my outfit: patches!

As promised from my previous tutorial: How to Make Leather Elbow Patches... here is the finished product! I love the way the leather patches turned out and also that I breathed new life into this sweater!  It feels like a completely new piece in my closet!

I am the worst person at diy's ever... I'm so impatient and an endless perfectionist.  Those two things don't add up well for diy.  But I can definitely see the draw... it's fun to have little projects like this come together.  It's a rush!

Do you have any fun diy projects for your wardrobe? This summer I tried dip-dying t-shirts... ummm, can you say dip-saster? I've also tried making rope necklaces. Just hang me (pun)... forget about it.  Don't forget the half finished friendship bracelets I have sitting in the drawer.  No wonder I don't have any friends (kidding). I used to love to knit and would be knitting up a storm constantly... maybe I'll have to pick that back up again.  I could totally make one of these... and quite frankly I should!

Dish... do you diy?

Details:
Sweater, J.Crew {leather patches by me} (similar)
White Top, H&M (similar)
Jeans, Seven for all Mankind (similar... but I got mine cheaper at GILT)
Boots, Minnetonka (similar)
Watch, Fossil courtesy of Nordstrom Rack
Ring, Forever 21 (similar)

what to wear: halloween!

Need some last minute costume ideas for today!?!? Head to your closet (or your friends closet) and scrounge up some simple items to make some super fun costumes!

(above: white dress, gold makeup, gold nail polish, earrings, necklace, sandals)

(above: track pants & jacket, shoes, visor, whistle earrings, watch)

(above: dress, necklace, sunglasses, shoes, gloves)

(above: black trench, black hat, black sunglasses, black shoes, black pants, white hat, white pants, white trench, white sunglasses, white shoes)

Happy Halloween!

Sunday Splurge!

I love the idea of a leopard print coat... it seems like something I would love to wear to pep up the average outfit or to dress up with or even to pull out when I'm old and gray and people will whisper behind my back about that crazy old lady. Maybe that's weird... but that's exactly how I see it playing out.  Ha!

Any way... what a great investment piece! No!?!?

(leopard coat)

Not up for an investment but still like the look? Check out this one...

Vegas, baby!

I just snagged this awesome Rachel Rachel Roy dress for Vegas for a song (yay for 50% off racks!)... I'm super pumped to wear it!

Now I just need to decide how to style it!  Nude heels? Black heels? Brown platform sandals? With my fur vest? My fur coat? Or a moto jacket? And a bold earring or necklace or just bracelets? Decisions! Decisions!

How to get the most out of this blog...

Over the recent months I gained some new readers and sometimes with a blog it's hard to figure out what's what when you first start reading it... especially if you are not up for going through the archives.  So I figured I would just do a quick "tour" of the blog for you so that you make sure you are getting the most out of it...  I've written over 1700 posts (!!!!) so let me give you a quick tour of them!

• Like to see what I wear on an almost daily basis?  I'm a busy stay-at-home/work-at-home mom of two... these are 'my outfits'.
• I love to hear from my readers... check out questions I have answered for them in 'reader questions' along the way! It's everything from what to wear to weddings to how to mix up what you already own in new ways.
• Speaking of reader questions... I get the question of how to organize a closet a lot - check out mine!  It's the most popular post on my blog of all time!
• Wondering what to pack or what to wear? Check out those posts!
• Want to learn my tricks of the trade in blogging!?!? In this e-book I dish on all my secrets of success!
• I produce a seasonal looks:book to give you a guide on what to buy each season that is on trend but not overly trendy.  It's a road map of sorts and is wildly popular with my readers.  Check out past issues! (and get ready for the winter 2011 looks:book, slated to be available mid-November, it's going to be amazing!)
• If you are a gal that values the classics... I wrote an amazing e-book on the 50 items every woman must own (and how to style them!).  This is a super fun e-book!
• Do you strive to dress cute and up to date but just need a little help? Check out my wardrobe consultation services!  They are available for all budgets and styles! (or check out the archives of past consults to get a feel for how they work)
• If you are interested in how one piece or style can be worked several ways... check out my Work it Wednesday posts!  They are the oldest running series here on the blog!
• And lastly, I also am editor and contributor to a fun celebrity style blog... check it out too and add it to your daily blog reads!

what to wear: weekend!

I hope you have a super cozy weekend planned... we have a jam packed weekend with fun stuff for the kids! I can't wait to dive into it...

(hat, jeans, top, sweater, nail polish, boots, watch)

For your reading pleasure this weekend:

• Love this article (via b.a.) on what stay-at-home moms do all day... even I wonder sometimes.  This article reminds me.
• And love this article (sent to me by e.) about the fashion of 'pick ups and drop offs' in Manhattan... 

