Fashion
March 20, 2020
37 Comments

Try-On Haul: Denim Shorts, Crop Jeans, Sandals & a Few Cute Tops

Cheers to Friday, friends! We made it through the first week of social distancing. Let’s just not think about how many we have left to go…

This week’s try-on haul is pretty random, but most of what I found is really good!

Try-On Haul: Denim Shorts, Jeans, Sandals, and a Few Cute Tops

Meanwhile, as we all adjust to our new normal, I’m trying to pivot and plan my content around topics that will be most helpful to you all. I’ve been told that some of you need to look nice for teleconferencing, some just want to be comfy and put-together while homebound, and some are still going out of the house to work — but I’m assuming most of you are in healthcare fields, and perhaps you’re wearing scrubs? I don’t know…

I’m getting ready to order some things for next week’s try-on haul, so chime in!

What do you need these days? I want to be the best resource for you that I possibly can.

I do worry about receiving a ton of packages, knowing that COVID-19 can spread that way. But I do have a business to run, and I want to continue to provide value and fresh content during these uncertain times, so I’m going to try to figure out a safe way to handle that.

Okay, let’s get started!

Try-On Haul: Denim Shorts, Jeans, Sandals, and a Few Cute Tops

SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and 135 pounds-ish, with a slight hourglass shape. I’m wearing a 6/28 in pants/jeans, a small in tops, a 6 in dresses/jumpsuits, and size 8 shoe unless otherwise noted.

All links and descriptions are below the pictures.

Try-Ons: Denim Shorts

I ordered a few pairs of shorts from Gap this week, hoping that by summertime, we may be getting out and about.

GAP SALE: Save 40% off store-wide during the Friends & Family Event with code GAPFRIEND

I was thinking of saving these up for a dedicated shorts review post, similar to the one I did last year, and I still may update that post in a few weeks, but for now I’ll share things as they come in. I can always use these same pictures to update that post once I have enough to make it worthwhile.

Gap 5″ Mid Rise Denim Shorts in Dark Indigo (size 28) // I like the wash on these — it’s a little darker than most, but it still gives off a casual vibe because of the whiskering. The leg opening is slightly wider than I prefer, but overall, I think these are a nice option to have.

They are comfortable and stretchy, and I like the double cuff. Also, the cuff is sewn on the sides, so it will stay in place.

These come in petite and tall sizes too. (Make sure you click on REGULAR if that’s what you want. For some reason, my link is defaulting to the TALL sizes. )

NOTE: The fabric is 94% Cotton, 5% Recycled Cotton, 1% Elastane; plus these jeans are part of Gap’s Washwell™ Program that uses at least 20% less water than conventional wash methods, making them a sustainable pick.

Verdict: Keeping!

also wearing: J.Crew striped boatneck shirt (TTS; wearing a S) with Tory Burch sneakers (LOVE these… super comfy; they’re TTS and on sale!)

Gap 5″ Mid Rise Distressed Denim Shorts (size 28) // I don’t like these as much. They’re almost too big, and the distressing is a little much. I know I wore some very destructed jean shorts last summer, but I think I’m over it.

They’re 99% Cotton, 1% Spandex, so they’re a traditional sturdy denim, with just enough stretch to be comfortable.

Still, these have a nice wash, and I like the raw cuffed hem — it’s also sewn, like the ones above. These come in petite and tall sizes too! (Make sure you click on REGULAR if that’s what you want. For some reason, my link is defaulting to the TALL sizes. )

NOTE: These jeans are part of Gap’s Washwell™ Program that uses at least 20% less water than conventional wash methods, making them a sustainable pick.

VERDICT: returning

also wearing: J.Crew striped boatneck shirt (TTS; wearing a S) with Tory Burch sneakers (LOVE these… super comfy; they’re TTS and on sale!)

Gap 3″ Mid Rise Distressed Denim Shorts (size 28) // These have a shorter inseam, which I like much better for me. I also like this wash a lot, and the raw cuffed hem. Like the ones above, they’re 99% Cotton, 1% Spandex, so they’re a traditional sturdy denim with just enough stretch to be comfortable.

These come in petite and tall sizes too! (Make sure you click on REGULAR if that’s what you want. For some reason, my link is defaulting to the PETITE sizes. )

NOTE: These jeans are part of Gap’s Washwell™ Program that uses at least 20% less water than conventional wash methods, making them a sustainable pick.

Verdict: Keeping!

also wearing: J.Crew striped boatneck shirt (TTS; wearing a S) with Tory Burch sneakers (LOVE these… super comfy; they’re TTS and on sale!)

Try-Ons: Crop Jeans

I ordered a couple pairs of crop jeans during a Madewell sale last week, but it looks like they are not included in this week’s sale. Keep an eye on them, though, because they’re both really good!

Madewell 10″ High-Rise Skinny Crop Jeans in Hartland Wash (size 28) // Off-black jeans are trending this year, and I think Madewell nailed it with this wash. I also love the crop length and the raw hem. They also have the “magic pockets” that are supposed to help tame the tummy.

The fabric is 71% cotton/28% poly/1% elastane denim from the Candiani mill, and for each pair of jeans made at the Fair Trade Certified™ Saitex factory, Madewell contributes to a Community Development Fund managed by the workers, which is pretty cool.

These also come in petite and tall sizes.

VERDICT: Keeping!

also wearing: Talbots Stripe Cutout Back Top with Everlane The Day Loafer Mules

Madewell 10″ High-Rise Skinny Crop Jeans in Pure White: Button-Front Edition (size 28) // I’ve been wanting a pair of white skinnies that are shorter than the ones I had last year, plus those are too big now. I tried 3 or 4 pairs of white jeans in last week’s Try-On Haul, but they all missed the mark somewhere or another.

These, however, are white denim perfection!!!!

I haven’t been this excited about white jeans since… well, since I found the Madewell 9″ Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans in Pure White last spring. LOL! I guess the moral to this story is: Madewell is the place to go for white jeans.

They just do a REALLY good job with white denim. It’s thick and not at all see-through. (I forgot and wore black underwear to my photoshoot on Monday when I photographed these jeans with The Motherchic top, but it didn’t matter.) They have just enough stretch to be comfortable, but not so much that they highlight every dimple… Yes, my friends. I have dimples.

I also love the rear view on these — this is probably the first time I’ve posted a straight-on rear view picture without cringing inside. The pocket placement is perfect — not too wide or too high or too low or too big. (That is just a subjective observation. I have been asked for more advice on how to judge pocket placement, but everyone is different. You just have to take pictures and compare.)

To top it off, I love the way they fit through the legs — fitted, but not skin-tight. AND they have a 26 1/2″ inseam (the perfect crop length on me) with a really nice leg opening. Even though it measures the typical 10″, they don’t seem to fit as close to the ankle as some, which helps balance my wider hips.

The fabric is 90% cotton/8% poly/2% elastane denim from the Cone® mill, and I love that Madewell partners with the Better Cotton Initiative to improve cotton farming globally.

Oh, they have the magic pockets too!

FYI, these also come in petite and tall sizes.

VERDICT: In case you couldn’t tell, KEEPING!!!

also wearing: Talbots Stripe Cutout Back Top with Talbots Chainlink Loafers

Agolde Toni Slim in Radiate (size 28) // I ordered these because I thought it might be nice to have a pair of straighter white cropped jeans, and because I love my blue Agolde Toni crop jeans (on sale, by the way!!!)

Unfortunately, these fit very differently. For one thing, they are waaaaay too tight in the waist. I know they look loose here because of the straighter fit, but I would have to size up to a 29 if I was going to keep them.

Otherwise, the denim is nice and thick, and I do like the fit. I’m just not sure the 29 would look as good on the legs. Since they’re not on sale, and I found the Madewell pair above, I’m going to hold off on re-ordering in a larger size.

VERDICT: returning

also wearing: Madewell Ridgeton Pullover Sweater (also at Nordstrom; 25% off) with Sam Edelman Tesma Wedge Slide Sandals

Try-Ons: One Random Talbots Sweater

I actually have a few cute finds from Talbots, but you’ll have to wait till Monday’s post for that… Meanwhile, I wanted to share this sweater right away because it’s almost sold out.

Talbots Ombre Stripe Sweater (size S) // I’m sorry that this is only available in XS because it’s soooo cute! Very nice quality, nice dense knit, and such pretty colors. I love the 3/4 length sleeves too. If you’re an XS, RUN!!! It’s also 40% off.

also wearing: Madewell 10″ High-Rise Skinny Crop Jeans with Sam Edelman Tesma Wedge Slide Sandals

Try-Ons: Nordstrom Sale Finds

Nordstrom is running an unprecedented site-wide 25% off sale, and I rounded up a bunch of my Nordstrom Favorites in The Shop.

I also received a few orders this week of random pieces that caught my eye.

Madewell Daisy Daydream Sash Tie Wrap Top (also at Madewell; size S) // I actually ordered this top from Madewell, along with the jeans above, but it’s also at Nordstrom. Both retailers have it 25% off, with free shipping and free returns (at Madewell, for Insiders only.)

ANYWHO. I love the colors and the print, I think it’s so fresh and pretty, but the fit is a little weird. I would need a few additional snaps or fashion tape to hold it together. It could be the boobs, or maybe it’s just made that way, I’m not sure. Anyway. Someone else might like it, but I decided to return.

VERDICT: returning

also wearing: Madewell 10″ High-Rise Skinny Crop Jeans with Marc Fisher Fianna Sandals

Marc Fisher Fianna Sandals (size 8) // These are so fun for summer, such a great casual look. The leather straps are very soft against the foot, and the footbed is too.

The studs are a hot trend for spring, and these come in other colors too. They’re currently 25% off at Nordstrom!

VERDICT: Keeping!

Sam Edelman Tesma Wedge Slide Sandals (size 7.5) // I’ve shared these already, but I wanted to call your attention to them in this post because I finally got the right size, and I love them. Plus, they’re 25% off at Nordstrom!

I like the snake print (Truffle) so much, I decided to order this Toasted Almond color as well. I love the croc embossed leather, the sleek styling, and the squared-off toe. They’re surprisingly easy to walk in too!

