Cobalt and Stripes Two Ways

Today I'm going to show you a dressy and casual take on a similar look.  I've really been enjoying dressing up jeans lately, but I really only get to them one day a week at work, that leaves four other work days where I need to dress up. This winter has really make me dress more casually, but I really do love a good skirt, so  I love how easily this outfit can transition from casual to dressy by simply switching the the jeans out for the pencil skirt. I'm not going to lie, after taking these pictures I added tights, it was too cold. The jeans look I wore when it was pretty nice a few weeks ago....maybe I should have worn the skirt then. ;) Speaking of jeans, I'm on the hunt for some new ones, I'm wondering if I should give these a try, being I love everything else from there. What jeans do you love and recommend?  

Style Swap Link Up!

Welcome to the first addition of my weekly link-up with Jenn from The Brandied Pair called “Style Swap.” I can't wait to see all our your looks today!  This week I swapped with Jenn, and starting next week Jenn and I will pick a favorite from the link-up to "Style Swap" with and share on the next link up. I love Jenn's look I swapped for my own today!  I got this blazer earlier this fall but it's been totally under-utilized.  Jenn does such a great job of making a jeans outfit look dressy and I love this one for casual Friday or a date night with Brian (hint, hint). The details on link-up are down below, let the fun begin. : )

Teal, Stripes, an a $200 Giveaway

Today's outfit is one that I am so loving. It was inspired by Tara and I absolutely love it.  I had it mixed in with my fall and winter pins, (I think she wore it last fall) but after putting it on, I can totally wear this again this spring and summer.  I love outfit that can cross seasons. Speaking of spring, I'm ready, especially to get to wear spring dresses like this,  but every year time I'm anticipating a season change I feel a weird closet scramble of "Oh, I need to wear this again before it get's too cold/hot."  I have have the same scramble on my Pinterest boards.  I look at all these outfits I want to wear and have to figure out a way to fit them all in.  Tell me I'm not the only one who experiences this???

Also, I'm super excited for Jenn and my Style Swap link-up that starts this Friday.  Check on the details on how to link up here.  I can't wait to see your posts!

Tres-Chic, Bows, and Stripes

I'm excited to be co-hosting with Agi for her Tres-Chic link-up! Today, I'm also kind of in love with outfit. This bow sweater is definitely one of my favorite purchases from this winter, so I was excited to get to wear it again.  Originally I was thinking of wearing booties but changed to my boots last minute and I'm so glad I did. It's perfect for the cold temps. we've been having. The mix of sparkle from the bows on the cardigan, lace from the top, and texture of the skirt make this a winning combination for me.

I'd love to have you link-up down below and show off your tres-chic look too!

Have you entered my sponsor's giveaway here yet?

Leopard and Stripes

Ok, so I'm pretty crazy about today's outfit.  I got the inspiration from this pin after receiving this scarf from Born Pretty.  I already have an infinity version, but really wanted a tradition one.  You guys.  I love it.  I'm not sure the pictures does it justice, it's really luxurious and not chintzy on the length at all.  I also got the chance to layer a necklace and a scarf and love how it came out too.  Yep, I'll definitely be wearing this outfit again.

Have you entered my sponsor's giveaway here yet?

Mix It Mondays: Herringbone Vest

Today I'm excited to be co-hosting Mix It Monday's with Lauren at Fizz and Frosting. It's no secret I love my herringbone vest, so it was an easy choice to show today.  This vest really does go with everything!  I picked up this vest on super clearance at J.Crew Factory after Christmas and love the yellow paired wit the black here. This outfit already made an appearance on Instagram, but great outfit need to be worn again! The next time I wear it, I'm planning on pairing it with this in colbalt (it's 40% off today, by the way).  Down below today's pictures is a ginormous remix collage on how to style this vest, make sure to check it out below, as well as link-up with Lauren.

On another note, last summer I did a post on knowing and dressing for your body type and it was a great success. I'd like to expand on it and I need your help. I really only gave outfit ideas for a rectangle, because that's what I am. Here's my pitch: Are you hourglass, pear, apple, or triangle shaped? Send me a picture of you in all black (with or without your face) if I get more than one of each body type I'll choose at random. Then I'll create Polyvore sets for you and others with your body type as outfit inspiration, as well as tips to best utilize your best qualities. I plan to do this as part of my Tuesday how-to series. If interested email me here. 

Have you entered my sponsor's giveaway here yet?

