Sept 10, Fall Y’all

It’s Fall, Y’all! We have been having the weirdest weather the last few days. Normally September is still warm and sunny for us in the PNW, but lately it’s felt a lot more like fall. We’ve had crazy rain, wind and overall dreary weather. Perfect for breaking out my flannel shirt!

In the before photo I paired this cute windowpane flannel shirt from Old Navy (old) with grey jeans and grey orthopedic shoes. I think this look is just blah. It’s too boring and predictable. To change it up a bit, I have chosen my distressed skinny jeans and slip on tennis shoes from Dr. Scholl’s. I like how the color of the shoes matches the shirt, and how the blue distressed denim gives a super casual, relaxed vibe to the outfit. Rolling the sleeves and loosely tucking the shirt add to the casual look.

April 25, Yellow Skirt

I think one of my favorite color combinations is sunny yellow and navy blue. It’s just so cheery and fun. Today I am showing a spring outfit of a bright yellow skirt paired with a blue and white gingham blouse.

In my before picture I have paired the skirt with a plain white sweater and black ballet flats. I honestly think this looks fine- but I think the outfit on the right is a little more fun! A few key details to point out.

1. I tied the blouse at the waist. I’ve been seeing a lot of this online- so thought I’d give it a try today.
2. I rolled the sleeves and unbuttoned the blouse to show my white tank underneath.
3. The white tennis shoes are a sporty and fun change from ballet flats.

This cute skirt is from Old Navy. The name on the tag is Sunny Disposition. I love that! Unfortunately, mine is old, but Here is a similar one! Cute and comfy! The blouse is from J Crew. Tennis shoes are Superega.

*In the effort of full disclosure (and because my teenage daughter threatens to start her own blog called “Everyday Mom Revealed” for days when I am not wearing the outfit I show on the blog), I am not actually wearing this today, but thought this would be a cuter ootd than what I’m really wearing (my tennis clothes). I want you to know that most days I actually am wearing what I show, but some days I may start in my blog outfit and end the day in my yoga clothes, or pj’s! Keeping it real here folks! 🙂

Feb 10, Athleisure Wear

Athleisure is the term for clothes made for working out, but worn in other ways- such as going to work, running errands, or in my case- lounging around the house all day.

In my before photo I am wearing patterned leggings and a red sweatshirt. The sweatshirt has a giant pocket right in the middle which adds bulk to my tummy, which I definitely do not want! Instead I’ll wear this purple Lululemon top that is more slimming.

This Lulu top is nice & long and covers me up, plus it has the cutest ruffle detail on the sleeves- see below:

In case I decide to brave the snow and run some errands, I’ll throw on this cute quilted Moto jacket. It’s a little more fun than just a plain black North Face, which is what I normally wear.

 

Leggings- Old Navy

Top- Lululemon

Jacket- Michael Kors

Oct 24th, Un Original!

Here’s a little trick I thought I’d share- in case you hadn’t seen it before!

I can’t claim it as my own idea as I’ve seen many gals on blogs do this-which is why I titled my post un-original!

Rather than let this little summer dress sit in my closet unworn for 3 seasons, I’ve transitioned it to a fall piece by layering a sweater over the top. I then added my light brown Target boots and a belt to emphasize my waist.  To complete the look (and follow my ‘rule of 3’) I’ve added a necklace.

For you newer readers, my ‘rule of 3’ is that I feel like the top half of my outfits must always have 3 elements to it. In this case, the sweater (1), the belt (2) and the necklace (3). It isn’t a hard and fast rule- but one that I usually try to stick to.

And, for you gals who hate wearing belts (ahem, Erin I’m talking to you)… here is the look minus the belt.

I think it still works even without the belt, don’t you?

This outfit is really comfy- and casual- I could wear it anywhere!

Ok gals- I want to hear from you- belt or no belt?! Please comment!

It’s been a while, so I thought I’d link to Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday. Be sure to check it out, there are literally hundreds of ideas!

Dress: Old Navy, Sweater: Banana Republic, Boots: Target, Belt: so old I honestly can’t rememeber!, Necklace: Stella and Dot

Sorry about the dreadful lighting- it was still dark outside when I took these photos.

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

June 3rd, Where’d You Get Those Cropped Jeans?

  Sometimes things seem so simple and self explanatory that I honestly feel ridiculous sharing them.

But then my sweet neighbor, Laurel, tells me- ‘you should write this on your blog, some people may not know…’ and so here I am doing exactly that.

And actually, truth be told- it took me a LONG time to figure out this simple little trick! I used to see girls running around in the cutest cropped jeans and wonder where the heck they bought them.

So for those of you who are still searching for the perfect cropped jean- I have news for you!

Create your own!

Easy, right?!

I just went to Old Navy and found a pair I liked- in the perfect wash- and then I simple roll them up to make cropped jeans. So simple!

As Laurel pointed out- it’s kind of perfect because then you essentially have two pairs of jeans- wear them full length- or wear them rolled- and you have two totally different looks.

As for my scarf- I know most of  you around the country are probably dying at my scarf in the summer- but here in Seattle it’s only 55 degrees, so I need it to keep warm. I like the floral pattern with the stripes too… fun pattern mixing.

Enjoy your Sunday!

One quick thing I want to add- my brother in law just ran across the entire state of Kansas to raise money for Parkinson’s Disease. He did this in only 5 days! What an incredible accomplishment. I am so proud of him I just had to share.

To read all about it- click here- And if you are compelled to donate to his cause, I know he would appreciate it!  🙂

I actually wore this yesterday!  To my local friends, if you see me today in something different- you’ll know why! Sorry this is a bit blurry- I must have moved.

