Category Archives: February 2011

Feb 29, Leap Day

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Here is a summary of everything I wore in Feb. Which is your favorite? Which should I donate to the Goodwill? Be honest, you won’t hurt my feelings, this is a learning experience for me too!

Don’t forget to ‘like’ me on Facebook if you haven’t already (and if you do actually like me!). You’ll see the ‘like’ box on the far right down low. And also don’t forget your daily vote for Top Mommy Blogs. One little click where it says ‘we’re # 10′ will do it- that’s it! Thank you so much!

As per usual, it’s Wednesday so I’ve linked with the Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday and also Rolled Up Pretty! Check them out!

Feb 28th, Work Dress

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 It’s been a while since I wore a dress, which is unusual since they are seriously one of my favorite things to wear (especially for work).

I find that a dress makes for such an easy outfit. No worries about matching top to bottom- it’s done for you!

Today I am showing how by just adding a few little extras, you can turn a plain dress into a stylish outfit.

As you can see on the right, this pretty blue dress has some gorgeous draping- but other than that it is very plain.

By adding a cute belt, a cardigan, necklace and boots- I’ve now made this into a work appropriate and stylish look.

For more ideas, click here to see All Things Chic and lots of other great sites.

This dress is so comfy, it's made a jersey material- so it isn't stiff and restricting, it's soft and fluid.

By the way, Happy Birthday Grams! Hope you have a great day!

Dress: Marshalls (Calvin Klein), Cardigan: J Crew, Necklace: Forever 21, Boots: DSW, Belt: can’t remember it’s so old!

If you like what I do- please click the link below and vote for me! I appreciate it!

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Feb 27th, Red Jeans Again

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I talked a bit the other day about my shopping/ wish list for spring.

One of my items was colored jeans. I resisted this trend for a while, worried that I was too old for it- but when I saw a cute pair (that actually fit me… more on that in a minute) at Marshalls I had to snap them up.

I have a real problem getting jeans to fit me- my hips are larger than my waist, and my butt is large- so I end up with a huge gap at the waist. I hate that!

These jeans actually work for my figure, and I like that the red is somewhat muted- although in these pictures they look really strange, it’s just bad lighting- I swear! To see their true color, click here.

In order to keep the outfit sophisticated and age appropriate, I’ve decided to stick to a neutral black top. On the right you can see that this plain black t shirt is not quite right. The high neckline is unflattering, and the plain style of the shirt adds nothing to the look.  The ugly black shoes aren’t helping at all. The whole look is too plain and simply boring.

On the left I’ve replaced the bad t shirt with this cool wrap shirt that I bought years ago on a girls trip with my sister to LA. As much as I love it, I rarely wear this shirt, partly because I never knew what to pair it with. I think it’s perfect with the red jeans.

I like the draping of the material, love the asymmetrical hemline and love how it covers my bum! To add a little rocker glam to my look I’ve added this cool chain style necklace. I’ve also replaced the ugly shoes with these patent black ballet flats- my black wedge heels would work as well (for the office).

Thanks to the advice of Musing of a Housewife- I now feel confident and stylish in my new red pants!

Also- it’s Monday, so time for Monday Mingle! This week it’s hosted by BonBon Rose Girls! Be sure to check them out for some other cute styles!

Play it safe and pair your red jeans with a neutral top.

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Feb 26th, Copycat

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I love it when I come across a fabulous outfit on Pinterest and I actually have the clothes to copy it.

Actually, I don’t call it copying, I call it ‘being inspired’ because isn’t that what fashion is all about?

Seeing something you love and then making it your own?

Today’s outfit comes from Tandsdaybook.blogspot.com via Pinterest.

I just love this look of denim on denim, it looks effortlessly cool and chic.  However, no matter how hard I try, she still seems so much more glamourous than me. Maybe it’s her hair?

As per usual, I just had to show you how even denim on denim can really go wrong.

Below you will see an attempt that shouldn’t need any explanation! But I’ll tell you anyway… the denims are too similar, and by leaving the shirt untucked, it’s just a solid mass of blue. I also have the shirt buttoned up way to high, making it look matronly. Finally, the square toe boots are outdated and add nothing (as opposed to the pointy toe snakeskin heels worn above).

