Nov 30th, Cream Sweater

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).

Hope you have a great weekend!

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

Oct 30th, Checked Shirt!

I have collected a few plaid/ checked shirts over the past year.

I really love the way they are preppy, but can also be great layering pieces.

Just be careful, alone a checked shirt can look a little too cowgirl or too grunge. My faded, baggy mom jeans and sensible black shoes aren’t helping much either!

On the left I have replaced my red plaid shirt with a cute blue and white one. I then switched the mom jeans for these dark skinny ones. I then decided to throw on my fur vest- loving the contrast of the preppy shirt with the rocker vest. To finish it off, I chose my light brown boots from Target.

It’s cute, funky and fun!

Enjoy your day!

Shirt: Land’s End, Vest: Marshalls, Jeans: Anthropologie, Boots: Target

Again, I have skipped jewelry… probably should add a bracelet or a little dainty necklace… something small and understated.

May 10th, Black Patent Birks

Thanks to everyone for their comments yesterday. I really appreciate hearing all the suggestions of comfortable shoes and brands! I’m excited to have learned of so many new options and it’s nice to know I’m not alone in my foot issues.

I will admit though- finding a way to wear supportive shoes combined with an outfit for work is a challenge!

I decided to go with my patent leather Birks- these aren’t the cutest shoe out there- but they aren’t the ugliest either. They are vey comfortable and offer the arch support I need to help with my planter fasciitis.

Today I’m wearing white skinny jeans paired with a black and white checked shirt. Alone, this looks a little plain and needed a little something to make it more stylish.

The outfit on the left is a major improvement.  Here I’ve tucked in the shirt, unbuttoned a few buttons (I have a white tank on underneath) and added a pink braided belt & this bright pink cardigan. Now it looks cute- and no one will even notice my shoes!

Sorry these pictures are so blurry, not sure what the problem is.

The black Birks are comfy- and offer the arch support I need.

Sweater: Nordstrom, Jeans: J Crew, Shirt: J Crew, Belt: Target, Shoes: Birkenstock

March 30th, Preppy Mom, Take 2

I like the idea of a simple plaid shirt and a pair of jeans, but as you can see- it isn’t always a great look.

This shirt on the right is a little too ‘country’ for my style. The faded, baggy jeans aren’t stylish- and do I even need to mention the ugly black shoes?

To improve the outfit, I’ve switched to this cute pink and orange checked shirt. I’m wearing my dark blue skinny jeans and some cute ballet flats (they are tan- although in the picture they look red).

I’ve worn this shirt already once, see here. But since this blog is a real reflection of things in my closet- I’m wearing it again.

I’ve changed it up a bit; last time I wore it over a tank- today I have on a long sleeve white shirt underneath. I’ve also tucked in my shirt, added a cute belt, and gotten rid of the cardigan.

Last, I’ve added a necklace and white bracelet. All of these small details give the impression that I’ve made an effort with this outfit, and helps me look pulled together.

Hooking up with cute Melissa from Girlymama for Fashion Friday!

I love the bright color of this top- it feels perfect for spring.

Shirt: Land’s End, Jeans: Anthropologie, Shoes: Nordstrom, White Shirt: Gap

March 8th, Layers

 I’ve finally figured out why I’ve been having so much trouble getting dressed lately (actually, a reader made a comment that clued me in.)

I blame it on the weather.

We keep getting little spring teasers (the sun is shining, cherry trees are blooming, not to mention every store in the mall has their entire spring lines on display), yet spend 5 minutes outside and you’ll know it’s still winter in the Northwest. ARGH!

What to do?

Layer!

They add so much warmth and interest to your outfit, don’t you think?

On the right the plain checked shirt with the boring blue jeans is not cute, especially paired with these tennis shoes!

On the left, I’ve replaced the faded jeans with my dark skinny jeans- traded the tennis shoes for the brown boots, unbuttoned my shirt a few buttons and then added this cute cardigan (that I actually have on backwards).

I think it’s a cute, easy outfit for volunteering at school today!

I’m linking with one of my favorite sites today- Melissa from All Things Chic. Be sure to check out the cute red dresses she is showing today. I think I need one…

By adding the layers (tank underneath and cardigan over) I've made a much cuter and warmer outfit!

Shirt: Land’s End, Sweater: Land’s End, Jeans: Anthropologie, Boots: Target

Jan 19th, Here We Go Again

My title refers not only to the snow- which is still coming down (as sleet), nor to the fact the kids are off school AGAIN today, but to my outfit- which seems to be a new favorite style of mine (as seen here and here).

Once again, I’ve paired a checked shirt under a sweater. How can I go wrong?

Well, depending on how you do it- you could go really wrong!

If anything, PLEASE do not wear it like I did on the right (which I have shown before- and did not actually wear, this was simply for an example of what not to wear).

On the left I’ve switched out the faded mom jeans for my dark skinnys. I replaced my awful tennis shoes with these cute boots. I’ve also taken off this horrid v neck cardigan and put on this cute purple sweater. As always, a necklace completes the look.

Oh my gosh, my feet look enormous! Wow! Bad angle!

Boots: Target, Jeans: Madewell, Shirt: Target, Sweater: Nordstrom, Necklace: Kohl’s

Jan 10th, Black and White

 Today I am participating in another challenge (gotta keep it fun, right?) This one is by a blog called “Everybody, Everywear” and they come up with a style idea and ask people to link up- today’s theme being dress in black and white.

It’s fun because it’s a great way to see a ton of really cool ideas- all in one place!

I actually love black and white- no surprise there, huh? And luckily, I just bought this adorable black and white checked blouse at J Crew.

I had a lot of fun seeing what I could style it with- and came up with a few options.

My first may seem eerily familiar, probably because I wore something similar (here)  last week! I’ve paired my dark skinny jeans with this blouse and then threw on a black cashmere v neck sweater. To keep it true to ‘everyday’ style, I’ve got on black ballet flats.

I love the pattern of the shirt peeking out beneath the sweater. Casual & cool

My next look is also good for everyday- this time I tried a long black cardigan- but switched things up a bit by adding a red necklace and red ballet flats. Love that little pop of color!

I love how the red shoes really stand out!

Last, I decided to try it with a jacket and a scarf. Sometimes I’ll be running errands all day- and will never even take my coat off- so it’s fun to have a cute jacket that is stylish as well as functional. This one is a raincoat- perfect for Seattle- and I got it at JC Penny- seriously! Not sure why I was even in JC Penny! LOL!

Again with the bright pop of color!

Jeans: Anthropologie, Shirt: J Crew, Sweater: Ann Taylor, Cardigan: Boutique in Vancouver, BC, Jacket: JC Penny, Scarf: Gift, Shoes: Top- Tory Burch, Middle: Target, Bottom: Cole Haan

Oct 27th, Utility Vest

 It’s funny how this one item keeps popping up everywhere I look! It definitely seems to be the ‘go to’ look this fall! I’ve worn mine several times as seen here and here.

I can’t put my finger on what it is exactly- but it adds a little something extra to an outfit.

Today’s look is a checked blouse and skinny jeans. On the right is my original look- I even went so far as to match my orange shoes to my top! Sadly, this doesn’t actually look very good- a little too ‘matchy, matchy’.

On the left I have switched out the sandals for my rugged booties  (much more weather appropriate) and then added the utility vest to give the look that little oomph!

The blouse is ultra preppy- so this vest really takes it down a notch- which makes it more my style!

Blouse: Sears (Land’s End), Vest: Old Navy, Jeans: Anthropologie, Booties: Marshalls