outfit as me today! LOL! I actually like hers with the red jeans better! So cute!
Here is Erin wearing the same top and red skinnys. Strangely, she opted to skip a necklace as well- although I still think I need one!
Pants: Michael Kors, Top: Nordstrom, Shoes: Cole Haan
After being totally drenched while sitting on the sidelines at my son’s lacrosse game yesterday, today I’m planning on spending the entire day inside, staying cozy by the fire, reading my book and watching Downton Abbey.
I may never even change out of my jammies!
But, since you don’t want to see that- I am showing you what I will wear- if I have to leave the house!
I’ve talked about dressing in all one color to make you look taller and thinner, but this outfit on the right does nothing for me. Here’s why:
1. The fit of the pants is not flattering. They are a loose fit and cargo style- meaning there are pockets on the thigh which is adding bulk to my legs. In a skinny cut, the pockets work, but in this style- you can’t tell the shape of my legs- they just look big all over.
2. While I love all one color outfits- this plain black top and bottom with the neutral (and shrunken) cardigan is just too plain. Also, because the sweater is so small and you see a solid mass of black- it actually makes me look a bit large in the tummy/ hips.
3. I say this a lot, but there is nothing interesting in this look. Nothing to make you think, ‘oh, that’s cute’.
(Let me just tell you that my husband looked at the before picture and commented ‘oh my gosh that’s awful- you didn’t really wear that, did you?’) I want you to know I never actually wear the before pictures- they are purely for comparison. (That being said, a year ago- yes, I used to dress like the before pictures!).
On the left is my re-worked outfit. While I am not in the exact same color from head to toe- I am wearing dark/ similar colors, so it still has the illusion of one long vertical line.
Instead of loose fit cargos, I’ve opted for skinny jeans in a dark wash. I’ve said this over and over again, but I really believe that almost anyone can wear skinny jeans (or slim leg). As long as you pair it with something bigger on top you will create the illusion that your legs are thin.
As for my top, instead of a plain t shirt, I have on this wonderful purple top. It has a lovely draped neckline, and then also has ruching at the sides- giving the top enough movement for you not know what is me- and what is the top.
I’ve then added this fun long cardigan. It’s got these wonderful ruffles cascading down the sides and back- giving it lots of interest.
Finally, I’ve added a necklace and my boots to complete the look.
So remember, just because you are dressing in all (or close to) all one color- it does not mean you have to be boring.
Love the ruffles on this sweater!
I love the way this sweater is even cute from behind!
I simply LOVE these pants- they are so soft and comfy… I know, I say that about everything- but comfort is so important to me!
I can always tell when I’m wearing a perfect outfit when I get home from a long day and I don’t immediately change into sweats (because what I’m wearing feels like sweats).
This outfit is a good example of that.
I bought these cargos last year- and although they are sublimely comfy- to be honest, I struggle with what to pair them with.
I’ve tried wearing them with white, black, denim and even stripes- but today may be my favorite of all- this gorgeous cranberry color painters smock. Not only do I love the color, but I love the contrast of the feminine silky shirt paired with the rugged cargos.
This style top is very popular this season (especially the ones with the pockets on the breast as seen here), and being silk (or faux silk as in my case), it is warm, soft and comfy. I especially love the baggy, flowy style. Now my problem is tuck it in, wear it out, or do the half tuck? I think untucked would be perfect if only my pants were a bit tighter (I guess then they might not be so comfy, huh?).
Not sure that the half tuck is really working for me- it seems so messy!
By the way, I promise you I never wore this outfit that you see above on the right- this photo was for comparison only! By rolling the cuffs, changing the shoes and shirt the outfit looks totally different.
Pants: Louis Permilia, Top: H&M, Shoes: DSW, Necklace: Kohl’s
Everyday Mom Style 