Classing Up Flannel

It's no secret that I love flannel shirts. They have been a staple in my winter wardrobe for years…far before they came into fashion recently. Maybe I should consider myself a trendsetter. A flannel trendsetter. That's a good one ;)

Over the years, I have worn my flannel shirts in several different ways - normal, open with a shirt under it, with a cardigan over it, with a vest, etc. But I wasn't inspired to class it up until my friend recently took it to a whole new level. This was actually my attempt to copy her look, but she used a cute bauble necklace and I own nothing of the sort, so my trusty long necklace it is. 

Flannel: Old Navy

Sweater: Madewell

Necklace: Pac Sun

Jeans: Gap

Boots: Old Navy

Since doing this I have also layered a short sleeve sweater over another flannel and liked that look as well. I am excited to experiment and try different things with my flannel shirts. Exhilarating, I know. 

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Fashion on the Fifteenth

I know, it's the seventeenth, but you know...LIFE...so the seventeenth it is. I am so happy that it is finally fall-ish weather around here. Really, that just means I can get away with wearing jeans/pants every day and not regretting the decision by the middle of the day. But, I will take what I can get!

Every time the season changes, I get excited to change my wardrobe as well. I was getting so tired of wearing the same ole shorts over and over. And I know, come spring, I will be so ready to get those shorts on again! But, at the moment, I am happy for our fall-ish temps and being able to change up the wardrobe a bit.

Top: Old Navy (thrifted)

Jeans: Gap

Boots: Old Navy

Besides getting to change up what I have have been wearing...because it feels like I have been wearing summer clothes for the past two years...my friends and I found this amazing thrift store that carries amazing women's clothes. I scored some great pieces for this fall and winter, the top I am wearing being one of them. Since I love a great deal, there is something exhilarating about finding clothes I love at really cheap prices...plus, then I don't have to feel as bad when my kids rub their spaghetti sauce hands on my shirt, because why would they use a napkin when they can use their ole mom's clothes?!?

So there you have it. Yea for fall and fall clothing. What are your favorite fall clothing pieces?

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Fashion on the Fifteenth

Button up: Old Navy

T-shirt: Urban Outfitters 

Necklace: PacSun

Pants: Old Navy

Boots: Old Navy

I didn't even realize I was a walking Old Navy ad until I wrote down where everything was from! I feel like I hardly ever shop there...then again, I hardly ever shop...but that seems to be where most of my clothes come from. 

When I started thinking about what I was going to pack for our big vacation, I knew I wanted some thick leggings, the kind that you can wear and not have to worry about your butt hanging out. I have seen them on people before, but had no clue where to get them. So, I asked a friend who I had seen wearing some and she changed my world. She told me hers were yoga pants. So I researched and ended up buying some workout pants/leggings from Old Navy and using them as leggings. Let me tell you...MY WORLD IS CHANGED. 

These things are so stinking comfortable. They are definitely the way to go when traveling. They are as comfortable as pajamas, but look way more put together. You can't see through them at all and they are thick, as far as leggings go. As an added bonus, they didn't fall down when I was wearing one of the kids in a carrier. Usually my jeans do, but these didn't. 

I also have to say, I really like how they look with boots. Plus, they work really well with my chambray shirts (yep, I have more than one). Like I said, my world is changed! 

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Fashion on the Fifteenth

While I keep hearing of people outside of California talking about it cooling off, I can't even fake that it is cool outside. The temps have been hitting triple digits. Thankfully, we will be getting some "cooler" (though still summer temps) weather by the end of the week. But, I guess it is still technically the end of summer, so sporting shorts still is allowed. I have to admit though, I am looking forward to wearing something besides shorts every day!

Shirt: Topshop

Shorts: Old Navy

Necklace: PacSun

Shoes: Target

Two things about this outfit are staples to how I dress. I like flowy tops. Especially with shorts. I feel like I am less uncovered or something. Also, I prefer long necklaces to short ones. I just think long ones look better on me and can dress up practically any outfit a bit. 

