Dressed down

I have an affinity for dresses.  Especially when they are tulip shaped like this one. Maybe because it accentuates the curves and hides the flaws.  In the past I have worn this dress with heels, but since being a stay at home mom doesn't afford me too many options to wear stilettos, I decided to dress it down.  There's no use having it sit in my closet unworn.  Enter my boots and the jean jacket which is already making a reappearance from yesterday.  I'm telling you, I am totally serious about this Spring thing.  It needs to be here.  Now.  Or yesterday.

This dress is so comfy and versatile that not only did I do my usual routine but I also went on a late afternoon/early evening trail walk in it.  Like an in the woods trail.  Unpaved and everything.  I felt so outdoorsy.  Until I looked down and realized I was in a dress and boots.  And wearing a necklace and carrying my purse.  But, hey, everyone's idea of outdoorsy is different.  My daughter went on a last minute playdate before dinner so the hubs and I decided to embrace it and take our son on a little outdoor hike.  Or something like that.  Maybe next time I'll really let loose and leave my purse in the car.  At least I left my Starbucks there.

Daily Style File
Dress:  Iisli via T.J.Maxx Rent the Runway (Fall 2009)
Jacket:  INC (Winter 2005)
Necklace:  Gifted
Belt:  Anthropologie (Holiday 2011)
Boots:  One of 2 via Nordstrom


I Wore It Where?
preschool, errands, a hike (!!)
 

Feelin' feathery

I may or may not have worn almost this same exact outfit earlier in the week.  I stress almost because I wore a different tank top and headband.  Since I only wore it to an evening parent workshop it kind of doesn't count as wearing it.  That is my justification for reprising it today.  Regardless of how many times I remind myself that capri pants are not flattering on a short girl with curvy hips, I can't quit them.  I have at least stopped buying them. However, these ones have been in my closet for years and haven't made their way out.

And, yes, those are feathers in my hair.  I'm not usually the type of person to wear fowl, but I've seen lots of pictures of fashionable ladies wearing them and wanted to give it a try.  It makes me feel like I should be going somewhere much more fancy than to the pediatrician's office. If I happen to start speaking in a British accent then you'll know it is just me pretending to be distinguished and we can blame it on my headdress.

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Mossimo via Target (Fall 2011)
Tank:  Lily White via Nordstrom
Pants:  Theory via Off Saks Fifth Avenue
Shoes:  Mossimo via Target (Winter 2012)

I Wore It Where?
pediatrician's office    

I heart hearts

I've been sick.  For over a week.  And not sic like cool.  Sick like no voice, no sleep, crazy headaches, and a major test of my patience.  And parenting skills.

It's Valentine's Day today and my voice is finally back.  The raspy-but-definitely-not-sexy sound is gone.  My energy is back too, but that could be due to the Valentine's chocolates Girl Scout cookies I made the mistake of buying.

I am not usually an advocate of theme dressing, unless you are under the age of 14.  However, once you have kids, you suddenly see some justification for wearing heart pins and holiday sweaters.  Okay, maybe not heart pins and holiday sweaters, but at least a heart blouse.  You also find justification for using a heart shaped cookie cutter to make themed lunches.  As you can imagine, my daughter's lunch was cut into hearts today.  Every. single. item.  Including the strawberries. I couldn't help myself.  So, I spread the love to my clothes as well and broke down and wore a subtle heart-emblazoned cami.  With a turtleneck, of course.  Because you all know I heart turtlenecks.  The rest of the outfit is pretty basic and not really romantic. But, neither is coughing up a lung for the past week, so let's take what we can get.  Progress is progress.

Have a lovely Valentine's day!

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Mossimo via Target (Fall 2011)
Cami:  Happening in the Present via Nordstrom (Summer 2011)
Jeans:  True Religion
Necklace:  Anthropologie (Winter 2010)
Shoes:  Mossimo Supply Co. via Target (Winter 2012) 

I Wore It Where?
preschool, errands 

Chubby's

I have no clue what I am wearing today.  My outfit was thrown on in less than 5 minutes (normal dressing = 15) while I tried to go for something more than pajamas yoga pants.  Of those 5 minutes, at least four were spent blankly thinking about what I should wear until I just starting grabbing things.

I'm blaming my delirium this morning on the fact that we ate at a place called Chubby's Tacos last night.  Note to self:  beware of any eatery that starts with the name chubby.  Delicious but dangerous.  The taco's have most certainly taken over my brain function this morning. 

