Fashion Friday Revisited

Fashion Friday has been my favorite part of social media over the years. Each week on my Instagram page, I would take an item and style it 3 ways. Eventually, my friend Stacey joined me in the fun and our Fashion Fridays evolved from an item 3 ways to themes. Well, we recently took a little hiatus from it and are bringing it back, the old school way, in September! 

In honor of the return, I wanted to share a few of my favorites! 

Monochromatic looks all of the same colors always elevate a look. When we did white, I felt fancy! 

If you know me, you know I love a good stripe. This was when we styled our favorite stripe looks. I could wear stripes every day. 

Are we sensing a theme? It was stripes again! Actually, I think it was a red, white, and blue theme but obviously I had stripes on my mind. 

One of my favorite themes we did was brunch with my babes! These were what I would've worn for going out to brunch with my friends. Who doesn't love brunch?!

Another twist on brunch outfits was a girls night out outfit ideas. The faux leather leggings never fail as an option. 

Finally, a go to item in my closet that I have multiple colors of: joggers. They are an easy item to dress up or down and I turn to them often because, well, they have an elastic waist. Just... keeping it real folks. 

Are you excited to join us for Fashion Fridays again?! I hope so! 

Fashion Friday: Joggers

I always believed, for the longest time, that joggers were loungewear. That they were not meant to be "dressed up" and that they were to be paired with a tee or sweatshirt. Done. End of story. Well, I have been proven wrong and have gone to the jogger dark side. Quarantine will do that to you. Especially since they have an elastic waistband. 

I love a good pair of jeans. BUT I now love, and appreciate, a good pair of joggers. I will preface my post of my style suggestions with this blanket statement: you will NEVER see me in joggers with heels. Never. Sorry, but that's just a no go for me. It can totally be for you, and believe me girl, you do you boo. But me, I just cannot swing that look. 

I have a few pair of black joggers. A pair from Old Navy, a pair from Zella at Nordstrom, and this pair I gravitate towards from Athleta. (If you want to snag this pair from Athleta, just click here and use code AP192CA4T2 for 20% off) 

Here's how I took my go to black joggers for 5 different looks you'll see me in this fall.

Blouse / Joggers / Shoes

Pairing a pair of basic black joggers with a fun, printed blouse, partially tucked, and a classic pair of black pointy flats makes for a fun outfit perfect for a date night, girls night, or even a zoom meeting!  

Tee / Denim Jacket / Joggers / Sneaks

This is my normal go to outfit for joggers. Probably 90% of the female population. 

Tee / Sweater Blazer / Joggers / Sneaks 

The JCrew sweater blazer seems to be a staple in my closet (I have it in a few colors) as I gravitate towards it as the top layer for just about any outfit. But check out my outfit with simple white sneaks. Now scroll down for a different look by just changing my shoes. 

Tee / Sweater Blazer / Joggers / Shoes 

Switching out the sneakers for a pair of fun flats changes the entire feel. Ever notice how one accessory can make or break and outfit?

Button Down / Scarf / Joggers / Shoes 

If you've been here a while, you know my love for the button-down runs deep. I feel as though it can go with just about any bottom article of clothing. It works here too. 

Sweater / Joggers / Mules 

My new favorite sweater, if you've followed me at all, is this beauty. Classic. All cotton. Easy to wash and wear. And always on sale. 

What do you think? Are joggers in your wardrobe? If not, what are you waiting for?! Jump on board this train! 

Fashion Friday: T-Shirt Dress

I think every female in the world does or at should own one t-shirt dress from Old Navy. They're barely $10 when they're on sale, they fit and flare without trying, they flatter every shape, they wash and hold up well, and did I mention they're affordable?! 

Dress

I adore this shirt and styling it, aside from my normal go-to look of just this and flip-flops, was fun for me this week! I actually was able to dress it up a bit, yet still be comfortable. 