Double Stripes

Sometimes there are outfits that I just wear time and time again, and this is one of them.  It was originally one of those outfits that came together unexpectedly, but there's just something about it I love. Before getting my booties I wore this with simple heels, but I love it with the booties. If you want more tips on how to style booties, check out this post. Honestly, I think I just like this outfit because it's a little edgier than my norm and it makes me feel cooler than I really am. :)

A Utility Vest Three Ways

I'm excited to be collaborating with Heather at Style Journey and Inge at This Ever Evolving Life to show
you three ways to style a utility vest.  I've ogled over Heather and Inge's vests for quite sometime, but it just got my recently on super clearance at JC Penney and have been wearing it like crazy! The first time I wore it on the blog I wore it like this, and if you follow me on Instagram you've seen it a few times on there too.  Today I decided to pair it with my new navy striped dress I got from Gap for $6. New for $6. I actually laughed when she told me the total.  I wish a big thanks to whoever returned this gem, so I could get it for a steal. I'm crazy about this combo and love the gingham touch the button down adds too. Make sure to stop by Heather and Inge's blogs to get the details to their great looks too.

Insta-Love

Instagram is so much fun. I love scrolling through my friends' pictures and I get great outfit inspiration too. When Stephanie of White Coat Wardrobe put together this outfit I knew I needed to try it for myself. I absolutely love how it came together. I think I'll also try this with my red vest like this one and my Gap red plaid shirt. I love being able to mix the pieces in my closet. Are you on Instagram? You can follow me along here, and I'd love to follow you too :)

Stripes and Vests

I recently found this utility vest at JC Penney and I absolutely love how it goes with this J.Crew Factory shirt I found shopping the after Christmas sales.  I wore this last weekend and it was perfect for going to the library with Grant and they having a playdate after nap time.  I also got this top in orange and know I'll try that combo next.  I feel like having easy weekend pieces like this is essential.  I have a bunch of great basics for summer time, but was really lacking in the winter department, these new pieces will definitely get their wear!

Keep It Simple

Whelp, back to school today. Whomp, whomp.  Break has been great, I've had some time to myself and some great time with family too. Today is a workday and I have grades to finalize and lesson plans to write.  

As for my outfit, I'm going to come out and say it, sometimes layering a shirt under a sweater is just too much work. Seriously. Getting the arms and collar just right is the last thing I want to do when I'm already tired in the morning, and having to get up early for the first time in weeks. So, today I am keeping it simple with this red vest and my Stella and Dot necklace, and that's ok. I love the overall ease of this, and it's perfect for looking put together and cozy at the same time.

Black and Neon

I wore a version of this outfit last winter and truly couldn't wait to wear it again. This year I added tights,  booties and my new black vest. I also decided to try my neon necklace and I love the bright pop of color and how it contrasts with the black. 

Today marks the beginning of my Christmas break and I am totally ready.....so are the kids.  We have an end of the semester "fun" day today and then we're out of here!  Two weeks off will do us all some good! Grant is still going to go to daycare on Monday so I can get some last minute Christmas stuff done and that'll be a nice little break for me too.

Have you entered my giveaway for $200 in Amazon cash yet?

Stripes and Elbow Patches

Today I'm happily wearing my elbow patch sweater again. I love how this outfit came together, it was by accident, really. I had another skirt in mind, and when I tried it on, I looked horrific. Whomp, whomp. I'd originally thought this skirt was more summery (it's linen) but when you pair it with tights and a sweater, it suddenly looks wintery. Sweet! 

Also, I picked out a Chi flat iron for a Christmas present and "may" have opened it early to see if it was all it's cracked up to be.  It. Is.  I'm pretty sure it's only going to be good hair days from this day on. : )

Floral and Stripes

This combo has been in the back of my head for awhile, but I just hadn't tried it out until today, and I have to say I love it! I found this blazer at Goodwill a month or so ago and have worn it a few times with jeans, but love it with is dress today. I added the bright scarf for something different and finished it off with my boots.  I think I'll mix it up and wearing it with a scarf like this and my black boots next time.

Casual Perfection

Happy Black Friday! I hope you are all enjoyed your Thanksgiving, We sure did.  Today Brian has to work, whomp, whomp, but Grant, my mom, sister and I plan to do some shopping.  Nothing big, but if there's a deal to be had, I'm in : )

I was able to do a little Black Friday shopping early at J.Crew Factory and Gap Outlet.  They has 50% off on Wednesday day and I picked up this in a solid chambray, this in red, and this beauty.  Having the outlet mall so close could be dangerous.... I also found the perfect dup for the J.Crew herringbone vest I missed out on here.  I seriously think I have a dozen outfits already planned for it.

