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?

March 6, Duster Cardigan

If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll know that all the rage this winter has been the duster cardigan, which for those of you who are wondering is one that falls somewhere below your knee. Today my OOTD is my cream duster paired with grey jeans and a cute patterned top.

In my before look, my cardigan looks a little too much like a bathrobe, and the plain t shirt underneath doesn’t add much interest. My bulky UGGS also aren’t helping! I look like I just rolled out of bed!

For my after look, I replaced the bathrobe sweater with this cute lightweight duster from Target. You may have noticed, but I seem to be finding A LOT of really cute clothes at Target lately. I’m warning you, be careful, you go to buy toilet paper and come out with a new wardrobe!

This cute silk top is perfect under the cardigan. The pattern is subtle, yet interesting and the colors are perfect. I bought this in a local boutique a few years ago, which sadly is now out of business. Swapping out the Uggs for my cute grey booties completes the look. I wear these grey booties all the time- grey is my new ‘go to’ color, and having grey shoes is really coming in handy. I will need to look for some for spring! Any suggestions?!

Nov 27th, Back to Work

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)

Nov 6th, Back in Black

Ever since the movie, Four Christmases with Reece Witherspoon I have been obsessed with wearing all black!

I tried to find a photo of her outfit from the movie- but couldn’t find one- so I’m sorry if you don’t know what I’m talking about!

Basically she is wearing a black pencil skirt, a black blouse and a black belt throughout most of the movie. It’s such a classic and stylish look- and I love it!

Today I am showing my version. I’ve chosen a stretchy black pencil skirt, a black cashmere v neck sweater, black tights and black wedge heels. In order to break up the all black- and add a splash of unexpected color- I added a pink skinny belt. I kept my jewelry very simple- a dainty little necklace and a silver cuff bracelet.

It’s a perfect outfit for me to wear to work today!

Be careful though… the outfit on the right is an example of all black gone wrong. Here I’m wearing my old black pencil skirt- which is too long- as you can see it goes below my knees! I’ve also chosen a short sleeve, crew neck black t shirt. Personally, A t shirt seems too casual for work, and the high crew neck is too matronly. Lastly, my loafer type heels are clunky looking- don’t you think?

I wanted to take a minute to give a special shout out to one of my regular readers- Susan. Her son is in the hospital recovering from a very intense surgery, and I want her to know that I’m thinking about her- and sending prayers and positive thoughts her way. If you have a minute today- please say a little prayer for Susan and her family. Thank you.

Skirt: Gap, Sweater: Ann Taylor, Belt: Target, Shoes: Macy’s

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!

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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

May 21st, Return of the Pink Panther

I’m definitely aging myself by using this title- but I couldn’t resist! These pants are just SO PINK!

I love them, but in the photos they appear even brighter than in real life (at least I think so)!

I’ve paired them with one of my favorite tops- you may recognize it, I have it in cream, black and grey. This is the grey version, although the lighting is so bad it appears black. Sorry about that!

It’s a great top because of the flattering neckline, the ruching in the tummy area, and the cute sleeves.

These pants are so attention seeking that I’m keeping things pretty simple today, just a plain top and this fabulous statement necklace. Again, you may recognize this, I wore it earlier in the month with the black version of this shirt. I guess I’m a creature of habit!

My thoughts are- if something works, why change it?

Have a wonderful Monday!

I like these wedges with these pants- they are dressy enough for work- and still really comfy.

Pants, top and shoes: Nordstrom

May 16th, Dress Week

Well, it’s official.

I’ve decided to make this Dress Week. I have meeting with clients again today so I figured, why not wear another dress? Forgive me for repeating myself, but they are so easy!

Throw one on- and the outfit is done! Add a cute necklace, some cute heels- and presto- you look stylish, professional and put together.

Today’s dress is a faux wrap dress- which is why I am using the same ‘before’ picture that I used on Monday. The problem with a true wrap dress, is sometimes they like to come unwrapped. In a business meeting, the last thing you need is a wardrobe malfunction!

A faux wrap is a great alternative. It still has the stylish look of a wrap, but there is much more coverage. I love this dress because of the geometric print. It’s very eye catching- and yet classic being black and white. You’ll notice the length is just a tad shorter than the black dress- which seems a little matronly!  I’ve added this wonderful beaded blue necklace that I picked up in a little boutique in Madison Park (Seattle).

