June 30, 2019

Coffee Talk 06.30.19

Greetings from the great state of Maine!

I’m sitting here at the airport in Bangor, waiting to board my plane and trying to whip out this post real quick. Supposedly my plane has WiFi, but I’ve learned never to depend on in-flight WiFi. It tends to be pretty fickle.

It’s been a whirlwind weekend; I haven’t even been here a full 48 hours, and I’m already headed home, but I’m glad I came. The wedding was beautiful, of course, and it was fun to see my family all in one place.

Tomorrow is my birthday, so I’m eager to get home and be with my people. Although, my flight is oversold, and they’re offering a $1100 travel voucher to give up my seat… it’s tempting.

As far as what’s coming to the blog this week, of course the 4th of July sales will soon be in full swing, if they aren’t already, and after that I’m planning my pre-Nordstrom Anniversary Sale coverage.

Is it just me, or is the #NSale coverage starting waaaay earlier than normal this year? If you follow a lot of bloggers, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I’m conflicted on it all, truth be told. I mean, no sale is worth this much buildup… or is it? Haha! I mean, it IS a good sale, but I liken it to how the holidays have become overly commercialized, with Christmas sharing the aisles with fall decor. How early is too early?

In past years, I didn’t start talking about the #NSale until after July 4th, but this year I decided to get a headstart with my dedicated email list, and it seems like others are on the same time table.

Anyway, I do have other posts in the works I’m excited about — some are collaborations with other retailers and some are my own non-sponsored content ideas, so I promise, it won’t be all #NSale all the time for the next month.

In non-blog related news, ‘ll be bringing the family and coming back to Maine in just two weeks, and I’m looking forward to that. I hope we get nice weather; word has it, it’s been extremely rainy up here this spring and summer. In fact, it’s raining cats and dogs and elephants here at the moment; but it’s gorgeous in Philly so hopefully I can enjoy some pool time this afternoon.

We aren’t taking our beach vacation this year; instead we moved our Maine trip later in the month so our son can join us. The past couple times, we’ve gone while he’s at his camp job.

Then we’ll be stopping in the Boston area for a few days on the way home. I need to sign off, as my flight is about to board. I hope you have a lovely Sunday!

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Fashion

June 29, 2019

25 Comments

How To Wear Kick Flares for Summer

Happy Saturday, friends! Today we’re wrapping up 25 Days of Summer Fashion, and I’m talking about how to wear kick flares (a.k.a. crop flare jeans) for summer.

I’m still #teamskinnyjeans all the way, but I have to admit, kick flares have a fresh, fashion-forward vibe that I like.

How To Wear Kick Flares for Summer: 5 Easy Tips for Styling Crop Flare Jeans

If you’ve also been struggling to like the kick flares trend, let’s talk about how to make it work. Through a lot of trial-and-error, watching other influencers style their crop flare jeans, and a little Google research, I think I might have finally cracked the code.

For this purpose of this post, I’m wearing these BlankNYC Varick Cropped White Jeans. I found them at Social Threads, but then I ordered them from Zappo’s to get the free 2-day shipping and free returns. Since I ordered mine, they went on sale at Zappo’s, so yay!

5 Easy Tips for Styling Crop Flare Jeans

#1. The ideal length for kick flares is about an inch or two above the ankle bone.

The most important thing when figuring out how to wear kick flares is to get the length right. This may mean tailoring for some, but you want your crop flare jeans to hit about an inch above the ankle bone.

How To Wear Kick Flares for Summer: 5 Easy Tips for Styling Crop Flare Jeans

If they’re too short, they’ll cut off your leg and an awkward place and make you look stumpy. If they’re too long, they look like a fashion mistake — like your jeans shrunk or you’re wearing hand-me-downs… not that there’s anything wrong with that! You just don’t want to look like you’re wearing clothes made to fit someone else.

Depending on your height and body shape, you can experiment with an inch or two to see what looks best on you, but for me, the inch above the ankle bone is about perfect.

How To Wear Kick Flares for Summer: 5 Easy Tips for Styling Crop Flare Jeans

These jeans have a 25″ inseam, and I’m 5’5″, for reference. The inseam varies based on the size of the pants. I’m wearing the size 28, and the inseam is 25″, but I also ordered the size 29 to try, and that inseam is 26″.

