April 17th, The Power of 3

I really love this bright silk shell that I’m wearing today. It’s such a fun, pretty color and perfect for spring.

Originally I thought I’d wear it with skinny jeans.

But then remembered I have a few appointments for work today, so I decided to dress it up a bit by wearing trousers instead.

If you are a regular reader, you will recognize that a common theme for me is to do things in 3’s.

I’ve talked before about my ‘rule of 3’- which means I like to have 3 parts to my outfit (usually it’s a shirt, cardigan/ jacket & necklace).

I also like to keep the colors in my outfit limited to 3- anything more and it feels a bit crazy.

That being said- on the right I did add a 4th color in-  the red shoes, but it is in such a small dose, I think it’s ok.

On the left my shoes are snakeskin heels- which count as a neutral.

Comparing the two looks, I like the longer necklace on the left- it helps draw the eye down- and connects the top to the bottom.

I also realize that my wrists look so bare without any jewelry- but I sit and type all day at work- and can’t do it with bracelets banging against the keyboards. If I were going out on a date or to lunch – I would definitely add something.

This outfit feels very appropriate for spring with the light pants and the bright top.

I'm trying the celebrity trick of crossing my legs to look thinner. However, it just seems to make me look very awkward!

In both outfits I think I need a belt. Something neutral… time to go shopping!

Pants: Express, Jeans: Madewell, Shell:Loft, Cardigan: Banana Republic, Necklace (on right): Target, Necklace (on left): Forever 21, Shoes (on right): Target, Shoes (on left): DSW

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!

 

March 16th, Right on Target

Today we decided to try a little fashion challenge- we had to put together an entire outfit using only items from Target.

It was fun to see what we could come up with!

Here are our 5 tips for dressing in less expensive clothes:

1. Have a nice purse and shoes (real leather). These are items to splurge on, people will see a high end purse or shoes and assume the rest of the outfit is high end.

2. Make sure your clothes are well pressed, no loose strings or buttons. Look polished.

3. Choose wisely. Go with a critical eye and have a goal in mind of what you are looking for. Kara gets the Nordstrom catalog as well as email updates from J Crew, Saks and Barneys to see what is current.  She then looks for similar styles at lower end shops.

4. Erin’s advice is to know your style. Just because something is fashionable, doesn’t mean it will work for you. Know your body and what works and what doesn’t. Don’t get caught up trends just because they are inexpensive. Wear what looks good on YOU!

5. Own your look- radiate confidence.

Below is Erin’s look:

She’s wearing a chambray dress with an empire waist. This makes her legs look even longer.  She’s paired her dress with red ballet flats and a cute necklace.

This is a great day dress- perfect for lunch with friends.

Love this necklace!

Kara chose a open knit sweater paired with a long cotton skirt. She added a tank and then accessorized with gorgeous necklace and bracelet and then finalized her look with her cute wedge heels.

Love this monochromatic look- it makes her look long and lean.

Such cute jewelry!

I chose cropped skinny jeans, a white tank and this cute polka dot cardigan. I added a muted fushia beaded necklace and sandals. Looking at the pictures I wish I would have worn ballet flats.

Wish I would have worn flats instead of sandals.

All items shown are from Target!

Don’t forget, it’s Friday, so we’ve hooked up with Girlymama for Fashion Friday edition. Check it out!

Feb 15th, Cargos

 I’ve been searching everywhere for some skinny cargos- and have been unable to find any.

In the meantime I am stuck with these baggy ones. I actually love these though- because they feel like pajama bottoms!

I’m showing how paired with a plain black tank (even though I really love this tank) is not very exciting.

On the left I have rolled the hemline of my pants, switched out these awful flip flops for cute red flats and then added this fun shirt I picked up at Target the other day.

I know I swore off buying cheapy clothing, but sometimes I just can’t help myself.

I like the neckline of this top- the deep V  is flattering, and love the pattern (which for you regular readers know I NEVER wear pattern!).

Now if only I could find the perfect skinny cargo. Anyone?

I’m linking up with What I Wore Wednesday at the Pleated Poppy. Be sure to check them out too!

I like the loose, flowy style of this shirt- perfect for hiding a not so perfect tummy!

You could wear this top with jeans instead.

It even looks cute with my white jeans.