May 30, All in the Details

I talk about details a lot on this blog, and I apologize for being repetitive, but truly, it’s the little details that matter. Take the two outfits below.

They are similar in that they are both showing cropped jeans and a black top. However, the outfit on the right looks a lot more put together than the one on the left, and it’s all because of the little details.

1. Notice the neckline of the blouse on the right. I love the deep V. It’s so much more flattering than the high neck on the left. Check out the cute notches on the side of the neckline, and did you notice the fabric on the shoulders? It’s layered- I’m sure there is a technical word for this, but I don’t know it- but I love the way it looks!

2. Notice the leopard belt. A small, minor detail like this adds a lot of instant style to an outfit. Don’t be afraid of animal prints!

3. Add some jewelry. Do you see all the cute bracelets I added to my wrist?

4. And lastly, ditch the flip flops. In my opinion, they aren’t very stylish. Even the adorable (and expensive) Tory Burch ones are not appropriate for the workplace. A cute pair of sandals is a much better option. Save the flip flops for the pool, beach or for after yoga class!

Top- this was from when I did Stitch Fix years ago, so no idea where it came from!

Jeans- Joe’s (Nordstrom Rack)

Belt- Target

Shoes- Lucky Brand

Bracelets- gifts

May 13, Asymmetrical Sweater

I bought this cute asymmetrical sweater years ago, and I don’t wear it very often because I was always unsure what to pair it with. I’ve tried blue jeans, and didn’t love that- so today I decided to try pairing it with black.

The before photo looks messy, the pants are too long and baggy, and the proportions are off. Since the sweater has a flowy feel to it, I need something sleeker on the bottom. My ripped, cropped black jeans are perfect. Also, I pushed up my sleeves so show a little more skin (it is spring after all), and swapped out the dated black ballet flats for cute strappy black sandals. I may go back and switch the tank in the after photo for the one on the right- I actually like the thinner straps better. It’s a small, minor detail but it does make a difference. Have a great Monday.

I love the cute hemline and details in this sweater.

Sweater- Prana

Jeans- Zara

Sandals- Lucky Brand

May 11th, Backyard BBQ

We are going a backyard bbq party tonight, and it’s supposed to be 80 degrees, so I want an outfit that is cute and that I won’t sweat too much in! I chose blue and white linen shorts paired with a sleeveless top.

In my before look, I am wearing a yellow cotton tank that I tied in a knot at the waist. This works (although I need to iron my top!), but it is still a little casual for a party. The Birkenstocks also add to the casual vibe. So… to bring it up a notch (who’s the famous chef that always says that?), I swapped out the tank for this blouse. It’s a dressier material, but still is cool enough for a hot summer night. I also replaced the Birks with neutral wedge heels- which totally elevate (no pun intended) the whole look. Happy Saturday!

Shorts- Athleta

Heels- Clarks

Top- Nordstrom Rack

May 7, More Stripes

I’m back again today with even more blue and white stripes. I can’t seem to get enough of them lately. At least today they are vertical instead of horizontal!

This very lightweight cotton blouse is perfect for the gorgeous warm weather we are having. I love the different color and size of the stripes, as well as the cute flutter sleeve. At first I paired it with my faded blue jeans and Birkenstocks (and truthfully, I think this looks fine), but then I decided it might be better with white jeans to provide a little contrast to the blue. As usual, I have done the half tuck to define my waist and then to finish off the outfit I am wearing my cute slip on trendy Hermes knock off sandals.

Jeans- Gap

Blouse- Calvin Klein (TJ Maxx)

Shoes- Steven (TJ Maxx)

Belt- Target

April 29, Spring Sweater

Spring in the PNW is a tricky thing. Our mornings start off very cold- and it takes most of the day to finally reach a comfortable temperature. That’s why I love a good spring sweater.

For my outfit today I’ve chosen a knit sweater and paired it with distressed jeans and slip on tennis shoes. This cream sweater doesn’t scream winter (as some sweaters do), and the cropped jeans help keep this outfit from looking too wintery.

In my before photo the distressed jeans are rolled too short which looks super awkward. The blue tennis shoes are not cute and the shapeless cream t shirt doesn’t do much for me. The outfit on the right is almost the same idea- just with subtle changes to make it more stylish.

This sweater is Vince and I bought it at Nordstrom Rack. I love it’s simplicity and classic style.

Jeans- Target, old but here are a similar pair!

Sweater- Vince, Nordstrom Rack, old- but here is a similar one!

Shoes- Dr. Scholl’s, TJ Maxx

April 26, Bomber Jacket

I’ve probably mentioned a few times how much I love my bomber jackets (I have 3), but let me just express it again. I LOVE bomber jackets! To me, they are the perfect alternative to a cardigan (nothing against cardigans, I have tons of those), but it’s a fun change from the ordinary.