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Mossimo via Target (Fall 2011)
Top:  Forever 21 (Holiday 2011)
Skirt:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Tights:  Spanx
Necklace:  Nordstrom
Scarf:  Old Navy (Holiday 2010)
Clogs: Anthropologie  (Spring 2011)

I Wore It Where?
preschool, errands

Lesson learned

This outfit is a lot better looking in person.  It didn't photograph well.  I am attributing it to my phenomenal iPhone photography skills.  Or the fact that my 16 month old spit up all over me just prior to taking these pictures.  That is my penance for bouncing and swinging him around while he was drinking his bottle.  So, if you walk away with anything from today's post, it is this: don't dance with a drinking baby.  Especially when you are wearing a silk skirt.  Yes, now I know many of you are shaking your heads and thinking, Duh.  But, some of us aren't quick learners.  So, be kind.

Daily Style File
3/4 Tee:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Cropped Tee:  frenchi via Nordstrom (Summer 2011)  Skirt: Laundry by Shelli Segal (old)
Necklace:  Anthropologie (Fall 2011)
Shoes:  Gap (Winter 2011)

I Wore It Where?
preschool, playdate, errands

Feelin' blue

Today I wanted to make sure I looked nice because I had an appointment to consign some of my kid's old clothes and toys.  In my mind, if I looked half-way put together they would want to pay me top dollar for all of the things I brought to them.  Because the obsessively ironed, folded and organized bins I dropped off didn't speak enough for themselves.

What I forgot to take into account was the fact that I have zero sense of direction and it would take me four phone calls to them to find the drop-off entrance at their new location.  By the time I actually pulled up, I looked like a crazed woman with no flippin' sense of direction (or sense, period).  Oh, and it was lunch time and the kids were hungry.  My plan of strolling on in early, dropping off my items with a little skip in my step, gliding out of the store to go to lunch with my two perfectly mannered children all while looking like I have this whole mother thing down pat went totally out the window. 

Did I mention it was pajama day at preschool too?  To top it off, my almost 4-year old was wearing her pj's and looking like I just didn't care enough to put her in real clothes. You know, like the ones I was trying to sell them.

P.S.  See? I wasn't joking when I said everyone needs to add some navy to their closets this winter.

P.P.S. Don't look too closely at my boots.  They need to be shined.  What used to be "character" is now making them look like they are going to fall apart at any moment.  I'm on it.

P.P.P.S. Did anyone watch the Critics' Choice Awards?  I didn't either.  But, I did check out all the red carpet looks and picked up this little legs crossed, hand on hip move.  You like?

Daily Style File
Dress:  Lush via Nordstrom (Spring 2010)
Jacket:  Carole Little via Marshalls (Fall 2009)
Leggings:  Old Navy (Summer 2011)
Belt:  Anthropologie (Winter 2011)
Boots:  Steven by Steve Madden (Fall 2008)

I Wore It Where?
preschool, errands 

12 things I learned today

1.  Long pants on a wet day = wet pants all day long.

2.  My days of wearing low-rise pants are over.  for real.

3.  My almost 4 year old wants blue hair so I tied a blue scarf to her head and that satisfied her.  I wonder if that will still work when she is 15.

4.  Old women don't like when you offer them money.  After watching an elderly woman in line spend many minutes searching for her wallet and saying, "You can never find it when you need it," I offered to pay for her purchases.  She snapped her head at me, told me she had plenty of money and didn't need mine and then proceeded to pay.  I, of course, felt horrible that I had a. offended her by implying she didn't have money and/or b. rushed her.  Despite the gesture gone awry, I'd do it again.

5.  Little boys like to push stuffed animals and dollies in baby doll strollers just as much as little girls.  I think it is totally awesome.

6.  My kids like the idea of Lunchables much more than they like eating the actual Lunchable.

7.  I really like Target's clearance sales, even if I am not buying, because seeing what a good deal people will get makes me giddy. FYI -  Toys and baby items will go 75% off this month and a lot has been marked to 30-50% already.

8.  Even grown men who wear hunting jackets and drive big SUV's get visibly shaken when they run their car off the road, through a ditch, and into a tree.  People are more fragile than you may think so take the 10 seconds to check and make sure they are okay (if it is safe to do so), even if you didn't witness it (man = okay, SUV = totaled).