By the way, thanks for all the votes- we are now in the top 10!! Yipee! Please keep voting, just 1 small click on either the banner below, or the one at the top right! Thank you so much!

This version of denim on denim is anything but cool!

Jeans: Nordstrom, Shirt: Target, Shoes: DSW

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Feb 25th: Snow Day, Sort Of

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 It’s not really a snow day today- but we did have some freezing rain that has coated our roof and grass with a slushy/ snowy substance, so I decided it was time to break out my Sorels.

I bought these (on sale at REI) right after the last snow storm- but have yet to have the occasion to wear them. So as soon as I saw the weather I was excited to have an excuse to break them out.

I think they are a great alternative to Uggs, don’t you?

On the right I have on my faded mom jeans with an oversize sweater and my Uggs. I say this a lot, but there just isn’t anything interesting about this look. It’s lacking a focal point.

On the left I have replaced the faded mom jeans with my dark skinnys (Madewell) and then added a long sleeve black t shirt under my sweater. I think this gives the look more balance. Seeing my arms sticking out under this huge sweater (on the right) just doesn’t look right to me.

I’ve also added this amazing statement necklace that my sweet hubby brought home last night- just cause. I tell ya, he’s a keeper!

I love these boots, but they make my feet look HUGE!

By the way, I am only 10 votes away from moving into the top 10 for Top Mommy Blogs! Wow! Thanks everyone.

If you have time (and want to) click on the button top right that says ‘vote for us’. You can vote every day, and it’s just one simple and quick click. Thanks! :)

Quick note- I have resisted wearing this sweater for a long time because it had gotten covered if fuzzy’s (you know what I mean?) so today I decided to shave it.  I literally used my razor and shaved it, just like I’d shave my legs- and lo and behold the fuzzys came off! Wow! So simple. I just had to share!

Boots: REI (similar), Jeans: Madewell, Sweater: Banana Republic, Necklace: Gift

Feb 24th, Spring Wish List

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Now that I”m so into clothes, it’s tempting (but clearly not practical) to buy an entire new spring wardrobe. Being on a limited budget I made a list of my top 10 items for spring and I’ve done a little shopping…

Today I’m showing one of my new purchases, a yellow blazer. I have gotten really into blazers/ jackets this year. They are perfect for layering- and seem to add a little more polish than a simple cardigan.

Similar to yesterday’s blazer, this one is also jersey knit- so it is literally like a sweatshirt. Can’t get more comfy than that!

I’ve paired this with a blue and white striped shirt.  I can’t get enough of stripes! However, alone, they aren’t that exciting.

I’ve paired my blazer with straight leg jeans and wedge heels. This is a bit of a risk for me. I rarely wear heels with jeans like this, but thought it might be fun to try.

What do you think? Should I stick to flats? Or  for running errands my cute new Pumas would be perfect.

And by the way, do you want to see my list?

1. Bright grandpa style cardigan

2. Maxi dress

3. Something green (mint green is the color to have this spring)

4. Colored jeans

5. Skinny cargos

6. Sporty flats/ tennis shoes

7. Colored cropped pants

8. Yellow blazer

9. Colorful mini (either with a pattern or bright color)

10. Cute layering tanks/ shirts to wear under sweaters

What am I missing? What should I skip?

Of course, since it’s Friday I’ve linked up with my friends at Girlymama for Fashion Friday. Check it out!

Jeans: Nordstrom, Blazer: Nordstrom, Shirt: Anthropologie, Shoes: Macy’s, Necklace: Gift

Feb 23rd, Found: Skinny Cargos!

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 Thanks to the astute shopping eye of my younger sister (love ya K), I am now the proud  owner of skinny cargos! Whoot Hoot!

They were a little more than I planned on spending- but since I’ve been wanting them for a while (and was able to pay cash for them), I decided to splurge.

However, as you can see on the right- paired with this frumpy cardigan and black shoes the outfit isn’t quite working for me.

On the left I have replaced the cardigan with this fabulous cotton blazer from Kohl’s. I love this blazer- it’s made of french terry  & honestly feels like a sweatshirt.  It moves with my body and is comfy and warm! Plus, peplums are all the rage this season!

