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 (!!)
 

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    

I dream a genie

This summer I started wishing I was a genie.  Just kidding, but I did want to give the harem look a try.  I finally found these harem pants on Etsy and I couldn't have been more thrilled.  Since my legs don't see a lot of sunlight, I was looking for something comfortable, casual and fashionable to get me through the southern heat without offending anyone with my stems.  Plus, it is a bonus that sweat can run down your legs on a 100 degree day and no one will have any clue as to the wardrobe malfunction going on.  See?  Win-win.

My intention was to wear them during the summer but lo and behold, they look good with boots too. Double win.  Boots + extra long cardigan + harem pants =  perfect Fall outfit.

Daily Style File
Lace Tank:  Lily White via Nordstrom (2007)
Cardigan:  White House Black Market (2008)
Pants:  Aftershowershop on Etsy (Spring 2011)
Belt:  Anthropologie (Spring 2011)
Boots:  One of 2 via Nordstrom (Fall 2008) 

I Wore it Where?
Grocery store