wardrobe wednesday

Whining about Wine.

One of my 2020 goals for myself was to stop drinking alcohol on weeknights. Mostly because my nightly “glass” of wine was becoming “glasses” (and when you buy your wine in a box how the hell can you really tell how much you’re drinking??) Numbers have never been my strong suit. But since my new year’s focus was on healthy habits and routines, I’ve replaced my wine with water (and this kombucha, which almost passes for a nice rosé, without the morning hangover!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Universal Thread Jacket (Poshmark; similar)
J. Crew Tee (Poshmark; eBay)
Pilcro Jeans (Poshmark; Mercari)
Golden Goose Sneaks
Sunglasses
Wrap Bracelet

 

But just because I’ve given up weekday wine doesn’t mean I can’t wear it on my favorite tee  - with a nice rose-colored jacket, nonetheless! Paired with wide leg jeans and sneakers, it’s a comfy, cool & casual outfit. And it helps remind me that wine ON my body is better than wine IN my body. Until Friday rolls around, that is! 

 

Have a wonderful Wednesday! 

Overall, it's finally fall!

Like most of you, I look forward to fall for the fluffy sweaters, blanket scarves and of course, comfy leggings. It's the perfect attire to accompany my autumn diet of candy corn and caramel latte. Warm and cozy clothes are awesome, but muffin top camouflage is the real reason we love fall, right?!  Which is why I also look forward to donning my beloved denim overalls this time of year (not to mention the added bonus of not having to shave my legs for days (ok, ok, WEEKS).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boutique blouse (similar; similar)
Old Navy Overalls
Universal Thread Tote
Universal Thread Bootie

 

Overalls are also perfect for transitioning into fall with a light blouse and cut-out booties like I've worn here... and layered with a long chunky sweater, scarf and boots when the weather gets even colder. Most styles that are in stores right now have a higher rise and sleeker fit than the ones we rocked back in the 90s, so they're definitely more figure flattering. Not that there's anything wrong with wearing pants that can hold a huge bag of cheese popcorn and several bottle of Boone's Farm. And not that I'm speaking from personal experience.

This Old Navy pair is a great dupe for the popular Madewell version if you're not quite ready to commit to the trend - super stretchy with a flattering waist, slimmer front bib and currently on sale for $25. I personally love the Madewell style, too (and own them in a dark wash & black) and firmly believe they're worth the price. In fact, I may have spent a few months drinking Boones Farm instead of my usual wine just to save up for them. Like I said, worth it.

Happy Fall, y'all!

 

Wine Always Trumps Gucci.

J. Crew Sophie Sweater Blazer + Old Navy Stripe Tee + William Rast Jeans
+ J. Crew Slides + Imposter Belt

 

I don't get much feedback from my kids regarding my wardrobe. Unless, of course, I happen to exit the car in the school drop-off line when wearing my 18-year old flannel robe and fuzzy slippers. Then you can bet the comments (and eyerolls) will be prolific. But on a day-to-day basis, what Mom wears largely goes unnoticed. So when not one, but both of my offspring noticed my new belt today - and gave positive compliments regarding it - I was pretty dang impressed with myself. After all, just getting eye contact from a screen-obsessed teen is a monumental accomplishment, let alone protracting an utterance resembling flattery.

Of course, Hayden followed up his accolades with the concern that I may have spent a portion of his college fund on said accessory  ("Does this mean I can't go to an out-of-state school??") but his sister quickly reassured him that the belt, was in fact, anything but real deal. I believe her exact words were "You know mom would never blow her wine budget on a $450 belt!"

So I guess I have imparted crucial wisdom to them after all.  Wine before fashion, my little grasshoppers. Always wine before fashion.

Cheers!

 

All Hail the Egg Nog.

