Archive | fashion

Finding a good swimsuit that fits well, is flattering and mom-appropriate can be a little tricky.

Here’s the thing: I don’t know many women (or any at all?) who feel awesome in a swimsuit. We all have our insecurities. We all have our perceived flaws. We all wish we ate fewer donuts and spent more time working out months ago to prepare for baring so much skin in the summertime.

And yet, here we are with the sun out and the beach/pool/patio calling our swimsuit-clad names.

We have a choice: stay comfortably covered and out of the water or put on a swimsuit and just go with it. I’m picking the latter.

P.S. have you seen this hilarious swimsuit video? So funny and so true.

For this summer, I found two new swimsuits that are surprisingly flattering, comfortable and modest (no cheeky bums or cutout waists for this pale-skinned, soft-tummied mama … I feel best in more coverage).

Perhaps you’ve already found your suits for this summer, but if you’re still hunting for a mom-appropriate swimsuit, may I suggest one of these:

SLOUCHY TANKINI + SHIRRED SHORT

I know, it looks a little maternity in this flat photo, but look how cute it is on the model:

It’s a fun change from the typical tankini top and perfect if you have a little extra fluff in your middle that you’d rather not reveal. I paired mine with the shirred shorts, and I’ll mix and match with other regular swim bottoms I have to switch it up.

GRACE SWIMSUIT

I have this suit in blue that I bought from Anthropologie two years ago (see it in this post) but I love this version from Jessica Rey Swimwear so much more. The material is thicker (which holds everything in better) and the cups are lined (a definite plus for me). The suit comes in a few different colors/patterns – I just happen to adore this emerald green.

Look how pretty the model looks in it:

To top off the swimsuit look, I love a lightweight linen coverup to throw on (this one is perfect – and on sale!) and a big hat to keep shade on my face.

Swimsuit shopping can be not-so-fun, but hopefully these suggestions will help!

Have you found a suit this summer that you’re loving? Please share …

Summer fashion means light-weight, fresh, easy and casual. I’m a Pacific Northwest girl and our summer temperatures typically max out around the high 80’s, so I switch between jeans (forever my favorite), shorts (not my fave, but I’m learning to embrace them), basic dresses (always an easy go-to) and a few simple tees + tanks to round things out.

Since we can all use a few new outfit ideas, I’ve put together 7 favorite outfits for summer.

Big shocker: the pieces fit nicely into my go-to color palette of neutrals + blues.

My go-to outfits are always casual, comfortable and I try to keep things cute. I do my best to fill my closet with classic, basic pieces that are easy to wear and can be mixed and matched again and again. Most of the items in this collection of outfits are currently available online, so I’ve linked them all below to make shopping easier.

It always feels so silly taking pictures of myself for these posts, but I do it for you. I know how helpful it is to see how others put outfits together – especially casual, everyday outfits. My hope is that you can use this as a great shopping list for basics and layering pieces, and maybe a few outfits will spark some ideas of how you can mix items you already have in your closet.

Let’s get started!

SUMMER OUTFIT NO. 1

Friends. Before we get any further, can I just acknowledge that my knees are weird? They are strangely turned in (I blame ballet!) and bumpy. And carrying my four children caused unsightly veins to pop out on my already pale legs. Perhaps this is why I am not a fan of shorts, but as I mentioned above, I’m learning to embrace them. We all have our insecurities, right? I’m putting my funky legs out there for all the internet to see. Enjoy.

Okay, let’s talk instead about the cute chambray cami and easy shorts (with an elastic waistband!). This combo is super comfortable and still looks pulled together. If you’re in need of a new strapless bra, give this one a try. It is smooth and works great under a top like this.

chambray tank | linen shorts | sandals (similar)

SUMMER OUTFIT NO. 2

I’m a fan of anything gingham/buffalo check and these shorts caught my eye. They fit a little large, so I recommend ordering a size down. And this shirt is the best. It is a linen blend, so it’s lightweight and has a nice, flattering fit. It is currently on major clearance, so grab one before they are gone.

You’ll may notice I wear the same sandals again and again. These are a year old, which replaced a pair almost identical that I wore for a few years before. I just like a cognac leather shoe with almost any outfit. The sandals I linked to are the most current version.

gingham shorts | linen capsleeve tee | sandals (similar) | sunglasses

SUMMER OUTFIT NO. 3

This outfit is my ‘going to the beach’ look. Cuffed denim shorts that are not super short because I just can’t, a super soft tank, the perfect flip flops and a cute hat. Throw it all on over a swim suit and you’re ready to go.

tank | denim shorts | flip flops | hat

SUMMER OUTFIT NO. 4

This is for sure my most go-to look for this time of year. I know, all you ladies who live anywhere but up here are thinking I’m crazy for wearing jeans in the summer, but we have a lovely temperate climate where jeans are still comfortable on the average 70’s summer day. I kept seeing frayed hem jeans and so I bought this pair. They are not expensive and fit great.

jeans | shirt (I can not find it online. Bought it last week at Target) | sandals

SUMMER OUTFIT NO. 5

All last summer while traveling around the country, I reached for breezy dresses. I like an a-line, with pockets, please. I just picked this one up at Target last week and it will be regularly worn this summer.

dress | sandals (similar) | sunglasses

SUMMER OUTFIT NO. 6

I know, it’s a funny pose. But I wanted you to see how cute the back of this tank is! It’s a little shorter in the front and has those fun tiers in the back. Ryan told me once that he loves me in this blue color and so I keep adding more to my wardrobe.

tank | jeans | shoes (these would be a cute alternative)

SUMMER OUTFIT NO. 7

A good white tshirt goes with everything. This one has a fun twist detail in the front. It runs a little big (I’m wearing a small and it’s very roomy). The scallop shorts feel nautical and sweet.

twist front shirt | scallop shorts | sandals

So there you go. Seven favorite outfits to wear this summer. I hope these outfits help inspire you to try new combinations of things you already own and maybe add in a few new pieces that you love!

