Sept 19th, LBD (Sort Of)

Every gal needs a LBD in her closet (in case you’re wondering- Little Black Dress) but for everyday use, I also think everyone needs a LBD- Little Blue Dress… or some alternative to the standard LBD. (I swear this dress is blue- the color looks a lot darker in the photo, to see the real color, click here).

I know I’ve said this before, but if you are comfortable wearing dresses- than do it!

Don’t be afraid of being over dressed- don’t worry if all you’re doing is running to the grocery store- wearing a dress is so comfy and so easy- you really can’t screw it up- because the outfit is done for you!

Just be careful with how you style it. For running errands, grocery shopping or volunteering in the classroom- keep it casual- wear flats instead of heels, and add something unexpected- like the cargo jacket seen here (scroll to the bottom of the page, and forgive me for the blurry pic!).

I love wearing a dress because I don’t have to worry about matching tops and bottoms- the whole outfit is 1 piece,

All I have to do is add accessories!

Today I have added a leopard belt and a Tiger Eye necklace. Nothing to exciting- but it adds a little something to an otherwise pretty plain outfit.

I love finding dresses at Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack. Go with an idea in mind of what you’re looking for- and be picky. There are a lot of duds out there- take your time, try it on and try to visualize at least 3 occasions where you would wear it.

Necklace from Forever 21

Again, I apologize for the quality of the photo… my strength is definitely not in photography! Sorry!!

And yes- I know I said I was getting rid of all ankle strap shoes (they make my legs look short), BUT- these are my orthopedic Naot shoes- and in this case I will sacrifice style for comfort. These shoes ROCK!!!

I’ve linked up with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday!

September 6th, Khaki and White

I apologize for my before picture- but I had to do it. 

In the past few days I have seen several moms sporting the ‘socks with sandals’ look- and it has got to stop!

Yes, I know I live in the Pacific Northwest- where some people consider this to be ok… but honestly, it’s not.

Trust me.

As for my outfit- I love the simple, classic look of khaki and white together- as seen here and here.

These 2 colors are always in style.  However- as usual, I must tell you that you can’t just throw on a white golf shirt and a pair of cropped khakis and call it good.

In my opinion a collared shirt should only be worn on the golf course.

As for the knee length cropped khakis- surely the picture says it all. These are not flattering- they are frumpy!

On the left you can see my re-worked outfit. This cute cargo style skirt is a great alternative to the cropped khaki pant. The pockets give it some detail, and the leopard belt peeking out adds an interesting pattern.  On that same note, instead of a plain white shirt, I have chosen this cool waffle texture shirt. It has these cute buttons down the front- which also add some visual interest.

Lastly- I’m wearing my orthopedic sandals by Naot. I LOVE these shoes!! They are truly one of the most comfortable shoes I have EVER owned. I’ll be sad when summer is over and I can’t wear them anymore. I need to see if Naot makes boots?!  Anyone?!

I went for the half tuck… wanted to show off my belt.

June 16th, A Bittersweet Ending

Hello Friends!

Today is sort of a sad day for me, because I need to stop writing Everyday Mom Style for a bit.

You may have noticed I haven’t been writing as regularly as before… I apologize for that. My life is so busy right now (like everyone else’s) and I think it’s time to take a little break.

A summer hiatus, if you will.

I have truly loved writing everyday- and sharing with you all what I’m wearing. It’s been a tremendous learning experience for me.

A pair of jeans and a blazer is one of my favorite looks! It’s so classic and easy to look pulled together.

I’ve learned what works for me, and what doesn’t.

I’ve learned that by putting in just a small amount of effort I can really change my look.

I’ve learned that I adore stripes, and blazers, and scarfs, and skinny jeans!

I’ve learned that spending a bit more on a classic well made piece is worth it (my white skinny pants from J Crew are a great example! I didn’t want to spend that much on a pair of jeans- but I wear them about once a week- so worth the price!).

I’ve learned that a great piece of jewelry can make an outfit.

I’ve learned that I like classic, traditional clothes!

But truly, most of what I’ve learned has come from you all.

Thank you so much for following me through this journey, for your kind comments, suggestions and giving me the confidence to do this! It’s been really fun!

Come back tomorrow to see my final post (which will be a review of the outfits of the month)!

And, you never know… come Fall, I may decide to start up again?!

June 14th, Reader’s Request- How to “Summer-ize an Outfit”

  Today’s reader request is from a local Seattle gal- who wants to dress ‘summery’, but also realizes that it’s only 55 degrees outside.

This is a tough one- because while everyone else in the country seems to be wearing summer clothes- we in the Pacific Northwest are still faced with really cold temps.

We want to look appropriate for the season- but we are also a practical bunch of people!

Today I’m showing how I took a black long sleeve wrap top and by making very minor changes- made it look a little more ‘summery’.

To do this I need to show more skin!

I opened the neckline a bit (this was done by loosening the wrap a bit), added a white tank underneath, pushed up the sleeves and rolled up my jeans. I added to bangle type bracelets and switched out my ballet flats for sandals.

Now I’ll be warm, but also don’t look too wintery.

What are your suggestions for dressing for the season?

May 13th, Happy Mother’s Day

In honor of Mother’s Day I thought I’d show some pictures of my favorite moms! First off is my own mom, followed by my mother in law and then my sisters (taken when they were here in March!) I love you guys! :)

A simple outfit of a white shirt, a cute cardigan and a great necklace!

