Oct 29, Mom Jeans

I’ve been wanting a pair of straight leg mom jeans for a while now- and I actually bought a pair at Target about a month ago, but never really felt comfortable wearing them. Something was just off. Then I decided to splurge and get the Madewell ones that I kept seeing on Instagram. So today I am showing you the difference between the two.

As you can see, the Madewell ones are a tad longer on me- which actually makes big difference. The legs are also straighter- there is some weird bunching going on in the Target ones. The Madewell ones also are VERY high waisted- I mean above my belly button high, which may take some getting used to! One thing to keep in mind is that the sizing is way off! I am normally a 28 in most brands, in these I am in a 26, which makes me think what size are the skinny girls wearing?!

I’ve paired my mom jeans with a cute J Crew button down blouse that I tied at the waist and then for warmth added a green jacket. The pointy booties are more current than the worn out loafers.

Sept 6, Inspiration

One of the reasons I started this blog back in 2011 was I wanted to find ideas on how to put outfits together. I have a closet full of clothes, yet sometimes don’t know what to wear! It’s been fun discovering people with similar interests and style- and I’ve been inspired by many of them. One of those is someone I found recently over on Instagram, a teacher from Wisconsin called @Madstylestudio. She has such an effortless, casual look that I love! Today’s outfit is inspired by her outfit from yesterday!

Here is what she wore:

Straight leg jeans and a floral top. So simple, yet stylish! So… that got me to thinking about my own floral top- and decided to try it paired with 3 different bottoms.

First I tried my wide leg Levi jeans. I love the washed denim look, and I think this is cute- but I wish the jeans didn’t flare out so much at the bottom. A straighter leg would be cuter. On that note, next I tried my straight leg Lucky jeans. I definitely like this look more- but wish the jeans had a more faded, worn look like @madstylestudio

Finally, just for fun, I decided to try my new joggers. While these don’t make my legs look skinny (in fact, the opposite), I absolutely LOVE the comfort and ease of wearing them. Plus, I think it’s a fun and different look than blue jeans. The grayish color in the floral top goes well with the pants- and gives me a casual, relaxed outfit.

So thank you, @madstylestudio for inspiring me. You rock! And if you don’t currently follow her, I suggest you get yourself on over to Instagram and look her up. And let me know who else you follow! I’m always looking for more inspiration.

Happy Friday everyone! Have a great weekend!

May 6, Blue and White Stripes

Yesterday it was black and white stripes, today I’m going for blue and white. If you haven’t noticed, I am big fan of stripes!

I’m teaching 3rd grade today, so I want to be casual and comfy, and since it’s chilly in the morning, I need to start the day with a jacket, that I can remove later as it gets warmer. The plain white tank under the jacket on the left doesn’t add any interest to the outfit, so I switched it up for this blue and white one . I then rolled the hems of my jeans to show off a little ankle and make them look a little more current. I swapped out my bulky tennis shoes for my Superga’s to complete the look. As for the jacket, I rolled the sleeves and cinched the waist. This makes the jacket a little more flattering and more styled looking.

I know I promised links today, but I’m running late and don’t have time to include them. Sorry! I can tell you the blue and white shirt is Banana Republic (old), jacket is from Ross , Jeans are Rich and Skinny and shoes are Superega. Gotta run, have a great day.

Feb 24, Good Jeans

Today’s look is all about finding good jeans that fit right. I’m wearing a simple, casual outfit- that’s sort of a staple for me. It’s my uniform- when I can’t think of anything else to wear, I rely on skinny jeans and a sweater. Which alone can be kind of boring, but with a little attention to detail (belt, shoes, jewelry), and the right jeans, it can be a cute outfit.

For a little research project, I went to my local Value Village (which is sort of like a Goodwill) and tried on lots of different pairs of jeans so show how the right cut and right fit make all the difference in the world. All of these are a size 6 (28). Notice how differently each brand fits.

The Gloria Vanderbilt jeans are probably the LEAST flattering ones I tried on. Notice how they dart in at the hip- I’m not sure what this is all about, but it creates saddlebags. It also has way to high of a rise (length of zipper) and the waist is too high. Yes, I know I mentioned a few weeks ago that I like high rise jeans- but not this high! And the solid blue is not flattering at all. This is definitely a mom jean, just not this mom!

