Sept 12, Back to School

Today is my first day going back to school. For those of you who don’t know, I’m a substitute teacher in elementary schools. I have missed teaching, and am excited to be back in the classroom!

For my back to school outfit I have chosen this black eyelet dress. While it’s still chilly this morning, I will add a denim jacket, and since I will be on my feet ALL DAY I need super comfy shoes like tennis shoes. But, comparing the before and after photos- you can see that subtle changes make all the difference. In the before photo my jacket is too dark and the sleeves are too long. I also have on white tennis shoes, which I usually love- but in this case feel like they look like nurse shoes. In the after outfit I have replaced the dark denim with a more faded one- which gives contrast between the dress and jacket. I also rolled the sleeves to give it a more casual vibe. I chose my Converse All Stars instead of the white tennis shoes. They are still super comfy, but look better. My last little detail is a necklace that I threw on. It’s so hard to see, but if you look super close, you can see a little black dot at my neckline. Tiny detail, but it still matters.

July 26, LBD

In my opinion, every girl (or, mom) should own at least 1 LBD (Little Black Dress). When you can’t think of anything else to wear, you can always throw on your LBD. Personally, I own at least 6…

Today I am showing 2 different cotton versions that are perfect for casual summer day.

Both of these are SUPER old- the one on the left is Lucky Brand. The one on the right is from Macy’s. Both are made of cotton- so comfy, casual and easy to wear. It is perfect for running errands, lunch out with friends or even date night.

Now I have to decide which one I will wear this evening…

Nov 22nd, Three for Thursday

Three for Thursday is perfect when you are on vacation. It’s great to be able to pack one staple item and get several different looks out of it.

That being said- here is today’s 3 for Thursday! I’m starting with my little black cotton dress all alone:

And here it is with a gray t shirt over the top:

A simple t shirt over the top of the dress totally changes the look- it now looks like a skirt with a top…

Not my favorite look- but since I’m working out of a suitcase, tying my denim shirt over the top of the dress also gives it a fresh look.

A simple, cotton dress is a great item for your wardrobe- especially when on vacation. As you can see- there are so many options and your look can easily be changed with a few simple changes. In case you didn’t see my outfit from the other day- here is a 4th way to wear it!

Since it’s Thanksgiving, I think it’s appropriate to share what I am thankful for- and without trying to sound cheesy- I am incredibly grateful for my health. I have come to realize that being healthy is truly a gift, and I am so grateful for that- and that my family is healthy. Thank you God for that blessing. May I never take it for granted.

Sept 19th, LBD (Sort Of)

Every gal needs a LBD in her closet (in case you’re wondering- Little Black Dress) but for everyday use, I also think everyone needs a LBD- Little Blue Dress… or some alternative to the standard LBD. (I swear this dress is blue- the color looks a lot darker in the photo, to see the real color, click here).

I know I’ve said this before, but if you are comfortable wearing dresses- than do it!

Don’t be afraid of being over dressed- don’t worry if all you’re doing is running to the grocery store- wearing a dress is so comfy and so easy- you really can’t screw it up- because the outfit is done for you!

Just be careful with how you style it. For running errands, grocery shopping or volunteering in the classroom- keep it casual- wear flats instead of heels, and add something unexpected- like the cargo jacket seen here (scroll to the bottom of the page, and forgive me for the blurry pic!).

I love wearing a dress because I don’t have to worry about matching tops and bottoms- the whole outfit is 1 piece,

All I have to do is add accessories!

Today I have added a leopard belt and a Tiger Eye necklace. Nothing to exciting- but it adds a little something to an otherwise pretty plain outfit.

I love finding dresses at Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack. Go with an idea in mind of what you’re looking for- and be picky. There are a lot of duds out there- take your time, try it on and try to visualize at least 3 occasions where you would wear it.

Necklace from Forever 21

Again, I apologize for the quality of the photo… my strength is definitely not in photography! Sorry!!

And yes- I know I said I was getting rid of all ankle strap shoes (they make my legs look short), BUT- these are my orthopedic Naot shoes- and in this case I will sacrifice style for comfort. These shoes ROCK!!!

I’ve linked up with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday!

Sept 17th, Shirt Dress

I mentioned last week that one of my Top 10 items for fall is a shirt dress- so I thought I’d show you today what I mean!

I bought this cute dress this summer at Off 5th. It’s made by Laundry by Shelli Segal.