My Mother in Law- love that top!

Here is Erin wearing cute cuffed white pants with a solid top accessorized with an amazing necklace and cute sandals.

Love the white trim and mandarin collar on Kara’s blouse!

Now here are two of my friends (who are also awesome moms) who are looking adorable! Love this top on Julie (on left)- such a pretty pink pattern. I also love MaryAnn’s heeled espadrilles paired with shorts and a cute black and white top- so cute!

May 11th, Casual in Khakis

For those of you who are following my foot pain saga, I think I may have some good news!

Taking readers advice, I decided to do a little shopping and check out Danskos. Originally, I thought there was no way that I would find any that I liked. In my mind, Dansko is a big, black, clunky, masculine shoe!

Much to my surprise, I found these – dare I say it- cute sandals! They definitely aren’t something that I would ordinarily be drawn to- but once I put them on I was hooked!

They are so sublimely comfortable- and my feet are so happy! However, before I decide to keep them for sure, I need to know your thoughts.

Are they keepers?*

As for my outfit. I decided to play it safe and wear my new shoes with khaki cargos and a striped shirt- but these stripes (on the right) are so close together they make me dizzy and the cut of this shirt is too short and very boxy and not flattering. It just looks weird!

To improve the look, I rolled the cuffs of the pants to make them a little more ‘on trend’, and then switched out the striped shirt to a cute blue and white one. Notice the cute details on the sleeves. The necklace is the final touch.

Don’t forget, it’s Fashion Friday, so be sure to click here to see some other very cute ideas!

Side view to show the shoe from another angle. The heels are a little clunky, but luckily that is ‘in’.

*I won’t wear the shoes out of the house today, (so I can return them if necessary) so please feel free to be very honest!

Shirt: Anthropologie, Pants: Anthropologie, Shoes: REI, Necklace: Plateau Jewelers

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!

May 4th, Oh So Plain

 Today’s look is another extremely simple, yet stylish (in my opinion) outfit.

I’ve simply paired skinny jeans with a plain white shirt. Nothing to it.

Well, there’s something to it.

I’ve said this before- but please don’t wear golf shirts- or polo style shirts- (unless of course you are golfing). They really aren’t stylish or fashionable at all.

On the left is a much better version. I’ve got on this cute white button down shirt layered over a white tank and then added this cute necklace. It’s a super casual, super easy look that comes down to small details.

This shirt’s details are in the side panels, the breast pockets and the 3/4 sleeves.

A cool pair of sandals finish the look.

It’s Fashion Friday, so I’m linking up with Melissa over at Girlymama! Have a great weekend!

*I realize this outfit is very similar to Wednesday’s outfit. I seem to be lacking creativity this week. I apologize!

This shirt is made of very soft cotton and has stretchy panels in the sides- making it super comfy!

Here is another option- a crisp white shirt.

Shirt: James Perse, Jeans: Madewell, Shoes: Target, Crisp White Shirt: Brook’s Brothers

March 16th, Right on Target

Today we decided to try a little fashion challenge- we had to put together an entire outfit using only items from Target.

It was fun to see what we could come up with!

Here are our 5 tips for dressing in less expensive clothes:

1. Have a nice purse and shoes (real leather). These are items to splurge on, people will see a high end purse or shoes and assume the rest of the outfit is high end.

2. Make sure your clothes are well pressed, no loose strings or buttons. Look polished.

3. Choose wisely. Go with a critical eye and have a goal in mind of what you are looking for. Kara gets the Nordstrom catalog as well as email updates from J Crew, Saks and Barneys to see what is current.  She then looks for similar styles at lower end shops.

4. Erin’s advice is to know your style. Just because something is fashionable, doesn’t mean it will work for you. Know your body and what works and what doesn’t. Don’t get caught up trends just because they are inexpensive. Wear what looks good on YOU!

5. Own your look- radiate confidence.

Below is Erin’s look:

She’s wearing a chambray dress with an empire waist. This makes her legs look even longer.  She’s paired her dress with red ballet flats and a cute necklace.

This is a great day dress- perfect for lunch with friends.

Love this necklace!

Kara chose a open knit sweater paired with a long cotton skirt. She added a tank and then accessorized with gorgeous necklace and bracelet and then finalized her look with her cute wedge heels.

Love this monochromatic look- it makes her look long and lean.

Such cute jewelry!

I chose cropped skinny jeans, a white tank and this cute polka dot cardigan. I added a muted fushia beaded necklace and sandals. Looking at the pictures I wish I would have worn ballet flats.

Wish I would have worn flats instead of sandals.

Don’t forget, it’s Friday, so we’ve hooked up with Girlymama for Fashion Friday edition. Check it out!

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Sept 24th, A Day in Leavenworth

Dress found for $10 on the clearance rack at Target. Love it!

I’m on a girl’s weekend in beautiful Leavenworth, Washington. This little town is built like a Bavarian village. It is so cute-and if you ever get the chance to visit, go for it.

It’s going to be 86 degrees today, and we are going to do lots of walking, sightseeing, wine tasting and shopping, so I wanted to wear something very comfy and cool. I chose this print dress from Target. I bought this on the clearance rack for $10, and I think it is perfect for today. The vibrant print allows it to stand alone- I simply paired it with a cute necklace and sandals. And I’m off… Have a great Saturday!

Good outfit for touring the village!

Pardon the wheelbarrow in the background- we are definitely in the county!