Isla wanted to have her picture taken as well, so I obliged. Her go-to fashion look is the layered look. Often times, she leaves the house with shorts topped with a skirt and a tutu or two on top of that. She also is very daring about the colors she mixes. For jewelry and shoes, she tends to go by the philosophy "the bigger, the better". Even with warm temps, she has been sporting boots a lot lately. 

Shirt: Carters

Dress: Target

Jewelry: 99 cent store...we are high class around here!

Shoes: Saltwater

Don't forget to head over to Two Cent Sparrow to check out Anna's cute outfit. I am always jealous of her Patagonia gear and her new vest does not disappoint! Even better yet, why not play along and post your own outfit post?!

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Fashion on the Fifteenth

Simple.

If I had to describe my style in one word, it would be simple.

I don't wear jewelry daily. I do throw on a long necklace a couple times a week, and bracelets every once in a while, but I only put earrings on a couple times a year. I tend to grab the closest clean thing around me to put on in the morning. That is why a couple years ago, I decided to buy more than just simple t-shirts. That way, even with a simple style, I could look slightly more put together...or stylish. That is even why I stopped buying flip flops and started buying comfortable sandals with just a little more polished look than flip flops. Again, I can look more put together without the hassle.

Last year neither pair of sandals I got were neutral. They were fun bursts of color. And, by the beginning of this summer, they were done and I was looking for new sandals. This year I just haven't found fun colored sandals that were calling my name, so I ended up with these brown ones. I really like them. But I would still like a fun colored pair. Unfortunately fall clothes and shoes are hitting stores with a vengeance, so I may have to wait until next year to resume my search. 

Shirt: thrifted

Shorts: Old Navy

Shoes: Target

After I bought this shirt, I realized that it is 100% silk. What?! So fancy! It is also dry clean only. I normally don't touch dry clean only items because within 10 minutes of getting dressed in the morning, someone has either wiped their dirty hands on me, or wiped their nose on me. But, I thrifted this and it was super cheap...plus I didn't check the tag before I bought it. Hopefully I am able to keep it relatively clean so I don't have to dry clean it too often...because we all know that will never happen (the part about me taking it to the dry cleaners...because the part about me keeping it clean, hahaha!).

If you had to describe your style in one word, what would it be? 

I'm linking up with Anna at Two Cent Sparrow. 

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Fashion on the Fifteenth

Even a year ago, you would have scratched your head when you looked at my summer wardrobe. I literally had two pairs of shorts. Why? I hated shorts. My legs have always been my least favorite part of my body, so from my late teens on, I avoided shorts like the plague. And, the two pairs I had went down to my knees.

I'm not sure what happened, but I decided to try shorter shorts. It started with a pair I ordered online from Old Navy. When they came, they totally fit, but just felt so freaking short...because, well, they didn't go down to my knees! But, I happened to order them right before my birthday and Ian got me a cute flowy tunic for my birthday that ended up looking perfect with my smaller than normal shorts, so I kept them.

Not only did I keep them and wear them all the time, I went out and bought another pair of shorts that don't touch my knees. I am like a new woman! To be honest, I feel like I have finally figured out what works for my body. For years, I always wore tight shirts because I was afraid any bagginess made me look "fat". Well, guess what? I realized not only do I look good in looser tops, I LOVE them! And I discovered the opposite to be true for bottoms. I always favored baggier jeans and pants. In fact, I thought skinny anything was out of the picture do to my legs. Let me tell you, when I finally tried skinny jeans, it changed my life for the better. Dramatic, I know. But, back to shorts and summer outfits...

Shirt: Anthropologie

Shorts: Old Navy

Shoes: Target

Bag: Jo Totes (It's a camera bag!)

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Fashion on the Fifteenth

A fashion post on father's day?! I know, it's weird. But, we all wear clothes whether it's father's day or not. So there you have it. 

I've been working on both mixing and matching random clothes as well as trying to feel ok about wearing shorts that don't go down to my knees. This outfit happened to check off both categories. Not to mention that it is super comfortable, easy to wear and totally washable, making it the perfect outfit for a mom of small children. 