Dress / Cardigan / Mules

A little pop of animal print never hurt anyone. I promise. I snagged this leopard cardigan a few years ago on sale and love that it comes back every year. Once a classic, always a classic if you ask me. Plus, basic black mules are also a basic classic. I loved taking two pieces I normally would wear with a basic tee and jeans, adding it to this simple t-shirt dress, and feeling polished and put together. 

Dress / Sweatshirt / Sneaks

Running around town, at the park, chasing after kids, this is it. Tie a fun printed sweatshirt around your waist (or toss it over your shoulders for a more preppy look) and be good to go. 

Dress / Sweater / Shoes

This is the same sweater I raved about last week. I swear, utilizing versatile, well-made pieces in your closet over and over again is the key to a happy, healthy, and balanced closet. I think this might be my favorite look of all five. 

Dress / Denim Jacket / Sneaks

Probably the way I will wear this the most this fall. Easy sneakers. Basic denim jacket for barely $30. Bam. Dressed and cute and feels like pajamas yet isn't. You're welcome. 

Dress / Bomber Jacket / Mules

An attempt at dressy. I'm always looking for ways to wear this fun printed lace bomber jacket and this might be one way added to my repertoire. A little fancified for a t-shirt dress yet still a bit fun. Is it too much for school pickup?!

I also tried the button-down-tied-at-the-waist over this dress and it was a no go for me. I also tried a JCrew sweater blazer over it and honestly, the dress just feels a little too casual for that. I also tried a few pair of wedges and heels which also didn't work for me. I encourage you to take this basic piece you have in your closet (or should have in your closet) and really see how versatile it is and can be! 

Also, if you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen in my stories this week how I was receiving flack for my 'crappy mirror selfies'. Well, sorry but not sorry. I don't have a professional camera. I don't have an insta-husband who has time (or the skills really) to take my photos. I have me, myself, and I. I don't do this for the money. I do it because it's fun. For me, at least. And if you decide to buy my $10 dress off of the link above and I make 8 cents, thanks so much. When 100 people do it I miiiiight be able to buy myself a Starbucks with it. 

I hope you enjoyed this week's edition of Fashion Friday. See you next week! 

Fashion Friday: Rothy's

If you know me, or you've been following my #fasionfriday posts, you know how much I love my Rothy's. I have numerous pairs. And for this week's Fashion Friday post, I'm going to delve into why I love them and how each style fits. 

For reference, I have small but wide feet. I don't have any 'foot issues' other than I am on my feet a lot and like comfort as well as fashion. Plus, I chase after a toddler all.day.long so shoes need to be comfortable, easy, comfortable, stylish, and comfortable. 

After seeing their ads scattered all over the internet and social media, I bit the bullet about two years ago. And in those two years, my collection has hit a dozen. Yes, I own a dozen pair of Rothy's. And yes, before you even ask, they are worth every penny. Let's chat about why. 

They're stylish. They're comfortable. They're washable. They're sustainable. They're cute. Their company has an amazing mission. They're recycled material. They're durable. They're easy to care for. They always look brand new. They stand the test of time. Their customer service is exceptional. They have free shipping, returns, and exchanges. 

I could go on. But let's chat styles. 


The Loafer

These are my go to style that I wear the most. They're casual yet make me feel more dressed than my slip-on sneakers. The patterns add a fun pop of fashion and style to my outfit because I usually dress in basics and add a fun shoe. 

They fit easily and I love that the inner sole can easily slip out and be washed alone or replaced for just $10. They are snug around toes but not pinching and squeezing the way some pointy-toe shoes can. Know what I mean?

Now, I have small feet. My friends often say I have baby feet. I wear a 5.5 or 6 in most shoes. I can wear the Rothy's loafers in a kids size 4. They equate their kids size 4 to a 5 but I feel it's more of a 5.5 (and the sneakers it's more 6/6.5) I have had to return a few patterns because they felt like they ran smaller. For reference, those were the red camo and red zebra. But overall, the kid size loafers work well for me. I know, I'm lucky because the kids sizes are a lower price. 

