Oct 3, Athleisure Wear

This casual outfit is a combination of an athletic top paired with joggers, perfect for running errands.

I have a tennis match today, so need to be wearing this top, but wanted to show how it could be paired with casual joggers as an alternative look.

The joggers on the left are made of 100% cotton, and they don’t fit well. They are too loose. See how they bag at the knees? They also are too long- notice how they meet my shoes? The joggers on the right, which are made of polyester and spandex, are a more flattering fit. The rolled cuffs allow for a peek at my ankles and my cute slip on tennis shoes. As for the top, the way it flares out right at my hips makes me look a wider. By tying it in the back- and defining my waist- I look slimmer.

If it’s chilly, I will throw on a denim jacket with the sleeves rolled up.

Top- Altheta

Joggers- Target

Shoes- Dr Scholl’s (Marshalls)

August 24, Maxi Dress

I have to say I have the BEST friends in the world- and I am so grateful for them. Yesterday, to keep my mind off my son being 2000 miles away, my friends Alice, Annie and Christy planned a girls day out of tennis, lunch & shopping. This is what I wore!

I started off with this cute grey maxi dress that I found at Marshalls for $20.

I love a maxi dress. It’s such an easy and comfy outfit- but a little plain on it’s own. So, I swapped out my flip flops for my cute snakeskin sandals. I then threw on my denim jacket (rolled the sleeves of course) and added a cute long necklace with a turquoise stone.

Have you noticed I’ve been finding some great stuff at Marshalls lately? I love that store! The key is going often and being very particular. I know what brands I like- and I study what is currently trending- and then see what I can find. Some days I walk away empty handed- and that’s ok!

My jacket is from Target (similar), the shoes are old and from Clarks, but here are some similar ones. The dress is Marshalls, but Here is a similar one I found on Amazon!

August 20, New Joggers

You all know I love my joggers, and today I am super excited about this brand new pair I just bought at Marshalls. They are Tencel, which is one of my favorite fabrics because it is so soft, and I LOVE the color! Gorgeous!! It’s sort of olive green/ grey, which will be a great neutral going into the fall.

One thing I like about these joggers is the length, they are just a tiny bit cropped, which gives them a super relaxed look. I also love the cargo pockets- which is a fun detail. The joggers in my before photo are too long (see how they actually cover my shoes?), plus they have this weird puckering thing going on down the sides. Not sure what that is all about?! To make matters worse, the logo t shirt isn’t adding any style. In my after photo, I have paired my new joggers with this super cute striped silk top from Ann Taylor (old). I’m always a HUGE fan of stripes, and I love how this top looks like a t shirt, but is actually silk- so fun! My Target slides complete the look.

Friends, I need your love and support for the next few days. I’m dropping my son off at his first year of college 2000 miles from home, and my heart is literally breaking. But, I’m super proud of him- and know he will have a fabulous time. It’s just hard to leave him. Please send virtual hugs my way… thanks!

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

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

Oct 8th, Red Jeans

Today I am sporting my bright red jeans- which I love! It’s fun to have an alternative to plain old blue jeans!

When wearing pants this bright, it’s important to keep the top neutral- however, the outfit on the right is a little too neutral,  ahem, boring!

In the outfit on the left, I have replaced the white crew neck t-shirt with this cool black wrap shirt I bought several years ago at a boutique in LA. The asymmetrical hemline gives the top interest, and then I added a striped scarf- which adds a subtle pattern to the look.

It’s a simple and extremely comfortable outfit.

Here’s a hint about the scarf- I bought it at Target- and in order to make it into an infinity scarf, I simply safety pinned the ends together. I then looped it around my head 3 times. So easy- and it looks great!

A close up of the wrap top and the ‘infinity’ scarf.

When wearing bright pants, I am more comfortable keeping the top neutral- but that doesn’t have to mean boring!

Pants: Marshalls, Top: Old, Scarf: Target, Shoes: Nordstrom (Puma), Bracelet: Khol’s

Oct 3rd, My Perfect Dress

I’ve blogged about this dress before- here, here and here. And today it’s back!