As for today I need to do some decor shopping for the basement.  Luckily we already have a nice couch set, end table, and coffee tables to put down there, but it's looking pretty naked in the accessorizing department. I love this pillow and this lamp.  We'll see how I make out at Target.  I'm lovin' that new Cartwheel app, I can also get an extra discount. : )

The inspiration for this look came a few weeks ago Whitley wore the cutest casual outfit, and I knew I wanted to put together something similar.  I wore it to go to a craft show with my mom and the Grantster. The puffer vest for perfect for being inside, but it didn't leave me too hot, which is a total plus because I hate lugging a coat around.  I ended up getting a cute leopard scarf, my mom found a super cute window with Santa painted on it, and Grant hit the mother load and got this awesome hand-carved train set and this felt superhero play set.  He's having the time of his life playing with it!

Stripes and Dots

Life is pretty busy right now. We've been working on finishing our basement and are finally at the painting stage, which is where I come in.  Fun. The light is at the end of the tunnel and we are having the carpet laid next week.  Everything is set to be done by Thanksgiving and I couldn't be more excited!  I'm sure I'll post some pictures once it's all done. : )

I'm loving this professional look today.  This blazer, top, and skirt were definitely smart purchases this fall, the outfit possibilities are seeming to be endless.  I rarely thrift anymore, but the one time I went this month I found this new Loft skirt for $3 and I couldn't believe it, I have a bunch of pinned looks with red skirts, but actually came up with this one on my own.  I feel like I've come a long way since last year and now see possibilities in my closet that I never saw before, and that's pretty awesome.

Chelsea and Ginny Take On: Thanksgiving

Since Thanksgiving is almost here, Chelsea and I decided to take it on.  You know what that means? No, I'm not talking about Black Friday shopping, though that is fun. I'm talking about Thanksgiving Dinner and the need for comfy clothes. Enter my maxi dress, it feels like pajamas, but looks like actual clothes. Nice! I decided to try it as a skirt and love the result.It was pretty easy to throw a fitted tee over my dress, then I added a denim jacket and fun infinity scarf. I'm now official convinced that maxi skirts aren't only for warm weather, and I'm now on the hunt for one like this. To me, this will be the perfect Thanksgiving look, with plenty of room for turkey and all the other goodness my mom, sister, and husband will bring to the table....I don't so much cook....

Building A Wardrobe: Dresses and Belts

I'm excited to be continuing my Building A Wardrobe Series again today. One the first day of the series I shared Essential Blazers and Jackets, one day two I shared Essential Cardigans, on day three I shared Essential Skirts, on day four I shared Essential Jeans and Dress Pants, on day five I shared Essential Shoes and Accessories, and on day six I shared Essential Shirts. Today I'm going to continue my Building A Wardrobe series by sharing essential dresses with you.  I love dresses and I definitely think it's important to invest in some great versatile pieces.  Here are my thoughts on essential dresses to include in your wardrobe:

• I recommend purchasing a great black and navy sheath dress.  These classic pieces will be well worth the investment and because of their classic nature can be worn for years to come.
• I also recommend getting a sold dress with great texture, such as the coral lace dress below. Texture will make this dress special, but due to the solid color, it will still be a versatile piece in your closet.
• Lastly I recommend getting a striped dress.  I'm showing a cute fit and flare option, but get a shape that fits your style, such as a sheath, jersey, or a-line.  A great black and white stripe dress will be very versatile and mixable in your wardrobe.
• I also picked some additional options for you, such as a plaid t-shirt dress, leopard, great print, and bold stipes.  I love all these options and they definitely will add value to your closet, however, I wouldn't start hear, as these pieces could be great outfit "show stoppers" but they probably won't be nearly as versatile.  I'd shop the sale rack for these types of pieces after you have a few more essential in your closet.

 black sheath dress / lace dress / navy sheath dress / stripe dress /  plaid shirt dress /leopard dress / print dress / 

 bold stripes /

I'm also going to discuss essential belts today.  A reader asked for my thoughts and I realized I hadn't planned to share any, whoops!  I think the number of belts you can have is endless but here are my thoughts on essential belts:

• I think skinny belts are most popular right now, but I recommend have a wider black and brown one, as these still look great when you want to belt a dress
• I also recommend having a metallic one, I have a brown metallic and I wear it all the time!
• Look at the bright colors you wear most, consider buying a bright belt in that color or in a complementary color.
• I also recommend getting a leopard belt, well, because it's leopard : )
• Lastly, I recommend having a skinny black and brown belt, these are the ones you'll probably wear most often.
• Shop the clearance racks, especially at Kohl's.  I've gotten most of my belts there for between $1-$2 bucks.  
• Belts can be key to defining a waist and I highly recommend wearing them with most outfits, you'd be surprised how much they can add to your final look!