I noticed the discrepancy between the inseam length on the two websites, so I decided to measure mine. I don’t expect that the inseam increases an inch with each size, but they’re definitely all a little different.

#2. Crop flare jeans should fit snug through the hips and thighs.

You don’t want your kick flares to be baggy or loose through the thigh area because that looks sloppy and can add visual weight.

How To Wear Kick Flares for Summer: 5 Easy Tips for Styling Crop Flare Jeans

Remember that a lot of jeans tend to stretch out with wear, so if in doubt, size down.

How To Wear Kick Flares for Summer: 5 Easy Tips for Styling Crop Flare Jeans

#3. Tuck your top into crop flare jeans to elongate the line of the leg.

Because kick flares are cropped, you want to shorten your top to keep your proportions in sync.

A longer top would visually cut me in half and make my legs look stumpy, whereas front-tucking the top elongates the leg line and creates a more pleasing 1/3 to 2/3 ratio.

How to Wear Kick Flares for Summer: See my 5 easy tips for styling crop flare jeans!

I styled my kick flares with this notch neck tee from Gap. I love this coral color and the fresh contrast against the white jeans.

#4. Footwear matters.

Wearing a heel with this look would make me look taller and thinner, and it’s certainly a good option. A block heel or mule would be a safe bet. But slide sandals also look great with cropped flares, and they keep the look more casual.

Slides are perfect because they tend to be small in scale and don’t add any bulkiness to the lower half.

I purposefully chose nude slides that are close to my skin color with a low vamp, which again, elongates the leg line and gives a slimming effect.

#5. Choose kick flares with minimal distressing for a more polished look.

Distressed denim certainly has its time and place, and you all know I love mine, but for ladies of a certain age… when wearing a trendy style like crop flare jeans, going for a more polished look helps it not look so try-hard.

White jeans, even more so than blue jeans, have a crisp, sophisticated air about them that helps keep the look polished yet carefree.

Funny story — yesterday I was seated on the plane beside a classy looking lady who appeared to be a few years older than I am.

When we got up to disembark, I noticed she was wearing white crop flare jeans, a black and white seersucker blouse — front tucked — and slide sandals.

She was so on point, I was dying to ask if I could take her picture and share on my blog. Haha!!!

But it really struck me how fashion forward, polished, and effortless the white kick flares can be when styled correctly.

What do you think about the crop flare jeans trend?

Is this a trend you’re excited about, or are you sitting this one out?

Outfit Details:

notch neck tee (also in stripes) // white kick flare jeans (also at Zappo’s) // cutout slide sandals // leather bucket bag // cuff bracelet // layered necklace // sunnies

For the Pinners…

5 Easy Tips for Styling Crop Flare Jeans: How to wear kick flares for summer | Fashion for Women Over 40

Be sure to visit Cyndi and see the summer outfit she’s styling today, and see all of my 25 Days of Summer Outfits for more summer style inspo.

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Fashion

June 28, 2019

21 Comments

Ikat Drawstring Shorts

Good morning and happy FRIYAY! I’m headed to Maine this afternoon for a quick weekend trip, and I haven’t even started packing yet so I will be a busy little bee this morning.

Meanwhile, I’m excited to share this outfit with you because these shorts just got marked down to $25!

I love the irony — you get me out of my denim and into a pair of linen shorts, and they still have a denim look to them. I’m hopeless!

Anyway, these shorts are so fun and summery and perfect for vacation or just super casual days at home.

I love that they have external rear pockets, as most drawstring shorts do not. I’m not sure why, but I find that shorts (and pants) look better on me when they have external rear pockets.

The small is a little snug on me through the hip area, but I’m keeping them because I don’t want the leg opening to be too wide, and I think they look okay. I expect they’ll stretch some with wear.

I paired them with the obvious choice — a basic white tee.

This is the J.Crew Vintage cotton V-neck T-shirt, and it has become my go-to white v-neck tee because I love the fit, the straight hem, and that there’s no boob pocket. It’s great for layering, and I wear it alone as well.