VERDICT: Keeping!

also wearing: Madewell 10″ High-Rise Skinny Crop Jeans

Tory Burch Howell Lace-Up Sneakers (size 8) // FOUND: Fashion sneakers for grown-ups!

I’ll be sharing my updated Fashion Sneaker Review tomorrow, but since I’m wearing these with the Gap shorts, I’ll say a few words about them here.

These sneakers have that retro court style that is very on trend, but there’s something about them that’s also classy, leaning a little bit preppy. I love the navy trim at the back with the gold medallion.

I will say, though, they are verrry white — almost a stark white. Sometimes too white for certain outfits, but I love the styling, and they are suuuper comfortable. I wore them all over the grocery store and for most of the day last Friday, and they were comfortable all day and required no breaking in.

VERDICT: Keeping!

Bobeau Ribbed Knit Long Cardigan (size S) // I shared in this week’s What I Wore post that I realized I could use a versatile black cardigan or blazer in my wardrobe to wear when I need a layering piece for dressier events. (Basically, times when a leather jacket or denim jacket isn’t appropriate.)

I thought this long knit cardigan might be a good option, and I really do like it, but it might be too dramatic for church or funerals… which is kind of what I need it for.

Still, I like it a lot as a completer piece to more fun, edgy outfits, and the price is fantastic.

VERDICT: Keeping!

also wearing: leopard blouse (old; similar here) with red jeans (also at Anthro; 25% off) and strappy sandals

Gibson x The Motherchic Isle Button-Down Tank (size S; need an XS) // I styled this top for yesterday’s post, but I also have these pictures, so I thought I’d show you how it looks front-tucked and from the back.

This is such a great little piece to dress up or down this summer. I should have also shown you how cute it is with shorts and flat sandals… maybe next week, if it’s still available.

I do recommend sizing down, though. I think I would like the fit better in an XS.

VERDICT: Keeping!

also wearing: Madewell 10″ High-Rise Skinny Crop Jeans in Pure White: Button-Front Edition with Sam Edelman Tesma Wedge Slide Sandals

Try-Ons: LOFT Jumpsuit

LOFT V-Back Tie Waist Jumpsuit (size 4) // I shared this last week, but it was too big for me in the 6, and it just came in the 4.

I think this is really cute and flattering! It definitely runs big, so you may need to size down, but otherwise, it fits nicely, and I love the v-back and the tie in the front. The fabric is very light and has a nice drape. I mentioned last week, the quality isn’t superb, but for the sale price, it’s a really cute piece to have for events this spring and summer.

VERDICT: Keeping!

also wearing: Vince Camuto denim jacket (size S; 25% off!!!) with Vince Camuto Marybell Platform Wedge Sandals (25% off; LOVE!!!)

And that’s a wrap!

Despite my attempt to take Saturdays off, I plan on posting my updated Fashion Sneaker Review tomorrow. I’ve had the pictures for a couple of weeks, and I haven’t been able to find a day to share them, and next week is pretty much spoken for already, SO! I will be posting tomorrow.

I hope you guys are all hanging in there. I know the news is scary, but try to keep the faith. We will get through this, and we will be stronger for it.

Love you all!

xo

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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
March 19, 2020
37 Comments

Stylish Social Distancing Outfits with Nordstrom

Greetings, friends, and happy Friday Eve! We’ve almost made it through another week in this strange new normal we are all living. Hey, at least we’re all living it together!

Thank goodness for the internet and social media to keep us all connected, amIright? And since most retailers are closed for a bit, online shopping is where it’s at.

I’ve asked on my various platforms what kind of content you all are looking for from me, and it seems almost unanimous that you want me to keep posting fashion, while being mindful of the situation unfolding around us.

Most of us are spending a lot more at home right now, so I’m teaming up with Nordstrom to create some stylish social distancing outfits on my Nordstrom Looks page that will keep you comfortable yet put-together at home.

 

You might have heard that Nordstrom is running a pretty stellar sale right now — 25% off storewide! Yes, that means almost all the items featured in this post are 25% off.

Whether you just need your top half to look put-together (conference calls, anyone?) or you want some new cozy duds to help you keep calm and carry on, I tried to come up with a little something for everybody.

Stylish Social Distancing Outfits

Pamper yourself by spending a day in these lightweight lounge pants and super soft hoodie.

These trendy glasses filter out harmful blue light from electronic devices and computer screens, and the rose quartz facial roller and radiance brightening facial oil will help keep your skin hydrated and radiant while you’re homebound.

Working from home, but got a conference call? No problem. Slip on this pretty spring blouse with comfy jeans and cozy slippers… no one has to know what’s on your feet.

Don’t forget earrings and lipstick, though!

At the end of the day, put on these comfy jammies, pour yourself a glass of wine, and snuggle up with your favorite person for a Netflix marathon. You earned it!

See all these and more on my Nordstrom Looks Page.

Be sure to sign up for The Nordy Club so you can start earning points toward Nordstrom Notes today. There are other great benefits too, such as beauty & style workshops and priority access to style events (like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.)

And don’t forget that Nordstrom has free shipping and free returns, as well as curbside pickup — even more important now that we are trying to stay out of public places.

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Subscribe to get email updates! In addition to my most recent blog posts, you’ll receive exclusive newsletter content like special sales, my newest favorite finds, and an occasional peek behind the scenes — all delivered right to your inbox. PLUS you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card each month!

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
March 19, 2020
12 Comments

Coral Tank with White Jeans Outfit for Spring

Friends, I have some happy news for you this morning! We could all use a little more of that, am I right?

My friend Lindsey over at The Motherchic is hoping to bring a little SUNSHINE to everyone working and staying home with the new Gibson x The Motherchic Sunshine Collection that just launched at Nordstrom. And the entire collection is 25% off for a limited time!

The folks at Gibson invited me to pick a piece from the collection to style and share with you today, and I chose this cheerful coral Isle Button Down Tank.

I was so excited to find a tank that is bra-friendly. I always pass over spaghetti straps because I don’t want to mess with a strapless bra, so this tank is perfect for those of us who are a little larger on top.

It has a subtle high-low hem, and the material is soft and flowy with a nice drape.

I love that it’s short enough in the front to wear without a front-tuck (but you can tuck it if you want to), and the longer length in the back helps disguise any junk in the trunk.

It’s 24″ long in the front, and 26″ in the back, for those who know their sweet spot length.

This tank also has working buttons and flattering bust darts, but the cross strap design in the back is the icing on the cake.

So many times, tops with strappy backs also require a special bra, but this one is designed so that isn’t necessary. Lindsey truly thought of everything with this versatile tank.

It also comes in a fun stripe and a stone terrazzo pattern, as well as a bold blue swiss dot.

Fit-wise, it runs big. I’m wearing the small, but I think I could take the XS. Oh, and it also comes plus sizes!

If you like the look of a jumpsuit but not the inconveniences associated with it, you can pair the Isle Button Down Tank with Lindsey’s matching Harborside Shorts.

I decided to style it for a spring date night look, so I paired it with white jeans and added a denim jacket on top for interest (and warmth!)

If you haven’t heard, Nordstrom is running a site-wide 25% off sale, and this jacket is included.

This is one of my most-worn closet staples, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It’s soft and stretchy and oh-so-comfortable, and it holds up great to washing and wearing.

This denim jacket almost never goes on sale, so this is definitely the time to snag it if you need one. It runs true to size; I have the small.

Also, these white crop jeans are amazing. I just tried on a bunch of white jeans from my favorite premium denim brands, and none of them really wowed me.

Then I ordered these during the Madewell sale last week, and and they are perfection — nice and thick, but still stretchy and comfortable. You absolutely cannot see the front pockets through these jeans, and they even fit great from the rear view.

I’ll be showing more of them in tomorrow’s Try-On Haul, but suffice it to say, I returned all the pricier ones and kept these instead.

Unfortunately they are excluded from Madewell’s current promo, but I’ll let you know when they go on sale again. They run TTS; I have the 28.

To add some texture to this look, I wore these Sam Edelman snake print wedge slide sandals. Dressy slides and snake prints are trending this spring, so these sandals keep this classic look modern and on trend.

Also note, the shorter jeans give it a more modern vibe as well.

These sandals are surprisingly comfortable to wear and walk in, and they really do stay on my narrow feet.

Bonus, they’re also on sale at Nordstrom! They run true to size, or you may want to size down if you have narrow feet as I do. I ended up keeping the 7.5.

I accessorized with this feminine Kendra Scott mixed metal filigree bangle, and I wore my Anna Beck pendant — also on sale! I love that this pendant is reversible so you can wear it with the mixed metal side out, or the plain silver.

My oversized sunnies were a Shopbop sale purchase a few weeks ago, and I love the shape and size and the hints of purple in the tortoiseshell frames.

If I wasn’t excited for spring before, I sure am now. I cannot wait to start wearing this outfit. Even if I’m stuck at home for the next few weeks, I’ll be wearing this on my deck for happy hour as soon as it’s warm enough.

Hey, if you have to shelter in place, you might as well look cute doing it!

Outfit Details:

Gibson x The Motherchic Isle Button-Down Tank (plus size here) // Madewell 10″ High-Rise Skinny Crop Jeans // Vince Camuto denim jacket // Sam Edelman slides // Kendra Scott cuff // Anna Beck pendant // Talbots earrrings // Lagos crossover ring // Rag & Bone sunnies

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Subscribe to get email updates! In addition to my most recent blog posts, you’ll receive exclusive newsletter content like special sales, my newest favorite finds, and an occasional peek behind the scenes — all delivered right to your inbox. PLUS you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card each month!

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
March 18, 2020
33 Comments

My Daily Looks: What I Wore Lately Vol. 8

Happy hump day, friends. It’s time for another edition of What I Wore Lately! But first, I have some pretty sweet sales to share with you.

Nordstrom wants to support their customers after the announcement of their 2-week store closure, so they’re having a surprise sale — for a limited time, almost everything in the store is 25% off!

