wardrobe wednesday

For the Love of Leopard.

I've added more leopard patterned items to my wardrobe in the past six months that I ever thought I'd need (or want) and I'm pretty sure my 13 year-old self is dying in humiliation at the grown-up I've become, because who wears leopard except little old ladies? Well, my dear pre-teen self, this old lady is proudly rocking the leopard in 2020.  Who knows what's next - orange lipstick and a beehive, maybe?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J. Crew Parke Blazer (on ebay; similar)
A New Day Turtleneck
AE Jeggings
Steve Madden "Holly" Boots
XIIX Crossbody Bag (similar)
Madewell Necklace

 

 

My newest leopard piece is this amazing blazer from J. Crew. When it first released, I was stubborn and refused to fork over the $178, waiting because I was certain it would go on sale. But instead, it sold out. And I cried. Then a few weeks later I happened to be perusing my local Nordstrom Rack and I stumbled upon one IN MY SIZE. MARKED DOWN TO $65. AND YES I (NOT SO SILENTLY) SQUEALED IN ALL CAPS.

It was a happy day indeed! And proof that patience sometimes does pay off - an adage that, in repeating, makes me sound like the little old lady I am apparently becoming. So with that, I'm off to send a fax and clean out my pocketbook. Have a great Friday! 

Spotted Spanx

If you follow any fashion blogger on social media, you've heard them rave about the Spanx faux leather leggings. And while I am not a fashion blogger (nor do I play one on television), I am a mom with the desire to suck and tuck all the saggy body parts, so I feel I've earned my right to rave about them too. I've owned the black faux leather Spanx for almost two years now and they are, without a doubt, a well-loved and well-worn item in my closet. They score high points for versatility (you can see how I've styled them here, here, here, here, here and here); comfort (holding it ALL in without making you feel like a stuffed sausage) and style (waaaaay more chic than mere yoga pants!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H&M Sweater
Old Navy Tee in Tall
Spanx Faux Leather Leopard
Adidas Cloudfoam Sneakers
Wrap Bracelet

 

 

Because of my love for my original black Spanx, the investment in a patterned pair was a no-brainer. I opted for the leopard (but the camo was a close runner-up!) and I'm already imagining countless ways to style these babies. Here I paired them with a camel oversized sweater and sneakers for a comfy casual look, but they can be dressed up as well. I wore them with a lace cami, black blazer and heels for New Year's Eve, but all photographic evidence of that evening was destroyed for the sake of the reputation of everyone involved. Ahem.

And with that, I'm off to enjoy my Friday (and possibly indulge in something FRIED with my happy hour wine, because. . . SPANX!)

The best $4 I ever spent.

Have I mentioned before that I love my Madewell overalls? Yes, yes I have because they are undoubtedly my most-worn item in the cold winter months. I struggled with the initial investment in these babies, but when I calculated the “price per wear” over the last year, it worked out to about $4. I regularly fork over more than that for a latte that doesn’t even make my butt look good, so I’ve concluded this denim is definitely worth the investment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Madewell Overalls
H&M Shirt (similar)
Pom Pom Beanie
Doc Martin Boots

 

 

 

 

They are so easy to layer with favorite flannels, toasty turtlenecks or long cardigans & kimonos. And even better, they are a high-waisted style and keep the entire Mom Midsection securely covered from winter breezes. (Because nobody got time for frost-bitten muffin top!)

 

Today I paired them with a flannel shirt, boots & an oversized hat to cover up hair that really, really needs to be washed. Pom pom beanies are the new dry shampoo - you heard it here first. Later on when the temps dropped, I threw on a long hooded cardigan. And went a bought a latte.

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

 

Blazing Trails

I have an ardent love of blazers - give me all the classic tweed, elbow patch, preppy goodness - but working from home doesn’t often provide the corporate atmosphere where a blazer ensemble is really appropriate. And yes, I choose to remain blissfully ignorant to this fact, because otherwise I'd have to - god forbid - stop BUYING said jackets.

So instead of cramping my shopping style, I’m constantly trying to find ways to dress them down and make them a bit less formal (and more fun!). Layering them with graphic tees is something I’ve done repeatedly, but adding another casual layer in the form of a comfy hoodie definitely takes the blazer from conventional to casual!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J. Crew Sweater Blazer
J. Crew Hoodie
Stones Tee
AE Jeggings
GGDB Sneakers

 

This staple J. Crew sweater blazer is slightly more relaxed than a traditional jacket, but it gives a polished look to even the most laid-back outfits. I layered it here over a typical Mom-iform of tee, hoodie, jeans & sneakers. It’s more cool mom than CEO, but that’s the only title I’m chasing these days!

Tis' the Season of the Snuggie.

When it snows around here, you can bet I'm pulling out my blanket scarves! I've found that if I have cozy softness wrapped around my neck, I can wear just about anything else and still be warm. Plus the blanket scarf elicits less odd stares from strangers and less ribbing from my family than my other cold-weather option, the plaid Snuggie.  (And just a sidenote....if you haven't seen this Snuggie parody, go watch for your daily dose of hilarity!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aerie Boyfriend Tee
Madewell Skinny Overalls
Plaid Blanket Scarf
Lace Trim Socks
Frye Campus Boots
Checkered Tote

 

 

I also love my trusty overalls when the thermometer dips, since they prevent any muffin top exposure to the freezing temps. So I guess my whole winter wardrobe goal is covering up as much skin as humanly possible - a revolutionary strategy, I know! I could probably wrap myself in a down comforter and get the same effect, but Madewell has yet to make one in stretch denim. (But when they do, I'm first in line!)

Happy Tuesday!

Santa For the Win

Dreams Cardigan + Madewell Eco Overalls + ASOS Peplum Tank +
Flower Wild Turquoise Pendant (similar) + BedStu Ashwell Boots (similar)

It's official - Santa knows the way to this girl's heart (aka denim & boots!) On Christmas morning, I was thrilled to discover a new pair of Madewell overalls and these gorgeous BedStu boots under the tree. And I wasted no time styling them both, throwing on a long cozy cardigan and declaring it a very merry holiday, indeed!

I already own a pair of black overalls (they were a part of my fall capsule) and while it may seem redundant to have two pairs, they are a definitely staple in my Mom Wardrobe and truly versatile for year-round wear. The higher waist of the Madewell style means shirts stay tucked in and the muffin-top is well concealed. Plus the skinny styling is flattering no matter what your shape and the super-stretchiness of the denim makes them so comfy. These are not the overalls you wore in the 90s, I promise. (But if you want to lip-sync to Vanilla Ice while wearing them, I certainly won't judge!)

Hope Santa came through for you, too!