These are Loft brand. The waist height is better on these jeans, and the color is better. Notice the whiskering- which are the lines formed by natural creasing over time, giving them a well worn look. Nowadays whiskering is made in the factory- and it gives jeans a natural distressed look. The problem with these jeans is the cut of the legs. Notice how they bag and gape around my thigh/ knee area. There is just a little too much fabric there.

Not your Daughter’s Jeans- This is another pair where the rise is too long, the knees are baggy and the whiskering is bad- it makes my tummy look big and my legs look short. These are not flattering jeans.

This is a brand I’m not familiar with, called Silver. In my opinion, this much bling is dated and out of style. The shorter rise is more flattering to my tummy area and I like the rips at the knees, the white stitching, and the boot cut, but I wouldn’t wear them simply because of the bling!

These are Banana Republic. I like the dark wash, but they are a little plain- they look like leggings, there is nothing to trick the eye (which is what good fading and whiskering will do). They make me look extra curvy. Quick note on that- I know I am thin- but I am also curvy. All this means is that my hips are way wider than my waist- which gives me the curves. Some women are built straight up and down- and clothes look totally different on them. Other women are pear shaped- small on top and big on bottom. Some women are big on top and skinny on bottom. We are all different and we are all beautiful- and we should embrace our shape and work with it, not against it.

Calvin Klein- these are too short, and the high rise, giant pockets and tummy area is not flattering. These look like mom jeans to me.

Denizan jean joggers! You know I love my joggers, but not so sure about denim ones! I will admit these were incredibly comfortable, but they make me look pear shaped and there’s just something weird about denim joggers. I think it’s an oxymoron?!

These are Free People- and clearly they are way too long. They have a totally different style- with the buttons at the side instead of a center zipper. On a really skinny straight body, these would be really cute. To me- they just make me look even wider through the hips.

Joe’s Jeans- These Joe’s fit me the best, although I still don’t love the straight leg. However, if you absolutely refuse to wear skinny jeans- than try something with a very straight leg. To me, the boot cut is a little outdated.

These are the Gap jeans I am wearing in the photo at the top. Notice the whiskering and the stitching. Both of these details add interest and help minimize my tummy area.

These are my Paige jeans. I love the skinny cut and the high waist. These jeans hug my curves, but don’t make me look huge. The dark wash makes them great for dressy occasions.

These are my Joe’s jeans, which I mentioned earlier and I love them! So comfy! Great fit. The lighter wash makes these more casual.

Here are some of my favorite jeans that I own:

From left to right: Top Row- Joe’s, Paige and Gap jeans.

Second row- 7 for all Mankind, Joe’s and Good American

Below are all the jeans I tried on! As you can see, my body looks totally different in each pair. When jean shopping- try on as many pairs as you can and don’t get caught up in sizes! Ask the salesperson to help you- that’s what they are there for. I suggest jean shopping at Nordstroms- they have a great selection and very helpful salespeople!

What are your favorite jeans? Do you have a ‘go to’ brand that fits your body great? And if so, what body type are you? Since I am curvy, I really only know what works for me… as mentioned previously, all of us are shaped differently.

Oct 22nd, Tried and True

It’s nice to have an outfit in your closet that is your old standby, something that is tried and true and will look great no matter what.

It’s perfect for those days when you look in your closet and think “I have nothing to wear”!

Believe me, this happens to me all the time!

And when it does- I simply reach for one of my many striped shirts- add a pair of dark denim jeans and then throw on a cute blazer (rolling up the sleeves- of course). Finally, I add a statement necklace (or scarf) to finish the look.

It’s a simple, classic look that works for almost any occasion.  In my opinion, sometimes it’s ok to be safe!

I actually wore this over the weekend to an awards ceremony I was attending for my daughter. I was worried about wearing jeans- but being Seattle- there were many people in jeans (and some even in sweats! Really people?!).

Jeans: CABi, shirt: J Crew,(similar) Blazer: Land’s End, Booties: J Crew, Necklace: Stella and Dot

March 2nd, 10 Tips for Petite Gals

 In the past fews days I’ve received a few emails from readers who want to know how to dress to their particular body type.