It’s fairly thin, but not to the point that it’s see-through, although everyone has a different level of comfort, so I wanted to mention it. It’s also quite low-cut, but not revealing unless I bend over. I always place my hand on my chest to keep it from falling open if I have to lean over for something.

At any rate, I recommend sizing up so you can throw it in the dryer, and it does need a quick ironing after it’s washed.

I don’t know why we only got one shot of this outfit with the shoes, but I just threw on my Tory Burch Miller sandals for this shoot. These are the Light Makeup color, and I love them. It’s such a pretty neutral with just a hint of a blush hue.

A more affordable option are the Treasure & Bond Miles slide sandals, which I love as well. I have the blush suede, and they’re super comfortable and also have a more casual vibe, which actually works better with this outfit than the Millers.

The day we shot this look, I thought they were sold out, so I wore my Millers instead, but they are actually fully stocked and marked down to $39. The straps are super soft against the foot, and they have a padded footbed.

For size reference, I have my usual 8 in the Millers, but I sized down to a 7.5 in these Miles slides.

I think this is a perfect summer vacation outfit, so I carried my packable raffia tote and kept my accessories simple.

Outfit Details:

J.Crew v-neck t-shirt (size M) // LOFT Ikat drawstring shorts (size S) // Tory Burch Miller sandals (light makeup / size 8) // Nordstrom packable raffia tote // similar earrings // similar necklace // bracelets // sunnies

Be sure to visit Cyndi and see the summer outfit she’s styling today, and see all of my 25 Days of Summer Outfits for more summer style inspo.

Fashion Friday

Welcome to Fashion Friday! I’d love for you share your style by linking up a recent fashion post(s). If you join us, please keep it fashion-focused and be sure link back to Fashion Friday within your post(s). I’d also love to connect on Facebook and Instagram!

If you’re here for your weekly dose of fashion inspiration, you’ll find plenty of that here. Have a beautiful weekend!

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photos: Alison Cornell

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Fashion

June 27, 2019

19 Comments

Button Front Pencil Skirt Outfit

I’m not a huge fan of skirts, so I’m pretty proud of myself for styling not one, but FOUR skirts during this summer style series! Today I’ve got a casual summer pencil skirt outfit with this denim button front skirt in a light beige they call Caribbean Sand.

I was immediately drawn to this skirt because it has all the practicality of denim, but the sand color with the tortoiseshell buttons makes it more polished than your typical jean skirt. It’s also the perfect just-above-the-knee length. The material is thick and stretchy and very comfortable.

SALE ALERT >> LOFT is running another 40% off sale, and you can get an additional 10% off your purchase with a LOVELOFT credit card. Use the code VACAY at checkout. Both the skirt and sleeve in this post are included.

Not that I’m in any mood to think about fall, but I do think this skirt will make a great transition piece when we get there. Just swap out the sandals for ankle boots and I can see wearing it well into November.

For size reference, I’m wearing the 6, and it’s snug, but because of the stretch it’s plenty comfortable. The material around the buttons doesn’t gape or anything, so I believe this is the correct size.

This skirt is currently 40% off the already reduced price — and they are starting to sell out, so if you like it, grab it now.

On top, I’m wearing a cap sleeve tee in a color they’re calling Coastal Grey.

Do you ever wonder how they come up with these color names? Is there a group sitting around a conference room table, discussing each one? Or is it one person who is assigned this job, and she just gets to go with whatever strikes her fancy? Yes, I think about these things…

At first I tried the front tuck with this top, but it has quite a dramatic shirttail hem, and I felt like it looked weird hanging down so far in the back, so I just tucked it in loosely all around.

I love these camel colored mules with the bombé straps and stacked heel, and they’re currently on sale. These shoes are very comfortable and fit well on my narrow/flat feet.

For size reference, I’m wearing the 7.5 and it JUST fits. I didn’t try the 8 because they came from Trunk Club, but I would say they’re true to size. I could probably wear the 8 and be fine, but I kept the 7.5 and I’m happy with them.

And this bag works so perfectly with the shoes and the whole outfit. Mine is a larger size that is no longer available, but they still have this cardamom color in the smaller size.

Finally, I added a few of my favorite everyday accessories — these brushed gold teardrop earrings and my Stella & Dot mixed metal cuff.

