Day 15

Not up to write much today. I had a day off from work, but let's just say it wasn't for anything fun. I'll be back with more enthusiasm tomorrow.

Today's ensemble:

Dress- Old Navy

Jacket- Express

Shoes- Sole Society

Jewelry- Jackie Ford

Belt- Kohl's

The classics are the best!

Don't you just love classic clothing items like black pants?! Sometimes they can seem like such a boring go-to, when in reality they are a totally blank canvas. The clothing world is their oyster and you are the curator of possibility! The challenge with black pants is to liven them up with colors and accessories. I began dressing this morning in shades of gray (maybe bc I'm reading the last book in a trilogy of the same name OR the fact that it is a bleak, gray day?!). Then I looked in the mirror and thought, "eh, pretty cute", but I am no longer ok with "eh, pretty cute". I now look in the mirror and ask myself "how can I liven this outfit up and make it more fun?" It's usually a lot easier than you think. Keep the basic items the same (I was already wearing a cardi and belt), and swap them out for something with a little more zing! I kept the gray tank and added some fun color! Now I feel so much more energetic and ready to tackle today's rainy Tuesday. The next time you pull out an old, but favorite classic, try to breathe new life into it!





Today's ensemble:
Pants- Kohl's (Daisy Fuentes)
Tank- JC Penney (I Heart Ronson)
Cardigan- Old Navy
Shoes- Nine West
Belt- Old Navy
Jewelry- bracelet & earrings- Kohl's, Watch: Timex Weekender

Until tomorrow...
J

Manic Monday

Totally picked a different outfit last night and then realized this morning that my fabulous ivory linen pants seriously needed some hemming. They were cut for Heidi Klum, not me! Altering is a great way to liven up your closet...try things on and see if maybe you would wear them more (or at all) if they actually fit better!
 I have a bag of pants and skirts waiting to get altered that I love and will wear...when they fit me right. Even a bargain item of clothing can be altered to look much nicer and more suited for your body. Most clothing will not fit perfectly since we are all such different shapes and sizes. Whether it be something you love that used to fit, but because you lost weight is now baggy, a pair of pants that you bought even though they were a tad too long, or a jacket that was the perfect silhouette...on the hanger. An outfit can go from frump-tastic, to runway worthy with a few inches of adjustment. I've even bought something that I loved, though it wasn't quite the right fit, but was on such a good sale that I figured the value of it would still be phenomenal after adding in cost of alteration. Altering doesn't have to break the bank either. I take many of my items to my local dry cleaners and they do a FAB job. I've even taken bridesmaid dresses and they've turned out GREAT! It is usually much cheaper with the same great quality outcome as a place that does only tailoring-though if you have one of those that you love, stick to it!! If it ain't broke, why fix it? For the sake of feeling fabulous, take a peek at your pants, skirts, and jackets to see if you can alter a little more life into them!


Today's ensemble:
Pants: Old Navy
Shirt: Nordstrom
Shoes: Kohl's
Earrings: Old Navy
Bracelets: H & M

Sunday Matinee

All that was on tap for today, other than the usual weekend chores, was a matinee movie date. We went to see the newest Bourne movie, The Bourne Legacy. It was a good flick, but since this isn's a blog to review movies, I'll move on to the outfit of the day!

Today's ensemble:
Dress- Old Navy
Scarf- Ann Taylor Loft
Shoes- Nine West
Jewelry- earrings: can't remember :-(




Until tomorrow...
J

Saturday Surprise

It's late and I'm super sleepy after a long, hectic, but fabulous Saturday. We threw a surprise party for Jack (mom's fiance) for his 60th! She had him out all day, my awesome MIL helped me prep and decorate, and we welcomed him back with a bang! The surprise was a hit and so was the evening! I ran around and set up in very practical casual clothes of course, but here was my official outfit of the day. Still going strong with no repeats!

Today's ensemble:
Shirt- LC by Lauren Conrad for Kohl's ( I LOVE her stuff!)
Shorts- Old Navy
Shoes- Boutique 9 by Nine West (wedges)
Jewelry- Earrings: Charming Charlie's, bangles: Old Navy


Nighty night!

J

Day 10- Casual Americana

There's just something about a chambray shirt that screams classic American attire. It makes me think of the kind of America that you see portrayed in a Ralph Lauren ad! Ha! I'm so glad that these classic denim shirts are making a resurgence. In my opinion, they were never out, but they haven't been trendy in a while either. Of course when you are looking for something to add to your closet, you can never find it. I'd been on the hunt for a cool/cute chambray shirt in just the right color and fit for a while. I came across this one in a consignment store that my step mom, Deb and I go to each time I visit in Scottsdale, AZ. I have found some great treasures there! I love going to good quality consignment/second hand stores, because it helps breathe new life into clothing that someone felt had already served its purpose. It's also kinder to the planet and lightens our carbon foot print! I am still desperate to find some good consignment places here in the DC area- so far not much luck. We've got really high end second hand stores (like "oh wow- what a good deal for that top- it's only $495.00. In Bloomingdale's it's be at least $800.00!" no thank you!) and then the good will-type thrift stores where prices are low, but quality can be too. If anyone out there reading (mostly a small smattering of my good friends) knows of any good second hand stores with good quality AND good bargains, please let me know!

Today's ensemble:
Shirt-  My Sister's Closet (consignment store, Scottsdale, AZ)
Skirt- Old Navy
Belt- Old Navy
Shoes- Old Navy (they are wedges-brown and yellow)
Jewelry- necklace and earrings both Daisy Fuentes from Kohls. It's hard to see the detail, but they are hammered yellow gold in color/texture. Gold bangles- a gift from my good friend, Allie during her moving purge!


So, I'm still under the weather (darn summer cold!), but won't be laying low this weekend. Fun stuff is happening. I'll be able to share some normal weekend wear with you! ;-)

Until tomorrow...
J

Fun with color!

 Oh la la...I'm LOVING my newest Bauble Bar purchse...not to worry I acquired it before the challenge started. As an aside...I haven't mentioned this, but I thought it would be unfair and ruin the integrity of the challenge if I allowed myself to shop and add new pieces during the month of August. So, even though I might be rocking something new, it hasn't been purchased during the month...girl scouts honor! Anyway, back to the necklace...what a fun statement piece! Sometimes you just have to go for it with something big and bold. This necklace is that! Sometimes I build an outfit around an accessory...actually a lot of the time. I adore accessories...from top to bottom...so I use them as inspiration when my clothing seems lackluster. I have been wanting to wear this necklace, but not sure how. What better way to showcase it than during my NORA challenge! This is obviously not something that I'll want to repeat very soon so it's perfect! If you're feeling a lack of dressing inspiration, instead of looking to pants or shirts, look to your jewelry, shoes and scarves. You never know where your new inspiration will take you!

Today's ensemble:

Dress- Elle for Kohl's

Shoes- Sole Society
Necklace- Bauble Bar (no earrings or bracelets today as the necklace was quite enough jewelry!)