August 29, Back to School Shopping

I took my daughter back to school shopping today. Yes, I know- most of the country is already back at school, but in the PNW we wait until after Labor Day to start, so we still have a few more days of summer. Yeah!

I knew I wanted to wear jeans because I am always cold in the mall, and I decided to keep it simple and classic by pairing my jeans with a white button down. However- comparing the two looks above, you can see that in order for this to be a cute outfit, I need to make a few changes.

Instead of the dark straight leg jeans, I decided to go with distressed skinnies from Nordstrom (7 for all Mankind). Since a button down is a little dressy, the distressed jeans balance it out by being super casual. To keep from looking like I’m wearing my husband’s dress shirt (which I am in the before photo), I swapped out this thick starched shirt for a much thinner, casual one from Nordstrom (Treasure and Bond). Then I rolled the sleeves and unbuttoned a few buttons. To add some interest, I choose my leopard belt from Target and added a white cuff bracelet. My leather braided sandals completed the outfit.

July 24, Denim Dress

Today’s OOTD is a denim dress that I bought at Costco a few years ago, seriously! I don’t normally buy clothes at Costco, and truthfully I wouldn’t recommend it- but I was shopping one day and saw it- and thought it would be a good dress to wear to school.

The problem is- it just needs to be styled correctly. In the before photo- the dress looks shapeless and dull, but when I tighten the drawstring waist, roll the sleeves, unbutton a few buttons, put on cute sandals and add some jewelry- I now have a cute outfit. It’s a casual, easy look- perfect for running errands, brunch with friends and teaching school.

These cute sandals are from Target. I bought them years ago- and have been on the lookout for a replacement pair. I LOVE them!

June 5, Green Bomber

In today’s OOTD I started with my white jeans and added this cute patterned tank. I love the design down the front- and think that the contrast of the dark top and the white jeans works well. I know I’ll be cold this morning, so I need to layer. I could wear this grey cardigan, but to me- this is too basic, and a little frumpy. Instead, I’ll wear my green tencil bomber. If you’re a regular reader, you are probably aware of how much I love this green bomber jacket. It’s just such a comfortable, versatile and easy to wear piece! I’ll also roll up my jeans a little to show some skin, and I’ll finish the outfit with my brown leather braided sandals. A big improvement over the original look, huh?!

Top- OC Style

Jeans- J Brand

Jacket- Kenneth Cole

Shoes- Target

*everything is OLD, so no links today, sorry!

March 28, The F***ing Half Tuck

One question/ comment I get a lot is how to do the half tuck. If you’re a regular reader, you know I love doing the half tuck. I think it makes my outfit look more polished, it defines my waist and makes my legs look longer.

One thing to know is that it’s super easy to do. I literally just take the front of the shirt and tuck it in. Sometimes I just take a tiny part of the front and tuck it in, as seen here. I always leave the back out so that my butt is covered.

I jokingly call it the f***ing half tuck because it drives a lot of people crazy. I get it. On days when I’m feeling bloated- the last thing I want is a tucked in shirt.

But, if you are skipping the half tuck- then think about other ways to spice up your outfit. Unbutton a few buttons at the neck, roll the sleeves, wear fabulous shoes, add a statement necklace or scarf. Throw on a jacket or cardigan. Or forget the button down and try a bold print rayon (or silk) top that drapes well.  Do something to make the eye look anywhere but your tummy!  

In the photo above, I skipped the half tuck, but it still looks better than the before photo because I’ve done a few things to add some style. I’m wearing sandals (yes, my feet might freeze). I’ve rolled up my hems of my jeans, and added necklaces and bracelets. All of these minor details add appeal and interest. 

Shirt- J Crew

Jeans- J Brand

Sandals- Target

Sept 9th, Soccer Mom

I debated about even showing you my outfit from yesterday- because really- it isn’t that fashionable!  I just thought it was sort of cute…and definitely better than the outfit on the right.

But then I remembered that pre- Everyday Mom Style–  knowing what to wear to children’s sporting events used to be a struggle for me. Do I go with yoga pants and a sweatshirt? Jeans and a cardigan? What do people wear to these things?!

I figured if there are other moms out there wondering what to wear to their kids games- than maybe I should go ahead and post my outfit.

Luckily, yesterday it was over 80 degrees, so I didn’t need multiple layers (like I usually do), so I opted for a simple shorts and tank combo.

To make the outfit bright and interesting, I went with these cute madras plaid shorts and a pink tank. To keep my look polished, I added a long necklace and cute leather sandals.

It was cute, comfy and weather appropriate. Too bad my daughter’s team lost… oh well, there’s always next week! Go Flyers!

Shorts and tank from Old Navy, Shoes from Target

August 30th, Daisy Dukes (NOT!)

I bought this cute red and white checked shirt at Old Navy at the start of the summer- thinking it would be a fun 4th of July shirt. However,with temperatures in the 100’s (I was in Kansas over the 4th) there was no way I was wearing this… so it has sat in the back of my closet ever since.

Today I decided to bust it out. I layered it over a white tank and then paired it with my dark J Crew cropped pencil jeans, for shoes I opted for these cute sandals from Target. I know- these sandals offer absolutely no support- but I knew I wasn’t going to be on my feet much today- so I decided to go for it!

As for my before picture… please know that I would NEVER actually wear this outfit- I took this picture to make a point.

When wearing a shirt like this, you might be tempted to go all Daisy Duke and knot your shirt at the waist and pair it with denim cutoffs.

Please don’t!

Surely the picture on the right says it all!  This doesn’t look sexy, or hip or young… it looks like a sad, desperate attempt to look young.

If you are over 40, you really shouldn’t be wearing denim cutoff’s* (or actually any denim short in my opinion) any more. Opt for a cute denim skirt instead… or cropped jeans (just make sure they are cropped at the ankle and NOT the mid calf).

Dress classy instead of trashy… there you have it, I sound like my mother again today. I guess that’s a good thing!

By the way, it’s my sister’s b day today and I want to wish her happy day. Your card is going to be late. Sorry.

I decided to try it tucked in as well for a little more polished look (but then I have to suck in my tummy all day. UGH!)

* I suppose if you are going to the beach you could wear your denim cut off’s… but a cute swim suit coverup would be more appropriate.