I would wear this summer pencil skirt outfit to church or to lunch with friends, and it might be appropriate for those who work in a school or office with a more casual dress code.

Outfit Details:

cap sleeve tee // pencil skirt // mules (also at Nordstrom) // earrings // bracelet // shoulder bag

Be sure to visit Cyndi and see the summer outfit she’s styling today, and see all of my 25 Days of Summer Outfits for more summer style inspo.

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Fashion

June 26, 2019

15 Comments

My Summer Uniform

Greetings, friends! We’re just cruising along through this last week of June! I can’t believe it’s Wednesday already.

The look I’m sharing today is certainly not ground-breaking or high style, or even new to most of you, but it’s pretty much my summer uniform so I figured it deserved a spot in this summer style series.

In fact, you have probably seen a few of these pictures before. I’ve had them for a while… I’m a lot more tan now, haha!

But this tank from Nordstrom continues to be one of my go-to tops this summer, and I actually have it in 3 colors. I KNOW! So much for not buying duplicates, but sometimes when I find a great basic, I break that self-imposed rule of mine.

The material on these tanks is super soft, and it has a nice drape. It’s thin, but not so thin that I feel like it’s see-through.

That said, if you’re concerned, go with a darker color. I also have the solid grey and solid black.

I like that it’s regular bra-friendly, and the u-neck is flattering without being too low-cut.

For size reference, I have the small in this grey/white stripe, but I sized up to a medium for the solid grey. I like the fit of the larger one better, so I would recommend sizing up for a little more drape.

I usually wear this tank as a stand-alone piece with shorts or pants, but it’s also great for layering under a cardigan or denim jacket, and sometimes I even wear mine as a pajama shirt. They are that soft and comfortable.

These shorts are from LOFT, and they are quite short with just a 3″ inseam. I don’t mind the length, but I find myself opting more and more for my shorts with a 4″ or 5″ inseam.

A similar pair with a 4″ inseam is the Kut from the Kloth Gidget, which I have in white. I really like this mid-indigo wash, and there are more sizes available than in the LOFT pair.

For accessories, I wore my white leather double wrap bracelet by Victoria Emerson that was recently restocked. I’m loving her double wraps this summer!

I also wore silver hoop earrings, my Sam Edelman Bay slides in the jute metallic leather, and of course my favorite sunnies.

Outfit Details:

u-neck tank // 3″ cutoffs (4″ option) // slides (also at Zappo’s) // leather hobo // earrings // bracelet // sunnies

Be sure to visit Cyndi and see the summer outfit she’s styling today, and see all of my 25 Days of Summer Outfits for more summer style inspo.

I know it feels like summer just started, but the epic Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is just two weeks away. This is when they bring out a line of brand new fall 2019 styles and immediately put them on sale.

It can get awfully noisy on social media during this sale, so in an attempt to reach the people who want to hear all the nitty gritty details without alienating the rest, I’ve started an email list exclusively for #NSale coverage.

Not to worry, I will still be covering the sale here on the blog as well as on Facebook and Instagram, but these emails will be more frequent and more in depth that what I put on the blog, and hopefully this will help me maintain some semblance of balance with other types of content during this time. It’s also a way for those not on social media to get all of my coverage.

In addition to extra info before, during, and after the sale, #NSale Insiders will be the first to receive my always popular Guide to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale post, as well as most of my other postings. I’m also planning some fun giveaways exclusively for #NSale Insiders.

If you’re interested, you can SIGN UP HERE.

I can’t say for sure how often I will send #NSale Insider emails. It will really depend on how things go, but if it ever gets overwhelming, you can always unsubscribe using the link at the bottom of any of my emails. (That goes for my regular email list as well.)

My first email went out yesterday, but I have set up a confirmation page with all of that info that you will be redirected to when you join the list so you don’t miss anything.

This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!

photos: Alison Cornell

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Beauty

June 25, 2019

8 Comments

Summer Travel Beauty Kit

I was compensated for this post by QVC and ShopStyle.
Thank you for supporting the retailers that support this site.

Summer is officially here, and that means vacations are on the horizon! We’ll be headed to Maine next month for our annual family vacay, and I can hardly wait.

