Today’s Nordstrom inspired outfit is based on the theme of menswear.
I don’t own any menswear inspired pieces, so my black blazer will have to do. But wouldn’t you agree, it does add instant polish to my outfit!
A black cardigan could have worked, but the blazer adds a layer of sophistication that the cardigan lacks. Replacing the cotton t shirt with a cute striped silk top is also an improvement, and the cropped jeans & slip on driving shoes complete the look.
You all know I love my joggers, and today I am super excited about this brand new pair I just bought at Marshalls. They are Tencel, which is one of my favorite fabrics because it is so soft, and I LOVE the color! Gorgeous!! It’s sort of olive green/ grey, which will be a great neutral going into the fall.
One thing I like about these joggers is the length, they are just a tiny bit cropped, which gives them a super relaxed look. I also love the cargo pockets- which is a fun detail. The joggers in my before photo are too long (see how they actually cover my shoes?), plus they have this weird puckering thing going on down the sides. Not sure what that is all about?! To make matters worse, the logo t shirt isn’t adding any style. In my after photo, I have paired my new joggers with this super cute striped silk top from Ann Taylor (old). I’m always a HUGE fan of stripes, and I love how this top looks like a t shirt, but is actually silk- so fun! My Target slides complete the look.
Friends, I need your love and support for the next few days. I’m dropping my son off at his first year of college 2000 miles from home, and my heart is literally breaking. But, I’m super proud of him- and know he will have a fabulous time. It’s just hard to leave him. Please send virtual hugs my way… thanks!
It’s funny, so many people are posting fall looks- but here in Seattle, we are just getting into the swing of things with summer. It is only August after all. So today I am showing an outfit to demonstrate what a difference the right pair of shorts can make.
I know some women over 40 don’t really want to show their legs so they choose Bermuda shorts. I totally get it, the longer length covers more. However, regardless of my lumpy legs (and I swear they are lumpy- I’ve had cottage cheese on the back of my legs since college), I still like the way these shorter shorts look.
I talked about details yesterday, and these cute shorts also have some details that make them stand out. See photo below!
Love the trim along the pockets and hemline.
But they aren’t just cute, they also make my legs look longer and are a little more stylish than the dated Bermuda shorts. I’ve paired them with a cute faux silk flowered top (that is tucked in to give me a waistline). Now I have a cute summer outfit perfect for going to watch tennis, which is what I am doing today. It’s the Washington Open and I am looking forward to seeing some amazing tennis with players from all over the Northwest. And here is the view I will have! Gorgeous!
Today I am showing a super ‘summery’ outfit of white denim shorts, a bright yellow top and white sandals.
First of all, look really closely at the 2 photos- do you notice a teeny tiny difference in my shorts? After looking at my before photo, I immediately realized my shorts needed a haircut! The stringy hanging strands look messy- so I quickly cut them off.
I also don’t like the way the yellow t shirt clings to my body. No one wants to see my lumps and bumps! I also think the length looks odd- it practically covers my entire shorts.
So, instead I have opted for this patterned silk shirt from Banana Republic (old). I love the neckline of this top, plus the silk fabric is much more flattering. Tucking it in also makes for a more polished look.
This blue cross body bag is perfect for running errands. I bought this in Paris at a little boutique years ago.
Today’s outfit is jeans, a silk tank, cardigan and cute sandals. In my before look, I am wearing straight leg jeans with a huge cuff (which actually could be kind of cute with the right top and shoes). However, today- with the loose fitting tank, the bulky grey cardigan and flip flops- I just look frumpy!Â
So, to improve this outfit I have selected skinny jeans in a dark wash, I’ve tucked in the silk tank and changed to a much lighter weight cardigan. The length works well to make my legs look longer, and the cute (and very on trend) sandals replace the boring flip flops. As for this tank, I used to think silk was only for special occasions- or as a ‘going out’ top. But then I realized that it can be worn during the day too. It’s a great fabric because it doesn’t cling to my tummy- it has the softest feel and makes any outfit look more pulled together than a regular t shirt. Wear it alone, or under a blazer or cardigan.
