Sept 16, Opposite Day

Today’s outfit is jeans, a top and a super comfy long cardigan. Originally I started with blue skinny jeans and a white top with the cardigan, but then I decided to try the opposite of that look- white jeans and a blue top.

Personally, I think both looks work- but I like the version with the white jeans, simply because it’s a little different for me. So next time you are getting dressed- think about flipping your outfit around and trying something new!

Jeans- Gap

T shirt- Nordstrom Rack

Sweater- Marshalls

Shoes- Dr. Scholl’s Marshalls

Sept 10, Fall Y’all

It’s Fall, Y’all! We have been having the weirdest weather the last few days. Normally September is still warm and sunny for us in the PNW, but lately it’s felt a lot more like fall. We’ve had crazy rain, wind and overall dreary weather. Perfect for breaking out my flannel shirt!

In the before photo I paired this cute windowpane flannel shirt from Old Navy (old) with grey jeans and grey orthopedic shoes. I think this look is just blah. It’s too boring and predictable. To change it up a bit, I have chosen my distressed skinny jeans and slip on tennis shoes from Dr. Scholl’s. I like how the color of the shoes matches the shirt, and how the blue distressed denim gives a super casual, relaxed vibe to the outfit. Rolling the sleeves and loosely tucking the shirt add to the casual look.

July 18, Concert in the Park

One of the things I love about the community I live in is they do outdoor concerts in the park during the summer. It’s a fun, free event that is perfect for all ages. When my kids were little, I used to take them every week. But, tonight it’s a girls night out!

It’s going to be about 60 degrees this evening, so I want jeans to stay warm. We are meeting at my friend’s house and walking to the park, so I need comfy shoes. However, the outfit on the left looks really awkward and weird. The length of the jeans is off- and the shoes are awful. The casual, faded, distressed jeans on the right are a much better option. As for my blouse, by unbuttoning an extra button, rolling the sleeves and loosely tucking it in- I have created a much more casual, and in my opinion, cuter outfit.

Jeans- Target

Blouse- Nordstrom Rack

Shoes- Dr. Scholls, TJ Maxx

April 12, Green Jacket

Today for our tour I’m wearing my olive green jacket with a cute black patterned top (they are actually little stars, but they look like polka dots) and my faded Joe’s jeans. It’s a simple casual look that’s comfy and perfect for walking around a college campus.

As you can see in my before photo I have on the same top, but it’s untucked & paired it with a cargo style jacket, boyfriend jeans and clunky tennis shoes. The untucked shirt and boxy jacket paired with these baggy jeans makes for an overall messy look. By just making some small changes- I have really improved my outfit.

April 5, Friday Casual

It’s finally Friday! Has this seemed like the longest week ever? It has to me! 

Today I’m going super casual with my distressed boyfriend jeans and a black top. It’s hard to see in the photo- but this top has really cute details- the fabric has vertical subtle stripes, the sides split  & at the shoulder there are zippers. Cute, right? 

The after look is an improvement for 3 reasons!

1. The jeans in the before are weird. I can’t put my finger on what is wrong, but to me- they just look strange. I think it’s the holes. They are in an odd place.

2. The slip on tennis shoes are a huge improvement over the bright orange and blue tennis shoes- and just as comfy- but way more stylish!

3. The fleece is warm and all, but it has absolutely zero style. This cute top- with side slits, zippers, and a better neckline is much more interesting. 

Another cute top from my friend over at @shopocstyle

Jeans- Target

Top- OC Style

Shoes- Vince, Nordstrom Rack

March 22, Bomber Jacket

I am a big fan of jackets. I own a LOT of them. I think they are the perfect item to add to any outfit to keep warm.

First off, I love the jacket on the left. It’s an olive green field/ military style jacket. Paired with the right top and jeans, it can be a cute outfit, like when I wore it here. However, today, this look is not doing much for me.

So I replaced the field jacket with this cute olive bomber (similar) This jacket is made out of Tencel, which if you aren’t familiar with it- you should be. It is made of wood pulp (earth friendly) and is one of the softest fabrics out there. So comfortable to wear! If you are thinking about buying a jacket to add to your wardrobe- consider getting a green bomber. The color is a great neutral that can be worn with everything- and it is a stylish alternative to a cardigan.

I then replaced the high neck white tee shirt with this cute scoop neck tank. Working with the casual vibe, I switched out the black jeans for my ripped/ ankle length pair and then slipped on my black and grey tennis shoes instead of the heavy black boots. To complete the outfit, I threw on this fun necklace that adds a little interest.

Jeans- Zara

Tank- Gap

Jacket- Kenneth Cole

Shoes- Vince, Nordstrom Rack

March 13, Un-inspired

I am feeling really un-inspired in my outfit today. Not sure what my problem is, but I stood in my closet and was bored by everything I saw. When this happens, I just reach for some basics that I know are comfortable and stylish.

