Oct 9th, Re-thinking the Maxi

 I love my maxi dress- it is the ultimate in comfort (it’s like wearing a nightgown all day,) and looks stylish at the same time.

Trouble is, my maxi seemed too summery for me to wear in October…

Unless I layer a tank underneath, add a cute cropped trench coat, and finish the look off with my wedge booties. The matching necklace is just icing on the cake!

Now I look totally appropriate for a beautiful fall day!

Note- I accidentally shrunk my maxi in the dryer (gasp), so this is a little too short. Technically, it should go all the way to the floor. Also, I think my white tank goes up too high- I will be changing it for a lower profile one!

If you haven’t already, click on the link to the right and join me on Facebook!

Necklace from Stella and Dot!

I would have never worn these shoes with a dress two years ago- but aren’t they fun?

Dress: Gap, Jacket: H&M, Necklace: Stella and Dot, Shoes: J Crew

Sept 23rd, Rainy Day Soccer Mom

 This post is for a reader, Shannon, who wrote yesterday asking what to wear to a soccer game when it’s raining.

Living in the Pacific Northwest, I’m pretty much a self proclaimed expert on rainy day wear!

The key component is having the right boots!

I coveted these rain boots (on the left!) for several months before I finally splurged and bought them. I will tell you- it was so worth it. Not only are they super comfy and stylish- but paired with knee socks- they are very warm!

I wearing black stretch pants (go for ones that are really thick & warm), and then I decided to go with a cream turtleneck and my trench coat in the same color. It’s a very mono-chromatic look- but I liked it- and I was very warm- and so much better than the look on the right. Luckily, it didn’t end up raining- but a cute umbrella would have been the final touch to keep me totally dry!

On the right (in case you are wondering) my jeans are too baggy for boots (see how they gather around the knee), the bright pink boots are a little dorky, and this coat isn’t doing much for me. Yes, I’m warm and dry- but I can also be warm and dry and look good too, right?!

I do wonder if I was a little overdressed though? I did get a bit of teasing by a dad (ahem, Jeff B you know who you are!), but I think he was just jealous that I was warm!

Pants: Nordstrom, Trench: Target, Turtleneck: J Crew, Boots: Nordstrom

June 6th, Thank you Jill

 This outfit is inspired by the ever fashionable Jill from Jill’s Good Life For Less.

Lacking inspiration, I went over to her blog to see what she was up to- and I saw this cute outfit, which I just love!

I decided to skip the scarf, and instead added a little burst of color.  But basically it’s the same idea- white skinny’s, paired with a t shirt and a short trench coat.

I’ve got on my gladiator sandals (which let me tell you, are seriously the most comfortable sandals in the world- along with my Danskos, these are the best!).

In my before picture I have my jacket buttoned all the way to the top- and also have on my bootleg jeans. This looks frumpy because the jacket has no shape.

By opening the jacket, rolling the sleeves and showing a fitted t shirt underneath, I now look more stylish. Plus, it’s fun to see the bright burst of color mixed with these neutrals.

For a change, I decided to try it with the coat belted… what do you think? Yeah or Nay?

Linking up with Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday!

Love these sandals. They are so comfy!

Better belted or not? You decide!

Jeans: J Crew, Jacket: Gap, T shirt: Gap, Shoes: Naot, Necklace: Forever 21

May 31st, Month In Review

Well ladies, it’s the end of the month- so it’s time for a review of all my outfits.

I’ll be back tomorrow with a Reader’s Request- so be sure to drop by then to help a reader with what to wear to Disneyworld!

For now enjoy the summary, and let me know which one was your favorite! If you haven’t had the chance to ‘like’ me on Facebook- please do so! I’m almost to 200 likes- which would make my day! 🙂

May 18th, I Hate This Dress

 Today’s post is a bit different, because truth be told- I hate this dress!

I bought it when shopping with my mom, and lesson learned! She’ll tell me I look cute in anything, when in reality this dress is so unflattering.

