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 post is for a reader, Shannon, who wrote yesterday asking what to wear to a soccer game when it’s raining.
Living in the Pacific Northwest, I’m pretty much a self proclaimed expert on rainy day wear!
The key component is having the right boots!
I coveted these rain boots (on the left!) for several months before I finally splurged and bought them. I will tell you- it was so worth it. Not only are they super comfy and stylish- but paired with knee socks- they are very warm!
I wearing black stretch pants (go for ones that are really thick & warm), and then I decided to go with a cream turtleneck and my trench coat in the same color. It’s a very mono-chromatic look- but I liked it- and I was very warm- and so much better than the look on the right. Luckily, it didn’t end up raining- but a cute umbrella would have been the final touch to keep me totally dry!
On the right (in case you are wondering) my jeans are too baggy for boots (see how they gather around the knee), the bright pink boots are a little dorky, and this coat isn’t doing much for me. Yes, I’m warm and dry- but I can also be warm and dry and look good too, right?!
I do wonder if I was a little overdressed though? I did get a bit of teasing by a dad (ahem, Jeff B you know who you are!), but I think he was just jealous that I was warm!
We actually have a term for this weather here in Seattle- June Gloom.
After a truly gorgeous May- we have now entered into the rainy season. And by rainy, I mean RAINY.
It looks like it could be December out there… UGH! Seriously?!
So while the rest of the country is basking in the sun, we are donning our rain gear and making the best of it.
Rather than look like the picture on the right- I decided to skip the bright blue (unflattering) rain coat and tacky pink boots and instead opted for a cute mini skirt (it is summer after all) paired with my Hunter rain boots and a cute striped tank. Since it is only 55 degrees out there, I had to add a cute little black cardigan so I don’t freeze!
Even though it is very ‘un Seattle like’ to use an umbrella- today I will be doing such that!
Enjoy your day by the pool and if it makes you feel better, think of me sloshing around in the rain.
A reader asked what coat I would be wearing, so here you go! I also had to add tights because I was wrong about the temp- it’s actually 48, not 55. BRRRRRRRR!
Well, it’s finally time for Kara and her kiddos to head back to the midwest. It’s been a great girls week- and I hope you all enjoyed seeing pictures of someone other than me!
Today Kara is wearing greenish grey cords (from J Crew), a white button down top, black cardigan and a gorgeous scarf. She’s finished her look with these cute short Frye boots. Her look is casual, comfy and totally appropriate for her plane ride home.
I’m stuck here in rainy Seattle, so I’m sporting one of my new scores from our shopping adventures.
I finally splurged and bought the Hunter boots I’ve been coveting for so long.
Both of my sisters were shocked that I didn’t already own these- and now that I own them- I kick myself for not buying them sooner.
Yes, they are pricey. But, considering how often it rains here- they should be a staple in everyone’s closet.
Here’s why:
Unlike my checkered rain boots from Fred Meyer- these are actually WARM and COMFY (not to mention stylish).
These boots offer arch support so they are actually extremely comfy when you’re going to be on your feet all day. My old boots had absolutely no support, and after standing for about an hour, my back would ache.
Plus, I’ve talked about price per wear before- and if you take the price of these boots- and divide it by how many times you will wear them- they actually seem pretty reasonable. (I say this because although my sisters loved these- they chose not to buy them because it doesn’t rain every day in Kansas City- hence the price per wear goes up!).
I’ve paired my boots with skinny jeans with a pair of socks peeking out of the top of the boot. This is a super trendy look- and I thought I’d give it a try. I think it’s cute!
On top I have on another one of my new purchases- this black cape-like thing. It’s made of sweatshirt material, so it’s uber soft and warm. I love the asymmetrical hemline. I’ve put a grey and black striped shirt underneath to add a little pattern- and then piled on my chain necklaces to amp up the look even more.
This is a perfect rainy day outfit- and from the looks of things, I’m going to need it. I know I keep saying this- but seriously- anytime spring. We’re ready and waiting!
One more thing, I apologize for not doing more ‘before and after photos’ this week. It was so fun having my sisters here- but we were so busy we ran out of time! Sorry! I’ll show one quick before pic below- you’ve seen this before, but just for fun I’ll show it again.
Here is what I looked like before I started caring about style. The bright blue coat, the pink boots. Not a sophisticated and stylish look.
This is not stylish at all.Love these new boots!The cardigan and scarf will keep her warm on the plane.
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Well, tis the season for outdoor children’s sports. For some, it’s soccer season- for me it’s lacrosse.
Whatever the sport, if you’re going to be outdoors in Seattle, it’s important to dress warm. In the Pacific Northwest, lacrosse season means 45 degrees and rain.
On the right is my old raincoat my mom gave me when I moved here.
Sorry Mom, but this style is just not at all fashionable. Paired with this goofy scarf (that would look better on a snowman) I look dated and frumpy.
On the left is my updated version, and to be honest this is best I can do. I’ll be the first to admit, it’s hard to be stylish when you’re trying to stay warm!