I’m sorry for repeating myself, but this honestly is one of my favorite dresses I’ve even worn… and I know I’ve said this before, but I think it’s because it has long sleeves! They are so warm!

However, this dress isn’t enough on it’s own.. it need a little something.

Today I’ve paired it with my black leggings and my cargo jacket. I added a skinny belt and a necklace- and then for my feet I have on my new black booties!

Let me tell you about these booties.

I get letters from readers- all the time- about how their feet are cold, or how my ballet flats aren’t practical in their climate- or they can’t do heels- and I get it! In my rainy climate they aren’t ideal either. So, I’ve been looking for an alternative- and I think I have found a winner!

Introducing the black cowboy mini… (not sure if that’s really what you call it) but these little cuties are perfect! The flat heel is ideal for being on your feet all day, I can wear them with socks (no cold toes here), and the black goes with everything. The best part- I got them at DSW for less that $65. Yep, it’s true. You can thank me later…

Linking with The Pleated Poppy… check it out for lots of inspiration!

Dress: Nordstrom (Michael Kors), Jacket: Marshalls, Booties: DSW, Leggings: Nordstrom, Necklace: Forever 21

April 23rd, Monday Morning Rush

This will be another quick one. I have a meeting for work today, so I wanted to wear a dress. I’ve said this before, but I love dresses because they are the outfit.

It couldn’t be easier- just add a few accessories, and you are done! On a rushed Monday morning that is exactly what I needed!

I’ve added a cute belt to help define the waist, and then added this cool statement necklace.

To complete the look, I have on brown wedge sandals. I like brown shoes with blue outfits (rather than blue shoes… something is weird to me about blue shoes- blame it on Elvis!)

Linking up with Monday Mingle…

The statement necklace ties the blue and the brown belt together. Plus, it gives this dress a focal point.

Since it’s a little chilly this morning- I threw on a cardigan to start the day off. I know, I know, Kelly (one of my regular readers) hates this cardigan. Sorry, but will keep me warm! 🙂

And yes, my toenails are blue. I know, it seems strange I have a thing about blue shoes yet I’ll paint my toenails blue. I’m a walking oxymoron!

Dress: Marshalls, Shoes: Loft

April 2nd, Marshalls Inspired

This outfit is inspired by an ad on TV for Marshalls, maybe you’ve seen it?

A stylish gal drives a bus into a neighborhood and all of a sudden a fashion show erupts.

One of the models is wearing a striped dress with a denim shirt underneath- and I thought- OMG! I have a striped dress AND I have a denim shirt.

I’m going to try that!

I’ve shown this dress several times- it’s one of my favorites, but alone- it is shapeless (as seen on the right!).

On the left is my re-worked look. I’ve added the denim shirt under the dress, then added a belt to define my waist.  As usual, I’ve added a necklace to add some interest. Finally, I’ve chosen my tan ballet flats to finish it off.

I would have NEVER tried a shirt under a dress, thank you Marshalls for inspiring me! I really like this look!

I’ve slipped to #13 on Top Mommy Blogs! Please take a second to vote (it’s so easy, just one quick click on the button on the top right of this page). Thank you so much!!

Linking up with Momtrends for Monday Mingle. 

Dress: Land’s End, Shirt: Martin and Osa, Necklace: Plateau Jeweler, Shoes: Nordstrom

Feb 28th, Work Dress

 It’s been a while since I wore a dress, which is unusual since they are seriously one of my favorite things to wear (especially for work).

I find that a dress makes for such an easy outfit. No worries about matching top to bottom- it’s done for you!

Today I am showing how by just adding a few little extras, you can turn a plain dress into a stylish outfit.

As you can see on the right, this pretty blue dress has some gorgeous draping- but other than that it is very plain.

By adding a cute belt, a cardigan, necklace and boots- I’ve now made this into a work appropriate and stylish look.

For more ideas, click here to see All Things Chic and lots of other great sites.

This dress is so comfy, it's made a jersey material- so it isn't stiff and restricting, it's soft and fluid.

By the way, Happy Birthday Grams! Hope you have a great day!

Dress: Marshalls (Calvin Klein), Cardigan: J Crew, Necklace: Forever 21, Boots: DSW, Belt: can’t remember it’s so old!

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