Blousy and bracelets

We are supposed to experience a cold snap next week.  In anticipation, I wanted to give these new kicks a try before tights/socks are a necessity and not just a fashion choice.  Isn't that how you hunker down for cold weather too?  For $14.98 at Gap, I not only got shoes and ankle bracelets in one but they also bear a striking resemblance to these Lanvin flats. According to my calculation though, I paid way less than just the tax would have cost on the Lanvin version. Did I mention they are leather, too?  Maybe not lambskin, but I think I can deal.

If you know me, then you know I shop anywhere.  Really.  If you don't know me, well, I just told you.  I shop anywhere.  Any size.  This dress is plus size and I totally appreciate it for its blousy, beautiful self.  Plus, it's Michael Kors and uber-comfortable.  Need I say more?  I mean, I have worn things upside down and backwards.  So what's in a size?  As Tim Gunn would say, "Make it work."  Mission accomplished.

P.S. Check out my updated Accessories, Shoes, and Monthly Style Files pages!

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Mossimo via Target (Fall 2011) last worn here
Dress:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom (Summer 2011)
Scarf:  Tarnish via Nordstrom (Winter 2010)
Belt:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Shoes: Gap (Winter 2011)

I Wore It Where?
playdate, errands

Hello yellow

A little bit of color can go a long way sometimes.  I like that my yellow necklace and boots are just peeking out today.  Well hello, yellow.

Something about my tunic has always reminded me of a men's nightshirt.  Yes, for the record, those still exist.  But shouldn't.  Don't google it because all sorts of visuals will come up that you will wish you hadn't seen. Ask me how I know.  FYI - There is nothing redeeming about a men's nightshirt but at least now I no longer see as much similarity between my tunic and the aforementioned man item.  Getting back to my men's nightshirt tunic....

This tunic can be a little difficult to wear since it doesn't have much shape but layering solved the problem.  The wide leg jeans help to balance the shape (or lack thereof) and, a belt gives it what it doesn't have - a waist.  Of course a turtleneck would have worked perfectly under it, but I decided to stay true to the v-neckline and wear my necklace more like a scarf by tucking the longer strands in.  Not quite as warm, but pretty indeed. 

Daily Style File
Sweater:  Halogen via Nordstrom (old)
Tunic:  J.Crew via the J.Crew Warehouse Sale (Fall 2011)
Jeans:  7 For All Mankind via T.J.Maxx (Fall 2008) similar linked
Necklace:  H&M (old)
Belt:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Boots:  BCBGirls (old)

I Wore It Where?
errands

Gray day

I'm not one to let anyone dictate what I wear.  Except for Mother Nature.  And sometimes I don't listen to her either.  However, instead of fighting the gray and rainy day around here today, I decided to use it as my outfit inspiration. Rainboots + overcoat + legwarmers = gray day.  Seems fitting.

Have you ever noticed how the rain makes a not-so-cold day seem really cold? 

Daily Style File
T-shirt:  Old Navy (Spring 2011)
Shawl cardigan:  Tahari via T.J.Maxx (Fall 2009)
Jacket:  Scarlett
Jeans:  Gap (Spring 2011)
Necklace:  Anthropologie (Fall 2011)
Legwarmers:  Xhilaration via Target (Fall 2011) last worn here
Rain boots:  Old Navy (Fall 2011) last worn here
   
I Wore It Where?
storytime, children's museum

The day after

It's hard to believe Christmas has come and gone.  I wish my bleepin' cold would do the same.  Since we ventured out today (along with the rest of the population, apparently) I decided it was best to put on a happy face and get dressed.

This sweater was as close as I could get to my bathrobe, which I wore all day on Christmas.  Oh, and did I mention it is on upside down?  It looks great right side up (short with an extra large rolled collar) but I accidentally put it on upside down.  And liked it.  The shoulder seam became a makeshift waist line and the whole thing took on a sweater coat look.  Since I tend to make my own fashion rules, I went with it.

Oh, and behold my new necklace.  A gift from the hubs and totally awesome.  Mixed metal fringe.  Ummm....thank you.  thank you.

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Sweater:  Improvd via Nordstrom (Winter 2010)
Jeans:  Madewell via the JCrew Warehouse Sale (Fall 2011)
Necklace:  Free People (Fall 2011)
Boots:  Schuler & Sons Philadelphia via Anthropologie (Holiday 2011)

I Wore It Where?
errands

Eve attire

Here we are on Monday, and I am just posting my Christmas Eve outfit.  The holidays tend to just pass right on by, but this year was especially so since I was nice and medicated on Dayquil and Nyquil.  Yes,  am still sick with a nasty cold.  What better way to tell a cold to beat it and not come back than a hot pink pleated skirt and a leopard print belt?  I thought so too.

Most everyone we saw on Christmas Eve was wearing red.  But, pink is the new red.  Right?  Regardless, Santa let my kids sit on his lap extra long.  Maybe it was the pink skirt or the fact that I realized it is slightly see-through.  When I got home.  Whoops.  Merry Christmas, Santa!

