my outfit: slouchy sweater!

Hey, hey, hey ladies! First off, a HUGE and I mean HUGE thank you on the successful launch of good tots! yesterday! WOW! I found out that a) a lot of my readers are moms (which I guess I kinda knew) and that b) you want more motherhood, baby, kid stuff. So I really hit the right chord with that! Hooray! I myself am so excited to have more of a "mommy" outlet for myself and somehow unleashing that part of my brain over there... inspires me here in a whole new way. If that makes sense!

Back to business here... I'm going to sound like a broken record here, but seriously... I got the latest JCrew catalog in the mail the other day and I can't. stop. swooning. Every time it happens. Every time! So I have to say that today's outfit is a little inspired by JCrew. At least it's my own execution... using things I already own.


I'm going to try and post my outfits with their respective "outerwear" layer since the weather is cool and I usually try to choose a jacket or coat that compliments the outfit. That is until January when I wear my long puffer coat for 60 days straight. Let's all admit that it might get a little old then. But in the meantime, this is a nylon almost-puffer-but-not-kind-of-moto-cross-style jacket that I got FOREVER ago from Banana Republic. Like really forever. It has a Euro feel to me and has zippered pockets (I love pockets in a coat... don't ask me why... I don't know!) and it's machine washable. It's pretty much perfect.


I got this slouchy sweater at the Gap recently and it's so soft and light, but still has a good deal of warmth to it. The chambray shirt and bold necklace are as close to perfection, I mean, JCrew as I could get.


This is mostly unrelated, but I also decided to start keeping an inspiration file on my desktop with outfits that I see and like... and yes, I'm like 50 years behind on that. BUT, as I start collecting them, I'm hoping to showcase them here and incorporate the styles that inspire me into my wardrobe in a practical way.

I've got to run, but check back later today for another JCrew inspired post... maybe (probably) even more fun that this one! Promise!

Details:
Jeans, Forever 21 (similar)
Sweater, Gap
Chambray Top, Old Navy (similar)
Necklace, Charlotte Russe
Flats, Old Navy (similar)

shopping guide: fun flats!

Flats are a great shoe going into fall and even for winter (if there isn't too much snow!)... and even in the winter I like to wear boots and then slip a pair of flats in my purse for where ever I am going. These styles are SO fun and all of them are under $50! You can thank me later... now it's time for the eye candy!

1) I love this snow leopard print flat from Target... they actually are pony hair (synthetic?) like the high end brands but for waaaay less. (Snow Leopard Flat, Target $24.99)

2) Chambray + Rhinestones... um, yes please! These flats would look SO cute with jeans or leggings for the fall and your favorite cozy sweater. I really love these! (Rhinestone Chambray Flat, Gap, $49.50)

3) Glitter, glitter, glitter! It seems glittered shoes are popping up every where... and while some are quite high priced, these are just the right amount of glitter and the perfect price! (Multi-Glitter Flats, Gap, $49.50)

4) I am unexpectedly drawn to this creamy brocade pair... they are so chic and seem like they would be very versatile. Aren't they pretty? Every gal needs pretty shoes! (Brocade Flat, Charlotte Russe, $22.50)

5) A close second to chambray + rhinestones is CAMO + rhinestones. These would be a fun (and maybe a little rebellious) addition to any outfit! (Camo Rhinestone Flat, Charlotte Russe, $22.50)

6) Pink pom poms? Need I say more. Yes and yes. (Pom Pom Ballet Flat, Old Navy, $22.50)

my outfit: au naturale!

Something about the combo of this leaf necklace, the swingy cardi and curly hair and I'm feeling good in my skin. I would own a million flowy sweaters like this one (that is, if I had the money and the closet space). So comfortable and simple for the usual busy-ness that life brings. And these clogs, I mean... are you sick of them yet? I wear them pretty much every day. I just LOVE them.

Kendi had a great post on perfectionism and blogging and it really rang true to me - and likely many other bloggers that put their "real life" out for all to see (judge, critique and otherwise). I do it for you and me in what is usually a healthy balance... but sometimes it makes me second guess myself. Will they be sick of this top, do they hate these jeans, what about the clogs, do they think they are silly????? And the mind-talk goes on and on and on. But through all that I need to remember to be true to myself. I hope you like my true self... but if you don't I have to be fine with that too.


Is perfectionism something you battle with? It can be tough to overcome... I know I go through phases with it. Where nothing is good enough and I am easily down on myself.


