Oct 6th, American Classic

It’s another gorgeous day here in the Pacific Northwest!

We are having the best summer/ fall I can remember (according to my friend who runs the local farmer’s market, we are on 20 weeks straight of sunshine)! Thank you Mother Nature!

I’m wearing one of my favorite fall looks today- cropped jeans, ballet flats and a cozy wool sweater. It’s a good outfit for running errands, attending soccer games, going out to lunch… whatever the day has in store for you!

I know I’ve shown this before pic already- but I think it does a good job of showing how easy it is to change small details- and yet have a much better look.

Let’s start with the jeans-  the cut of these jeans is too wide- making my legs look wider than they are- and the length is all wrong (cutting off mid- calf is awkward). Next we have these goofy black shoes- which make my feet look strange. As for my top- this plain crew neck top is a boring color, and you can see the outline of my potbelly (gasp). To make matters worse, the open cardigan is actually drawing your eye right to my belly- almost framing it if you will…

On the left is my re-do. These cropped CABi jeans are a much more modern look. Here is how the Cabi describes them:

The new wash is a bit more beat up with subtle whiskering and a slight blue-grey cast. Strategic hand sanding is slightly darker on the sides to create a longer, leaner look.  This denim is a nice weight with a touch of spandex for great recovery.

On top is a camel wool sweater layered over a denim shirt (yes, you can do denim on denim- I swear). One of the things I love about this sweater is the back (hence the picture of me from behind!). It’s a small detail, but I think it adds interest to the look (not to mention a few comments of “did you know you have your sweater on backwards?”.  As for my shoes- these ballet flats match the color of the sweater- tying the whole outfit together. And of course, a necklace finishes the look.

No it’s not on backwards, I swear!

Jeans: CABi, Shirt: J Crew, Sweater: Lands End, Shoes: Nordstrom (Frye), Necklace: Lia Sophia

May 25th, You Again?

 When I first started this blog I was so concerned with wearing something different every day. My goal was to not repeat any outfits for as long as I could… (I know, crazy, right?!)

However, in reality- that’s not very realistic. Most of us only have a limited number of items in our closets, so of course we repeat outfits!

The key is, to try make each outfit look original and different. This is done by choosing accessories and layering.

For example, the dress I’m wearing today I’ve worn several times- as seen here and here and here.

Today I’ve paired it with a bright orange cardigan, a colorful belt and off white wedges.

When I originally saw this dress I didn’t like the way it fit at all- it’s too loose and unstructured. But- it was on clearance, and you know I love my stripes- so I decided to see if I could find a way to make it work. By simply adding a belt- I have given this dress the shape it needs. This may seem really obvious, but until recently I would have never added a belt if there weren’t any belt loops! Don’t let a simple thing like that stop you from creating the look you desire!

For more cute fashion ideas, check out Fashion Friday!

I love the way this colorful belt ties in the blue and orange!

Dress: Land’s End Canvas, Cardigan: Gap, Belt: Target, Shoes: Nordstrom

Feb 2nd, Striped Day Dress

If you are a regular reader, you know I’m a huge fan of stripes. So when I saw this dress on sale, I just had to have it- even though it looked like this picture on right.

It’s shapeless and unflattering and the wrong length- and my shoes aren’t helping much!

However, I knew with some minor tweaking, I could make this dress stylish.

I’ve added a belt- which helps define my waist- and also shortens the dress to above the knee.

Then I added this utility style jacket. I love this jacket- it is so easy to throw on over anything to add warmth, texture and style.

I’m wearing my desert booties, which is a bit of a risk for me. I would have NEVER worn these shoes with a dress a year ago- but I honestly think they are perfect for this outfit. If you’re not feeling adventurous, below I’m also showing the same outfit with my brown boots.

The brown boots are a safe alternative to the booties.

This jacket is a good piece to transition an outfit for all year long.

Dress: Land’s End, Jacket: Marshalls, Belt: American Eagle, Necklace: Kohl’s, Booties: Kohl’s, Boots: DSW

Jan 3rd, Liar Liar

I’ve titled this post ‘Liar, Liar’ because just 2 short days after I declared I would no longer be buying items from Old Navy- I go and buy this sweater.

Let me explain.