I’m not exactly known for traveling light, but in the summertime I’m always looking for ways to simplify my routines, especially when on vacation. I try to pare down my beauty regimen to the bare essentials, and I’m always looking for easy travel solutions that make packing easier.

Today I’m working with QVC to share my latest summer beauty finds.

Fun fact: The QVC studio is located just a few miles away from me, and I worked there for a time, back before I had kids. It was a really fun place to work, and I’ve enjoyed having the opportunity to partner with them as a blogger a few times over the years.

Unfortunately my Lay/N/Go Travel Bag has sold out, but QVC has several other clever cosmetic travel solutions like this hanging travel cosmetic & jewelry tote and this travel caddy.

Inside, I’ve stashed a few of my new summer beauty finds…

This Clinique SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Cream is a blend of mineral and traditional SPF 30, and it goes on easily and absorbs quickly. You can also use it alone or under your foundation for extra coverage.

And their Sun SPF 45 Targeted Protection Stick is great for the more fragile areas such as the lips, nose, earlobes, and around the eyes. I have a few scars that I try to protect, even when tanning the rest of my body, so I like having a stick like this to apply to those specific areas.

I try to keep my makeup minimal during the summer, and lately I’ve been loving this IT Cosmetics Full Coverage Oil-Free Matte CC Cream SPF 40 with Luxe Brush. (Whew, that’s a mouthful!)

It’s perfect for days when I’m at home and don’t need a heavy foundation… which, let’s face it, is almost every day during the summer!

This product claims to be your serum, moisturizing day cream, pore perfecting primer, brightening cream, color corrector, SPF 40 sunscreen, and foundation all in one. It has an oil-free matte finish, which helps control any excess shine without looking dry or heavy.

I will say, I usually use moisturizer underneath, but I tend to be very dry. If I’m in a pinch, I can apply this right to freshly cleansed skin, and it does just fine.

The brush is some kind of magic, and it really does achieve a flawless, airbrushed-looking finish.

Another IT Cosmetics product I’ve been loving this summer is their Tightline Waterproof Black Mascara Primer Duo. This is an eyelash primer, mascara, and eyeliner in one.

It has a super skinny wand that allows you to start coating your lashes at their actual root, giving you maximum length and volume. Plus the brush lays down black pigment along your entire lash line, filling in spare spots to give the look of an eyeliner.

The result is an enhanced natural look that is perfect for casual summer days at home or on vacation when you don’t want a full-on mascara job, but you want to look awake and alert.

The other new addition to my summer travel arsenal is this Floxite 5x Lighted Folding Travel & Vanity Mirror. There’s nothing worse than a hotel room with poor bathroom lighting, and I’ve stayed in more than my fair share of those!

I am so in love with this lighted travel mirror because the cover transforms into a stand so you can apply your makeup hands-free, and it folds up to fit easily in a suitcase. Plus it has a 5X magnification mirror and bright LED bulbs provide plenty of illumination — even for these old eyes!

This mirror would also make a great gift for any women you know who are college-bound in the fall. It would be great to use when the bathroom is occupied.

These products are a great start to a summer beauty travel kit if you’re preparing to head out on vacation.

Add your favorite go-to skincare and makeup essentials to your favorite travel cosmetic bag, toss it in your suitcase, and you’re good to go!

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This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!

photos: Alison Cornell

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Fashion

June 25, 2019

19 Comments

Business In The Front, Party In The Back!

I’ve been styling a lot of dressier looks lately for 25 Days of Summer Fashion, but what I actually wear every day is an outfit much like this one. I’m at home most of the time, and an elevated tee with a pair of well-fitting shorts is my summertime go-to.

I love the plait detail on the back of this linen tee from Boden. You can see why I titled this post, Business In The Front, Party In The Back!

This top has a nice straight hemline, and the quality is really nice; I just love Boden’s linen tees. I gave it a little half tuck for a little extra style, but it can be worn either way.

My only complaint is the “boob pocket” but I know some women like this detail. I personally don’t care to draw attention to this area, plus the length of the sleeve probably not helping matters, but otherwise, it’s a great little top. If you’re smaller up top, it would be perfect for you!