I’ve replaced my bright blue raincoat with this cute down coat from North Face.
With a coat this big, it’s easy to look enormous, so having the belt to define my waist is essential. I also keep it smaller on the bottom by wearing my skinny jeans. Lastly, I’ve added a bright scarf to bring some color into the outfit.
As for my rain boots- to be honest, I’m not a fan of these- but they do keep my toes dry. I thought the checkered pattern was sort of cute, but now I’m second guessing myself.
Come to think of it- I think I’ll wear my Sorel’s from last weekend. (Sorry, it’s too late to take another picture, use your imagination!)
Now, for the good part (just kidding- but I am going to let you in on a little secret of mine)!
When I know I’m going to be outdoors for long periods of time, I wear long underwear under my clothes.
I wear Cuddle Duds that I get at Kohl’s. I know, the name is ridiculous, but they are the softest and warmest things out there. They come in all styles (short sleeve, long sleeve, tank) and are silky soft and super warm. They also have long underwear pants that fit under my jeans- keeping my legs extra toasty. I pair them with Smart Wool knee socks. So, there you go- now you know my dirty little secret! Laugh all you want, but I’m warm!
The boots aren't the most stylish ones out there- but at least my feet will stay dry. Paired with Smart Wool socks, they are warm too.
Boots: Fred Meyer, Jacket: REI, Jeans: Anthropologie, Scarf: Gift
Thank you so much for all the sweet comments from yesterday! I was so surprised and flattered that people took the time to write and tell me to feel better! Wow! What a supportive and great community this blogging world is!
Thank you!~
I am feeling so much better today, but unfortunately now my son has it. ARGH! I guess it’s going around- many of my neighbors said they have it too.
So- today’s outfit is not really what I am wearing- I’m actually still in my jammies- but I took a photo over the weekend of a potential outfit, so I thought I’d show it.
I’ve shown this picture on the right before- but it was a while ago, so I thought I could show it again. This was me- a year ago (before my style project!)
I see lots of moms wearing outfits like this- and while they will definitely stay dry- it’s not that stylish.
On the left I have re-created the same idea- jeans (or in this case black skinny jeans), boots, a waterproof jacket. I’ve gotten rid of these horrid pink rain boots and replaced them with my Frye’s. They technically aren’t rainboots- but I sprayed on a treatment so that they are water repellent, and it’s not like I’m going to be standing in the rain.
My jacket isn’t technically a rain jacket either- but again- this outfit isn’t for a soccer game- this is for running errands- darting in and out of the car on a wet or gloomy day. Plus, isn’t that what umbrellas are for?
This jacket will keep me warm and dry- and the style is much more current than the bright blue raincoat. A nice snuggly warm turtleneck also helps keep me toasty.
It’s got the ‘rocker chic’ vibe to it, which I’ve discovered is my alter ego! Who knew?
Have a great day and stay healthy! As my mom always says- ‘wash your hands often!’
I had to run to the store today to get some children’s Tylonal so I had to take off my jammies and actually get dressed. I decided this Burberry rain jacket would be even better than the motorcycle style jacket I originally showed. This was a gift from my hubby a few years ago. I love it, it is a classic look that will never go out of style.
This Burberry raincoat is a more stylish alternative than the blue rain jacket!
Does this even need a caption? We've all seen this mom on the sidelines! It was me!The fitted jacket is so much more flattering than the big baggy one on the right!
I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest for 10 years now- and I’ve had children playing outdoor soccer for the past 6 years, and while I love watching those cute little kiddos running around in a wet sloppy field chasing after a ball- I don’t love being covered in mud afterwards, and yet it took me years to realize I needed rain boots! What took me so long? Who knows? I guess I’m a slow learner! Luckily, my local Fred Meyer carries tons of rain boots- and cheap too! I will say though, now that I’m making more of an effort with style- I’m currently coveting the Hunter boots. Does that make me shallow? Probably!
On the right I’m showing my original soccer mom outfit. Seriously- I wore something like this for 5 years. Yikes! It wasn’t until my friend Heidi was visiting from out of town and it was pouring rain- and I loaned her this blue thing. When I took one look at her I thought “Oh my gosh- is that what I look like?” This coat is much too large, the hood is goofy and the pink floral boots would be cute on a 6 year old.
I immediately headed straight to REI and picked up this fabulous and fitted North Face rain jacket. It is totally rainproof- and yes, it also has a hood, however I prefer to wear a cute hat. (See below). I then stopped at Freddies and got myself some cuter boots- black and white checks are always stylish. Underneath I’m wearing a lot of layers- 2 tank tops and a zip up hoodie in bright pink (team colors). Now, let’s just hope they win! Go Flyers!
A cute alternative to a regular baseball cap- although I do wear lots of those too!Is is possible to stay dry and look cute too!
Boots: Fred Meyer, Jeans: Nordstrom Rack, Hoodie: Target, Northface: REI
Everyday Mom Style 