Dec 12th, Work/ Day Dress

I have a meeting this morning that I need to be dressed up for- yet I also have a bunch of  errands that I will be running before my meeting- so (as usual) I want to look professional, but also be comfy enough to wander around Target!

I chose this blue jersey knit shift dress. It’s a great basic piece that every working woman should own.

I love this fabric because it really moves with your body, it is not stiff or restrictive at all. I also love this dress because of the gorgeous draping in the front. It’s really hard to see on the left- but in the ‘before’ picture on the right you can sort of see it.

All alone this dress works all right, (especially if I add a great necklace or shoes) but since it’s freezing out- I’ve added cream tights, brown (flat) boots, a brown belt and this polka dot cardigan.

To finish the whole thing off I added this cool statement necklace. As I was putting it on I remembered how a few years ago I NEVER wore necklaces, thinking they were ‘too dressy’ for day wear! Funny how things change over time. Now I feel almost naked without a necklace!

Dress: Marshalls, Cardigan: Target, Boots: DSW, Necklace: Stella and Dot

Nov 16th, Polka Dots!

I bought this cute polka dot blouse at Target a while ago- and haven’t had the chance to wear it yet.

Has anyone else noticed that I have found some really cute things at Target lately! Gotta love Target!

Polka dots are really trendy right now- and I will say that personally, I only like them in small doses! On younger (or perhaps hipper) women- they can look lovely- but on the other hand- you DO NOT want to look like Minnie Mouse!

However, a nice, subtle polka dot can be a great addition to your wardrobe.  I’m wearing black work pants today- this is a very typical working mom staple. I prefer the pants on the left (even in the winter) than the long, baggy version on the right. Yes, my ankles look a little cold- but I’ll survive (as long as I am inside most of the day).

I also think by tucking the blouse in I look more polished- and the pink belt is a fun way to add a little color into the look.

Pants: Nordstom (Vince Camuto), Shoes: Macy’s, Blouse: Target, Belt: Target

Oct 2nd, Polka Dot Top

I’ve already worn this polka dot top (from Target), but it is so cute, I had to bust it out again.

Plus, I thought it was the perfect backdrop for my new Stella and Dot statement necklace. I’m sure you’ve seen lots of this style necklace (J Crew started the fad), but I just got mine- and am so excited!

I actually wore this outfit to dinner at a friend’s house over the weekend. I like the casual, rolled boyfriend jean, the polka dot top and the casual cardigan. It’s so much better than a pair of mom jeans, a white t shirt and a matronly cardigan. Don’t you think?

It’s the small details that make this outfit look pulled together- the patent leather ballet flats, the skinny belt, the statement necklace…

And here’s a secret. These are actually not boyfriend jeans- they are just a pair of straight leg jeans that I rolled at the cuff a few times- and now I love the way they look (before they were too long, unless I wore heels). I know that sounds so obvious- but I honestly didn’t figure this out until recently- so had to share! Just because the jeans are not rolled when you buy them doesn’t mean you can’t roll them! Aha!

Jeans: Nordstrom Rack, Cardigan: Standard Boutique (Kansas City), Polka Dot Top: Nordstrom, Shoes: Nordstrom, Belt: Ann Taylor, Necklace: Stella and Dot

Sept 11th, Inspired by Friends

Do you have super stylish friends whose style you’d like to copy?

I do!

I swear, sometimes I feel like such a joke having a style blog when I look around at all my friends and realize they are FAR more stylish than I am.

For example, I had a friend over the other day- and she looked adorable- I should have taken her picture, but I didn’t. Darn!

Instead I went to pinterest to find pictures of what she was wearing! See below:

She had on skinny jeans, a black and white polka dot J crew top and a bright green cardigan accessorized by these gorgeous Stella and Dot earrings.

I decided to try to copy her look- but using items I already have in my closet. My look isn’t as cute as hers, but at least it inspired me to combine a few pieces I already own and wear them in a totally new way.

Because I’m working today, I chose gray skinny pants instead of jeans, then I added my black and white checked shirt and a bright green cardigan. My shoes are not nearly as stylish- but I have to be on my feet all day today, so these Puma’s will have to do.

If you’re looking for inspiration- check out Pinterest– there are literally millions of ‘friends’ for you to be inspired by!

Pants: Banana Republic, Shirt: J Crew, Cardigan: Nordstrom, Shoes: Puma

June 4th, Polka Dot Cardigan

  If you’ve been paying attention to fashion you’ll notice that polka dots are a huge trend right now.

For some reason I just can’t seem to join in on the craze. Part of it is that I haven’t found anything polka dot that really worked for me- and looked appropriate on a 41 year old.

Then I found this cute cardigan at Target. It’s a very subtle polka dot pattern. In fact, from the photos you can barely even see them.

Which in my mind is perfect. Sometimes, I’d rather be a bit subtle than scream ‘trendy’.

On the right I’ve paired this cardigan with my old faded jeans. It looks ok, but not very polished. My closed toe shoes are also a bit off- being that it’s summer!

On the left I now have on my dark blue bootleg jeans. These are almost like dress pants- they really don’t look like jeans. For my shoes, I’ve switched out the black pumps for snakeskin wedges. Finally, I added a cute necklace to follow my ‘rule of 3’.

Pretty simple and easy changes- but they make a big difference.

Happy Monday. Go check out my friends on Monday Mingle!

Jeans: Nordstrom, Tank: Loft, Cardigan: Target, Necklace: Target, Shoes: DSW

March 17th, 3 Ways to Wear a Grandpa Sweater

Love these cropped pants, polka dot top and flats.

The longer work out pants and flip flops don't quite work.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Sorry for the delayed post, we were up celebrating KU’s win last night (Rock Chalk) so we are moving slow this morning.

We’ve decided to show how versatile a grandpa sweater is by showing 3 totally different looks.

Erin has paired hers with cropped black pants, a cute polka dot blouse and a gorgeous necklace.

Kara has chosen cropped skinny jeans, a silk blouse tucked in and has added a belt, bracelet and two necklaces.

Her before is loose, faded baggy jeans, a plain white t shirt and birks just doesn’t have the same elegant look, does it?

I’ve chosen a black pencil skirt, a polka dot top and a pink cardigan. I’ve added a pink belt and have selected these cute espadrille wedges.

My before look of the plain white tank and baggy pants is unflattering and too messy.

I am so jealous of these gorgeous snakeskin wedge heels.

These baggy faded jeans are way too long for her.

I love the pink and black together. It's a good combo for spring.

These baggy pants are not flattering and the plain white tank is also making me look large in the tummy area.

Let me be totally honest, since it is snowing again here today- we will not be wearing any of these outfits- instead we will be bundled head to toe in the warmest things we can find. UGH! Spring- please come soon. We miss you!

Don’t forget to vote for Top Mommy Blogs- I need your vote each day (thank you!).

Now, go drink some green beer! And, if you’re feeling really festive, try a green blazer! Isn’t this cute?

This jacket is from Talbots, isn't it cute?