What I Wore - Winter Neutrals

I hope you all enjoyed the last few weeks with your families.  I certainly did.  It is such a crazy time of year for us with the holidays and birthdays, but it is so fun.  On New Year's Day we were invited to a fun open house style brunch party.  We were also experiencing some winter weather (at least for our neck of the woods) so warm clothes were definitely in order.

I picked up this cream sweater during one of Old Navy's amazing sales before the holidays.  It is super soft and cozy and doesn't have any wool so I can wear it without itching like crazy.  This sweater was perfect paired with some black leggings and my cozy chestnut Uggs which, truth be told, have seen better days, but I just can't justify a new pair right now.

The "icing" on my outfit was this delicate little necklace.  I saw it during Nordstrom's anniversary sale and nonchalantly pointed it out to Josh and then went upstairs for a little while with my laptop left open.  Thankfully, he picked up on my not so subtle hint and got it for me.  The bar is engraved with J & L which I love because it stands for Josh & Lauren AND Jake & Luke.  Everyone asks if we did that on purpose with their names but honestly, those were just the boy names we liked.  It did work out nicely though.  One day I'd like to get a Maya Brenner asymmetrical initial necklace with J and L but this one is perfect for now.

Necklace - Similar (mine is cursive)

Sweater - Old Navy (on sale) 

Leggings - American Apparel

I'm linking up with Style Elixer and I do deClaire.

What I Wore - Mad About Plaid

Plaid has been all over the place lately and I'm smitten with it.  When I saw this shirt at Old Navy during one of their sales I snapped it up.  A lot of times I don't like long sleeved shirts like this because they feel constrictive to me, but this one is super soft and comfortable.  The colors and pattern are great for fall but the red also gives it a holiday vibe.

When the weather is just starting to cool off I think layering is the way to go.  I had a white tank underneath and then added this cream scarf on top.   It added just the right amount of extra warmth when it was cloudy, but was easily removed when the sun came out.

Paired with these medium blue denim leggings and my favorite cognac boots, I was ready for fall.

Plaid Shirt - Old Navy

Denim Leggings - Loft 

Scarf - Target - old

Boots - Cathy Jean - old 

I'm linking up with I do deClaire, Pleated Poppy, Get Your Pretty On, Shopping My Closet, and Style Elixer.

What I Wore - Tunic & Leggings

If you follow me on Instagram (I just got started so if you don't, please do) then you may have seen this picture of me a couple of weeks ago.

The beautiful lady next to me is my dear friend Amy, and she and I were lucky enough to get a preview of the new See's Candies store at Fashion Island.  I'll be posting all about that fun event later this week, but for now let's talk about what I wore.

Since I knew that I would be eating a ton small, ladylike amount of chocolate I wanted to wear something that glossed over my midsection.  This tunic was the perfect solution.  I picked it up at Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale but hadn't had an opportunity to wear it until now.  It's by Caslon which definitely runs big.  I had to get an XXS petite which is definitely NOT my normal size (I wish it was).  I love the visual interest added by the zipper details on the shoulders.

I layered it over my new Assets leggings to help smooth things out underneath my tunic and then added these cognac wedge boots to help balance it all out.  If you are still trying to decide what to wear on Thanksgiving, this would be a perfect outfit.

Tunic - Caslon - Similar

Leggings - Assets

Boots - Cathy Jean - old

I'm linking up with Style Elixer.

What I Wore - Practically Pajamas

So... Luke has decided that he doesn't take naps and that the 5 o'clock hour is a perfectly reasonable wake-up time.  As you can imagine, this results in one very tired baby and an equally tired (not to mention frazzled) mama.  After a particularly tough morning all I wanted to do was sit around in my pajamas all day, but we had a PTA meeting to get to so I had to get dressed.  I decided to wear the next best thing, clothes that feel like pajamas.