It’s actually a great point- what looks good on one person does not always look good on another.

That is why it is so important to know your body type- and to find ways to flaunt what you got and work with what you don’t!

So today’s outfit is geared toward all you petite women!

By the way, being petite is defined by height not weight! If you are under 5’4″ you are petite!

The number one way for a short gal to look taller is to dress in all one color. Look at the picture on the right compared to the one on the left. Which one makes me look taller?

The one on the left does!  The uninterrupted black creates a long vertical line- which makes me look tall.

It’s hard to tell where my legs end and my middle begins. It also helps that I have on wedge heels (which is a must if you are tiny and want to look tall). To add one more vertical line I’ve added a necklace. This helps draw the eye  up and down (rather than side to side).

For another great example of dressing in all one color, check out this fabulous outfit from 100 Inspirations!

On the right I have on the same exact pants, but I’ve paired them with flats and a cream tank. The cream and the black are pretty together, but it breaks up the look- literally cutting me in half (or thirds actually) making me look shorter.

Here are 9 more tips for Petite women:

1. First and foremost- shop in the Petite section of the store. These items are cut and for women with shorter legs.

2. Avoid wide leg jeans, hip huggers, pedal pushers, capris and boot cut jeans.

3. Opt for straight leg jeans- hem to wear with heels

4. Keep clothes uncluttered as possible (lapels, buttons, prints, pockets, patterns… all should be small)

5. Don’t wear skirts that end right below the knee, or any that are too full or girly. No A Lines.

6. Try a maxi dress with a cropped cardigan or jacket. Wear with wedge heels. Pencil skirts (that end right at the knee) will also look great.

7. For jackets/ coats, avoid long ones (that end mid calf).  Look for one with an empire waist, or has a belt.  Be sure it has a simple neckline that will draw the eye upwards.  Avoid double breasted or anything with excess detail.

8. Sweaters- avoid bulky boyfriend style (too long), no chunky or heavy weaves, no cowl neck turtlenecks.  Stick to scoop neck with a hip length hem or something that is somewhat fitted and will end at your natural waistline.

9.  Shirts- go for simple here- something that cinches around (or above) your natural waist- not below it. Avoid horizontal stripes Wear a more voluminous top with a fitted bottom half.

Last but not least, don’t be afraid to have a ‘uniform’. If you find a style that works for your figure- it’s ok to wear a version of it everyday. Buy different color jackets or simple jewelry to change it up and add personality.

If you are petite and have some more suggestions/ advice, please send them in!

By the way, it’s Friday so I’m hooking up with Girlymama. Also, please take a second to vote for me by clicking the link below. I’ve slipped out of the top 1o! Yikes!

Feb 24th, Spring Wish List

Now that I”m so into clothes, it’s tempting (but clearly not practical) to buy an entire new spring wardrobe. Being on a limited budget I made a list of my top 10 items for spring and I’ve done a little shopping…

Today I’m showing one of my new purchases, a yellow blazer. I have gotten really into blazers/ jackets this year. They are perfect for layering- and seem to add a little more polish than a simple cardigan.

Similar to yesterday’s blazer, this one is also jersey knit- so it is literally like a sweatshirt. Can’t get more comfy than that!

I’ve paired this with a blue and white striped shirt.  I can’t get enough of stripes! However, alone, they aren’t that exciting.

I’ve paired my blazer with straight leg jeans and wedge heels. This is a bit of a risk for me. I rarely wear heels with jeans like this, but thought it might be fun to try.

What do you think? Should I stick to flats? Or  for running errands my cute new Pumas would be perfect.

And by the way, do you want to see my list?

1. Bright grandpa style cardigan

2. Maxi dress

3. Something green (mint green is the color to have this spring)

4. Colored jeans

5. Skinny cargos

6. Sporty flats/ tennis shoes

7. Colored cropped pants

8. Yellow blazer

9. Colorful mini (either with a pattern or bright color)

10. Cute layering tanks/ shirts to wear under sweaters

What am I missing? What should I skip?

Of course, since it’s Friday I’ve linked up with my friends at Girlymama for Fashion Friday. Check it out!

Jeans: Nordstrom, Blazer: Nordstrom, Shirt: Anthropologie, Shoes: Macy’s, Necklace: Gift