my outfit: copy cat!

First things first... I have to admit that this outfit is a dead-on copy cat of Kendi's recent maxi dress outfit. Sorry Kendi! Or you're welcome... I'm not sure which one, since imitation is the most sincere (albeit unoriginal) form of flattery.

It's true... she came up with the outfit. I just followed in suit. In my own clothes, of course... these clothes aren't Kendi's. Promise.

If you want an outfit you can feel completely lazy in but still look decent, a maxi dress is the way to go. It's almost cozier than pajamas. And for a Monday morning (you know I'm always behind in posting, right?) it was just what the doctor ordered.

We had a little Indian Summer - I know you're not supposed to call it that, but I don't know what else Indian Summer means besides it gets cold and then warm again and the warm part is the Indian Summer. Don't kill me here peeps. Any way the dress + the scarf + the jacket was perfect because parts of the day were jacket + dress, other parts were dress + scarf and even still other parts were only dress or all three, jacket + dress + scarf. Whew, did you catch that?


What I MEAN to say, is that it was a versatile outfit for the weather. There.


I have a question though... what the heck do you do with your hair once you have been growing it out forever? It's been over a year I have been growing it, with little trims here and there to keep it healthy. But then, it's just... hair. And lots of it. Stuck to my clothes and all over my bathroom floor and just every where. So it's getting pulled back a lot more, because frankly I can stand to cut it and I don't have the time to do it all the time. This is a predicament folks! Please tell, are pony tails (like this one) acceptable? I sure hope so!

Details:

Jacket, courtesy of Tulle

Dress, Old Navy (similar)

Scarf, Limited (similar)

Earrings, Wendy Mink (I got mine cheaper from GILT!)

Wedges, Cynthia Vincent for Target (similar)

hi & lo (JCrew inspired!)

It's time for another hi & lo post! You all know how much I am loving JCrew lately... but let's be honest, sometimes their prices are a leeeetle tough to swallow. Today I am featuring some of my favorite JCrew finds... and their "stunt doubles", that also happen to be a little easier on the pocket book!

JCrew Toothpick Cords, $79.50

Old Navy Skinny Cords, $34.50

JCrew Tissue Turtleneck Tee, $34.50

Old Navy Jersey Turtleneck Tee, $14.50

JCrew Drapey Sequin Tee, $69.50

Old Navy Embellished Tank, $14.50

JCrew Cambridge Cable Sweater, $74

Old Navy Cable Sweater, $29.50

JCrew Stretch Wool Minnie Pant, $98

Old Navy Skinny Trousers, $25

JCrew Sequin Mesh Bell Skirt, $128

Victoria's Secret Sequin Skirt, $79.50

So what do you think? Could some of these be a good alternative?

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: go for the bold!

This outfit is totally out of my norm... but I loved it! I was feeling daring and bold and it definitely came through. I know some of you will dislike the denim jacket with jeans but save your comments - ha! - I liked it!


Doesn't it feel good to go out of your comfort zone sometimes??


A lot of people ask me if TOMS are comfortable. I practically go accosted at the Las Vegas airport by two "mature" women wanting details on where to find TOMS and more importantly if they had "arch support" - apparently it's key as you age. I said "oh, yes of course" - but then I realized I don't really have problems with my arches - so maybe not. errr... it's hard to say.


What I WILL say though is that I ran, yes RAN (!!!!!) through pretty much the entire Minneapolis airport in these bad boys last night (damn you Delta!) and my feet were about the only things not hurting (my lungs and calves were another story... my temper and nerves, yet another one entirely). But my feet? Sparkly and happy!

Details:

Sarong as a Scarf, Gap (similar)

Denim Jacket, Gap (similar)

Striped Top, Forever 21 (similar)

Pink Top, Old Navy (similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Shoes, TOMS

Handbag, Kate Spade (similar, I got mine at GILT for cheaper!)

my outfit: the college try!

I am sure you all are with me on this: do you ever have a piece of clothing (or two) that you like, but you just can't seem to get it right when you wear it?