Bishop Sleeve Cardigan + Umgee Tunic + Madewell Skinny Jeans + Matisse Booties (similar)

I'm not a frequent Starbucks customer, though I've been known to suck down a few Latte Brevés during times when I need and extra boost (or twelve) of caffeine. But when the calendar signals the arrival of the all-hallowed red cups, I find myself bee-lining for Starbucks on a very regular basis. Add to that the fact that our local dairy (which delivers our milk in glass bottles to a cute metal box on our porch) offers the most amazing egg nog in all the world during December, and you've got a perfect situation for adding on some holiday weight. And while I have no problem emulating the Jolly Old Elf during Christmastime, it does it make more challenging to get dressed!

Enter the flowy tunic. I'm grabbing anything that drapes away from my body these days, and this tunic is one of my favorites. Layered under a cozy sweater, it's festive and comfy and most importantly - it's loose. And it's also equally wearable in warmer weather with cut-off denim and sandals, so it's truly a versatile piece. Not only does it help disguise the fact that I ate Christmas cookies for breakfast, it also assures there's plenty of room in my gut for an afternoon eggnog latte (or eight - who's counting?!)

Happy Holidays!

Red Stripe

Though I've always had a deep seated love for stripes, most of the pieces I've added to my closet are black, navy, or gray. But I seem to be gravitating toward red this spring. Maybe because it pairs so dang easily with denim. And it's just a nice pop of color after a long, gray winter. Or maybe I'm just way ahead of the game in planning my Fourth of July outfit (but as the self-named World's Greatest Procrastinator, I'm guessing it's not that one!) Let's just say I'm eagerly anticipating warm patio weather, enjoying an ice cold Red Stripe.

Yep, that one works!

 

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Old Navy Jersey Shift Dress (red is sold out, but it comes in pink, blue & black!)
Old Navy Jean Jacket
Steve Madden sandals (old) | similar
Halogen purse | similar
Target necklace (old) | cute option; love this one too!
Navajo Square Leather Bracelet
Ray Ban sunnies

 

CROP TOP, 3 WAYS

The best $12 I spent this summer was on a black crop top from Target (though the 12-pack of Summer Shandy in my frig may be a close second)! I figured that the basic black and subtle texture would make it easy to pair with just about anything and sure enough, it's been in heavy rotation in my summer outfits. Here's three of the many ways I've worn it!

xhilaration crop top (sold out) - similar, similar, similar | Old Navy skirt (old) - on ebay | Isacc Mizrahi for Target heels - similar | Lavand messenger bag (unavailable) | Lulu's necklace - similar | Ray Ban sunnies

 

Old Navy denim | Betsey Johnson belt - on ebay | asos Tribal clutch | Matisse sandals - similar | Silpada ring (old) - on ebay

Old Navy chiffon shirt | Target nautical shorts | Van Eli booties - similar | Moschino purse (thrifted) | Guess ball necklace | Burberry sunnies | vintage scarf

So what was YOUR favorite purchase this season? (Beer or fashion-wise?!)

 

Top Gun.

 

 

When I thrifted this yellow chiffon skirt a few months back, I had ideas for styling it up all girly and creating outfits worthy of champagne brunches and wine tastings and picnics in the park. Not that my life actually includes any of those events, but sometimes I like to pretend. I've worn it several times now, styled as such, and it's been fun dressing it up all feminine and frilly. And I may have even drank some wine while wearing it.

But this is my attempt at trying something different. Throwing a little grunge into the mix, ala Air Force fatigues (my dad's!) and distressed boots. And I have to admit, I kinda like the mix of functional and fancy. It's just a little bit dressy, but not so much that you can't put your feet up and crack open a Colorado microbrew. Because as fun as it is to have champagne wishes and caviar dreams, sometimes a girl just needs an ice cold beer. (And Ice Man aviators, natch!)

Happy Wednesday!

 

 

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Forever 21 chiffon skirt (thrifted) | similar on etsy
Air Force shirt (vintage) | similar
A Slip Shop tiered slip
Old Navy Lace-Front tee
Frye Veronica Shortie boot
Kenneth Cole Reaction tote | on ebay
American Eagle aviators
Target pearl charm bracelet | similar

 

Shiny & Bright.

