my outfit: touch of fall!

Turns out, when you are sick up to your eye balls of summer but have still been at the pool all day... and you have a cold that you had last week and thought was over, but then it took a turn for the worse... and you haven't gotten the proper sleep to cocktail ratio the night before (what can I say, it was Mad Men night... you have to have a cocktail or two for Mad Men!)... all you need is some rockin' flats and a rad necklace and even the bed head melts away...

Well, mostly.



It's 90 out, but I am so sick of summer clothes. So I had to keep it cool with shorts and a breezy top. But I had to add something fall-ish in: these flats and necklace were just the thing.


I hope I am proving my point here, because I sure am trying.



It's debatable... there are considerable bags under my eyes. Pffff. I can't say I didn't try!

Details:
Top, Gap (also featured here yesterday)
Jean Shorts, DIY of an old pair (similar)
Necklace, Charlotte Russe
Flats, Sam Edelman
Handbag, Deux Lux (similar)

fall retailer preview: Gap!

Did you guys take advantage of Gap's Give & Get this weekend? My sister-in-law has worked for them forever, so we always have a steady invite to save, save, save! But if you don't have a friend in the biz, follow Gap on Facebook... I think they were offering the savings there as well! I mostly shopped for my kiddos this weekend (them first, me later... such is life as a mom!) for fall clothing, but I did take a minute to snag a few things for myself and get a good eye on their new fall line.

Fall at the Gap is decidedly sophisticated this year... I really liked all they had to offer. It's the classic pieces you expect from Gap with some really great subtly embellished pieces mixed in. A lot of the fabrics are luxurious and the styling is gorgeous, I would say a notch up from the super classic pieces we usually see from Gap. Over all, I was impressed.

1. Tops like this are perfect to ease into fall with. This one is great on it's own or layered with a blazer or cardigan. The colors also reminded me of the cami I wore HERE that seemed so popular! (Ruffled Micro-Print Sleeveless Top)

2. These pants are super cool. I love the tuxedo stripe down the side and I would definitely wear them cuffed like this! They would be fun with a glittery top for a girls night out or with a blazer for a business casual setting. (Tuxedo Pants, $49.50)

3. I just love this tee... as a mom I am always looking for comfortable (and machine washable!) tops in unique silhouettes. This is definitely one of those... very easy to wear and easy to take care of! (Dolman T, $19.50)

4. This sweater is the stuff that my fall dreams are made of. It's refined, but cozy and with great architectural details. Love, love, love! (Double-Breasted Cardigan, $79.50)

5. Is it just me or are dresses with long sleeves virtually impossible to find? This dress would be great for a fall wedding or layered with tights and a cardigan for cool fall days. This dark purple is gorgeous. (Ruffle Shirt Dress, $59.50)

6. Trying to choose a favorite pair of jeans from the Gap is like trying to choose a favorite child. I just love them all. I could take one in each finish and fit - but jeans are already over-running my closet! I just love these fun bleached pair! (Always Skinny Jeans (bleached wash), $69.50)

good look for less: EXPRESS!

Today's looks I put together for Naomi, she is a stay-at-home mom of three boys and is looking for a simple and feminine twist on casual wear. As a fellow stay-at-home mom I can totally relate!

Naomi mentioned that she wanted some layered looks to take her from summer to fall... I too love to dress in layers. It's perfect for mornings that start off cooler and afternoons that heat up. This outfit is perfect for those types of days...

(bangle, cords, cardigan, striped top, clogs, handbag)

Next up I put together an outfit with super relaxed jeans. Naomi mentioned that she tends towards tees and yoga pants for everyday wear. This is an easy habit to fall into because it is so comfortable. So I worked here to make an equally comfortable outfit that would give more shape and style to her wardrobe.

(jeans, sweater, scarf, earrings, handbag, flats)

For a more refined look, super dark rinse jeans are the way to go. I just love Gap jeans for all body types and these pair are casual yet refined. Perfect for a night out with friends or your husband. Naomi also mentioned she would love to incorporate more pattern into her wardrobe. This simple and feminine top is a great place to start.

