Lifestyle
August 31, 2020
44 Comments

Where To Find The Best New Up-and-Coming Household Brands

This post is sponsored by eBay and ShopStyle.

I’m taking a break from fashion to tell you about my new MOOSOO Vacuum that I found on eBay.

It’s hard to imagine, but this time last year we were moving D into his new college apartment, C was preparing for another year of online learning (and looking forward to doing so in a quiet, empty house), and R was gearing up for a hectic fall schedule filled with band practices and football games.

Things definitely look different now.

All five of us are schooling or working from home for the foreseeable future, and I don’t even remember what it’s like to have the house to myself. I’m also noticing how quickly the dishes accumulate in the sink and our main living areas become cluttered.

I’ve decided it’s time to put some new routines in place in order to keep the house in some semblance of order, and to maintain my sanity. If momma ain’t happy…

One thing I realized right away is that we needed another vacuum cleaner — ideally something lightweight and rechargeable, perfect for smaller tasks and daily upkeep. I’m tired of schlepping out our big upright vacuum when I just need to sweep up a small mess.

So when eBay reached out and asked to partner with them on a post highlighting their extensive range of products for the home and garden, I knew exactly what I was going to look for.

Along with great deals on brands you know and love, eBay has a fantastic selection of new up-and-coming brands, including MOOSOO Vacuums.

While MOOSOO is new to the US, it’s well-known in Europe and Asia as a trusted brand for cordless vacuums at affordable prices, and I found exactly what I was looking for.

I ended up purchasing the MOOSOO XL-618 4 in 1 Cordless Vacuum for $89.99, and I couldn’t be happier.

As I mentioned above, I wanted something lightweight and easily manageable. I already a have a full-size vacuum we use for our weekly house cleanings and a small canister vacuum for odd jobs, but both are heavy and cumbersome and I’m always fighting with the electrical cord.

The MOOSOO XL-618 weighs less than 4 pounds and comes with several attachments, so you can use it on hard floors, carpet, stairs, windowsills, sofas, curtains, and more.

And best of all, it’s cordless and gives you 20-35 minutes of cordless running time once fully charged! It also has a high-efficiency cyclone and HEPA filtration system to remove dust particulates from the air, which is important since I’m allergic to dust and pet dander.

As soon as my new vacuum arrived, I took it for a test drive. First, I tried it on the hardwood floors in my kitchen, where I can always find dust or crumbs. It took care of that, no problem.

Then I tried it on the family room rug.

It ran smoothly and maneuvered easily, and it picked up everything from dog hair to the remnants of last night’s potato chips… one of my guilty pleasures!

Next, I took off the motorized floor brush and aluminum tube and replaced that with the 2 in 1 dusting brush and tackled my sofa. This project was long overdue, and it was the ultimate test because my navy upholstery has a way of picking up everything.

It’s always covered in lint and dog hair, and I admit, I let far too much time go by between cleanings — mainly because I hate fighting with my canister vacuum and its heavy cord. But the MOOSOO made this task a piece of cake.

Because it’s so small, I was afraid it wouldn’t be powerful enough to deal with carpets and furniture, but I didn’t need to worry about that.

I was just intending to try it out and take a few pictures for this post, but I ended up vacuuming under every cushion, and turning them all over and rotating them.

It did an awesome job, so the next area I’m going to tackle is my car!

When I was finished, I returned it to its charging station to recharge. This vacuum actually comes with a wall mount too, but we haven’t set that up yet. We’re still trying to decide the best place to keep it, but I think it should have a home in our mudroom.

If you’re in the market for a new vacuum cleaner, MOOSOO has quite a few options available, and making this purchase on eBay was super easy.

I was able to add to cart and check out in a matter of seconds — no bidding necessary! It arrived within the week, packaged securely and in pristine condition, ready to charge up and go.

If you don’t shop on eBay regularly, you may not know that not all of their inventory is pre-owned, and you don’t always have to bid in auction format.

In fact, did you know that 80% of all merchandise sold on eBay is new and available with the “Buy It Now” option? Also, many items ship for free. It’s a great way to find new and top brand items for the home and garden.

I always check the boxes in the sidebar so my searches only show products in New condition with the Buy It Now option. You can also check off Free Shipping and Free Returns or Returns Accepted, to make sure you don’t end up exceeding your budget.

What house projects are you planning to tackle this fall? Or are you like me, and just trying to keep up with the daily household tasks?

Either way, if you haven’t checked out eBay in a while, it’s definitely worth your time to take a look.

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Fall/Winter Fashion
August 31, 2020
42 Comments

10 Ways to Wear the Zella Live-In Joggers

I’ve had quite a few requests recently to show a bunch of ways to wear the Zella Live-In Joggers, so I did a little fashion show yesterday and took pictures for you!

Of course, you can substitute any pair of joggers for the Zella ones I’m wearing. It’s just that a lot of people purchased the Zella pair during the #NSale and were asking for outfit inspiration for them.

10 Stylish Ways to Wear Joggers for Fall

First off, let me tell you that all of these outfits are very casual. I’ve seen other bloggers dress up their joggers with a blazer and pumps, but I am not that girl.

