I celebrated my birthday last week and my sweet husband has done it again.
Each year he buys me clothes. Now, some women would cringe at this thought- but my hubby happens to have excellent taste!
This year he surprised me with this gorgeous leather jacket from Nordstroms. Here’s how they describe it: “it has quilted shoulders extending down to the elbow seams of a streamlined, motorsports-inspired jacket fashioned from lustrous leather.”
I paired it with my skinny jeans, a drapey top (also from Nordstrom’s) and my black boots. It’s a stylish alternative to the faded jeans and North Face jacket outfit on the right, don’t you think?
Good morning! It’s Thursday, so that means another Three for Thursday- where I show you 1 item worn 3 ways. Today I’m showing a black pencil skirt worn 3 ways.
A pencil skirt is often on people’s lists as a ‘must have’ item- yet I’ve realized I rarely wear mine- so today I challenged myself to find 3 ways to wear it.
My first way is a casual, everyday mom look. By pairing the skirt with a white waffle t shirt and a denim shirt I have made it very casual. The high knee socks and boots also add to the casual vibe.
You could wear this volunteering at school, running errands, meeting friends for coffee… whatever. Don’t be afraid to wear a dress or skirt during the day. I used to worry people would think I was too dressed up- but actually people always just comment on how nice I look.
My next look is for the office. Here I have chosen an open weave sweater layered over a tank. I’ve opted for my snakeskin heels to add another pattern- as well as interest.
Lastly, this is my night out look. I always envy gals who are out in spaghetti strap tops in the middle of winter. Don’t they freeze to death? Probably, but it looks fabulous! Actually, if you have a great coat- wear that- and then hope that wherever you are going is nice and warm. Usually in a crowded party I end up getting so hot that I’m thankful for the summery top.
There are black cardigans, and then there are black cardigans. I love this black cardigan (on the left). It’s long length is perfect paired with skinny jeans (hides my bum) and it’s open front (no buttons) make it hang beautifully.
Paired over this cool silk printed top, skinny jeans and my black boots- it’s a huge improvement over the look on the right, wouldn’t you agree?
For those of you who are regular readers- you know that for me- comfort is key.
Rarely do I wear something that is not comfortable. I’m happiest when I’m wearing something that doesn’t require me holding in my tummy, keeps me warm and my feet are comfy.
With these requirements, it would be easy to spend every day in the outfit on the right- wouldn’t it?
However, I do care about style- so the baggy, oversize sweatshirt is not going to cut it. The tennis shoes are another ‘no no’ in my book (with jeans), and the baggy ‘mom jeans’ are not the best look.
Luckily, I can still achieve the same level of comfort with a similar, yet more stylish version of this outfit -as seen on the left.
Here I have replaced the mom jeans with Madewell skinny skinny jeans. No matter what size you are- you can wear skinny jeans. I promise. Just remember to balance it all out by wearing something larger on top. Here I’ve chosen something loose and flowy, and it’s important to make sure your top covers your hips and butt.
Let me briefly tell you about these jeans. The cotton is the softest cotton I’ve ever felt. These jeans feel like sweatpants- they are so soft, so warm and so stretchy. I got them at Madewell (cousin of J Crew).
Instead of the tennis shoes- I’ve opted for my black boots. I have socks under, so my feet are toasty and the heel is flat, so I can walk all day.
I love this loose, flowy top from Target! It’s a great alternative to a sweat shirt!
I like this casual- perfect for running errands or attending weekend sporting events- type outfit.
I’m wearing my black skinny pants (these are not leggings- these are actually pants) worn layered over a black tank, then a denim shirt, then a black puffy vest.
It’s warm, comfy, and sort of stylish!
On the right, I’m showing a before picture of how not to wear denim! While I love the denim on denim look- this is too much!
Does anyone else remember that song? Probably not…
Anyhow- I’ve decided to wear my purple skinny jeans again today. I have a casual client meeting, so I thought these would be appropriate. I wanted to pair them with something simple- so I chose this cool black cardigan.
