Oct 11, Dress

My week of Nordstrom inspired outfits has come to an end. I have to say, I liked having a theme for each day. It really did make getting dressed a bit easier! Today’s theme is a dress.

I wanted a dress that is casual enough for school, and then can be easily transitioned to a going out outfit for after work.

I choose this cute black and grey dress from Banana Republic (I bought this on my 40th birthday and I am 48, so it’s really old!)

For school today I have paired it with black tights, black booties and a super chunky, cozy grey sweater. Then, if I had a hot date tonight with my hubby I could take off the tights, replace the booties with heels and remove the cardigan and I’m all set for a fancy date night. Truthfully, I will be going to the high school football game tonight, so I will definitely not be wearing this! But one can dream of a fancy dinner out somewhere warm where one can have bare arms and legs…right?!

Have a great weekend! 🙂

Sept 1, Blue and White Dress

Today we are headed to friend’s for a bbq and I decided to wear a blue and white striped dress. You all know how much I love blue and white together, it’s such a classic, crisp color combo!

To be clear, there is nothing wrong with the dress on the left- it’s just a simple, cotton blue and white striped dress that with the right styling could be cute… however, isn’t the dress on the right a lot more fun?!

It’s still a blue and white cotton dress, but the halter neckline and the fun geometric stripes are so much more interesting than the simpler version in the before photo.

I bought this dress years ago at the Gap and it is one of my all time favorites. Its one of my ‘go to’ dresses for any occasion. It’s not too dressy and not too casual, just the perfect staple in my closet. If it gets chilly I can throw on a denim jacket or a sweater. I can pair this dress with tennis shoes, flip flops, flat sandals or even wedge heels as I’ve done today. It’s so versatile!

Happy Sunday!

August 17, 1 Dress, 2 Ways

Today I’m showing a cute dress that I bought years ago in Chelan (cute little lake town in Eastern Washington). I have worn this dress to a summer wedding, a cocktail party, an auction and also for date night. I think the pattern is really fun- and very different than what I usually wear. It’s made of polyester (but looks like silk), so it is super comfy and lightweight. It’s a very versatile dress- in that it can easily be changed from dressy to casual by simply throwing on a jacket and changing shoes- as seen below.

May 27, Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day! Today we honor and remember all those who have served and died for our country, so it’s only fitting that I wear red and blue to show my patriotism.

This cute red and blue striped dress is from Old Navy, and I bought it several years ago. Boy have I gotten my money’s worth! It’s such a cute and easy dress to wear, and appropriate for my age since the length is not too short. I also like the draw string waist- which helps define my shape. If it gets chilly, I can throw on a dark denim jacket. If you don’t own a denim jacket, this is the one piece that I literally couldn’t live without. It is so versatile- and so practical- and always in style. This one is also from Old Navy. As for my shoes- I mentioned these the other day. I found these at TJ Max, and they are so comfy that I can already tell they are going to be my new favorite sandal.

Enjoy your day!

May 19, Mother Daughter Tea

One of the traditions of National Charity League is that we have a Mother & Daughter tea every year. It’s a special event in that it’s a great opportunity to get dressed up with your daughter, spend time with friends, celebrate all the accomplishments from the past year and say goodbye to our seniors who are graduating.

I have chosen this cute blue dress to wear to the tea. It’s a super comfy dress in that it is nice and loose in the tummy area and has an elastic waistband- which is always a plus. The cute laser cut lace-like fabric adds interest (see photo below for a better look), the color is a gorgeous deep blue, and the length is appropriate for someone over 40 (one inch shorter and I think it would be too short). My only issue is what shoes to wear? Originally I wanted to wear the pair on the left, but then when I saw the photos, I decided they are a bit clunky and distracting. Instead I will wear these peep toe booties. The color is a little more neutral, and they don’t seem as heavy as the wedge sandals on the left.

Dress is Laundry by Shelli Segal, it’s VERY old, but here is something sort of similar!

A really cute sandal like this would be perfect!

May 5, Black and White Stripes

We are headed to a brunch today to celebrate the end of the year for my son, who is graduating high school. Woot hoot! I’ve chosen a cute black and white striped dress. Alone, it’s a little plain- so I added this cute statement necklace from Stella and Dot (old) and a black blazer with the sleeves pushed up. Peep toe shoes complete the look.

Sorry I didn’t get to post yesterday! I was still in Vegas at the National Charity League conference and didn’t have time for photos. I got home late last night and will be back to my regular posting this week with links and better write ups! Enjoy your Sunday.

Dress is from Madewell (old)

Shoes- Franco Sarto- Marshalls

Blazer- Nordstrom

Necklace- Stella and Dot

April 28, My Perfect Dress

I honestly think this might be the perfect dress (for me)! I bought it on a girl’s trip to Vegas celebrating my 40th birthday, which was 8 years ago! So it’s definitely old, but boy have I worn it a lot! When I need a ‘go to’ dress for any occasion, this is the one I usually turn to. Today I’m going to a brunch to celebrate the seniors in our local National Charity League* chapter.