I picked up these pants at Old Navy a few weeks ago and while I think I probably would have been better off in an XS, they only had a S in this color and I really liked them so I bought them anyway.  The marled pattern makes them look a little nicer than sweatpants and they honestly could not be more comfortable.  They also have pockets which are perfect for slipping your phone or your keys into while running around at the park.  Old Navy doesn't have this exact pair anymore, but these are similar with a zip pocket which gives them sort of a moto vibe.

I paired it with a basic white tee and my favorite sweatshirt jacket and then slipped on some glitter TOMS to glam it up a bit.  If I'm totally honest, I'm not sure if I'm cool enough to pull this outfit off, but it's just so comfortable that I'm wearing it anyway.

I'm linking up with Style Elixer, Shopping My Closet, Pleated Poppy, and Get Your Pretty On.

What I Wore - Black & White

We are finally experiencing a little bit of fall weather, of course it's supposed to be back in the 80s later this week but I'll take what I can get.  I had a super busy day so I wanted to be comfortable but still pulled together.  If you've been following my blog for a while you have probably noticed that comfortable yet pulled together is sort of my thing. 

During Nordstrom's anniversary sale I tried all of the Spanx leggings and none of them worked for me.  I was super sad because my sister has a great pair that she picked up at a great boutique by her house.  That pair was not available at Nordstrom.  It turned out to be lucky for me because I found the Assets leggings at Kohl's.  If you aren't familiar with the brand, Assets is the less expensive line from Spanx.  These ponte leggings are great.  They aren't like wearing a pair of Spanx (I wouldn't call Spanx comfortable), but they do have a high rise and help smooth things out a little bit.

This tunic top is a super old one from H & M.  I wore it before, during, and now after my pregnancy with Luke.  The downside is that it is drapey so it can sometimes show a little more cleavage than I'm comfortable with.  I usually solve this problem with a little Hollywood Fashion Tape (love that stuff), but since I'm nursing that wasn't going to work.  Enter the Coobie.  What looks like a layering tank is actually my favorite new bra.  The Coobie bra is amazing!  I'm wearing the lace trim v-neck coobie in black.  These bras are super comfortable.  They are sort of like a sports bra in that there is no clasp, it's just one piece.  They are also super cheap and almost always have coupon codes, check RetailMeNot.

I topped my outfit off with my new favorite sweatshirt jacket, previously seen here, and the Payless dexflex Claire flats seen here, here, here, and here.  This outfit was the perfect combination of black on black.  The dalmation spots on the top break it up just enough to add some visual interest and made my comfortable outfit perfectly stylish for my busy day.  Speaking of my busy day, sorry for the poor quality of photos.  When I got home at 9:30 I realized that I had never gotten around to taking outfit photos for today's post so I had Josh snap a few quick pics.  Just focus on the outfit and not the poor lighting or my tired face.

What I Wore - Black & Gray

This was a super crazy day for me.  In fact, I almost didn't get a post up because I forgot to have Josh take pictures and didn't get home until 9:30.  Back when I was young (before I had kids) we didn't even leave to go out until 10.  Now if I'm still out at 10 it's a very, very late night for me.  Anyway, I didn't want to miss a post, plus this top and jacket are two items of clothing I'm loving lately, so I had Josh snap a few quick pics.  Please forgive the terrible lighting and the circles under my eyes (long day).

I love the look of jackets and  have been wanting a moto jacket since last year, but I don't love how constricting jackets feel so I hadn't pulled the trigger and bought one.  Then in July my sister wore this Halogen knit moto jacket on our trip to England.  I really wanted it and lucky me, it was part of Nordstrom's anniversary sale so I snapped it up.  I L-O-V-E it!!  It is knit and as comfortable as a sweatshirt.  This completely solves my usual problem with jackets.  I find myself grabbing it all the time when I need an extra layer.  I'm sorry to say that it is out of stock but keep your eyes peeled in case it comes back.

