Sept 1, Blue and White Dress

Today we are headed to friend’s for a bbq and I decided to wear a blue and white striped dress. You all know how much I love blue and white together, it’s such a classic, crisp color combo!

To be clear, there is nothing wrong with the dress on the left- it’s just a simple, cotton blue and white striped dress that with the right styling could be cute… however, isn’t the dress on the right a lot more fun?!

It’s still a blue and white cotton dress, but the halter neckline and the fun geometric stripes are so much more interesting than the simpler version in the before photo.

I bought this dress years ago at the Gap and it is one of my all time favorites. Its one of my ‘go to’ dresses for any occasion. It’s not too dressy and not too casual, just the perfect staple in my closet. If it gets chilly I can throw on a denim jacket or a sweater. I can pair this dress with tennis shoes, flip flops, flat sandals or even wedge heels as I’ve done today. It’s so versatile!

Happy Sunday!

August 17, 1 Dress, 2 Ways

Today I’m showing a cute dress that I bought years ago in Chelan (cute little lake town in Eastern Washington). I have worn this dress to a summer wedding, a cocktail party, an auction and also for date night. I think the pattern is really fun- and very different than what I usually wear. It’s made of polyester (but looks like silk), so it is super comfy and lightweight. It’s a very versatile dress- in that it can easily be changed from dressy to casual by simply throwing on a jacket and changing shoes- as seen below.

August 14, Red and Blue Striped Dress

Thank you for the kind words of encouragement yesterday! That was really unexpected- but also so helpful for when I was doubting myself! 😄 Knowing that people enjoy my posts, makes it worth it! 🤗 No before and after today, just a super cute red and blue striped dress for another 🌞 day! I love that this dress has a tied waist – giving it some shape and definition. I also think the neckline is sweet- it’s not too low (no cleavage here). Brown braided leather sandals complete the simple look. Dress is Old Navy, but really old!! Shoes are also old, from Target.

August 6, Maxi Dress

Tonight is National Night Out and my neighborhood is having a street party & BBQ to celebrate. The idea is to gather neighbors together to get to know one another, as well as form a relationship with local police. The more you know your neighbors, the safer your community is!

I’m going to wear this cute maxi dress that I bought back in June at Nordstrom Rack. There is something retro about this dress that I love. The embroidery reminds me of something my mom would have worn in the 70’s. I love the vertical stripes because they make my legs look longer, and the cute ruffle detail at the hem adds some interest. Best of all, it has pockets. I LOVE a dress with pockets!

Since there is so much going on with the dress, I’ve kept my accessories very simple with a dainty necklace, a few bracelets and flat sandals. Once the sun goes down, I will throw on my dark denim jacket to keep warm.

Is your neighborhood celebrating National Night Out? If so, have fun! 🙂

June 15, Striped Dress

My son is graduating from high school on Monday, and today is their Convocation. I don’t know much about this event, and have no idea what people will be wearing, so I decided to wear a casual cotton striped dress and hope I’m not underdressed!

Colorful striped dresses are very on trend right now- but I’m not one to wear super bright colors, so instead of totally following this fad, I have opted for a more muted version that is more my style. I just found this fun dress at Nordstrom Rack, and I absolutely love it. I think this will be a perfect summer staple for any occasion. The length works for day or evening, and it’s so different than anything I own. Today it’s a bit chilly, so I am pairing it with my denim jacket (with the sleeves rolled up), but for a hot day- I could easily wear it alone with cute white slides.

And check out the cute back! Love the tie!

Here is what the tag says, which I think is awesome!

These are words to live by!

Sidenote- I was in a classroom last week and there was a poster on the wall that said ‘Grace is showing kindness when it isn’t deserved’. I thought that was such a great way to define grace. While I’d like to think kindness is always deserved, I think what this means is that even when someone is being a total jerk- you still show kindness to them. I love that our elementary school children are learning that character trait. I need to remember that in my own life!

Dress- Nordstrom Rack

White slides- Target

Brown slides- Steven (TJ Maxx)

June 11, Maxi Dress

I bought this striped maxi dress a few years ago- but I rarely wear it, because I don’t love the way it looks on my curvy body!  But, it’s going to be a hot day today, so I thought I’d see if I could make some small changes to the way it looks.

 I decided to tie a white tank over the dress. This breaks up the stripes while creating the illusion of a skirt and top. Without the tank the dress is unflattering, all those stripes across my tummy area are not doing me any favors. But by tying the tank- I have created a waist, and broken up all the stripes. Adding the long necklace also helps break up the solid tank. By also tying the bottom of the dress, I have a cohesive look that is super relaxed, easy and fun to wear! Enjoy your day!

