I bought this striped top years ago, but rarely wore it because it always made me feel frumpy, but I couldn’t put my finger on why- until today!
Now looking at the photos, I think it’s the super wide stripe right around my tummy! I’ve always heard to avoid horizontal stripes because they make you look big- and here is evidence of that.
So, to fix that, I’ve done the half tuck. This breaks up the big stripe- and gives the top some movement. Pairing it with trendy joggers and cute peep toe booties completes the look. Now I don’t feel like a frumpy mom, I feel like a fashionista! (just kidding!) But it is better, right?
Living in Seattle, it’s essential that I have some good rain boots! So when Hunter boots first became popular I HAD to have a pair. Before that, I was wearing rain boots from Fred Meyer- and they looked like this photo from when I started blogging back in 2012! A lot has changed since then, but I still love my Hunter Boots!
In my before photo, I am wearing a golf shirt with black leggings and my Hunter Boots. I think a collared shirt looks odd with leggings. Something just seems off with this. I also think the length is bad, it’s too short.
So I kept to the black and white theme (I really love that color combo, obviously) but ditched the weird golf shirt for this cute striped shirt. I like the way this shirt gathers around the tummy area- hiding my food baby. Then, to cover my behind, and add a little color, I threw on this fabulous pink lightweight cardigan from Nordstrom. You may recognize this sweater from this outfit. Ok, now I’m ready for you rain!
When wearing leggings (if you’re over 40), please cover your butt. Unless you are super fit- then you go girl! Me, I like mine covered.
Hi friends! Sorry I skipped yesterday. I actually had a very early appointment with a specialist about my sciatica- and then spent the rest of the day in bed resting. ARGH!
Anyhoo… it’s Thursday, so time for another edition of Three for Thursday. For you new readers, this is where I show 1 item worn 3 ways. Pretty simple stuff!
As usual, my lighting in my bathroom is terrible, so you can’t really tell- but these are my purple skinny jeans. They look black in the pictures- but they are actually purple- I swear! To give you a true idea of what color they are, I included the picture (above right) from Pinterest.
In my first outfit I chose to keep it very casual and just added my blue and white striped shirt and my denim jacket. For shoes I chose my short boots.
For the next outfit, I also kept it really casual. This is a great weekend outfit- very simple, yet stylish. I chose my denim shirt and then added this cool infinity scarf and some fun bracelets. For shoes I chose my brown boots.
Denim shirt- J Crew, Scarf: Macy’s
My third look is more for a casual work outfit. Here I chose to wear a sweater (notice the cute ruffle detail around the neckline), and then I added a necklace and a stack of bracelets. For fun, I rolled the hems of the jeans and chose my leopard ballet flats.
Sweater: Loft, Shoes: Target, Necklace: Stella and Dot
Because I was inspired- I decided to try 2 more looks with these purple jeans. The first is a bit strange- and I’m not sure if I like it or not. Here, I chose a blush colored silky blouse and then added a cable knit dark grey cardigan. I like the contrast of the feminine blouse and the chunky sweater. It’s the shoes I’m not sure about. I love these slip on loafers- but the bare ankles paired with a big cardigan may be too much of a contrast.
For the last look I chose to show a date night look. Rather than just wear regular denim or black jeans, I decided to try a cute going out top with these purple jeans and added strappy black heels. Since the neckline of this top is so decorative, I skipped a necklace. Instead I added a fun chunky silver bracelet.
Which outfit would you wear? Any of them? Please comment, I love hearing from you!!
After a wonderful vacation, I am now home and have to get back to work. Lucky for me, jeans are appropriate in my office, but I still want to look professional, so I like to add a blazer.
As you can probably tell (if you are a regular reader), I am a huge fan of blazers. I used to love cardigans and twin sets (yes, I am that old), so a blazer is a great alternative to that look.
The thing to be careful of with blazers is to not look too serious or too dated. So, if you have a bunch of old blazers lurking in the back of your closet- you might want to check a few things before wearing it. Are there large shoulder pads? Is the cut fitted (does it nip in at the waist or is it a boxy cut), is the length too long (aim for the waist).
Today I am wearing one of my old blazers. I bought this a few years ago at Ann Taylor- and while I love the color (it is especially popular this season), I had to cut out the shoulder pads and roll the sleeves to keep the look modern and current. I also decided to replace the stiff, formal button up white shirt with a black and gray striped t shirt. I added a black bracelet and necklace to finish the look off.
I have paired the blazer with my boot cut jeans. This is another common question I get from readers- asking how to wear boot cut jeans. Lot’s of women prefer this style to the skinny jeans- and I understand. They are a lot more forgiving for any figure flaws! I like to pair them with something slim and fitted on top and definitely with heels! Wedges are a great option.
Jeans: Nordstrom (Paige Premium Denim), T shirt: Macy’s, Blazer: Ann Taylor, Shoes: Nordstrom (Me Too)
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
I love finding outfit ideas on Pinterest- because it makes me re-think ways to wear clothes I already have!
