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.
Living in Seattle, it’s essential that I have some good rain boots! So when Hunter boots first became popular I HAD to have a pair. Before that, I was wearing rain boots from Fred Meyer- and they looked like this photo from when I started blogging back in 2012! A lot has changed since then, but I still love my Hunter Boots!
In my before photo, I am wearing a golf shirt with black leggings and my Hunter Boots. I think a collared shirt looks odd with leggings. Something just seems off with this. I also think the length is bad, it’s too short.
So I kept to the black and white theme (I really love that color combo, obviously) but ditched the weird golf shirt for this cute striped shirt. I like the way this shirt gathers around the tummy area- hiding my food baby. Then, to cover my behind, and add a little color, I threw on this fabulous pink lightweight cardigan from Nordstrom. You may recognize this sweater from this outfit. Ok, now I’m ready for you rain!
When wearing leggings (if you’re over 40), please cover your butt. Unless you are super fit- then you go girl! Me, I like mine covered.
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…
When it’s a holiday, especially Halloween, some people really feel the need to dress for the occasion. If you have small children, it can be fun for them to see you get into the spirit of things- but keep in mind, a little goes a long way.
No need to rush out and buy a pumpkin sweater, vest or earrings! Just look in your closet for something that has a little orange in it- and incorporate it into your regular outfit.
Today’s outfit is another dress that I have turned into a skirt. By layering a white tank over the top- and then adding a long cardigan I have transformed the look of this dress. I then added a touch of orange with my scarf. Because it’s soggy and wet out- I’ve selected gray tights and my Hunter rainboots! It’s a cute way to recognize the holiday without going overboard!
A little orange scarf is the perfect touch!
Please don’t wear this!
Or this!
Or this!
If you want a little more orange- here is another option!
This post is for a reader, Shannon, who wrote yesterday asking what to wear to a soccer game when it’s raining.
Living in the Pacific Northwest, I’m pretty much a self proclaimed expert on rainy day wear!
The key component is having the right boots!
I coveted these rain boots (on the left!) for several months before I finally splurged and bought them. I will tell you- it was so worth it. Not only are they super comfy and stylish- but paired with knee socks- they are very warm!
I wearing black stretch pants (go for ones that are really thick & warm), and then I decided to go with a cream turtleneck and my trench coat in the same color. It’s a very mono-chromatic look- but I liked it- and I was very warm- and so much better than the look on the right. Luckily, it didn’t end up raining- but a cute umbrella would have been the final touch to keep me totally dry!
On the right (in case you are wondering) my jeans are too baggy for boots (see how they gather around the knee), the bright pink boots are a little dorky, and this coat isn’t doing much for me. Yes, I’m warm and dry- but I can also be warm and dry and look good too, right?!
I do wonder if I was a little overdressed though? I did get a bit of teasing by a dad (ahem, Jeff B you know who you are!), but I think he was just jealous that I was warm!
We actually have a term for this weather here in Seattle- June Gloom.
After a truly gorgeous May- we have now entered into the rainy season. And by rainy, I mean RAINY.
It looks like it could be December out there… UGH! Seriously?!
So while the rest of the country is basking in the sun, we are donning our rain gear and making the best of it.
Rather than look like the picture on the right- I decided to skip the bright blue (unflattering) rain coat and tacky pink boots and instead opted for a cute mini skirt (it is summer after all) paired with my Hunter rain boots and a cute striped tank. Since it is only 55 degrees out there, I had to add a cute little black cardigan so I don’t freeze!
Even though it is very ‘un Seattle like’ to use an umbrella- today I will be doing such that!
Enjoy your day by the pool and if it makes you feel better, think of me sloshing around in the rain.
A reader asked what coat I would be wearing, so here you go! I also had to add tights because I was wrong about the temp- it’s actually 48, not 55. BRRRRRRRR!
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 