This is a great time to pick up some comfy loungewear to wear while you’re homebound — keep it comfy, not frumpy!

Or perhaps you need a few new tops for those conference calls you’re taking at home, or you want to stock up on summer basics… hopefully we will be getting out and about in a couple months!

SO many of my favorite closet basics are included… Tory Burch Miller sandals (even the Makeup!), my Vince Camuto denim jacket (I have size S), my Kut from the Kloth white denim jacket (I have size M), my go-to AG jeans, and the Agolde Toni too!

Plus, my favorite Barefoot Dreams cardigan is included ( I wear this every morning over my pajamas until I get dressed for the day; size M) and even the Dyson Hairdryer!!!

Also, this Tory Burch McGraw Hobo is the perfect everyday bag for spring and summer; I have the white, but I love this Devon Sand color.

See more on my Nordstrom Favorites Page!

And Nordstrom isn’t the only retailer trying to brighten these dreary days with a sale.

Everlane also wants to offer their customers meaningful value in uncertain times, so they are breaking their own rules and offering weekly promotions to make their everyday basics even more affordable.

They’re kicking it off this week with $50 denim, and you can look out for something new each Monday.

Sephora is offering free shipping on all orders with code FREESHIP. I’m going to order some makeup I’m running out of.

LOFT has extended their Free Shipping promo, and they’re offering special deals across all departments.

And finally, Verishop is running a Spring Reset Sale where you can save up to 25% off on designer brands that rarely get discounted, and Sweaty Betty is running 25% off on their Yoga Edit so you can update your at-home workout wear… or, let’s face it, many of us will be wearing leggings all day every day for a while!

Phew! That’s a lot. (All the images above are clickable, if you want more details on the items I’m wearing.)

I know not everyone is in the position to shop frivolously right now, but if you need anything or just want a little pick-me-up, this is a good time to snag something on your wish list!

What I Wore Lately

Okay, let’s talk about what to wear when you’re stuck at home for weeks on end. I never thought I’d be writing about what to wear when self-isolating, but I guess there’s a first time for everything!

This chronicles not just what I’ve worn over the past two weeks, but also how our lives have changed in such a short time. I think I’ll be glad I documented this experience some day.

Sizing Reference: I’m 5’5″ with a slight hourglass shape and currently 135-ish. When I say an item is TTS (true to size) that means a small in tops, 28 in jeans, and a size 8 shoe.

Daily Outfit Inspiration from a Stay At Home Mom

This first look dates back to two Wednesdays ago. It was the day the painters started work on our kitchen cabinets, and I had a doctor appointment. At the time, the coronavirus seemed so far away…

The sweater is a spring favorite from Everlane, and the jeans and shoes are new additions to my wardrobe this season. All three pieces are on major rotation these days and can be mixed and matched various ways.

Everlane cotton v-neck (TTS) // Rag & Bone jeans (TTS; 25% off) // Everlane loafer mules (size up half or whole for wider feet) // necklace set // earrings

Next, an outfit I wore to CBS (Community Bible Study) two weeks ago. It was a chilly, rainy day, and I wore a cozy white sweater with off-black jeans and snake print mules.

My jeans are awesome and on sale, but these are similar, and that price is crazy good. Also, I need to chop an inch or two off these jeans… these don’t look as current as they would if they were a little shorter.

similar white sweater // jeans (similar at a crazy good price!!!) // mules (TTS)

I wore this cozy stripe sweater with my favorite jeans and sneakers the day the tile guys were here installing our backsplash. You can probably see out the window how foggy and grey it was that day.

These jeans are also a little too long, but I hate to lose the chewed hem. I usually wear them with shoes that have a lower vamp to help compensate. They’re also 25% off at Nordstrom!

sweater (TTS; extra 60% off) // jeans (TTS; 25% off) // sneakers // earrings

The next day was Saturday, and I went to our ladies’ Bible study at church. I think this is my favorite outfit from the week. I just love this color combo.

Everything I’m wearing (including my Lagos necklace, ring, and earrings !!!) is 25% off. Also, these Rag & Bone boots are gorgeous and amazing quality, and also included in the Nordstrom 25% off sale.

sweater (TTS; 25% off) // jeans (TTS; 25% off) // boots (TTS or size down half for narrow feet; 25% off) // necklace (25% off) // earrings (25% off) // ring (25% off) // bracelet

I had nursery duty at church that Sunday, so I kept it casual.

sweater // jeans (TTS; 25% off) // loafers (size up) // earrings (25% off) // ring (25% off)

This next look is from last Monday, the day my world started to get really weird.

Everything about that day just seems heightened… I don’t know if that makes any sense or not. I remember throwing on this outfit to pick up my daughter from school for her orthodontist appointment, and feeling like things were a bit off-kilter. My heart rate was off the charts all afternoon.

After her appointment, I stopped into Urgent Care to get my back x-rayed (from the fall I took a few days before) and then we swung by Chick-Fil-A on the way home.

Even amidst all of the uncertainty, I managed to put together one of my favorite outfits in this post — it’s so simple, but I really love the various shades of grey with the white loafer mules.

sweater // jeans // mules // earrings (25% off) // necklace (25% off)

Sadly, that night I had a viewing/funeral visitation to attend. The weather was warming up, so I went with short sleeves.

I wanted a cardigan or blazer to throw on top, but I realized I really don’t have an appropriate layering piece for this type of outfit. My leather jacket didn’t seem quite right, so I braved the elements like this.

Since then, I’ve ordered a few blazers and cardigans, and I found an amazing blazer that I’m excited to add to my wardrobe. I’ll share more in this Friday’s try-on haul.

Also, everything I’m wearing (except jewelry) is 25% off.

blouse (TTS; 25% off) // pants (size 8; 25% off) // pumps

I don’t remember when I wore this outfit, or why I have this picture, but I’ll throw it in here since I don’t have a picture for Tuesday, and these Vince snake print slip-on sneakers are 25% off.

I love these soooo much. They are just so luxe and comfortable, and they jazz up all my basic neutral outfits. I wear them all year-round so the cost per wear is pretty much nill at this point.

black turtleneck (old) // jeans (TTS; 25% off) // sneakers (size down half; 25% off)

Wednesday, was my bi-weekly nail appointment, and coronavirus was the talk of the salon. I was saying it was going to get bad, but some of the other ladies didn’t think it was much to worry about…

Two days later the county was on lockdown, and the salon is now closed till further notice.

On a lighter note, this cardigan is really good — soft, stretchy, comfortable — perfect for long days confined to the house. It ships free with Prime, and my Anna Beck necklace is 25% off.

cardigan // tee (size up) // jeans (TTS; 25% off) // mules (size up half for narrow feet; size up a whole size for wider feet) // hoops (similar for less) //necklace

And that starts a long string of days at home… Thursday was the last day my 8th grader had school.

I worked from home most of the day, feeling an odd sense of urgency, and when I was on my way to pick up my daughter from band practice, I got the message that school would be closed Fri and Mon for a thorough cleaning.

She was all atwitter when she got in the car. Even though they chose not to make the announcement during school hours, the news spread like wildfire among the kids at after-school activities.

I feel really silly following up each account of these very strange days with information about my outfit, but that is my job, so….

This hoodie is really cute and on sale, and these AG Farrah jeans just went 25% off at Nordstrom. I chopped 1/2 inch or so off of these because I wanted them a little bit shorter.

hoodie // jeans // sneakers // earrings (25% off)

The next day was Friday, and the news that our neighboring county was on lockdown had everyone (including me) scrambling to stock up on more food and paper goods. I wore this outfit to the grocery store that morning to see what was left.

Fortunately I got there before it got too crowded, and I was able to find almost everything on my list.

t-shirt // jeans (TTS; 25% off) // sneakers (25% off) // cardigan (old) // earrings (25% off)

And yes, I wore this again on Saturday… or maybe it was Sunday, I’m losing track. I don’t think I’ve taken outfit pictures every day.

These sneakers are spendy, but they’re super soft and comfortable and I’d say they have moderate support. They’re also 20% off right now at Neimans, and Nordstrom has a bunch at 25% off.

hoodie // jeans (25% off) // sneakers (20% off) // earrings

I wore this next outfit on Monday, after a photo shoot with Alison. I took pictures from a few different angles because I always get a lot of questions about how this sweater fits.

Yes, it’s boxy, but somehow it works. I don’t know if it’s because it has such a nice drape, or if it’s the length, or the wide neckline… I just love it, though. For $50, you can’t beat it.

sweater // jeans (TTS; 25% off) // shoes (on sale at Nordstrom) // earrings // necklace

And it got cold again yesterday, so I threw on this cozy turtleneck (sold out) and my new Madewell cropped jeans. I love the wash and the leg opening on these, but they are not on sale, and almost sold out.

This $50 Everlane pair has a similar wash and fit, and you can always cut them if you want a raw hem. I bought the ankle length for a more cropped fit.

sweater (sold out) // jeans (similar for less) // sneakers (20% off) // earrings

And that’s a wrap!

I hope you don’t mind me chronicling not just my outfits, but also the current events and how they’re affecting me here in my little corner of the world.

It’s another chilly day here in PA, but the sun is shining and the birds are singing, and it gives me hope that the world won’t feel like it’s tilted on its axis forever.

I plan to get outside for a walk in a bit. I hope you can do the same!

For The Pinners

Stay At Home Outfits

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Blogging & Social Media
March 17, 2020
42 Comments

Tips for Working from Home + Work From Home Outfit Inspo

Greetings and happy St. Paddy’s Day! This is definitely going to be an unusual one, isn’t it? Well, we are all in this together, so let’s try to make the best of it!

For today’s post, I thought I’d share some tips for working from home since so many are finding themselves in this situation right now. But when I asked last night on my Insta Story if people prefer working from home tips or a fun fashion post, it was almost a draw.

Since I’m a people pleaser, I’ll share a little of both!

Up first, my best tips for working from home and maintaining a work/life balance…

5 Tips for Working from Home

I’ve been working full-time from home for quite a few years, and I’ve developed some habits and strategies that I hope you’ll find useful if you’re suddenly navigating these uncharted waters.