The kids version of the loafers do not have as long as an appearance as the adult sizes so mine are shorter and wider than the adult size ones. In the adult size, the top area that covers your foot comes down over half way to cover your foot where the kid size is more like 1/3 of the way to cover the top of your foot. 

I have the loafers in camo, leopard, and bright pink and as you can see, the camo and leopard are my go to shoes of choice 95% of the time. 

If you don't think leopard and camo are neutrals, we should meet for drinks to discuss it. 

These fit true to size, no need to size up or down. 

The Sneaker

Sincerest apologies as I haven't taken a feet picture of my sneakers! I own the Kelly Green, Grey Camo (both only kids colors), and Navy and I wear the navy pair the most often. It's neutral and basic and goes with everything. And since I live in jeans, it's complementary!

The sneaker can be perfectly described as a hug for your feet. I know no other way to describe how they fit. They hug across the top of your feet and fit snug but not snug that you'll blister or be uncomfortable. The recycled water bottle material is surprisingly breathable so they don't smell when your feet sweat. Seriously. Who knew plastic could breathe?!

Remember slip-on Keds from high school? Or the Steve Madden quilted slip-ons that were all the rage a few years ago? These are 1000 times better. I swear. The hug for your foot can't be beat. 

These fit true to size. Perfection fit as I like to call it. 


The Point

Now, I have small wide feet and these are not my favorite style. I have 2 pair, the leopard and cat eye because they are fun and stylish and heels are a struggle for me. Because my feet are shaped on the wider end, any pointy toe shoes are hard to FIT well on me. 

I love how they look but I like how they feel. Roll with me on this. Pointy-toe shoes are difficult for me because of the shape of my foot. Toe cleavage is also a weird thing for me. These minimize the amount for toe cleavage (which I appreciate) but because my feet are short and wide, it's a weird fit for me. 

Definitely go up half a size when getting the points. I have numerous friends who swear by them and that they're the best pointy-toed flats they've ever owned. I trust them completely. 

The Flat 

These are my fun shoes. I have one pair of basic black and all my others are fun colors - red, pink, yellow, orange, to name a few. 

The points elongate your feet which they say makes you look taller (I gave up on appearing taller many moons ago) but these I feel have a fun detail that give the illusion of a point because of the point on the inner curve of the shoe. And because they're rounded toe, there is more room in the shoe for wider feet. Like mine. 

These fit true to size as well. 

Overall, in all honesty, with a dozen pair, I feel as though they are a staple in my wardrobe. They can be worn through all kinds of weather and are stylish from spring straight through winter. 

Have you tried Rothy's yet? If not, and want to, simply click here for $20 off your first (or next) pair! 

Fashion Friday: Oversized Sweater Cardigan

Happy Fashion Friday!

This week is a reader request. To quote her, "How do I wear an oversized sweater cardigan without looking frumpy?" So, I am here to show you some ways to rock that baby without looking like you're snuggled up in your grandpa's old sweater.

My biggest tip with ANYTHING oversized is to only wear ONE oversized item at a time. Have everything else FIT you well. Otherwise, you can appear sloppy AND look like you're wearing your grandpa's clothes.

I pulled out my most favorite oversized sweater cardigan. Now, I will be the first person to admit that it is an investment piece. BUT it is worth every.single.penny. Barefoot Dreams, the brand, makes the absolute most comfortable, cozy cardigans and they feel like you're wearing pajamas while being stylish, adorable, and fashionable. I mean, don't you wish it was socially acceptable to be out and about in your pajamas?! With this cardigan, you kind of can!

And this week I did something a little different. I switched up my shoes with a few of the outfits to show how just a little change in a basic accessories (your shoes) can change your entire look! 