9.  I wish I could sing like Adele but I really can't sing.  at all.

10.  I purposely drive by construction sites because I love the high pitched squealing sounds my 16 month old son makes whenever he sees a piece of heavy machinery or anything with wheels.

11.  Watching hair videos hasn't improved my hair styling abilities.  yet. 

12.  Wearing pants like Heidi Klum doesn't give you legs like Heidi Klum.

Daily Style File
Dress (worn as shirt): Xhilaration by Target (Summer 2011)
Sweater:  Trina Turk via Nordstrom (Fall 2008)
Pants: Miss Sixty (2004-ish)
Necklace: Anthropologie (Winter 2010)
Shoes:  Corso Como

I Wore It Where?
preschool, errands 

Navy

I have a lot of black basics in my closet.  It goes with everything.  But, you know what?  So does navy.   It's less harsh looking than black.  Equally as neutral.  Strikingly fresh.  And sadly often forgotten. I think we should all make it a point to add a little navy into our ensembles this winter.

My leggings are actually long johns.  Yup, like the ones I used to wear skiing as a child.  Except they are from J.Crew and not some outdoor store that supports winter activities.  So, maybe they are a little hipper than skiing long johns.  I found them at the bottom of a box at the J.Crew Warehouse sale.  Actually, a man found them and proceeded to study them and some other items for at least 10 minutes.  Whenever anyone takes that much time to consider a purchase of an $8 pair of pants, I take note.  So, I casually digged through boxes right next to him and even more casually picked up any items he discarded so I could peruse myself.  These were in his discarded pile.  I have no idea if they are mens or womens and really don't care.  I find the navy color to be fresh and the fact they are thermal underwear makes them hip.  Right?

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Forever 21 (Holiday 2011)
Skirt:  Forever 21 (Fall 2011)
Necklace: Source unknown
Boots:  One of 2 via Nordstrom (Fall 2008)


I Wore It Where?
preschool, errands    

Bohemian sparkle

I'll be the first to admit my outfit today is a bit frumpy.  I'm going to call it Bohemian instead.  I think that has a much nicer ring to it.  I spent so much time ironing my hair this morning that I didn't have time to iron my clothes.

The number one rule for wearing harem pants is they need to be ironed or else they look like pajamas.  The first thing I did this morning was break that rule.  Whoops.

So, instead of focusing on the wrinkles on my pants, let's focus on my stick straight hair.  Nary a wrinkle in sight.  Or my metallic plated scarf.  Because what else is a girl to do when she wants to cover up her unironed clothes?  Layer a huge, beautiful, sparkly scarf and hope that takes the attention away from things that were neglected.

Let's marvel at the scarf, shall we?

Daily Style File
Cami: Free People via Belk (Spring 2011)
Cardigan:  Gap (Summer 2011)
Pants:  Aftershowershop on Etsy (Spring 2011) last worn here
Scarf:  Nordstrom (Fall 2009)
Boots:  Nine West Vintage America via Belk (Fall 2011) last worn here 

I Wore It Where?
breakfast playdate, mall, errands

Pattern play

I'm not usually one to wear a whole bunch of new items at once.  You know, I like to ease them into my wardrobe and savor the tags and newness of the item before they get dried food, sticky fingers and runny noses all over them.  But, it's a new year people and today I decided to just go for it.  Aside from my jeans and necklace, my clothes today are brand spanking new.  And since I haven't make a public thank you to Anthropologie, I'll do so now. 

Thank for you for your end-of-year-clearance-mega-sale, Anthropologie.  You have revived my wardrobe at minimal cost.  Can I have a whoop whoop for $158 tops for only $20?!

And just so you know how excited I am, I added a picture that looks like I am skipping.  Or maybe it's a happy dance.  By someone with no rhythm.

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Forever 21 (Winter 2011)
Open cardigan:  Porridge via Anthropologie (Winter 2011)
Jeans: Anoname via Nordstrom Rack (Fall 2008)
Necklace: Source Unknown (old)
Belt: Anthropologie (Winter 2011)
Shoes: JBrand Shoes via Anthropologie (Winter 2011)

I Wore It Where?
errands

Belted

Black Friday is one of those days that calls for comfort clothes (for easy maneuverability through the store aisles) and also so your waistline can have some room to recover from the feast the day before.  Needless to say, I wasn't wearing anything blog-worthy.  Plus, I think of Black Friday shopping as a sport, so my active wear was totally appropriate.