Other changes: I’ve added a necklace to help break up the solid blue of the tank and switched out my awful black shoes for my cute ballet flats.

Lastly I have on this cute bracelet from Stella and Dot. My friend, Carrie, sells this jewelry and she graciously gave me this fun bracelet. I love that it looks like a stack of bracelets (arm party), yet it’s actually only 1 piece! Cool!

One more note- please (if you want to) click on the link above right that says ‘vote for us’.  You can vote daily- and as of now in the fashion category I am in the top 10! Wow! Thank you so much!!

I would have NEVER worn a blazer with cargos before this. This is a risk for me and I actually really like the way it looks!

Cargos: Michael Kors, Tank: Express: Blazer: Kohl’s, Shoes: Nordstrom, Necklace: Gift, Bracelet: Stella and Dot

Feb 22nd, It’s Going Around

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 Thank you so much for all the sweet comments from yesterday! I was so surprised and flattered that people took the time to write and tell me to feel better! Wow! What a supportive and great community this blogging world is!

Thank you!~

I am feeling so much better today, but unfortunately now my son has it. ARGH! I guess it’s going around- many of my neighbors said they have it too.

So- today’s outfit is not really what I am wearing- I’m actually still in my jammies- but I took a photo over the weekend of a potential outfit, so I thought I’d show it.

I’ve shown this picture on the right before- but it was a while ago, so I thought I could show it again. This was me- a year ago (before my style project!)

I see lots of moms wearing outfits like this- and while they will definitely stay dry- it’s not that stylish.

On the left I have re-created the same idea- jeans (or in this case black skinny jeans), boots, a waterproof jacket. I’ve gotten rid of these horrid pink rain boots and replaced them with my Frye’s. They technically aren’t rainboots- but  I sprayed on a treatment  so that they are water repellent, and it’s not like I’m going to be standing in the rain.

My jacket isn’t technically a rain jacket either- but again- this outfit isn’t for a soccer game- this is for running errands- darting in and out of the car on a wet or gloomy day. Plus, isn’t that what umbrellas are for?

This jacket will keep me  warm and dry- and the style is much more current than the bright blue raincoat.  A nice snuggly warm turtleneck also helps keep me toasty.

It’s got the ‘rocker chic’ vibe to it, which I’ve discovered is my alter ego! Who knew?

Have a great day and stay healthy! As my mom always says- ‘wash your hands often!’

As usual, it’s Wednesday, so I’ve hooked up with The Pleated Poppy!

*** 11:42 Outfit update! ***

I had to run to the store today to get some children’s Tylonal so I had to take off my jammies and  actually get dressed. I decided this Burberry rain jacket would be even better than the motorcycle style jacket I originally showed. This was a gift from my hubby a few years ago. I love it, it is a classic look that will never go out of style.

This Burberry raincoat is a more stylish alternative than the blue rain jacket!

Jeans: Gap, Turtleneck: J Crew, Boots: Nordstrom. Jacket: Nordstrom, Necklace: Forever 21

Feb 20th, Cropped Trench

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 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

Feb 19th, Bright Cardigan

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I talked yesterday about working with what you have. Today is about hiding what you don’t! I don’t have a flat tummy.

I wish I did, but I don’t. And truthfully, at this point I don’t care anymore.

I used to obsess about it, but then I realized there are much more important things to worry about- and that I should be grateful for the healthy body that I have. So I am.

Today I’m wearing just jeans and a cardigan.

On the right I’m showing my cardigan layered over a tight white tank. You can see my lumps and bumps- (and I’m actually sucking it in) and nothing is left to the imagination. A looser plain white shirt and necklace would be cute; or:

This cute (and loose) ruffled shirt does a nice job of hiding any flaws. It’s a pretty grey color- and it looks nice paired with this bright pink cardigan.

I’m telling you now- bright colors are the trend for the spring. If you go to the mall, be warned neon’s and brights are everywhere!  

This bright cardigan is very on trend for spring

Be careful though, as we learned the other day, not all style tops are flattering to hide  the stomach. As you may remember, the one from Target (baby doll style)  looked maternity.

 Cardigan: Nordstrom, Shirt: J Crew, Jeans: Nordstrom, Shoes: Nordstrom