I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating. When in doubt about something, take a picture of yourself wearing it. For some strange reason, the camera seems to be more honest than the mirror!

The major problem with this dress is the high waist and the diagonal stripes. Now you all know how much I love my stripes- but in this case- they are working against me. They make me look really large through the hip and tummy area. The denim jacket is emphasizing that- by drawing your eye right to my middle. ARGH! The flat ankle strap sandals are also shortening the length of my legs- not to mention very matronly!

To salvage this look (because I already cut the tags off the dress), I’m wearing it paired with a blue trench coat and heels. The trench coat helps break up the stripes, defines the waist and the light blue adds a nice soft contrasting color to the yellow.

It still isn’t my favorite look- but I decided to show it to you all so that you can see how something as simple as a diagonal stripe can be so unflattering.

It’s Fashion Friday, so be sure to click here for some cuter looks! Enjoy your weekend.

The high heel sandal makes my legs look a lot longer (although my feet will probably ache at the end of the day).

Feb 20th, Cropped Trench

 I have gotten really into trench coats this year- as seen here and here.

Part of the reason- and I discussed a bit of this yesterday- is that it is perfect for hiding a not so flat tummy. I also love jackets because I am always cold- and a trench helps keep me nice and warm.

Today I’m sporting a cute cropped & belted trench. It can also be called a safari jacket.  I have no idea if this is even still in style, I bought it a while ago at the Gap and just found it in my closet (love it when that happens!).

Some would advise against wearing this type of jacket- simply because all the pockets on the front add bulk- so if you’re big breasted, you may want to avoid this look.

However, being a B cup, I can use the extra padding up there.

On the right I am showing it with a black turtleneck, which just seems a little too buttoned up to me. It’s cute- but maybe too safe?

On the left I have replaced it with a tank- which shows a little more skin. On the bottom I’ve simply paired it with my dark skinny jeans and black ballet flats. Again, nothing earth shattering, nothing you’ll see on a runway- but a simple outfit that works in real life.

If you like what you see- please take a second to vote- just a quick click on the upper right corner- where it says ‘vote for us’. Thanks so much!! It truly means so much to me! 🙂

Swing by Monday Mingle at Glamamom to see lots of other style ideas!

Love that the belt defines my waist.

Jacket: Gap, Pants: Anthropologie, Tank: Nordstrom, Shoes: Nordtrom, Necklace: Jewel Kade

Oct 16th, White After Labor Day?

Off white pants are totally appropriate after Labor Day!

While I love black and white together, this seems a little dull!

Good morning- happy Sunday! My hubby and I had a date last night, so I am actually going to post what I wore out with him- rather than my Sunday outfit. I’m playing tennis this morning, and then spending the rest of my day cleaning my house- so you probably don’t want to see that outfit!

A lot of people wonder about the whole white after Labor Day thing- and according to Tim Gunn, it’s ok! And in my book- he is the expert! I think the secret is to not wear stark white, these pants are a little creamy white (hard to tell in the photos). The other secret is to wear closed toe shoes- so you don’t look like you’re trying to still be in summer mode!

On the right I’ve paired my trousers with a black t shirt and black heels. I love black and white together, but this is just too boring.

To spice things up a bit, I’ve added my cropped trench coat, added a necklace and changed my shoes for these cute leopard heels. Ready to go hit the town!

Have a great day!

The cropped trench is a great alternative for a cardigan or blazer.

Pants: Express, T shirt: Nordstroms, Trench: H&M, Necklace: Forever 21, Leopard Shoes: DSW

Oct. 7th, The It List

Happy Friday Ladies! Take some time to check out these great links!