I almost tried it, just to have more variety in this post, and then I did that gut-check that I often do when putting outfits together for the blog… But would you wear it?

I ask myself that A LOT.

So all of these outfits are something that I’d actually wear. And they are all outfits I threw together in about 20 minutes from what I have in my closet. I could definitely get more creative with accessories if I had more time.

I was also wishing I had a more basic flip-flop to put with some of these looks, but then again, we’re headed into fall, so flip-flops aren’t going to be very practical for most of us for very long.

If you don’t yet have a pair of go-to joggers, I also have and highly recommend the Vuori Performance Jogger. These have a very similar fit and feel to the Zella pair, although they’re a tad shorter. I also sized up to a medium in the Vuori. (I have a small in the Zella.)

I also love my Lululemon Align Joggers. I have a size 6 in those, but you could size up for a looser fit.

And if you need a more budget-friendly option, I hear good things about this pair from Amazon. I’m sure there are others, but those are the ones I’ve personally tried.

Okay, let’s get started!

10 Stylish Ways to Wear Joggers

The most obvious way to style joggers is with a t-shirt and sneakers or sandals. This is the way I wear mine most often. Add a necklace and earrings, and it will look more like a complete outfit.

burnout tee // joggers (options here and here) // sandals // earrings // necklace

similar camo tee // joggers (options here and here) // sneakers // earrings

A long-sleeve tee will take you a little further into fall, but I actually wear this lightweight tee with my Birks on mild summer days.

FYI, Sub_Urban Riot tees are SOOOO soft and comfortable. Very good quality, if you’re looking to add a few graphic tees to your closet.

Indoorsy tee // joggers (options here and here) // sandals // earrings

Another option is a stylish sweatshirt with joggers… it’s as basic as it gets, but the key is to wear a sweatshirt with some style factor.

This one is a splurge, but it is so ridiculously soft, you won’t even believe it. Well worth the price tag, in my opinion. I have a feeling this one will be on constant repeat this fall and winter.

sweatshirt // joggers (options here and here) // sandals

If you want to take it up a notch, add a layering piece. This is a great travel outfit, by the way, but I also wear this a lot to run errands.

I feel like the stripe tee elevates the look a bit over a solid tee, and then the denim jacket completes the look and also offers some structure.

denim jacket // stripe tee // joggers (options here and here) // sneakers // earrings // necklace // similar tote

A leather jacket is another layering option and gives this jogger outfit an edgy vibe. I love how this jacket pairs with the camo tee.

hooded leather jacket (similar here and more here) // similar camo tee // joggers (options here and here) // sneakers // earrings

I don’t love this look as much, maybe with a white tee? But a suede moto is always an option.

suede moto // tee // joggers (options here and here) // snake print sneakers // earrings // necklace

And a cardigan is a cozy layering piece that works really well with joggers, since they’re already part loungewear.

Take it all the way, and wear your slippers if you’re going to be home all day. You still look put together on top, if you need to hop on a Zoom call, and you can easily swap out the slippers for sneakers if you need to run a last minute errand.

cardigan // tee // joggers (options here and here) // slippers // earrings // necklace

This cardigan is slightly more elevated, and I also changed into a tee that has a little more style than the plain v-neck above.

And here’s another option, with a black cardigan. This is totally what I’d wear every day this fall if I was teaching online or doing a lot of teleconferencing for work.

cardigan // tee // joggers (options here and here) // Vejas // earrings // necklace

cardigan // tee // joggers (options here and here) // Vejas // earrings // necklace

And finally, if you want to level up your joggers a bit more, or just have some variety for telecommuting, you can pair a luxe pullover sweater with joggers. Add a few accessories, and you’re good to go!

sweater // joggers (options here and here) // snake print sneakers // earrings // necklace

I think that was actually 11 looks… but who’s counting, really?

And I suppose a few are rather redundant, but isn’t it amazing how changing out the cardigan or the t-shirt makes a totally different outfit, even if the rest of the components are the same? And of course, you can always add a scarf or a ball cap or other accessories to change up the look.

I hope this post was helpful for those who are wearing joggers a lot these days.

If you’re more like me, and never feel fully dressed unless your pants button and zip, you can swap out the joggers for jeans or cargo pants in just about any of these looks.

And that’s a wrap for August! Can you believe it?

Me either.

Tomorrow starts 22 Days of Fall Fashion, where I team up with Cyndi Spivey and we each style a new fall outfit every weekday during the month of September. I hope you’ll join us!!!

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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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Diary
August 30, 2020
53 Comments

Coffee Talk 08.30.20

Good morning! Well, I’ll be honest, it was a rough night. I woke up just after midnight, and somehow I wrenched something in my back. Didn’t I just say I was ready to graduate PT? This time it’s my upper back/neck area. I tell ya, if it’s not one thing, it’s another.

I’ve done this before to this same spot, but it came on gradually. This time, I shifted in my sleep, and I felt it go. It hurt so bad, it woke me up, so I got up and took Aleve. My daughter was still awake, so I had her rub some anti-inflammatory cream into the affected area, hoping to nip it in the bud, but I was uncomfortable all night.

