May 25th, You Again?

 When I first started this blog I was so concerned with wearing something different every day. My goal was to not repeat any outfits for as long as I could… (I know, crazy, right?!)

However, in reality- that’s not very realistic. Most of us only have a limited number of items in our closets, so of course we repeat outfits!

The key is, to try make each outfit look original and different. This is done by choosing accessories and layering.

For example, the dress I’m wearing today I’ve worn several times- as seen here and here and here.

Today I’ve paired it with a bright orange cardigan, a colorful belt and off white wedges.

When I originally saw this dress I didn’t like the way it fit at all- it’s too loose and unstructured. But- it was on clearance, and you know I love my stripes- so I decided to see if I could find a way to make it work. By simply adding a belt- I have given this dress the shape it needs. This may seem really obvious, but until recently I would have never added a belt if there weren’t any belt loops! Don’t let a simple thing like that stop you from creating the look you desire!

For more cute fashion ideas, check out Fashion Friday!

I love the way this colorful belt ties in the blue and orange!

Dress: Land’s End Canvas, Cardigan: Gap, Belt: Target, Shoes: Nordstrom

April 16th, Attention Seeking Pants!

Today I opted for my pink cropped pants.

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.

Pants: Nordstrom, Sweater: Macy’s, Shoes: Target, Chambray shirt: Target, Necklace: Kohl’s

Don’t forget it’s Monday so I’ve linked to Glamamom for Monday Mingle!

March 28th, Maxinitsa

 Good morning! I’m not sure about my spelling of Maxinista, but hopefully you know what I mean.

I have always been a big fan of TJ Maxx, my mom is a huge fan and passed her love down to me. LOL!

The thing is though- you have to be very careful and have a very critical eye when you go.

Don’t just snap up everything in your sight- don’t buy things just because they are inexpensive.

Go knowing what you are looking for- and then if you find it- yeah! If not, try again another day. They are constantly getting new shipments in.

I went looking for a maxi dress. I’ve wanted one for a long time- and was so excited to see this for $39.

The problem is- wearing it all alone, it sort of looks like a nightgown, don’t you think?

On the left I have tried to fix this by adding this cute shirt over my dress (I love the hemline of this top) and then to define my waist I added a cute pink belt. To finish it off, I threw on my favorite Stella and Dot necklace.

Cute, huh?

The nice thing about a maxi dress is that is makes your legs look really long. If you are petit, this might be a great dress for you (but you’ll need to wear heels).

By the way, I’ve slipped down to #11 on Top Mommy Blogs- don’t forget to click on the link on the right to vote. You can vote everyday, it’s just one tiny (and quick) click! Thank you so much!!

It’s Wednesday, so I’ve linked with Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday. Check it out!

I like that the dress and shirt are shades of blue- and then the pop of pink in the belt and necklace really stand out. The sandals may be wishful thinking today...

Dress: TJ Maxx, Shirt: Nordstrom, Belt: Target, Necklace: Stella and Dot, Shoes: Loft

March 25th, So Simple

One thing I’ve learned in this ‘fashion journey’ is how a very simple outfit can either look stylish or not- depending on small details.

A good example of that is today’s outfit.  I’ve paired blue jeans with a white t shirt and a black cardigan.

But- as you can see on the right, this outfit is awful.

The loose, baggy jeans are too long (see how they puddle around my ankles). The white t shirt has a neckline that is too high- and the cardigan looks awkward (the neckline is so much lower than the t shirt). And to be honest, the outfit is just a little too boring.

On the left I have replaced the baggy jeans with these cute slim and cropped ones (Old Navy, Diva style)

I’ve switched out the cardigan for this longer, short sleeve one and then added a scarf to add interest and color to the outfit. Now my outfit has a focal point.

For my shoes, instead of the ugly black Sketchers (on the right), I’ve got on cute black ballet flats.

Simple little changes that make a big difference! Enjoy your weekend. The sun in shining in Seattle today! Thank you Mother Nature!

I love this faux Burberry scarf!

Don’t forget to check out my Facebook page, and also to vote for Top Mommy Blogs. Thank you!

Jeans: Old Navy, Cardigan: Standard Style Boutique (Kansas City), Flats:Nordstrom, Scarf: gift from hubby!

March 11th, Sunday, Cozy Sunday

 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!