For size reference, I have this tee in the size 8 and it just fits, so you might want to consider sizing up for a little more wiggle room. I would also recommend hand washing or putting it in a lingerie bag so as to not tear the straps on the back.

It’s currently 40% off, and there’s a smattering of sizes left in all 4 colors. I really like that Highland Green too!

As you can see, I kept this look simple by pairing the navy tee with white shorts. These Kut from the Kloth cut-off shorts have a 4″ inseam, and they’re nice and thick and not at all see-through.

I also wore one of my Victoria Emerson bracelets — this double wrap on turquoise textured leather creates a fun tone-on-tone element to the look.

Finally, I added some colorful sandals to complete the look. Unfortunately these are also low inventory, but aren’t they fun??? I love the multi-color yarns with the golden threads for a subtle shine.

They’re also very comfortable, and while they look great with this casual shorts outfit, they’re also super cute with dresses and play into a boho vibe if you have a little of that going on.

These sandals run TTS, or if in doubt, size up half. I have the size 8M, and sometimes I wear a 7.5 in slides.

I also think these strappy sandals would be great with this outfit. They’re currently 50% off, and you can see more in this post.

My other main accessory is these brushed gold teardrop earrings, which I find myself wearing a lot these days. They work as well with dressier looks as they do with my casual shorts outfits, and they’re lightweight and easy to pop in and go.

Outfit Details:

linen back detail tee // white cutoff shorts // tubular slide sandals (option) // double wrap bracelet // teardrop earrings // leather hobo

Be sure to visit Cyndi and see the summer outfit she’s styling today, and see all of my 25 Days of Summer Outfits for more summer style inspo.

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This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!

photos: Alison Cornell

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Fashion

June 24, 2019

15 Comments

Yellow Floral Top Two Ways

Greetings and good morning! I can hardly believe we’re wrapping up 25 Days of Summer Fashiom this week! Today I’m styling a fun floral top two ways. I found this top at Old Navy, and today it’s marked down to $12 as one of their Today Only Deals.

The quality at Old Navy can be hit or miss, but I usually do well there for cute, inexpensive summer tops. I placed an order a few weeks ago, and this is the one that made the cut.

It has so many nice details — like the banded collar with shirred detailing, vented sides, and seamed, shirred back yoke. I also really like the length and how it’s slightly fitted through the waist.

I’ve already worn this top several times — with blue jeans, white jeans, and jean shorts.

For today’s post, I’m styling it with both white jeans and jeans shorts, and here’s a selfie I took the day I wore it with blue jeans.

I see this top as primarily a casual top, but I also tried dressing it up with white jeans and wedge sandals, and it’s cute that way as well. If you want to swap the white jeans for pants, it could be nice for a casual work environment.

I’m still loving these wedge mules, but they’re selling out.

The Caslon pair that was similar for less has also sold out, but I found this pair that looks similar and very comfortable with a cushioned foam footbed.

Here’s how I wore this same floral top with my favorite Joe’s jean shorts and comfort sandals.

These Lucky Brand sandals continue to be my go-to for times when I’m going to be doing a lot of walking or just want the extra support for my finicky feet.

As you can see, this top is the perfect length for leaving untucked, and it has a loose fit with just enough shape to keep it from looking sloppy. I wish we’d gotten a shot of the back, as the shirred yoke is a nice added touch.

If yellow isn’t your thing, this top also comes in solid black and a navy dot print; and it comes in regular, tall, and petite sizes. For size reference, I’m wearing the small regular.

Shop the Post:

sleeveless button front top // similar white jeans // jean shorts (also at Zappo’s and Nordstrom) // light wash skinny jeans // blush wedge mules // platinum ankle strap sandals // white slide sandals // star necklace // gold teardrop earrings // white leather crossbody // raffia tote

Be sure to visit Cyndi and see the summer outfit she’s styling today, and see all of my 25 Days of Summer Outfits for more summer style inspo.

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This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!

photos: Alison Cornell

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Uncategorized

June 23, 2019

48 Comments

Coffee Talk 06.23.19

Happy Sunday, friends! It is a gorgeous morning here in the suburbs of Philly, and I’m getting ready to head out for a run in a bit.