But isn't that such a waste of time? We should be focusing on the amazing things we can and do accomplish and the amazing life we live - not the lack of. Somehow this post took a serious turn... but it's true.

To lighten things up a bit... I have eluded to a little Vegas trip I have coming up. And Jackie over at Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle spilled the beans on her blog yesterday - She and I have a fabulous little blogger meet-up planned in Vegas this weekend! How fun is that? My husband goes for work every fall and I tag along and she and I happened to be emailing back and forth about a way to meet in person. I suggested she and her husband meet us there - since it's in her (relative) neck of the woods and voila! Everything worked out and we are set to finally meet and hang out this weekend! I couldn't be MORE excited! Of course we will fill you all in on our shopping, sunning and sipping of cocktails together when we return! I still have to pack and do a million-trillion things before leaving, but I am so excited to meet my long time blogging buddy!

Details:

Cardi, Pure & Simple (similar)

Necklace, courtesy of Linkel Designs

T-Shirt, JCrew (similar)

Jeans, Seven for all Mankind

Clogs, UGG

Bracelets, Charlotte Russe (similar)

my outfit: ArtPrize!

If you live in West Michigan you are probably (almost) sick of hearing about ArtPrize... but soon it will be gone until next year and we will miss it so! If you HAVEN'T heard of it yet... you should know about it... it's the most amazing open art competition with the largest purse in the world and Grand Rapids is luckier than lucky that it's in our own backyard.

The Top 10 has been announced - did I mention that it's judged American Idol style? Super fun! - and while I haven't seen many of ALL of the entries (there are thousands of total entries), I have seen many in the Top 10. What I love most about ArtPrize is that it's 100% accessible to the public and not at all snooty or overly art-sy. It's just good honest fun and inspiration!

My husband and I had a date night on opening night... here are some of the favorites I saw that night: (iphone photos to follow...)

This was the coolest sculpture... from the side it was several pieces of cut metal...


When you stood directly in front of the piece, it became a woman's face. Isn't this just amazing?


One of my favorites of the evening is this piece made all of red thread... this one is currently in the top ten and deservedly so.


This piece entitled, Cavalry, is showing at the Grand Rapids Art Museum... it was SO busy there, but somehow the crowd split and I got this amazing picture of the artist in front of his piece. Cavalry is a pencil drawing... it's amazingly large.


And here is a close up to get the magnitude of this drawing... look at the detail. Amazing! This piece is in the Top 10 as well.


In the "I want to steal this to take it home" category... this paper cut out wins my vote. This would look amazing in my stairwell. Isn't it so cool? It was rather large... maybe four feet by six feet. I just loved it.


Here's what I wore:

Details:

(the crazy stickers on my shirt are from ArtPrize, admission stickers and artist stickers... random, I know)

Necklace, Forever 21

Lace Top, Charlotte Russe (similar)

Jacket, Courtesy of Tulle

Zip Ankle Jeans, Forever 21 (similar)

Wedges, Cynthia Vincent for Target (similar)

Purse, Deux Lux (similar)

my outfit: older and wiser.

The other night I watched Martha Stewart's special about Women in Fashion where she interviewed DVF, Tory Burch, Jenna Lyons and Donna Karan. Women that are smart, successful, that are MOMS (like me) and that are {gasp!} NOT 22. Whew. And while Tory & Jenna are on the young side, Donna and Diane aren't. I am so thankful for women like them and Martha Stewart that are in the prime of their lives and careers and are all doing so while over 30 and 40 and 50 and maybe even 60. They look amazing, they ARE amazing and they have built a life they are proud of - and not by 32.



What I loved the most about all of them was that whether they began down their path to success at their kitchen table (Tory) or because they were fired (Donna) or sold it all and started again (Diane) or worked for 20 years with one company to get where they are (Jenna)... they all had their each and own special path to success. No where did they follow in others' footsteps or did success knock on their door and ask them to be friends. They created their life as they went along.

I think all women need amazing inspiration in the form of older and wiser women. Sure, the "youngin's" are inspirational too... but I find that the older I get the more likely I am to feel like this train is slowing down... and not like it's speeding up. Really, it is whatever speed we make for ourselves.

[I swear I took a bazillion pictures... I was so excited to wear/photograph this silk blazer I got on super sale from JCrew but this is the best I could pull from all those pictures - mildly frustrating, can I blame it on motherhood?]

It's nice to know while I whip around town dropping kids here and there, putting dinner on the table late because I was busy with this or that and getting caught up in the craziness that whirls around life with young children in general... that as long as I am creating my own story - I will have one.