After having temps up in the triple digits for a bit, we have dropped back down into more springish weather. I was pretty excited because it meant I could try layering my new to me sweater. I wanted to mix up prints and thought the polka dot shirt would make the perfect combo with the stripes and it totally did. Even better, when it was hot in the middle of the day, I could take off the sweater without feeling like I looked plain because I was wearing polka dots after all! 

Sweater: Forever 21 (thrifted)

Shirt: Urban Outfitters

Shorts: Forever 21

Shoes: Target

I have to admit, both pairs of my "fun" sandals (i.e. not flip flops) from Target last year are already falling apart. Now I realize that I wear them all the time, but I am still a little sad because I really liked both of them. I guess that means it is time to hit up Target in search of a new pair! 

Don't forget to head on over to Two Cent Sparrow to check out the other lovely ladies participating in fashion on the fifteenth. Or better yet, why don't YOU participate?

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Fashion on the Fifteenth

Even though it's in the triple digits today, I swear it was springish weather when I wore this outfit just a few days ago. And THANKFULLY spring weather is supposed to return to us once again in a few days.

This outfit is SO EASY. There are only three pieces. I am not even wearing any accessories. But I felt completely put together, and perhaps even fashionable, wearing it. It is amazing how good one can feel when not wearing a tshirt! 

^^ Don't mind the tree attacking my head

Shirt: Old Navy

Jeans: Madewell

Boots: Old Navy

I have to brag for a minute. I hit the shopping gold mine at Old Navy a couple weeks ago. I got these boots I am wearing for $4!!! I had gotten a pair of them in a different color back before Christmas, so I already knew I liked them. But I couldn't believe my luck when there was a pair on clearance in my size. I love Old Navy for my kids, but it is always hit or miss for me and these last few months, it has felt like one great find after another there. 

Don't forget to head on over to Two Cent Sparrow to check out the other lovely ladies participating in fashion on the fifteenth. Or better yet, why don't YOU participate?

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Fashion on the Fifteenth

So, I cut my hair off on Friday. And I made the wise (oh, so very wise) decision to take pictures for today's post on Friday, as my hair lady had done my hair. Let's just said that was the smartest decision EVER. I am very much still learning how to do my super short hair. Yesterday, I looked like a mad scientist. No joke. My hair was sticking up in every direction. Like I said, I am learning. I feel like a jr. higher in that awkward phase. Hopefully it should only last a week or two and not a couple years! 

Can I just say that I am loving Old Navy this year. I haven't shopped there for myself in years. They have great kids clothes, but for me, I always found them ill fitting and cheaply made. I don't know if they have changed or I have changed, but lately I have been finding great things there, like this shirt. It is so simple and basic and will get used a lot this summer. It is also white and I have two little people that can't keep their sticky, dirty hands off of me, so I am guessing it won't stay white-white for long. But, I will enjoy it while it lasts. 

Shirt: Old Navy

Belt: AE (super, super old)

Jeans: Gap

Sandals: Target

Bracelets: various (i.e. I have no clue!)

Remember to hop on over to Two Cent Sparrow and check out the other lovely ladies outfits. Or, even better, join in on the fun yourself! 

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Fashion on the Fifteenth

Last month I was late, this month I am early. Maybe next month, I will post right on time. Who knows though. I am never the best at rule following. Also, if you wear clothes (which I am pretty sure all of you do) I think you should join in on the fun...you know you want to...

This month I am all about bringing out an old piece in my closet and wearing it like it is new again. I've had this green jacket for probably 8 years and it hasn't seen much action over the past few years. All of the sudden, I have been wearing it like crazy again. It is kind of the perfect layering piece. I like that I can roll up the sleeves on it. This gives a fun look with both short and long sleeved tops under it.

I also decided to get on the band wagon of tucking a shirt in only right in the front. I know the jacket blocks the rest of the shirt, so you can't tell, but I assure you that is what I did. I didn't think I was one of the cool kids that could pull it off, but I really like it, especially with this shirt. The shirt is a little flowy and long, so that tuck adds a little structure and also gives me the opportunity to show off my belt.

