Oct 29, Mom Jeans

I’ve been wanting a pair of straight leg mom jeans for a while now- and I actually bought a pair at Target about a month ago, but never really felt comfortable wearing them. Something was just off. Then I decided to splurge and get the Madewell ones that I kept seeing on Instagram. So today I am showing you the difference between the two.

As you can see, the Madewell ones are a tad longer on me- which actually makes big difference. The legs are also straighter- there is some weird bunching going on in the Target ones. The Madewell ones also are VERY high waisted- I mean above my belly button high, which may take some getting used to! One thing to keep in mind is that the sizing is way off! I am normally a 28 in most brands, in these I am in a 26, which makes me think what size are the skinny girls wearing?!

I’ve paired my mom jeans with a cute J Crew button down blouse that I tied at the waist and then for warmth added a green jacket. The pointy booties are more current than the worn out loafers.

April 23, Grey and White

Even though it’s technically spring, it is still pretty chilly here in the PNW, so I need an outfit that looks springy, but is still warm and cozy! So today, I’m wearing white ripped jeans and a grey ribbed V neck sweater.

In the before photo, I have paired the sweater with dark jeans and Uggs. This could be a cute outfit in the winter, but today I’m thinking the white jeans are a fresher/ springier look. I’ve also done my half tuck to give my waist some definition, as well as swapped out the Uggs for cute grey booties. Pushing up the sleeves and adding some jewelry are small details that make a difference.

White Jeans- Mine are from H&M that I distressed myself here!

Sweater- Gap (old), but here is a similar one. And another!

Shoes- Paul Green, Nordstrom, mine are old- so here is something similar!

Feb 25, Test Post

A reader commented that she can’t see the side by side photos when she opens my email on her phone. This post is a test to see if I can correct that. I apologize for the repeated content from yesterday. But… if you didn’t get a chance to read about my jeans try on session, now’s your chance! Click here for yesterday’s post!

This is not a weight loss post, it is me in both pictures demonstrating how size and cut of your jeans matter!

In yesterday’s post I tried on several pairs of jeans to discuss what works best for my figure.

Here is another example side by side of me:

These cropped jeans make me look wide.

Holy moly do I look like a pear in these jean joggers! Yikes!

Feb 24, Good Jeans

Today’s look is all about finding good jeans that fit right. I’m wearing a simple, casual outfit- that’s sort of a staple for me. It’s my uniform- when I can’t think of anything else to wear, I rely on skinny jeans and a sweater. Which alone can be kind of boring, but with a little attention to detail (belt, shoes, jewelry), and the right jeans, it can be a cute outfit.

For a little research project, I went to my local Value Village (which is sort of like a Goodwill) and tried on lots of different pairs of jeans so show how the right cut and right fit make all the difference in the world. All of these are a size 6 (28). Notice how differently each brand fits.

The Gloria Vanderbilt jeans are probably the LEAST flattering ones I tried on. Notice how they dart in at the hip- I’m not sure what this is all about, but it creates saddlebags. It also has way to high of a rise (length of zipper) and the waist is too high. Yes, I know I mentioned a few weeks ago that I like high rise jeans- but not this high! And the solid blue is not flattering at all. This is definitely a mom jean, just not this mom!

These are Loft brand. The waist height is better on these jeans, and the color is better. Notice the whiskering- which are the lines formed by natural creasing over time, giving them a well worn look. Nowadays whiskering is made in the factory- and it gives jeans a natural distressed look. The problem with these jeans is the cut of the legs. Notice how they bag and gape around my thigh/ knee area. There is just a little too much fabric there.

Not your Daughter’s Jeans- This is another pair where the rise is too long, the knees are baggy and the whiskering is bad- it makes my tummy look big and my legs look short. These are not flattering jeans.

This is a brand I’m not familiar with, called Silver. In my opinion, this much bling is dated and out of style. The shorter rise is more flattering to my tummy area and I like the rips at the knees, the white stitching, and the boot cut, but I wouldn’t wear them simply because of the bling!

These are Banana Republic. I like the dark wash, but they are a little plain- they look like leggings, there is nothing to trick the eye (which is what good fading and whiskering will do). They make me look extra curvy. Quick note on that- I know I am thin- but I am also curvy. All this means is that my hips are way wider than my waist- which gives me the curves. Some women are built straight up and down- and clothes look totally different on them. Other women are pear shaped- small on top and big on bottom. Some women are big on top and skinny on bottom. We are all different and we are all beautiful- and we should embrace our shape and work with it, not against it.

Calvin Klein- these are too short, and the high rise, giant pockets and tummy area is not flattering. These look like mom jeans to me.

Denizan jean joggers! You know I love my joggers, but not so sure about denim ones! I will admit these were incredibly comfortable, but they make me look pear shaped and there’s just something weird about denim joggers. I think it’s an oxymoron?!

These are Free People- and clearly they are way too long. They have a totally different style- with the buttons at the side instead of a center zipper. On a really skinny straight body, these would be really cute. To me- they just make me look even wider through the hips.

Joe’s Jeans- These Joe’s fit me the best, although I still don’t love the straight leg. However, if you absolutely refuse to wear skinny jeans- than try something with a very straight leg. To me, the boot cut is a little outdated.

These are the Gap jeans I am wearing in the photo at the top. Notice the whiskering and the stitching. Both of these details add interest and help minimize my tummy area.

These are my Paige jeans. I love the skinny cut and the high waist. These jeans hug my curves, but don’t make me look huge. The dark wash makes them great for dressy occasions.