That was my mom "rant" for the week! It has nothing to do with this outfit... just stuff on my mind. What's on your mind? :)

Details:

Silk Blazer, JCrew

Necklace, Charlotte Russe

Jeans, F21 (similar)

Flats, Sam Edelman

my oufit: lace & denim!

I am going to need to have my husband start taking my pictures more often... this is what happened when I took my own the other day and then didn't actually LOOK at them until later in the day. Oops, I'm half-headed. Like literally.

I have heard so many bloggers say that evening light is best to take photos in outside. But if you are a mom you know that the hours between 4pm and 8pm are like the WORST and most hectic of the day. I find that the light is best indoors (at least in my living room) right about lunch. Also the kids are conveniently stuffing their faces at that time so it makes for a convenient picture taking time. Alas, my husband works at that time. Dilemma.

So until I can hire some paparazzi to follow me around, well, this is what you get. Although on second thought, the "paps" aren't necessarily known for taking into account pleasing light and perfect timing (ahem, has anyone seen Madonna's arms recently? case rested). They are likely to find me whipped with spaghetti sauce while stirring pots on the stove and hollering (love that term!) at a rowdy kid or two. That's what 5pm looks like in my house. You? (that probably puts us all in agreement that a half-headed picture is better than the later!)


Anywho, on to this outfit. I snagged this lace top from Charlotte Russe recently. They were sold out online and the store had one left. I was thrilled to get it home, yank the tags and then let it sit for a while. By the time I went to wear it... I realized it had a rip in it. And we all know CR's return policy (um, like there isn't one) and the sold-out-ness made me very sad. So I kept it and fixed it myself. You can file that under "resourceful" or maybe "desperate"... either one.


In the meantime I wanted a super casual way to wear lace. Hmmmm, I thought. Pair it with a denim jacket - voila! Perfect way to dress it down!


Details:

Denim Jacket, Gap (similar)

Lace Top, Charlotte Russe (similar)

Scarf, Limited (similar)

Jeans, JCrew (mine are dark grey... these are black: similar)

Flats, Sam Edelman

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)

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 preview: Charlotte Russe

This week I am kicking off tons of fall previews... with my outfits and retailer fall previews as well! There are so many goodies popping up in retailers I thought I would highlight some of my favorites over the coming days. First up, Charlotte Russe. CR has just tons of great stuff for fall... their styles ebb and flow in my opinion. But this fall they have quite a few great pieces that I would love to add to my wardrobe!


What I love about fall fashion this year is the ying and the yang of the classic pieces with the bold accessories and tops. The various pieces I chose here definitely tell that story.

1. You all know that I am not a huge dress person... but I love the subtle sheen of this dress. It would be fun to pair with a pair of brown knee high boots and a blazer or jacket for fall. (Embellished Shimmer Dress, $29)

2. This jacket is on my MUST HAVE list for fall... military jackets were big this summer and if you bought one already it will be a great carry-over piece for fall. I love that this one is gathered at the waist and has a slim fit to it. (Pocket Jacket, $36)

3. A bold and flashy tank like this one is a perfect pairing with a more classic or rustic jacket like the one above. Perfect ying and yang. (Sequin Front Tank, $18)

4. Cozy wrap sweaters like this are the epitome of fall to me. This one is no exception, it would look fab with boots, skinny jeans and a tee shirt. (Chunky Knit Tunic, $34.50)

5. Basic tops like this one are never out of style... you may already have one similar to this in your closet already. I love it's simple pull-on-and-go feel... with jeans and flats or boat shoes is a perfect transition top for summer to fall. (Pinstripe Henley, $22.50)

6. This necklace is again a great example of the boldness that can be fun to accessorize with this fall. Grab this necklace and a t-shirt and you are set! (Chain & Sparkle Necklace, $12.50)

