Category Archives: Work It Wednesday

Goodbye

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After a year and a half of blogging, I have decided that it is time for me to quit. I have really enjoyed writing each day, and have learned so much- but I just feel like I need to focus on taking care of my family.

Thank you to all my loyal and faithful readers- you have been very supportive and have made this journey a lot of fun for me.

(added later)

Because of all your lovely comments, I feel like I owe a small explanation for why I am quitting. This blog post from another blogger really sums it all up. I posted this earlier in the month, but for those who missed it- it bears repeating.

I feel really badly, knowing that some of you are new readers- and were just getting used to my plain and simple style- but to be totally honest, my heart just hasn’t been in it lately- and rather than put the time and effort into writing a post I’m really proud of, I’d rather spend the time cherishing my children. I know you understand- because we are all mothers and we all are doing the best we can.

Again, thank you for all your support- and please continue to spend a few extra minutes each day getting dressed in something special!

Feb 6th, How to Wear all one Color

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DSCN6451DSCN6033You may have noticed this about me- but in case you haven’t, I’ll state the obvious. I love neutrals! I feel very comfortable in neutrals- and especially love wearing clothes in the same color family. The only problem is that it can be really plain and boring- as seen on the right!

In my ‘after’ look, I replaced the tan t shirt with a cable knit sweater. The cable knit adds a subtle pattern, and the denim shirt underneath is a nice contrast. I especially like the tails hanging out below the sweater (breaks up the solid cream) and the sleeves rolled up (another place to add a bit of color).  As for my feet- I chose my loafers.

Now I have a comfy, warm and cute outfit- too bad I’m just heading back to lay on my couch! LOL!

Pants: Nordstrom, Shirt: J Crew, Sweater: Madewell, Shoes: Target, Necklace: Gift

Pants: Nordstrom, Shirt: J Crew, Sweater: Madewell, Shoes: Target, Necklace: Gift

Oct 11th, Cozy Sweater

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It finally feels like fall here in Seattle, so I decided it was time for my ultra cozy sweater. I bought this several years ago at Anthropologie, and absolutely love it because of all the detail in it- there is so much to look at!

I layered the cardigan over a plain black t shirt- then added a scarf to give the look an even more cozy feel to it. It’s such an improvement over the look on the right. Please note that I actually really love the sweater on the right- but paired with this high neck black shirt and Uggs- it’s too plain.

As for my bottoms- I need your opinion.

My first look is jeans rolled to look like boyfriend jeans (note- this is the exact same pair of jeans in both pictures). For my feet, I chose my short black cowboy boots. Looking at the photos, I honestly can’t decide if I like this look or not!

Next I decided to try the sweater paired with my purple jeans- see below!

What do you think? Purple jeans or blue jeans?

To make my jeans look like boyfriend jeans, I simply rolled the bottoms. So simple!

You may notice this sweater is starting to pill a bit… I have a trick for you! Using a razor, shave your sweater and the pills will disappear. It takes a little time, but so worth it to save a favorite piece! Just be very careful- if the sweater is thin, you could easily make a hole.

You might also notice that you can see my short sleeves from the t shirt bunching up under the sweater- I will swap out this shirt for a long sleeve shirt so that the sleeves don’t bunch.

Please take a minute to comment- blue jeans or purple jeans?!

Sweater: Anthropologie (similar), Scarf: Target (similar), Jeans: Target, Booties: DSW, Black Boots: Frye

Oct 3rd, My Perfect Dress

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I’ve blogged about this dress before- here, here and here. And today it’s back!

I’m sorry for repeating myself, but this honestly is one of my favorite dresses I’ve even worn… and I know I’ve said this before, but I think it’s because it has long sleeves! They are so warm!

However, this dress isn’t enough on it’s own.. it need a little something.

Today I’ve paired it with my black leggings and my cargo jacket. I added a skinny belt and a necklace- and then for my feet I have on my new black booties!

Let me tell you about these booties.

I get letters from readers- all the time- about how their feet are cold, or how my ballet flats aren’t practical in their climate- or they can’t do heels- and I get it! In my rainy climate they aren’t ideal either. So, I’ve been looking for an alternative- and I think I have found a winner!

Introducing the black cowboy mini… (not sure if that’s really what you call it) but these little cuties are perfect! The flat heel is ideal for being on your feet all day, I can wear them with socks (no cold toes here), and the black goes with everything. The best part- I got them at DSW for less that $65. Yep, it’s true. You can thank me later…

Linking with The Pleated Poppy… check it out for lots of inspiration!

Dress: Nordstrom (Michael Kors), Jacket: Marshalls, Booties: DSW, Leggings: Nordstrom, Necklace: Forever 21

Sept 26th, Living in My Car!

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Some days I feel like I live in my car.

Yesterday I left my house at 3:30- got home at 7:00- and all I was doing was driving kids from one sporting event to the next (pick up from tennis, drive to basketball practice, drive to soccer game…). Over scheduled much?

Argh! On days like these I want to be dressed super comfy- and ready for anything,

Today’s outfit is a good example of that. It’s an easy outfit for running around town in- it’s casual & comfy- yet looks pulled together.

I like the look of the shirt tails peeking out- and I love the cable knit detail on this sweater- I even decided to skip a necklace and let the sweater speak for itself.

As for my jeans- these are my old favorites! They are Diva style from Old Navy (which I’m not sure if they are still making this style- these are old). They are straight leg jeans in a shorter length that I simply roll up to make them look cropped. They are the perfect casual jeans for running errands in!

Linking up with Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday!

