Nov 28th, You Again?

 You again?

I know, I’ve worn this dress so many times you all are probably sick of it. But, since I only show my own clothes from my own closet you will have to bear with me as I wear one of my favorite dresses again!

This time I decided I needed to add a little color so I paired it with a bright pink cardigan, black tights and black boots. I originally thought I’d skip the tights, but the dress looks too short with just my bare legs (I think I might have shrunk it on accident! Darn it!). Since the dress is so short, adding the tights (or leggings) makes it more appropriate for work.

Let me share with you a little lesson I have learned here- when you are out shopping, if you find a great, versatile day dress- buy it!

You will be amazed at how many different ways you can wear it- and it’s so nice to have a ‘go to’ day dress in my closet! Look for something somewhat neutral- so that you can change the look of it easily. A bold print is great- but not nearly as versatile.

Don’t let the price scare you off, this dress was well over $150, but for the amount of times I’ve worn it- it has paid off. Another great hint is that I have found fabulous dresses at TJ Maxx and Marshalls- so go check them out! Just be very critical in your decision making- just because something is a great deal- doesn’t mean it’s great. Also, just because something is ‘designer’ doesn’t mean it is fabulous for your personal style. I bought a Calvin Klein maxi dress at TJ Maxx that looks like a nightgown (as seen here). Big mistake- even if it was only $39… I would suggest having something pretty specific in mind when shopping, so you don’t end up with an impulse purchase you will regret.

Dress: Nordstrom (Michael Kors), Cardigan: J Crew, Boots: Frye

Oct. 31st, A Little Bit of Orange Goes a Long Way!

When it’s a holiday, especially Halloween, some people really feel the need to dress for the occasion. If you have small children, it can be fun for them to see you get into the spirit of things- but keep in mind, a little goes a long way.

No need to rush out and buy a pumpkin sweater, vest or earrings! Just look in your closet for something that has a little orange in it- and incorporate it into your regular outfit.

Today’s outfit is another dress that I have turned into a skirt. By layering a white tank over the top- and then adding a long cardigan I have transformed the look of this dress. I then added a touch of orange with my scarf. Because it’s soggy and wet out- I’ve selected gray tights and my Hunter rainboots! It’s a cute way to recognize the holiday without going overboard!

A little orange scarf is the perfect touch!

Please don’t wear this!

Or this!

Or this!

If you want a little more orange- here is another option!

This orange top would work!

Dress: Anthropologie, Cardigan: J Crew, Tank: Gap, Boots: Nordstrom, Orange Top: Nordstrom

Once again, my pictures are blurry! If anyone has a tip for me- please send it. I can’t figure out what is wrong!

June 11th, Dressed for Success

Lame title, I know. 

Cut me some slack, it’s Monday and my brain isn’t fully awake yet.

Today I’m wearing a cute dress that I bought years ago at Banana Republic. It’s supposed to get up to 70 degrees today, so I’m showing it alone on the left.

Below I’m showing a little cardigan that I will wear this morning, until it heats up a bit.

On the right is an example of a cardigan gone wrong. It’s too heavy and bulky for this light summer dress.

I’m also showing my Danskos as a ‘before’. Which, you know I LOVE my Danskos, but in this outfit, they also look clunky and wrong. The cute espadrilles on the left seem more feminine and ‘ladylike’. Plus, without the strap cutting off my ankle, my legs look longer.

Dress: Banana Republic, Cardigan: J Crew, Shoes: DSW

May 31st, Month In Review

Well ladies, it’s the end of the month- so it’s time for a review of all my outfits.

I’ll be back tomorrow with a Reader’s Request- so be sure to drop by then to help a reader with what to wear to Disneyworld!

For now enjoy the summary, and let me know which one was your favorite! If you haven’t had the chance to ‘like’ me on Facebook- please do so! I’m almost to 200 likes- which would make my day! :)

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 15th, Another Day, Another Dress

 I had so much fun wearing a dress yesterday (and received lots of compliments :) ) that I decided to wear another one today,  especially since I have to go to work! This dress is so much fun to wear.  It’s summery, cute and makes me feel like a 1950′s housewife!