Daily Style File
Dress (worn as shirt):  Xhilaration by Target (Spring 2011)
Cardigan:  White House Black Market (Summer 2008)
Skirt:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Belt:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Boots:  Mix No. 6 via DSW (Spring 2011)

I Wore It Where?
mall 

Sick or slick?

I went to bed last night pretty sure I was getting sick and woke up 100% sure of it.  After staying in my pj's all morning and shamelessly letting my 3.5 year old watch holiday movies and eat popcorn while the babe slept and I rested, I decided it was time to venture out to Costco.  I threw on this outfit and slicked my hair.  'Cuz slicked hair is the best way to hide the fact that your sinuses feel like they are going to explode.  I also thought maybe I could trick myself into feeling like I am totally healthy and not sick 2 days before Christmas when I still have lots of wrapping and toy assembly to do.  Not working yet, but I am hopeful.

There's not much to this outfit, but I feel like it looks like I took some time to think about what I was going to wear when really I didn't.  At all.  Oh, and if you think my eyebrows look like they are fading into nothing at the ends, they are.  I got them threaded yesterday and the lady took some creative liberties.  Note to self:  remember to tell the threading lady that 2 rows of hair does not constitute an eyebrow.  Just sayin'.

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Shrug:  Express (Fall 2006)
Pants:  Aftershower Shop on Etsy (Spring 2011)
Necklace:  Anthropologie (Summer 2011)
Boots: Steven by Steve Madden (Fall 2008)

I Wore It Where?
Costco 

Laundry confession

I have a confession to make.  I dread doing laundry.  It's not the actual washing that I mind but rather the folding and putting it away.  It's a little weird seeing that I love clothes so much.  I just like clean, already folded, and put away clothes.  An aunt of mine once said that my wrinkled, unfolded laundry makes her eyes twitch.  Isn't that what an iron is for?

Since I don't want Santa to be scared off by my piles of laundry when he comes down our chimney this weekend, I have resigned myself to stay in the house today until it is all taken care of.  Or maybe it is a feeble attempt to stay away from the Anthropologie sale I mentioned yesterday (I went twice).

As luck would have it, I got dressed this Sunday.  Sundays are often comfy clothes/no photo days.  But, we had a birthday party to attend and I try to look presentable for little kids parties so I don't scare anyone.  Speaking of which, wear cute socks to parties when they are at a place like The Little Gym. You don't want to have to spend the entire party coming up with excuses as to why your socks are mangled while your kids socks are perfectly matched (or worse, trying to hide holes your socks while your kid somersaults around the gym).

  

Daily Style File

Top:  Elizabeth & James via T.J.Maxx (Fall 2011) last worn here

Turtleneck:  Mossimo via Target (Fall 2011)

Dress:  Xhilaration by Target (Spring 2011) similar linked

Necklaces:  Simply Vera by Vera Wang for Kohl's (Fall 2009) last worn here

Socks:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)

Boots:  Nine West Vintage America via Belk (Fall 2011)

I Wore It Where?

birthday party, lunch, errands

Orange crush

I'm so glad color and pattern have made their way into my closet (as opposed to my college years when black prevailed) because it makes it okay that I bought this bright orange skirt and have it plastered to my a-double-s today.  Perhaps that is a perk of adulthood, an unabashed feeling of it's okay to love what you wear and wear what you love.

If you know me, you know I have an awful habit that when people compliment my clothes, I answer with "I got it at x store for only $y."  Seriously, I just spurt it out.  It's like I am some sort of math genius - but totally not.  It doesn't matter if the item was bought 5 days ago or 5 years ago.  I can't remember to buy milk half the time, but have no fear because I can rattle off the contents and prices for almost all items in my closet.  Sigh.

For good measure, this outfit cost under $38 (minus the boots).  Want a breakdown?  I know you do.  Turtleneck $7, Camisole $4.97, Skirt $7.80, Bracelets $9.97, Belt $8.  The boots were $65 on sale + coupon for anyone wondering.  None of the orange pieces were purchased during the same season or from the same store but they all work together.  J.Crew's catalog is just one of the latest to show that same color on color is on-trend right now and can give great outfit and color inspiration. 

P.S. Wearing gray with bright skirts rather than black softens the color and makes it feel more updated.

RUN over to Anthropologie.  PRONTO.  
They are practically giving things away today 12.20.11:

 

P.P.S. I think it was fate that my outfit matched their sale.

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Camisole:  Gap (Summer 2011)
Skirt:  Forever 21 (Fall 2011)
Bracelets: Bebe (Summer 2010)
Belt:  Gap (Fall 2011)
Boots:Nine West Vintage America via Belk (Fall 2011)

I Wore It Where?
preschool, storytime, mall 

Masculine + Feminine

I've been wanting a pair of oxford shoes (a.k.a. saddle shoes, wingtips, etc) for a while now.  They are a perfect alternative to boots or flats in the winter time.  It's taken me a little while to find some I thought were worth buying.  I am so glad I waited because I was able to score a pair for only $26 this weekend - originally $85!  I love it when that happens.