Last night I spent about an hour pouring over outfits ideas on Pinterest! I’ll admit it, it’s a total time suck, but also inspiring and fun!
Today’s outfit is a good example of an outfit I especially liked!
In the picture on the right she has paired cropped boyfriend jeans with a striped shirt and a tan front tie cardigan. She also opted for sky high heels- which (as many of you know) there is NO WAY I could wear.
Even though I just wore this striped shirt last Monday, I decided this outfit was so cute- I’d wear it again.
For my sweater- I’ve had this for years, and worn it several times. But truthfully, I’ve struggled a bit on what to wear it with. I would have never thought of a striped shirt- which is strange since I LOVE my stripes!
As for my shoes, instead of platform shoes I opted for my more practical (and warm) booties!
Looking at the pictures I realize I forgot a necklace! Whoops! I’ll add that!
Happy Monday- and for all you East coast readers- Stay Safe!
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?!).
My typical ‘go to’ outfit for days when I’m not working is jeans and a shirt.
Before Everyday Mom Style I would have worn the outfit on the right.
It is just so easy to throw on a shirt, jeans and my Birkenstocks and call it good- however, there is nothing appealing about this outfit and the message that I am sending is ‘I take no time for myself’.
Is that the message you want to send?
Not me! I want to look somewhat pulled together, somewhat stylish, somewhat like I care!
Hence- the outfit on the left! This is as comfortable as the outfit on the right- but it is so much cuter. The blue and white striped tank is more interesting than a solid shirt, and the bright cardigan gives the outfit a pop of color. The cuffed jeans are casual- yet look a little more stylish than the ‘before’ pair . As for my shoes- anything is better than my Birkenstocks- and we all know how much I love my Puma ballet flats!
I wore this to dinner last night at our new local pizza place- and I only had time for 1 photo, sorry!
Jeans: Old Navy, Cardigan: Target, Tank: Gap, Shoes: Nordstrom
Sometimes things seem so simple and self explanatory that I honestly feel ridiculous sharing them.
But then my sweet neighbor, Laurel, tells me- ‘you should write this on your blog, some people may not know…’ and so here I am doing exactly that.
And actually, truth be told- it took me a LONG time to figure out this simple little trick! I used to see girls running around in the cutest cropped jeans and wonder where the heck they bought them.
So for those of you who are still searching for the perfect cropped jean- I have news for you!
Create your own!
Easy, right?!
I just went to Old Navy and found a pair I liked- in the perfect wash- and then I simple roll them up to make cropped jeans. So simple!
As Laurel pointed out- it’s kind of perfect because then you essentially have two pairs of jeans- wear them full length- or wear them rolled- and you have two totally different looks.
As for my scarf- I know most of you around the country are probably dying at my scarf in the summer- but here in Seattle it’s only 55 degrees, so I need it to keep warm. I like the floral pattern with the stripes too… fun pattern mixing.
Enjoy your Sunday!
One quick thing I want to add- my brother in law just ran across the entire state of Kansas to raise money for Parkinson’s Disease. He did this in only 5 days! What an incredible accomplishment. I am so proud of him I just had to share.
To read all about it- click here- And if you are compelled to donate to his cause, I know he would appreciate it! 🙂
I actually wore this yesterday! To my local friends, if you see me today in something different- you’ll know why! Sorry this is a bit blurry- I must have moved.
In the early morning, I even threw a cardigan on- it was that chilly. Oh summer- where are you?!
Jeans: Old Navy, Striped Shirt: J Crew, Scarf: J Crew, Cardigan: White House, Black Market
For those of you who are following my foot pain saga, I think I may have some good news!
Taking readers advice, I decided to do a little shopping and check out Danskos. Originally, I thought there was no way that I would find any that I liked. In my mind, Dansko is a big, black, clunky, masculine shoe!
Much to my surprise, I found these – dare I say it- cute sandals! They definitely aren’t something that I would ordinarily be drawn to- but once I put them on I was hooked!
They are so sublimely comfortable- and my feet are so happy! However, before I decide to keep them for sure, I need to know your thoughts.
Are they keepers?*
As for my outfit. I decided to play it safe and wear my new shoes with khaki cargos and a striped shirt- but these stripes (on the right) are so close together they make me dizzy and the cut of this shirt is too short and very boxy and not flattering. It just looks weird!
To improve the look, I rolled the cuffs of the pants to make them a little more ‘on trend’, and then switched out the striped shirt to a cute blue and white one. Notice the cute details on the sleeves. The necklace is the final touch.
Don’t forget, it’s Fashion Friday, so be sure to click here to see some other very cute ideas!
Side view to show the shoe from another angle. The heels are a little clunky, but luckily that is ‘in’.
*I won’t wear the shoes out of the house today, (so I can return them if necessary) so please feel free to be very honest!
Everyday Mom Style 
