wardrobe wednesday

From Casual to Date Night | Target Finds

Whenever I purchase a new piece of clothing, I try to immediately style it several different ways so that I can mentally catalog a list of outfit options when I want to wear it. (And, if we're being honest, I also photograph the idea because #imsoold and #iforgetthings)!  Here's a few of the ensembles I created with pieces from my Five on Friday finds from Target. They easily go from casual and comfy to dressier date night!

 

CASUAL:  Graphic Tee |  Straw Hat  | Polka Dot Pants |  Sandals

DATE NIGHT: Old Navy Cami (similar) | Polka Dot Pants | Jean Jacket | Isaac Heels (similar)

 

While these polka dot pants are easy to pair with a solid tee or tank, don't be afraid to mix them with other patterns! A graphic tee or floral camisole are a great contrast with the pants and add so much more fun than a simple solid!

 

CASUAL: Tank Dress | Woven Tote | GGDB Sneakers | Sunnies 

DATE NIGHT: Tank Dress | Boutique Kimono (similar) | Espadrilles | similar necklace 

There's nothing more comfortable than a cotton tee dress for summer and this neutral charcoal has so many styling options! It also comes in cream, sage green, coral, rust, periwinkle, black and royal blue - so you're sure to find a color you love.  A total Target win on this one!

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends!

 

Five On Friday | Target Staples

It doesn't take me long to fill up a cart with cute, trendy pieces from Target, but my last few trips have yielded some great closet staples that are proving to be so versatile in my spring and summer ensembles. Here's five items I'm loving right now!

 

 

1// Who What Wear Wide Leg Pants ($36.99) Your girl can't pass up anything with polka dots!! This pair is so
flattering in a lightweight twill and the quality is equivalent to Madewell - but a fraction of the price!
And how can you not be in good mood with polka dots on your pants!

 

2//Rae Espadrille Platform ($34.99)  I bought the cognac suede version of these sandals last year and they were
my most-worn sandals of the summer. Not only are they super comfy, the quality is spot-on and they've held up
incredibly well despite being worn almost daily!

 

3//Universal Thread Tank Dress ($15.00) I'm blown away by the price of this dress and since it comes in seven
other summer-worthy colors, I just may have to stock up. I sized up two sizes for a more relaxed fit & a bit more length
and I adore the soft cotton and cute flutter sleeve!

 

4//Universal Thread Striped Tote ($35.00)  I love to give my leather handbags a break in warmer months and this neutral woven purse is a great update for summer! The fun fringed edges give it a beachy vibe and it's large enough (and well padded!) to carry a laptop and all the mom essentials.

 

5//Universal Thread Tank Top ($12.99)  Due to my propensity for spilling, usually have to get a new white tank
every season and this basic fits the bill perfectly. I like the higher neckline and the modified racer cut to show off those shoulders!

 

Stop back by tomorrow to see how I've styled these pieces - and happy weekend!

Target Trip | Spring 2021

 I spent some quality time in my faovrite place over the weekend - the aisles of my local Target. Went in for nail polish remover...and as usual, came out with so much more! Here's a few of the stand out items that caught my eye (and may have jumped in my cart!)

 

1//Universal Thread Sleeveless Dress ($20.00)  There's nothing better than a simple tee dress and this mid-length version is perfect dressed up with heeled sandals, thrown over a swim suit, or worn casually with a jean jacket and sneakers. I'm partial to the camo print, but it also comes in ten other prints & colors!

2//A New Day Crossbody Bag ($25.00) I've had a white purse on my wishlist for awhile now, and I love the texture and size of this one! The magnetic flap closure features a woven texture that looks way more expensive than $25, and it also comes in gorgeous spring tones like mint, lilac and peach.

3//A New Day Puff Sleeve Tee ($12.00) I can't resist a good basic and these tees have extra-cute details
that take them beyond basic! The puff sleeve adds a dressier touch that would be perfect with jean skirts,
paperbag waist shorts and joggers! 

4//Universal Thread Brittin Sneakers ($24.99) The last year definitely brought a trend toward all things comfy and so I've stepped up my sneaker game! These cute spotted sneaks are comfy and perfect with jeans, dresses, leggings and more. (Sizing note: They run a tad narrow so I went up half a size.)

5//Olive & June Nail Polish ($8.00) My Instagram feed is always full of rave reviews for Olive & June, and I excited to see the products in person at Target! Their iconic polish gets high marks for longevity and ease of application, and the variety of colors (especially soft pastels for spring & summer) is impressive!

6//A New Day Pull-On Shorts ($17.00) I love having a few options to denim shorts for summer, and these super soft shorts feature a wide waistband and loose fit that equals major comfort! This muted leopard print is perfect for pairing with graphic tees or a denim tank, but the shorts come in six other colorways as well.

