Jan 16th, Puffy Vest

DSCN6431DSCN1956I’m working from home again today (actually working from my bed- I’m still having my back issues) so I’m dressed in ultra casual, ultra comfy clothes.

I’ve opted for my black leggings, a grey sweater and this cute patterned puffy vest (although truth be told, while I’m in my bed I don’t have the vest or boots on! :) )

It’s a much cuter outfit than the plain one* on the right, don’t you think?

Leggings: Nordstrom, Sweater: Nordstrom, Boots: Frye, Vest: Old Navy

Leggings: Nordstrom, Sweater: Nordstrom, Boots: Frye, Vest: Old Navy

* this is an old picture taken last summer- hence the gorgeous flowers behind me. If I took it today, you would see frost! :)

Nov 20th, Day 2 of Disneyworld

Well, we’ve made it through 2 whole days of touring Disneyworld, my goodness this place is HUGE!

I wanted to share with you some more tips about what to wear. As I mentioned yesterday, layering is the absolute key. It is very chilly in the morning- and as it warms up (or cools down) you want to have appropriate clothes.

Today’s outfit is actually what I wore yesterday- and it worked out great. It was cold all day and I never even needed to remove any layers- but had the sun come out- I could have removed the jacket- or the leggings, or the scarf…

I took a simple cotton black dress (black works because it will hide dirt- in the heat of summer I wouldn’t wear black- but for Nov it works). Underneath, I wore black stretch pants, then on top wore a cardigan (not pictured- I had to add it because it was so cold- these pictures were taken before I left), then on top of the cardigan I wore this utility jacket. To top the whole thing off, I added a scarf. I love this outfit because of the many layers- and because this jacket has large- deep pockets perfect for holding my map, my phone, anything!

As for my shoes- these are my Dansko sandals- and they worked perfectly! My feet were incredibly comfortable, my back never ached (as it usually does after a lot of walking) and let me tell you- we did A LOT of standing in lines and walking around!  Comfortable shoes are an absolute MUST for Disneyworld.

My cross body bag ended up being too heavy to use, so instead I opted for a plain black backpack. I carried snacks, a bottle of water, my guide book and camera. Not super stylish- but it certainly worked to carry the essentials!

Drink lots of water to stay hydrated!

If you are visiting Disneyworld in the winter, be sure to pack warm clothes! Even thought the forecast was 72 degrees, it was 58 today! Very chilly, I can’t tell you how many people we saw who had to make an ‘emergency purchase’ in the gift store of a dorky Disneyworld sweatshirt. Plan for chilly weather- I’d rather be over dressed than freezing! Keep in mind, every item pictured above is rolled up and stashed inside my bag on the picture on the right.

Dress: Macy’s, Jacket: Marshalls, Shoes: Dansko, Scarf: Boutique in Yakima

Nov 10th, Footwear?

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!

Sweater: Banana Republic, Pants: Gap, Booties: DSW, Boots: Target, Necklace: Lia Sophia

Nov 2nd, Denim and Black

I like this casual- perfect for running errands or attending weekend sporting events- type outfit.

I’m wearing my black skinny pants (these are not leggings- these are actually pants) worn layered over a black tank, then a denim shirt, then a black puffy vest.

It’s warm, comfy, and sort of stylish!

On the right, I’m showing a before picture of how not to wear denim! While I love the denim on denim look- this is too much!

This is such an easy outfit!

Pants: Gap (old), Tank: Gap, Denim Shirt: J Crew, Boots: Nordstrom, Vest: Nordstrom Rack

Oct 19th, Date Night

Sorry for the late post- I ran out the door early this morning and didn’t have time to write!

Instead of showing you my outfit for the day- I decided to show my outfit for tonight!

I’m going out tonight to a CCFA fundraiser- (supporting one of my good friends who has Crohn’s disease). The theme is Casino Night, so I wanted a fun outfit- similar to something I would wear in Vegas.

The invitation said ‘smart dress’, which really could mean anything. Some people might opt for dress pants and a cotton top- like the one you see on the right.

The problem is- the dress pants are boring (perfect for the office, but boring for a night out),  and the cotton long sleeve shirt is too plain. All in all, I’d say the outfit on the right is too safe.

Instead- I opted for skinny black pants, a silky top with a modern print and pointy toed black heels. It’s basically the same outfit as on the right (black pants, off white top) yet the sleek pants and silk top make it much more dressy- and the pattern adds interest.

Now I look modern, appropriate and ready for a fun night out!

Another cool top from CABi! Pants: Gap, Shoes: Nordstrom

Oct 3rd, My Perfect Dress

I’ve blogged about this dress before- herehere 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

August 24th, I’m Back!

Hello Friends! Guess what? I’m back! (Obviously!).

I’m not sure how much I’m really ready to do yet… but I actually missed my little old blog this summer- so I’ve decided to come back- but on a not so regular basis (meaning I won’t be posting my outfits every day!).

So here goes…

Today I’m wearing the simple and ever classic combo of black and white. I’ve paired skinny black leggings with a white loose tank and then to add interest (and to hide my hips a bit) I’ve thrown on this drapey grey vest. I’ve decided to keep my shoes really simple- and opted for my black patent Birkenstocks. (Missey- these are for you!). And, naturally, I’ve added a necklace to complete the look (which follows my rule of 3!)

I like this outfit because it’s easy, comfy, looks effortless and yet seems somewhat stylish!?

Now for the before! I actually took 2 before pictures- because it’s so easy to go so wrong.

In my first before I am wearing cropped black pants.

These cropped pants make my legs look so short!

Ladies- PLEASE get rid of any pants you have that are cropped the mid calf. They are not flattering and make your legs look really short. The other problem is my white t shirt  is matronly with the high neckline. Lastly, these shoes are also awful! I bought these last year when the menswear trend was so popular- and let that be a lesson- don’t follow every trend. These shoes are goofy & clunky looking- not sleek and stylish (which is what I aspire for! :)

My second ‘before’ look is the slim black pants, but paired with a regular tank. I’m showing this because the tank alone is not flattering. Not only can you can see my pooch- but the short length doesn’t provide enough coverage of my hips and butt- and no one needs to see that! Opt instead for a loose fitting, longer flowy tank that provides more coverage.

This fitted tank emphasizes every bump and the length is too short with this tight of pants. Cover your bums ladies!

So there you have it- I hope you have had a great summer- and thanks for visiting me today!

June 9th, Baby Got Back


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!

Look out Kim Kardashian!

May 6th, Leggings with a Tunic

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!

Jan 29th, You Be The Judge

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!

What do you say, is this a keeper?

Shirt: Anthropologie, Pants: Marshalls, T Shirt: Nordstrom, Shoes: Nordstrom, Necklace: Jewel Kade