Jeans: Anthropologie, Sweater: Anthropologie, Shirt: Nordstrom, Boots: DSW, Necklace: H&M

March 6th, Stumped!

For the first time since I started this blog, I am completely stumped on what to wear.

For some reason, I stand in my closet and stare at my clothes and can’t seem to put together a single outfit that you all haven’t already seen.

Luckily, my sisters are coming out for a visit next week and we’ll do lots of shopping. We also have some fun blog posts planned- so be sure to tune in next week to see what we are up to!

That being said, I’m sorry if today’s outfit is another bust (yesterday’s was a toss up- but I do agree with most of you that the length on my dress was too long and the sleeves were funky. I still love the color though!).

On to today…

When I first bought these grey skinny cords I thought I’d wear them all the time, then I got home and looked in my closet and couldn’t figure out what the heck to pair them with.

The grey threw me off a bit and I wasn’t sure what colors would work as tops so I would only wear them with white or black shirts.

I’ve finally decided that the grey is basically a neutral and can be paired with anything, so I decided to try this cranberry colored faux silk blouse. It’s loose, flowy, and very on trend right now. The loose fit of the top is a better look than the tight white shirt above right.

It’s a pretty simple outfit, not much to it, but I like the way it looks effortless and carefree (I can assure you it was anything but effortless- this took me about 45 minutes to come up with, it’s that bad. I guess it’s a bit like writers block, huh?

The loose top is balanced out with the skinny bottom. The necklace adds a final touch to show I put some effort into my look.

Pants: Banana Republic, Top: H&M, Shoes: DSW, Necklace: Forever 21

March 2nd, 10 Tips for Petite Gals

 In the past fews days I’ve received a few emails from readers who want to know how to dress to their particular body type.

It’s actually a great point- what looks good on one person does not always look good on another.

That is why it is so important to know your body type- and to find ways to flaunt what you got and work with what you don’t!

So today’s outfit is geared toward all you petite women!

By the way, being petite is defined by height not weight! If you are under 5’4″ you are petite!

The number one way for a short gal to look taller is to dress in all one color. Look at the picture on the right compared to the one on the left. Which one makes me look taller?

The one on the left does!  The uninterrupted black creates a long vertical line- which makes me look tall.

It’s hard to tell where my legs end and my middle begins. It also helps that I have on wedge heels (which is a must if you are tiny and want to look tall). To add one more vertical line I’ve added a necklace. This helps draw the eye  up and down (rather than side to side).

For another great example of dressing in all one color, check out this fabulous outfit from 100 Inspirations!

On the right I have on the same exact pants, but I’ve paired them with flats and a cream tank. The cream and the black are pretty together, but it breaks up the look- literally cutting me in half (or thirds actually) making me look shorter.

Here are 9 more tips for Petite women:

1. First and foremost- shop in the Petite section of the store. These items are cut and for women with shorter legs.

2. Avoid wide leg jeans, hip huggers, pedal pushers, capris and boot cut jeans.

3. Opt for straight leg jeans- hem to wear with heels

4. Keep clothes uncluttered as possible (lapels, buttons, prints, pockets, patterns… all should be small)

5. Don’t wear skirts that end right below the knee, or any that are too full or girly. No A Lines.

6. Try a maxi dress with a cropped cardigan or jacket. Wear with wedge heels. Pencil skirts (that end right at the knee) will also look great.

7. For jackets/ coats, avoid long ones (that end mid calf).  Look for one with an empire waist, or has a belt.  Be sure it has a simple neckline that will draw the eye upwards.  Avoid double breasted or anything with excess detail.

8. Sweaters- avoid bulky boyfriend style (too long), no chunky or heavy weaves, no cowl neck turtlenecks.  Stick to scoop neck with a hip length hem or something that is somewhat fitted and will end at your natural waistline.

9.  Shirts- go for simple here- something that cinches around (or above) your natural waist- not below it. Avoid horizontal stripes Wear a more voluminous top with a fitted bottom half.

Last but not least, don’t be afraid to have a ‘uniform’. If you find a style that works for your figure- it’s ok to wear a version of it everyday. Buy different color jackets or simple jewelry to change it up and add personality.

If you are petite and have some more suggestions/ advice, please send them in!

By the way, it’s Friday so I’m hooking up with Girlymama. Also, please take a second to vote for me by clicking the link below. I’ve slipped out of the top 1o! Yikes!