Now let's talk about this tank.  It is basically a super comfortable tee (well tank) but it looks nicer.  I love that it is blousy but still has shape.  The detailing on the shoulder dresses it up a little.  I picked it up at the end of summer at the Banana Republic outlet and I've already worn it 5 times.

This outfit couldn't have been more comfortable, well maybe with leggings.  Note to self, next time wear with leggings.  I love when I wear something that feels like pjs but looks pulled together.

I'm linking up with Monday Mingle,  Style Elixer, Shopping My Closet, Pleated Poppy, Because Shanna Said So, Mix Match Fashion, Perfectly Coutured, and Get Your Pretty On.

What I Wore - T-Shirt Dress

Is it Fall yet?  I'm so over this heat!  Thank goodness for dresses.  They are the best way to look pulled together when it is hot outside.  No layering, no coordinating, just one article of clothing, a pair of sandals, and you are on your way.  I bought this dress when I was pregnant with Luke along with the Emerald version seen here and here.  I was hopeful that it would still work after I had him, and I'm happy to say that it does.

I love a good T-shirt dress.  It is just as comfortable as throwing on your favorite t-shirt with the added bonus that it's an entire outfit.  This outfit helped me to survive yet another hot September day in Southern California.  Hopefully soon I will be posting outfits with sweaters and boots.  Until then, I will be getting a lot of use out of my dresses.

Dress - Banana Republic Outlet - old

Sandals - Target - old 

I'm linking up with Style Elixer, Style Me Wednesday, Get Your Pretty On, Three-fer Thursday, and The Pleated Poppy.

What I Wore - Geometric Print Skirt

I know that for many of you, Fall weather has begun, but here it is over 100 degrees.  You read that right, over 100 degrees.  It has been disgustingly hot so I try to wear the thinnest, coolest things I own.  This skirt may be black, but it is an incredibly thin cotton so it is actually pretty cool.  I had a mommy & me class so I needed something that was long enough to allow me to sit on the ground without giving everyone a show.  This skirt is a perfect length for that.  It's actually super old, one I used to wear back when I taught first grade and needed longer skirts for the very same reason.

A tank top and sandals were the only things I could stand to wear along with it.  I am so ready for the weather to cool off.  What are your go to outfits when the heat is unbearable?

Tank - Loft

Skirt - GAP - old

Sandals - Target - old 

I'm linking up with Style Elixer, Style Me Wednesday, Pleated Poppy, Three-fer Thursday, and Get Your Pretty On.

My Style Wish List For Fall

So, I had planned on doing a "What I Wore" style post today, but we ended up being super busy this weekend.  Then I was going to have Josh take pics of me on Monday but life got in the way.  Monday I fully experienced what it means to have two kids with activities.  I dropped Jake at Kindergarten, Luke had Mommy & Me (All of you Orange County mamas I will be posting about the great Mommy & Me I've been doing in a couple of weeks.), picked Jake up from Kindergarten, fed the boys, then Jake had a swim lesson followed by soccer practice.  Also it was about one million degrees with one thousand percent humidity so outfit pics just weren't happening.

Anyway, I decided that instead I would share a couple of my style wishes with you.  Since I've decided to take a year off from teaching I need to seriously cut back on my shopping (not that I usually do that much of it) so I've been doing a little window shopping online instead.

There are two key pieces that I've been wanting to add to my wardrobe and Fall is the perfect time for them.  First on my list is a pair of brown riding boots.  I have a cognac pair that I love, but sometimes a dark brown pair would just go better.  These are a few I've been drooling over:






I've also really been wanting a big cognac bag for a long time, and since the Louis Vuitton Never Full bag is NEVER going to fit in my budget I have been browsing for a good alternative.  I've narrowed it down to the J. Crew Downing Tote and the Madewell Transport Tote. 



They are both so pretty and seem like they would be great substitutes.  If you have one of them, please let me know what you think!

Are there any items on your wish list for Fall?

