Sept 3, Wearing White? Gasp!

I know what you’e thinking, ‘she’s wearing white after Labor Day! Gasp!’ but honestly, I think that’s a silly old rule that I refuse to follow. So there! Take that Fashion Gods~ I’m a rebel! Hah!

In my before look I have paired an orange Lululemon top with white jeans. While I love this Lulu top for working out, I don’t like it as an outfit. Mostly because it’s so clingy and shows everything. I also just think there is something sort of weird about wearing a workout top as a real life top…maybe that’s just me?

I also don’t love the full length jeans. I think they look dated and frumpy. The Birkenstocks aren’t helping!

So… instead I will wear this rayon orange top instead. The fit is much better (no clinging) and the pattern is different and fun. I also prefer these distressed jeans. The cropped hemline makes them more current and the cute neutral shoe also elevates the look.

August 26, Striped Shorts

I’ve worn these cute striped shorts from Athleta a few times already this summer, but always with a white top. So today I decided to pair them with this bright orange top instead! I love blue and orange together- it’s such a great combo.

A few things to note:

1. In the before picture, you can see my bra straps, which looks terrible. If I was wearing a bralette, that might be cute- but in this example, it’s not a good look.
2. The denim shorts in the before photo don’t fit well. I used these the other day in a post and compared them to a baby’s romper. There is just something super weird about the way they look! They are not flattering at all!
3. The black Birkenstocks are comfy, but add very little style.
4. In the after photo I have on neutral wedge heels. I love the way they make my legs look super long- and don’t distract at all from the outfit.
5. In case you were wondering, my before shot is from an old post- hence the reason why my legs are so much tanner in the after shot!

And there you have it! Simple, easy changes = a much cuter outfit!

May 10, Orange and Blue

One of my favorite color combos is orange and blue. I just love the way they look together, so today I have paired this cute orange tank with my dark cropped skinny jeans.

In the before photo my jeans are a bit longer than the ones on the right- it’s subtle, but honestly it does make a difference. Also, I have on a bright orange work out top- which is a little too clingy and shows everything. Plus, I always feel weird wearing a work out top when I’m not actually working out! The patterned tank on the right is made of rayon, which is much more forgiving and drapes well (and hides any lumps or bumps). As usual, I have done the ‘half tuck’ to define my waist. I also like the cute brown leather sandals instead of the casual flip flops. To me, this outfit just looks more pulled together.

You know I don’t wear a ton of patterns, but I think this is so fun and cute! This top is old, but it’s from my friend Kriss, who has an in home boutique (she ships everywhere). Her clothes are very affordable. Check out Shop OC Style over on Instagram!

Tank- Shop OC Style (old)

Jeans- Gap

Sandals- Target (old)

March 14, Orange is the New Black

After my streak of black and white (and grey and white), I decided I needed a burst of color in my OOTD, so I chose this bright orange tank and paired it with blue jeans and a cardigan.

In my ‘before’ look my straight leg jeans and black ballet flats are a little dated, and there is something about wearing orange and black that reminds me too much of Halloween!

To fix my outfit, I changed into skinny jeans (these are my Gap ones, which seem to be my favorite), tucked in my tank, added a belt and then threw on this cute shrug cardigan. To complete my outfit, I decided to wear these fun T strap black Paul Green shoes. I am a HUGE fan of Paul Green shoes. Yes, they are expensive, but since my feet hurt all the time, these are a dream. They are very well made and incredibly comfortable. Plus, I think they add an edgy/ unexpected touch to my outfit!

This tank will be cute in the summer with white jeans, or jean shorts. Love the bright color!

Jeans- Gap

Tank- TJ Maxx

Sweater- Forever 21

Shoes- Paul Green, Nordstrom (this is similar, my shoes are a few years old)

Oct. 31st, A Little Bit of Orange Goes a Long Way!

When it’s a holiday, especially Halloween, some people really feel the need to dress for the occasion. If you have small children, it can be fun for them to see you get into the spirit of things- but keep in mind, a little goes a long way.

No need to rush out and buy a pumpkin sweater, vest or earrings! Just look in your closet for something that has a little orange in it- and incorporate it into your regular outfit.

Today’s outfit is another dress that I have turned into a skirt. By layering a white tank over the top- and then adding a long cardigan I have transformed the look of this dress. I then added a touch of orange with my scarf. Because it’s soggy and wet out- I’ve selected gray tights and my Hunter rainboots! It’s a cute way to recognize the holiday without going overboard!

A little orange scarf is the perfect touch!

Please don’t wear this!

Or this!

Or this!

If you want a little more orange- here is another option!

This orange top would work!

Dress: Anthropologie, Cardigan: J Crew, Tank: Gap, Boots: Nordstrom, Orange Top: Nordstrom

Once again, my pictures are blurry! If anyone has a tip for me- please send it. I can’t figure out what is wrong!

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)