This past Sunday was the first fabulous day of December and that, really, is reason enough to break out the shiny pants and celebrate. The girly and I were also going to the Nutcracker that afternoon, which, of course, made my pants a bit more appropriate than if it just been a typical Sunday around Casa Dickinson. Because consuming large amounts of coffee on the couch really doesn't require fancy pants.

But when I saw these patterned pants at H&M, I knew I needed them for December. Mostly because they remind me of this pair from J. Crew, but at a fraction of the cost. Which leaves plenty of room in the budget for egg nog, another staple for the month of December.

So there's my fashion advice for the day:  Save on shiny pants. Spend on egg nog.

Happy December!

 

P.S.  I just noticed that the last picture looks like I'm giving a crusty look to my alternate self. Apparently someone needs an egg nog refill.

 

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Old Navy Poplin Stretch Dress Shirt
H & M Suit Pants (not available online) | similar
Merona Skinny Belt in Cobalt
Charming Charlie necklace | similar
Isaac Mizrahi for Target heels | similar
Burberry sunnies
vintage beaded clutch

 

 

Wardrobe Wednesday | Shorts Round-Up

Back in May when the weather started heating up and it was time to pull out the boxes of shorts and tank tops, I realized I was gonna have to say goodbye to my colored jeans for a few months. And that made me sad and a bit pouty. See, when colored denim made a comeback, I might have gone a bit overboard and bought two (or twelve) pairs of jeans in the bright, vibrant hues. And I really, really wanted some shorts to replace those jeans during the heat of summer. But I knew if I wanted to keep the peace with the husband, I couldn't go crazy buying every happy color I saw. So I picked out three pairs to add to my rotation:

J. Crew Factory 5" Chino Short in Bright Sun - $19.50
Old Navy Everyday Printed Khaki Shorts in Mint Print - $8.97
Merona Nautical Shorts in Red Rave - $19.99

There were lots more options that I considered, but being faced with the possibility of a depleted wine budget can do wonders for a girl's restraint. Just sayin'. Here's some of the favorite ways I styled these new wardrobe additions over the past few months:

I realize this post might have been more timely at the beginning of summer, but the bonus of posting it now is that you can probably grab these shorts on sale (in preparation for next summer!) And all that money you save? Well, you just better be spending it on wine.

Happy Wednesday!

 

Outfit 1:  Old Navy shorts + J. Crew Factory Polka Dot Popover + Boden Skinny Belt + Sam & Libby sandals (similar) + Fossil watch +  Burberry sunnies

Outfit 2: Old Navy shorts + J. Crew ruffle tee (similar) + Betsy Johnson bow belt (similar) + Charlotte Russe bangle bracelets

Outfit 3: Old Navy shorts + Merona v-neck tee (similar) + polka dot sash (handmade) + J-41 sandals (similar) +  Burberry sunnies

Outfit 4: Target shorts + Seven denim shirt (similar) + Merona leopard wedge sandal + J. Crew Factory droplet necklace

Outfit 5: Target shorts + J. Crew stripe tee (similar) + Gap seersucker blazer (similar) + Mossimo espadrille wedge (similar)

Outfit 6: Target shorts + Merona Peter Pan Collar blouse + Calvin Klein heels (similar) +  Burberry sunnies

Outfit 7: J. Crew Factory short + LOL Vintage tank + Betsy Johnson belt + Steve Madden sandals + vintage jewelry

Outfit 8: J. Crew Factory short + J. Crew graphic tee + Gap cap-sleeve jacket (similar) + Lucky Penny sandals

Outfit 9: J. Crew Factory short + J. Crew striped crewneck tee (similar) + Merona red patent belt + Converse One Star tennis shoes (similar) + Red Sox cap