OUTFIT #1: ANY DAY OF THE WEEK

Cardigan / Tee / Jeans / Flats 

Camo Scarf / Camo Scarf

My tee is actually a little oversized but I tucked it in which makes the outfit feel more "put together". 

So, take a basic tee, good-fitting jeans, a fun flat, and toss that oversized sweater cardigan on and frumpy be gone! Then, if you want, add on a fun scarf for some added style. And a little camo is ok. All over camo is only good in the military. Just sayin. 

And my FAVORITE Wit & Wisdom jeans I found for barely $45!! Click here if you want to try them out.

OUTFIT #2: BACK TO BASICS

Cardigan / Tissue Turtleneck / Jeans 

Flats / Booties / Mules (similar) / Riding Boots

 The JCrew tissue turtleneck is a basic. It's simple, affordable (I know, I usually snag them on sale for like $20) and versatile. I wear them under vests, sweaters, and cardigans. They don't come up high so you feel like you're being choked and they're SUPER lightweight. I have this one in solid black then 2 different striped versions. You can never have too many stripes. Am I right?! 

And check out how this outfit can change by just changing my shoes. Same would work with adding a scarf or even a fun necklace. 

OUTFIT #3: PREPPIFIED
and yes, that is a word in my world. 

Cardigan / Button Down / Jeans / Belt / Fur Mules

Flats 

I love how a classic white button down shirt can take even an oversized cozy cardigan and make it preppy and clean cut. I prefer to tuck in my button downs so a fun printed leopard belt is always fun. I switched shoes to show two different ways. I prefer the mules but it adds more sophistication with the simple flats. 

OUTFIT #4: CASUAL BASICS

Cardigan / Tank / Jeans / Flats

A simple go to for the average mom. Basic tank or tee, jeans, fun flats, and the cardigan. 

OUTFIT #5: DRESS IT UP 

Cardigan / Tee / Leggings

(my leggings are on crazy sale at Nordstrom Rack for only $19!!) 

Fur Mules / Flats / Leopard Mules (similar)

Zella leggings are my go to leggings. I was newly introduced to Lululemon align leggings and while these are fabulous, I prefer the thickness of my Zellas. A basic black legging, a simple black tee (long enough for ample coverage is important!), and then the cardigan and it's a basic outfit that can be changed around with accessories. Here's three different looks with shoes but imagine a fun scarf, a pendant necklace, some fun statement earrings, or even heeled black booties (I don't own black booties, shocking I know) 

 Thank you for joining me for this week's edition of #fasionfriday

Don't forget if there's anything you'd like to see me style, feel free to drop a comment below, shoot me an email, or find me over on Instagram. See you next week! 

Fashion Friday: Leopard Bomber Jacket

OK. I love me some animal print. A pop of print on a belt, a fun printed pair of shoes, a classic clutch in leopard vs basic black. But all over leopard is a lot for me. Like a LOT. And I'm a smaller person. But I luuuuuv me some leopard. Now, I own ONE leopard top that I wear rarely and usually under a cardigan or blazer. But, when this leopard bomber jacket came out from Stella & Dot I knew I had to make her a place in my wardrobe.

(and if you've been here a while, you know my new year's resolution is to not shop for myself and not to worry, this baby was free as my perk of being a Stella & Dot stylist... so no money was spent) 

OUTFIT #1: A Pop of Print on a Tuesday

Bomber Jacket / Tee / Joggers / Sneaks / Bag

Sometimes, we just need a little something extra with our every day routine. So why not toss on a fun printed bomber jacket with your joggers and basic tee?! 

OUTFIT #2: Go Big Or Go Home

Bomber Jacket / Jumpsuit / Heels / Bag

Ladies, you need a jumpsuit in your life. I promise you won't regret it. Well, maybe when you have to pee. But otherwise, it is a go to staple that is a necessity in my opinion. Roll with me here. One piece. Black. No need to find a top and a bottom that are clean and that are the "same black". You know what I mean there, right? That "same black" can break us down y'all. 
I have seen some super fancy jumpsuits with spaghetti straps and belts and different materials. You name it. But my go to basic is from the clearance rack of Banana Republic for barely $20. It does the trick and no one would ever know I spent that little on it. It has a little bit of a tuxedo feel to it so it's easy to fancify (yes, that IS a word) but it's also basic enough to wear with flats and a denim jacket. 