There’s a lot to love about this dress.

1. I think the pattern is cool and fun- and easy to transition between seasons. Plus, having a black base makes picking shoes easy!
2. The rayon fabric is flowy, which means it flatters most figures and the cinched elastic waistband is super comfy.
3. The knee length is appropriate for someone my age (way over 40).
4. The neckline is flattering, and if you don’t want to show your arms (or it’s cold) a cute jacket or sweater covers you up.

If the blazer and pointy heels are too dressy, you can make it casual by pairing with a cardigan and open toed shoes.

When you are out shopping, if you see a dress you love, my advice is buy it. Even if you don’t have a specific occasion in mind, it’s always nice to have one on hand. This cute dress came from Banana Republic. They are a great source for reasonably priced dresses.

*I wanted to put in a quick plug about National Charity League. This is a mother- daughter organization that was created in the 1920’s. Their mission is service, culture and leadership. Girls (and their mothers) join the year they are going into 7th grade- and continue for the next 6 years (until they graduate high school). It is an amazing organization and I highly recommend you looking into it if you are interested. Hopefully there is a chapter in your area! The website is https://www.nationalcharityleague.org

As mentioned earlier, my dress is really old, but here’s a link to Banana Republic to check out their Fit and Flare dresses!

April 18, Black Dress

I bought this black cotton dress at Nordstrom three years ago when my hubby and I were going to Europe to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. I thought it would be a great staple to have on vacation- since it is a perfect base piece that you can add anything to!

Today I’m keeping it super simple and easy by just throwing on a cute long chenille cardigan and my slip on tennis shoes. This is such a comfortable outfit, the cotton dress is not too snug, my feet are in heaven and the sweater is keeping me nice and warm. I love outfits like this!

Dress- Nordstrom here is a similar one! And another! (these are actually cuter than mine!)

Sweater- TJ Maxx, here is a similar one!

Shoes- TJ Maxx (Dr Scholl’s brand!)

April 6, 1 Dress, 6 Ways!

If you are attending a Spring wedding or looking for an outfit for Easter Sunday, then this post is for you! Today I am showing 1 dress worn 6 ways.

I’ll admit that saying I’m wearing it 6 ways may be a bit of a stretch, since all I’m really doing in changing my shoes and jacket- but looking at the photos, you can see what a difference something as small as that makes! I could add some jewelry and really change things up!

I have to tell you, I love this dress so much! First of all, I bought it 8 years ago when I was auction chair for my kids elementary school (my son is now a senior in high school!). I love the bright blue color (the pictures do not do it justice), I love the jersey fabric (super flattering), and I especially love the draping of the neckline. When I went dress shopping at Nordstrom, I must have tried on 20 dresses, but none of them had that wow factor. When I put this on, I just knew this was the one. So that’s my advice for today. Try on a million dresses, but only buy the one that you truly LOVE. The one that you feel like a million bucks in. And when you think about price per wear (which I don’t remember what this cost, but I would guess it was around $130) it has been worth every penny. Just look at all the cute ways I can wear it. Speaking of, which way is your favorite?

ps. this is not what I’m wearing today. I am wearing yoga pants and a t shirt and will be lounging around my house all day. It was a long week! 🙂

March 19, Spring Dress

Todays outfit is a spring dress, although to be honest I’m not actually wearing this today (I have a tennis match, so I’ll be in my tennis clothes). But, I wanted to show you a cute dress that would be perfect for church, brunch with friends, or a baby or wedding shower… really any occasion! 

First off, I love dresses because they are so easy! No need to worry about matching your top and bottom- it’s done for you! Second, when wearing a dress- you just look nice! It looks like you put effort into your outfit. Third, in the spring and summer, dresses are a perfect alternative to wearing shorts. 

Now let’s talk about these two dresses. The one on the left is just a little too big. Look closely at my tummy area- there is extra fabric bunching out (hard to see in the photo, trust me!). This dress has a draw string waist- which means there is extra fabric that gathers here. This creates un-needed bulk in an area where you don’t want to add bulk. The dress on the right fits a lot better. See how it nips in at the waist- as well as has a deeper V neckline with the pin tuck detailing, which is more flattering. 

I also like these neutral peep toe shoes a lot better than the black ballet flats. Adding a heel (even a low heel) adds a little style to a dress. That being said- I’m a huge fan of flats- so if you are more comfortable wearing flats- go for it. Be you! Be comfortable!

If it’s still chilly where you live, throw on a cute draped faux suede jacket for instant warmth. And no comments please on my pale legs!

Dress- Banana Republic

Shoes- Unisa, Marshalls