Here's a visual for my thoughts on essential belts:

wide black / wide brown / leopard / fun color / skinny black / skinny brown / metallic

Today I'm wearing a great floral print dress and I've belted it to help define my shape. I can dress it up with a cardigan or blazer with heels or dress it down like I did today with a denim jacket and booties.

I'm working to start the spring transition in my closet. That means no more tights, if I have anything to say about it. I bought this dress last fall from Target for like $6 and it's one of my favorite pieces to wear. Today I thought it would be fun to style it casually with my denim jacket from thredUP  (use this thredUP link to get $10 off your first order) and my black booties. I'm thinking I'll be wearing booties for a few more weeks, then sayonara until next fall.   I'm also wearing this adorable  neckalce from Chelsea Row. I got it at a fashion swap brand new! I love a good statement necklace, but am really loving more delicate pieces like this lately.

Building A Wardrobe: Skirts

Today is the third day of my Building A Wardrobe series, I hope you're finding it useful!  On day one I shared Essential Blazers and Jackets, one day two I shared Essential Cardigans and today I'm going to share essential skirts with you. It's not secret that I love a good pencil skirt, and today I'm going to share with you some essential skirts, as well as some additional options for you to consider as part of my Building A Wardrobe series.  There are lots of different types of skirts out there, but I feel that a pencil skirt has the most classic and timeless feel, therefore it'll have more longevity in your wardrobe.  Here are more thoughts on what to consider when buying:

• The essential skirts I would consider buying are a gray, navy, black, and one additional color you love; I picked wine. Because of the classic nature of these pieces they don't often make it to the sale rack, however, you can find these at most every retailer.  I personally love Target's options.  The prices are fair and I've always been happy with the quality.
• These essential skirts will probably not be the highlight of any outfit, but they are great pieces to add to so many looks.
• Once you have a few of the essential skirts consider buying the additional options; these could be the "show piece" of you look for the day.  Picking a great bright color, or fun print that shows your personality is always worthwhile. As I said above  Target's options are great for this too.
• Most pencil skirts are safely washed in the washing machine, but always double check to see if it must be dry cleaned before buying.
• As for additional types of skirt, a-line and mini-skirts can be great too: I'm wearing a mini today, however I don't think they are the best place to start when building a wardrobe, but a great additions later on.

 Here's a visual on my thoughts for skirt essentials:

gray pencil skirt / navy pencil skirt / black pencil skirt / wine pencil skirt / cobalt pencil skirt / geometric pencil skirt / leopard pencil skirt 

Today I'm wearing a fun leopard skirt, which had been on my wish list for quite sometime. Pairing it with neutrals like tan and black make this work appropriate, but anything except boring. : )

Building A Wardrobe: Blazers and Jackets

I'm really excited to be starting a new series today that will focus on helping you to build a wardrobe full of pieces you'll not only love, but that will be timeless and versatile.  Today I'm starting with one of my favorite things: blazer and jackets.  The thing I love about them is there ability to be worn both for work wear as well was weekend wear.  They can be the perfect touch to finish off any look, so today I'm showing you pieces I feel are essential, as well as a few pieces to add once the essential pieces are in place.

On my list of essential blazers and jackets are a classic black and navy blazer, as well as a denim jacket. Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing these pieces:

•  When buying these pieces definitely pay attention to quality, as they pieces can be utilized frequently and worn for years to come.  I purchased my black blazer at H&M for a very fair price to replace one I used for nearly a decade from The Limited.  My navy blazer is probably my favorite piece in my wardrobe and although I found it on sale at Loft, it definitely would have been worth the full price. 
•  Also, pay attention to how to wash it, if it's dry clean only I pass on the piece.  Look for one that can be washed normally, as this will help you to utilize it more.
• The quality of a denim jacket, in my opinion, doesn't vary much from store to store, so buying an inexpensive option shouldn't impact how it wears much.

After you have these essential pieces in your wardrobe, then you can begin to add on additional options, like the ones I've listed below. The additional options I'm loving are a striped blazer, a mixed media moto jacket, and a bright blazer.  Unlike the pieces above which are truly wardrobe staples, these pieces can be the "show piece to any look," that is, the piece of clothing that takes your outfit from cute to perfection.  Right now I'm on the look out for a mixed media jacket.  I recently tried one on at TJ Maxx I loved, but it was dry clean only, so I passed.  These pieces should definitely be added over time, and when the price is right. 

Here's a visual of all the pieces I've listed above to help you out:

  LOFT black blazer / LOFT navy blazer  / Gap denim jacket  /LOFT stripe blazer / LOFT mixed media jacket / bright blazer

Today I'm wearing one of the additional options I've listed above, a bright colored blazer. Adding a blazer dresses up any look, and the bright color is such fun too!