Dec 7th, Rule of 3

DSCN6214DSCN6215 Over the past year I’ve mentioned my ‘rule of 3′ several times (and to be honest, I didn’t even come up with this idea, I think it came from Jessica Quirk of “What I Wore“), so today I thought I’d explain it again for those who were wondering what I’m talking about.

Basically it’s really simple!

I just like to have 3 elements to my outfit (on the top half). This means I might start with a plain top (or tunic as you see on the right) and then add a little something extra- like the striped cardigan and the raspberry scarf. By adding those 2 little extras- I have now made my outfit all the more interesting. I’ve added color and texture (with the scarf) and a pattern (with the cardigan).

Other options are: add a necklace, a bracelet, a belt, a jacket, a scarf, a vest, a tank, or even layer something underneath… the options are endless! Just keep it interesting!

Told you it was easy!

Enjoy your Friday!

Pants: Gap, Tunic: H&M, Cardigan: Marshalls, Scarf: Gift, Boots: Frye

Pants: Gap, Tunic: H&M, Cardigan: Marshalls, Scarf: Gift, Boots: Frye

Dec 6th, Three for Thursday

Good morning! It’s Thursday, so that means another Three for Thursday- where I show you 1 item worn 3 ways. Today I’m showing a black pencil skirt worn 3 ways.

DSCN6200A pencil skirt is often on people’s lists as a ‘must have’ item- yet I’ve realized I rarely wear mine- so today I challenged myself to find 3 ways to wear it.

My first way is a casual, everyday mom look. By pairing the skirt with a white waffle t shirt and a denim shirt I have made it very casual. The high knee socks and boots also add to the casual vibe.

You could wear this volunteering at school, running errands, meeting friends for coffee… whatever. Don’t be afraid to wear a dress or skirt during the day. I used to worry people would think I was too dressed up- but actually people always just comment on how nice I look.

My next look is for the office. Here I have chosen an open weave sweater layered over a tank. I’ve opted for my snakeskin heels to add another pattern- as well as interest.

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Lastly, this is my night out look. I always envy gals who are out in spaghetti strap tops in the middle of winter. Don’t they freeze to death? Probably, but it looks fabulous! Actually, if you have a great coat- wear that- and then hope that wherever you are going is nice and warm. Usually in a crowded party I end up getting so hot that I’m thankful for the summery top.

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DSCN6202DSCN6212Skirt: Gap, Denim shirt: J Crew, Sweater: Target, Gold Top: H&M

Nov 7th, Feeling Patriotic

 I probably should have worn this outfit yesterday- but I didn’t- so here I am feeling very patriotic today.

The thing is though, wearing red jeans can be tricky. They are so attention seeking, it’s important that the top doesn’t compete too much with the bottom. On the other hand you don’t want to be too boring!

As you can see on the right- the white t shirt and the jean jacket are a little too plain. Plus, the jean jacket sleeves are too long and the fit is too boxy. Finally, my red shoes are a little to ‘matchy, matchy’!

On the left is my reworked outfit. Here I’ve selected a blue and white silk tank with an interesting print. I layered it under a more fitted jacket and rolled the sleeves up.

I love the loose, flowy style of this tank because it allows my tummy plenty of room to breathe- and the jacket ads a layer of warmth and texture. To complete the look I chose my Stella and Dot statement necklace. As for my shoes, instead of the matching red shoes I chose my wedge loafers. Now I can wear socks and my feet are toasty warm.

Jeans: Marshalls, Tank: Banana Republic, Jacket: Gap, Shoes: J Crew, Necklace: Stella and Dot

Nov 6th, Back in Black

Ever since the movie, Four Christmases with Reece Witherspoon I have been obsessed with wearing all black!

I tried to find a photo of her outfit from the movie- but couldn’t find one- so I’m sorry if you don’t know what I’m talking about!

Basically she is wearing a black pencil skirt, a black blouse and a black belt throughout most of the movie. It’s such a classic and stylish look- and I love it!

Today I am showing my version. I’ve chosen a stretchy black pencil skirt, a black cashmere v neck sweater, black tights and black wedge heels. In order to break up the all black- and add a splash of unexpected color- I added a pink skinny belt. I kept my jewelry very simple- a dainty little necklace and a silver cuff bracelet.

It’s a perfect outfit for me to wear to work today!

Be careful though… the outfit on the right is an example of all black gone wrong. Here I’m wearing my old black pencil skirt- which is too long- as you can see it goes below my knees! I’ve also chosen a short sleeve, crew neck black t shirt. Personally, A t shirt seems too casual for work, and the high crew neck is too matronly. Lastly, my loafer type heels are clunky looking- don’t you think?

I wanted to take a minute to give a special shout out to one of my regular readers- Susan. Her son is in the hospital recovering from a very intense surgery, and I want her to know that I’m thinking about her- and sending prayers and positive thoughts her way. If you have a minute today- please say a little prayer for Susan and her family. Thank you.

Skirt: Gap, Sweater: Ann Taylor, Belt: Target, Shoes: Macy’s

Oct 9th, Re-thinking the Maxi

 I love my maxi dress- it is the ultimate in comfort (it’s like wearing a nightgown all day,) and looks stylish at the same time.

Trouble is, my maxi seemed too summery for me to wear in October…

Unless I layer a tank underneath, add a cute cropped trench coat, and finish the look off with my wedge booties. The matching necklace is just icing on the cake!

Now I look totally appropriate for a beautiful fall day!

Note- I accidentally shrunk my maxi in the dryer (gasp), so this is a little too short. Technically, it should go all the way to the floor. Also, I think my white tank goes up too high- I will be changing it for a lower profile one!

If you haven’t already, click on the link to the right and join me on Facebook!