That is how I have been with this top (it's purple by the way... really dark if you can't tell). It is just a tunic style t-shirt from the Gap. It fits nicely, the color is great and it's very soft. But every time I have pulled it out to wear it I end up not knowing how to style it and putting it back in the closet. Grrr.



Even still, I like how this outfit came together... but I am still a little wary about the top. Maybe it's just a mind hurdle.




Either way... I gave it a good college try. Any way... moving on, I saw a gal at the coffee shop with her skinnies cuffed the other day. It reminded me how much I loved that look, so I had to knock it off. That is one of the main reasons I love getting out to coffee shops and other places I don't usually get to linger as a mom... there is lots of inspiration in what other people are wearing. Especially when you're at a place that you don't usually go!

Details:

Jacket, courtesy of Tulle

Top, Gap

Belt, small local boutique (similar)

Necklace, F21 (similar)

Jeans, Old Navy

Flats, Nine West (similar)

shopping guide: faux fur vests!

Faux fur vests seemed to poke their head out last year... but this year they are back with a vengeance. They are available at all price points and several styles and have a very "off duty model just stepped off the runway/Rachel Zoe/Olsen twins" vibe to them. I happen to like this type of je ne sais quoi relaxed but chic look. Plus they look super cozy!

And if you are at all interested in how I would style one... well DO check back! I found one second hand and diy-ed it a bit to get it where I wanted it and will be showcasing it here on the blog very soon!

It's almost impossible to choose a favorite here... so many great options!

(details: 1. Faux Fur Vest, Old Navy, $29.50; 2. Eight Sixty Faux Fur Vest, Piperlime, $92; 3. Faux Fur Vest, LOFT, $98; 4. Faux Fur Belted Vest, Rachel Roy, $149; 5. Janika Vest, BB Dakota, Piperlime, $69; 6. Charlize Vest, JCrew, $595)

my outfit: fall chic!

Last week I had to turn the A/C back on for a little heat wave and this week it's back to my favorite chilly fall temps where I almost need to turn the furnace on. 50's in the morning and 60's and 70's in the afternoon - bold blue skies and bright sun - albeit getting lower in the sky. The tricky part is having an outfit that can do all the variances of one day like that... a 20 degree swing is no easy feat.

I was at the bus stop at 8:15am and then volunteering in my son's class that morning and then errands in the afternoon... whew. All in a day's work!


This outfit was perfect for all that they day brought... there is nothing like an outfit of basics pulled together thoughtfully to deliver a stylish and practical outfit. Then for a bit of glamour I added my new Kate Spade bag. I am SO in love with this bag. I have many unstructured bags - so that makes the ultra-structured-ness of this bag so appealing.


It's perfect for all the basics, maybe even a magazine or two and even my laptop slips in nicely too! Bonus! Especially since I seem to be carrying it to coffee shops, etc more and I've got a trip coming in a few weekends that this will make the perfect carry on. win-win-win!


Details:

Scarf, NYC street vendor (similar)

Jacket, Gap (similar)

T-shirt, JCrew (similar)

Pants, Old Navy (similar)

Clogs, UGG

Purse, Kate Spade (from GILT)

good look for less, EXPRESS!

I've got another good look for less EXPRESS consult for you today! Jennifer is a nurse that spends tons of hours in scrubs... when she's off work she wants a classic, preppy and practical wardrobe that is easy to pull together but still very stylish. She's a self-proclaimed clothes horse (nothing wrong with that!) and admitted that she has most of the basics, but just wanted more ideas on pulling together outfits quickly.

What I worked to do for Jennifer was pull together "ideas" for outfits... and to keep in mind that the actually pieces could be swapped out for items that she already owns.

This first look is a classic outfit to pull together. A day dress, with a jean jacket and boots. The specific items I pulled here are gorgeous, but you could easily swap them out for pieces in your closet already - that is Jennifer, or any one else reading this!

(dress, jean jacket, boots, earrings, tote)

In keeping with that theme... I really love this outfit. But if you look at the individual pieces of it, it's really quite basic. A great pair of jeans, a boyfriend cardi, belt and flats. If you are a busy lady, it's great to have looks like this in your arsenal to quickly pull on!