My son is really into skinny jeans- and Old Navy was having a denim sale ($10 for kids jeans), so while we were in there, I spotted this sweater.

I decided I might as well try it on, and sure enough, I LOVE it!

That being said, I have paired it with more expensive items- like these cute cargos and this checkered shirt- so I’m not completely going against what I said the other day. Just a tiny bit…

I probably don’t even need to talk about the outfit on the right- in fact my husband took one look at me and said ‘you would NEVER wear that!’. But I like showing before and after pictures. And I swear, I really see women who dress like this. The buttoned up cardigan, the tennis shoes… not to be mean, but it looks wrong.

Wouldn’t you agree that this sweater on the left is much cuter than a traditional cardigan?

Now I need to figure out if I like tucked- or untucked… what do you think?

Is untucked too messy? I feel like a college student!

I felt like the cable knit was detail enough, and decided to skip adding a necklace.

Pants: Louis Permilia, Shirt: Land’s End, Boots: Khol’s, Sweater: Old Navy

Nov 4th, Dressed for Success

Pardon the lame title! I’ve said this before, but dresses are such an easy outfit choice for a few reasons.

1.No need to match top and bottom- it’s done for you!

2. They are super comfy- usually no restricting waistband!

3. Perfect for work or even running errands.

Don’t be afraid to wear a dress during the day. With the right shoes and accessories, you will NOT look overdressed (unless you’re wearing sequins or a cocktail dress).

Today I am wearing a dress that I originally passed on- reason should be evident by this picture on the right. It’s shapeless form does nothing for my figure. But, it was on sale and I am a sucker for stripes!

Plus, when you add a belt and a jacket and a scarf- it becomes a great piece that actually works!

I decided to try a solid scarf as well as this colorful one. Which look do you like better?

Another shoe option would have been my rugged booties with some cute scrunched socks. Maybe next time!

Let me apologize for both the lame title and the shadowy photos. I’m clearly a novice!

Dress: Sears (Land’s End), Jacket: Old Navy, Colorful Scarf: Louis Permilia, Boots: DSW, White Scarf: Gift

Oct 27th, Utility Vest

 It’s funny how this one item keeps popping up everywhere I look! It definitely seems to be the ‘go to’ look this fall! I’ve worn mine several times as seen here and here.

I can’t put my finger on what it is exactly- but it adds a little something extra to an outfit.

Today’s look is a checked blouse and skinny jeans. On the right is my original look- I even went so far as to match my orange shoes to my top! Sadly, this doesn’t actually look very good- a little too ‘matchy, matchy’.

On the left I have switched out the sandals for my rugged booties  (much more weather appropriate) and then added the utility vest to give the look that little oomph!

The blouse is ultra preppy- so this vest really takes it down a notch- which makes it more my style!

Blouse: Sears (Land’s End), Vest: Old Navy, Jeans: Anthropologie, Booties: Marshalls

Sept 21st- Easy Does It

Easy changes make this a cute outfit!

Yes, I am standing weird- just wanted to give the full effect of how shapeless this was!

I’d been eyeing this striped dress from J Crew for a while now- (see picture at bottom
of page!) but it was too expensive for my budget (yes, I’m cheap!). I finally found a similar one on clearance at Sears (Lands End again!) and at first glance I passed it over. Here’s why: this is what it looked like when I tried it on (picture on the right!)

But, after careful thought- and a little trial and error- I decided to see if I could do some easy changes to make this more my style.

First off, I  added a cute brown leather braided belt. This cinches the dress- making the fit more flattering. Next I rolled the sleeves to the elbow- the original length was awkward. I also threw on my favorite orange scarf. I LOVE orange and blue together- they are such a great combo. Finally, I traded out my Birks for some cute wedge heels. My friend, Livi, said she hates wearing dresses because she never knows what shoes to wear. A cute wedge heel in a neutral color is almost always a good choice.

Since I’m participating in Work it Wednesday, (where we show 1 item 3 different ways- although in this case, example #1 is a definite Don’t!)) I’ll show another option!

If it’s too warm for a scarf- a cute necklace also works:

Even with just the necklace, it's still cute!

Have you noticed how much I love stripes!

Dress: Sears, Belt: American Eagle, Necklace: Kohls, Scarf: Thrifted, Shoes: Ann Taylor Loft

Dress below: J Crew