I realize that working from home by choice as I do is quite different from being forced into it, and some jobs just aren’t very conducive to working remotely, but hopefully some of these tips will help you create routines and habits that will serve you well during the upcoming weeks.

#1. Maintain your usual morning routine.

It may be tempting to sleep in or do other things in the morning, now that you don’t have to report to work at a certain time, but that can quickly take a downward spiral until you are struggling to be productive and fit it all in.

My best piece of advice is to continue to get up at your normal time and do your normal morning routine — including getting showered and dressed. 

Because I gradually went from being a stay-at-home mom to a work-at-home mom, I never really established that getting-ready habit first thing in the morning, and I wish I had. The days that I get showered and dressed early in the day are by far my most productive days.

So make your coffee, do your devotions or meditation, exercise, eat, whatever you normally do; but before diving into work, put yourself together just like you would if you were going the office.

#2. Create a dedicated work space. 

This may be hard if you don’t have a home office or an area already designated for working from home, but do your best with what you have. Set up a spot that is YOUR work space.

Don’t be tempted to work in front of the TV or in bed.

Find a spot for some type of makeshift desk, if you don’t already have one, and instruct family members to stay away.

#3. Designate specific work hours, and set boundaries with kids/husband/bored friends.

This advice is two-fold. First, this ensures that you allot yourself enough time to get your work done. It’s tempting to put it off and tend to household chores or socializing with friends or family members when you should be working.

And second, this prevents you from over-working. It can be hard to walk away from work when you’re at home, and before you know it, you’re working 24/7.

So set specific “office hours” and instruct those around you that you are working and should not be interrupted unless it’s necessary.

I realize some have young kids at home right now, and that can be extra challenging, but try to come up with strategies or an alternating schedule with your spouse or others in the same boat as you so that you can work uninterrupted for at least some of the time.

Then, when it’s dinner time or whatever time you designate as the end of your work hours, walk away and don’t go back to your work station until the next day.

That doesn’t mean be a slave to your smartphone, either. Make it a point to be present with those around you, and use the extra time you may be saving from your commute or daily errands to do something productive.

I’ve been cooking more at home, now that our restaurants are closed, and it’s been really nice to get back to my roots. I used to love cooking dinner, but in recent years, I’ve let busyness distract me and conveniences entice me. I’m trying to enjoy this time in the kitchen, with Paul and the kids sitting at the counter chatting to me. #makinglemonadeoutoflemons

#4. Minimize distractions during work hours, but also set specific break times and opportunities to socialize. 

You may want to make a to-do list or write out a daily schedule if you’re trying to fit a lot in, but try not to work straight for more than an hour without getting up to move around.

Take 10 minutes every hour to throw in a load of laundry, or play a quick game with the kids, or schedule a chit-chat session with co-workers you via Skype. But set a timer so the 10 minutes doesn’t extend to an hour — that will happen before you know it!

If you normally get a lunch break, take a lunch break. If you normally get out for a walk in the middle of the day, set a time and be sure to do that.

I like to set reminders on my phone to get up and move around during my work hours.

Updating my winter running gear with @nordstrom! #sponsored #nordstrom

When you are working, focus on the task at hand, and eliminate all possible distractions.

Turn off Facebook and email alerts, and instead set designated times for a Facebook break or to read your favorite blogs… ahem!

That is a good rule for any work situation, not just at home; but with so much happening in the news and no one to look over your shoulder or walk into your cubicle, you may find it even more tempting to click on that Facebook tab when you should be working.

#5. Beware of falling into bad habits like snack mindlessly or watching too much TV/news.

This is good advice for all who are suddenly stuck at home with nowhere to go, working or not.

When you’re at home all day, it’s so easy to walk by the pantry and grab something to eat, or open the fridge out of boredom rather than hunger — especially in times of added stress, like we are living through right now.

If you find yourself bored and looking for something to do, don’t be tempted fill that time with food or media.

Instead, try to stick to whatever good habits you have set for yourself at work. If you find yourself with more time on your hands than you’re used to, fill that time with healthy activity — not junk food or more media.

I would also encourage us all to be mindful of how much time we spend watching news coverage and scrolling our Facebook feeds. We need to be informed so we make wise decisions and behave responsibly, but if we dwell on matters we can’t control, that only incites worry and anxiety.

Rather than spending more time on a screen or gazing at your well-stocked pantry, go for a walk or call a friend or play a game with the kids or read a good book. Find something productive and mentally/physically healthy to do instead.

The habits you form now are most likely the ones you continue to nurture and develop in the coming days and weeks (and months?) ahead, so choose wisely.

Work From Home Outfit Inspiration

work from home tips and outfit ideas

For those looking for a fun fashion diversion, here are 5 casual outfit formulas that are perfect for working from home.

I keep it casual and comfortable when I’m at home, but I like to look put together, so I almost always accessorize and get dressed down to my shoes… eventually!

#1. cozy sweater + jeans + fashion sneakers

I’d gander that I wear jeans and a pullover 9 days out of 10, but I don’t wear old schlubby jeans and a ratty sweatshirt. I try to only wear clothes that I love and feel good in.

This striped cowl neck sweater from LOFT is cozy and warm, but the nautical stripes are giving me all the spring vibes, making it perfect for this in-between season. Today it’s marked down to $49, and you can use code GREEN to get an additional 40% off + 17% off with FREE SHIPPING.

stripe sweater // skinny jeans (budget option) // sneakers // earrings

#2. t-shirt with cozy cardigan + jeans + mules

This is the perfect time to break out the cardigans — if you aren’t going anywhere, you don’t have to worry about the coat issue! Plus, it’s perfect for this in-between season, because you can remove it if it gets warm in the afternoon and still have a complete outfit.

This cardigan is an #amazonfashionfind and it’s really good. Cozy, soft, stretchy, and not itchy. Plus it has slim sleeves, which are flattering. Read more about how to wear cardigans without looking frumpy.

And you probably already know how much I love these mules, but if you’re just tuning in, they are super soft and comfortable and easy to walk in. They come in a bunch of other great colors too, if white isn’t your thing. (I love the caramel color.)

I’m also trying to support Everlane as much as possible right now because I love how they’re handling this crazy pandemic we are dealing with.

cardigan // tee (budget option) // jeans (budget option) // mules (budget option) // earrings // necklace

#3. elevated tee + jeans + loafers

This cheerful coral henley tee is another great transition piece from LOFT that’s currently 40% off + extra 17% off and free shipping with code GREEN.

I paired it with ankle-length jeans and loafers for a modern look that’s also practical and comfortable.

henley tee // jeans (budget option) // loafers // earrings

#4. cute hoodie + leggings + running sneakers

Sometimes I allow myself to wear workout gear all day, but I try to only do that when I know I’m going to do something active later in the day (like take a walk or do a yoga video), and I try to wear something that I think is cute and flattering.

My Sweaty Betty hoodie is 30% off at Nordstrom, and these leggings are super soft and cozy and totally not see-through, but yes, they are pricey.

For more budget-friendly options, this hoodie is really cute and ships free with Prime, and my daughters love these Core 10 leggings also from Amazon.

hoodie (on sale / budget option) // tank (budget option) // leggings (budget option) // Nikes // earrings

#5. cute sweatshirt + jeans + fashion sneakers

This one is sort of in between the sweater and jeans looks and the leggings outfit above.

I love this v-neck sweatshirt from J.Crew with the colorful banded drawstrings, and it’s 30% off right now with code NEWNEW. I recommend sizing up; I have it in the medium.

These jeans are super stretchy and comfy and 25% off right now, and they’re TTS.

hoodie // jeans (budget option) // sneakers (less $$ / budget option) // earrings

If you liked these outfit ideas, I share my daily outfits every other Wednesday, and the next one is tomorrow. Be sure you are signed up for my daily email newsletter so you don’t miss out!

And on a more serious note, these are uncertain times, for sure. If you need help, please reach out to someone. There are all kinds of provisions being put into place right to help people with emotional/physical/financial needs, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

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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
March 16, 2020
19 Comments

A Modern Way to Wear Red Jeans

Happy Monday, my sweet friends! Let’s take a break from the heaviness in the news, and talk about spring fashion! Today I have a modern way to wear red jeans.

While bright colored jeans aren’t super trendy right now, they don’t look dated if you style them in a modern way, and they’re fun for a change. You just want to be sure your colored jeans are a current style.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Are Skinny Jeans Out of Style?

These Mother The Stunner high rise ankle fray skinny jeans have a 10.25″ rise (low-rise jeans can look dated) and a modern 27.5″ inseam (be sure to show some ankle!)

I’m actually thinking of chopping off an inch so they’re closer to a 26.5″ inseam for more of a cropped look. That’s the nice thing about a raw hem — you can cut them to get the length you want, no need to pay a tailor!

These jeans are made of 94% cotton, 4% polyester, 2% elastane; and they run true to size. They’re also made in the USA, which is awesome!

Unfortunately they did not photograph the true color. I actually would call these more of a bright coral, although they call them Tomato. Definitely reference the website for a more accurate hue.

I got these jeans on sale at Anthro a while back, but they are no longer discounted. Yes, they’re pricey, so I recommend waiting for a sale unless you’re dying to get them right away. Or maybe you have a pair in your closet you can style a similar way.

If you want a more modern straight crop style, Mother makes their popular Tomcat relaxed straight crop jeans in this same Tomato color, and I also like the Dazzler slim crop straight in the Fruit Punch color.

Shop these and more red jeans here:

I always think red jeans are begging to be paired with a white tee and denim jacket, so I kept the top half of my outfit classic.

This denim jacket is my go-to. I’ve had it for a few years, and it just gets better with age. I love the versatile mid-indigo wash, the classic 23″ length, and the figure-flattering structure through the waist.

The fabric content is 92% cotton, 6% polyester, 2% spandex; so it’s soft and stretchy and very comfortable to wear all day. I would say it runs true to size, or size down if in between. I have this jacket in the small.