It’s made of sweatshirt material, so it’s super soft, super warm and super comfy! I like how it’s different than your typical cardigan too!
To add a little personality to the outfit I decided to wear my animal print tank underneath the cardigan. This way, you get a tiny little glimpse of the pattern, but it’s not overwhelming or too busy.
Lastly- I opted for my black boots- these are such a wardrobe staple! As you have probably noticed- I wear them almost every day. Definitely worth the investment!
Hope you have a great day- and thanks for all your comments yesterday. Wearing the dress without the belt seemed to be the consensus! Thanks!
I feel a little silly dedicating a post to talking about me- but throughout the past year I have received lots of emails from readers asking personal questions. So, I figured that it was time to answer them.
1. How tall are you?
I am 5’5″- so I am very average! Believe it or not, I’m also curvy (my hips are bigger than my waist). I share this because for years I would look at magazine articles talking about body types and could never figure out which one I was. I mistakingly thought that because I was thin I couldn’t be curvy. Not so- even thin girls can have curves!
2. What time do you get up in the morning?
Well, it depends- but usually I am up at 6:00 so that I can shower and get dressed before my kids get up. My son gets up at 6:25- (his bus picks him up at 7:00 for school- UGH!) Sometimes I don’t get showered and dressed until after both kids are off to school.
3. How do you pick out your outfits?
I spend a lot of time on the weekends going through my closet and putting together looks. I then photograph them so that later I can remember what works and what doesn’t. It’s amazing how looking at a picture of yourself (instead of the mirror) gives me a totally different perspective. I also am always watching other people- and when I see an outfit that looks fabulous on someone else, I make a note of it- then try to re-create that look.
4. What shoes do you wear in the winter to keep warm?
I love my boots and knee socks- my feet are always cold, so I tend to wear my black boots almost everyday. For a little variety, I have added my new desert booties and my short cowboy boots to the mix. I also love my Hunter rain boots (I do live in Seattle after all) and my Sorel snow boots for those really slushy days.
5. What is your favorite item in your closet?
This is a hard one- I love a great pair of skinny jeans, love my black turtleneck, love my denim shirt, my navy blazer- and love a good comfy sweater.
6. Why do you call your style American Classic?
Well, I have a great style book that I love called The Lucky Guide to Mastering any Style, in this book they break down different styles- and show examples of outfits from each one. They even include a list of ‘must have’ pieces for each style. The different styles are:
Euro Chic
California Casual
Rock and Roll
Posh Ecletic
Mod
American Classic
Bombshell
Arty Slick
Bohemian
Gamine
Mix and Match
I relate most to American Classic- meaning I like traditional, classic clothing. I’m inspired by Jackie O, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Ralph Lauren- I love blazers, white shirts, turtleneck sweaters… all in earthy tones. I am trying to add a little of my own personality by incorporating a few (mild) trendy pieces in- and I’ve definitely tried to add more color!
7. What is your favorite store to buy clothes?
Well, if you are a regular reader you will know I love Nordstroms! I know lots of people avoid departments stores because they are so overwhelming, see my post here to help !
I also love Target because they have trendy and usually well made pieces at really reasonable prices! I always walk through the clothing section when I’m at Target- they are constantly getting new stuff in- so it’s always fun to see what they have!
I also love J Crew- but it’s funny, when I get their catalog I actually don’t like much of what I see- I think sometimes they try too hard to be edgy or combine crazy colors. That being said- J Crew is a classic store with well made pieces at somewhat reasonable prices.
I am a pretty careful shopper- meaning when I am clothes shopping I have a list of exactly what I am looking for- this helps me stay focused and avoid making impulse purchases! Just because something is on the sale rack does not mean I have to own it!