We had friends over last night and hung out on the deck while the kids swam. It was a nice time. Today is wide open, and I have no plans after church other than to sit outside and read.

I cannot believe we are gearing up for the last week of 25 Days of Summer Fashion! I got so far ahead with my outfit photos that I haven’t had a shoot in a while… which worked out well because it rained all week. Alison is on vacation, so Paul and I will be shooting a few more looks this morning to wrap up the series. I have to get gussied up for church anyway, might as well make the most of it!

I was going to share my outfits from the past couple of weeks with you today, but I don’t have time to put links together and all that, so I’ll save that for next weekend. I was pretty much a slug this past week, so I don’t have a ton of looks anyway.

And of course the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is just a couple of weeks away. I shared some about that in yesterday’s email newsletter (if you’re not on the list, you can sign up HERE!)

I’ll be updating my post about how to prepare for this epic sale when it gets a little closer. I like to get past the 4th of July before I start really delving into that, although I did get the catalog on Friday and had fun looking through it.

I was thinking about starting a separate newsletter list or maybe a Facebook group for just #NSale coverage. That way, people who want the info can be sure to get it, and I’m not overwhelming everyone else with too much #NSale talk. What do you think? Would a newsletter (that would mean extra emails) or a FB Group be better?

Anyway, that’s about all I’ve got. I slept a little later than usual and I need to get a move on here.

I hope you all have a lovely and restful Sunday!

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Fashion

June 22, 2019

21 Comments

Flower Power 🌸

I guess I forgot to wish you all a happy first day of summer yesterday. I hope everyone is having a good weekend! We’re finally getting some nice weather, and I’m loving it.

Boden just kicked off their summer sale, and you can save up to 50% sitewide! Conveniently, I was planning to share this dress today.

This look is another great example of one & done dressing.

While I love the style of this dress, I have to say, I’m not sure about this print. For some reason, it caught my eye on the website, and it is really cute on, but the floral print could skew a tad matronly.

If you can look past that, the colors and the cut of the dress are really flattering. It also comes in a solid black.

The quality is excellent, and it runs true to size. I have the 8 regular, and it also comes in petite and long sizes.

After I shot this look, I decided I might feel more comfortable in the black, so I ordered that one and shared it in Wednesday’s try-on post. Both are really nice choices.

Because the pattern is so busy, I decided to keep this look simple with nude flat sandals and a neutral tote, and I just wore my pearl earrings with a couple of gold bangles.

For someone who rarely wears dresses, I sure am finding a lot I love this summer!

I do think this one would look better if I had it taken in just a bit through the waist. Otherwise, it’s very easy and carefree, and the black one could easily be dressed up or down for a variety of occasions.

Outfit Details:

Boden floral midi dress // Nine West slides // Everlane tote // similar earrings // bracelet

Here are some more of my Boden favorites on sale:

Be sure to visit Cyndi and see the summer outfit she’s styling today, and see all of my 25 Days of Summer Outfits for more summer style inspo.

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This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!

photos: Alison Cornell

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Fashion

June 21, 2019

19 Comments

One & Done Dressing

While I feel most at home in a pair of jeans, the nice thing about a dress or jumpsuit in the summertime is it’s one and done.

Floral Print Smocked Waist Maxi Dress

No need to figure out pairings or proportions, no need to futz with tights or pantyhose… Just pick out a cute pair of shoes, throw on some earrings, and you’re out the door!

Melrose Ave Women's Without a Doubt Vegan Platform Wedge

Today I’m working with Walmart to share some budget-friendly one-piece outfits from their We Dress America initiative for your summer style inspiration.

Floral Print Smocked Waist Maxi Dress

Melrose Ave Women's Without a Doubt Vegan Platform Wedge

Floral Print Smocked Waist Maxi Dress

Outfit Details:

smocked waist maxi dress // platform wedge sandals // leather chain strap tote (option) // two-tone hoops // Alex and Ani charm bangles

Unfortunately my floral smocked waist maxi dress has already sold out, so I rounded up a few more one & done outfit ideas from Walmart for your summer style inspiration below!

Mom on the Go: One & Done!

Girls’ Night Out: One & Done!

Backyard BBQ: One & Done!

Casual Church Outfit: One & Done!

