I’ve really become a fan of my wide leg jeans, they are a nice change from my skinny ones! The important thing to remember with wide leg jeans is balance.
Looking at the before photo- this top is just too big and baggy, and paired with the loose jeans it looks frumpy. The orthopedic tennis shoes are not helping!
This paper thin sweater is a better option. The cut is a little slimmer, the weight of it is perfect for spring (not to heavy) and the shape works with the wide leg jeans. To complete the outfit, I chose my cute snakeskin slingbacks and added a necklace to give the look a little color.
When shopping for wide leg jeans and important thing to consider is the cut of the wide leg. Make sure the wide cut is only in the leg- and not throughout the entire pant. Otherwise, you will just look really wide all over. I hate to share this photo below because the quality is terrible, but here I am trying on some wide leg jeans at Target. As you can see- the width is throughout the entire leg- making me look lumpy and frumpy.
My friend MaryAnn gave me this scarf last year on my birthday- and I wear it often, yet never seem to photograph me in it- so today here it is.
As per usual, I chose another very simple- very neutral outfit- just skinny jeans and a plain long tunic and brown boots.
Alone this is just too blah- but by adding this cool infinity scarf (complete with fringe) and a fun orange bracelet (also a b-day gift from a dear friend) I have given the outfit some texture and interest. So easy!
Over the past year I’ve mentioned my ‘rule of 3’ several times (and to be honest, I didn’t even come up with this idea, I think it came from Jessica Quirk of “What I Wore“), so today I thought I’d explain it again for those who were wondering what I’m talking about.
Basically it’s really simple!
I just like to have 3 elements to my outfit (on the top half). This means I might start with a plain top (or tunic as you see on the right) and then add a little something extra- like the striped cardigan and the raspberry scarf. By adding those 2 little extras- I have now made my outfit all the more interesting. I’ve added color and texture (with the scarf) and a pattern (with the cardigan).
Other options are: add a necklace, a bracelet, a belt, a jacket, a scarf, a vest, a tank, or even layer something underneath… the options are endless! Just keep it interesting!
No time to write today, I’m rushing out the door for yet another basketball tournament!
I can’t decide which shoes to wear… I like the all black look on the left- they make my legs look longer, but then again the brown boots on the right are a fun alternative!
What do you think?
I love this oversize sweater, it’s so cozy!
Sometimes it’s fun to mix brown and black together!
I feel a little silly dedicating a post to talking about me- but throughout the past year I have received lots of emails from readers asking personal questions. So, I figured that it was time to answer them.
1. How tall are you?
I am 5’5″- so I am very average! Believe it or not, I’m also curvy (my hips are bigger than my waist). I share this because for years I would look at magazine articles talking about body types and could never figure out which one I was. I mistakingly thought that because I was thin I couldn’t be curvy. Not so- even thin girls can have curves!
2. What time do you get up in the morning?
Well, it depends- but usually I am up at 6:00 so that I can shower and get dressed before my kids get up. My son gets up at 6:25- (his bus picks him up at 7:00 for school- UGH!) Sometimes I don’t get showered and dressed until after both kids are off to school.
3. How do you pick out your outfits?
I spend a lot of time on the weekends going through my closet and putting together looks. I then photograph them so that later I can remember what works and what doesn’t. It’s amazing how looking at a picture of yourself (instead of the mirror) gives me a totally different perspective. I also am always watching other people- and when I see an outfit that looks fabulous on someone else, I make a note of it- then try to re-create that look.
4. What shoes do you wear in the winter to keep warm?
I love my boots and knee socks- my feet are always cold, so I tend to wear my black boots almost everyday. For a little variety, I have added my new desert booties and my short cowboy boots to the mix. I also love my Hunter rain boots (I do live in Seattle after all) and my Sorel snow boots for those really slushy days.
5. What is your favorite item in your closet?
This is a hard one- I love a great pair of skinny jeans, love my black turtleneck, love my denim shirt, my navy blazer- and love a good comfy sweater.
6. Why do you call your style American Classic?
Well, I have a great style book that I love called The Lucky Guide to Mastering any Style, in this book they break down different styles- and show examples of outfits from each one. They even include a list of ‘must have’ pieces for each style. The different styles are:
Euro Chic
California Casual
Rock and Roll
Posh Ecletic
Mod
American Classic
Bombshell
Arty Slick
Bohemian
Gamine
Mix and Match
I relate most to American Classic- meaning I like traditional, classic clothing. I’m inspired by Jackie O, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Ralph Lauren- I love blazers, white shirts, turtleneck sweaters… all in earthy tones. I am trying to add a little of my own personality by incorporating a few (mild) trendy pieces in- and I’ve definitely tried to add more color!
7. What is your favorite store to buy clothes?
Well, if you are a regular reader you will know I love Nordstroms! I know lots of people avoid departments stores because they are so overwhelming, see my post here to help !
I also love Target because they have trendy and usually well made pieces at really reasonable prices! I always walk through the clothing section when I’m at Target- they are constantly getting new stuff in- so it’s always fun to see what they have!
I also love J Crew- but it’s funny, when I get their catalog I actually don’t like much of what I see- I think sometimes they try too hard to be edgy or combine crazy colors. That being said- J Crew is a classic store with well made pieces at somewhat reasonable prices.
I am a pretty careful shopper- meaning when I am clothes shopping I have a list of exactly what I am looking for- this helps me stay focused and avoid making impulse purchases! Just because something is on the sale rack does not mean I have to own it!