8. Why are you headless in your photos? It’s weird!
I know it takes a little getting used to- but I really prefer to not have my face in the pictures for several reasons. One- I am very un-photogenic. I look really goofy in pictures- and to get a good one I’d have to take about 100. Since you can’t see my face I can snap 3 quick pics of my outfit and I’m done. The second reason is so that I don’t have to do my hair or makeup for the pictures! I also like being anonymous! Lastly, I really want this blog to be about clothes- and not about me.
9. What inspired you to start this blog?
I started this blog because one day I was on the internet and stumbled across the blog What I Wore. I had never seen a style blog before and I was immediately hooked! I started to look at more and more blogs- looking for women who were wearing clothes like what I wore- and I couldn’t really find any (although I’m sure they are out there- I just hadn’t found them yet!). I decided that maybe I should start my own blog- using the format of before and after pictures- because that’s what always interests me when reading makeover stories in magazines. Also, I really wanted a creative outlet- and this is a great chance for me to have a little hobby and follow my passion for clothes.
10. Does anyone send you clothes to wear?
I wish! No, all of the clothes you see me in are clothes that I have purchased over the years- which is why sometimes I show pieces that are several years old. This is my real closet- so there are things in there I bought 10 years ago! (which is why being an American Classic is perfect- classic pieces never go out of style!).
The lighting is so bad in my bathroom that you can’t see the true color of this top- please click here to go to the CABi site to see the top in better lighting.
Pants: Gap, Top: CABI, Necklace: Lia Sophia, Boots: Nordstrom
It finally feels like fall here in Seattle, so I decided it was time for my ultra cozy sweater. I bought this several years ago at Anthropologie, and absolutely love it because of all the detail in it- there is so much to look at!
I layered the cardigan over a plain black t shirt- then added a scarf to give the look an even more cozy feel to it. It’s such an improvement over the look on the right. Please note that I actually really love the sweater on the right- but paired with this high neck black shirt and Uggs- it’s too plain.
As for my bottoms- I need your opinion.
My first look is jeans rolled to look like boyfriend jeans (note- this is the exact same pair of jeans in both pictures). For my feet, I chose my short black cowboy boots. Looking at the photos, I honestly can’t decide if I like this look or not!
Next I decided to try the sweater paired with my purple jeans- see below!
What do you think? Purple jeans or blue jeans?
To make my jeans look like boyfriend jeans, I simply rolled the bottoms. So simple!
You may notice this sweater is starting to pill a bit… I have a trick for you! Using a razor, shave your sweater and the pills will disappear. It takes a little time, but so worth it to save a favorite piece! Just be very careful- if the sweater is thin, you could easily make a hole.
You might also notice that you can see my short sleeves from the t shirt bunching up under the sweater- I will swap out this shirt for a long sleeve shirt so that the sleeves don’t bunch.
Please take a minute to comment- blue jeans or purple jeans?!
Below is my personal list of 10 Fall Trends- and let me warn you- it may not be the most fashionable list around town- but it is a realistic and practical shopping list for anyone who wants to update their closet -as opposed to buying an entire new wardrobe with each new season- (yeah right?!).
First on the list:
1. Boots that can be worn with socks. My feet are cold all fall/ winter and while I love my ballet flats- a great pair of comfy boots can be an everyday staple.
2. Desert booties to alternate on the days when I’m not wearing the boots above!
Last year I bought 2 pairs- one from Khol’s, one from DSW. This year I am splurging and going for the J Crew ones!
3. A perfect chambray shirt- can be worn as a jacket, over a t shirt, under a sweater, thrown over a tank, layered under a cardigan… so many options and it goes with EVERYTHING!
4. Colored denim- last year I bought a gorgeous pair of plum skinny jeans at Anthropologie- then I chickened out and returned them. This year I am much braver (plus I found a pair at Target- so it wasn’t much of an investment). I can’t wait to wear them!
5. A scarf- that can be worn with anything! I love how a scarf adds so much personality to an outfit. It makes a plain boring shirt have some personality, plus it keeps me warm! Keep in mind- buy a scarf that has some bulk. Nothing is worse than an anemic scarf! I love floral patterns, but sometimes a nice neutral one is fun too!