Be sure to visit Cyndi and see the summer outfit she’s styling today, and see all of my 25 Days of Summer Outfits for more summer style inspo.

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This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!

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Fashion

June 20, 2019

39 Comments

Faux Wrap Jersey Jumpsuit

Happy Thursday, friends! I’m stepping a bit outside of my comfort zone today and styling a wide-legged jumpsuit.

I always try to have a variety of styles and trends when I do these summer style challenges, and jumpsuits are having a moment right now so I thought at least one deserved a spot in this series.

There’s a bit of a back-story to this post. For some reason I ordered this jumpsuit in a medium, rather than my usual small.

The fit was a little off, but I thought it worked… until I got my pictures back. I had this post almost entirely written when realized, this jumpsuit is simply too big! So I tabled the post, and re-ordered it in a small.

Long story short, the small fits sooo much better!

We took more pictures wearing the small, and I’m sharing both sets of pictures today. You’ll easily be able to tell the difference because when I shot the second set of pictures, I added two necklaces.

The material of this jumpsuit is lovely — soft and drapey — and I love the tie waist and that it’s fully lined on top. It’s also priced right under $100, which is very reasonable for a special event outfit. It also comes in black.

I appreciate the faux wrap styling, and it offers plenty of coverage for my full bust, but it could use a small snap to hold it place. That’s an inexpensive alteration I plan to have made asap.

I styled this jumpsuit for a special event… perhaps a wedding or other fancy summer occasion, so I wore these gold beaded tassel earrings to glam up the look.

And one of my Victoria Emerson boho cuffs adds even more bling, plus I love how these bracelets take the guesswork out of creating a layered look.

I’ve had these Sam Edelman Yaro sandals in the glam mesh jute for several years, and they’re my go-to for fancy events.

The glittery mesh material is the perfect complement to this smooth jersey fabric and helps keep the look more formal.

I love how the champagne-colored envelope clutch works with the shoes. I’ve had both for several years, and they come in handy over and over again — usually with my dressier looks.

Both the shoes and bag are quality pieces that are subtly elegant and classic that go with so much — either together or separately.

In fact, that would make a good post sometime — tried and true accessories I wear over and over again that complement so many different looks. If you’d like a post like that, let me know!

jumpsuit // sandals // earrings // bracelet // clutch // similar pendant // choker

Be sure to visit Cyndi and see the summer outfit she’s styling today!

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This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!

photos: Alison Cornell

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5 Easy Tips for Styling Crop Flare Jeans

Outfit Details:

notch neck tee (also in stripes) // white kick flare jeans (also at Zappo’s) // cutout slide sandals // leather bucket bag // cuff bracelet // layered necklace // sunnies

For the Pinners…

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Outfit Details:

J.Crew v-neck t-shirt (size M) // LOFT Ikat drawstring shorts (size S) // Tory Burch Miller sandals (light makeup / size 8) // Nordstrom packable raffia tote // similar earrings // similar necklace // bracelets // sunnies

Fashion Friday

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Outfit Details:

cap sleeve tee // pencil skirt // mules (also at Nordstrom) // earrings // bracelet // shoulder bag

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Outfit Details:

u-neck tank // 3″ cutoffs (4″ option) // slides (also at Zappo’s) // leather hobo // earrings // bracelet // sunnies

Be An #NSale Insider!

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Outfit Details:

linen back detail tee // white cutoff shorts // tubular slide sandals (option) // double wrap bracelet // teardrop earrings // leather hobo

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Shop the Post:

sleeveless button front top // similar white jeans // jean shorts (also at Zappo’s and Nordstrom) // light wash skinny jeans // blush wedge mules // platinum ankle strap sandals // white slide sandals // star necklace // gold teardrop earrings // white leather crossbody // raffia tote

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Outfit Details:

Boden floral midi dress // Nine West slides // Everlane tote // similar earrings // bracelet

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Outfit Details:

smocked waist maxi dress // platform wedge sandals // leather chain strap tote (option) // two-tone hoops // Alex and Ani charm bangles

Mom on the Go: One & Done!

Girls’ Night Out: One & Done!

Backyard BBQ: One & Done!

Casual Church Outfit: One & Done!

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