My tee is the Banana Republic slub cotton-modal scoop-neck t-shirt in a size medium. I love the neckline — it’s low enough to be flattering but not low enough to be revealing, even on a larger chest.

Footwear is key to keeping a red jeans outfit modern, especially with a classic look like this one. These white mules are right on trend, and they are so comfortable!

Everlane is fast becoming one of my top 5 brands to shop, and these shoes have been on constant repeat lately. If I’m not wearing sneakers this spring, I’m probably wearing Everlane mules or loafers.

These loafer mules are incredibly lightweight, and the leather is soft and supple. They are surprisingly easy to walk in, and even stay on my narrow feet.

They do run small, though. I agree with the website, which says to size up a half size for narrow or normal widths and a whole size for wider widths.

If white shoes aren’t your thing, they also come in a gorgeous caramel (I actually just got these in the mail!) as well as a classic black, deep red, and trendy embossed snake.

My bag is a bargain buy at $55, and the stone is such a great color for spring and summer. I love the contrast stitching, and it has a removable shoulder strap if you prefer a longer length.

This updated classic look is a modern way to wear red jeans that you can easily recreate or tweak by shopping your closet or your favorite retailer.

I have some other styling ideas for these red jeans, so I’ll try to shoot another look with them sometime soon — maybe I’ll even get a 3 or 5 ways series out of them.

Outfit Details:

Mother The Stunner in Tomato // BR scoop neck tee // Vince Camuto denim jacket // Everlane The Day Loafer Mules // Topshop hobo // Rag & Bone sunnies

For The Pinners…

If you’re looking for a way to support your favorite bloggers, we always appreciate it when you pin our posts! This is one of the main ways new people find my website. You can pin the picture below, or any of your favorites from this post, but generally pictures with text overlays do better on Pinterest.

A Modern Way to Wear Red Jeans for Spring 2020

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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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Diary
March 15, 2020
103 Comments

Coffee Corona Talk 03.15.20

Happy Sunday, friends. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Yes, despite all going on in the world around us, we are called to rejoice and give thanks, and that’s what I’m trying to do.

That said, I would be lying if I told you I’m in a joyful mood today. I woke up this morning with an ominous feeling that has started to become my new normal, wondering how things have changed overnight and what new restrictions and doomsday news the day will hold.

I’m not one to buy into media hype, and I rarely turn on the news. I’ve been getting my information from reliable publications written in a matter-of-fact tone, infectious disease experts, and qualified doctors; and I am telling you right now: This situation is serious, and it’s going to get worse before it gets better.

I do not say that to incite fear, but to plead with those who have not yet felt the affects of COVID-19 to prepare yourselves now. I wish I had started much earlier stocking up on food and necessities, changing travel plans before time ran out to get refunds, and rescheduling non-essential appointments that were important to me.

If you came here hoping to find a happy escape from the doom and gloom, I’m sorry to disappoint you, ha!

I’ll be back to my regularly scheduled fashion programming tomorrow, but today I want to share what’s going on in my neck of the woods.

It helps me to journal my thoughts and feelings, and more importantly, I’m hoping those of you who aren’t yet affected or think this is over-hyped will take heed.

As of this morning, my county here in southeastern Pennsylvania and 3 around us are on lockdown for 2 weeks, but probably much longer than that. The CDC is recommending 8 weeks, and I expect that’s a lot closer to reality.

What really stinks for those of us already in lockdown mode is, we’ll have to endure this for longer than the other areas of the country that are still going about their daily business like nothing is happening.

Eventually we’ll all be in the same boat, but I’m assuming we will have to maintain the restrictions for as long as the rest of the country because the virus will just get reintroduced if we let up too soon. Supposedly you can even get it twice.

All I know is, I watch my Insta Story with awe and wonder at people still traveling and treating their 2-week work-from-home assignment is an extended Spring Break. I guess reality will set in soon enough.

This is how quickly things changed in our area…

I was at the nail salon earlier this week getting my bi-weekly mani/pedi, and we were discussing the situation. The other ladies were talking like it was much ado about nothing. When I said things were about to get serious, they didn’t really believe me at first, but seemed to be taking it in.

We went on to chat about future plans, as if nothing was going to change. When I left, I  didn’t think twice about confirming my next appointment and saying cheerfully, “See you in a couple weeks!” as I walked out the door.

I did have the presence of mind to stop at the grocery store on my way home, but all was calm, and I felt silly stocking up, and I didn’t really know where to start, so I just bought enough for a couple of days. I so wish I’d had this resource that day, but perhaps it can help one of you.

That was Wednesday.

On Thursday afternoon, our school district announced they were closing for the next 2 days “to thoroughly disinfect our buildings.” I assumed they were just buying time to make more long-term decisions, and that they would not be reopening on Tuesday. (I was right.)

Also on Thursday, our neighboring county was put on lockdown due to 13 presumptive cases of COVID-19. That’s the county where my nail salon is located, and I got an email that evening that they will be closed until at least April 8.

So much for “See you in a couple weeks!”

That’s when our stores got nuts. The same grocery store that was so quiet and serene and well-stocked on Wednesday afternoon was a madhouse on Thursday evening.

Paul stopped in on his way home from work to do more “stocking up” and apparently everyone else in the county was doing the same. Friends reported that Costco had lines around the store. They were totally out of meat and other foodstuffs, to say nothing of paper goods and cleaning supplies, which have been scarce for days.

I won’t lie, it was a little scary.

I got up early Friday morning and braved a different grocery store, hoping the frenzy had died down, and thankfully it had. It wasn’t terribly crowded when I arrived around 9:30am, but by the time I left at 11am with my cart overflowing (thanks to Sarah’s list), it was very busy. People were polite and calm, but there was definitely tension in the air.

On Friday afternoon, Governor Wolf announced that all K-12 Pennsylvania schools will be closed for at least 2 weeks, effective Monday, March 16. I’m surprised it took him that long, considering Ohio did this days ago, but I was glad it was finally official.

Then yesterday (Saturday), the Governor expanded the lockdown to 3 more counties in our area, including my own. So basically, 4 of the 67 counties in our state are in this situation, and I’m lucky enough to be living in one of them. Joy!

So what does lockdown mean?

You can read the full press report on the Governor’s website, but basically he has asked that gyms, salons and spas, casinos, concert venues, bars, and non-essential retail facilities such as shopping malls cease operations. Restaurants may stay open for carry-out and delivery only.

Child care centers and adult day care centers will be closed, and a strict no-visitor policy has been implemented for correctional facilities and nursing homes.

Beyond that, we have been asked to refrain from non-essential travel and are encouraged to suspend all large gatherings and events.

Supermarkets, pharmacies, and gas stations are to remain open, and of course essential services like police, fire, and emergency medical services will still be available.

Most of these mitigation efforts are strong recommendations, not law-enforceable dictates, but all of the businesses I have contact with are heeding this advice.

So yeah, it’s unsettling, to say the least. You really don’t realize the things you take for granted until they are taken away.

Speaking of such things, our Paris trip is less than two months away, and my wait-and-see approach turned out to bite me in the butt. Evidently, 60 days was our deadline to change our plans and get a partial refund, and it was about 5 days past that 60-day mark when I finally reached out to see what recourse we have if we have to cancel.

In light of the present circumstances, we were offered a Future Stay Credit of 75% of the booking cost if we postpone our trip and make a reservation for the same apartment within one year of our current departure date. We have until Tuesday to make a decision on that. It seems like our best bet at the moment, but everything is so up in the air, I can’t begin to think about rescheduling the trip right now.

At least I was able to get a refund on the excursions we booked, but evidently our plane tickets are non-refundable. I’m not sure why I bought non-refundable plane tickets, but I guess I did. I spoke with a rep at American Airlines yesterday, and they said things are changing quickly, and we will get a refund if they end up canceling our flight, so I’m holding out hope for that. Right now it seems likely, based on the latest update in their Newsroom.

The trip insurance we purchased doesn’t cover pandemics, so that’s even more money down the drain.

It’s depressing, but at the end of the day, it’s just money. And yes, I realize what a place of privilege I come from to be able to say that. It’s not that I don’t feel sick about it; I’m just trying to keep things in perspective. Because at the end of the day, these are all just minor inconveniences.

In the grand scheme of things, we are in good shape. I’m grateful that we have the resources to stock up on food and other essentials, that we don’t fall into any of the high risk health categories, and that both Paul and I can work from home. While my job will likely take a big hit from this, his is secure. We will be fine.

I am concerned about those who rely on small “non-essential” businesses for their livelihood, the older population who may see significant losses in their retirement accounts, kids who rely on public school lunches for food and other services, and the working parents who rely on public schools for childcare.

I’m concerned for our parents and grandparents, who are a higher risk of having severe complications from this virus due to their age. And as the disease spreads more quickly across our country, I’m worried that we may end up like Spain and Italy — with not enough beds or ventilators, or healthcare workers to care for the sick.

I keep thinking about the grocery store situation on Thursday night, and imagining that happening to our hospitals. This is why we must heed the warnings of our government officials and the CDC, and take all possible precautions in an effort to slow this thing down, so our medical facilities can have a fighting chance of keeping up with it.

There are so many unknowns right now, and valid reasons to be concerned, but I do know this:

God is not surprised by this, and He is on his throne through good times and bad.

(Updated to add: I just read Cyndi’s post from today, and I had to laugh at her title. I did not see that before I wrote this post.)

While there may be some hard days ahead, there will also be blessings and silver linings along the way. I’m going to do my best to take my lead from the apostle James and count it all joy.

Right now, we are experiencing an early spring in Pennsylvania, along with our lockdown. It’s a bit incongruous, and it occurred to me that dark clouds would feel more appropriate, and yet God has blessed us with an abundance of sunshine. My Instagram feed is full of pictures of people enjoying the great outdoors. (Note to self: Spend more time on Instagram and less on Facebook.)

I went for a walk in my neighborhood yesterday afternoon, and I saw a few other families doing the same. Evidently the parks and walking trails were full of people practicing #socialdistancing. Hopefully those don’t get shut down as well. Maybe they will have to at some point, but for now, I take comfort in knowing that people are spending quality time together outside.

