monday, monday

This dress is old, but I don't think I've shared it on this blog before.  I thrifted this dress in 2011, and I still love it.  Crazy, right?  But I love it because it

• has a true wrap
• is school colors for my current school
• has a flattering fit
• is wash and wear--seriously, just throw it in the wash
• comes down to my knee (a length that is surprisingly hard to find lately)
• reminds me of the 70's

What is  your favorite dress fit and length? 

dress:  thrifted

shoes:  Steve Madden 

weekend style 2

We went to the Santa Barbara Zoo and Crushcakes today, and here is what I wore.   I've been wearing these shorts a ton since I got them in the summer because they are loose and super comfortable. 

outfit details:
grey tee:  Target
denim shorts:  Lucky Brand
shoes:  Tom's
bracelet:  Mercedes Salazar
necklace:  Lisa Leonard Designs
jacket:  Gap

a work look for a tuesday

Here is what I wore to work today. I think I like these chambray pants from Anthro, but they sure do stretch out a lot--even though I sized down!  Actually, looking at these photos--and doing this blog in general--make me really curious about what is the most flattering work pant?  I hope to answer that question eventually.

Faith and I found this top while thrifting.  We both were dying over it.  She took it first, but she just can't handle any kind of gathers or puffed sleeves, so I ended up with it.  I love the bright embroidery on the front.

It is just cool enough in the mornings to layer on a light cardigan.  My office is warm so I end up peeling off layers daily (sadly), but it is fun to layer even briefly.

Outfit details:
pants:  Anthro
top:  thrifted Lucky brand
cardi:  Target
sandals:  Clark's

summery

Summer has proven to be hectic so far! Honestly, I've had to take a deep breath and appreciate it for what it is.  Summer is a time when we rush around, make appointments, cart kids to lessons, entertain guests, and etc.  But it is so very much more free and different than the work and school routine during the other 10 months of the year, so appreciate it I will.  And I'm thankful.

I think this outfit conveys a summery sense of fun.  The heels are maybe not what I want to wear every day of summer, but I love a heal with shorts once in awhile.  I wore this outfit to take the boys to swim lessons, take Faith to her dental appointment, run to Target, and visit my parents.  What are you up to this summery day?

I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy today for What I Wore Wednesday.  Click through for more style inspiration.

Outfit details:
shorts:  LL Bean Signature
top:  thrifted Lucky Brand (via Faith)
watch:  Timex, many years ago
necklace:  you can't see it here, but it's a birthday gift from Ken
wedges:  Dr. Scholls

a happy outfit for summer

It felt like the first "official" day of summer vacation today (Saturday and Sunday don't really count, do they)?  I have to say, I felt good about it.  I met a freind for yoga class this morning, ran out to meet Ken at the boys' first swim lesson of the summer, took the boys out to Jolly Kone for lunch, and took them swimming for fun later in the afternoon.  Dinner was leftovers at the outdoor table.  So relaxed and summery!

This outfit just feels happy, doesn't it?  I wore this after and between the yoga and swimming.  Happy summer to you all!

Outfit details:
top:  Lucky Brand
shorts:  J. Crew
bracelet:  from the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum
clogs:  Funkis

PS--I am linking up with Visible Monday #101.  Click here for more style inspiration.

outfit on repeat

Do you guys repeat outfits?  I totally do.  I like to mix and match, of course (aka "remixing" these days), but on the other hand, if I find a combination I like, I definitely want to get multiple wearings out of the deal.

I love this simple outfit with red heels, and this is probably my last chance to wear it this school year.  This is a work look for me.  In the summer it will be all maxi skirts and shorts and dresses (yay!).  And when we return in late August it will be way too hot to wear this outfit for quite some weeks.  So it's now or a long time from now.

