Oct 8, Jumpsuit

As I mentioned yesterday, this week I am planning my outfits based on a marketing email I received from Nordstrom. Today’s look is a jumpsuit!

First of all, in the effort of full disclosure, I am not actually wearing a jumpsuit today. I’m teaching 3rd grade, and that would not be practical at all! But, wanting to follow the outfit suggestions from Nordstrom I thought I’d show a jumpsuit outfit anyway.

Truth be told, I’m still on the fence with the whole jumpsuit trend. I see tons of gals online wearing them- and they all look adorable, but I’m not sure it’s really me. And in my opinion, the most important thing in fashion is to wear what you are comfortable in.

So, since I’m not even 100% on the jumpsuit trend, I sure as heck wasn’t going to go out and buy one just for today’s look! Instead I am showing an old one that bought at Target years ago and have worn a couple of times (to my cousin’s wedding and in also in Vegas on a girl’s night out).

My before and after is pretty basic. Looking at the inspiration photo she kept her look very simple, but I decided I wanted to add some depth and color, so I added this gorgeous Free People blazer from Nordstrom (old). I think this look would be perfect in an office. So what do you think? Are you a jumpsuit fan? Or is this a trend you will skip?

Oct 4, Rain boots

This outfit started with my rain boots and then worked it’s way up. I often decide my outfits this way- choosing my shoes first, then building the outfit from that. I take into account several factors; including the occasion, the weather and how long I am going to be on my feet.

I’m teaching school today, so will be on my feet a lot, so need comfy shoes. Since it’s supposed to rain all day, these Hunter rain boots are perfect. They are comfy and warm, and much cuter than the clunky and awkward boots on the left.

As for my leggings, I’m not usually a fan of wearing yoga pants to work, they seem too casual, so I have dressed these up with a long blouse and cardigan. The black cardigan is fine, but isn’t the burgundy one on the right better? I love the pop of color, and the longer length is sure to cover my entire behind. The blouse also covers everything (front and back!), and has such a cute but subtle pattern.

The blouse (old) and sweater (new) are from Target, boots are Hunter (Nordstrom) and my leggings are Athleta. I recommend buying high quality leggings! Cheap, thin ones look terrible. They stretch and sag easily, and often you can see right through them. The more expensive ones hold their shape and last for years.

Sept 10, Fall Y’all

It’s Fall, Y’all! We have been having the weirdest weather the last few days. Normally September is still warm and sunny for us in the PNW, but lately it’s felt a lot more like fall. We’ve had crazy rain, wind and overall dreary weather. Perfect for breaking out my flannel shirt!

In the before photo I paired this cute windowpane flannel shirt from Old Navy (old) with grey jeans and grey orthopedic shoes. I think this look is just blah. It’s too boring and predictable. To change it up a bit, I have chosen my distressed skinny jeans and slip on tennis shoes from Dr. Scholl’s. I like how the color of the shoes matches the shirt, and how the blue distressed denim gives a super casual, relaxed vibe to the outfit. Rolling the sleeves and loosely tucking the shirt add to the casual look.

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 6, Maxi Dress

Tonight is National Night Out and my neighborhood is having a street party & BBQ to celebrate. The idea is to gather neighbors together to get to know one another, as well as form a relationship with local police. The more you know your neighbors, the safer your community is!

I’m going to wear this cute maxi dress that I bought back in June at Nordstrom Rack. There is something retro about this dress that I love. The embroidery reminds me of something my mom would have worn in the 70’s. I love the vertical stripes because they make my legs look longer, and the cute ruffle detail at the hem adds some interest. Best of all, it has pockets. I LOVE a dress with pockets!

Since there is so much going on with the dress, I’ve kept my accessories very simple with a dainty necklace, a few bracelets and flat sandals. Once the sun goes down, I will throw on my dark denim jacket to keep warm.

Is your neighborhood celebrating National Night Out? If so, have fun! 🙂

August 3, Blue and White Again

Another day, another blue and white outfit. Today I’m showing a very simple, basic look of blue jeans and a white blouse. But in the photo on the left my proportions are off.

