Oct 17, Athleisure Wear

My little sister once asked to do to a post on how to transition a tennis outfit into a running errands outfit, so that is what today’s post is all about. I have a tennis match today, but will be running a couple errands before the match, so I wanted an outfit that worked for that.

I started with my cropped Lululemon leggings and black Adidas tennis shoes, I then added this cute dolman sleeve top from Target. I think the color is gorgeous, it’s kind of a purple grey- perfect for fall. I like this top because it’s casual- but can easily be dressed up. To add even even more warmth, and a little style I then added this cute black vest. When I get to my match I can take off the vest and top to reveal my tank underneath, then I just need to add my tennis skirt. Easy!

Wish me luck on my match! 🙂

Leggings- Lululemon

Top- Target

Vest- Nordstrom Rack

Tank- Lululemon

Skirt- Tennis Warehouse

Shoes- Adidas, Nordstrom Rack

Oct 15, Camo Sweatshirt

I’m honestly a bit surprised by how little camo I show here on the blog, considering it is one of my favorite prints. I have camo leggings, camo jeans, camo t shirt and two camo sweatshirts! And since today is Camo day in my themed week, my OOTD is my camo sweatshirt!

While I like both of these sweatshirts, I think the one on the right (American Eagle) is just a bit better for today’s outfit. The colors are more vibrant, and the cute stripes on the sleeves really tie in with the off white jeans. To keep the jeans looking current, I rolled the cuffs. I also pushed up my sleeves and added my bracelets. Finally, the cute pointy toed slip on shoes (from Target) look better than the tired old loafers.

Now- on to more important things (in my opinion). I need your help! What shows do you like to watch on Netflix or Amazon Prime? At the end of a long day I LOVE sitting with a glass of red wine and watching a show. And boy have I watched a ton of good shows! Here is what I have watched and enjoyed… but I am in need of something new! (list is in no particular order)

1. Indian Summer
2. Fleabag
3. Dorrells of Corfu
4. Happy Valley
5. Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
6. Friday Night Lights (my all time favorite)
7. Bosch
8. Sex Education
9. Schitt’s Creek
10. Call the Midwife
11. Broadchurch
12. Breaking Bad
13. Crazy Ex Girlfriend
14. Goliath
15. Sneaky Pete
16. The Americans
17. The Staircase
18. Parenthood
19. Wonderland
20. Making a Murderer

Wow! I can’t believe all the shows I’ve watched (mind you this is over a few years time…). But still, makes me think I need to get out more! lol! As you can see, I like a variety of different genres. If you like what I like, and see something missing from my list- please comment! I’m desperate for a new show! Thank you!

Oct 14, Cozy Flannel

I had so much fun last week with my Nordstrom inspired theme week, that I’ve decided to do another one- but on my own terms! It really does make getting dressed easier when you have a point of reference to start. So, here are my plans for the week: Monday: Cozy Flannel, Tuesday: Camo, Wednesday: Dress or skirt, Thursday: Athleisure Wear, Friday: Weekend Ready Graphic T shirt

What could be more fall than a flannel? I mean seriously! It’s like the quintessential fall outfit. My first look was ripped jeans, the flannel and tennis shoes, but that is a little plain.

So then I decided to tye the flannel around my waist and pair it with a white henley long sleeve shirt. I really like this look- it’s a great casual, weekend outfit! For a little less casual version, I thought I’d add this cute utility jacket. This jacket is perfect for chilly fall mornings, it’s not too heavy, but adds a bit of warmth and style at the same time. I swapped out the tennis shoes for my slip on ones, and made sure to roll the sleeves of the jacket. I think the last look would be appropriate for school- but I would not wear the distressed jeans. No school for me today though (it’s conferences, so no substitutes needed), so I’m off to have some fun with girlfriends! 🙂

Flannel- Target

Jeans- Nordstrom (7 for all Mankind)

Jacket- Khol’s

Shoes- Vince, Nordstrom Rack & Adidas, Nordstrom Rack

Oct 8, Jumpsuit

As I mentioned yesterday, this week I am planning my outfits based on a marketing email I received from Nordstrom. Today’s look is a jumpsuit!

First of all, in the effort of full disclosure, I am not actually wearing a jumpsuit today. I’m teaching 3rd grade, and that would not be practical at all! But, wanting to follow the outfit suggestions from Nordstrom I thought I’d show a jumpsuit outfit anyway.

Truth be told, I’m still on the fence with the whole jumpsuit trend. I see tons of gals online wearing them- and they all look adorable, but I’m not sure it’s really me. And in my opinion, the most important thing in fashion is to wear what you are comfortable in.

So, since I’m not even 100% on the jumpsuit trend, I sure as heck wasn’t going to go out and buy one just for today’s look! Instead I am showing an old one that bought at Target years ago and have worn a couple of times (to my cousin’s wedding and in also in Vegas on a girl’s night out).