This cute silk tank is from Banana Republic. I bought it years ago. I love the way the front is polka dot, and the back is striped! So cute!
This sandal by Steven is a knock off of the Hermes Oran Sandal- as can been seen here! The only difference is mine has a heel… oh, and mine cost $39 at TJ Maxx, the Hermes is $650. Yes, you read that right. $650. My college tuition when I started college back in 1989 was $800 a semester. YIKES!
I might have just made up the word Spring-ifying, but hopefully you know what I mean. Now that it’s Spring- our clothes should reflect that.
Take today’s outfit. I’ve chosen ripped white jeans and this sweet little patterned top. In the photo on the left, the black sweater and black shoes are ok- but to me they seem a little dark and wintery. So, to ‘spring-ify’ my look, I replaced the dark sweater with a cute grey one. It will still keep me warm, but just looks a little lighter. Same with the shoes. Instead of the dark black loafers (which I love by the way), these neutral strappy wedge sandals are more appropriate for spring. Now I just need to find time for a pedicure.
A tank layered under the top will also provide warmth.
Love this pattern. Sweet, feminine and definitely spring-ish!
Jeans- these are from Value Village and I distressed them myself. See how here!
Top- Nordstrom, Vince Camuto
Shoes- Clark, these are so old I honestly can’t remember when I bought them.
Grey cardigan- Banana Republic, this one is old as well.
Are you noticing anything about my clothes? They are old! I am wearing stuff that I bought maybe 5-10 years ago. You do not need to go out any buy new clothes all the time. Shop your closet!
If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll know that all the rage this winter has been the duster cardigan, which for those of you who are wondering is one that falls somewhere below your knee. Today my OOTD is my cream duster paired with grey jeans and a cute patterned top.
In my before look, my cardigan looks a little too much like a bathrobe, and the plain t shirt underneath doesn’t add much interest. My bulky UGGS also aren’t helping! I look like I just rolled out of bed!
For my after look, I replaced the bathrobe sweater with this cute lightweight duster from Target. You may have noticed, but I seem to be finding A LOT of really cute clothes at Target lately. I’m warning you, be careful, you go to buy toilet paper and come out with a new wardrobe!
This cute silk top is perfect under the cardigan. The pattern is subtle, yet interesting and the colors are perfect. I bought this in a local boutique a few years ago, which sadly is now out of business. Swapping out the Uggs for my cute grey booties completes the look. I wear these grey booties all the time- grey is my new ‘go to’ color, and having grey shoes is really coming in handy. I will need to look for some for spring! Any suggestions?!
Hey friends! I’m actually feeling a tiny bit better today- whoot hoot!
I’m not up for running errands, but I did decide that I’d actually take a shower, get dressed, take a quick photo and share it with you- then I’ll return to the couch to rest my back and watch another episode of Friday Night Lights (which has become my all time favorite show…)
To me, a typical ‘running errands’ outfit consists of jeans, a top, a cardigan and flat shoes. That being said it would be really easy to just go with the outfit on the right.
However, it’s also really easy to make a few minor changes- and yet have a much cuter, more polished look- as seen on the left. Remember, I’m not claiming to be a fashion plate- or style expert- I’m just a mom who likes to put a tiny bit of effort into my outfit!
All I’ve done here is roll the hem of my jeans- replace the tennis shoes with ballet flats, and add a bright (neon) yellow silk blouse under my cardigan instead of the plain white tank. The old me would have thought a silk blouse it too dressy for a stay at home mom. But let me tell you, it’s not too dressy! Â It adds a nice texture under the cardigan, is very forgiving (doesn’t cling to my mommy belly) and the bright yellow is very eye catching.
 There are black cardigans, and then there are black cardigans. I love this black cardigan (on the left). It’s long length is perfect paired with skinny jeans (hides my bum) and it’s open front (no buttons) make it hang beautifully.
Paired over this cool silk printed top, skinny jeans and my black boots- it’s a huge improvement over the look on the right, wouldn’t you agree?
Everyday Mom Style 