I was also happy to hear some of those who are having snow say they find it peaceful and comforting, and they’re enjoying being indoors by the fire. It sounds like whichever end of the weather spectrum we are on, we’re making the best of it.

In more personal news, my kitchen is pretty much finished — and just in time! I’m not sure how much longer we will be allowed to have service people into our homes. The vent hood was installed yesterday… although it had a broken part and can’t be used yet.

Can you believe that? After the oven saga… I just had to laugh. At least it’s in place so it finishes the look of the kitchen.

He will come back (Lord willing) on Wednesday to replace the part, and the cabinet painters are supposed to come back at the end of the week to touch up a few spots that got messed up during the backsplash installation… but of course, that could change as well.

Whenever it gets finished, I’ll post a full kitchen reveal here on the blog.

I spent some time yesterday clearing out my closet and getting rid of most of my winter clothes and boots, and organizing the spring clothing I have so far. I need to go downstairs and bring up what I have in storage from last year and take inventory. Maybe I’ll do that this afternoon.

Church was canceled for today, so we are just hanging out here and doing our part to #flattenthecurve.

Meanwhile, I have plenty of work to keep me busy, and I’m grateful for that. I don’t know that people will be doing much shopping, but hopefully I can provide a fun distraction from your ominous Facebook feed.

I also want to encourage you to check in on your friends and people who might be experiencing more than the average worry and anxiety during this uncertain time, offer to bring food or other supplies to those in high risk groups so they don’t have to go out, and try to support the small businesses in your area as much as you can. This is an opportunity to band together and care for one another.

With that, I’m off to take a walk and soak up some vitamin D. I hope you can do the same at some point today.

I’ll leave you with a comforting word from Psalm 46: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.

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Fashion
March 14, 2020
35 Comments

The Best Smoothing Undergarments

Greetings, friends! I have a Saturday post for you this week because I want to tell you about the best smoothing undergarments, AND they are on sale this weekend!

I recently shared a white t-shirt review that was very well received, but the most popular follow-up question had nothing to do with t-shirts. Instead, this was the question landed in my inbox over: “What bra are you wearing under that t-shirt???”

It’s a very good question! You can be wearing the best fitting clothes, but without the proper undergarments, you will still look lumpy and frumpy.

That’s why I was so excited to try the new Soma Vanishing 360 collection.

Now you can say good-bye to visible panty lines, back fat, and the double boob. Yes, that’s a technical term.

I had all but given up on finding a bra that didn’t show through my t-shirts or highlight that pesky back fat. I just figured, that’s the way it is.

But you can see from the before/after pictures below that it is indeed possible to find a bra that eliminates both of those issues.

The bra on the left is my go-to, and you can clearly see the strap and adjustment hardware through my t-shirt.

The bra on the right is the new Soma Vanishing 360 Perfect Coverage Bra in the Adobe Rose color, and it’s almost like I’m not even wearing a bra at all! (But trust me, there is no way I’m taking these girls out without a bra.)

How does Soma work this magic?

The bras in the Vanishing 360 collection all have seamless edges that allow the fabric to sit flush against your skin.

Then the back straps are cut wider than the traditional bra, so they cover up and smooth over that area on the back that tends to “get caught” in normal bras and create those unsightly lumps and bumps.

To top it off, the straps adjust in the front, so there is no hardware to show through in the back of your shirt.

And then in addition to all that, the new Vanishing 360 bras also feature an ultra-thin neckline to smooth the front — no more double boob!

That’s what sets the Vanishing 360 apart from the other bras in the Vanishing collection.

While I’ve had bras I like over the years, I’ve never found one that does it all… until now.

Soma also has a 60-day risk-free bra guarantee.

That’s right. You can wear it, wash it, put it to the test for up to 60 days. If you’re not satisfied, you can return it, no questions asked. Plus, shipping and returns are always free on full-price bras.

But they didn’t stop there. Soma also has a solution for the dreaded VPL (visible panty lines.)

Their Vanishing edge panties are designed to completely disappear under clothing, and stay exactly where they should.

I have to say, I am duly impressed. I didn’t know such a unicorn existed.

Check out these before and after pictures…

I’m wearing the Vanishing 360 Hipster with a medium rise and full back coverage.

Granted, it’s not the most enviable rear view, but it’s as good as it is going to get! At the very least, I can make it as smooth as possible with the right underwear.

Each pair of Vanishing 360 panties is seamless, so they truly cannot be seen even under leggings and yoga pants.

I have never found a non-thong panty that I can confidently wear under yoga pants until this one.

But what really sets them apart from any other that I’ve tried is the patented silicone strips along the leg opening, which keeps them from riding up throughout the day. They really do stay put.

Plus the silky fabric is breathable and suuper thin and soft against the skin, and the solid colors options are even moisture-wicking, which makes them perfect for high intensity workouts, or really anything your day might throw at you.

Now is a great time to refresh your undergarments because Soma is running their Friends & Family Sale, where you can save 25% off your entire purchase with code 70217.

If you’ve been looking for the best smoothing undergarments, your search is over! The Soma Vanishing 360 collection truly does it all.

Shop The Soma Vanishing 360 Collection Here:

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photos: Alison Cornell

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March 13, 2020
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Try-On Haul: White Jeans, Cute Spring Tops, a Few Dresses, and the Best Loafer Mules!

Greetings, friends. I’ve been trying for hours to get this post out, but I’ve been so distracted by all the things going on around us right now, I’m having a hard time corralling my jumbled thoughts and being productive.

The Virus is in our area, so schools are shutting down, and most people are being asked to work from home… including my husband. I’m just hoping and praying that we can slow this thing down and not overwhelm our hospitals and medical personnel.

Despite all that, I do want to keep the blog running on its usual schedule as much as I can, despite the #coronacraziness. I figure we can all use a diversion right now, and what better diversion than spring fashion!?!

Today I have my usual Friday Try-On Haul. It’s not as big as some, but I have a lot of pictures. All links and descriptions are BELOW the pictures.

Try-Ons: White Jeans

I ordered several pairs of white jeans from the Shopbop Sale, and I’ve been trying to figure out which pair (if any) to keep.

Why are white jeans so hard!?! I actually tried all three styles on twice, and took pictures of both times, and took notes! Hopefully I can consolidate my thoughts. They’re all good, but none are perfect.

For size reference, I’m 5’5″ and 135#, and a 28 is my true size. I usually size up in white jeans, though.

J Brand High Rise Alana Crop Jeans (size 29) // These are comfortable and stretchy, but they’re a tad thin. I hate how you can see the front pockets through them, and the rear is sort of see-through as well, especially when I squat down.

I also feel like the rear pockets are too wide-set, but this is the best rise for me out of the three — the waistband sits right on my belly button and is very comfortable.

These are 90% cotton/8% polyester/2% elastane, and described as super-stretch denim. They definitely do feel soft and stretchy.

According to the website, they have a 10.25″ rise and a 28.5″ inseam, but no way is that inseam measurement right. They’re shorter than that. I think the rise is about right, though.

Citizens Of Humanity Citizens of Humanity Rocket Sculpt Crop Jeans (size 29) // These are also comfortable and stretchy, and maybe slightly thicker than J Brand, but not much. The material is 89% cotton, 7% polyester, and 4% elastane.

I still see the front pockets, though, and I wish the rise was 1/2” higher. These say they have a 9.75″ rise and 26.75″ inseam, which is probably about right.

The size 29 fits perfectly, and the rear pocket placements seems pretty good, but they are quite snug on the legs. I didn’t order the 30 to try, so I’m not sure if that would be an option or not.

Rag & Bone Nina High Rise Skinny Jeans (size 29) // These aren’t quite as stark white as the other two, but the most notable feature is the nude front pockets. BRILLIANT!!! Why does no one else do that?

The material is 73% cotton/20% lyocell/5% polyester/2% spandex, and it feels thick and stretchy and comfortable. I just wish the rise wasn’t quite so high — it sits right above my tummy pooch, which does me no favors.

The website claims they have a 9.75″ rise and 26.5″ inseam, but the rise is definitely higher than that! Probably 10.75″. I have noticed in the past that the denim measurements on the Shopbop website are often not accurate, and don’t jibe with the same styles on other websites. I also wish the rear pickets weren’t set quite so high.

These are still a contender, and I did get them on sale, but they’re still pricey for jeans that I don’t absolutely love.

Okay, moving on…

Try-Ons: Denim Shorts

I also ordered some jean shorts from the Shopbop Sale.

Agolde Reese Relaxed Cutoff Shorts (size 29) // These are terrible, but I thought I’d show them anyway. For one thing, they’re too big. But also just not a flattering cut — too wide, and stiff, and super high rise. Bleh. They have already gone back.

They may not look that bad in these pictures, but trust me…  and also, please pardon my white legs. Yikes. The Lightroom preset I use makes them look even whiter than they are. 🙈

Agolde Carrie Long Length Slim Shorts (size 29) // And these just make me laugh. They’re giving me all the Huck Finn vibes!

I was excited to see longer shorts trending, but this is just not a good look. Maybe if they had a sewn hem.

I did a little better at LOFT…

Try-Ons: LOFT

Today LOFT is running a sale — FREE SHIP + 40-50% OFF! CODE: YESSS. The free ship is rare for them, so a good time to grab something if you were holding out.

LOFT V-Back Tie Waist Jumpsuit (size 6) // This jumpsuit is really cute, but it’s too big. I returned it and ordered the 4. Otherwise, I like the cut of it, and the v-back is fun.

The material looks and feels a little cheap and shiny, but for the price (on sale) it’s a really cute piece that can be dressed up or down for events this spring… if they don’t all get canceled, anyway!

LOFT Floral V-Neck Cardigan (size M) // Wearing a v-neck cardigan buttoned-up is trendy this spring, and I like it because it’s sort of a 2-for-1 kind of deal. (You can also wear it unbuttoned in the more traditional way.)

This one is pretty bright, though, and the v-neck is on the lower side. I sized up to the medium because the arms in the small were really snug… see below.