Jacket: Old Navy (super old)

Shirt: Anthro

Belt: American Eagle (super old)

Shoes: Target

On a separate note, I almost got a faux hawk last week. Then, my kid was sick and I had to cancel my hair appointment.  I don't know if I will be able to talk myself back into it again. We shall see. Because I was actually totally and completely ready to do it. 

Now go check out the other lovely ladies fashion over at the link up hosted by Two Cent Sparrow. Well, wait a day to check because, well, I am a day early! Even better, why not join in on the fun?

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Fashion on the Fifteenth

My friend Anna over at Two Cent Sparrow is starting a fashion link up on the fifteenth of each month. So I'm like six days late...oops...of course that just proves, you are never too late to join in on the fun!  Anyway, Anna is wanting to showcase real style, not the people who have way too much time and money on their hands style. So, if you are a real person and you wear clothes, you should totally join in.

This is my first attempt at denim on denim. I may have sported it back in the '80's, but I don't remember. The whole denim on denim trend has always scared me. I was super excited to buy my first chambray shirt last year and love it, but up until this point have only worn it with colored jeans or shorts. I decided to branch out. And just in case it was too much, I threw a green cami into the mix!

 

 

Shirt: Old Navy

Cami: Nordstrom Rack (from a million years ago)

Necklace: from a street vendor in San Francisco

Jeans: Gap

Boots: Old Navy

Even though it is totally blurry, I can't help but put in this picture too. Isla came and grabbed my hand and SMILED FOR THE CAMERA. Here's to hoping she does this more often instead of running from the camera.

I totally think you should join in on the fun next month. I am giving you a three week notice, so be prepared. And I promise to be a little more punctual next month...maybe like by the 17th or 18th.

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On Being Casual, But Put Together

For most of my existence, I have considered jeans, a t-shirt and flip flops totally acceptable...more than acceptable, probably even my classic style. Though I do still find that acceptable, I have also found my style changing over the past few years. Especially after becoming a stay at home mom. My everyday clothes are my work clothes and I no longer have a reason to really ever get dressed up. And, well, my daily get up started feeling a little sloppy instead of a relief from work clothes.

I now have found myself drawn to clothes that can easily be thrown on, but look more together, more thought out, than wearing a t-shirt. But these clothes have to be clothes I can be a mom in. This means nothing that needs to be dry cleaned, my butt crack must be fully covered and I need to be able to move in any way imaginable.

Slowly, my "new" wardrobe has been taking shape. And I'll be honest, I feel better about myself when I have a more presentable outfit on. I don't have to worry about looking like a slob when I run into a long lost friend at the store. I don't have to change if we decide to go on a quick date on Friday night. I like that.

Shirt: JCrew

Sweater: Gap

Jeans: Gap

Shoes: Toms

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Making Casual a Little More Dressy

I am a casual dresser through and through. I find it hard (and confusing) to dress outside my comfort zone. And that comfort zone in the winter includes flannel shirts and jeans. Just speaking the truth. But sometimes things happen. Things like no clean clothes or the need for a dressier casual and I have to put some thought into my outfits.

Not going to lie, I was out of clean flannel shirts, so had to try a little harder. But I'm glad I did because it was our Christmas special at church and everyone seemed dressier than usual.

All of this is stuff I have had for a while. The blazer is from my paid working days. Even though I got rid of my "work" clothes a couple years ago, I did keep a couple suits around just in case. So far, that just in case has not been needed. And that shirt has been around so long (and is so stretchy) that I actually wore it when I was PAST my due date with Connor.

^^ The photographic evidence

Isn't it impressive that the shirt lasted through pregnancy and still works?! I think so. Anyway, I have rambled on long enough. Now for the full look.

Jacket: Banana Republic

Shirt: Express

Jeans: Madewell

Boots: Camper

I have a friend that has worn blazers casually for years and I never felt like I could pull it off. It is only recently that I have tried it out and liked it. And even more out of my comfort zone, I even tried being cool by rolling up the sleeves a little. I'm just so proud of myself for rocking something other than flannel. 

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