Wednesday, 11 March 2015

12 spring sandals to love!

Sandals have to be one of my favorite wardrobe pieces to buy each spring.  It's so liberating when spring arrives to pack away the heavy shoes and boots and break out a few fun pairs of sandals to wear.    I always love to find that one pair that makes my heart go pitter-patter… or the one pair that is such an absolute steal you feel like you found the bargain of the century!  Either way the thrill and the rush of finding cute sandals for spring is real.

While sandals are definitely a summer staple, I love to mix them into spring outfits weather dependent.  Maybe a little sweater and jeans and a pair of sandals, I especially love them with boyfriend jeans this time of year or I definitely want to have a new pair or two on hand for spring break. Today I've got a slew of new spring sandals for you at all price points. I think you are really going to love these picks this season!


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Tuesday, 10 March 2015

my everyday style: last call for winter!

Spring is finally starting to show it's face… though it's only March I have to be careful not to get TOO excited here.  But still - there is hope!  When the temps start rising I like to look through my closet and take a "last call" for winter.  I make sure that my favorite sweaters and winter pieces get their fair share of wear before they are done for the season. These black coated denim pants could probably get a few more wears into spring… but this sweater will be done until fall when the weather gets to warm.

Do you have certain pieces you will want to wear before winter is over? (or are you totally over it!?!?)




(photos by Tracy Carmody)

Details:
Black Coated Jeans, Gap (similar or similar less expensive)
Sweater, Banana Republic (similar)
Bag, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC (similar for a steal or similar less expensive)
Flats, Sam Edelman (or love these jeweled ones!)

Monday, 9 March 2015

9 spring dresses to love!

I can tell spring is on it's way in one super easy way… by simply walking in my closet.  This time of year I walk in my closet and want to literally start the whole thing on fire and start from scratch. That's how I know the seasons are changing. I absolutely cringe at the thought of boots, sweaters, jeans and scarves. It almost seems impossible to pull together one more winter look.  (so it's going to be a tricky month… for sure!)

In order to keep up the hope until spring actually does arrive (or at least until I can head out for spring break!) I'm doing my fair share of swooning over spring clothes.  Right now I crave simple and light, free arms and bare legs.  Dresses seem to be catching my eyes left and right these days and while I am not a huge dress-wearer I would gladly take any one of these adorable options and a 70 degree day right now!

What I love about these options is they are so minimal and effortless.  They can easily be layered with jackets or scarves or even dressed up or down.  Each of these are just so easy… and beautiful.





Thursday, 5 March 2015

10 everyday easy "mom" outfits!

One question I get a lot from readers is how to achieve the balance of style with motherhood.  I've been a mom for over 10 years now (hard to believe!) and while it does get easier as the kids grow up, I think style and motherhood can easily go hand in hand.  Even right from the beginning.  No it's not always easy, yes you might get muddy hands on your new jeans or puked on or spill something. But don't let those little insignificant trials stand in the way of looking and feeling your best.

Easy mom outfits depend on a strong foundation of machine washable pieces… but even within those boundaries there is a lot of room for creativity and to break the rules a bit.

7 tips for easy "mom" outfits:
- Make the foundation of your wardrobe machine washable basics. Jeans and properly fitting t-shirts are a great place to start.
- Always keep a few "add-ons" on hand to mix up the jeans and a tee (or sweaters or tanks) look like blazers or scarves. These keep outfits looking pulled together and keeps your basics feeling fresh.
- Necklaces, earrings, or bracelets can always add creative element to any look. If your babies are very young you may have to forgo these for a few months if they are pulling or chewing on them - but keep perspective on how quickly this phase goes. You'll be back in jewelry in no time!
- Easy to wear but stylish shoes are key.  It's easy to run for flip flops and gym shoes time and time again but if you have a few nice pairs of flats or ankle boots you will be surprised how easily they can dress up a look.
- Ditch the yoga pants.  Find a few pairs of jeans or really high quality ponte leggings that fit you really great and that you feel amazing in.  Pair them with classic tees and sweaters and you will instantly feel feminine and beautiful.
- Stock up on stain treatments.  I love the Shout Wipes for my purse and the Oxy Stain Spray for at home. The stains I have gotten out of clothes with these two is amazing.  Stains and spills are a part of motherhood so make sure you are prepared!
- Have fun getting dressed each day! Treat your outfit as a sacred part of your daily routine.  Get up, get dressed and have some fun with it - be that confident and beautiful woman that your kids and husband already know you are!

