April 2, Anything But Boring

My fear when wearing black pants and a white top is that I’m going to look like a waiter in an upscale restaurant. Yet, I love wearing black and white- I just have to make sure that it’s anything but boring!

In today’s before photo I am wearing black dress pants that are way too long to be worn with flats (see how they puddle on the floor) and a plain v neck white sweater. Since I don’t work in an office, I’m replacing the black pants with black jeans, which add a little more style to the look- but the real eye catcher is this cute white top from Madewell. I love the details of this swingy top. First off, the diamond pattern is adorable, the cut is fun and different for me, and last- it has the cutest details on the shoulders- see below.

To complete the look, I’ve chosen my leopard pointy toed flats. I think it’s a fun way to add a little pattern into the otherwise pretty simple outfit. And, if it gets chilly, I will throw on this cute black jacket. However, yesterday we got up to 70 degrees here in the Northwest! Loving this spring weather! Is it warm where you live?

Jeans- Gap

Blouse- Madewell

Shoes- Franco Sarto, Nordstrom Rack

Jacket- Evereve

March 31, Floral Skirt

Today I’m not doing a before and after outfit post, instead I’m asking for your help. I was shopping at Value Village looking for jeans for my demonstration on distressing jeans, and I stumbled across this floral skirt (with the tags still on it), so I bought it. It’s a bit of a risk for me, but I kinda like it. However, my husband said, where on earth would you wear that?

So, that’s where you all come in. Is this a keeper? And if so, what else should I wear it with? I like the black tank (although I may need to add a long necklace) and I think the denim jacket looks cute, but what else? When buying something new, I always try to think of at least 3 different ways that I can wear it, but in this case I am stumped! And if you hate it, that’s ok too! It won’t hurt my feelings! This is a learning process for me more than anything! That’s the whole reason I do this blog, not because I am an expert on style (I’m clearly not), but because it forces me to try new things, experiment with my clothes and have a little fun! Thanks for being a part of it!

March 29, Wrap Sweater

I know you’re not going to believe this, but this is the same sweater in both photos! I swear! But the way I am wearing it- it looks totally different. This cute sweater has little buttons & button holes on the sides to wear it wrapped, and I love it! It reminds me of something I would have worn to ballet class when I was little.

Paired with these super casual jeans and dressy shoes- I have a cute outfit! You may recall that these jeans were actually in my ‘before’ photo the other day. But then after doing all my jeans research, I realized that this wide bootleg cropped look is actually in style! Yeah! Lesson learned- don’t ever get rid of your jeans- they will eventually come back into fashion. 

In order to make them look current, I just have to be careful with how I style them and what shoes I wear. 

These gorgeous snakeskin pointy toed sling backs are perfect, they make the jeans look trendy and modern. I also replaced the high neck white shirt from the before photo to a tank- which is much less matronly. 

Sweater- Nordstrom (old)

Jeans- Levi’s

Shoes- Franco Sarto, Nordstrom Rack

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 3, Date Night

Today’s OOTD is what I wore last night on a date with my hubby. It was actually a double date- we went with another couple to a local Indian restaurant. My friend, Angela, is always super stylish- so I wanted to be sure to wear something special.

Being a fan of neutrals, I choose black and cream for my outfit. However, in the photo on the left- the black dress pants are fine- but they are way too long and puddle at my feet. The plain cream shirt with the high neckline and the boring black ballet flats don’t add any interest to this outfit.

Swap out the dress pants for ripped skinny black jeans, and this cute v neck sweater (and black lacy bralette) replaced the boring shirt. My favorite part of this outfit is my shoes. These snakeskin slingbacks add a fun pattern to an otherwise plain outfit. Other details to complete the look are the gold belt, a couple of necklaces and bracelets.

You don’t have to do the half tuck!

This sweater is from a local in home boutique, OC Style- super affordable and chic clothes! Follow her on instagram @shopocstyle

This bralette is from Target! So comfy, I’ve actually slept in it!

I’ve worn these cute ripped black jeans a few times- like here and here!

Jeans- Zara

Sweater- OC Style

Shoes- Frano Sarto, Nordstrom Rack

March 1, Ruffle Sleeves

This gorgeous burgundy sweater with ruffle sleeves is a perfect choice for my outfit today (OOTD). I’m teaching school then heading to a Happy Hour after work, so I wanted to wear something sort of dressy, but also comfy and warm.

I started with my black jeans and sweater. As you can see in the before photo- the outfit is a little plain and not very exciting. So, I rolled the hems of my jeans and added cute leopard flats. These shoes are a great way to add pattern and style to an otherwise plain outfit. I also pushed up the sleeves on the sweater a bit, added a belt, did the half tuck and threw on a necklace.

• 

• 

• 

Hope you have a great weekend. See you tomorrow! 🙂

PS- check out my month in review to see all of February’s outfits at a glance. It’s at the top of the page!