6. A slouchy sweater- throw this on with some black leggings, a pair of boots and you are set for the weekend. I love the effortless, casual- yet stylish look!
Photo from Pinterest.
7. A striped shirt! Yes, big surprise, huh?! I am a serious stripe fanatic and can’t seem to get enough of them. That’s ok… stripes are a classic look and you can never have too many!
8. A cool leather jacket! Last year I bought one at Marshalls, and I think I made a mistake. I was so excited about the price, that I sacrificed fit-as seen here! Find one that fits like a glove- is comfy- and is real leather. Nothing worse than a pleather jacket!
9. A shirt dress- I love this look! Paired with tights, boots, maybe a scarf and a cool handbag and you can run errands, attend meetings, go to lunch and look cool the whole time!
Notice how she has a shirt under her dress… interesting?! Photo from Pinterest.
10. A cable knit sweater- again, this one is a classic. It goes with anything- is comfy and warm- and will never go out of style.
In looking over this list- I realize I have really been quite boring- nothing to flashy, to trendy, to daring… oh well, let’s face it- my style is American Classic and I can’t change who I am! All I can say is: love it or leave it! If you love it- thanks~ please take a minute to write me a little comment! You have NO IDEA how much they mean to me! Seriously, every time I hear from a reader I am thrilled that someone has actually read my blog, liked what they saw and taken the time to write me! 🙂
If I forgot something- please let me know that too… I’ll happily update my list- or create another one in a few months!
Linking up to Pleated Poppy for What I wore Wednesday! Be sure to check out all the other cute sites!
Well, it’s finally time for Kara and her kiddos to head back to the midwest. It’s been a great girls week- and I hope you all enjoyed seeing pictures of someone other than me!
Today Kara is wearing greenish grey cords (from J Crew), a white button down top, black cardigan and a gorgeous scarf. She’s finished her look with these cute short Frye boots. Her look is casual, comfy and totally appropriate for her plane ride home.
I’m stuck here in rainy Seattle, so I’m sporting one of my new scores from our shopping adventures.
I finally splurged and bought the Hunter boots I’ve been coveting for so long.
Both of my sisters were shocked that I didn’t already own these- and now that I own them- I kick myself for not buying them sooner.
Yes, they are pricey. But, considering how often it rains here- they should be a staple in everyone’s closet.
Here’s why:
Unlike my checkered rain boots from Fred Meyer- these are actually WARM and COMFY (not to mention stylish).
These boots offer arch support so they are actually extremely comfy when you’re going to be on your feet all day. My old boots had absolutely no support, and after standing for about an hour, my back would ache.
Plus, I’ve talked about price per wear before- and if you take the price of these boots- and divide it by how many times you will wear them- they actually seem pretty reasonable. (I say this because although my sisters loved these- they chose not to buy them because it doesn’t rain every day in Kansas City- hence the price per wear goes up!).
I’ve paired my boots with skinny jeans with a pair of socks peeking out of the top of the boot. This is a super trendy look- and I thought I’d give it a try. I think it’s cute!
On top I have on another one of my new purchases- this black cape-like thing. It’s made of sweatshirt material, so it’s uber soft and warm. I love the asymmetrical hemline. I’ve put a grey and black striped shirt underneath to add a little pattern- and then piled on my chain necklaces to amp up the look even more.
This is a perfect rainy day outfit- and from the looks of things, I’m going to need it. I know I keep saying this- but seriously- anytime spring. We’re ready and waiting!
One more thing, I apologize for not doing more ‘before and after photos’ this week. It was so fun having my sisters here- but we were so busy we ran out of time! Sorry! I’ll show one quick before pic below- you’ve seen this before, but just for fun I’ll show it again.
Here is what I looked like before I started caring about style. The bright blue coat, the pink boots. Not a sophisticated and stylish look.
This is not stylish at all.Love these new boots!The cardigan and scarf will keep her warm on the plane.
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Everyday Mom Style 