August 29, Back to School Shopping

I took my daughter back to school shopping today. Yes, I know- most of the country is already back at school, but in the PNW we wait until after Labor Day to start, so we still have a few more days of summer. Yeah!

I knew I wanted to wear jeans because I am always cold in the mall, and I decided to keep it simple and classic by pairing my jeans with a white button down. However- comparing the two looks above, you can see that in order for this to be a cute outfit, I need to make a few changes.

Instead of the dark straight leg jeans, I decided to go with distressed skinnies from Nordstrom (7 for all Mankind). Since a button down is a little dressy, the distressed jeans balance it out by being super casual. To keep from looking like I’m wearing my husband’s dress shirt (which I am in the before photo), I swapped out this thick starched shirt for a much thinner, casual one from Nordstrom (Treasure and Bond). Then I rolled the sleeves and unbuttoned a few buttons. To add some interest, I choose my leopard belt from Target and added a white cuff bracelet. My leather braided sandals completed the outfit.

March 20, Plain White Shirt

You guys, it doesn’t get much more basic than a plain white shirt and blue jeans for my OOTD. But yet, I love the way it looks when it’s done right.

The outfit on the left is awkward. Seeing the tucked in tank under my shirt looks really weird (and I sort of look pregnant, gasp! I’m far too old for that). Not helping are my Birkenstocks (which I LOVE by the way) but there isn’t much in the way of style in this look.

To improve the outfit, I first tucked in my shirt and rolled the sleeves. Then I added this cute leopard belt to give the outfit a little oomph. Then I threw on a bunch of bracelets (see below). Lastly, I swapped out my comfy Birks for these cute neutral flats by Paul Green. I love the style of these shoes, the ties add such cute detail. Plus, being Paul Green, they are so comfy! Perfect for being on my feet all day.

These fun bracelets add some color to my otherwise plain look.

Paul Green Flat

Jeans- Joes, Nordstrom Rack

Blouse- Treasure and Bond, Nordstrom

Shoes- Nordstrom

Belt- Target

Bracelets- Forever 21

Jan 3rd, Plain White Shirt

I’ve read several times that every woman should own a plain white shirt in her wardrobe. While I’ll say I definitely agree- it’s important to keep in mind there are lots of different types of white shirts.

Originally, I thought I needed a pressed & starched formal white button down- as seen on the right. However, truth be told- most days, this just isn’t me!

I’m more casual, and unstructured- so it wasn’t until my husband bought me this version of a plain white shirt that I fully understood what this style rule actually means.

A white shirt can be any type of white shirt-as long as it suits you- and in this case, this shirt is so me. It’s soft, it’s flowy, it’s long enough to cover my hips and bum… and being white it is so versatile it can go with anything!

When shopping for a plain white shirt- look for interesting details- and look for a style/ fabric that suits you! Below is a picture of the pocket on this shirt- I included it to show the amazing detail of this shirt (which is hard to see in the above photo). There is little tiny stitching along the pocket that adds interest.

It’s also important to add your own details and pieces of interest- or else your outfit can be too boring. As seen below, I added a cool necklace and bracelet- and then finished the outfit off with grey cords and short cowboy boots. It’s a very simple, understated look- but I think it works!

Shirt: James Perse (Nordstrom), Jeans: Banana Republic, Necklace: Plateau Jewelry, Bracelet: Accessory Concierge, Boots: Target

June 13th, Color Overload

Today I am showing how easily one can go overboard on color.

When I showed my daughter the outfit on the right she exclaimed ‘oh, no mom- way too colorful’! Keep in mind, she’s 9!

However, if you look at J Crew, or some of the high style blogs- you’ll see people doing some crazy things with color.

Personally, I’d rather play it safe with sticking to one bright color and then balancing the outfit with neutrals like white and black.

I’ve chosen a simple and classic button down white blouse. This one is from Brooks Brothers- and it is the no wrinkle style- which I love! I’ve paired it with a classic black blazer and pearls. Let the pink pants get all the attention!

Linking up with Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday! Check it out!

*By the way, I’m not really wearing this today. I’m working from home and playing tennis later- so if you see me, you’ll know why.

Pants: Nordstrom (Vince Camuto), Blouse: Brooks Brothers, Blazer: Nordstrom, Shoes: DSW, Necklace: Forever 21

May 4th, Oh So Plain

 Today’s look is another extremely simple, yet stylish (in my opinion) outfit.

I’ve simply paired skinny jeans with a plain white shirt. Nothing to it.

Well, there’s something to it.

I’ve said this before- but please don’t wear golf shirts- or polo style shirts- (unless of course you are golfing). They really aren’t stylish or fashionable at all.

On the left is a much better version. I’ve got on this cute white button down shirt layered over a white tank and then added this cute necklace. It’s a super casual, super easy look that comes down to small details.

This shirt’s details are in the side panels, the breast pockets and the 3/4 sleeves.

A cool pair of sandals finish the look.

It’s Fashion Friday, so I’m linking up with Melissa over at Girlymama! Have a great weekend!

*I realize this outfit is very similar to Wednesday’s outfit. I seem to be lacking creativity this week. I apologize!

This shirt is made of very soft cotton and has stretchy panels in the sides- making it super comfy!

Here is another option- a crisp white shirt.

Shirt: James Perse, Jeans: Madewell, Shoes: Target, Crisp White Shirt: Brook’s Brothers

Nov 21st, Inspired Trench

For today’s post I’m showing an outfit that I am basically copying (I like to say inspired) by something I saw somewhere…  I honestly can’t remember where- I should have written it down. I love the effortless glamour of this gal on the right. She just exudes ‘cool’.

I thought, ‘well, I can do that’! I paired my Paige jeans with a plain white button down- tucked in- and added a belt. I am wearing my snakeskin heels and then to add that element of cool, I’ve got on my trench coat. Unlike the gal on the right, I am actually wearing my coat- I love how she has it draped over her shoulders- but that’s just not practical!

I bet she didn't get her trench at Target!

I love how the snakeskin shoes add some style as well!

Jeans: Nordstrom, Shoes: DSW, Shirt: Calvin Klein, Trench: Target, Belt: American Eagle, Necklace: Jewel Kade