Outfit details:
striped top:  Gap
jacket:  Gap
black skinny jeans:  Levis
red heels:  Clark's
necklace:  purchased from Joslyn back when she was making and selling some jewelery
bracelet:  Etsy

PS--I am linking up with Pleated Poppy today for What I Wore Wednesday!

a red dress

Dress season has arrived and I'm so happy!  I live in Southern California, so I could wear dresses year round, but I'm kind of a wimp about cold mornings, so I wear dresses far less in the than I do when the weather warms up.

I love love love the ease of wearing dresses.  I feel so much more pulled together than in a jeans look.  This dress has a flirty, swishy quality that I adore.  And I love the flattering "basketweave" detail on the front.

Do you love wearing dresses?  Do you wear them all year, or mostly in the summer?

PS--I am linking up with Passion for Fashion again today.  Click through for more style inspiration.  It is a fun little community of ladies who love all things fashion.

Outfit details:
dress:  Anthro
sandals:  Clark's

a pop of red

Happy Wednesday, everyone. Don't you love a short week? We are already halfway done!

Can I be honest? I don't love this blouse. I was so enthused by the tie detail that I overlooked the fact that I don't love the fabric. I bought it online and sent half my order back. This top should have gone with it, I suppose. But I'm trying to get some wears out of it, you know?

Outfit details:
top: Bloom (online shop)
jeans: AG
bracelets: various
shoes: Clark's

good for spinning

You guys, this skirt is so fun to wear. It makes me feel like spinning. All day, it gives me an extra spring in my step. It's that sort of skirt.

Here's what I do about wearing heels--I've found it's best for me to wear flats for my commute. Once I get to school, I have to walk to the maintenance barn (to pick up a golf cart--sounds weird, I know. It's for my use during the school day), so I wear my flats to get the golf cart and then change into heels in my office. For the commute back home, I change back into flats. I've found not driving in heels really saves my feet. But I LOVE the look of them. So these little accommodations are totally worth it.

Outfit details:
striped top and skirt:  J. Crew
heels:  Clark's
necklace:  Francesca's
bracelet:  Etsy

I'm linking up today for What I Wore Wednesday at The Pleated Poppy.  Click through for more style inspiration.

friday day/friday night

Hello nice blog readers! I really want to thank all of you who have been reading this blog.  Doing style posts has been such a fun, silly diversion, even while real life is very much happening in the background. Did you all read Kendi's post yesterday? What a brave, lovely girl she is. Turns out she is a real person with struggles just like everyone else. I'm wishing her, and anyone going through a similar challenge, strength and courage.

The above outfit was a casual Friday look. It turned out to be a perfect outfit for doing office-y tasks. At least I was comfy while shuffling papers around. After work I drove home and changed into this:
 

This is one of my other black dresses. I wore this to Dieter and Rainer's "open house" night at their school and to pick up Mexican food. Now the boys and Ken are all nestled on the sofa watching Dragon Heart: A New Beginning (they are loving it). I'm wishing you all a happy weekend! BTW, I'm linking up with Passion for Fashion today. Click through for more style inspiration.

Outfit 1:
top:  Lucky Brand
jeans:  Levi's
wedges:  Clark's

Outfit 2:
dress:  Gap
belt:  Anthro
necklace:  vintage, from Carrie
sandals:  Gap

happy {almost} weekend!

We made it through Thursday, you guys. Hooray!  I'm taking a "personal" hour tomorrow at work (leaving one hour early) and headed to Burbank to pick up my friend at the airport.  We're spending a "friends" weekend in Covina.  We go to Ikea and get mani-pedis.  It's our thing.  It's fun.

I paired this outfit with a black blazer in the morning, but it didn't get photographed, alas.  (I take pictures in the afternoon and was just too lazy to put it back on).  I like the silhouette of these skinny jeans much better with the longer top.  I'm thinking the longer tops are key with skinny pants.  Doing the new blog is teaching me stuff!

What are your plans this weekend?

Outfit details:
jeans:  Levis
striped top:  Gap
heels:  Clarks
necklace:  Laura Lombardi (via Pretty Mommy)
bracelet:  Etsy (Young Frankk)