July 30, Monochromatic

There are some days when I go into my closet and can’t think of what to wear. If I’m not feeling creative or inspired, I go back to the basics and stick with what I know works. One look that always works is monochromatic.

Dressing from head to toe in the same color is a simple and easy way to look stylish and slim. However, you can’t just throw on two items the same color and call it good. Take the outfit on the left. Here I have on straight leg jeans that are too big and look messy. See how they bulk and gather at the knee? I also have on an oversize blue pullover. This isn’t stylish at all- it’s perfect for working out, but not so perfect for a lunch date with friends.

To improve the outfit, I switched to my dark denim skinny jeans. The dark color is slimming, as is the cut. I then added a blue silk button down top. By tucking it in and adding a cute leopard belt, I have given the outfit some interest, but not strayed from the monochromatic look. To complete the outfit, I’m wearing my faux Hermes sandals. These have a 2 inch block heel, which also adds to the slimming effect and make me look taller! And the color is perfect with my belt and purse.

Some of you may wonder where I get my ideas from, so I wanted to share one of the books that I love as a resource for dressing for your shape. I’ve included a link for it on Amazon, and it’s only $10!

This book is a great resource!

A quick glimpse at her advice (and where I get my expertise from! )

Jeans- Gap

Blouse- Ann Taylor

Shoes- TJ Maxx

Belt- Target

No links because all everything I am wearing is OLD!! Sorry!

Nov 14th, Brown and Blue Together?

A year ago I would have never combined brown and blue together.

When wearing brown (or gray) pants or skirt I always took the safe route and opted for a white or an off white shirt on top. But how boring is that?!

On the left I have replaced the white shirt with this bright blue silk top.

I love this silk shirt- it can be worn un-tucked over skinny pants as a tunic, or tucked into a skirt as shown here.

As for my shoes, instead of the matronly heels on the right, I decided to go for my brown boots. I also added a belt (following my rule of 3).

To finish it off, I added this cool beaded necklace to tie the blue and brown  together.

This statement necklace ties the skirt and blouse together.

Don’t be afraid to mix brown and blue (or brown and black as we saw the other day!)

Blouse: Nordstrom, Skirt: Nordstrom, Boots: DSW, Necklace: Forever 21

Oct 17th, Charity Lunch

I am attending a charity lunch today- so my goal is to look professional, tasteful and appropriate.

I opted for a gray pencil skirt, a gorgeous peach toned shirt layered over a tank and my snakeskin heels.

To accessorize, I chose this cool beaded necklace- unfortunately- in the pictures it doesn’t look right- in person the colors are more similar (I swear!).

I don’t really have a before picture for you today- because I actually like the top with pants as well… in fact, if it’s cold out- these pants might be a better option.

Sorry for the bad lighting- I took these pictures so early it was still dark outside!

I’m so excited- I finally reached over 300 for my Facebook ‘likes‘!

Thank you- and if you haven’t had a chance, come like me (please!)

A closeup of this silk top- it’s very sheer- so needs a tank underneath. Don’t be afraid of this color- it is flattering on anyone!

Boots are another great option- especially for keeping warm!

Blouse: CABi, Skirt: Target, Shoes: DSW, Boots: Nordstrom, Necklace: Khol’s

May 3rd, Faux Pas

I know, I know- this is really tacky- some might even consider it a ‘faux pas’. I wore these pants Monday and here I am wearing them again- but you know what, I don’t care!

Originally I was planning on wearing this cute bright yellow top with a black pencil skirt and black blazer- but then I walked into my closet and saw these pants from the other day and I thought- oh wow- the buttons on this top match these pants perfectly.

But, I thought- I can’t wear them again, I just wore them.

Then I thought- who cares!

It seems so much more ‘spring like’ than the dark black skirt and blazer- that outfit just seems so boring and predictable. The yellow paired with the white pants is a crisper, fresher look. Plus, look how much longer my legs look in the pants. Crazy, right?

The only concern would be ‘what shoes do you wear with this?’- and my answer is snakeskin! They are the perfect neutral shoe to blend this whole look together.

So, don’t judge me for the repeat pants, please?!!

Can you see the pearl buttons? They are the same shade of creamy white as these pants. I also have a necklace on that ties the colors together… sorry you can’t see it.

I love this silky bright top- it is a color I never really wear- and neon’s are really in this spring.  This is as close to neon as I’m willing to get! I know, my arms are bare and I need a belt- but hey, I never said I was a fashion expert!

Top: Loft, Pants: Express, 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?

March 6th, Stumped!

For the first time since I started this blog, I am completely stumped on what to wear.

For some reason, I stand in my closet and stare at my clothes and can’t seem to put together a single outfit that you all haven’t already seen.

Luckily, my sisters are coming out for a visit next week and we’ll do lots of shopping. We also have some fun blog posts planned- so be sure to tune in next week to see what we are up to!

That being said, I’m sorry if today’s outfit is another bust (yesterday’s was a toss up- but I do agree with most of you that the length on my dress was too long and the sleeves were funky. I still love the color though!).

On to today…

When I first bought these grey skinny cords I thought I’d wear them all the time, then I got home and looked in my closet and couldn’t figure out what the heck to pair them with.

The grey threw me off a bit and I wasn’t sure what colors would work as tops so I would only wear them with white or black shirts.

I’ve finally decided that the grey is basically a neutral and can be paired with anything, so I decided to try this cranberry colored faux silk blouse. It’s loose, flowy, and very on trend right now. The loose fit of the top is a better look than the tight white shirt above right.

It’s a pretty simple outfit, not much to it, but I like the way it looks effortless and carefree (I can assure you it was anything but effortless- this took me about 45 minutes to come up with, it’s that bad. I guess it’s a bit like writers block, huh?

The loose top is balanced out with the skinny bottom. The necklace adds a final touch to show I put some effort into my look.

Pants: Banana Republic, Top: H&M, Shoes: DSW, Necklace: Forever 21

Dec 13th, 30 for 30- Day 13

Last week when I wore this blouse, I had it tucked in to a pencil skirt and it looked very conservative and ladylike. (The look on the right is my BEFORE look, to see the after, click on pencil skirt).

Today is my ‘glam version’! I don’t know why, but whenever I pair anything with this faux fur, I always feel like a rock star!

This afternoon I have a work luncheon, and I thought it would be fun to dress a little festive. I paired this gorgeous silk top with my dark jeans (I know, jeans again at work? Really?! I figure they sort of look like dress pants if you don’t look close!). Then to top it all off, added the fur, necklace and heels.

Who knew faux fur could be so fun?!

Fur is appropriate for daytime and nighttime. For daytime, make sure the rest of the look is conservative.

Jeans: Nordstrom, Blouse: H&M, Fur: Marshalls, Heels: Nordstrom, Necklace: Cookie Lee