Tag Archives: cardigan

Jan 21st, Rub A Dub Dub

Posted on by

0

 Silly title, I know, but I’m at a loss for something better and this sweater sort of reminds me of my bathrobe.

It’s big and comfy but there’s something about this belt that isn’t quite working.

So what to do? Donate the sweater to the Goodwill.

Heck no! I’ll just untie the belt- and re-tie it in the back- opening up the sweater to make it look less like a robe and more like a fashionable over-size sweater.

To keep from looking enormous, be sure to pair it with skinny jeans or pants. (These look black in the picture, but they are actually very dark blue). Add a gorgeous scarf from J Crew,  I am all set for a cozy weekend by the fire!

I should take my own advice and cut the tags off my scarf- it would look a lot cuter!

Jeans: Madewell, Sweater: Anthropologie, Scarf: J Crew, White T Shirt: Nordstrom, Boots: DSW

Enjoy!

Nov 15th, Floral Scarf

Posted on by

3

Do this ever happen to you? You see something really inexpensive at Target, debate whether or not you should buy it- then finally decide to go for it? I’m talking about a $15 scarf that I seriously considered not buying! What is wrong with me? It was $15 bucks!

I think this has been one of my best purchases this entire fall!  The colors are absolutely beautiful- and perfect for my wardrobe. It is so versatile! I like it paired with my purple sweater- as seen here. Or with a purple top as seen here.

Today I’m wearing it with my grey grandpa sweater from J Crew (which I also almost passed up- good thing I didn’t!).

On my lower half I’ve got my skinny black pants, black boots (again) and a black tank. All black- because this outfit is only about the scarf. Which I love. I’ll never pass up a $15 scarf again. I promise!

I love the way this scarf completes the entire outfit.

Sorry about the lighting- I took these pictures early this morning- the sun wasn’t totally up yet!

Sweater: J Crew, Leggings: Marshalls, Scarf: Target, Boots: Nordstrom, Tank: Nordstrom

Nov 7th, Frilly and Fun

Posted on by

1


Have you noticed that I tend to wear skirts or dresses on Monday? I guess after a casual weekend, I’m ready to look dressed up again.
Plus, I say this each time, but it’s true- I think they are so comfortable.

Especially today’s choice. Maybe it’s because I think it’s actually a nightgown. I’m not positive, but I did buy it in the pajama section at Anthropologie! Oh well… I guess my secret’s out!

One thing in particular that drew me to this dress is this frilly skirt part. Every time I wear it people actually ask if they can pet me! Seriously! I don’t blame them though- the texture is so fun!

On the right I’m showing how this dress looks all alone. It’s cute, but it actually does look like it needs more.

On the left I’ve added a bright pink cardigan and a necklace. Paired with tights and my black boots- I now have a complete and extremely comfy outfit. Have a great Monday!

This hot pink is one of the trendy colors of the season. Plus, it brightens up a gray outfit!

Dress: Anthropologie, Cardigan: Nordstrom Rack, Boots: Nordstrom, Necklace: Cookie Lee

Oct 31st, Another Halloween Party

Posted on by

9

Gosh, does it seem like Halloween has turned into a whole week of activities? What’s up with that?

We have had parties, haunted houses, a trip to the pumpkin patch, we’ve carved the pumpkins into elaborate designs, baked and decorated Halloween cupcakes… and now the class party! I’m exhausted and we still have trick or treating tonight. Seriously?!

Since I’m the room parent for my son’s class, I’m in charge of his class party. I want to dress festive- but also not embarrass him (he is in 5th grade and pretty much everything I do is embarrassing), so rather than wearing a costume- I’ve opted for jeans and an orange sweater. It’s appropriate, yet not ridiculous.

Speaking of ridiculous, do you remember those awful sweaters with the applique? Yikes!

I’m wearing my Paige Premium denim jeans with a bright orange cardigan. On the right I’m showing the cardigan with just a plain shirt. There’s nothing wrong with this look, but it just seems a little plain.

On the left I’ve re-worked it with a blue and white checked shirt, added a necklace and a belt. Below I’m showing the same look, but with the sweater open… not sure which look I like better. What you do think?

I’m off to school… have a Happy (and safe) Halloween!

Which is better? Buttoned or unbuttoned?

