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 4, White Tank

Today I am showing how versatile something as simple as a plain white tank can be. This tank is from Uniqlo*, which is one of my favorite stores for basic items.

If you’ve got one last vacation planned this summer, packing a white tank is a must. Throw it in the suitcase with some shorts, a patterned skirt , a maxi dress or even white jeans and you’ve got 4 easy, effortless looks. Which one is your favorite?

Shorts- Athleta, Shoes- Target

Skirt- Target, Shoes- Lucky Brand

Jeans- H & M, Shoes- Naot, Purse- I bought this in Italy 20 years ago!

Dress- Gap, Flip Flops- Havianas

*I tried to find the tank from Uniqlo to link, but couldn’t find one. Here is a link to a cute one from Target instead.

April 10, Camo Sweatshirt

I know what you’re saying, enough with the camo already! But I just love it so much I can’t help myself! It’s easy to wear, pairs well with almost anything- and is super on trend. For our college tour today, it’s going to be chilly, so I’m wearing my black jeans (from the plane) and this cute camo sweatshirt.

In my before photo I am wearing my original camo sweatshirt that I bought from Target about 5 years ago. While I still love it, the newer, brighter version is a little cuter, especially with my black jeans. I like the boldness of the print- and the white stripes on the sleeves take it up a notch. This one is from American Eagle and the inside is so soft and warm- you will never want to take it off! Replacing the ugly grey tennis shoes with my cute black Adidas finishes off the outfit.

March 10, Leopard Flats

Momma got new shoes!! I’ve always loved the look of leopard shoes- and I’ve had this pair of ballet flats (on left) for years. But now I think a pointy toe might be a more current style. So… off I went to my favorite store Nordstrom Rack (I actually went online) and voila, there were the perfect shoe for me. They were inexpensive ($50), low heel, and so on trend with the d’Orsay style and cute print.

In my before look I am wearing a black t shirt under this cute cream blazer. Are you sick of black and white yet? I’m clearly not!!

The problems with this outfit are that the neckline is too high (gotta show a little skin ladies!) and the blazer tied in front is awkward. My straight leg jeans and round toe flats also date the look.

Switching out the tee shirt for this cute faux silk shirt (with gorgeous detailing- see photo below) and opening up the blazer and rolling the sleeves make for a more stylish outfit. The pointy toed leopard flats complete the look.

Jeans- Gap

Blazer- Banana Republic

Blouse- Stitch Fix

Shoes- Franco Sarto, Nordstrom Rack

Feb 9, Grateful

I know you can’t read my sweatshirt (that’s the problem with taking photos in the mirror), but it says Grateful. I’m grateful we survived snowmaggedon! We did get a ton of snow… but we are all safe and cozy in the house- and here we will stay.

Since I’m just lounging around all day, I’m wearing comfy joggers and sweatshirt (and slippers, but the tennis shoes looked cuter for the photo) and watching TV, reading my book, or playing games. Has anyone played Splendor yet? It is so addictive and fun.

In my before picture these pants are messy looking. They are super wrinkly, and the pockets on the sides (cargo style) aren’t working for me- they just add weight to my legs, which no one wants. If you are going to wear cargo pants, then they need to be skinny- so the cargo pockets aren’t adding any bulk.

The hemline is also awkward. It goes up too high on one side, then is baggy on the other.

I have replaced the cargo pants with the dark grey joggers. Maybe I’m just being hopeful, but it seems like my legs look thinner in the after picture?!

 

These joggers are from the Gap, and they may actually be pj’s… at least that’s how I’ve always worn them, but now that I study style blogs all day, I am seeing joggers everywhere, so I thought I’d give them a try.  To add a little style, I pushed up the hem a little and opted for my cute black Adidas.

As for my sweatshirt, by just doing the little half tuck I have altered the straight line across my body. For some reason, this is slimming. Check out this photo below of the exact same outfit, without the legs pushed up and the half tuck. Amazing, right?

Now, back to my grateful sweatshirt. Not to be all preachy or anything, but years ago I was going through a time in my life where I was struggling with finding joy. Nothing serious, but I just wasn’t as happy as I felt I should have been. I decided to start a gratitude journal, where I started listing 5 things a day that I was grateful for. This really forced me to recognize how blessed I am, and to look for beauty in the world (and in people), and honestly helped me become a much happier person. I strongly suggest starting your own gratitude journal. Even if you don’t write things down, just noticing things you are thankful for will make a huge difference.

Give it a try and let me know how it goes!