The dress I am wearing today is something I wore a lot during both of my pregnancies so I always feel a little weird wearing it when I am not pregnant.  That being said, I decided to belt it and that worked pretty well since the only thing in my belly right now is Thanksgiving leftovers!

Daily Style File
Dress:  Tart via Nordstrom (Fall 2006)
Vest:  Dolce via Nordstrom (Fall 2008)
Pants:  J.Crew via the J.Crew Warehouse Sale (Fall 2011)
Necklace:  Source Unknown
Boots:  Franco Sarto via Nordstrom Rack (Fall 2011)  

I Wore It Where?
playground, out to eat, airport, playdate

Gobble Gobble

My strategy for Thanksgiving this year was to wear something tight fitting in hopes that the scale won't betray me in the morning.  Last year I was 8 weeks post partum but still looked (and felt) like I had just given birth.  I thought I would make up for it this year and actually get dressed for the occasion.  Plus, there's nothing like adding a little Kardashian to your turkey day (via my very own round rump and thigh high boots).  Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!

Daily Style File
Shirt:  Mossimo by Target (Fall 2011)
Skirt:  J.Crew via the J.Crew Warehouse Sale (Fall 2011)
Earrings:  Carole Inc. via Nordstrom (Fall 2009)
Boots:  Guess via DSW (Spring 2011)

I Wore It Where?
home for Thanksgiving dinner     

Subtle stripes

One of my (very) few fashion rules is no horizontal stripes.  I'm a curvy mama and as much as I love the classic look of stripes, they never seem to translate well on me.  I've tried, time and time again, with no success.  Until recently.  I finally found a horizontal stripe that works for me.  Slimming, subtle, sophisticated. At Old Navy and on my derriere, no less. 

Old Navy is one of those stores that I shop at in waves.  Maternity clothes?  Check.  Postpartum clothes?  Check.  Inexpensive and trendy?  Check and check.  However, up until a few weeks ago, I hadn't been into an Old Navy in a couple of months.  Blame it on Old Navy overload when I am preggo.  My recent finds (combined with their recent promotions) have reminded me why it is good to remember to stop in once in a while.

This skirt has gotten me so many compliments and it was less than $20.  I love the subtlety of the color and the width of the stripes.  The fabric is thick and the cut is slimming.  It's a feminine skirt, but not in a flowery feminine way.  With the chill back in the air, I was also excited to break out my new moto jacket from Target clearance.  I think it looks so much more expensive than the $28 I paid for it.

Daily Style File
3/4 Tee:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Cropped Tee:  frenchi via Nordstrom (Summer 2011) 
Skirt:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Jacket:  Xhilaration via Target (Fall 2011)
Necklace:  Brand unknown via Nordstrom (Summer 2011)
Scarf:  Source unknown
Tights:  Spanx
Boots:  Franco Sarto via Nordstrom Rack (Fall 2011)

I Wore It Where?
preschool, errands, shopping, birthday party

The dress that keeps on giving

Since Thanksgiving is fast approaching, let's discuss things clothes we are thankful for.  You know the holiday commercials about gifts that keep on giving?  Well, let me introduce you to a dress that does just that.  Seriously.  It gives and gives and gives.  It's a workhorse.  A wardrobe staple.  Oh, and did I mention it's affordable too?  Meet the black jersey dress.  I bought it this summer for $19.99 at Target and I have worn it countless times since.  Somedays I wear it as a shirt and others as a dress.  It hugs all the right places and stretches in them too.  And, despite all the wash and wear, the fabric still looks great.  Winner winner chicken turkey dinner.

Today I paired it with some trouser jeans in a classic dark wash, a neutral sweater vest and a fun necklace.  Easy as pumpkin pie.

P.S. The black dress isn't available online, but they do have red.  How festive.

Daily Style File
Dress:   Xhilaration via Target (Summer 2011) similar linked
Vest:  Gap (Spring 2011)
Jeans:  7 For All Mankind via T.J.Maxx (Fall 2008) similar linked
Necklace:  Anthropologie (Spring 2011)
Shoes:  Joe's Jeans via Nordstrom (Summer 2011)

I Wore It Where?
preschool, kindermusik