Jeans: Paige Premium Denim, Sweater: Sears (Land’s End), Blouse: Sears (Land’s End), Belt: Target, Necklace: Forever 21, Shoes: DSW

Oct 21, Purple Cardigan

Posted on by

2

For the lack of a better, more catchy title I’m simply calling this post ‘purple cardigan’.  On the right I’m showing blue jeans, dull shoes, a white tank and a purple cardigan. There’s nothing wrong with this outfit- but it just doesn’t do much for me. To be honest, it makes me look a little dated.

On the left I am showing a more modern version, as seen here. I have replaced my faded jeans with a pair of skinny jeans in a darker denim. I’ve put on a cream tank that has a cute frayed neckline- and I’ve replaced the purple cardigan for this more unique version. This has interesting sleeves and a very cool ribbed texture. As usual, I added a necklace that reflects the purple and threw on my snakeskin heels. Truthfully, if I weren’t going to work I’d probably just wear cute flats- but I wanted to show a dressy version!

I’ve learned that taking photos outside is great, except when I’m wearing white or cream. You can’t even see the details of this tank- the light is reflecting too much. Sorry! Since my photographer is a 10 year old- this is the best we can do! If anyone has a tip to help with this, please let me know!

Flats might be more practical- what color would you suggest?

Jeans: Nordstrom Rack, Tank: Ann Taylor Loft, Cardigan: Nordstrom, Belt: White House, Black Market, Necklace: Jewel Kade, Heels: DSW

Oct. 17th, Transition into Fall

Posted on by

10

Love this cozy fall sweater paired with a skirt and booties!

Yes, you've seen this picture before. Here was my example of how NOT to wear it!

I really love this skirt- I bought it last year and I’m finding it’s a versatile piece that can be worn in the summer- as seen here- and here- and then it also transitions into a great piece for fall.  On the right I am showing the same picture I used last time as an example of what not to do.

On the left I am showing what I think is a cute look- and I’m bummed because I don’t think it looks as good in the photo as in real life. Oh well, take my word for it (or not!).

I’ve had this fabulous sweater for years- and I never knew what to wear underneath- so it sat in the back of my closet. Today I decided to try it with this cute light blue button down- and I love it! I have the shirt layered over a tank (although that’s hard to see- I definitely need to unbutton one more button) and I’ve added a cute long necklace. To keep my legs warm, I’m embracing the colored tights look with these wonderful (and super warm) cream colored tights. Lastly, I’m wearing my favorite fall booties. I think these add style to the entire look- and I love the way they match the skirt!

I sort of think this looks a little like a J Crew outfit… although none of the pieces are from J Crew! LOL! At the risk of aging myself (again), does this sweater remind anyone of Andie McDowell from St. Elmo’s fire? For some reason it does to me!

I seem to be drawn to cardigans that tie in front- great for hiding my belly! I love the cable knit detail on this sweater.

Skirt: Anthropologie, Blouse: Target, Sweater: Banana Republic, Shoes: Marshalls, Tights: DSW, Necklace: Kohl’s

Oct. 14th, Blue Jean Lady

Posted on by

2

The flats and the skinny jeans make this outfit a little more stylish.

Surely this doesn't even require a comment. It should be very obvious why this doesn't work!

Two words: Oh dear! I imagine the picture on the right doesn’t really need much more explanation than that, but just in case- let me start by saying I have actually seen women wearing this (including the tennis shoes).

While yesterday’s post was on not being too trendy and trying too hard- today’s post is about at least making a little effort. The clothes we wear are often the first impression people have of us, and sadly the outfit on the right leaves the impression that you are out of date. Luckily, all it takes is a few small changes to make this outfit look a bit better.

Let’s start with the jeans. I know you all are pretty sick of seeing me in my skinny jeans. But honestly, they work so well with most of my tops- and the dark color is a more current look. The length is perfect for ballet flats, which is the perfect shoe for us busy moms. And, the best part is that they are very comfy! Be sure to buy jeans with stretch (spandex) in them.

Now for the shoes- seriously, unless you are running a marathon, please DO NOT wear your tennis shoes out of the house. I understand the whole ‘my feet hurt’ thing, I get it- my feet hurt too! But, if you invest in some great flats (Cole Haan’s are my favorite) they will actually be extremely comfortable and WAY more stylish than tennis shoes.

Lastly, let’s talk about the cardigan. I know, on Monday I shunned the basic boring cardy- and then here I am today wearing one. The reason this works is because: 1) I unbuttoned it, 2) it’s layered over a button down plaid shirt (which is over a tank top- and unbuttoned a bit- so it looks fresh and modern). 3) Because my plaid shirt is the focus of the outfit, the cardigan simply acts as a supporting piece. It ties in the color from my bottom half- having 1 uniform color from head to toe is a great way to appear slimmer.