One thing I am grateful for is this blog. I love playing with my clothes and putting together outfits, it helps me express my creative side and honestly brings me joy.  Thanks for being a part of it. xoxo, Megan

Joggers- Gap

Sweatshirt- Target

Shoes- Adidas, Nordstrom Rack 

 

Dec 7th, Rule of 3

 Over the past year I’ve mentioned my ‘rule of 3’ several times (and to be honest, I didn’t even come up with this idea, I think it came from Jessica Quirk of “What I Wore“), so today I thought I’d explain it again for those who were wondering what I’m talking about.

Basically it’s really simple!

I just like to have 3 elements to my outfit (on the top half). This means I might start with a plain top (or tunic as you see on the right) and then add a little something extra- like the striped cardigan and the raspberry scarf. By adding those 2 little extras- I have now made my outfit all the more interesting. I’ve added color and texture (with the scarf) and a pattern (with the cardigan).

Other options are: add a necklace, a bracelet, a belt, a jacket, a scarf, a vest, a tank, or even layer something underneath… the options are endless! Just keep it interesting!

Told you it was easy!

Enjoy your Friday!

Pants: Gap, Tunic: H&M, Cardigan: Marshalls, Scarf: Gift, Boots: Frye

Dec 6th, Three for Thursday

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.

Skirt: Gap, Denim shirt: J Crew, Sweater: Target, Gold Top: H&M

Nov 7th, Feeling Patriotic

 I probably should have worn this outfit yesterday- but I didn’t- so here I am feeling very patriotic today.

The thing is though, wearing red jeans can be tricky. They are so attention seeking, it’s important that the top doesn’t compete too much with the bottom. On the other hand you don’t want to be too boring!

As you can see on the right- the white t shirt and the jean jacket are a little too plain. Plus, the jean jacket sleeves are too long and the fit is too boxy. Finally, my red shoes are a little to ‘matchy, matchy’!

On the left is my reworked outfit. Here I’ve selected a blue and white silk tank with an interesting print. I layered it under a more fitted jacket and rolled the sleeves up.

I love the loose, flowy style of this tank because it allows my tummy plenty of room to breathe- and the jacket ads a layer of warmth and texture. To complete the look I chose my Stella and Dot statement necklace. As for my shoes, instead of the matching red shoes I chose my wedge loafers. Now I can wear socks and my feet are toasty warm.

Jeans: Marshalls, Tank: Banana Republic, Jacket: Gap, Shoes: J Crew, Necklace: Stella and Dot

Nov 6th, Back in Black

Ever since the movie, Four Christmases with Reece Witherspoon I have been obsessed with wearing all black!

I tried to find a photo of her outfit from the movie- but couldn’t find one- so I’m sorry if you don’t know what I’m talking about!

Basically she is wearing a black pencil skirt, a black blouse and a black belt throughout most of the movie. It’s such a classic and stylish look- and I love it!

Today I am showing my version. I’ve chosen a stretchy black pencil skirt, a black cashmere v neck sweater, black tights and black wedge heels. In order to break up the all black- and add a splash of unexpected color- I added a pink skinny belt. I kept my jewelry very simple- a dainty little necklace and a silver cuff bracelet.

It’s a perfect outfit for me to wear to work today!

Be careful though… the outfit on the right is an example of all black gone wrong. Here I’m wearing my old black pencil skirt- which is too long- as you can see it goes below my knees! I’ve also chosen a short sleeve, crew neck black t shirt. Personally, A t shirt seems too casual for work, and the high crew neck is too matronly. Lastly, my loafer type heels are clunky looking- don’t you think?

I wanted to take a minute to give a special shout out to one of my regular readers- Susan. Her son is in the hospital recovering from a very intense surgery, and I want her to know that I’m thinking about her- and sending prayers and positive thoughts her way. If you have a minute today- please say a little prayer for Susan and her family. Thank you.

Skirt: Gap, Sweater: Ann Taylor, Belt: Target, Shoes: Macy’s

Oct 9th, Re-thinking the Maxi

 I love my maxi dress- it is the ultimate in comfort (it’s like wearing a nightgown all day,) and looks stylish at the same time.

Trouble is, my maxi seemed too summery for me to wear in October…

Unless I layer a tank underneath, add a cute cropped trench coat, and finish the look off with my wedge booties. The matching necklace is just icing on the cake!

Now I look totally appropriate for a beautiful fall day!

Note- I accidentally shrunk my maxi in the dryer (gasp), so this is a little too short. Technically, it should go all the way to the floor. Also, I think my white tank goes up too high- I will be changing it for a lower profile one!

If you haven’t already, click on the link to the right and join me on Facebook!

Necklace from Stella and Dot!

I would have never worn these shoes with a dress two years ago- but aren’t they fun?

Dress: Gap, Jacket: H&M, Necklace: Stella and Dot, Shoes: J Crew