I swear, almost every style gal that I follow owns some sort of blue and white striped dress. I’ve seen this look everywhere, and today I’m showing mine! This is just such a classic and easy to wear piece!
As you can see in my before photo- this dress clings a bit to my curvy hips- so tying the jacket around my waist breaks up the curves, and adds a very casual vibe to the look. The white tennis shoes are a good option if you aren’t quite ready to break out the sandals yet.
Normally, I don’t suggest you go out any buy anything (unlike many other blogs, I’m not trying to sell you clothes), but in this case- I would suggest buying a blue and white dress. Here are some cute ones that I found!
Another one from the Gap, it can be found here! Totally different style, but it’s so cute I had to include it. It’s from Amazon. Back to the Gap. Here is the link to this one! Much more baggy fit in this one from Everlane
I’m not loving my sandals here, but wanted to show the jacket on.
Mine is from the Gap (hence all the Gap links), but it is several years old. My shoes are Superga, and my jacket is from Target.
I hope it’s nice and sunny where you live today. We are supposed to have a high of 69 degrees. Woot hoot! Maybe I can work on tanning my pale legs!!
ps- be sure to check out my page Month in Review. It shows all the outfits I wore for the entire month of March. Kind of fun to see them all at a glance.
pss- also you can always catch me on Instagram @everydaymomstyle2019
I might have just made up the word Spring-ifying, but hopefully you know what I mean. Now that it’s Spring- our clothes should reflect that.
Take today’s outfit. I’ve chosen ripped white jeans and this sweet little patterned top. In the photo on the left, the black sweater and black shoes are ok- but to me they seem a little dark and wintery. So, to ‘spring-ify’ my look, I replaced the dark sweater with a cute grey one. It will still keep me warm, but just looks a little lighter. Same with the shoes. Instead of the dark black loafers (which I love by the way), these neutral strappy wedge sandals are more appropriate for spring. Now I just need to find time for a pedicure.
A tank layered under the top will also provide warmth.
Love this pattern. Sweet, feminine and definitely spring-ish!
Jeans- these are from Value Village and I distressed them myself. See how here!
Top- Nordstrom, Vince Camuto
Shoes- Clark, these are so old I honestly can’t remember when I bought them.
Grey cardigan- Banana Republic, this one is old as well.
Are you noticing anything about my clothes? They are old! I am wearing stuff that I bought maybe 5-10 years ago. You do not need to go out any buy new clothes all the time. Shop your closet!
They are so incredibly warm and soft. Some days as soon as I get home from work I put these on- they are just so comfy. The pattern is subtle, but a little more fun than just plain black. Today I’ve paired them with this cute asymmetrical waffle top from Costco! Seriously! Costco!  I never shop for clothes at Costco but a friend of mine had this top and I thought it was so cute! I love the fun hemline- and while I don’t hate my before look- I do like the way this asymmetrical top covers me up a bit more!
Black and white is such a classic and easy go to for any outfit.
In the photos above you can see I have chosen black jeans, a black and white blouse and black boots. Here’s the difference: in the after picture I chose a little more fitted blouse- and I did the famous half tuck, defining my waist. I added a belt, rolled up my sleeves and added a necklace.
One thing I love about this blouse is it has really cute detail along the shoulders (see the picture below, it’s too hard to tell above). I also rolled up the hem of my jeans revealing my ankles- and switched out my boots for a lower profile bootie. This really changes the look. To be honest, I don’t hate the before picture- I actually think this blouse is cute, Â but I wanted to give you a contrast so you can see the difference. Plus, plaid is really on trend right now!
*I apologize for the grainy photo above, for some reason the bigger the photo, the more grainy it gets. I have no idea how to correct that (or how to resize the photo). I am definitely in need of advice, if you have a suggestion- please send it my way! Thank you! 🙂
I’ve read several times that every woman should own a plain white shirt in her wardrobe. While I’ll say I definitely agree- it’s important to keep in mind there are lots of different types of white shirts.
Originally, I thought I needed a pressed & starched formal white button down- as seen on the right. However, truth be told- most days, this just isn’t me!
I’m more casual, and unstructured- so it wasn’t until my husband bought me this version of a plain white shirt that I fully understood what this style rule actually means.