7//A New Day Stripe Tee ($12.00)  I've never met a striped tee I didn't like and this wide-stripe long sleeve version is perfect for transitioning into summer! This is a slightly boxy fit but works well with high-waisted jeans and shorts.

 

1//Universal Thread Espadrille Wedge ($17.49)  I own these sandals in solid brown (and they've held up really well
for two summers!) so I'm thinking of grabbing this patterned pair as well. The platform is surprising comfortable and
they work with both shorts and dresses!

2//Dipped Stoneware Mug ($4.99) Does anyone else like to drink their coffee from a seasonally appropriate mug? No? Just me? Well this cute yellow-dipped version is like a little ray of sunshine serving up caffeine on spring mornings. Highly recommend!

3//Makeup Revolution Pout Bomb ($7.00)  I'm old enough to be considering injections for those dang fine lines around the lips - but I'm absolutely terrified of this whole process (and all the things that COULD go wrong) so I'm sticking to over-the-counter options in the meantime! This plumping gloss gets good reviews - and doesn't involve needles
- so I'll let you know how it works for me!

4//MTV Floral Tank ($19.95) Layering tanks and kimonos are my summer jam, so I've added this cute floral tank to my collection! It would also be super cute under a pink or white denim jacket for a casual, cool outfit!

5//Hearth & Hand Throw Pillows ($18.00) There's nothing a few new pillows to freshen up a room and I love the textural options in this line! The fabrics look and feel much more expensive than they are and make for
an easy decor refresh for spring.

6//A New Day Gingham Dress ($27.99) To me, gingham is the pattern of the season and this adorable dress is perfect for styling with a jean jacket and sneakers, a lacy cardigan and heels, or with a graphic tee knotted over the top. The brown and white check is a bit less bold than black or navy and I love the softer look for spring!

7//Universal Thread Triple Tote ($39.99) Obviously, my leopard addiction is still alive and well because this bag is on my wish list! I own this tote in cognac and it's been durable and so functional with three separate compartments that hold A LOT (Like planner, tablet, wallet, phone and even my big DSLR camera - it all fits!)

8//Threshold 3-Tier Serving Tray ($29.99) I'm in spring organizing mode and while this metal piece is in the kitchen section, I'm thinking of using it for make up storage in the bathroom or possibly for crafting supplies in my office. I love the rustic finish and it's big enough (20' high) to hold a lot of little treasures!

 

Thanks for joining me on my little Target trip! What caught your eye there lately? I'd love to hear!

When PJs go Public.

I wouldn't be a mom if I didn't admit to having worn actual pjs to drop kids at school, run to Starbucks, or drive to the mailbox, but I do pride myself on my stalwart conviction to never wear designated pajamas in any public arena that I have to actually exit my car. There are plenty of joggers, jumpers and yoga pants that have earned their stripes in the comfort department, so my pajamas can stay in the bedroom, thankyouverymuch. That is, until today...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wild Fable Slip Dress (similar)
Old Navy Jean Jacket
GGDB Sneakers (similar)
Quilted Crossbody
Wrap Bracelet

 

This little slip dress from the Target sale rack could certainly qualify as a nightgown with it's satin fabric and lace trim (though I prefer the utilitarian tank top & shorts to any fancy lace pjs) and I decided to take it for a spin at Friday night happy hour. Because I live on the edge, ya'll. Sometimes I also eat yogurt that's a few days past its expiration date.

With a jean jacket and sneakers, it's more sporty than seductive. And since I sized up, it's loose and comfy and easily accommodates the few beers and appetizers that my Friday night outings involve (a trait, not coincidentally, that I also require of my pajamas). While it could be dressed up for a night out with strappy heels and a black blazer, I'm betting I'll continue to dress it down - layered over a tee shirt with Doc Martens, maybe? Any way you style it, I'm on board with taking these pjs on the town!

 

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! 

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! 

All Target, All The Time

A New Day Leopard Sweater + Xhilaration Lace Blouse + Rhinestone Necklace (similar) +
Mossimo Boyfriend Jeans (similar) + Pink Bow Mules

 

It's no secret I'm a devoted fan of all things Target, but when I was gathering up the links for the outfit above, I realized just how deep my love for the red bullseye runs. This entire outfit is comprised from my many, many Target runs. The leopard sweater is a perfect mate with a lacy blouse and rhinestone necklace ('tis the season for lots of sparkle!) and the distressed boyfriend jeans help balance out all the girly pieces. And since there's no better way to wear leopard than with a pop of color, the pink shoes were the obvious choice - but red, yellow, or aqua would have been equally fun!

Not that it's a difficult feat to pull together an adorable ensemble from Target finds but I am usually more discriminatory in piling them all on at once. And now I am wondering why?  When it means you can rock a cute look built from bargain pieces, you gotta roll with it. And since my closet is full of said pieces (maybe because I always leave Target with 15 more things than I went in for?) I'm totally down with some days being All Target. All The Time. Who's with me??