What I Wore - Back to School

So... today is the first day of school for my school district, but not for me.  After a lot of back and forth and soul searching, we made the decision that I would take a leave of absence from teaching this year to stay home with the boys.  I'm super excited to get to be a full time stay-at-home mom for the year, but it was an extremely tough decision.  I was really sad as I packed up my classroom and realized that I wouldn't be welcoming a new group of students to spend the year learning with me.

To take my mind off of school and help me focus on the amazing family we have built, we decided to spend the long weekend at the beach as a farewell to summer.  It was just what I needed.  There is just something about the beach that makes you slow down and focus on what matters.  As I looked at my boys and listened to the waves crash on the sand I couldn't help but feel incredibly grateful for the life that we have built.  I mean look at that view!

Today, as my fellow teachers start their school year, I am thinking about them and feeling incredibly lucky to get to stay home with my boys.  This is not something I would wear for the first day of school as a teacher, but since I don't have my own first day of school this year, I can be as casual as I want.

These jeans are as close to boyfriend jeans as I can get.  As boyfriend jeans rose in popularity, I tried to get on board, but I just couldn't do it.  No matter how many pairs I tried on, they just weren't flattering on me.  They made me feel bigger than I am and that is the exact opposite of what I'm going for when I get dressed.  To achieve that same casual vibe I picked up this pair of AG straight leg jeans and cuffed them.  Since cuffing can cut off the leg, I added my wonderful wedges to elongate the leg.

In the past I have shied away from horizontal stripes because I felt like they made me look wider, but as I've really tuned in to my own style, I have come to embrace them.  They are such a classic look and always make me feel pulled together.  So here is my not so back-to-school look: cuffed, straight leg jeans, wedges, and horizontal stripes.

 Top - Loft - old

Jeans - AG - old

Wedges - Charles by Charles David

I'm linking up with Style Elixer, Pleated Poppy, Get Your Pretty On, Mix & Match Fashion, Shopping My Closet, Monday Mingle, and Mom Trends.

What I Wore - Little White Dress

One of my favorite style blogs The Mom Edit recently shared a reader style post featuring this dress.  I loved it, and the price was right so I snapped it up.

This is definitely shorter than what I normally wear so it isn't really park or picnic friendly but for going out to lunch with the family or a casual summer date it is perfect.  I have never worn anything with a dropped waist before and I was pleasantly surprised by how perfectly it hides the little tummy I can't seem to get rid of (moms of 2 or more, tell me this will eventually go away).

The henley top makes this nursing friendly and because it has a built in slip layer you don't have to worry about it being see-through.  Add in my new wedges to make me look taller (and my legs look longer) and I was ready to go.  If I wasn't going to be holding Luke I would have paired this with some big earrings to make it even more fun.  Even without accessories, this dress has enough details between the henley, the lace, and the dropped waist to keep it from being boring.  That makes it the perfect little white dress in my book.

 

Dress - On Sale at 6pm for $27

Charles by Charles David Wedges

I'm linking up with Style Elixer, Pleated Poppy, Because Shanna Said So, Shopping My Closet, and Get Your Pretty On.

What I Wore - Mint & White

 
So, I finally decided to replace my favorite wedges that I had completely worn out.  I am so glad that I did.  I L-O-V-E love, love these!  They are the perfect way to lengthen my legs and make me look taller, but because they are wedges, they are comfortable and I feel safe wearing them while I hold Luke.

Nothing says summer to me like white.  I am so in love with my white skinnies, but I get nervous wearing them with Luke because, let's face it, babies aren't the neatest eaters around.  I recently had a mom's night out so it was the perfect opportunity to wear them again.  This outfit was just the right combination of casual and cute.

The pairing of mint and white is so light and fresh.  It makes me feel like I am wearing summer.  Can we talk about this t-shirt for a minute?  This is my favorite new tee.  It's the sunwashed v-neck from Loft.  It is soft, comfortable, and drapes well.  The fabric seems a little less casual than a regular tee.  I only have this one, but I sort of want to buy them in every color...