I apologize for not showing you how it looks unbuttoned. I was in a rush yesterday, trying to get these pictures taken.

LOFT Floral V-Neck Cardigan (size S) // You can see the small here, and the sleeves are really tight. It’s also a bit on the short side.

These are the Rag & Bone jeans, by the way.

Try-Ons: Ann Taylor

I also placed an Ann Taylor order and they’re having a sale as well — BUY 3+ GET 40% OFF, BUY 2 GET 30% OFF, BUY 1 SAVE 20%.

Ann Taylor Floral Tiered Flounce Dress (size 4) // I have a wedding coming up this spring, and I thought this might be cute, but it’s way too froo-froo for me.

I also think it would look better with a strappy nude sandal. I like these shoes, but the skirt is too long for a dark shoe. A nude shoe would visually elongate the leg.

Size down if you try it, I am usually a 6 in AT dresses, and I needed a 4.

Ann Taylor Floral Belted Sheath (size 6) // I really wanted to love this. The sheath style is way more my thing, but it’s very short.

I think it would probably look better with a lower heel, but I didn’t have quite the right thing.

Also, I’m in the regular (not petite) but I linked the petite above because the regular sizes sold out.

Ann Taylor Fold Neck Sheath Dress (size 6) // I thought this was going to be a “third time’s a charm” situation, but it was not meant to be.

Usually I do really well with AT sheaths, but this one fits me strangely. It’s almost too big in the skirt, but not the bust or hips. Very odd. Maybe I need to try the 4, but I’m not sure that would fit through the chest and shoulders.

It’s a gorgeous color, though, and it also comes in black. And it comes in petite and tall sizes.

Amabella Strappy Suede Mule Pumps (size 8) // These are really fun, and a great play on the mule trend, but they are hard to walk in. They run TTS or a bit small.

Try-Ons Everlane

Let’s end on a high note! I was invited to pick out a few pieces from Everlane to share with you. Of course, I was happy to because I love Everlane!

Everlane The Day Loafer Mule (size 8) // I was so excited when I saw these being released because I love their Day Loafer, and I’m a huge fan of mules. I love the minimalist design of this pair, and the leather is super soft and supple.

Of course, they’re produced in an ethical and sustainable factory, as all Everlane products are. I like these so much that I promptly ordered another color. In my opinion, these are the perfect casual spring transition shoes!

Everlane The Pima Micro Rib Cap-Sleeve Tee (size M) // I think this top is soooo cute! I love the cut and the fit, and I am soooo happy to see more form-fitting shirts coming back into style.

Because it is ribbed and stretchy, I sized up to a medium, and I’m so glad I did. I wouldn’t want it any smaller, and as it is, it’s very body-con, but I really like it. It will also make a nice layering piece.

It’s 95% pima cotton, and 5% elastane, and it can be washed and dried, although I will probably hang to dry.

Everlane The Air Scoop-Neck Tee (size S) // And finally, this is just a simple tee, but I love the fabric and the length and the cut. It has a modest scoop neck, which is pretty much universally flattering, and the material is lightweight and suuuper soft.

It comes in several colors, but I thought this Burnt Sienna was so pretty. It’s 100% cotton, and the instructions say to machine wash cold and lay flat to dry. It runs true to size; I took my regular small in this one.

And that’s a wrap! Sorry this is going out so late. I just couldn’t pull it together any sooner.

Going Forward…

As I said, I will be trying to keep it business as usual around here as much as possible. I’m open to ideas for content over the next few weeks. I’m assuming a lot of your special events are being cancelled or postponed, but hopefully they will eventually get rescheduled. If you’re looking for anything particular, let me know how I can help!

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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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March 12, 2020
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2020 Spring Sandal Trends

A few weeks ago, we talked about Spring Trends for 2020, and today I’ve rounded up my favorite 2020 spring sandal trends and a bunch of recommendations across various price points.

It will be a while before we’re wearing sandals here in Philly, but I’ve already ordered several new pairs, and I can’t wait to wear them.

#1. Wedge Sandals

Wedge sandals seem to go in and out of style every few years, and this year they’re back! I’ve always been a fan of a wedge, as I find them easier to walk in than most other types of heels, and they have a summery vibe that I love — especially when combined with an espadrille style sole like the one above.

#2. Studs

A fun way to incorporate an edgy vibe into your summer looks.

#3. Block Heels

I love a good block heel sandal for stability and extra height.

#4. Square Toe

We’re starting to see more squared off toes, which I like so much better than the pointy toe sandals that were trending last season. They were hard to wear for most of us, and let’s face it, no one wants to see your toes flopping off the end of your sandal!

#5. Strappy Styles

These are delicate and flattering to most feet, and if you combine with a block heel, they can be quite comfortable to walk in.

 

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March 11, 2020
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Are Skinny Jeans Out of Style?

I’ve been getting a lot of this type of question lately:  “Are skinny jeans still in style?” And “Are skinny jeans going out of style?”

**This post was written in early 2020, and jean styles are changing rapidly. I’ve made some updates to this post, but you may prefer to read my latest post: What Jeans Are In Style for 2021?

While they may not be the most fashion-forward denim style, I think it’s safe to say that skinny jeans are a classic. Just like bootcut jeans are not super trendy right now, they’re still in stores and perfectly acceptable to wear if you like them, as long as you style them in a modern way.

Skinny jeans may be taking a backseat to straighter styles in popularity, but they can still look current. The key is in the styling.

Let’s talk about how to wear skinny jeans in a way that looks modern and current for 2020.

How to Wear Skinny Jeans for 2020

#1. go higher

This applies to both rise and inseam, but let’s start with rise.

The rise on a pair of jeans is the distance from the cross section of the crotch seam (between your legs) to the top of the front waistband.

When skinny jeans really hit the mainstream in the early 2010s, they were generally mid-rise (around 9″). But then the rises started getting lower until they were as low as 7″, and that became the norm for a while.

Nowadays, we are seeing rises going higher again. In fact, sky-high rises are trending for all styles of jeans — skinny, straight, or flare. The common denominator is a higher rise.

That doesn’t mean you need to go to the other extreme to stay current; you just want to be aware that the super low-rise jeans are beginning to look dated. 

If you like to follow the trends, and it works for your body type, feel free to go all out with a sky-high rise. But if you are just interested in not looking old-fashioned, find a good mid-range and stick with that. Anywhere from 9″ – 11″ is pretty safe, depending on your body type, but the 10″ and 11″ will look more modern.

2. go shorter

sweater (old) // jeans // mules

Along with the higher rises comes higher (or shorter) inseams.

The inseam on a pair of pants is the distance from the crotch seam (between your legs) to the hem.

It’s actually very flattering to show a bit of skin at the ankle, weather permitting, of course.

white denim jacket // jeans // sneakers

While I wore 28″ and 29″ inseams for a long time, I’m liking the look of a 27″ inseam a lot right now — especially with sneakers. Because they cover more of the foot than loafers, sandals, and pumps, sneakers require a shorter inseam so enough skin is showing.

But please note, these are the inseam measurements that work for me at 5’5″. Your ideal inseam length might be very different than mine.

t-shirt // jeans// sneakers

To my eye, that looks most current at the moment.

If I go much shorter (25″ – 26″ inseam) then I’m wearing cropped jeans — which are also very much on trend, but it’s a different look. And with cropped jeans, you especially have to pay attention to point #3 (below.)

Again, take into account your body type and what works best for you. But in general, showing some skin in the ankle area looks more current than when your jeans meet the top of your shoe.

#3. go for a shorter top

sweater // jeans // booties

It stands to reason, if we are going higher with our rises and shorter with our inseam lengths, we will need to also raise the length our tops to keep the overall proportion of the outfit in balance.

You can do this by wearing shorter tops or by front-tucking your longer tops.

Here, I front-tucked a longer t-shirt into higher-rise skinny jeans to keep my proportions more balanced.

blouse // jeans // mules

And here, I wore a shorter top and left it untucked… in fact, these jeans are more of a straight leg style. They’re a slim straight, though, and fit closer to the thighs than the trendy “mom jeans”. I like this cut a lot better for me.

sweater // jeans // shoes

Tops with shorter body lengths are becoming easier and easier to find, and they are starting to look more current than the longer, relaxed styles that have ruled the day for so long.

#4. go looser

As you know, what goes around comes around, and skinny jeans are starting to get looser again.

It’s getting pretty easy to find cigarette leg jeans — these are skinny jeans that fit closer to the leg than straight-leg jeans, but not as form-fitting as the legging jeans that have been so popular in recent years.

sweater // jeans // loafers

I’m a huge fan of the AG Prima style, and Gap makes a good cigarette jean at a more friendly price point.

sweater // jeans // similar mules

In fact, most brands make this style of jean, but they don’t all call them cigarette. Look for a 11″ or 12″ leg opening, as opposed to the 10″ that is most common in the legging fit.

#5. go for a modern wash

are skinny jeans out of style? NO! but you have to know how to style them. see more in this post.

sweater // jeans // mules

Lighter washes are having a moment right now, as well as grey and off-black.

jacket // sweater // jeans // boots

#6. go for modern details

jeans // sneakers

They say the devil’s in the details, and I say, so is great style! Go for skinny jeans with modern details, like raw or chewed hems, an exposed button fly, or a slit hem.

jacket // tee // jeans // mules // bracelet

The exposed button fly is also on trend and will keep your skinnies looking modern.

Raw hems are big right now, but watch those as they can look cheap if the process isn’t done well.

If in doubt, take a pair of sharp scissors and chop off the hem of your jeans to the length you want. Rub the edges between your fingers a bit to get them to fray, and you’re good to go! I literally just did this yesterday with a pair of jeans that I wanted shorter.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: How to Cut Your Jeans for a DIY Raw Hem

After you wash them, they will look even better. Just beware of over-washing your jeans.  Jeans don’t need to be washed unless you get a stain on them. They will wear out faster if you wash them too much.

jeans // sneakers

I particularly like the chewed hem that is having a moment. It adds interest and texture to an outfit without the distressing that can look sloppy.