On the right I have paired it with a blue cardigan. The dark blue seems so wintery with this light dress, and I don’t like it buttoned up- it seems too wintery.

The yellow blazer is so much brighter- and summery. Since I’m wearing this for work- the blazer adds a little more professionalism to the look. You might notice I decided to keep my neckline bare- thinking there is enough going on with the dress. Lastly, I’m wearing heels- which could be a problem for my foot issue! I’ll let you know how it goes!

I’ve said this a million times but a dress is such an easy way to look put together! The best part is, I’ve found lots of cute dresses at Marshalls and TJ Maxx!

I love this blazer with the dress!

If you don’t have a blazer- but need something to keep warm, wear a cardigan, but unbutton it!

If it’s really hot, wear it alone! You may want to add a little necklace or something though!

Dress: Marshalls, Shoes: Nordstrom, Yellow Blazer: Nordstrom, Cardigan: H&M

April 23rd, Monday Morning Rush

This will be another quick one. I have a meeting for work today, so I wanted to wear a dress. I’ve said this before, but I love dresses because they are the outfit.

It couldn’t be easier- just add a few accessories, and you are done! On a rushed Monday morning that is exactly what I needed!

I’ve added a cute belt to help define the waist, and then added this cool statement necklace.

To complete the look, I have on brown wedge sandals. I like brown shoes with blue outfits (rather than blue shoes… something is weird to me about blue shoes- blame it on Elvis!)

Linking up with Monday Mingle

The statement necklace ties the blue and the brown belt together. Plus, it gives this dress a focal point.

Since it’s a little chilly this morning- I threw on a cardigan to start the day off. I know, I know, Kelly (one of my regular readers) hates this cardigan. Sorry, but will keep me warm! :)

And yes, my toenails are blue. I know, it seems strange I have a thing about blue shoes yet I’ll paint my toenails blue. I’m a walking oxymoron!

Dress: Marshalls, Shoes: Loft

March 5th, Dressed for Success

It’s Monday, which means I’m heading into the office today, which means I need to dress somewhat nice!

I’ve chosen this cotton red Michael Stars dress. It’s super comfy, I like the bright red color, the bell sleeves and faux wrap style.

My only issue is the length. I’m a little worried that it’s too long (since it hits me below the knee) but paired with my black boots I think it works. What do you think?

I do know that at least it’s better than the dress on the right.

I call this my ‘nun outfit’. The length is awful- hitting me right above the ankle. This is not flattering at all. It’s very matronly and old fashioned looking. I bought this over 12 years ago and it’s been sitting in my closet ever since. Now I know why!

I’m hooking up with Monday Mingle today. Be sure to check it out for other great ideas.

For you petite gals who want to look taller, here is another great example of how to dress in all one color.

Dress: Nordstrom Rack, Boots: Nordstrom, Tank: Gap, Necklace: Plateau Jewels

Dec 24th, 30 for 30- Day 24

Merry Christmas Eve!

I’ve spent the day with my kids baking cookies, playing games, watching Christmas Vacation  and working on our Christmas puzzle- all in my jammies! Heaven!

I’m showing my outfit for church tonight. I’m wearing this cute dress (you may remember last time I wore it with a sweater over it to make it look like a skirt). This time I’ve paired it with my black blazer- both to add polish and warmth.

Although truth be told, it feels more like spring than winter here in the Pacific Northwest. It’s definitely NOT going to be a white Christmas. Oh well… only in my dreams…

Sorry, had to go there.

By the way, what’s your favorite Christmas movie? Please share, I’m always looking for new ideas!

Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Dress: Banana Republic, Blazer: Nordstrom, Shoes: Nordstrom

Nov 7th, Frilly and Fun


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