July 29, Graphic T Shirt

I’ve really been ‘upping my game’ in the graphic t shirt department! (Insert laughing face here) Like many people, I own a ton of them- but never seem to wear them (except to sleep in), so today I decided to rock my Aspen T shirt.

The thing with wearing a graphic t shirt is that it can very easily look like you have put zero effort into your look. The outfit on the left is a good example of that. I just threw on a cotton skirt, a graphic t and black sandals and there isn’t much style to the outfit. Also, the proportions seem off. Both the t shirt and the skirt are too long, which can look frumpy.

To amp up the style, I decided a bright yellow skirt (that hits right above the knee) would be more fun. I then tied the graphic shirt in the front to give it some shape and sass. Finally, I changed my sandals to complete the casual look.

Feb 28, Geometric Skirt

In today’s before look I paired this cute geometric print skirt with this giant sweater. I LOVE this sweater, just not with the skirt. Since the skirt is so voluminous, I need something fitting on top. This sleek black turtleneck is perfect- it balances out the top and bottom. Adding this cute necklace gives the outfit a little color and I completed the look with these black booties.

I bought this skirt years ago at Target, and I love it because the waistband is elastic, and so it’s super comfy. The length is good for me (not too short) and the black and white make it easy to pair with anything. It would be fun to try a colorful top with it, but today I’m playing it safe and sticking to black and white.

True confession here- I am not really wearing this outfit today. I actually have a tennis match, so I’ll be wearing a tennis skirt and hopefully kicking some ass on the court! But… since you probably don’t want to see me in my tennis skirt (those things are SHORT!) I decided to show a different outfit.

Skirt- Target

Turtleneck- Nordstrom Rack

Booties- Born, Nordstrom

November 1st, Month in Review

Well, it’s the start of a new month- which means I show all my outfits from last month and you all can comment and let me know which is your favorite!

Hope you had a great Halloween!

Oct. 31st, A Little Bit of Orange Goes a Long Way!

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 orange top would work!

Dress: Anthropologie, Cardigan: J Crew, Tank: Gap, Boots: Nordstrom, Orange Top: Nordstrom

Once again, my pictures are blurry! If anyone has a tip for me- please send it. I can’t figure out what is wrong!

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 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!

 

Oct 24th, Good Old J Crew!

I’ve titled this Good Old J Crew because I bought this skirt 2 years ago and it’s one of my favorites. I usually wear it all summer long- with a t shirt and sandals as seen on the right.

Today I decided to try and make this a fall/winter look by pairing it with tights and a black turtleneck. Typically turtlenecks can be really matronly- but with the short sleeves and paired with a mini- I think this works. The long necklace creates a v down the front of my body- which breaks up the solid black a bit and also draws the eye down- a good slimming trick.

To keep my legs warm, I’ve put on black tights and black menswear inspired shoes- this is all the rage this fall, and although I hate to be too trendy, I decided to give this look a try. I bought these at DSW and they are ultra comfy and I think they are super cute.

To keep the look current, I’ve created a small arm party with a group of silver stacked bracelets.

Hope you have a great Monday. Sorry for the delayed post- I had a rough morning. Two kids who both got up on the wrong side of the bed… it wasn’t pretty!

Skirt: J Crew, Tights: DSW, Shoes: DSW, Tops: Louis Permilia, Necklace: Gift from my sisters! (love you guys!)

Oct. 17th, Transition into Fall

Love this cozy fall sweater paired with a skirt and booties!

Yes, you've seen this picture before. Here was my example of how NOT to wear it!

I really love this skirt- I bought it last year and I’m finding it’s a versatile piece that can be worn in the summer- as seen here– and here– and then it also transitions into a great piece for fall.  On the right I am showing the same picture I used last time as an example of what not to do.

On the left I am showing what I think is a cute look- and I’m bummed because I don’t think it looks as good in the photo as in real life. Oh well, take my word for it (or not!).

I’ve had this fabulous sweater for years- and I never knew what to wear underneath- so it sat in the back of my closet. Today I decided to try it with this cute light blue button down- and I love it! I have the shirt layered over a tank (although that’s hard to see- I definitely need to unbutton one more button) and I’ve added a cute long necklace. To keep my legs warm, I’m embracing the colored tights look with these wonderful (and super warm) cream colored tights. Lastly, I’m wearing my favorite fall booties. I think these add style to the entire look- and I love the way they match the skirt!

I sort of think this looks a little like a J Crew outfit… although none of the pieces are from J Crew! LOL! At the risk of aging myself (again), does this sweater remind anyone of Andie McDowell from St. Elmo’s fire? For some reason it does to me!

I seem to be drawn to cardigans that tie in front- great for hiding my belly! I love the cable knit detail on this sweater.

Skirt: Anthropologie, Blouse: Target, Sweater: Banana Republic, Shoes: Marshalls, Tights: DSW, Necklace: Kohl’s

Sept 28th, Work it Wednesday, Everybody’s Got One

Over a tank and a mini- a whole new look!

It seems like every style blogger I read has shown this year’s must have item- a military style utility vest.

 I loved mine so much I ended up buying two! I got my vest at Old Navy, (as seen here, scroll down to August 25th)  then I stumbled across this utility jacket at Marshalls and knew I had to have it. It is so versatile- as seen in these pics. To participate in this week’s Work it Wednesday, (where you try 1 piece 3 different ways- see more ideas here), I paired it with 3 totally different looks to show you how easy it is to throw this piece on almost over anything- and voila, you’ve got style (and warmth)!  I’ve also linked up with The Pleated Poppy, What I Wore Wednesday, so there are lots of great looks out there for you to see, check them out! 

Which one is your favorite? I think mine is the one with the skirt- it’s so unexpected, yet it works! There are so many ways to wear this piece- if you haven’t already bought one- go get yours now!

Over a black t shirt, dark skinny jeans and an un-expected pop of color in my scarf!

Super casual- thrown on with boyfriend jeans, a floral top layered over a tank.

Sept 23rd, All Buttoned Up

Layered over a cute t shirt and tucked in, what a difference!

All buttoned up is a little frumpy!

I’m loving this weather, it’s fall, yet it’s still warm enough for skirts without tights! To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of tights. But, as I venture on this fashion journey- and as much as I love skirts- I’ll probably have to embrace the tights look as soon as it gets cold.

But, for now- this is what I’m wearing. I paired a cute mini with a denim shirt. On the right I am a little buttoned up. A little prim for me!

On the left I threw a cute embellished t shirt on, then layered the denim (unbuttoned), rolled the sleeves (amazing what a difference this makes), tucked it in and added my cute leopard belt from Target. I’m wearing sandals because it’s supposed to be really hot today, but cute ballet flats would work as well.

Here’s what I’ve learned- it’s not necessarily what you wear, it’s HOW you wear it. Don’t you agree?

I love how the leopard belt just adds a bit of sass!

The details of this cute t shirt are hard to see, so I realize this is a strange photo, but wanted you to see it up close!

Skirt: Anthropologie, T Shirt: Ann Taylor Loft, Denim Shirt: Martin and Osa, Belt: Target, Sandals: Kohls