(belt, jeans, t-shirt, cardigan, tote, moccasins)

One of my favorite silhouettes for fall and winter is skinny or straight jeans with an oversized or super chunky sweater. It's not only practical (warm!) but it is also very flattering to most body types, especially when the top has a longer profile like this one.

(bracelet, jeans, top, clutch, sweater vest, flats)

~~~

Best wishes Jennifer!

Interested in my wardrobe consultation services? Click here!

shopping guide: coats!

As the weather continues to cool off it is time to start thinking about your most important accessory for winter - your coat! Depending on where you live you may need more of a jacket than a full-on coat. But if you are like me living in Michigan or really any where in the Midwest or East Coast you need a virtual arsenal of coats and jackets to keep you warm!

I like to have a really practical coat that is super warm. For that I depend on my puffer coat - for trips to the bus stop with the kids... and of course for the yearly Christmas Tree hunt! But, I also like to have a nice tailored coat or two hanging around for making me feel like a lady (and not just a girl wrapped in a sleeping bag) during the colder months.

Any of these options would be great investments for this winter... which one do you love?

(1. Cropped Trench, Gap, $79.50; 2. Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat, Old Navy, $89.50; 3. Minus the Leather Jacket, Express, $98; 4. Corduroy Blazer, LOFT, $69.50; 5. Jack Plush Coat, BB Dakota, Piperlime, $70; 6. Wool Blend Trench, Old Navy, $99.50)

my outfit: "she's always buzzing..."

When sky blue gets dark enough... To see the colors of the city lights... A trail of ruby red and diamond white... Hits her like a sunrise...

Name that song, anyone???

It has to do with this sweater... and an old, old cd that I jam to regularly. If you guessed Neon by John Mayer from Room for Squares, you are right. Yes, he is a doofus (as far as the press in concerned) but when his pen goes to paper, fingers to guitar and mouth to microphone... he is genius.


I have been eyeing a super bright cardigan like this one for a while. I even had about 4 or 5 solid outfit configurations in my head of how I would style it as well. So when JCrew was having it's Final Sale with 30% off last week or whenever... it was MINE. I think I got it for less than $20.


But you know me, I'm not huge with color. So to keep it real I paired it with some brown's to mellow it out a bit. In general I thought this color would be hard/harsh to wear. Maybe it is the bit of summer skin left or my cool tones (dark hair/blue eyes) that makes it work. Either way I really like it - even though it's outside of my comfort zone for sure!


This fall with neutrals abounding as the palette of choice... I think a bold pop of color becomes not only easier to incorporate (just pair with greys, black or browns!) but almost necessary to keep things interesting... don't you? Will you consider a bright bold piece like this for fall?

Details:

Jacket, Old Navy (similar)

Cardi, JCrew (similar)

T-Shirt, JCrew (similar)

Jeans, 7 for all Mankind (similar)

Clogs, UGG

Wrap Bracelet, Forever 21 (similar)

my outfit: simple style.

When I was downtown the other night for the fashion show (more details to come, promise!) there was some really great people watching. Grand Rapids is a little big city. In that we are growing and it's becoming a fun, youthful and vibrant community, but in some ways people are still not super cosmopolitan. My brother had a great quote while we were hanging out before the show - he said that "some people think 'more' is stylish." More is not ALWAYS stylish. Sometimes it is, but often the intricacies of an outfit or the texture or total look can be more "stylish" or fashionable than just throwing a bunch of wild stuff on that happens to be expensive or trendy or worse, sparkly. (you all know I love sparkly... but within reason and context!)



Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that this HERE and specific outfit is the epitome of style. But I do think it proves my brother's point. You don't have to wear a lot to look and feel great.



This particular outfit was perfect for what my day held: errands, lunch as a family and then working around the house. Not everything need to be over-thought and over-done. I thought of adding a jacket or scarf or some jewelry, but in the end decided it was just fine as it was.



Details:
Top, Forever 21 (similar)
Black Skinnies, courtesy of TULLE
Flats, Old Navy (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!

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