8. Why are you headless in your photos? It’s weird!
I know it takes a little getting used to- but I really prefer to not have my face in the pictures for several reasons. One- I am very un-photogenic. I look really goofy in pictures- and to get a good one I’d have to take about 100. Since you can’t see my face I can snap 3 quick pics of my outfit and I’m done. The second reason is so that I don’t have to do my hair or makeup for the pictures! I also like being anonymous! Lastly, I really want this blog to be about clothes- and not about me.
9. What inspired you to start this blog?
I started this blog because one day I was on the internet and stumbled across the blog What I Wore. I had never seen a style blog before and I was immediately hooked! I started to look at more and more blogs- looking for women who were wearing clothes like what I wore- and I couldn’t really find any (although I’m sure they are out there- I just hadn’t found them yet!). I decided that maybe I should start my own blog- using the format of before and after pictures- because that’s what always interests me when reading makeover stories in magazines. Also, I really wanted a creative outlet- and this is a great chance for me to have a little hobby and follow my passion for clothes.
10. Does anyone send you clothes to wear?
I wish! No, all of the clothes you see me in are clothes that I have purchased over the years- which is why sometimes I show pieces that are several years old. This is my real closet- so there are things in there I bought 10 years ago! (which is why being an American Classic is perfect- classic pieces never go out of style!).
The lighting is so bad in my bathroom that you can’t see the true color of this top- please click here to go to the CABi site to see the top in better lighting.
Pants: Gap, Top: CABI, Necklace: Lia Sophia, Boots: Nordstrom
I stumbled across this cool Ikat top at World Market- of all places!
Sometimes I like to poke around there to find cool wrapping paper, cards and such- but then I saw this fun top and snapped it up thinking it would be a great swim suit cover up!
Needless to say, for the 3 weeks I was in Kansas (in the 100 degree heat) I never wore it, but actually, here in the Pacific Northwest, one does need a LONG SLEEVED cover up! Go figure!
Today I decided to try it a new way- as a tunic. Layered over my white jeans, I simply belted the top, (to give it a little more shape) added cute necklace and sandals and off we went to the mall to do back to school shopping.
I was so comfy- and will definitely be wearing this again!
I’m not usually a fan of prints- but I love the Ikat print- especially in my favorite colors, blue and white!
Good morning! It’s another fairly ‘unfashionable’ outfit from me today, but as I’ve said many, many times- this is a real blog- and a real reflection of what I am wearing!
Since it’s Saturday- and the first Saturday in a long time that we have no plans, I am going to spend the day lounging around my house, tackling projects, reading my book, playing with the kids and maybe taking the dog for a walk.
That being said- (as usual)- comfort is key!
Today I opted for my black stretch pants and a tunic. To add a little color and interest, I threw on this gorgeous raspberry scarf. As with other scarves, I safety pinned the ends together (to make an infinity scarf) and then looped it around my head 2 times. Simple as that!
Yes, I know it is not cutting edge fashion, but its the perfect outfit for a lazy Saturday.
As for Baby Got Back- seriously?!
Unless you are under the age of 20 (or exercising)- please don’t wear skin tight pants with a short shirt. No matter how skinny you are- no one wants to see your backside- as demonstrated below!
I was so comfy the other day when I wore my leggings with a dress, that I wanted to try it again today. It’s amazing how comfy and warm this is!
Last summer I picked up this fun printed dress off the clearance rack at Target. It’s really too short (for someone my age) to wear all alone- so I paired it with black cropped leggings, a black cardigan and black sandals. Now it’s more age appropriate and a great casual and comfy weekend outfit.
As you know, I rarely wear prints- so this a stretch for me- but I like it!
I have a very early flight to sunny southern California today, so I’m showing what I am wearing on the plane.
To me, comfort is key- but I also don’t want to look like I’m in sweats or my pj’s (I’ve actually seen adults wearing pj’s on planes!)
Instead of sloppy sweats, I’ve chosen comfy leggings. To be honest, I resisted leggings for a long time- thinking I am way too old to be wearing them.
I remember when they were popular in the early 80’s (thank you Madonna). I figured that since I wore them the first time around I should probably resist the second.
So, that being said- I don’t wear them a ton- but when I do- boy are they comfy. For my top I’ve chosen this loose tunic. As with the skinny jeans, with leggings it is VERY important that your shirt hangs down way below your bum. It can’t just graze the butt- it needs to be full coverage. Trust me.
I’m showing my original look on the right- and then on the left I’m showing how by adding just a few pieces I turned this boring outfit into something more interesting. Plus, having layers on an airplane is essential.
Don’t forget to click the ‘vote for us’ button on the right! Just 1 simple click each day keeps me in the running. Thanks! 🙂
I use my largest purse as my carryon- it fits my laptop, magazines and everything else!
I’ve hooked up with Girlmama for Fashion Friday. Check it out!
Before I talk about this outfit, I have some exciting news! My blog has been chosen to be on Top Mommy Blogs! Please take a minute to click the link where it says ‘like my blog?’ (on the right) to vote for my blog! Thank You!!!
This is one of those outfits that I think is really cute, but my husband hates it. Not sure what exactly about it that he hates- he just does.
So, I’ve decided to let you all decide. Is this cute? Is it awful? What could I do to make it cuter (if anything)?, or is it time for the Goodwill?
Originally I had it on as you see on the right, but I decided the white t shirt underneath takes away from the cute neckline of this smock, so I changed it out for a 3/4 sleeve, v neck shirt, and added a necklace.
My favorite part of the entire outfit are these new shoes I just picked up at Nordstrom. As you may know- I hate tennis shoes (unless I’m working out), but love comfort. These cute little Puma’s are the perfect solution. They feel like tennis shoes, but look like ballet flats!
Where have they been all my life?! Prepare to see these babies a lot!
Everyday Mom Style 