Dress- Gap (old)

Tank- Fabletics

Shoes- TJ Max

May 27, Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day! Today we honor and remember all those who have served and died for our country, so it’s only fitting that I wear red and blue to show my patriotism.

This cute red and blue striped dress is from Old Navy, and I bought it several years ago. Boy have I gotten my money’s worth! It’s such a cute and easy dress to wear, and appropriate for my age since the length is not too short. I also like the draw string waist- which helps define my shape. If it gets chilly, I can throw on a dark denim jacket. If you don’t own a denim jacket, this is the one piece that I literally couldn’t live without. It is so versatile- and so practical- and always in style. This one is also from Old Navy. As for my shoes- I mentioned these the other day. I found these at TJ Max, and they are so comfy that I can already tell they are going to be my new favorite sandal.

Enjoy your day!

Feb 18, Striped Dress

I used to love this striped maxi dress (on the left), I used to wear it with a t shirt over the top- and thought I looked cute, until I saw this picture of myself wearing it. Yikes! First of all, it’s way too long, and the horizontal stripes on my curvy body just aren’t flattering!

The mixed up stripes on the blue and white maxi are more flattering than the stripes on the grey and white dress. It also has a looser cut, which doesn’t hug my hips as much. The denim jacket adds a nice casual touch. Roll up the sleeves & add some cute bracelets to add a little style. Swap out the Birkenstocks for cute wedges and I’m good to go!

Nov 28th, You Again?

 You again?

I know, I’ve worn this dress so many times you all are probably sick of it. But, since I only show my own clothes from my own closet you will have to bear with me as I wear one of my favorite dresses again!

This time I decided I needed to add a little color so I paired it with a bright pink cardigan, black tights and black boots. I originally thought I’d skip the tights, but the dress looks too short with just my bare legs (I think I might have shrunk it on accident! Darn it!). Since the dress is so short, adding the tights (or leggings) makes it more appropriate for work.

Let me share with you a little lesson I have learned here- when you are out shopping, if you find a great, versatile day dress- buy it!

You will be amazed at how many different ways you can wear it- and it’s so nice to have a ‘go to’ day dress in my closet! Look for something somewhat neutral- so that you can change the look of it easily. A bold print is great- but not nearly as versatile.

Don’t let the price scare you off, this dress was well over $150, but for the amount of times I’ve worn it- it has paid off. Another great hint is that I have found fabulous dresses at TJ Maxx and Marshalls- so go check them out! Just be very critical in your decision making- just because something is a great deal- doesn’t mean it’s great. Also, just because something is ‘designer’ doesn’t mean it is fabulous for your personal style. I bought a Calvin Klein maxi dress at TJ Maxx that looks like a nightgown (as seen here). Big mistake- even if it was only $39… I would suggest having something pretty specific in mind when shopping, so you don’t end up with an impulse purchase you will regret.

Dress: Nordstrom (Michael Kors), Cardigan: J Crew, Boots: Frye

Nov 15th, Three for Thursday, Utility Vest

Welcome to another edition of Three for Thursday, where I show 1 item worn 3 ways!

Today I am highlighting my utility vest.

I first saw this vest all over style blogs last summer. I immediately drove to my local Old Navy and snatched one up! It is a fun piece to have, and I continue to see women wearing it, so this trend is going to be around for a while.

My first look I have paired the vest with jeans, a striped shirt and a scarf. This look is super casual, easy and fun. Don’t be afraid to mix a striped shirt with a floral pattern scarf. Pattern mixing is another trend that is here to stay. Quick note about my scarf- please make sure you buy scarves that are large and have some bulk to them. A scrawny scarf will not look cute, instead it will look like you are trying to hard- and missing the mark.

This scarf is one of my favorites! I love the floral pattern!

My next look is a fun one- I decided to pair the rugged vest with a dainty lace shirt. To add a little more  interest I chose my red jeans and my Tory Burch flats. I think a necklace might be the perfect final touch!

Contrasting the feminine lace top and the rugged vest is a fun way to mix things up.

My last look is one you’ve probably seen me do before (and will see a different version of next week).  Here I have layered my vest over a dress. It’s a fun way to make a dress casual enough for day use (you could wear this anywhere!). To keep warm, I have on socks and boots. To add a little color and interest, I chose my Stella and Dot statement necklace.

I love this necklace, but not sure it’s totally right for this look… hmmm…

Top Picture: Jeans: Nordstrom, Shirt: J Crew, Vest: Old Navy, Scarf: Boutique in Yakima, WA

Middle Picture: Jeans: TJMaxx, Lace shirt: Madewell, Vest: Old Navy, Shoes: Nordstrom

Bottom Picture: Dress: Land’s End, Boots: DSW, Necklace: Stella and Dot