As for my feet- they survived a half day of heels yesterday (I spent from 1:00 on in tennis shoes), so I’m going for heels again today. A wedge is actually pretty comfy, and the height is pretty low- so definitely manageable.

Don’t forget it’s What I Wore Wednesday– so be sure to click on over to The Pleated Poppy to see some other great ideas!

And, come back tomorrow for yet another dress! Have a great day!

I wear a brace on my right ankle when playing tennis- and I played outside all weekend- hence the strange tan line on my leg. Did you wonder what that was all about?

Dress: Nordstrom Rack, Shoes: DSW

May 3rd, Faux Pas

I know, I know- this is really tacky- some might even consider it a ‘faux pas’. I wore these pants Monday and here I am wearing them again- but you know what, I don’t care!

Originally I was planning on wearing this cute bright yellow top with a black pencil skirt and black blazer- but then I walked into my closet and saw these pants from the other day and I thought- oh wow- the buttons on this top match these pants perfectly.

But, I thought- I can’t wear them again, I just wore them.

Then I thought- who cares!

It seems so much more ‘spring like’ than the dark black skirt and blazer- that outfit just seems so boring and predictable. The yellow paired with the white pants is a crisper, fresher look. Plus, look how much longer my legs look in the pants. Crazy, right?

The only concern would be ‘what shoes do you wear with this?’- and my answer is snakeskin! They are the perfect neutral shoe to blend this whole look together.

So, don’t judge me for the repeat pants, please?!!

Can you see the pearl buttons? They are the same shade of creamy white as these pants. I also have a necklace on that ties the colors together… sorry you can’t see it.

I love this silky bright top- it is a color I never really wear- and neon’s are really in this spring.  This is as close to neon as I’m willing to get! I know, my arms are bare and I need a belt- but hey, I never said I was a fashion expert!

Top: Loft, Pants: Express, Shoes: DSW

April 24th, Black Cropped Pants

I’m wearing… you guessed it, black cropped pants today! For some stupid reason I really struggle when wearing black on bottom.

I know, black is a neutral & EVERYTHING goes with it- and yet, it took me 20 minutes to put this outfit together.

What’s wrong with me?

On the right is a good example of what NOT to wear with them. This solid long sleeve t shirt is too blah.  I look boring!

On the left I have opted for a cute light pink top with a ruffle collar.  I’ve paired it with a black cardigan.

Now, to be totally honest, I originally thought I’d pair this top with this jacket (see below), but then I looked at the pictures and I think it is too boxy paired with this loose top- and the whole thing makes me look large in the middle.

A boxy jacket needs to be paired with slim pants- or skinny jeans.

The black cardigan was my before picture- until I actually saw the picture, and then I thought, ‘wait, that actually works…’ I like the fact the outfit is only 2 colors- tying the top and bottom together.

Even though I’m wearing black on top and bottom, I still look ‘springy’ because of the shoes, cropped pants and light colored shell.

This is a very simple outfit, yet perfect for work.

Pants: Nordstrom, Shell: J Crew, Cardigan: Nordstrom, Shoes: DSW

April 9th, Black and Cream

After a few days of color- today I’m back to wearing neutrals.

On the right I’m wearing a long sleeve cream shirt with ruffles down the font.

There isn’t anything wrong with this shirt, but my problem area is my tummy- and the solid expanse of fabric right over my stomach does nothing to hide that area.

On the other hand, this shirt on the left has ruching at the sides- which gives the shirt gathers in the mid section, which works well to hide a bigger tummy.

I also love the neckline and the sleeves of this shirt- it seems to work well for my figure.

I actually love this top so much that I bought it in 3 colors- grey, black and cream.

The other problem with the look on the right is the plain black pants.

Again, nothing is wrong with them- but they are just kind of boring (and wintery).

On the left I’ve chosen cropped black pants, which makes my outfit much more springy.

When wearing such a neutral outfit, it’s important to add some sort of focal point and color. As usual- I’ve done this by adding a necklace and bracelet.

In case you’re wondering, yes, I did wear these the other day- they are 2 of my favorites! Plus, the gorgeous green color is very popular right now.

Pants: Nordstrom, Shirt: Nordstrom, Shoes: Macy's, Necklace: Market in Palm Desert, Bracelet: Gift (J Crew)

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