Jeans & Sweater: Old Navy, Shirt: Land’s End, Shoes: Puma (Nordstrom)

Feb 1st, Work It Wednesday

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Today I am participating in Work it Wednesday and showing a pencil skirt worn 3 different ways.

I’ll be totally honest here- when I first became a stay at home mom, I wore sweats every day. It was so easy to just wear comfy, lounge type clothes all day.

However, I’d go to the grocery store or a playgroup and see moms that looked adorable and stylish and I would feel insecure.

That was when I decided I was going to put some effort into my look. I was tired of looking and feeling frumpy.

I felt a bit weird getting dressed up when all I was doing was running errands. But after a while, I started to enjoy creating outfits- and I enjoyed the way I felt put together when I was out and about.

So if you’re stuck in a rut and needing some inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. Hopefully you will find some tips and suggestions on how to update your wardrobe and how to wear your clothes no matter where you are going!

Here are my different outfits using a brown pencil skirt as a base:

I’ve paired it first with a white tank, and then added this pink ruffled cardigan and a belt.

The next look is my favorite. Here I’ve paired the skirt with a crisp white button down layered over a tank and my leopard belt. It’s so simple and so classic and I love it.

Be sure to invest in a good white shirt- this one is wrinkle free fabric from Brooks Brothers, which I love! This is a classic piece that I will wear for years.

Isn’t it interesting to compare how much longer my legs look when the shirt is tucked in (middle picture)  as opposed to with the cardigan (on left). Amazing!

The third look is with a denim shirt and brown braided belt. This is a much more casual version, perfect for someone who doesn’t want to seem too dressy!

So hard to see the detail of this cute skirt in this lighting. Sorry!

Skirt: Nordstrom, Cardigan: J Crew, White Shirt: Brooks Brothers, Denim Shirt: Martin and Osa, Boots: DSW, Leopard Belt: Target, Braided Belt: American Eagle

Jan 11th, Work it Wednesday

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It’s another edition of Work it Wednesday- where I link up with Jill’s Good Life- and show 1 item worn 3 ways. I’ve also linked with What I Wore Wednesday- so you can get lots of great ideas!

I really love this challenge because I love seeing how versatile a piece can be.

I read in Jessica Quirk’s book “What I Wore‘ that when shopping, she always makes sure that she can wear an item several ways before buying it.

I’ve also heard from readers who say when they shop they buy an entire outfit- but then later- they don’t know how to use the separate pieces from the ‘ready made’ outfit with other items in their closet.

One thing I learned (and shared) from my 30 for 30- was that you really don’t need a ton of clothes- you just need some great versatile pieces that can be worn several ways.

So, on that note- today’s staple piece is my light blue denim shirt. I’m showing it plain (and tucked in ) on the right- just paired with darker denim jeans and leopard flats. This is a look I would have NEVER tried a few months ago, but it actually quite stylish (or so I’m told!)

But, you know me- I like to layer. I like to be warm, I like the rule of 3… so here goes:

My first version is untucking the shirt and adding my faux fur vest, the one I call ‘the dog’. Notice my dog checking out my other dog! I think she’s jealous!

Love this vest! It adds a rugged, yet glamorous spin to the look.

My next look is my vintage sweater, this is a great cozy, weekend look!

This sweater is 50 years old!

My last look is with a scarf and boots.

Love the way an infinity scarf is easy to wear!

Jan 4th, Work It Wednesday

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Now that I’m back at work, I need to dress up a bit- so today’s outfit is one of my favorite dresses (which I think is actually a nightgown) made into a skirt.

First, I simply added a black v neck shirt and a necklace. I love the neckline of this shirt, it is very flattering. I think the plain black top works because the skirt has so many details with the ruffles.

In the next version I decided to add a bit more color- so I added this purple sweater over the black shirt, then I  added a gorgeous scarf that ties all the colors together.

The purple sweater and scarf add a burst of color.

Without the scarf- a necklace works well to tie in the black.

For my 3rd look I added a grey flannel blazer to make it look more professional. I like the belt on the blazer because it emphasizes my waist.

To make it more professional, I added the belted blazer.

Work it Wednesday and What I Wore Wednesday are great places to find inspiration, so please take a minute to click on the link and check out some other great styles!

Have a wonderful day!

Dress: Anthropologie, Shirt: Nordstrom, Purple Sweater: Nordstrom, Scarf: Target, Blazer: Banana Republic, Boots: Nordstrom

Dec 28th, 30 for 30- Day 28

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Work it Wednesday- today’s theme is my ever favorite- the black turtleneck. I’ve done this before, (here) but thought it’d be fun to try again today, especially since my choices are so limited.

My first look is my Rachel Zoe inspired, night on the town, all black with faux fur.

I like the way the necklace picks up the color in the fur.

My next look is more of a daytime look- I’ve added a cute jacket and bright scarf. This jacket works well because it has elastic at the waist, which helps define my middle- and doesn’t let the jacket overwhelm me.

Perfect for a cold and rainy day- like today!

My 3rd look is another daytime look. I’ve paired this oatmeal sweater with this gorgeous scarf, added some thick wool socks (scrunched down) and these cute boots.

Love these shoes with this sweater! Looks like they were made to go together.

Since I was on a roll, I decided to try a few more looks:

This outfit is all about the gold scarf.

Audrey Hepburn inspired look.

Return of the grandpa sweater!

As you can see, my black turtleneck is probably the most versatile piece I own. Since I’m always cold, it works well to keep me warm, and acts as a base for me to add items to.

Which of these looks is your favorite? Any?!

Pants: Gap, Turtleneck: White House, Black Market