I love juxtaposing masculine and feminine and this outfit does just that:  baggy boyfriend jeans, ruffle blouse, and oxfords.  Plus, I needed to go to the post office and having learned my lesson last time, I thought I would try looking effortlessly casual in hopes that when I emerge I will look more intentionally carefree and less like I just got served by my kids.  Wish me luck.

P.S. I got an awesome text from a friend today with a picture of a friend who was inspired by The Twelve Days of Turtlenecks to wear a turtleneck under her dress today. I am so flattered! I have gotten a lot of comments like this lately and am so glad you all are uncovering the power of turtlenecks.  You look adorable, friend of friend!

Daily Style File
Blouse:  Gap (Summer 2011)
Jeans:  True Religion (2005-ish) last worn here
Belt:  J.Crew via Accessory Swap (Fall 2010)
Necklace:  Gifted
Shoes:  B.O.C. Born Concept via DSW (Winter 2011)    

I Wore It Where?
errands

All wrapped up

The chill is back in the air and I like it.  It gives me an excuse to wear some of my comfy cozy sweaters that remind me of the Northeast where I grew up as well as this neat little neck wrap.  It's like a turtleneck.  But not.  Or maybe a scarf.  But not.  Whatever it is, it is a fun alternative to a necklace and functional to boot.  Since layering seemed appropriate today, I decided to do the same with my bracelets.  Just loaded them on.  I like that too.

Oh, and if you thought you had to put away your ankle jeans for the winter, think again.  Just pair them with some boots or saddle shoes and you'll immediately winterize them.  Happy weekend, friends!

Update 12/17/11: I stopped into DSW today and they just marked down their clearance section.  There are lots of additional 50% (blue tags), 70% (red tags) and 80% off (yellow tags) shoes.  Now is a great time to stock up on Spring/Summer shoes at a fraction of the cost you would pay in season.
 

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Mossimo for Target (Fall 2011)
Sweater:  Trina Turk via Nordstrom (Fall 2008)
Jeans: Lucky Brand via T.J.Maxx (Fall 2011)
Scarf:  Merona for Target (Winter 2010)
Bracelets: Brand unknown via Nordstrom (Winter 2010)
Boots: Franco Sarto via Nordstrom Rack (Fall 2011)

I Wore It Where?
gingerbread decorating party, errands

The 'ole switcharoo

I volunteered at my daughter's preschool today.  That means I am currently wearing leggings, a t-shirt, sneakers and an oversized cardigan solely for the purpose of covering my rear so I don't look like I am wearing leggings as pants.  Even though I totally am.  That also means I am not taking a picture of myself at the current moment. 

Fear not, however, because last night we went to the North Pole.  Since I wasn't sure if the spring-like temperatures we are currently experiencing would last into the evening, I opted to change out of the orange + green outfit I wore during the day and do an 'ole switcharoo.  In this case, I swapped my shirt and tunic for a turtleneck dress and comfy sweater.  That's it.  Everything else stayed the same.  Although I did try to tame the frizzies for my man Santa. 

Don't you love it when one quick change totally gives you a whole new look?

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Forever 21 (Fall 2008)
Sweater:  Free People (Fall 2009)
Jeggings:  Joe's Jeans via Nordstrom Rack (Fall 2011)
Ring:  Anthropologie (Fall 2011)
Boots: One of 2 via Nordstrom (Fall 2008)

I Wore It Where?
Santa Train

Orange + Green

I should have taken pictures of my outfit first thing this morning.  Then you wouldn't see the wrinkles on my shirt and the frizzy hairs all over my head.  Well, the frizzies are there most days...another apparent side effect of childbirth that no one tells you about until after the fact when you are trying to figure out what in the heck happened to your mane, along with everything else.  

Do, however, take a moment to pause and gander at my fabulous ring.  There aren't words to describe how much I love this shade of green.  In fact, I think the reddish orange in my shirt and the lime green of my ring may just be my new favorite holiday color combo.  An updated twist on the traditional?  Yes, please.

I've talked about my jeggings here and here and how much I like them.  A few words to the wise, don't wear them to music class with two children.  The constant getting up and down off of the floor and dancing around really tests the seams.  If you know what I mean.  If you don't, just pretend like you do.

Daily Style File
Shirt:  Gap (Summer 2011)
Tunic:  J.Crew via J.Crew Warehouse Sale (Fall 2011)
Jeggings:  Joe's Jeans  via Nordstrom Rack (Fall 2011)
Ring:  Anthropologie (Fall 2011)
Boots:  One of 2 via Nordstrom (Fall 2008)

I Wore It Where?
preschool, kindermusik, errands