Ok that’s it- I’m off to wake the kids up for school. Wish me luck!

See you tomorrow! Shirt: Target, Sweater: H&M, Jeans: Anthrolopologie, Ballet Flats: Target


This would even work without the cardigan, expect I'm always cold!

Oct 10th, Cardigan Love

Posted on by

12

A cardigan doesn't have to be boring!

Yikes! You can see the bulge of my tummy with this look- a definite What NOT to wear!

 As you all know, I love a good cardigan.  They add warmth, style and interest to an outfit.
In today’s post, I’m showing two different cardigans- both I like a lot, but in the picture on the right it’s just not working. To be honest, it just seems a little boring.  To make it even worse, you can see the bulge of my tummy!

On the left I am wearing a great alternative to a standard cardigan. With it’s cute collar , unique 3/4 sleeves and the tie in front, it seems more interesting.

As for my jeans- they are Paige Denim.  The dark denim and long length make them perfect for work, (Nordstroms will alter for free if you pay full price- ask to have the original hem re-attached).  They come up high enough around the waist that my undies don’t show and they have lots of stretch to make them comfy. Worth the investment.

On the right I’m wearing boring brown boots. These shoes add nothing to this look. On the left I’ve switched the boots out for snakeskin pointy toed heels. The snakeskin is a perfect match for the oatmeal color of this sweater, and adds polish and style to my look.

I’ve also added a necklace. With the low neckline of the tank, I need something to draw the eye upwards (a tip from a reader yesterday).  The beads in the necklace reflect the oatmeal in the sweater as well.

Love how the tie covers my tummy!

Cute necklace from Jewel Kade.

Cardigan: Nordstrom, Jeans: Nordstrom, Tank: Nordstrom, Button down Cardigan: J Crew, Shoes: DSW

Sept 26th, Falling In Love

Posted on by

17

When you think about dressing in 3's you'll never look boring!

This just seems a little boring!

I love fall- and it seems like most people do. What is it? The cooler weather? Back to school? College football? For me, it’s the clothes! Today is a typical fall day in the Pacific Northwest- it’s grey, rainy and mild temperature.

Once again, I am showing how to build an outfit. I started with my skinny jeans and a purple shirt. Just these 2 items alone are boring! So, I’m taking advice from Jessica Quirk- of What I Wore. She advises you always dress in 3′s. I knew this to be true when decorating (group collections of things in three’s), but it’s also true for building an outfit.

Following this advice I added a grey grandpa style cardigan. I’ll admit- when the salesgirl at J Crew suggested I buy this, I hesitated. I thought there was no way I would wear that. Luckily, she convinced me and I’m so glad. I’ve had this sweater for almost 2 years now and I wear it all the time. The grey is a great neutral color and I can throw this sweater on over any skinny pants and add style and hide my butt at the same time. Genius!

Building on the purple top and the grey sweater, this new scarf from Target is the perfect final touch. I love the colors- and it seems to tie the whole look together. To complete the look, I have on black ballet flats (to match the black in the scarf) and a very small arm party 0f silver bracelets (to match the grey sweater). That’s it… now I’m off to work! Have a great Monday!

In this picture I left the scarf untied. Not sure which is better? What do you think?

I’m participating in Momtrends Monday Mingle today, so to see some other great looks from other bloggers, click here!

Jeans: Anthropologie, Top: Nordstrom, Cardigan: J Crew, Scarf: Target, Shoes: Nordstrom (Tory Burch)

Sept 20th- Ladies Who Lunch

Posted on by

1

A cute dress and cardigan is perfect for attending a charity luncheon.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- I LOVE dresses! One reason I love them is because essentially they are the whole outfit. No need to worry about matching top and bottom- it’s already done for you. Throw on a little jacket- or in this case cardigan, add some cute shoes and you’re set.

This dress is a good choice- it’s sweet, it’s simple and it’s perfect for the fundraising luncheon I’m attending today. It’s for Starlight Children’s Foundation- which is an incredible organization that works to bring joy and happiness into critically ill children’s lives. Enough said.

Because of the high neckline and busy pattern I decided to skip a necklace.

I like the cardigan and closed toe shoe for the charity lunch- it's more demure...

Dress: Banana Republic, Cardigan: Banana Republic, Shoes: Nordstrom