These are my Joe’s jeans, which I mentioned earlier and I love them! So comfy! Great fit. The lighter wash makes these more casual.

Here are some of my favorite jeans that I own:

From left to right: Top Row- Joe’s, Paige and Gap jeans.

Second row- 7 for all Mankind, Joe’s and Good American

Below are all the jeans I tried on! As you can see, my body looks totally different in each pair. When jean shopping- try on as many pairs as you can and don’t get caught up in sizes! Ask the salesperson to help you- that’s what they are there for. I suggest jean shopping at Nordstroms- they have a great selection and very helpful salespeople!

What are your favorite jeans? Do you have a ‘go to’ brand that fits your body great? And if so, what body type are you? Since I am curvy, I really only know what works for me… as mentioned previously, all of us are shaped differently.

Feb 1st, Cozy Sweater

On a freezing cold day, there is nothing better than a huge cozy sweater. In my before look, I have on straight leg jeans and left my sweater untucked. I’m also wearing some slip on loafers that are old and frumpy looking.

In my after look, I have replaced the mom jeans with a cute pair of skinny jeans from the Gap.

Since this sweater has such an open neckline, I’ve also switched out my boring bra for a cute bralette from Target.

I then did the half tuck with the sweater, which gives it a little shape and is more flattering. Even though you can barely see it, it’s important to add a belt. I chose this cute leopard belt- just because I always think animal print is a fun addition to any outfit.

I also added a few bracelets- just for fun! (God my hands are wrinkly!!)

Last, I put on these cute boots that tie in with the color of my sweater.

Jeans- Gap

Sweater- Sanctuary

Boots- Sam Edelman 

Belt- Nordstrom Rack

Bralette- Target

Jan 31st, Tying the Knot

Ok, bad pun- but I couldn’t help myself. Sorry!

Today’s ‘before’ look is jeans and a t shirt (seems to be a pattern here- see yesterday’s post), but today I’m switching up my outfit by tying a knot in my shirt instead of doing the half tuck that is so popular. The knot is a great option, especially if you have a little tummy that you want to hide.

I also added this cute long cardigan in a soft pink color, I added a necklace and switched out my shoes for the Paul Green booties that I love. I actually really like the slip on tennis shoes in my before picture- but thought the boots might be a bit warmer today.

 

The after look is much cuter- and so easy!

Jeans are Joe’s from Nordstrom Rack. They are super soft and I love the cute frayed uneven hemline.

Necklace- my sweet sisters (Kara and Erin) made this for me years ago. I love it!

Sweater- Nordstrom

T Shirt- American Eagle. This is one of the softest t shirts ever. Seriously! And I love this color. Not sure what to call it?!

Please comment with your suggestions and thoughts! I love to hear from you- it truly makes my day!

🙂 Megan

 

Jan 21st Frumpy to Fab!

Well, I don’t know about fab– but the comparison between these two looks is quite a contrast, don’t you think?

Let’s start with the look on the right- these baggy rolled jeans paired with my UGGs looks frumpy. The plain white t shirt (part of the problem is the ultra high neckline) under the boyfriend style cardigan also contribute to the frumpy look.

In the look on the left I have replaced the frumpy (and baggy) mom jeans with some cute skinny jeans (please know that you DO NOT have to be a size 0 to wear skinny jeans- I am somewhere between a size 4 and 6). I’ve got on brown boots instead of the UGGs. I then switched out the plain white shirt for a cute tank- it’s a very small detail, but notice the cute ruffle around the neckline. Small details like that add so much interest to a look. Lastly, I added a cute necklace to tie the whole look together.

Tank- NY and CO, Cardigan: Nordstrom, Jeans: Madewell, Boots: DSW, Necklace: gift

Oct 1st, Month in Review

One of my favorite things to post at the end of each month is a review of everything I wore. To me, it’s fun to look back and remember what I did- and I think it’s fun for the reader to get to see a bunch of outfit ideas all at once.

So, without further ado- here is what I wore last month! Is there one that is your favorite? Is there one that I should NEVER wear again?! (be nice :))

Please comment- you have no idea how much it pleases me to hear from you all!

Linking with Momtrends for Monday Mingle!

April 26th, You Can Never be too Thin, or Can You?

Just to be clear, I’m not talking about my weight here- I’m referring to my scarf.

As you can see by this scarf on the right- being too thin can actually be a problem.

The scarf looks awkward and doesn’t really make any sense.

I have a few girlfriends who refuse to wear scarves- and I honestly wonder if it’s because they haven’t found the right one yet!

As you can see on the left, this bright orange scarf not only is a lot thicker than the one on the right, but is also has amazing texture due to elastic thread, giving the scarf some bulk and some interest.

Now it’s the focal part of my outfit, instead of a distraction.

When you are out shopping and you see a scarf- try it on! Loop it around your head twice and see if there is enough fabric to still tie it. I have turned down many amazing scarves because they are too thin- or not long enough.

A few more suggestions, i.e.:  note to self:

You might also want to get rid of your plain white long sleeved t shirts, and mom jeans…

There, now isn’t that better?

This t shirt has a cool hemline- and it's long enough to cover my bum, which is perfect since I'm wearing skinny jeans (in a very dark blue wash).

Jeans: Anthropologie, Shirt: H&M, Scarf: Boutique in Queen Anne (Seattle)

April 14th- Weekend Casual Gone Wrong

 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!  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