In the early morning, I even threw a cardigan on- it was that chilly. Oh summer- where are you?!

Jeans: Old Navy, Striped Shirt: J Crew, Scarf: J Crew, Cardigan: White House, Black Market

April 16th, How to Lose 5 Pounds in 5 Seconds

Ok, so my title is a little misleading. You won’t really lose 5 pounds in 5 seconds-  but look at my picture on the right compared to the left.

A belt makes all the difference!

I hesitated belting the sweater- but as soon as I saw the photo I knew it was the right choice.

The sweater is a bit shapeless, and by adding the belt I am now defining my waist- and also making my legs look longer- how is that possible?

Let me explain. Basically it’s all about balance.

Outfits need to be divided into thirds- not halves.

In the picture on the right my body is divided into half- the top half and the bottom half.

By adding the belt- the balance changes- and now the bottom half (below the belt) is larger- 2/3 of the outfit, while above the belt is 1/3.

I know, I know math on a Sunday morning- it’s too much!

Go enjoy your day. And a quick thank you to Mother Nature for another sunny day. I love you!

By defining my waist I look thinner.

Skirt: Nordstrom, Sweater: Old Navy, Shoes: Target, Belt: so old I can’t remember! LOL!

 

April 3rd, Spring Chill

Yeesterday was an exciting day for my little blog- I was mentioned on The Nest, and as a result had a lot of new viewers.

If any of you have decided to come back today, let me say ‘welcome’, and also allow me to answer a few comments/ questions that  were posed on The Nest.

1. I don’t show my face because I often do my photos very early in the morning before I’ve showered, put in my contacts, brushed my hair, put on any makeup and believe me- I look scary!

I also like the idea of this blog being all about my outfit- and not what I look like.

2. I will be the first to admit that I am not a style maven! I am just a mom who wants to improve my look a bit using real clothes from my closet.

I know it’s not the most fashionable blog, and I also know that my style can sometimes be seen as ‘boring’- but it works for me!

Keep in mind, I’m a 41 year old mother of 2 kids who lives in the suburbs. Hence, my style reflect that lifestyle (flats are key for me!)

3. My before pictures are taken usually the same day as the after pictures.

I have kept some old clothes in my closet just for this purpose, but also sometimes I’ll try a look- and realize it is bad and that becomes the ‘before’ picture.

I think it’s important to show that by very small changes, an outfit can take on a whole new look.

Now, on to today’s look.

On the right I am wearing a sweater,  jeans and tennis shoes.

The outfit doesn’t work because the jeans are unflattering- they are too long (notice how they gather around my ankles) , and the buttoned up, drab colored cardigan looks frumpy. As for the tennis shoes – I can’t say more than that they are hideous. Please, please- don’t wear tennis shoes with jeans!

On the left I have replaced the jeans with these cute cropped ones. I have then added an asymmetrical sweater in this pretty grey/ purple color. I added a necklace and bracelet to bring some color into the outfit.

This outfit works because although it’s technically spring- it’s still chilly out- and this long sleeve sweater keeps me warm while the cropped jeans and ballet flats reflect the season.

 

Jeans: Old Navy, Sweater: Louis Permilia, Bracelet: J Crew, Necklace: Palm Desert Flea Market, Shoes: Tod’s

March 25th, So Simple

One thing I’ve learned in this ‘fashion journey’ is how a very simple outfit can either look stylish or not- depending on small details.

A good example of that is today’s outfit.  I’ve paired blue jeans with a white t shirt and a black cardigan.

But- as you can see on the right, this outfit is awful.

The loose, baggy jeans are too long (see how they puddle around my ankles). The white t shirt has a neckline that is too high- and the cardigan looks awkward (the neckline is so much lower than the t shirt). And to be honest, the outfit is just a little too boring.

On the left I have replaced the baggy jeans with these cute slim and cropped ones (Old Navy, Diva style)

I’ve switched out the cardigan for this longer, short sleeve one and then added a scarf to add interest and color to the outfit. Now my outfit has a focal point.

For my shoes, instead of the ugly black Sketchers (on the right), I’ve got on cute black ballet flats.

Simple little changes that make a big difference! Enjoy your weekend. The sun in shining in Seattle today! Thank you Mother Nature!

I love this faux Burberry scarf!

Don’t forget to check out my Facebook page, and also to vote for Top Mommy Blogs. Thank you!

Jeans: Old Navy, Cardigan: Standard Style Boutique (Kansas City), Flats:Nordstrom, Scarf: gift from hubby!

Jan 3rd, Liar Liar

I’ve titled this post ‘Liar, Liar’ because just 2 short days after I declared I would no longer be buying items from Old Navy- I go and buy this sweater.

Let me explain.

My son is really into skinny jeans- and Old Navy was having a denim sale ($10 for kids jeans), so while we were in there, I spotted this sweater.

I decided I might as well try it on, and sure enough, I LOVE it!

That being said, I have paired it with more expensive items- like these cute cargos and this checkered shirt- so I’m not completely going against what I said the other day. Just a tiny bit…

I probably don’t even need to talk about the outfit on the right- in fact my husband took one look at me and said ‘you would NEVER wear that!’. But I like showing before and after pictures. And I swear, I really see women who dress like this. The buttoned up cardigan, the tennis shoes… not to be mean, but it looks wrong.

Wouldn’t you agree that this sweater on the left is much cuter than a traditional cardigan?

Now I need to figure out if I like tucked- or untucked… what do you think?

Is untucked too messy? I feel like a college student!

I felt like the cable knit was detail enough, and decided to skip adding a necklace.

Pants: Louis Permilia, Shirt: Land’s End, Boots: Khol’s, Sweater: Old Navy