I first noticed the waffle top last winter and knew I wanted one. They are comfy, casual and inexpensive- so really- in my opinion, the perfect top!
But, as usual, it all comes down to the styling. The shirt with just a pair of dark jeans looks a little blah. To improve my outfit I changed into cropped faded jeans- which are perfect for the weekend. I then added a black vest, both for warmth and style. Push up the sleeves, do the half tuck, add a belt and finish it all off with cute leopard slides, and now I have a cute outfit perfect for whatever is in store… unless it starts raining- and in that case will have to replace the slides with rain boots.
The jeans, top and vest are all from Nordstrom Rack and the shoes are from Marshalls. Belt is Target.
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.
One of my worries when getting dressed is that I don’t look like a frumpy mom! It’s so easy for me to fall into a pattern of wearing jeans, a top and a cardigan. It’s casual, it’s comfy and it works… but can I elevate this look?
While I don’t HATE the before picture, in fact I kind of like it, I think the after look has a little more style to it. Something about the edgy jacket and the peep toe shoes take this regular mom outfit up a notch.
However, since I am running errands all day- I will compromise. I’ll wear the jacket, but switch to tennis shoes. My poor old feet can only stand heels for so long. #keepingitreal
Today I have chosen my faded, distressed jeans and a cute black and white blouse. Originally I thought about wearing my flannel, but realized that it is too wintery for a spring day.
So I opted for this cute, lightweight black and white blouse instead. This blouse has cute details, I love the stripes, the collar & neckline. To style it, I rolled the sleeves, did the half tuck, added a belt and replaced the orthopedic shoes, which look so awful I can’t even believe I once wore those in real life! UGH! What was I thinking? These cute black loafers are a huge improvement. One thing I’ve really learned is that shoe choice really makes a difference in an outfit. And, truthfully, my feet hurt most of the time, so comfort is essential. These cute Vince loafers are comfy and stylish!
My typical ‘go to’ outfit for days when I’m not working is jeans and a shirt.
Before Everyday Mom Style I would have worn the outfit on the right.
It is just so easy to throw on a shirt, jeans and my Birkenstocks and call it good- however, there is nothing appealing about this outfit and the message that I am sending is ‘I take no time for myself’.
Is that the message you want to send?
Not me! I want to look somewhat pulled together, somewhat stylish, somewhat like I care!
Hence- the outfit on the left! This is as comfortable as the outfit on the right- but it is so much cuter. The blue and white striped tank is more interesting than a solid shirt, and the bright cardigan gives the outfit a pop of color. The cuffed jeans are casual- yet look a little more stylish than the ‘before’ pair . As for my shoes- anything is better than my Birkenstocks- and we all know how much I love my Puma ballet flats!
I wore this to dinner last night at our new local pizza place- and I only had time for 1 photo, sorry!
Jeans: Old Navy, Cardigan: Target, Tank: Gap, Shoes: Nordstrom
Sorry for the delayed post, I’ve been cleaning my house this morning, and you definitely didn’t want yo see what I was wearing then.
Now I need to run a few errands, so I threw on a pair of cuffed jeans, a white cotton shirt (with cute button detail down the front) and then added a black vest to keep me warm.
Nothing earth shattering, nothing very fashionable- but my husband thought it looked cute, and that’s all that matters! 🙂
Enjoy your Sunday!
These Puma’s are the perfect weekend shoe- comfy, cute and casual!
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!
Love these cropped pants, polka dot top and flats.
The longer work out pants and flip flops don't quite work.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Sorry for the delayed post, we were up celebrating KU’s win last night (Rock Chalk) so we are moving slow this morning.
We’ve decided to show how versatile a grandpa sweater is by showing 3 totally different looks.
Erin has paired hers with cropped black pants, a cute polka dot blouse and a gorgeous necklace.
Kara has chosen cropped skinny jeans, a silk blouse tucked in and has added a belt, bracelet and two necklaces.
Her before is loose, faded baggy jeans, a plain white t shirt and birks just doesn’t have the same elegant look, does it?
I’ve chosen a black pencil skirt, a polka dot top and a pink cardigan. I’ve added a pink belt and have selected these cute espadrille wedges.
My before look of the plain white tank and baggy pants is unflattering and too messy.
I am so jealous of these gorgeous snakeskin wedge heels.
These baggy faded jeans are way too long for her.
I love the pink and black together. It's a good combo for spring.
These baggy pants are not flattering and the plain white tank is also making me look large in the tummy area.
Let me be totally honest, since it is snowing again here today- we will not be wearing any of these outfits- instead we will be bundled head to toe in the warmest things we can find. UGH! Spring- please come soon. We miss you!
Don’t forget to vote for Top Mommy Blogs- I need your vote each day (thank you!).
Now, go drink some green beer! And, if you’re feeling really festive, try a green blazer! Isn’t this cute?
Everyday Mom Style 