Today’s OOTD is another Nordstrom inspired look from the email marketing campaign I received over the weekend.
The advice for today was to build a look around a classic accessory like a wool felt hat, which is adorable on some people, but not me! Instead I decided to build my outfit around a classic piece- my denim shirt.
I’ve had a denim shirt for years now, and if you don’t own one- I highly suggest you buy one asap. Either that or a denim jacket, which may be my all time favorite! A denim shirt (or jacket) is so versatile, it literally goes with everything. I always pack one when I travel, as it is the perfect layering piece. The one I’m wearing today is from American Eagle, but I also have one from J Crew that is more fitted.
Today I have paired my shirt with joggers. I like the casual, loose fit, but I don’t want to look messy, so I needed to tuck it in and roll the sleeves. To really add some style I have chosen snakeskin slides. While it’s tempting to just wear my comfy slip on sneakers, these shoes are a statement piece and truly complete the look.
Today my sister, her kids and I explored downtown Seattle- so I wanted to show this picture of us standing in front of this cute pink wall near Pike Place Market.
We both chose white jeans- mine distressed, and hers not. Kara paired her jeans with a classic button down chambray shirt from a little KC boutique. I wore a camo v neck t shirt from American Eagle. These shirts are so soft and comfy! I tucked it in and added a brown braided leather belt. For my feet, I wore Birkenstocks since we were doing a lot of walking!
One question/ comment I get a lot is how to do the half tuck. If you’re a regular reader, you know I love doing the half tuck. I think it makes my outfit look more polished, it defines my waist and makes my legs look longer.
One thing to know is that it’s super easy to do. I literally just take the front of the shirt and tuck it in. Sometimes I just take a tiny part of the front and tuck it in, as seen here. I always leave the back out so that my butt is covered.
I jokingly call it the f***ing half tuck because it drives a lot of people crazy. I get it. On days when I’m feeling bloated- the last thing I want is a tucked in shirt.
But, if you are skipping the half tuck- then think about other ways to spice up your outfit. Unbutton a few buttons at the neck, roll the sleeves, wear fabulous shoes, add a statement necklace or scarf. Throw on a jacket or cardigan. Or forget the button down and try a bold print rayon (or silk) top that drapes well. Do something to make the eye look anywhere but your tummy!
In the photo above, I skipped the half tuck, but it still looks better than the before photo because I’ve done a few things to add some style. I’m wearing sandals (yes, my feet might freeze). I’ve rolled up my hems of my jeans, and added necklaces and bracelets. All of these minor details add appeal and interest.
Well, I guess it was finally our turn for the cold bitter winter weather to hit. We got a snow storm last night in the good old Pacific Northwest, which means everything will be shut down today, including school! Can you say ‘Snow Day’?!
For this cold, snowy day I want an outfit that is comfy, cozy and casual. The 3 C’s if you will.
So I’ve chosen my black leggings AGAIN! I swear, if you don’t own a good pair of leggings you need to go get some asap. These should be a staple in everyone’s closet- no matter what size you are. Think of leggings as you do jeans- a perfect bottom for any outfit. They are not just for going to the gym.
Buy expensive ones, ones that are thick and absolutely NOTHING shows through. When you try them on, sit down and see what happens, does the fabric stretch so much that you can sort of see skin? If so, do not buy them. You also want some with some spandex in them to hold you in and hide lumps. Cheap, thin ones will not do the trick. I love my Athleta ones- as seen below.
In my ‘before’ look, my denim shirt is too short to wear with leggings. I know I say this a lot- but for us more mature women, we need to wear longer tops that cover more.
I have replaced the chambray shirt in the before picture with a longer version. I like how it is peeking out under this big chunky black knit sweater. I just got this shirt at American Eagle. It is super soft, a great color- and I love the length. To add a little interest, I threw on a long necklace. It breaks up all the black a little bit.
The Hunter Boots are perfect for walking through wet snow or rain. Plus, they are cuter than the Uggs. Don’t get me wrong though- I do love those Uggs… they just aren’t as cute. But boy are they warm…
If 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!
Good morning! It’s Thursday, so that means another Three for Thursday- where I show you 1 item worn 3 ways. Today I’m showing a black pencil skirt worn 3 ways.
A pencil skirt is often on people’s lists as a ‘must have’ item- yet I’ve realized I rarely wear mine- so today I challenged myself to find 3 ways to wear it.
My first way is a casual, everyday mom look. By pairing the skirt with a white waffle t shirt and a denim shirt I have made it very casual. The high knee socks and boots also add to the casual vibe.
You could wear this volunteering at school, running errands, meeting friends for coffee… whatever. Don’t be afraid to wear a dress or skirt during the day. I used to worry people would think I was too dressed up- but actually people always just comment on how nice I look.
My next look is for the office. Here I have chosen an open weave sweater layered over a tank. I’ve opted for my snakeskin heels to add another pattern- as well as interest.
Lastly, this is my night out look. I always envy gals who are out in spaghetti strap tops in the middle of winter. Don’t they freeze to death? Probably, but it looks fabulous! Actually, if you have a great coat- wear that- and then hope that wherever you are going is nice and warm. Usually in a crowded party I end up getting so hot that I’m thankful for the summery top.
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!
I like this casual- perfect for running errands or attending weekend sporting events- type outfit.
I’m wearing my black skinny pants (these are not leggings- these are actually pants) worn layered over a black tank, then a denim shirt, then a black puffy vest.
It’s warm, comfy, and sort of stylish!
On the right, I’m showing a before picture of how not to wear denim! While I love the denim on denim look- this is too much!
It’s another gorgeous day here in the Pacific Northwest!
We are having the best summer/ fall I can remember (according to my friend who runs the local farmer’s market, we are on 20 weeks straight of sunshine)! Thank you Mother Nature!
I’m wearing one of my favorite fall looks today- cropped jeans, ballet flats and a cozy wool sweater. It’s a good outfit for running errands, attending soccer games, going out to lunch… whatever the day has in store for you!
I know I’ve shown this before pic already- but I think it does a good job of showing how easy it is to change small details- and yet have a much better look.
Let’s start with the jeans- the cut of these jeans is too wide- making my legs look wider than they are- and the length is all wrong (cutting off mid- calf is awkward). Next we have these goofy black shoes- which make my feet look strange. As for my top- this plain crew neck top is a boring color, and you can see the outline of my potbelly (gasp). To make matters worse, the open cardigan is actually drawing your eye right to my belly- almost framing it if you will…
On the left is my re-do. These cropped CABi jeans are a much more modern look. Here is how the Cabi describes them:
The new wash is a bit more beat up with subtle whiskering and a slight blue-grey cast. Strategic hand sanding is slightly darker on the sides to create a longer, leaner look. This denim is a nice weight with a touch of spandex for great recovery.
On top is a camel wool sweater layered over a denim shirt (yes, you can do denim on denim- I swear). One of the things I love about this sweater is the back (hence the picture of me from behind!). It’s a small detail, but I think it adds interest to the look (not to mention a few comments of “did you know you have your sweater on backwards?”. As for my shoes- these ballet flats match the color of the sweater- tying the whole outfit together. And of course, a necklace finishes the look.
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!
Everyday Mom Style 