OUTFIT #3: Basic Baby

Bomber Jacket / Blouse / Jeans / Shoes

This Lush blouse from Nordstrom is a must grab during their anniversary sale that happens twice a year. I have it in 4, maybe 5 colors. It is magical. Tuck it in with jeans, wear it long with leggings, it goes with everything. I love it with a fur vest! It's flowy and flattering on every shape and size and it's GREAT to wear when you're going to eat a lot. It'd go FAB with Joey's Thanksgiving pants (remember that Friends episode?!) 

OUTIFT #4: Date Night 

Bomber Jacket / Cami Tank / Jeans / Shoes / Bag

There's something about a black top, dark jeans, and banging heels that make an outfit AN OUTFIT. Know what I'm sayin?! I tend to lean towards a black top, dark jeans, and fun shoes for a fancy date night and now this beauty will be topping that ensemble for quite some time. You know you do it too. That go to 'safe' outfit. 

OUTFIT #5: Preppify My Leopard

Bomber Jacket / Button Down / Jeans / Shoes

I feel as though if anyone can preppify leopard, it's me. Ha! But seriously, leopard doesn't have to be a trendy item. It can be mixed in with classic pieces that even Lilly Pulitzer herself would wear. Like this. Basic, easy, classic with a pop of print. A winning look for sure! 

Fashion Friday for the win today! I had wanted this piece since I saw it for the first time. Something about the pale-purplish gray in the leopard that was just softer than what I usually see and has a classic feel to it while being a bit trendy as a bomber jacket. And the neckline is just special. 

So.... what do you think of my new addition to my wardrobe? She's purty, ain't she?! 

Don't forget to join me for next week's Fashion Friday as (fingers crossed) fall actually arrives here in Connecticut and I can bust out my REAL fall wardrobe. In the meantime, let me know your thoughts below or find me over on Instagram. Happy weekend! 

Fashion Friday: Graphic Tee

Welcome back for this week's edition of #fashionfriday 

Today, it's all about the graphic tee. I do love me a good graphic tee. JCrew is my go to for graphic tees. They don't fade, they fit nicely, they are always cute, and they are versatile! Trust me on that last one. 

This one is one of my favorites and go to tees. It's all about champagne. Hello, that's my favorite bevvie. It's super old but I linked my newest fav with a similar motto.


OUTFIT #1: MomLife

Tee / Joggers / Sneaks / Jacket

I get asked all the time about my joggers. I have them in a variety of colors and I always have snagged them on insane sale. They fit great. They have this little elastic at the bottom so they keep shape and don't look sloppy. Plus, they're insanely comfortable because they're Gap's softspun material. 

A graphic tee, joggers, and sneakers are a total momiform. BUT look more put together by tossing on a denim jacket. Snag this one from Old Navy for $15 like I did! 

OUTFIT #2: Errands and Running Around 

Tee / Jeans / Shoes / Jacket / Bag

It's not too late to wear white jeans. You can wear them all year. A fun pop of print on your feet plus that super affordable denim jacket and you're golden. Hello cute mama! 

OUTFIT #3: Date Night 

Tee / Jeans / Shoes / Blazer / Clutch

I love a graphic tee under a blazer. They're something polished with a pop of fun that makes it extra special. At first, I didn't have a bag but then thought a pop of leopard would be an added bonus and it sure was, right?! Have you ever tried this trend? Graphic tees under blazers? Is it even a trend or is it just a classic look... let's discuss amongst ourselves, shall we... 

And normally I would have dried my hair or put it up but today mama's running on fumes.

OUTFIT #4:  Girls Night!

