May 9th, Shoe Issue

Bad news, I have plantar fasciitis in my left foot, which means I have to be really careful about what shoes I wear.

However, no matter how bad it gets, you will not see me in the outfit on the right*. I promise!

I don’t even know where to begin on this look- but let’s start with the shirt tucked in to the high waisted mom jeans.

This is not flattering at all. The cut of these jeans is really bad- the length is too short, making my legs look short), the waistband is way too high and the wide hip/ thigh area is also not doing me any favors. All in all, YIKES! All that and I haven’t even mentioned the tennis shoes, which complete the look- making it ugly from head to toe.

That being said, for the next few days I will only be wearing supportive shoes that help my foot heel. I may even break out the Birkenstocks- so if you see me out and about- please don’t laugh- or judge!

The good news is that because of my ‘shoe issue’ I’ve learned a little lesson about judging other people’s shoes.

I know, if makes me sound like a horrible person, but sometimes when I’d see someone wearing ugly shoes- I would judge them. Not in a mean way, but I would wonder about their shoe choice!

Now I realize, who knows what feet issues they may be dealing with?

So, on that note- I will no longer judge people because of their footwear.

However, if you have foot pain- and you must wear your orthopedic/ comfy/ ugly shoes, please promise me to put some effort into the rest of your outfit!

Speaking of cute outfits- linking up to Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday! Check it out!

I love this bright green top, and paired with the cropped jeans it makes for a cute, casual outfit.

Shirt: Marshalls, Jeans: Old Navy, Shoes: Puma

*Yes, I’ve shown this photo before- but it bears repeating.

It looks like many of us suffer from foot pain! Thanks so much to all of you who have shared your stories! I’ve spent the last hour on The Walking Company website looking for a cute, supportive shoe. Here is one I found- and may order! Tell me what you think!

April 22, Sunday, Sunny Sunday

 Oh thank you Mother Nature for another perfect weekend in the Pacific Northwest.

This is the 3rd weekend in a row that we have seen the sun- and what a difference that makes.

In celebration, I’ve chosen a sunny yellow top.

I’ve paired it with this cute and COMFY North Face skirt. This skirt is made of bamboo- so it is incredibly soft and the fabric is eco friendly!

I love the asymmetrical hemline of this skirt too- it’s interesting.

However, looking at the photos, I wonder if the length is a tad too long? Maybe just an inch shorter to show a tiny bit of knee would be better.

At first I played it safe with a plain white t shirt. Unfortunately- this shirt just isn’t right. I think a v neck would be more flattering.

That being said- the neckline on the yellow shirt is sort of similar- but it has cute detail around the neckline- look closely and you can see little cutouts. The other thing I like about this top is that the waistband is banded. Some people hate that (my husband included). Personally, I like it because it causes the shirt to billow out a bit- disguising any tummy issues. The straight cut on the right doesn’t hide a thing! Some think the banded waist actually makes me look large (ahem, my husband again), but I have to disagree.

Oh dear… looking at the pictures he may be right. Damn it! Oh well. I’m wearing it anyway.

I’m telling you- a photo is so much more effective than a mirror. ARGH!

Please don’t tell me what you think. I can’t have you all telling me I look fat… I just don’t want to know!

This neckline is so detailed I decided to skip a necklace. I'm wearing a bunch of bracelets instead.

Skirt: REI, Sandals: Target, Shirt: JC Penny

April 21st, Saturday Casual

 I know I used this same before picture last weekend– but it is so bad- and yet I see women dressed like this all the time- that I had to show it again.

Since I pointed out all the flaws last week- I won’t waste your time today.

Let’s just say that there isn’t anything redeeming about this look on the right (well, except for the color combo of orange and blue- which is one of my favorites!).

For a similar, yet a little more stylish look- try skinny jeans, ballet flats and a cute tissue t shirt from the gap.

Because it’s still chilly here in the Northwest, I’ve added this cute military style jacket. I love this piece- you can throw it on for casual wear- or layer it over a dress- it’s that versatile! Best part- I bought it at Marshalls!

What are your plans for today? I have NONE! Weird!! I’m not sure what to do with myself!

I've got on lots of layers today- a tank, a t shirt and then this jacket.

Jeans: Anthropologie, Shirt: Gap, Jacket: Marshalls, Shoes: Nordstrom

April 19th, Ugly Blouse Contest

This is one of those blouses that I can’t decide if I like it, or if it’s ugly!