Do you have a favorite?

It snowed here this week (which doesn’t often happen). While I have Spring on my mind, the weather is reminding me we still have a ways to go.

Until then, I’ve been eyeing a few pieces to add to my wardrobe that will work now, but also carry over into spring.

The key, I think, is to choose layerable pieces in classic styles and colors that can easily be mixed and matched. It seems I love a neutral wardrobe just as much as neutral home decor, and value comfortable, realistic outfits that suit my work-from-home casual lifestyle.

Ready to see my 10 Winter-to-Spring picks?

1. Excursion Quilted Vest | J.Crew | $79.99
Throw this over a thick sweater on chilly days and a light-weight one when it starts to warm up for an extra layer and a touch of pretty olive green (or navy, white, black, poppy and emerald).

2. Softspun Dolman-Sleeve Tee | Gap | $29.99
I have this tee in gray and white and wear them on regular rotation.

3. Textured Toggle-Front Cardigan | Gap | $89.95 (40% off with code FORYOU)
This cozy cardigan keeps catching my eye when I’m shopping online. It is a great layering piece – wouldn’t it be cute with white jeans and tee?

4. Crosshatch Tunic | J.Crew Factor | $44.50
A classic button-up paired with jeans is a go-to look. I like the tunic style and while it can be worn alone, it would also be great layered under a light-weight cardigan (like this one).

5. White Toothpick Jean | J.Crew | $115
My search continues for the perfect white denim. I have these jeans in gray and love the fabric and how they fit, so I’m thinking I’ll give these a try.

6. Girlfriend Jeans | Banana Republic | $98
Add a cuff to the bottom of these jeans and pair them with flats for a casual, early-Spring look.

7. Skinny 5-Pocket Pant | J.Crew Factory | $54.50
Green jeans? Why not. They act as a neutral and look fresh as we move into Spring.

8. Cognac Ballet Flats | Gap | $59.95
Once the weather warms up enough to skip socks, these simple ballet flats are my go-to shoe. They add a feminine, easy look to any outfit.

9. Topshop Sneaker | Nordstrom | $40
I’m on a bit of a green kick, as you can see. These sneakers keep things casual and would be cute with those white jeans.

10. Fritan Bootie | Nordstrom | $149
A good bootie is a wardrobe staple. I like the subtle cutouts and slightly gray suede of this pair.

There is still so much winter weather ahead, but these 10 items have me thinking it might be time to bring in a few transition pieces to my wardrobe.

If I could only dress for one season, I would always and forever choose fall. As much as I love the sun, what I love even more are jeans and layers and boots and sweaters.

gray jeans | black sweater | necklace | booties (same style, different color)

OUTFIT TWO

Because sometimes a cozy, casual outfit consisting of a sweatshirt, jeans and slippers is absolutely the right choice. What I love so much about this particular sweatshirt is that it is comfy and also cute. I now have a small collection of these double hooded sweatshirts and will say this this one is my favorite. They now have front pockets, thumb holes and are extra long. I order a size up since they run pretty trim and I like some room.

sweatshirt | jeans | slippers

OUTFIT THREE

I have been wanting a classic cable knit turtleneck sweater for a long time. I grabbed this one on sale earlier this fall and have worn it approximately four thousand times. I’m a big fan of choosing classic pieces (even if they are a bit pricier than usual) that don’t go out of style. (P.S. the sweater is currently on sale!)

The sweater is paired with this easy skirt and my very broken-in boots.

skirt | cable knit sweater | boots (old)

OUTFIT FOUR

I call this outfit “heading out to shepherd my llamas” because the poncho just has that look, and yet, I’m still a fan. I’m not sure if we are still doing denim on denim, but I still like it. The key (in my mind) is to make sure there is a difference in wash.

poncho | denim shirt | jeans | boots

OUTFIT FIVE

For all my friends who live in warmer climate places … you must get this shirt. It is light-weight, has a fantastic blousy sleeve, buttons down the back and the gingham is just so cute. This is such an easy outfit.

gingham shirt | jeans (very old, from Old Navy) | booties

OUTFIT SIX

Leggings + tshirt + long cardigan + scarf is an outfit formula that hits all the marks: comfortable, casual, cute.

long cardigan | white tshirt | scarf (similar) | leggings | boots

OUTFIT SEVEN

Every season, I think to myself that I want to wear dresses. Very rarely do I find one that feels everyday wearable. This sweatshirt dress, however, totally works. It is cut slim, is made of sweatshirt material and looks pretty cute with a puffy vest (like this one) over it.

sweatshirt dress | socks (similar) | boots

OUTFIT EIGHT

I found this sweater this past weekend and couldn’t pass it up. Black and white striped sleeves?! So cute. I threw it on with old bootcut jeans and a cozy hat (which makes my head look even smaller than it is, but whatev).

sweater | jeans (old) | socks (similar) | hat (similar) | booties

OUTFIT NINE

One very simple way to dress up jeans and a white tshirt: add a scarf, belt and flats. I wear the leopard belt with everything and am still figuring out how to wear a blanket scarf :)

blanket scarf | white tshirt | jeans | belt | shoes

So there you go. Nine favorite outfits to wear this fall. I hope these outfits help inspire you to try new combinations of things you already own and maybe add in a few new pieces that you love!

Do you have any favorites?