Don't you just love a good article?  If you see good ones about parenting/style - email them to me! I love getting them!

winter wardrobe prep... how to make leather elbow patches!

I recently went through my closet to check out my winter wares and found a few pieces that needed updating, mending or make-overs.  I'll share those pieces over the next few weeks...  first up... how to make leather elbow patches for old sweaters!

I have this gorgeous sweater from J.Crew that was a gift from my husband several years ago (2005 I believe)!  It is a wool and angora blend, fits almost like a sweater jacket, has leather covered buttons and is SO warm and cozy.

It was definitely an investment piece when my husband bought it 6 years ago but now it is unfortunately showing some wear.  You can see my finger tips through the elbow areas... so I figured I would try some diy leather elbow patches on the sweater instead of just getting rid of it or waiting until it broke through.

I couldn't believe how easy this diy was... first I laid the sweater out on the ironing board with the offending elbow areas lined up and put a piece of paper between the sleeve layers so that I could see the thin areas on a quick glance (for when I place the patches) and also used the paper in there in case some of the fusing bled through (to avoid the sleeves sticking together).

Then I snagged some suede from my local Hobby Lobby.  I found this square in the craft section (not the fabric section) for less than $5.  They had lots of colors and textures to choose from. I chose to make my elbow patches in circles and traced circles with a guide (I used a random lid I had hanging around the house).

Then I put the suede patches over a layer of "Steam A Seam" sheet and cut corresponding circles of the fusing product.  This was also under $5 for a whole package at Hobby Lobby.

Next I set the iron to the highest steam setting and lined up the patches and steamed them on.  I had reservations about using the steam directly on the leather, but I knew the fusing material needed lots of steam to work so I just went for it.  I noticed no ill effect on the suede at all.

In literally MINUTES I had elbow patches!  The "Steam to Seam" worked fabulously and not only did this project cost me less than $10, it also took less than 15 minutes!  That is my kind of diy!

Look for this sweater in some upcoming outfit posts!  And I have one other change up to show you on another piece from my closet soon that was also inexpensive and super easy!

what to pack: Las Vegas!

Heading to Las Vegas soon!?!? I'm heading out soon and starting to put together my suitcase... I always try to pack as minimalist as I can... but there is something about Vegas that even if you are only there for a few days you feel like you need tons of shoes, outfits and accessories.  Here is my take on what to pack for a trip to Las Vegas.

1. a cozy scarf for red-eye flights or chilly shopping malls, 2. a fab pair of sunnies for reading by the pool, 3. a clutch for dinner, dancing and casino-ing, 4. a fun cocktail ring for brunch or drinks, 5. a fabulous pair of earrings for day or night, 6. one super sparkly dress, 7. a super hot swim suit, 8. simple tanks for shopping the strip or heading to the pool, 9. denim shorts for shopping or sunning, 10. a classic maxi dress for brunch and shopping, 11. simple sandals for lots of walking, 12. glittery TOMS for running to catch your flight, 13. a faux fur vest for chilly desert evenings, 14. your rocking-est jeans, 15. a pretty blouse for  dinner and a show, 16. a tote for all your in-flight necessities, 17. gorgeous 'going out' shoes

Are you headed out on vacation soon? Let me know... I'll pull together some other fun 'what to pack' posts like these!

One last thing... please 'dish' (pun intended!) on your favorite places to eat on the Vegas strip... that is one of my favorite things to do while I am there and I can't wait to indulge!

my outfit: hoodie time!

Some days just naturally call for a hoodie.  Am I right or am I right ladies!?!?  I don't know what it was, but I woke up and wanted to get dressed in a decent outfit and also to wear a super cozy hoodie all at the same time.  So this is how I styled a hoodie... if you can even call it 'styling'.

A little denim, a little chambray, an in-your-face necklace and a hoodie.  I'm not even 100% that this outfit "worked" in theory, but in practice it definitely did.  I even broke out some sandals again for these gorgeous sunny days we have had recently - how can you not?

We all need a dash of comfort and enveloping security sometimes... and a hoodie is definitely good for that.  What pieces do you go for when you want ultimate comfort but still a dash of style?

Details:
Hoodie, Crewcuts
Chambray Top, Old Navy (similar)
Jeans, Seven for all Mankind (similar)
Necklace, courtesy of Mimi's The Look
Sandals, Forever 21 (similar)

work it wednesday: pink pants!

I'm so in love with the pink pants from Old Navy that I featured yesterday - they are so fashion forward and at a great price!  Here I whipped up three inspiring outfits on how to wear them...

With neutrals and a pop of red...