7. I'm a sucker for belts... what else can I say? This one is just gorgeous! (Studded Belt, $9.50)

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!
~~~

One way I plan to infuse a new look into my existing wardrobe for fall is making new silhouettes out of existing pieces. For instance, I love the look of tucking shirts in for this fall. It's very throw-back, like the rolled pants. But it is also very feminine and a great way to show off your waist with a little higher rise jean like this pair. Not super high, just a touch.



I thought this top would get good wear this summer and it just didn't... the beads are very heavy and would have been too hot for summer days. But for summer to fall it is perfect. It also has great texture... if you love the look of texture check out my fall looks:book (hint, hint!) for some great looks that include texture.



These wide leg pants were one of the items I missed the most during the Challenge, so I was happy to get them back out again. I love how they are casual enough to wear with flats or sandals, but then easily dressed up with a pair of wedges like I did here. Very versatile and they fit great... that is why I love getting my pants hemmed. The length is always just right. Pitch perfect!



Stay tuned this week for lots more fall looks from my closet!

Details:
Top, Forever 21
Jeans, 7 for all Mankind
Wedges, Cynthia Vincent for Target
Bracelet, Charlotte Russe

Steal this look!

Flare Denim by 7 For All Mankind
Sandals by Dollhouse

Happy Friday...

Just popping in quick... how cute is this top?



It's at Charlotte Russe right now for only $24... and most of their tops are buy one get one 50% OFF! What a great way to start the weekend!

all laced up...

I wouldn't really pin myself as a "lace" girl... but I've seen more and more pieces popping up in the stores and even on other bloggers. And I think I am in lace love!

This first piece is MUST have for me... how cute is this? I can picture it dressed up with nice pants and some heels or just thrown on with some jeans. Either way. Must have! (Charlotte Russe, $20)


I had to share this piece because it is too gorgeous not too... it's also waaaay to expensive to buy. So there. (JCrew, $695)


I really need to get out of the house more... if I did, I would wear this flirty and feminine dress. (Charlotte Russe, $26)


I could definitely go for this lacey piece in cardigan form... again, very cute! (Charlotte Russe, $24)


Do you think you'll add a dash of lace to your fall wardrobe??

my outfit: 20/30!

Today my twirly-whirly-princess makes a cameo. I turn this camera on and suddenly I have some hams all around. There was no way I was getting photos by myself today. So me and the twirly-whirly it is...



Whew... 10 more outfits to go... I can do it, I can do it, I can do it! I have loved this challenge for a lot of reasons... one is that I have found so many other amazing "remixers". Here's a few of my new favorites:

Rose a la Mode

little tin soldier (she take's wardrobe pictures and illustrates them too!)

Wholesome Fashion

dash dot dotty

You must check these gals out!

Details:

Top, Forever 21 (similar)

Pants, Gap (similar)

Necklace, Charlotte Russe (similar... and just LOVELY!)

Sandals, F21 (similar)

reader question: nude shoes!

A reader emailed me recently about the "nude" shoes I have worn on the blog and how to find a good pair that isn't to yellow or white. I have several pairs of "nude" shoes and I love them, because they just go with anything and it's fun to find them in different styles and profiles. I have a really rad pair of platform sandals I should feature here (hmmmm... I wonder why I haven't yet!??!)

So today I picked out some fun pairs that true "nude" color... when in doubt with the shade of color though... go for those with more brown undertones.

A simple kitten heel pump like these are perfect for a business casual environment - these could get a ton of wear in your wardrobe, they are so versatile! (Nine West, $39.99)



I really love this pair... the dainty beads are just perfect. And for less than $11... they are the perfect trendy shoe to add to your summer wardrobe! (Charlotte Russe, $10.50)



I love this pair too... it's hard to choose a favorite here! These would be fun with a summer dress or jeans and a tank for summer nights! (Nine West, $39.99)



This gladiator inspired pair is also so sweet for summer... with shorts or dresses. I love this pair too... (Charlotte Russe, $32.50)

my outfit: white hot!

Oh my white pants... how do I love thee? Let me count the ways....

1. You always look good with a variety of tops...
2. You always make me feel so spiffy...
3. You don't hold a grudge (errr, a stain)...
4. There are more, but I can't think of them now...



I wore this lil' outfit out to lunch with a friend. And while the scarf was perfectly perfect. In all honesty, it ended up getting tied to my handbag strap for lunch because it was like 100 degrees out. But I always like having a scarf along in case a restaurant is chilly. I hate to be so cold!



The absolute best thing about this outfit is that really all it is is a pair of white pants and simple tank. Add in some accessories (gold belt, gold earrings and a scarf) and that is that!



You've probably also noticed that I have been wearing my hair pulled back A LOT. How else can you beat the heat? And the frizz? Hair, I'll see you in September. Miss ya.

Details:
Scarf, Cost Plus World Market (similar)
Tank, Old Navy
Belt, Gap (similar)
White Pants, Gap (similar)
Sandals, F21 (similar)
Earrings, Charlotte Russe (similar)
Wrap Bracelet, F21 (similar)
Purse, Mat & Nat (in grey) (I got mine for way cheaper on GILT)