 

Tee - Loft

Jeans - Charlotte Russe - old

Wedges - Charles by Charles David

I'm linking up with Pleated Poppy, Get Your Pretty On, Shopping My Closet, Because Shanna Said So, Mix & Match Fashion, Monday Mingle, and Style Elixer.

What I Wore - Stripes & Skinnies

 

I recently had a bar mitzvah to attend and since I was going to be at a temple, I wanted to have my shoulders covered.  I was leaving the boys with Josh so I didn't have to be worried about wearing something nursing friendly which made this top a perfect choice.  I've had it for a few years but haven't been able to wear it since the beginning of my pregnancy with Luke.  Even though I tend to shy away from wearing yellow because I don't think it looks good on me, in this top it works.  The yellow stripes aren't too overpowering so I feel like I can pull it off.  I also love the button detailing on the back of the shirt (although these type of details are hidden by my long hair most of the time).

Because the top has more of a boxy shape, I think it looks best with skinny pants.  I love this pair.  They have a side zipper so they leave me with a nice, smooth shape.  No lumps or bumps from pockets or a front zipper.

To finish it off, I'm wearing these great kitten heel, snake print, pointy toe Nine West shoes that I bought at the outlet a while back.  I'm having so much fun rediscovering my closet now that I'm back to my pre-pregnancy size.

I'm linking up with Monday Mingle, Pleated Poppy, Get Your Pretty On,  Shopping My Closet, Mix & Match Fashion, and Style Elixer.

What I Wore - Date Night

Josh and I celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary last month and my wonderful friend Amy watched our boys so we could have an actual date night!  We went out to dinner and I got to actually take my time and taste my food instead of how I usually have to bolt my food down to take care of Lucas.  When you have a baby, you forget how wonderful it is to actually sit down and take your time over a meal with the person you love.  We had an amazing time!

So... on to my outfit.  I bought this beautiful shift dress at H & M a long time ago but I hadn't worn it because it is pretty short, which makes it tough to wear when I'm going somewhere with my boys.  Since I knew that I wouldn't be chasing after little ones, date night was the perfect opportunity to bust it out.

I love the soft blush color, although looking at these pictures I really need to put some self tanner on my legs.  The lace detailing along the top adds the perfect pop of visual interest.  I took further advantage of being out without my kids by wearing these high black peep toe pumps.

The earrings I'm wearing were my grandma's and I wore them for the first time 9 years before when I borrowed them on my wedding day.  The beautiful Judith Leiber clutch I'm holding was also my grandma's.  I love using accessories to punch up the glitz factor on a more understated outfit.

I'm linking up with Style Elixer, Pleated Poppy, Because Shanna Said So, Shopping My Closet, Mix & Match Fashion, and Get Your Pretty On.

What I Wore - Casual Summer Style

My favorite way to get dressed when it's hot is to throw on a sundress but since I'm nursing and constantly on the floor with my newly mobile little one, dresses aren't that practical right now.  Without sundresses to fall back on, it's hard for me to muster up enthusiasm for getting dressed in the extreme heat.  I'm tempted to just throw on a nursing tank and some exercise shorts.  Since I try not to succumb to those urges, I had to find a new way to look pulled together, even when I don't feel like it.

This outfit is a slightly nicer version of jeans (well jean shorts) and a t-shirt.  These chambray shorts are super comfortable but look a little more dressy than plain old denim shorts would be.  The fun detailing on the shirt, from the little tulle skirt to the random sequins, not to mention the pink exposed zipper on the back, make it have more style than a plain white tee, but it is just as easy to throw on.

Finishing it off with some metallic sandals instead of my favorite flip flops takes this casual outfit up a notch.  It is still super comfortable and easy to run around with my boys, but is cute enough to wear out for a day date with my hubby or lunch with the girls.


I'm linking up with Style Elixer, The Pleated Poppy, Get Your Pretty On, and Because Shanna Said So.