above: 
Why I love this look: Distressed jeans and simple striped top, paired with leopard flats is a timeless look that is easy to wear for whatever your day throws at you. Bonus, the whole outfit goes in the wash at the end of the day!


above: 
Why I love this look: All black is stain proof and mommy-brain proof. Just grab two black pieces from your closet and you are set for the day. 



above: 
Why I love this look: Investing in a nice winter coat can really dress up a simple outfit all winter long. Ditch the puffer jacket and try a lady like coat for cold days.
Get the look: coat, sweater, jeans, leopard flats, bag.


above:
Why I love this look: A blazer and a graphic tee is a REALLY easy outfit combo that can be worn again and again and for many seasons.  This look takes no time flat to pull together in the morning.


above:
Why I love this look: An army inspired jacket like this one is warm and comfortable and instantly pulls a look together.  


above:
Why I love this look: This is the same outfit as the first photo, just with different accessories! How easy is that? Here I just added ankle boots, a scarf and a denim jacket.


above:
Why I love this look: Oversized casual layers are super easy and comfortable to wear and even can hide the midsection of your body where a lot of women have problems after having kids.  Trendy sneakers can instantly make a look more modern.
Get the look: sweater, gingham top, jeans, sneakers.


above:
Why I love this look: Jeans and a sweater are great combo - but if the look needs a fresh take - just add a vest!
Get the look: sweater, jeans, vest, ankle boots, bag.


above:
Why I love this look: Be weather ready with the right footwear!  Hunter boots are great for splashing around with your kids, walks to the bus stop or just general errand running in foul weather.


above: 
Why I love this look: A leather jacket with the classic striped tee and jeans combo (again!) up a notch!  Trendy sneakers keep the look modern and comfortable.



Wednesday, 4 March 2015

floral dress… wear it now and later!

I just can't stop thinking about this fun floral dress from yesterday's post.  I love that it has a little sleeve and the blues and pinks in the pattern are totally up my alley for spring.  So I thought it would be fun to style this dress up a few ways to show it can be versatile for today (even though it's still a little chilly where I live!) and for a month or two down the road when the weather warms up a bit (or maybe it's even warm by you already, you lucky duck!).

This dress is absolutely perfect for layering… while it's cold out it pairs well with a lady like jacket and scarf and ankle boots for a day in the office, a March date night, or even an early spring wedding.  As the weather warms I love the idea of pairing this dress with more sporty pieces like a hat, sneakers and a jean jacket for a simple weekend or busy mom look.

How would you style this dress? I would love to know!


now:

later:

Tuesday, 3 March 2015

spring obsessions...

Spring is fair game when that calendar flips over to March (can I get a praise the Lord that it's March!?!?)… Winter is over in my opinion.  Sure the temps aren't exactly cooperating (but it has been a touch warmer here!) - but I don't care, I've got my mind solely on spring and that puts me in one heck of a good mood!

This spring I'm crushing on pale pink, florals, neutral bags (always!), lacy accents, stripes, delicate details, frilly finishes, and the simple standbys like chambray and stripes.

Monday, 2 March 2015

my everyday style: sneakers, sneakers and more sneakers!

I've said it once and I'll say it again, I wear these sneakers all the time!  They are seriously so versatile, I find myself grabbing for them again and again.  Which quite surprised me as I never really thought of myself as a sneaker person before… but I dare say I am now.  Plus, they are a great alternative to boots these days… because let's all admit it, we are so sick of winter.  And winter clothes.  These sneakers are the perfect all season wear.

Paired with jeans, a tee and a leather jacket, they make the perfect "busy mom" outfit for everyday wear.






(photos by Tracy Carmody)

Details:
Striped Top, J.Crew (similar or similar less expensive)
Jeans, Gap
Bag, Rebecca Minkoff (similar less expensive)
Ring, Sole Society
Sneakers, New Balance (similar or love these too!)