(above: earrings, pants, sweater, bracelet, clutch, flats)

With the classics like a striped top and trench...

(above: ring, pants, striped top, trench, handbag, scarf, shoes)

With navy and green...

(above: belt, pants, top, ring, pumps, blazer, bag)

Now it's your turn!  Link up with your Work it Wednesday looks!

For information on the link up party and buttons... click here!

And don't forget about this great promo code for Old Navy if you wanted to snag these pink pants! 

 SAVE 25% at OldNavy.com including Outerwear! Use code ONSAVE25 at check out. Ends 10/30. What a deal!

my outfit: rescued!

First things first... sometimes I put together fun outfits like this one and then mean to recreate them and forget (I'll admit, it's a very loose re-creation).  But when I remember... it's like a gift to myself. This is what getting old must feel like.  There's a surprise at every turn!

Any way... this sweater is a 'rescue'.  It's vintage Limited (does it count as vintage... I bought it in like 1999, which I'm not going to do the math... but that is a while ago).  See, I have this thing... I like to go through my closet quite often and pull out what isn't inspiring, up to date or doesn't get much wear.  It's like all those items clog my view when I go to put outfits together.

But sometimes I can't bear to actually part with the items... it's like I don't like them 'now', but I like them 'in general.'  Does that make sense? So if that happens I put them in a bin and put them away in the basement.  Then every once in a while I head down to the basement and see what is down there (again, surprising myself - I'm noticing a sad trend here).

Lately I've been just nuts for cables and I remembered I had this sweater down there.  It's held up surprisingly well and is a silk/cashmere blend so it's really soft and luxurious.  It's also like a crop-top which is coming back in style again (give anything 10 years) and so I was thrilled to rescue it from the basement.

Call me a crazy hoarder, but by golly... it works.

Details:
Sweater, Limited {near vintage age} (similar)
White Button-Up, Forever 21 (similar)
Pants, Old Navy (similar)
Shoes, Target (similar)
Bracelets: courtesy of Towne & Reese, courtesy of Monet and a few Forever 21 thrown in there too
Watch, Fossil via Nordstrom Rack courtesy of gift card from Nordstrom
Earrings, courtesy of Rebecca

get your shop on...

Old Navy is blowing my mind lately... check out some of their new arrivals.  They are seriously all the styles that I am wanting/needing/loving for this season!  Amazing!

(above: cable knit sweater, pink blouse, chambray top (I love mine!), camel coat, asymmetrical hem dress, messenger bag, velvet flats)

(above: sequined cami, pink sweater, plaid scarf, puffer coat, pink pants (!!!!), boots)

So are you shopping at Old Navy lately? I think I will be! And just in case you are... I just came across this promotion: SAVE 25% at OldNavy.com including Outerwear! Use code ONSAVE25 at check out. Ends 10/30. What a deal!

my outfit: blue!

This past weekend we headed downtown to try and find a new casual restaurant we wanted to try with the kids.  We couldn't find it though.  And in this day and age you may wonder... how can you just NOT find it? I had it up on Yelp and everything and we kept driving by it and it just wasn't there.  Soooo.... yeah.  By the time we drove around the block fifty times everyone was starving.  Plan B.

We did however find a blue wall.

Also we saw like a bajillion families and seniors downtown for family pictures and portraits as well.  It was honestly the perfect day for it.  And I was kind of cool with that, because I then was not the only crazy person standing in front of random walls taking pictures.  (actually, we snagged the blue wall first... it's mine)

In other news... I'm addicted to this sweater poncho.  I seriously wear it constantly.  Don't you love it when you find a fabulous piece like that?

Details:
Poncho, Target (similar)
Black Top, Gap (similar)
Jeans, Gap (similar)
Necklaces, Forever 21
Mocassins, courtesy of LAMO

Why don't you...

I am coming off a glorious fall weekend...

• The sun was shining and it was even a little warm in the afternoons 
• I totally relaxed and got things done (somehow) 
• We had lots of family time 
• I finished Season Two of Felicity on Netflix (Ben & Felicity together at last, swoon!) 
• Our tv is finally fixed (remind me to tell you the crazy adventure of our tv breaking, weird) 
• I'm reading a fabulous new book on my Kindle (Clara and Mr. Tiffany: A Novel ) 
• My son lost his top front tooth (it's been hanging there for weeks) and what is more cute than a little chap with his front tooth gone? Too bad it's apple season!
• We made French Onion soup for dinner last night (a fall staple!)  

Whew!  Any way... with a fresh week on our horizon I thought it would be fun to layout some quintessential fall outfits for you to try out this week...

Why don't you...