I bought it at Marshalls last fall- trying to expand my wardrobe with some color and pattern.

On the right- loose and untucked with these work trousers- it’s definitely not working!

On the left, tucked in and paired with the skinny pants and these cute ballet flats it sort of works, right?

Maybe not…

Please comment and let me know if this blouse deserves to be worn- or is it the winner of an Ugly Blouse contest?!

Going for the 'skinny girl' crossed leg pose again! Why not?!

Outfit update- it’s a lot colder outside than I realized- so I have now switched my pants to my black long skinny pants- added black boots and a long black cardigan. One person just commented that this blouse looks like it’s poor quality- and she’s totally correct- which is why the stripes don’t line up- and also probably why I don’t like it. It feels cheap!

This looks a little wintery, but at least I'm warm now!
Please keep the comments coming- this is interesting to hear everyone's opinion!

 

 

April 18th, Ways to Wear a Striped Dress

I started this a few weeks ago with my 12 ways to wear a striped shirt, then I did 6 ways to tie a scarf. This week I am at it again with 8 ways to wear a striped dress!

Don’t be surprised if this becomes a weekly feature.

One thing I like about doing these type of  posts is that it shows how versatile your wardrobe can be.

Hopefully it reminds people that by investing in a few good pieces you will able to create more outfits than having a closet full of random things.

Today’s look is based on my favorite dress. I can’t tell you how much I love this dress- and part of the reason is because it is so warm! The long sleeves make all the difference in the world! The cotton is super soft, super stretchy, so it glides over my curves and is not restrictive at all!

In my first look- on the right- the dress is worn plain, paired with these brown boots. In my opinion, this is a little too dull for me. The dress needs a focal point, and the boots are off. Maybe they are too short? Not sure what is wrong exactly.

On the left I have added leggings (to make me even warmer), a black belt and a cute raspberry scarf. My open toe espadrilles finish the look.

Love this bright scarf! I would recommend looking in the mirror and making sure the leggings are even before walking out the door! Mine are a little off! LOL!

For my next look, I’ve removed the scarf and added this cute jersey cotton blazer.

This blazer has proven to be a very versatile piece. Best part is I got it at Khol’s.

Here I have on a grey flannel blazer, tights and boots. A much more wintery look. The bright necklace adds a nice touch of color.

This cute green polka dot cardigan is a both a fun color addition and fun pattern mixing.  I’m still not crazy about the boots though.

Here I have paired it with brown- adding a brown belt, boots and purse. Blue and brown are an unusual color combo- but it works. I would skip the ugly grey tights next time!

I’ve chosen this purple open cardigan- it adds interest, texture and another unexpected color. The shoes are a stretch for me… but maybe it you are daring!

Here is another winter version. I’ve decided to turn the dress into a skirt by adding a turtleneck over it. Boots and leggings keep me warm as well. Looking at the photo- I’m not crazy about the stripes going in both directions. If I had a solid sweater it would look a lot better.

April 16th, Attention Seeking Pants!

Today I opted for my pink cropped pants.

Since these pants are so bright and so attention seeking, I think pairing them with something subdued is a good idea.

However, as you can see on the right- a plain white t shirt is a little too subdued.

On the left I’ve opted for this cute crisp white cable knit sweater- and to add a little interest I have a chambray shirt peeking out underneath. I’ve also added a necklace and then my leopard flats.

Gotta run and get the kids up. My son leaves for camp today (outdoor ed through the school), so it’s a big day- and its raining… of course! Glad I got him some rain pants on sale at REI yesterday! Hope he wears them! 🙂

A real fashionista would probably pair these pants with something bright and colorful! I'm not that brave- plain white works just fine for me.

Pants: Nordstrom, Sweater: Macy’s, Shoes: Target, Chambray shirt: Target, Necklace: Kohl’s

Don’t forget it’s Monday so I’ve linked to Glamamom for Monday Mingle!

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 14th- Weekend Casual Gone Wrong

 Today I’m combining 2 of my favorite color combos- blue and orange.

I’m wearing cropped blue jeans with an orange top. but the outfit on the right isn’t working.

There is a lot wrong with this look, but let’s start with the tight orange shirt.

The high neckline isn’t flattering, having the shirt tucked in makes it even worse, the  3 inch cuffs on the sleeves are strange…

As for the jeans- where do I begin?