(jeans, top, blazer, necklace, handbag, shoes)

Happy Shopping Naomi!

~~~

Interested in learning more about my wardrobe consultation services? Click here!

Saturday, Saturday!

I kind of like these quick and fun Saturday posts.... where ever my mind leads me!

Summer is hanging on... but fall is on my mind. This outfit is the best of both worlds... These Minnetonka's are on my fall shopping list. Aren't they adorbs??

("oui" ring, shorts, eiffel tank, cardigan, minnetonkas, handbag)

fall retailer preview: LOFT!

The fall retailer previews continue today with LOFT (formerly Ann Taylor Loft)... what I love most about LOFT is that their clothes are very modern and a touch trendy... but also very appropriate for a business or business casual environment. So this is really the best of both worlds. I know personally, when I used to work I would wear lots of LOFT pieces and especially loved their suits and their petite lines (it's hard to find good suits in petite).

Let's dig right into the goods...



1. I love this feminine yet utilitarian bag... the bows and cross body strap are just perfect. Nylon Hobo, $49.99

2. How gorgeous is this cardigan? It would add instant flair and sophistication to any outfit... just gorgeous! Shoulder Ruffle Cardigan, $29.99

3. I just love this skirt... I need to wear more skirts. This one is perfect for an evening out or dressed down with tights and a blazer for a more mature look. Just love! Gold Brocade Skirt, $69.50

4. Cargos, cargos, cargos... this pair has a hint of pink to them. I just love that they feel cozy for fall but look great too... Marisa Slim Cargos, $59.50

5. Modern tanks like this one are perfect for layering with blazers and cardigans as the weather gets cooler. Ruffle Sleeve Bubble Shell, $44.50

6. I could take one of each of the military jackets that retailers are selling these days. I just love each and every one of them. This one is no exception.
Belted Military Jacket, $89.50

my outfit: fall preview...

This past weekend I spent a rainy morning raiding my closet and getting excited about fall... I played "dress up" big time to get a feel for what I already had in my closet for fall before I got TOO excited about buying more for fall. I think the 30/30 Challenge has made me more disciplined (success!). My fall shopping list seems about a mile long... not good. I wanted to dig into what I had first to make sure it didn't get shoved to the back of the closet with the new. This week I'll show you all my fun "existing" fall looks - then hopefully in the coming weeks I'll mix in some new as well!

~~~

It's the last of the fall "looks"... but actually more like the beginning in general. We have a few 85 + days left in the weather report, but I have a feeling after that it will be over except for maybe the hope of an Indian Summer in September or October. But I am SO ready... waking up to a chill in the air is by far the best feeling after a long, hot summer.

First things first... NEW SHOES! I am in love with these and always looking for a way to slip them on (even around the house!)... I can't believe this is their first cameo on the blog! Give them a warm welcome!


Does this outfit look professor-ish? It kind of felt that way, but I still really liked it. I would have loved to add a really bold chunky necklace, but couldn't find one that I loved (need to fall shop!). Something silvery or metallics. This is one of my faults, I can put an outfit on and then continue to critique and style it. Probably to death. Truth is, this outfit is perfect as is. My head plays games with me.


These jeans are less black and more dark grey... you can see best in the picture below. They are Matchstick by JCrew... I loved them when I bought them, then didn't so much and now I can't get enough of them. They are number one I want to reach for - I love my jeans like my kids... all in their own special ways. But I try not to play favorites!



Have you done your fall shopping yet?

Details:
Blazer, JCrew
Jeans, JCrew
Top, JCrew
Shoes, Sam Edelman


Steal this look:

Skinny Denim by J.Crew
Flats by Sam Edelman

yes, please.

I die for these shoes... so not practical for my life right now, but so coveted all the same.



(Forever 21 [of course!], $27.80)

my outfit: fall preview (more!)