A white shirt can be any type of white shirt-as long as it suits you- and in this case, this shirt is so me. It’s soft, it’s flowy, it’s long enough to cover my hips and bum… and being white it is so versatile it can go with anything!
When shopping for a plain white shirt- look for interesting details- and look for a style/ fabric that suits you! Below is a picture of the pocket on this shirt- I included it to show the amazing detail of this shirt (which is hard to see in the above photo). There is little tiny stitching along the pocket that adds interest.
It’s also important to add your own details and pieces of interest- or else your outfit can be too boring. As seen below, I added a cool necklace and bracelet- and then finished the outfit off with grey cords and short cowboy boots. It’s a very simple, understated look- but I think it works!
This is the section that I frequent the most, it has somewhat trendy pieces- but is also mainstream and more affordable than most of the other sections! Examples of designers are Halogen and Vince Camuto. The top I’m wearing above is from this section!
This is definitely more trendy- and more expensive. There are more designer labels in this section. It is designed for hip and trendy fashionistas! Here you will find Vince, Theory, Tory Burch to name a few…
Savvy is even more upscale that Individualist! In our Nordstroms you have to walk through this section to get to the ladies room (which is lovely in itself!). You will find J Brand, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Joie. According to Nordstrom’s website, Â Savvy is for ‘Edgy, of-the-moment looks for the confident, fashion-forward woman.’
You can tell just from the furnishings that you are now in an even more expensive area- different lighting, decor, even glass walls separate it from the other sections! Here you will find the most expensive designer wear- at very expensive prices. They often have clothing from new designers in this section- for example you will find Rag & Bone, Rachel Zoe, Helmut Lang… hint: I have NEVER bought anything in this section!!
This is the teen section- but don’t let that scare you off! I have seen plenty of 40 somethings browsing in this area (and not for their daughters!). I have bought scarves, belts and even a top or two in B.P. I will say though, be prepared- the sizes are small and quality is poor. Prices are cheaper though! I’d also recommend not shopping in this section too often- trends for 16 year olds just aren’t cute on 40 year olds.
This is where to find your new jeans! Ask a salesperson to help you- they know each brand very well and can steer you in the right direction. The best news is that if you pay full price for jeans, they will do alterations for free! Yes, for free! Quick note- when having your jeans shortened, be sure to ask for the original hem to be re-attached! Brands in this section: Free People, Citizens of Humanity, Paige and 7 for all Mankind.
Again, according to the Nordstrom website, Studio 121 is ‘Chic, sophisticated wardrobe essentials for work and weekend.’. Here you will find classic pieces, nothing too trendy, but great basics that are well made and will never go out of style. Look for brands such as Eileen Fisher and Classiques Entier. It’s perfect for anyone over 40!
Ralph Lauren, Anne Klein, Isaac Mizhari are all brands you will find in this section. Similar to Studio 121, this area is for mature shoppers who like classic, well made pieces from mainstream designers. You will also find coats in this section.
I haven’t covered every section- it is a big store- but hopefully this breaks it down a bit for you! Don’t be afraid to wander into any section and ask for help- the salespeople are usually extremely friendly (they are known for their excellent customer service). One time I brought in a skirt from home and asked for help finding a top to go with it. The sweet sales gal hunted all over the store and filled a dressing room with about 12 different options that I never would have found on my own!
Top and Jeans from Nordstrom, Shoes: Target, Necklace: Macy’s
 Today I’m combining 2 of my favorite color combos- blue and orange.
I’m wearing cropped blue jeans with an orange top. but the outfit on the right isn’t working.
There is a lot wrong with this look, but let’s start with the tight orange shirt.
The high neckline isn’t flattering, having the shirt tucked in makes it even worse, the  3 inch cuffs on the sleeves are strange…
As for the jeans- where do I begin?
First off, the length is unflattering- compare the way my legs look on the right to the way they look on the left. Because the crop on the right ends mid calf- my legs look short.
The wide cut of the leg is also not as flattering, look at my saddlebags! Â The skinner (straight leg) cut of the jeans on the left are more slimming.
Next is the high waistband- this makes my middle area look bigger than it really is (especially since the top is tucked in- as previously mentioned).
A lower waist is more current and flattering- keep in mind though- I’m not talking so low my underwear are hanging out!
Last is the tennis shoes. I’ve talked about this so many times- so forgive me for repeating myself.