#7. go for modern shoes

 jeans // mules

Shoes can make or break an outfit, and they are key to keeping your skinnies looking current. Loafers are very on trend right now, as are the loafer mule.

leather jacket // cashmere turtleneck // jeans // P448 sneakers

Fashion sneakers are another huge shoe trend right now, and they pair perfectly with shorter skinny jeans.

scarf // sweater // similar jacket // jeans // boots // bag

Booties and skinny jeans are a match made in heaven, but some styles of fashion boots can really date your look. Try a Chelsea boot or hiker/combat boot to keep your skinnies looking modern.

sandals // jeans // bracelet

And of course, as we get into spring and summer, it will be all about the sandals!

I hope this post helps you rock your skinny jeans into 2020 looking modern and feeling confident!

Keep scrolling to see how skinny jeans have evolved through the years, and then my roundup of modern skinny jeans at the end of this post.

Remember to find the rise and inseam that work best for your body and style aesthetic.

Shop Modern Skinny Jeans

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Fashion
March 10, 2020
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5 Ways to Wear a White T-Shirt

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a huge white t-shirt review, and a lot of you found a new favorite! To follow that up, I wanted to show a variety of ways to wear a white t-shirt for your spring and summer outfit inspiration.

I was going to take new pictures, but then I realized I have a ton of outfit ideas with a white t-shirt in my archives. Why reinvent the wheel? So I went through them this morning and rounded up a bunch of my favorites.

5 Ways to Wear a White T-Shirt: There is no more essential wardrobe piece than a white t-shirt, so I rounded up 5 easy ways to wear a white t-shirt, with real-life examples! Click through to see them all, and tell me which is your favorite!

5 Ways to Wear a White T-Shirt

Since these are mostly older outfits, most of the exact pieces are sold out, but I will link to similar where I can. Shopping links are under each picture.

#1. White Tee + Jeans/Jean Shorts/Jean Skirt.

The first and most obvious way to wear a white t-shirt is to pair it with jeans (or jean shorts, or a jean skirt!) This look is simple and classic, but it does require some styling to keep it from being boring.

As always, the key to making a simple outfit look intentional is to make sure the fit and proportion is on point. This applies to each garment, as well as the overall outfit. Then shoes and accessories are what will take the look from drab to fab!

In this first look, I wore neutral shoes and kept the accessories minimal, but I did wear earrings and a necklace, and the patterned bag adds interest as well.

The white tee creates a crisp, clean contrast against the dark wash denim, making this the perfect mom-about-town summer look for running errands or whatever the day holds.

James Perse white tee (sold out; similar here) // Gap 5″ denim shorts (rolled twice) // TB Miller sandals // necklace // earrings

Here’s a more casual take on the same outfit… I wore this for July 4th last year. We just hung out at home nad had friends over for a cookout, so I kept it casual with distressed shorts and a white tee, but I wore fun sandals, and I added  jewelry and sunglasses.

I realize not everyone loves distressed jean shorts, and I’m kind of over this look, myself. But you could do this outfit with whatever casual denim shorts are your favorites.

J.Crew v-neck t-shirt (size M) //BlankNYC  jean shorts // sandals // earrings // necklace // bracelet // sunnies

Of course, you can do the same thing with jeans — this outfit could really use a necklace, but it’s the only one I could find. The snake print sneakers add an element of interest, and the quality of the jeans and tee keeps it classy.

James Perse white tee (sold out; similar here) // AG Prima ankle jeans // snake print slip-on sneakers

Here, I wore a white tee with a denim skirt. I added a layer necklace and a bracelet, and my espadrille flats elevate the look even more.

denim skirt options // J.Crew v-neck t-shirt (size M) //  Eileen Fisher espadrilles (size up half) // similar necklace // bracelet

#2. White Tee + Printed or Colored Shorts/Pants.

A white t-shirt is also the perfect pairing for printed or colored shorts and jeans/pants. In the first look below, I’m wearing a white tee with ikat print drawstring shorts. They’re almost sold out, but you get the idea!

Again, I wore minimal jewelry, but I did wear earrings, necklace, bracelet, watch, and sunglasses. And the tote is a fun, summery addition that brings in another color as well as some great texture to the look.

J.Crew v-neck t-shirt (size M) //  LOFT Ikat drawstring shorts // sandals // raffia tote options // similar earrings // necklace // bracelets // sunnies

In this next look, I paired a white tee with blush colored jeans. Again, this is a very simple look, but the accessories take it up a notch.

On a cooler day, I’d throw a denim jacket on top of this.

J.Crew raw edge v-neck tee (similar) // similar pink jeans (same brand/color) // Eileen Fisher espadrilles (size up half) // similar bag // earrings // necklace/necklace // bracelet

#3. White Tee + White Jeans and Cardigan/Kimono.

There are so many possible iterations of this look, but what I like about it is how it creates a column of white, and then you can put almost anything on top.

In this first look, I love the blue and white pairing with the light neutral accessories. I also wore some really fun embellished tortoiseshell hoops.

Jo-Lynne Shane wearing LOFT Earth Month Shirttail Open Cardigan, J.Crew Supersoft Supima raw-edge V-neck tank top, Madewell 9-Inch High Waist Skinny Jeans, Marc Fisher LTD Orla Sandals, and Brahmin Satchel

similar cardigan // similar tee // white jeans // Marc Fisher sandals (on sale! so comfy) // tortoise hoop options // similar necklace // similar Brahmin satchel // sunnies

This next outfit is pretty much the same as the one above, but the lightweight kimono gives it an entirely different look! My kimono sold out, but Evereve has a bunch of cute ones!

Dressy Summer Kimono Outfit for Work or Church featuring LOFT Fern Kimono, Madewell 9" Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans in Pure White, and Marc Fisher LTD Orla Sandals in Blush Leather

kimono options // similar white tee // white jeans // Marc Fisher sandals (on sale! so comfy) // similar bag // bracelet // necklace

Here’s another example.

How to Wear a Ruana for Spring and Summer

I also wore this kimono with a white tee and jean shorts.

How to Wear a Ruana for Spring and Summer

And this is an example of the white tee with white jeans and a denim jacket. This time I wore a pair of espadrille flats to add interest and some whimsy to the classic look.

Jo-Lynne Shane wearing spring outfit with Soludos C'est La Vie Smoking Slippers, Paige Verdugo Ankle Skinny Jeans in Optic White, Kut from the Kloth Helena Denim Jacket. Fashion for Women Over 40 #springoutfit

denim jacket (the color is gratitude) // white tee // white jeans // Soludos espadrilles // 3-disc necklace // bangles

#4. White Tee + Jeans and Jacket/Cardigan.

This outfit formula just takes #1 and adds a jacket or cardigan. Of course, shoes accessories go a long way towards adding interest and personality into these simple outfits.

A few weeks ago, I shared 3 ways to wear a tweed jacket, and one incorporated a white t-shirt and raw hem jeans. The pink flats really pop this dressed-up casual look!

a casual way to wear a tweed jacket with jeans

Ann Taylor tweed sweater jacket // similar white tee // AG Farrah raw hem skinnies // Linea Paolo pink flats // necklace

Another time, I wore this draped faux suede jacket over a white tee and swapped out my usual skinnies for flares.

I love how the blush pumps and bag complement the light neutrals in this outfit, nad the layer necklace and X-cuff bracelet add a bit of an edge. (My jeans are obviously too long here… I have since had them shortened.)

drape front jacket // J.Crew v-neck t-shirt (size M) // AG Angel flares // similar pumps // necklace // bracelet // sunnies

And here’s an example with a cardigan. This cardigan was my top seller of 2019, and these cropped skinnies are one of my favorite spring/summer wardrobe essentials.

Both are great basics that can be worn in so many ways, and I like how the loafer mules keep this look current.

Daily Ritual cardigan // similar tee // Citizens Rocket Crop Jeans (size up) // Sam Edelman mules // white crossbody // necklace/necklace

#5. White Tee + Denim Jacket and Colored Skirt/Pants.

I never get tired of pairing white with denim, so if I’m not wearing blue jeans with my white t-shirt, I’ll usually throw on a jean jacket.

This bold red and white print skirt looks amazing with the white tee + denim  jacket combo, and these white espadrille sandals are the icing on the cake! (They’re very comfortable too.) Here’s a lower heel option, if you need one.

similar skirt // similar white tee // denim jacket // Dolce Vita wedge sandals // necklace // bracelet

Black jeans or pants with a white tee and blue jean jacket are is one of my favorite outfit formulas. Once again, the key to keeping this simple combination from being boring is to make sure the fit and quality of each item is on point, and then to add accessories.

This first example is built with a bunch of neutral wardrobe essentials. The denim jacket is my go-to. It’s soft and stretchy and comfortable, and the perfect medium blue indigo wash.

The ballet flats are soft and supple and the perfect shade of nude for my skintone, and these black jeans were my favorites for years. I’ve since moved on to the higher rise Farrah, but they have the same fit through the hips and legs, and the same deep black wash that doesn’t fade.

I kept my bag and shoes neutral, but I added a Victoria Emerson boho cuff and a layer necklace to inject some personality into the look.

similar white tee // AG legging ankle jeans // Sam Edelman Felicia flats // denim jacket // similar bag // VE boho cuffs

Here’s a similar look, but with raw hem faded black jeans and snake print slip-on sneakers. I like how the brown bag adds contrast, plus bown and black is such a chic combo!

similar white tee // AG raw hem ankle jeans // Steve Madden sneakers // denim jacket // earrings // bag

And finally, one of my go-to outfits last spring, summer, and fall… a white tee and denim jacket with these trendy cargo jogger pants! The snake print slip-on sneakers add a fun pop of color and texture, but I also wore this with white sneakers and sometimes my white espadrilles.

similar white tee // denim jacket // Paige cargo joggers (similar for less) // Vince leopard slip-ons (budget option) // earrings // necklace // tote option

I also did this look with a graphic tee and black cargo crops.

And that’s a wrap! I hope that gives you some outfit inspiration for your favorite white tee.

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