In today’s before look I have paired this cute v neck white shirt with a pair of dark straight leg denim jeans, a zip up fleece cardigan and flip flops. This is the type of outfit I see women in all the time. It’s super easy, casual and warm, but to be honest, it’s not very cute. Let me tell you, the outfit on the right is basically the same exact outfit, with a few tweaks to make it more stylish.

All I’ve done is switched out the dark jeans to these cute faded cropped ones. Notice the hemline of these jeans. See how the front is shorter than the back? This is a very on trend look. You can do this yourself with a pair of scissors (I did not do this to these jeans, they came this way).

I then replaced the bright hot pink fleece jacket for this cute rose colored bomber. First of all, this rose gold color is also very on trend this season. You will see it in shoes, sunglasses, purses… you name it! Secondly, this bomber is as warm as the fleece, and much cuter! Best part is that it is machine washable, so I literally throw it in both the washer and dryer. That’s what I’m talking about!

I hope everyone has a fabulous Friday! I’m thankful it’s the weekend. It’s been a long week! 🙂

Jacket- H&M, mine is old, but here is a similar one.

White top- Trina Turk, Nordstrom Rack

Jeans- Joe’s

Shoes- Unisa, Marshalls, here are some similar ones!

April 25, Yellow Skirt

I think one of my favorite color combinations is sunny yellow and navy blue. It’s just so cheery and fun. Today I am showing a spring outfit of a bright yellow skirt paired with a blue and white gingham blouse.

In my before picture I have paired the skirt with a plain white sweater and black ballet flats. I honestly think this looks fine- but I think the outfit on the right is a little more fun! A few key details to point out.

1. I tied the blouse at the waist. I’ve been seeing a lot of this online- so thought I’d give it a try today.
2. I rolled the sleeves and unbuttoned the blouse to show my white tank underneath.
3. The white tennis shoes are a sporty and fun change from ballet flats.

This cute skirt is from Old Navy. The name on the tag is Sunny Disposition. I love that! Unfortunately, mine is old, but Here is a similar one! Cute and comfy! The blouse is from J Crew. Tennis shoes are Superega.

*In the effort of full disclosure (and because my teenage daughter threatens to start her own blog called “Everyday Mom Revealed” for days when I am not wearing the outfit I show on the blog), I am not actually wearing this today, but thought this would be a cuter ootd than what I’m really wearing (my tennis clothes). I want you to know that most days I actually am wearing what I show, but some days I may start in my blog outfit and end the day in my yoga clothes, or pj’s! Keeping it real here folks! 🙂

April 24, Camo Again

I was out with three friends last night celebrating a birthday- and of the four of us, I was the only one not wearing camo! I’m telling you- this pattern is all the rage. So, to keep up with my stylish buddies, today I am rocking my camo v neck t shirt from American Eagle!

I’ve talked about these American Eagle shirts before, but I’ll mention it again- these are the softest cotton shirts in the world! In my before picture, I am wearing the shirt loose and paired it with my joggers and tennis shoes. It is super comfy, but not stylish. By simply rolling the cuffs a tiny bit, doing the half tuck, adding my denim jacket and changing the shoes- I now have a much cuter, more stylish outfit.

Joggers- Target

Shirt- American Eagle

Denim jacket- Target

Shoes- Dr. Scholl’s (Marshalls)

sorry ladies- no links today, I’m running late!

April 23, Grey and White

Even though it’s technically spring, it is still pretty chilly here in the PNW, so I need an outfit that looks springy, but is still warm and cozy! So today, I’m wearing white ripped jeans and a grey ribbed V neck sweater.

In the before photo, I have paired the sweater with dark jeans and Uggs. This could be a cute outfit in the winter, but today I’m thinking the white jeans are a fresher/ springier look. I’ve also done my half tuck to give my waist some definition, as well as swapped out the Uggs for cute grey booties. Pushing up the sleeves and adding some jewelry are small details that make a difference.

White Jeans- Mine are from H&M that I distressed myself here!

Sweater- Gap (old), but here is a similar one. And another!

Shoes- Paul Green, Nordstrom, mine are old- so here is something similar!

April 21, Easter Sunday

Happy Easter everyone! It’s supposed to be a gorgeous day here in the Pacific Northwest, so I’ve decided to wear a white dress to celebrate. Question is- which dress?

Because we are going out for brunch, I think I’ll chose the option on the right. This cute J Crew dress has a looser fit, making more room for all the delicious food I’ll be eating. I love the sleeves , plus how the eyelet changes below the waist. The neckline is also super cute.

The dress on the left is from Zara, and I love it for all it’s simplicity. This fit and flare style is a super flattering for people who are curvy and have wider hips (like me).

Both dresses look great with neutral wedges- keeping the focus only on the dress. If it’s chilly, I’ll throw on a cute jacket!

Eyelet Dress- J Crew Mine is old, but here is a similar one! Here’s another! And one more here!

Fit and Flare Dress- Zara, mine is old- but here is a similar one! And here’s another cute one!

Shoes- Clarks! Again, mine are old, but here is a similar pair! And these are cute too!