First off, the length is unflattering- compare the way my legs look on the right to the way they look on the left. Because the crop on the right ends mid calf- my legs look short.

The wide cut of the leg is also not as flattering, look at my saddlebags!  The skinner (straight leg) cut of the jeans on the left are more slimming.

Next is the high waistband- this makes my middle area look bigger than it really is (especially since the top is tucked in- as previously mentioned).

A lower waist is more current and flattering- keep in mind though- I’m not talking so low my underwear are hanging out!

Last is the tennis shoes. I’ve talked about this so many times- so forgive me for repeating myself.

Please- DO NOT wear tennis shoes with jeans. Honestly, it doesn’t look good.

Yes, I know tennis shoes are really comfy. My feet ache all the time (that’s why I wear flats so much), but tennis shoes are not the answer.

A great alternative is Puma’s which are as comfy as tennis shoes- but so much cuter.

The animal print tank under the orange cardigan gives the outfit a little unexpected twist!

I decided to unbutton the top button and added a necklace!

In case you missed it yesterday, Mommypages.com has done a little profile of Everyday Mom Style. If you ever  wanted to know learn a little more about me- here is your chance.

 Also- please click the Top Mommy Blogs button on the top right to vote for me. Thanks!

Jeans: Old Navy, Cardigan, Gap, Tank: Express, Shoes: Nordstrom

April 13th, Cheap Thrill

Let me tell you a little story about a mom who wandered into a consignment shop and found a cheap thrill!

My son was getting his hair cut the other day- and lo and behold right next door was a consignment shop, so of course I had to go in and explore.

Let me tell you- it was SO MUCH FUN!

I’ve always been a fan of bargains- and love finding something on sale, but I never imagined the thrill I would get in a re-sale shop!

Who knew?

Yes, it smelled a little funny in there.

Yes, there were a lot of awful clothes.

Yes, I felt a little weird looking at other people’s discards.

But- there were also some great finds and great prices- including this fun little vest I’m wearing today.

Now, here’s the weird part.

Just the other day I was at an intersection and saw a cute gal walking by. She had on workout pants, a t shirt and the coolest vest.

I wondered where she got it- I thought it was so unique and so interesting.

I walked into the consignment shop and the first thing I find- I swear- is this vest.

It is almost the exact same vest as the one I saw!  It was fate!

And it was only $12!!

I brought it home, washed it in hot water (twice) and now here it is, complimenting a white V neck shirt and paired with red jeans. It adds so much interest to what otherwise would have been a boring outfit (as seen on the right).

The morale of the story is- if you are wanting to re-fresh your wardrobe, and don’t want to spend a fortune- consider checking out your local consignment store. You may be surprised by what you find.

A piece of advice, go with an idea in mind of what you are looking for- and it’s ok to leave empty handed. The thrill is in the hunt!

And for a good laugh, check out this post on jeans I found at the Goodwill! It shows some really bad Mom jeans!

This vest was meant to be mine!

These pockets are perfectly placed!

Don’t forget to check out Fashion Friday over at Girlymama!

I’m being profiled on Mommypage.com today- so if you want to see my face, here is your chance! LOL! Click here!

April 12th, Moody Blues

After a nice week of sunshine, now we have 50 degrees and rain, so I’ve got the blues.**

As such, I’ve decided to wear  this gorgeous blue dolman sleeve sweater paired with my cropped white toothpick pants from J Crew.

To keep this from being too plain, and to tie the pants and sweater together, I added a blue and white scarf*.

On the right I originally tried  the sweater with cropped jeans- and while I have said to dress in all one color (to look taller and slimmer)- in this case, it doesn’t work.

Part of the problem is simply the way I’m wearing the sweater.  Notice the long sleeves and how the waistband is pulled way down. The black shoes aren’t helping either.

On the left the white pants are more ‘springy’ and the snakeskin flats are also a much lighter look. Pushing the sleeves up also helps!

Even though it's Spring- I still need a sweater, it's chilly out there!

Jeans: J Crew, Sweater: Nordstrom, Shoes: Nordstrom, Scarf: Target

Don’t forget to vote for Top Mommy Blogs- I’ve slipped out of the top 20 (gasp!)

*If you read yesterday’s post about scarfs- this one is tied in a knot to create a faux infinity scarf.

** I stand corrected- Mother Nature surprised me this morning and the sun is actually out. Thank you!! (I wrote this post late last night after a grey day of rain).