August 29, Back to School Shopping

I took my daughter back to school shopping today. Yes, I know- most of the country is already back at school, but in the PNW we wait until after Labor Day to start, so we still have a few more days of summer. Yeah!

I knew I wanted to wear jeans because I am always cold in the mall, and I decided to keep it simple and classic by pairing my jeans with a white button down. However- comparing the two looks above, you can see that in order for this to be a cute outfit, I need to make a few changes.

Instead of the dark straight leg jeans, I decided to go with distressed skinnies from Nordstrom (7 for all Mankind). Since a button down is a little dressy, the distressed jeans balance it out by being super casual. To keep from looking like I’m wearing my husband’s dress shirt (which I am in the before photo), I swapped out this thick starched shirt for a much thinner, casual one from Nordstrom (Treasure and Bond). Then I rolled the sleeves and unbuttoned a few buttons. To add some interest, I choose my leopard belt from Target and added a white cuff bracelet. My leather braided sandals completed the outfit.

March 26, So Basic

Last week I wore a plain white blouse with blue jeans- just a simple, basic outfit. Well, today I’m doing a similar look, except this time I’m wearing my grey jeans and a grey and white striped blouse.

I’ll be the first to admit there is nothing earth shattering about today’s look. But on a day when you’re rushed to get out the door, go for the basics! A classic button-down shirt is always in style. Try tucking it in and adding a belt. Or, try unbuttoning a few buttons and layering it over a colored tank. How about colored jeans instead of blue jeans? Add some bracelets or a necklace. Roll up the sleeves. Wear cute shoes (sorry Uggs). There are many ways to add a little style to an otherwise simple and plain outfit.

Now, if you’re going to wear a button down shirt- here’s a little tip from my mom- buy a good iron. The best you can afford! My iron is a Rowenta- and I love it! It’s super heavy and solid- and does a really good job. It was expensive, but it isn’t even top of the line (my mom has the top of the line one and it’s even better). Plus, a newer model is on sale right now on Amazon (please note that I receive zero compensation for any links on my site. I do this just for fun!). Also, rather than having to drag out the ironing board and set the whole darn thing up- if you have room, keep your board set up and ready to go at all times. It makes a big difference!

I bought this iron about 10 years ago. I love it!

Blouse- Nordstrom Rack

Jeans- Marshalls, Levi’s

Boots- Paul Green, Nordstrom

March 20, Plain White Shirt

You guys, it doesn’t get much more basic than a plain white shirt and blue jeans for my OOTD. But yet, I love the way it looks when it’s done right.

The outfit on the left is awkward. Seeing the tucked in tank under my shirt looks really weird (and I sort of look pregnant, gasp! I’m far too old for that). Not helping are my Birkenstocks (which I LOVE by the way) but there isn’t much in the way of style in this look.

To improve the outfit, I first tucked in my shirt and rolled the sleeves. Then I added this cute leopard belt to give the outfit a little oomph. Then I threw on a bunch of bracelets (see below). Lastly, I swapped out my comfy Birks for these cute neutral flats by Paul Green. I love the style of these shoes, the ties add such cute detail. Plus, being Paul Green, they are so comfy! Perfect for being on my feet all day.

These fun bracelets add some color to my otherwise plain look.

Paul Green Flat

Jeans- Joes, Nordstrom Rack

Blouse- Treasure and Bond, Nordstrom

Shoes- Nordstrom

Belt- Target

Bracelets- Forever 21

Nov 27th, Home Again

After a lovely week in Hawaii, I’m now happy to be home. Maybe ’cause I’m a Kansas girl, but to me, there’s no place like home!

Today’s outfit is a weekend, casual look. I’ve paired a denim shirt with a classic cable knit sweater and my boyfriend jeans. I then added my wedge boots to give the outfit an unexpected kick.

On the right you can see how this over-size sweater is not quite working for me. Similar to what I showed a few weeks ago- dressing in large clothes is not flattering, no matter what size you are- it will make you look enormous. Instead, opt for something more fitted- something that works with your figure- not against it!

The sweater on the left is a great example of why to always buy quality when it comes to a classic piece like this. This sweater was purchased by my grandfather in approx 1955 in Ireland. It was given to my mother- who then passed it down to me. It’s been sitting on the top shelf of my closet for years- and then I finally pulled it down, tried it on and wow!

I am so excited- it’s a beautiful piece that maybe I’ll pass down to my daughter one day… you think?

Love the leather covered buttons- such beautiful craftsmanship. They don't make them like this anymore!

Sweater: Gift from Mom, Jeans: Gap, Denim Shirt: Martin and Osa, Boots: Marshalls

Nov 18th, TGIF

Another week under my belt, and can I say TGIF?! It’s been a LONG week! I don’t know about you- but my kiddos have been driving me nuts, is that bad?! I think I’m ready for my vacation!

If you’ve been reading this for a while, you may have noticed that I seem to really like the classic, preppy look!

On the right I’m showing one example, but it doesn’t quite work. Although this jacket is cute- the collar is a little too large, and the cotton fabric (it’s like sweat shirt material) wrinkles so easily that it looks messy.

On the left I’m showing an improved version. Even though there was nothing wrong with the plain blue shirt from the right- to add a little interest and pattern, I’ve decided to go with this cute checked shirt. I’m wearing it under my blue blazer, which looks more polished.

I also have on my new favorite skinny jeans- Skinny Skinny by Madewell. These are incredibly comfy and they were around $100, which I think is reasonable (think price per wear- I wear my skinnys at least twice a week). They have so much stretch in them and the cotton is so soft, it is honestly like wearing sweat pants! Heaven!

I’ve finished the whole look off with my brown boots. Now, is it too soon for Happy Hour?!

I decided to tuck in my shirt for a cleaner look.

For a more casual look I think this shirt is cute enough to stand on it's own.

Shirt: Land’s End (Sears), Blazer: Land’s End (Sears), Jeans: Madewell, Boots: DSW

Sept 15th, Ruffles with a Chance of Jeans

You can't go wrong with jeans and a blazer.

This cardigan is cute, but the look is a little messy.

Don’t ask me about this title- my 10 year old came up with it! Today I’m wearing jeans, a tank and a blazer. In the picture on the right I am showing the same outfit- but with a long cardigan. While I love this cardigan, it doesn’t seem to do much for this outfit. On the left I switched out the cardigan for a blazer that has a cute ruffle detail on the back. I have a feeling this blazer is going to become one of my favorites. First of all, I bought it at Kohls– so it was cheap. Second, it is made of cotton- so it feels like a sweat shirt (but so much cuter). And finally, I think a blazer paired with jeans is a perfect outfit. It always looks polished, stylish and is comfy. To add some interest, I’m wearing another necklace from Forever 21, and then to top the whole look off, I’m wearing heels. I think every gal should have at least 3 pairs of jeans- 1 skinny pair, 1 weekend pair and 1 that you can wear with heels. The pair I’m wearing today are Paige Premium Denim and I LOVE them! The cut is made for moms- so it comes up high enough in the back (no coin slot). I love the dark wash, the thick waistband (holds the tummy in) and the fabric is stretchy enough to make them comfortable.  What are your favorite jeans? Send me a picture!

I wonder if a longer necklace would be better?

Love the ruffle detail on the back.

Jeans: Nordstrom, Blazer: Kohl’s, Tank: Gap, Necklace: Forever 21, Heels: Ann Taylor Loft, Cardigan: Gap