Please- DO NOT wear tennis shoes with jeans. Honestly, it doesn’t look good.
Yes, I know tennis shoes are really comfy. My feet ache all the time (that’s why I wear flats so much), but tennis shoes are not the answer.
A great alternative is Puma’s which are as comfy as tennis shoes- but so much cuter.
The animal print tank under the orange cardigan gives the outfit a little unexpected twist!
I decided to unbutton the top button and added a necklace!
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Jeans: Old Navy, Cardigan, Gap, Tank: Express, Shoes: Nordstrom
Let me tell you a little story about a mom who wandered into a consignment shop and found a cheap thrill!
My son was getting his hair cut the other day- and lo and behold right next door was a consignment shop, so of course I had to go in and explore.
Let me tell you- it was SO MUCH FUN!
I’ve always been a fan of bargains- and love finding something on sale, but I never imagined the thrill I would get in a re-sale shop!
Who knew?
Yes, it smelled a little funny in there.
Yes, there were a lot of awful clothes.
Yes, I felt a little weird looking at other people’s discards.
But- there were also some great finds and great prices- including this fun little vest I’m wearing today.
Now, here’s the weird part.
Just the other day I was at an intersection and saw a cute gal walking by. She had on workout pants, a t shirt and the coolest vest.
I wondered where she got it- I thought it was so unique and so interesting.
I walked into the consignment shop and the first thing I find- I swear- is this vest.
It is almost the exact same vest as the one I saw! Â It was fate!
And it was only $12!!
I brought it home, washed it in hot water (twice) and now here it is, complimenting a white V neck shirt and paired with red jeans. It adds so much interest to what otherwise would have been a boring outfit (as seen on the right).
The morale of the story is- if you are wanting to re-fresh your wardrobe, and don’t want to spend a fortune- consider checking out your local consignment store. You may be surprised by what you find.
A piece of advice, go with an idea in mind of what you are looking for- and it’s ok to leave empty handed. The thrill is in the hunt!
And for a good laugh, check out this post on jeans I found at the Goodwill! It shows some really bad Mom jeans!
This vest was meant to be mine!
These pockets are perfectly placed!
Don’t forget to check out Fashion Friday over at Girlymama!
I’m being profiled on Mommypage.com today- so if you want to see my face, here is your chance! LOL! Click here!
After a few days of color- today I’m back to wearing neutrals.
On the right I’m wearing a long sleeve cream shirt with ruffles down the font.
There isn’t anything wrong with this shirt, but my problem area is my tummy- and the solid expanse of fabric right over my stomach does nothing to hide that area.
On the other hand, this shirt on the left has ruching at the sides- which gives the shirt gathers in the mid section, which works well to hide a bigger tummy.
I also love the neckline and the sleeves of this shirt- it seems to work well for my figure.
I actually love this top so much that I bought it in 3 colors- grey, black and cream.
The other problem with the look on the right is the plain black pants.
Again, nothing is wrong with them- but they are just kind of boring (and wintery).
On the left I’ve chosen cropped black pants, which makes my outfit much more springy.
When wearing such a neutral outfit, it’s important to add some sort of focal point and color. As usual- I’ve done this by adding a necklace and bracelet.
In case you’re wondering, yes, I did wear these the other day- they are 2 of my favorites! Plus, the gorgeous green color is very popular right now.
Pants: Nordstrom, Shirt: Nordstrom, Shoes: Macy's, Necklace: Market in Palm Desert, Bracelet: Gift (J Crew)
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One of the reasons I was looking forward to spring, was because I was excited about having new options for pants.
When I saw these cute cropped pink pants at Nordstrom’s, I had to have them.
I’ve decided to pair them with this cute blue and white striped shirt and then topped it with my denim jacket.
On the right you can see how originally I paired this striped shirt with my khaki pants. While there is nothing wrong with this look- these pants seem a little boring- it’s a little ‘too safe’.
Why not have a little fun while getting dressed? To me, these pink pants scream ‘fun’!
They remind me of something Barbie would have worn… oh wait, that might not be a good thing? Oh well!
Goofy pose, I know, but I’m trying to change things up a bit! Plus, I wanted to show off my cute leopard flats- they are so much more fun than the black flats on the right!Â
Everyday Mom Style 