(above: earrings, pants, tank, bracelet, blazer, flats, scarf)

(above: earrings, pants, chambray top, sweater, boots, purse)

(above: sunglasses, jeans, sweater, boots, watch, rings, clutch)

Happy Monday! How was your weekend?

sunday splurge!

the perfect cashmere scarf in a rainbow of colors...

(grey, pink, red, white, yellow, orange, green, black)

How to Look as Fabulous as Kate Middleton Everyday

I am occasionally contributing to Technorati's Women's blog... when I do, I will also share my articles here.  They may seem a little different than my usual blog-fare here, but hopefully you enjoy them!

~~~ 

 Article first published as How to Look as Fabulous as Kate Middleton Everyday on Technorati. 

~~~

Is it just me, or does Kate Middleton or Catherine Duchess of Cambridge look impossibly gorgeous and confident each time she steps into the public eye? As of yet, the Royal family has not confirmed if she has hired staff to assist her in dressing or styling her outfits for public outings. So word on the street is that, thus far, she is putting one leg in her pants at a time, just like us regular gals.


So how does she do it? How does she look effortlessly glamorous and put together on a consistent basis? It has to do with personal style and lucky for us 'regular gals' - we can attain (almost) royal style status by tapping into our own personal style as well. Taking a cue from the Duchess herself, let's breakdown how knowing your personal style can take the guess work out of getting dressed and seriously up the style quotient all in a few easy steps.


1. Know your colors. Kate's wardrobe sticks to a tight palette of blues and beiges. Sure we've seen her look amazing in purple, red and ahem, white. But for the most part she builds her wardrobe around the colors that she assumedly loves and that we all know she looks amazing in. Do the same for yourself. What colors do you gravitate towards? What colors make your skin coloring or eyes pop? Invest in solid pieces in those colors and you are already on your way to an amazing wardrobe.


2. Know your silhouette. If you look carefully at the silhouette's of dresses and outfits that Kate wears you will instantly recognize the similarities. She dresses her tall, slim body in form fitting and figure flattering pieces time and time again. She doesn't have a particularly curvy body, so she highlights her waist in order to create the illusion of curves. Whatever your body type is, study it. If you have curves, learn how to dress them to accentuate them or vice versa. Then when you find a silhouette that works, do not be afraid to revisit that style time and time again.


3. Know your stores. All women will attest that certain stores carry clothing that fits their body better than others. Kate Middleton is known for frequenting certain stores and designers like Issa, Zara and, of course, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. When you have something that works, why change it up? Find a couple or more stores or designers that you can continually count on for the style and body type that fits you best.


4. Go with what works.  Kate Middleton is often photographed in the same pieces reworked into different outfits.  She will wear the same dress to two different events and use different shoes or jackets to keep the outfits looking fresh.  I dare you to do the same... have a favorite sweater that always gets compliments from your co-workers? Be creative in how you style it to get more wears, and compliments, out of it.  

friday fun day...

Now that the IT list isn't going up every Friday I'm trying to think of a fun new type of post to take its place... and I haven't settled on anything yet!  I'm out of outfit posts this week as it's been raining cats and dogs lately... and ten jackets layered over ten sweatshirts and rain boots is admittedly not very attractive.

Any way, if you have ideas on a fun Friday post that you would like to see... y'all just let me know, k?  In the meantime I took some fun photos of my (our) new office space that I have been working on.  The kids are growing up and they have their own computer now (lucky dogs!) and we needed more desk space.  I took a cue from Little Green Notebook on the double desks, I used different desks... but same idea.  The room still needs some finishing touches... but here are some peeks at it.

I love this little vignette on 'my' half of the desk... inspiring products and Missoni for Target plates as catch all trays.

Double Macs fulfill all my nerdiest dreams... the chairs are only temporary but work for now. I've got my sights set on another more modern pair for in here.  The sleek desks are a perfect juxtaposition to the vintage elements.

Simple maps that I found for under $5 make for simple and fun artwork... plus, kids love maps!  My kids can look at these babies for hours.

Vintage globe, again I love the look of this and the kids love to play with it.

School artwork from my son makes more meaningful and inexpensive art above our bookshelves.  I loved the colors in these - according to him one is a volcano and another is a dinosaur.

A cozy chair in the corner is a great hang out place for either me or the kids... it's also reclines and gets great afternoon sun.  It's the perfect reading spot!

This room isn't quite finished. Proof: random framed items waiting for a new home, although I kind of like them just nestled here.

The littles love it!

Have a fabulous weekend!  If you are looking for some extra inspiration this week... check out my Fall 2011 looks:book or  50 Things Every Woman Must Own e-book or even my Blog Bits: Secrets of a Style Blogger e-book!