Jeans- Gap

Sweater- Nordstrom

Shoes- Sam Edelman, Nordstrom

Necklace- Stella and Dot

Feb 22, Bulky Sweater

My before look in today’s outfit is something I actually wore a few months ago. It was such a comfy outfit, and I thought it was cute at the time. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my joggers, but now looking at the photo I realize that the bulky sweater needs a slimmer bottom to balance everything out.

I love this sweater for both the color and the texture. I’m not sure if you can tell from the photos, but it’s a soft lavender color, which is something I never wear! Paired with my ripped skinny jeans and cute slip on tennis shoes and I am ready to go run some errands today. My sister gave this purse to me years ago, but I thought it would be fun to show with my outfit. Do you change out your purse everyday? I never used to, but now that I’m trying to be more stylish, I am making more of an effort with purses and jewelry!

Sweater- boutique in Leavenworth WA

Jeans- 7 for All Mankind, Nordstrom

Shoes- Vince, Nordstrom Rack

Purse- Boden

Feb 21, Patterned Camisole

One thing you may have noticed about me is that I very rarely wear any patterns, except for stripes. However, occasionally I like wearing a patterned  camisole as a way to add a little color and interest to my outfit.

In my before picture I am wearing a printed t shirt (and for you eagle eyed readers that is from Free State Brewery in Lawrence, Kansas. That shirt is from back when I was in college, it is almost 30 years old and I still have it).

As much as I love it for the memories, the T shirt does not look good in this outfit. The neckline is way to high, it is super wrinkly and way too big. In my after look, I have replaced the t shirt with this cute printed camisole. Yes, it’s 40 degrees outside, but layered under this cozy long cardigan I am warm. The pattern on the tank is fun- and the neckline is more flattering.

Instead of blue jeans, I am wearing grey ones- and as you can see, I rolled up the hems a little. For my feet I replaced the orthopedic Danskos with my cute Paul Green booties.

One thing I’m trying to be better at is wearing more jewelry. I love the look of stacked bracelets, yet rarely wear them, so today I’ve added a few.

Jeans- Marshalls

Tank- OC Style

Cardigan- Nordstrom

Boots- Paul Green, Nordstrom

Feb 5, More Leggings

I was so comfy and cozy in my leggings yesterday, and since we have another snow day, I’ve decided to wear a different pair today. There’s just something about wearing leggings- it’s sort of like staying in your jammies all day! Heaven!

Originally, I was planning on wearing black jeans, a black top and this fun faux shearling vest (as seen on the left). To be honest, I like this outfit, it’s a little plain, but that’s sort of my style! But since it is so snowy and cold outside, I decided that I’d rather wear my camo leggings and this cream sweater, topped off with the vest.

As for my shoes- yes, I am wearing my Uggs. I know I’ve been a little mean to them lately, and I still think they are large and clunky looking, but with the camo leggings I don’t mind them as much. Plus, they are nice and warm!

Truth be told, what I really wanted to wear are my Sorels– as seen below, but my 15 year old daughter said no. What do you think? Are they still in style? They are the perfect snow boot- warm, furry inside, non slip soles… but they are HUGE! If I were to actually go outside and tromp around in the snow- I would definitely wear them. Instead, I’ll sit inside by the fire and watch Bosch on Amazon Prime video! 🙂 Chime in with what you are watching on Netflix or Prime- I’m always looking for a new show!

Don’t forget, I’m posting on Instagram each morning as well. It’s a quick and easy way to see outfit ideas! Just click the link up at the top of the page. 

Leggings- Nordstrom Rack 

Uggs- Nordstrom

Sorel Boots- Nordstrom

Sweater- OC Style

Vest- Nordstrom Rack 

 

Feb 4, Snow Day

Well, I guess it was finally our turn for the cold bitter winter weather to hit. We got a snow storm last night in the good old Pacific Northwest, which means everything will be shut down today, including school! Can you say ‘Snow Day’?!

For this cold, snowy day I want an outfit that is comfy, cozy and casual. The 3 C’s if you will.

So I’ve chosen my black leggings AGAIN! I swear, if you don’t own a good pair of leggings you need to go get some asap. These should be a staple in everyone’s closet- no matter what size you are. Think of leggings as you do jeans- a perfect bottom for any outfit. They are not just for going to the gym.

Buy expensive ones, ones that are thick and absolutely NOTHING shows through. When you try them on, sit down and see what happens, does the fabric stretch so much that you can sort of see skin? If so, do not buy them. You also want some with some spandex in them to hold you in and hide lumps. Cheap, thin ones will not do the trick. I love my Athleta ones- as seen below.

In my ‘before’ look, my denim shirt is too short to wear with leggings. I know I say this a lot- but for us more mature women, we need to wear longer tops that cover more.

I have replaced the chambray shirt in the before picture with a longer version. I like how it is peeking out under this big chunky black knit sweater. I just got this shirt at American Eagle. It is super soft, a great color- and I love the length.  To add a little interest, I threw on a long necklace. It breaks up all the black a little bit.

The Hunter Boots are perfect for walking through wet snow or rain. Plus, they are cuter than the Uggs. Don’t get me wrong though- I do love those Uggs… they just aren’t as cute. But boy are they warm…