My before and after is pretty basic. Looking at the inspiration photo she kept her look very simple, but I decided I wanted to add some depth and color, so I added this gorgeous Free People blazer from Nordstrom (old). I think this look would be perfect in an office. So what do you think? Are you a jumpsuit fan? Or is this a trend you will skip?

Oct 4, Rain boots

This outfit started with my rain boots and then worked it’s way up. I often decide my outfits this way- choosing my shoes first, then building the outfit from that. I take into account several factors; including the occasion, the weather and how long I am going to be on my feet.

I’m teaching school today, so will be on my feet a lot, so need comfy shoes. Since it’s supposed to rain all day, these Hunter rain boots are perfect. They are comfy and warm, and much cuter than the clunky and awkward boots on the left.

As for my leggings, I’m not usually a fan of wearing yoga pants to work, they seem too casual, so I have dressed these up with a long blouse and cardigan. The black cardigan is fine, but isn’t the burgundy one on the right better? I love the pop of color, and the longer length is sure to cover my entire behind. The blouse also covers everything (front and back!), and has such a cute but subtle pattern.

The blouse (old) and sweater (new) are from Target, boots are Hunter (Nordstrom) and my leggings are Athleta. I recommend buying high quality leggings! Cheap, thin ones look terrible. They stretch and sag easily, and often you can see right through them. The more expensive ones hold their shape and last for years.

Oct 3, Athleisure Wear

This casual outfit is a combination of an athletic top paired with joggers, perfect for running errands.

I have a tennis match today, so need to be wearing this top, but wanted to show how it could be paired with casual joggers as an alternative look.

The joggers on the left are made of 100% cotton, and they don’t fit well. They are too loose. See how they bag at the knees? They also are too long- notice how they meet my shoes? The joggers on the right, which are made of polyester and spandex, are a more flattering fit. The rolled cuffs allow for a peek at my ankles and my cute slip on tennis shoes. As for the top, the way it flares out right at my hips makes me look a wider. By tying it in the back- and defining my waist- I look slimmer.

If it’s chilly, I will throw on a denim jacket with the sleeves rolled up.

Top- Altheta

Joggers- Target

Shoes- Dr Scholl’s (Marshalls)

August 20, New Joggers

You all know I love my joggers, and today I am super excited about this brand new pair I just bought at Marshalls. They are Tencel, which is one of my favorite fabrics because it is so soft, and I LOVE the color! Gorgeous!! It’s sort of olive green/ grey, which will be a great neutral going into the fall.

One thing I like about these joggers is the length, they are just a tiny bit cropped, which gives them a super relaxed look. I also love the cargo pockets- which is a fun detail. The joggers in my before photo are too long (see how they actually cover my shoes?), plus they have this weird puckering thing going on down the sides. Not sure what that is all about?! To make matters worse, the logo t shirt isn’t adding any style. In my after photo, I have paired my new joggers with this super cute striped silk top from Ann Taylor (old). I’m always a HUGE fan of stripes, and I love how this top looks like a t shirt, but is actually silk- so fun! My Target slides complete the look.

Friends, I need your love and support for the next few days. I’m dropping my son off at his first year of college 2000 miles from home, and my heart is literally breaking. But, I’m super proud of him- and know he will have a fabulous time. It’s just hard to leave him. Please send virtual hugs my way… thanks!

July 12, Denim Shorts

It finally feels more like summer here in the PNW, so today I am wearing denim shorts and a white top.

My before outfit is perfectly fine- cut off shorts, a white t shirt and white Birkenstocks, but isn’t the outfit on the right a little cuter?

I swapped out the denim shorts for a more tailored pair and replaced the t shirt with a white cotton shirt with cute blue detail on the collar and flutter sleeves. My white slides are a perfect finish to an easy summer outfit.

T shirt is from TJ Maxx

Shorts and Slides- Target

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 28, The F***ing Half Tuck

One question/ comment I get a lot is how to do the half tuck. If you’re a regular reader, you know I love doing the half tuck. I think it makes my outfit look more polished, it defines my waist and makes my legs look longer.

One thing to know is that it’s super easy to do. I literally just take the front of the shirt and tuck it in. Sometimes I just take a tiny part of the front and tuck it in, as seen here. I always leave the back out so that my butt is covered.

I jokingly call it the f***ing half tuck because it drives a lot of people crazy. I get it. On days when I’m feeling bloated- the last thing I want is a tucked in shirt.

But, if you are skipping the half tuck- then think about other ways to spice up your outfit. Unbutton a few buttons at the neck, roll the sleeves, wear fabulous shoes, add a statement necklace or scarf. Throw on a jacket or cardigan. Or forget the button down and try a bold print rayon (or silk) top that drapes well.  Do something to make the eye look anywhere but your tummy!  

In the photo above, I skipped the half tuck, but it still looks better than the before photo because I’ve done a few things to add some style. I’m wearing sandals (yes, my feet might freeze). I’ve rolled up my hems of my jeans, and added necklaces and bracelets. All of these minor details add appeal and interest. 

Shirt- J Crew

Jeans- J Brand

Sandals- Target