The wide leg jeans and the boxy blouse don’t work well together. When you have big on top, you need to go skinny on bottom. So the skinny jeans on the right are an improvement. I also wanted to keep this outfit super simple with neutral shoes. But I don’t love the loafers on the left, they seem old and tired. I think the cute tie up shoes on the right are much better, don’t you?

And check out the details on this blouse- I love the pattern, and the detail on the shoulder are so cool.

Blouse- Madewell

Jeans- Lucky Brand

Shoes- Paul Green

June 18, Grateful

After a very busy 3 days (Convocation, 16th birthday for my daughter, Father’s Day and Graduation) I am GRATEFUL it’s all over! Today I want to chill in my comfy clothes. It’s grey and drizzly outside- so joggers and a sweatshirt are perfect for today.

In my before photo I am wearing my super comfy (but not very stylish fleece lined Lululemon pants. While these truly are the warmest and most comfy pants ever (and they were great when my kids played soccer), they aren’t flattering. The way the leg flares out below the knee is awkward, plus they are too long. My grey joggers are much cuter and fit better! My new white slides (Target) are also a cuter option than the white Birkenstocks (don’t get me wrong, I love my Birks, but the slides add a more stylish!) and the Grateful sweatshirt is a little more flattering than the big white hoodie on the left. The hoodie has a pocket in the tummy area, which adds bulk in a place where I do not need any!

This whole outfit is from Target!! Gotta love that!

May 6, Blue and White Stripes

Yesterday it was black and white stripes, today I’m going for blue and white. If you haven’t noticed, I am big fan of stripes!

I’m teaching 3rd grade today, so I want to be casual and comfy, and since it’s chilly in the morning, I need to start the day with a jacket, that I can remove later as it gets warmer. The plain white tank under the jacket on the left doesn’t add any interest to the outfit, so I switched it up for this blue and white one . I then rolled the hems of my jeans to show off a little ankle and make them look a little more current. I swapped out my bulky tennis shoes for my Superga’s to complete the look. As for the jacket, I rolled the sleeves and cinched the waist. This makes the jacket a little more flattering and more styled looking.

I know I promised links today, but I’m running late and don’t have time to include them. Sorry! I can tell you the blue and white shirt is Banana Republic (old), jacket is from Ross , Jeans are Rich and Skinny and shoes are Superega. Gotta run, have a great day.

April 19, T Shirt and Jeans

Sometimes the best outfits are the ones you literally throw on and walk out the door. The effortless, easy and casual look of a t shirt and jeans will never go out of style.

When wearing a simple t shirt- look for fun details to help it stand out. In this case, this shirt has this interesting twisted hemline. It adds a cool touch to and otherwise very plain shirt. I also added long necklace to break up the solid color- and then swapped out my tennis shoes for my cute pointy toed leopard flats. I went from a blah outfit, to a fun and stylish one. So easy!

It will be chilly this morning, so I’ll start the day with this cute blue jacket over my t shirt. Wearing the same color from top to bottom is a good trick to look slimmer.

Shirt- Nordstrom (similar)

Jeans- Joe’s Nordstrom Rack

Shoes- Franco Sarto, Nordstrom Rack

Jacket- H & M (similar)

March 25th, Rock Star

I’m calling this look my “rock star” look because it is inspired by Steven Tyler, lol! 

Seriously though- he always wears flowy scarves. When I wear a scarf, it’s usually an infinity scarf looped around my neck. Today I thought I’d take a little risk and try wearing it loose. And to be honest, I really like it!

I love the color it adds to this otherwise plain sweater. Plus, even though it is technically spring, it’s still a bit chilly, so this scarf actually provides a little warmth- while still looking ‘springlike’ with the pretty floral pattern. Speaking of being chilly… 

I had a reader write asking how to keep your feet warm, while still showing a little skin at the ankle. Here is how! Wear Smart Wool socks. These keep my feet toasty warm- and they work with my booties, as well as my slip on tennis shoes.

Originally, I was planning on wearing this scarf with a tee shirt- as pictured below, but it was just too chilly. However, if its warm where you live, consider trying a scarf with a tee shirt. It’s a fun way to dress up a plain shirt.