• gs lillian shares these quirky loafers and flats she found – how fun are these? Check out her blog to see more fun styles! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style never disappoints with her simple and inspiring Monday posts.  This “just breathe” photo has me swooning! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• lex and learn tries stuffed peppers for the first time… yum, these look amazing! (find lex and learn on twitter!)
• rachael, really gives us the scoop on gel nails. I love her insight here – have you ever tried them? (find rachael, really on twitter!)
• little girl in a big world is vowing to shop her closet… I need to be better about this too! (find little girl in a big world on twitter!)
• everyday mom style shows us her sideline attire – all you ‘soccer moms’ know what I mean! And I love this outfit… perfect for a stylish mom! (find everyday mom style on twitter!)
• spot of whimsy is totally in fall mode… check out her gorgeous farmers market pictures and other snapshots of fall! (find spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• fabulously average sports an adorable fall outfit including stripes and a few bold colors.  How could it get better than this? (find fabulously average on twitter!)
• the style dossier has a flapper/20’s gal hair (and makeup!) tutorial.  Just in time for Halloween! (find the style dossier on twitter!)
• simply bold is loving ponchos for fall!  Me too! See how she styles them up!
• chic or treat shares her favorite beauty finds at Target – I always love a peek in to a fellow bloggers “shopping cart” so to say!  Check out her picks! (find chic or treat on twitter!)
• take me for a twirl shares her favorite podcasts… are you a podcast addict too!?!? Check out her favorites! (find take me for a twirl on twitter!)
• good life for less releases her newest e-book called “Blog Bits” where she dishes on how to grow and monetize your blog.  Check it out if you are interested in taking your blog to the next level! (find good life for less on twitter!)

 

Oct. 2nd, Another Day, Another Sideline

A fitted trench coat is always stylish, and warm!

Yesterday was soccer, today lacrosse! These kids and their sports, gotta love it!

I remember last year being at one of my son’s lacrosse games and seeing this cute mom from across the field. She had on a trench coat, skinny pants and flats- while I had one something similar to my post from yesterday (not the North Face). I decided then and there that I needed to make some changes. I am totally copying her look- but isn’t what this blog is about? Finding inspiration and style from other moms?

I found this cute trench at Target and think it is a perfect coat- it has a nice length (covers my behind), has a belt which gives it shape and will keep me warm. Tim Gunn says that a trench is one of the must have items for every women’s wardrobe. I’m a big Tim Gunn fan!

Underneath I am wearing black skinny stretch pants (see similar Sanctuary brand) that I got at Marshalls (love a good deal). These are the MOST comfortable pants ever. To add a little spice to my look, I threw on my leopard flats (again, great deal from Target) and a cute fall scarf (also from Target). I’m dressed on a dime today!

I’m off… hope you have a great Sunday! 🙂

Luckily you don't have to spend a fortune to own a trench, this was $50!

Sept 17th, Friday Night Lights

I actually really like this outfit- it may have just been a little dressy for football!

Scary lumberjack mom- stay away!

I’m actually posting my outfit from last night- this is what I wore to our local high school football game.

I have to admit though- I’m really struggling- I thought my outfit yesterday was great- then I went to work and saw so many people who were dressed so much better/ cuter/ more stylish than me. I felt stupid (who am I to have a style blog?) and I lost my confidence.

When I got home from work I tried to put together an outfit to wear to the high school game. The outfit on the right is seriously what I put together at first. Yikes! I look like a scary lumberjack. What was I thinking?

To make up for the lumberjack I went to the other extreme- sexy private eye. I paired my dark skinny jeans with a sleek black turtleneck, black boots and a cute houndstooth jacket. My primary goal was to not be cold, so I wanted something that was warm, stylish and would work at a football game. I actually really like this outfit, and I got several comments on how nice I looked- which I translated to ‘you are totally over-dressed for a football game’!

Sometimes do you ever feel like you can’t do anything right? Welcome to my world today!

This coat didn't come with a belt, but I added one to make it fit better. What do you think? Better with out without?

Coat: Brook’s Brothers, Jeans: Anthroplogie, Turtleneck: White House, Black Market, Boots: Frye’s, Necklace Forever 21