Necklace from Stella and Dot!

I would have never worn these shoes with a dress two years ago- but aren’t they fun?

Dress: Gap, Jacket: H&M, Necklace: Stella and Dot, Shoes: J Crew

Sept 20th, Sending a Message

 My typical ‘go to’ outfit for days when I’m not working is jeans and a shirt.

Before Everyday Mom Style I would have worn the outfit on the right.

It is just so easy to throw on a shirt, jeans and my Birkenstocks and call it good- however, there is nothing appealing about this outfit and the message that I am sending is ‘I take no time for myself’.

Is that the message you want to send?

Not me! I want to look somewhat pulled together, somewhat stylish, somewhat like I care!

Hence- the outfit on the left! This is as comfortable as the outfit on the right- but it is so much cuter. The blue and white striped tank is more interesting than a solid shirt, and the bright cardigan gives the outfit a pop of color. The cuffed jeans are casual- yet look a little more stylish than the ‘before’ pair . As for my shoes- anything is better than my Birkenstocks- and we all know how much I love my Puma ballet flats!

I wore this to dinner last night at our new local pizza place- and I only had time for 1 photo, sorry!

Jeans: Old Navy, Cardigan: Target, Tank: Gap, Shoes: Nordstrom

June 6th, Thank you Jill

 This outfit is inspired by the ever fashionable Jill from Jill’s Good Life For Less.

Lacking inspiration, I went over to her blog to see what she was up to- and I saw this cute outfit, which I just love!

I decided to skip the scarf, and instead added a little burst of color.  But basically it’s the same idea- white skinny’s, paired with a t shirt and a short trench coat.

I’ve got on my gladiator sandals (which let me tell you, are seriously the most comfortable sandals in the world- along with my Danskos, these are the best!).

In my before picture I have my jacket buttoned all the way to the top- and also have on my bootleg jeans. This looks frumpy because the jacket has no shape.

By opening the jacket, rolling the sleeves and showing a fitted t shirt underneath, I now look more stylish. Plus, it’s fun to see the bright burst of color mixed with these neutrals.

For a change, I decided to try it with the coat belted… what do you think? Yeah or Nay?

Linking up with Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday!

Love these sandals. They are so comfy!

Better belted or not? You decide!

Jeans: J Crew, Jacket: Gap, T shirt: Gap, Shoes: Naot, Necklace: Forever 21

May 30th, Me and My Maxi

Hello friends! After an incredible weekend in Northern CA, I am now home- and am utterly exhausted! Can I just tell you how adorable Carmel is? If you haven’t been- GO!

A special thanks to my dear friend Heidi for hosting us all weekend. She is an awesome travel guide and we had a blast. Thank you!

As for today’s outfit- I’m wearing my ever favorite maxi dress again. It’s from the Gap- and it’s a gorgeous shade of blue (hard to tell in photos).

This is actually what I wore on the plane yesterday.  In order to be comfy and warm- I threw a cardigan and a scarf over the top.  I stuck to a palette of blues and grays, which I think looks cool and the layers give the look some dimension.

I knotted the scarf- to make a faux infinity scarf- and then looped it around my head three times. It’s such an easy and effortless outfit- and perfect for traveling!

Dress: Gap, Cardigan: J Crew, Scarf: Target

April 21st, Saturday Casual

 I know I used this same before picture last weekend- but it is so bad- and yet I see women dressed like this all the time- that I had to show it again.

Since I pointed out all the flaws last week- I won’t waste your time today.

Let’s just say that there isn’t anything redeeming about this look on the right (well, except for the color combo of orange and blue- which is one of my favorites!).

For a similar, yet a little more stylish look- try skinny jeans, ballet flats and a cute tissue t shirt from the gap.

Because it’s still chilly here in the Northwest, I’ve added this cute military style jacket. I love this piece- you can throw it on for casual wear- or layer it over a dress- it’s that versatile! Best part- I bought it at Marshalls!

What are your plans for today? I have NONE! Weird!! I’m not sure what to do with myself!

I've got on lots of layers today- a tank, a t shirt and then this jacket.

Jeans: Anthropologie, Shirt: Gap, Jacket: Marshalls, Shoes: Nordstrom

April 14th- Weekend Casual Gone Wrong

 Today I’m combining 2 of my favorite color combos- blue and orange.

I’m wearing cropped blue jeans with an orange top. but the outfit on the right isn’t working.

There is a lot wrong with this look, but let’s start with the tight orange shirt.

The high neckline isn’t flattering, having the shirt tucked in makes it even worse, the  3 inch cuffs on the sleeves are strange…

As for the jeans- where do I begin?

First off, the length is unflattering- compare the way my legs look on the right to the way they look on the left. Because the crop on the right ends mid calf- my legs look short.

The wide cut of the leg is also not as flattering, look at my saddlebags!  The skinner (straight leg) cut of the jeans on the left are more slimming.

Next is the high waistband- this makes my middle area look bigger than it really is (especially since the top is tucked in- as previously mentioned).

A lower waist is more current and flattering- keep in mind though- I’m not talking so low my underwear are hanging out!

Last is the tennis shoes. I’ve talked about this so many times- so forgive me for repeating myself.

Please- DO NOT wear tennis shoes with jeans. Honestly, it doesn’t look good.

Yes, I know tennis shoes are really comfy. My feet ache all the time (that’s why I wear flats so much), but tennis shoes are not the answer.

A great alternative is Puma’s which are as comfy as tennis shoes- but so much cuter.

The animal print tank under the orange cardigan gives the outfit a little unexpected twist!

I decided to unbutton the top button and added a necklace!

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Jeans: Old Navy, Cardigan, Gap, Tank: Express, Shoes: Nordstrom