This past weekend I spent a rainy morning raiding my closet and getting excited about fall... I played "dress up" big time to get a feel for what I already had in my closet for fall before I got TOO excited about buying more for fall. I think the 30/30 Challenge has made me more disciplined (success!). My fall shopping list seems about a mile long... not good. I wanted to dig into what I had first to make sure it didn't get shoved to the back of the closet with the new. This week I'll show you all my fun "existing" fall looks - then hopefully in the coming weeks I'll mix in some new as well!

~~~

The fall outfits continue...

Is there anything better than a cardi/cami combo? I think not... there are a million variations and it's a great way to work your summer pieces into fall and beyond. I just loved this outfit... it was comfortable and easy to wear. I definitely want to stock up on some more cardi's this fall to make outfits like these continue to be a go-to in my wardrobe.



As I mentioned above... I spent a whole morning putting together all of the outfits I featured here this week. It really does help to carve out some time and really go through clothes, trying them on and mixing and matching them. When you are not in the "what am I going to wear... I have two minutes to decide" flurry that often happens in the mornings it can give you a fresh perspective on what you own. I felt like I got re-acquinted with my fall clothes and tried combinations that I wouldn't have thought of otherwise. This is a perfect example. It's two pieces that I have had in my closet for a while, but never paired them.



This camisole/top is one I got after I had my second babe... it was just flowy enough to hide the jelly belly post-pregnancy when I went back to work. It works well with a blazer too. I hadn't worn it in a while, but I just love the pattern!

Details:
Jeans, F21
Top, Old Navy
Cardigan, Target
Necklace, Estate Sale
Wedges, Target


Steal this look:

Cardigans by J.Crew
Wedges by Blowfish

fall preview: old navy

Today's fall retailer preview is Old Navy! Old Navy has always been a favorite of mine... I would say that their fall line isn't super strong this year. But I do love that Old Navy is offering some great neutral staples in modern silhouettes that would be a great way to easily freshen up your wardrobe. These pieces will definitely be great staple pieces with a bit of flair!



1. I love these fun and funky earrings... they would be a great accent to a cozy fall sweater. Chain Drop Earrings, $9.50

2. Ponchos/Capes were way in and then they were way out. Sometimes things go that way. But this snuggly little lover has my name all over it... plus skinny jeans, plus boots. Yes, please! Marled Cape, $39.50


3. You all know I love me some skinny jeans... I love that these have a unique and distressed feel to them. Very chic! Moto Skinny Jean, $34.50

4. A classic trench never goes out of style. And how can you beat this price? Button Front Trench, $49.50

5. I love this sweater... it would be so perfect layered with a blazer for extra warmth and style. I also love that while it looks warm and cozy, it has sleek lines. Zip Front Cardi, $44.50

6. This scarf is gorgeous... need I say more. One can never have too many scarves! Patterned Fringe Scarf, $12.50

7. A classic bag is a fall staple (check out my fall looks:book if you don't believe me!). This one is a great bag at a great price. Canvas Bucket Bag, $19.50

my outfit: fall preview!

This past weekend I spent a rainy morning raiding my closet and getting excited about fall... I played "dress up" big time to get a feel for what I already had in my closet for fall before I got TOO excited about buying more for fall. I think the 30/30 Challenge has made me more disciplined (success!). My fall shopping list seems about a mile long... not good. I wanted to dig into what I had first to make sure it didn't get shoved to the back of the closet with the new. This week I'll show you all my fun "existing" fall looks - then hopefully in the coming weeks I'll mix in some new as well!

~~~

This is a perfect casual fall outfit. I am still debating having the tailor take these pants in at the leg a bit... slimmer cargos are more popular this season and I don't see myself actually buying a new pair of cargos - so it may be worth the $10 to have these spruced up a bit. Otherwise they are fun rolled up too. Do you love cargos for fall? See how I styled them up in the fall looks:book!

On an extra chilly day this would be perfect with a cozy scarf or denim jacket. I just LOVE these UGG clogs, I never want to take them off!


Instead of layering necklaces... I just layered some bracelets this time. I just loooove accessories. I have them on my fall shopping list too. I can't wait to hit Charlotte Russe and Forever 21 for more bracelets, necklaces and more. What would I do without those two stores?

Details:

Wrap Sweater, JCrew

Cargos, Old Navy

Clogs, UGG

Bracelets, Forever 21

Necklace, Forever 21

Steal this look!

Cardigans by J.Crew
Mules & Clogs by UGG

my outfit: fall preview!

This past weekend I spent a rainy morning raiding my closet and getting excited about fall... I played "dress up" big time to get a feel for what I already had in my closet for fall before I got TOO excited about buying more for fall. I think the 30/30 Challenge has made me more disciplined (success!). My fall shopping list seems about a mile long... not good. I wanted to dig into what I had first to make sure it didn't get shoved to the back of the closet with the new. This week I'll show you all my fun "existing" fall looks - then hopefully in the coming weeks I'll mix in some new as well!

~~~

I mentioned that this fall I will have more dedicated time away from the kids to grow and work on the blog. I am hoping to do a lot of my work in local coffee shops. One of the things I miss the most about being a mom is the ability to just be out and about around town on my own. I look forward to people watching while working and being able to dress up a little more fun than I would if it were me and the kids toting around town.



This outfit is a perfect example. Still casual, a bit more polished. I love the black and brown combo here - it's subdued but classy. It's a little hard to tell, but the boots are dark brown.



Layering on the necklaces this season is just TOO fun! I just love it! They get a little messy and tangled, but that's the name of the game I guess.



I have had this blazer from the Gap for forever, but I still just LOVE pulling it out and wearing it. It's perfectly broken in. Is there one fall piece you are looking forward to wearing again?

Details:
Blazer, Gap
Necklaces, Forever 21
Black Skinnies, Courtesy of TULLE
Boots, MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS
Tank, Banana Republic

Steal this look!

Tanks by Forever 21
Boots by Forever 21