Tee / Jeans / Shoes / Sweater Blazer

Why is it when we put on heels (or wedges) that we instantly look and feel better? I wish I knew the answer. But I do. At first, I gravitate towards fun flats with this outfit but switching it up to wedges and it's instantly more dressy. 

OUTFIT #5: Just For Fun

Tee / Jeans / Shoes / Bomber Jacket

OK. This jacket. It's reversible. One side is leopard, one is solid black. Coming soon will be five ways to style just this jacket. It is TOTALLY outside of my comfort zone but I love leopard and something about it just drew me in. So, say hello to me new pretty friend. I can't wait to style her in more ways and wear her out all.the.time. But for now, we'll keep it simple and basic with dark denim, black flats, and a graphic tee. Whatcha think??

Thank you for joining me yet again for Fashion Friday! Want to see something styled five ways from my normal, every day wardrobe? Simply leave me a comment, drop me an email, or find me over on Instagram. 

Some upcoming Fashion Fridays coming are 5 ways to wear leopard, the JCrew sweater blazer (seen above), chambray pants, a buffalo check shirt, tall boots, a statement blouse, camo print, and plaid. Got any other ideas, shoot them my way!

See you next week! 

Fashion Friday: Olive Pants

Hello Fashion Friday! This week is a request I received: olive pants. 

Now, I do not own a pair of olive pants or even olive jeans. BUT I do own olive joggers. So, off I went putting outfits together with these joggers. With that being said, my normal outfit pairing is a basic tee and a denim jacket with these pants. This was a perfect challenge for me. So, thank you Amanda for the request. 

OUTFIT #1: Preppify My Pants 

Button Down / Pants / Cardigan / Sandals / Bag

Preppy is a word to describe my style. Probably one of the first alongside classic and simple. Joggers are far from preppy. BUT a white button down top can preppify anything, even olive joggers. Plus, I decided to add wedge sandals for some added height and making me feel (and look) more established. I would wear this just about anywhere. 

Real mom life I'd be wearing Rothys though. Just sayin. Can't be chasing a toddler in these shoes...  

OUTFIT #2: DATE NIGHT BABY 

Cami / Jacket / Pants / Sandals / Clutch

Never in a million years would I have put this outfit on but boy am I glad I did. Because guess what? I went out in this! Yup. And I felt GREAT. A little pep in my step with some wedges, a silky cami for some added sexiness, and me being brave with my cognac leather jacket. A purchase I regretted at the time but in the years since it's been SO worth it. Thank you, Amanda, for this request! These pants are coming out of hibernation! 

OUTFIT #3: EVERY DAY MOMMING 

Shirt / Pants / Shoes 

I think that just about covers it. A top. A pair of joggers. Slip on shoes. Easy breezy beautiful.

OUTFIT #4: LAYERING IT UP 

Top / Jacket / Pants / Shoes 

Ah, fall in Connecticut. When it's 45 degrees when you wake up and 82 when you pick your kids up from school. Bring. On. The. Layers. And a fabulous denim jacket always does the trick. 
Now, I have 2. This dark denim one that is fitted and has some structure and a lighter wash that is looser that I can wear over a sweater or with a scarf. It's ok to have two denim jackets, you have my permission. 

OUTFIT #5: MEETINGS 

Top / Pants / Shoes / Bag 

I do work. Most people don't realize that, but I do. I have a job (aside from being a mom). And sometimes, I need to go to meetings. Which brings me to my favorite "work bag" that doubles beautifully as a "mom bag" and a pop of print shoes. You could swap any basic button down here but chambray makes it feel a bit more casual than a white button down. 

Talk about outside of my comfort zone. And SO GLAD I went for it. I have a newfound love and appreciation for these pants. 

I hope you enjoyed this week's edition of #fashionfriday and that you'll join me again next week! If there's anything you'd like to see me style, feel free to comment below, send me an email, or find me over on Instagram.