As you can see, I chose my grey joggers and a white top. In my before photo- these joggers are awful. The shape of the leg is weird- there is way too much going on. My boring white long sleeve shirt is not adding any interest- and the bright orange and blue tennis shoes draw your eye straight to my feet.

These cute joggers from Target are much better. They are more flattering, and truly the most comfortable pant I’ve ever owned. To replace the boring white shirt- I chose this cute Henley shirt, with the open neckline. To add a little interest, I threw on a bracelet and finished the outfit with my slip on tennis shoes. Now I have a very casual, but cute outfit to go run my errands in, similar to this outfit here that I wore last week. So remember, when you are stuck in a rut and can’t decide what to wear- stick to the basics, they’ll never let you down!

March 5, Black Joggers

My OOTD is what I’m wearing today to go get my physical. I realized it had been over 3 years since I’d had one, so today’s the big day. Sorry for over-sharing, but it’s important to take care of your health. In order to be comfy and casual, I’ve chosen black joggers, a white shirt and a denim jacket.

In my before look, my white v neck shirt is too high, the denim jacket is too dark with the black joggers and I need to show a little skin at the ankle. In my after look, I pushed up my pant legs a little, swapped out the blue tennis shoes for grey/ black slip ons and replaced the white shirt with a cuter version that has a deeper v neck. I traded the dark denim jacket for this lighter version and rolled the sleeves up a bit. It’s the same basic outfit – just a cuter/ better version.

Notice the cute detailing at the shoulders.

Trina Turk shirt from Nordstrom Rack

Target denim jacket!

Vince shoes from Nordstrom Rack

Joggers from Fabletics

Feb 6, Little Changes

One of the things I love so much about this blog is that it forces me to really take a hard look at my outfit each day. I highly suggest taking photos of yourself when getting dressed. I know it sounds strange, but seeing myself in a photo is different than looking in the mirror. Once you think you have your outfit selected, make a few small changes and see what happens. Maybe I’m weird, but this is my idea of fun! 🙂

Take today’s outfit. I am loving this thermal shirt (these seem to be all the rage right now), and I paired it with jeans and tall brown boots. Looking at the photo on the left- it just doesn’t look right. It’s a little plain, and I don’t like how the jeans gather around the knees. I also think the tall boots cut my legs in half, making them look short.

So… I swapped out the jeans for these cute ripped ones, added a big belt and did the half tuck thing. I then threw on this gorgeous scarf, adding a bit of color to the otherwise neutral outfit. To finish off, I rolled the jeans up at the hem and put on my slip on tennis shoes.

And now for a little insider tip, I am wearing socks with these shoes. I wear Smart Wool  Seek and No Show socks- and they are my all time favorites! So much so, that I had a holiday party with my girlfriends where we did a ‘favorite things’ gift exchange and I gave these socks. My friend Missey, who received them, seemed a little disappointed, but then the next day texted me to tell me how much she loved them. They actually stay put- which is rare for this type of sock. You gotta trust me on this one!

If you were going to a Favorite Things Party, what would you bring? Please comment below!

Jeans- 7 for All Mankind, Nordstrom

Top- Nordstrom Rack

Scarf- gift

Shoes- Marshalls

Belt- so old I can’t remember!

Jan 24, Airplane Attire

I’m heading out of town today, so my outfit needs to be airplane appropriate- meaning comfy, warm and layers!

So what’s wrong with jeans, a white tank and a cute cardigan? Nothing really- except in my ‘before’ look the cardigan is too small, the plain white shirt is a little boring and my shoes look old and tired. All of these pieces can be incorporated into a cute outfit- but not for today!

Instead, I’ve chosen these cute ripped jeans. These jeans have so much stretch to them they are like wearing leggings- I love that. I’ve also chosen a cute blue t shirt instead of the plain white tank. Normally I wouldn’t have tried blue shirt with blue jeans, but I’ve read that wearing the same color top to bottom is slimming. So here goes! The cute thing about this t shirt is the hemline. It’s gathered in a little knot- so it’s basically doing the half tuck thing for me. So easy!

 

Now for the layers- I absolutely love this giant cozy sweater from Free People. My 15 year old daughter loves it as well- and steals it from me all the time. It’s so warm and cozy, and a great layering piece. Plus it has huge pockets to slip my phone or ID in while going through security.  Since it’s grey- it goes with everything! To top off the look, I threw on this cute blue/ grey/ pink infinity scarf. Infinity scarves are perfect for those of us who can’t quite tie a scarf perfectly (there seems to be an art to that effortless look of a loosely tied scarf). Plus, it’s a is a great way to keep warm.

As for my shoes- I’ll be doing a lot of walking through the airport, so a cute comfy slip on is a must have. These ones are amazing. They are Dr. Scholl’s brand, and so comfy. I found them at Marshalls.

 

Top- Nordstroms Rack

Sweater- Free People, Nordstroms

Jeans- 7 for all Mankind, Nordstroms

Shoes- Dr. Scholls, Marshalls

Scarf- OC Style