When looking for a shirt dress, look for something with:

1. details from a man’s shirt (collar, pockets, button front, cuffed sleeves)

2. Looser fit, waist defined by belt

3. Usually in crisp fabric like cotton

Since I love seeing comparisons, today I’m showing some ‘before’ pictures that I pulled from Pinterest, just to show what in my opinion is not working!

Let’s take photo #1- this gorgeous gal looks like she forgot her pants! To me, this shirt is too loose- and it honestly looks like she borrowed it from her boyfriend and called it good. I do love her sandals though!

Photo #2- This gal also didn’t add a belt to define her waist, which makes this dress a little too shapeless. While I love purple, something about this color seems a little off to me. I also do not like these shoes with this dress. A heel or strappy sandal would have been better.

Photo #3- This gal looks dated. I’m all for vintage- but this pattern just looks frumpy- not modern at all- even her sandals look dated. I do like the cute cardigan and matching belt though…

Photo #4 (ME!) I like this dress because it is in classic black- I can easily add color by adding a cardigan, jewelry or even shoes. Basic black will always be in style! I also love the draping in the front, it is loose- but not too loose and is very comfy! I do notice that something is funky with my belt- I think it got twisted and truth be told- when looking at the photos- I don’t like my shoes much either! They seem a little dated. Time to go shopping! 🙂

Linking up with BonBon Rose girls for Monday Mingle!

 

May 14th, LBD Trend Setter

  True story:  my 11 year old son is really into trends (flat hats, silly bands, kendamos, Nike Elite socks, gyms shorts to name a few!) Today he suggested that I start a trend.

I explained to him that I am far too old and too uncool to start any trends – but he persisted. His suggestion was to ask all my readers to wear a black dress today.

So, in honor of Liam’s request, if you have a LBD (little black dress)- wear it today! And send me a pic! (everydaymomstyle@gmail.com). I’ll post any that you send! 🙂

I have several LBD’s- some for evening wear, some for day wear, some for pool wear… a gal can never have too many!

Today I’m showing 2 of them. The one on the right is a wrap dress, that I bought because I read somewhere that this is a wardrobe staple.  I’m sure it is- but this particular dress is too long! See how it hits below my knee? Too matronly!

On the left is my updated dress. This cute little cotton number is one of my favorites! I love the details on the sleeves, love the neckline, love the banded waist. Being cotton- it’s super soft and comfy.

I’ve paired it with my Birkenstocks (still nursing my feet) and a cute necklace. I also wanted to show this cute summer handbag (although it’s really old!).  I love the combo of the cream linen and black trim!

This dress is great for a warm day- much more comfortable than shorts, and perfect for the office!

If your office is air conditioned, throw a blazer over the dress- it instantly makes it look like a suit!

Here I’m modeling the Danskos again. I still haven’t decided if I’m going to keep them…

Linking up to Monday Mingle…

I’ve got 190 ‘likes’ on Facebook. If you haven’t had a chance to ‘like’ me- please do so. I’d love to get to 200! Thanks!!

Dress: Macy’s, Blazer: Khol’s, Necklace: Target, Shoes: Birkenstock, Shoes: REI, Purse: White House, Black Market

Oct. 9th, Smells Like Teen Spirit

Layered under something makes this look a little more feminine and less lumberjack!

This just screams hoe down, which isn't what Im going for!

I’m not even a Nirvana fan, but I thought this title would be appropriate for my outfit today since I’m rocking the plaid flannel shirt. I tried this shirt once before, but ended up looking like a crazy lumberjack. I haven’t given up though- the plaid flannel shirt is a popular look and I’m determined to make it work! I decided to layer it under a casual dress, to change the look of the dress, and add some warmth. On the right is my first attempt. I tried it with this cute tiered/ ruffled black dress, but I think this looks a little like I’m heading to a western themed party.

On the left I have it under a different black cotton dress. This one has a cute gathered waist, a scoop neckline and sleeves.  I’ve got on black tights and my ever favorite black boots. I think it works- well, sort of! I like it, but I’m a little hesitant. As I say in my ‘about me’ I’m not a big risk taker, so this is a little out of my comfort zone! Please tell me what you think! Is this something you would wear? Should I give up on my flannel?

To me, the flannel shirt makes the dress very casual, perfect for a weekend look. I have it buttoned to high though! Loosen up a bit, huh?! I wonder if a necklace would help?

Flannel Shirt: Fred Meyer, Ruffle Dress: Nordstrom, Dress: Macy’s, Boots: Aerosole