When this happened once before, I went to the doctor, and he gave me a bee venom injection. It fixed me right up, but the thought of doing that again makes me queasy. Of course, I might get desperate enough not to care.

It happened another time and went away on its own, so maybe I will get lucky.

Unfortunately, I have a photo shoot scheduled this morning. (I don’t usually work on Sundays, but we are fitting it in before church because Alison is going to the shore for the week… lucky girl!)

I’m not sure how I’m going to change outfits in the car. It takes a lot of finagling and contorting, and this crick in my neck is definitely going to complicate matters. I guess I’ll try applying that cream again before I leave, and maybe a heating pad.

It’s been a pretty laid-back weekend around here, otherwise. I made tacos for dinner on Friday night, and we did sushi takeout last night. I FaceTimed with my dad last night and wished him a happy birthday, and Paul visited his mom yesterday to go over some things. The rest of us just hung out here all day and puttered and did our own things.

I actually spent a large part of the day trying on clothes and coming up with outfits for today’s shoot. They’re all loaded in the car and ready to go. Yay me! I’m never that prepared. I’m usually scrambling at the last minute.

In other news, the two kids who went back to school this week seemed to get off to a good start. (R doesn’t start school until next Monday.)

I’m so grateful for all the teachers and administrators out there, trying to make this school year work for their students… I know a lot of you are in that position. Whether you’re teaching remotely or in-classroom, or a combination of both, I realize you are facing overwhelming challenges that were beyond the scope of our imagination only a year ago. Please know that you are very much appreciated.

Even C’s cyber charter school, which was designed for remote learning from the get-go, was plagued this first week of school with technical difficulties that were beyond their ability to control. It seems like no matter what the situation, this school year is destined to be a challenge.

I guess D’s college classes are going okay. I don’t get much information from him, but he said he likes some of his teachers. He is on Zoom a lot, but mostly in his room, so I don’t get to eavesdrop at all… which would be kind of fun, actually. I’d love to see what he’s learning, but I know better than to ask if I can listen in sometime. Can you imagine? My mom just wants to sit in on class today… He’s almost 21.

Speaking of which, my son is almost 21. (His birthday is in November.)

I knew this day was coming, but nothing really prepares you for it. Of course, his 21st birthday will likely pass much like any other day. It’s not like we can take a big trip or do something exciting, but we do need to plan something fun for him. I will have to think on that.

We also have a daughter turning 18 in December, and you may remember that our 25th wedding anniversary was this month. 2020 is a big year for our family!

Of course, 2020 will be remembered to most of us for the number 19 (as in Covid) — not 18 or 21 or 25. But this is a pretty monumental year in the life of our family, so I’m hoping to get a nice family picture taken. I’ve already told Alison to put it on her radar.

We were thinking of taking a trip to the beach and having it done there, but it didn’t work out. I think we’ll just stay here and do a nice fall foliage picture once the leaves start to change. We’ve done those several times before, and it just seems more us. I love summer weather, but I love dressing for fall even more, and that’s what I envision when I think of our family picture.

Okay, I’ve rambled on long enough. I’m off to put some heat on my neck and then get ready for the day. I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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Fashion
August 29, 2020
4 Comments

Victoria Emerson Going Away Party

Happy Saturday, friends! I hope your weekend is off to a good start. I’m sitting here, listening to the rain pattering on the roof, grateful for electricity and a good sump pump!

It may be raining outside, but the sun is shining in here because Victoria Emerson is having a Going Away Party!

You can save 40% off her entire collection, plus, Going Away pieces are priced from as low as $9.97!

This is the Sunrise Dorado on Ivory-Cream wrap, and it’s marked down to $23.40.

All Victoria Emerson wrap bracelets are made with a mix of beads and crystals, set in genuine leather with an engraved Victoria Emerson nickel-free clasp. and they’re adjustable with 3 settings to accommodate any size wrist. (I just snip off the excess when I find the right setting.)

This bracelet will brighten up any of your everyday outfits. I love how the neutral tones shimmer in the light.

Here it is with a winter look.

And I love the blush and apricot tones in this Neutral Dorado Glass Beads on Natural. Unfortunately, it sold out, but the Peach and Rose Dorado on Light has a similar look and it’s only $12.97!

Her freshwater pearl wraps are so pretty and have a bit of a classic, retro flair. The Freshwater Pearls on Natural is one I wear a lot.

It layers nicely with the Double Wrap on Tan Leather.

And the Freshwater Pearls on Sunshine Orange is pretty too.

This Kalamazoo cuff is a new addition to my collection. It’s a gorgeous mix of white turquoise, crystal, and hematite beads; genuine leather; and gold plating.

This bracelet instantly elevates an outfit, and it works especially well with dressier looks.

You could layer it with another Victoria Emerson bracelet, or wear it alone as I did here, for a more understated look.

And this Chartres Boho Cuff is absolutely stunning, and a steal at $29.40. They describe it as artistry in a Boho bracelet, and I have to agree.

“Beautifully arranged glass and metallic beads are hand-tied on ivory cord and layered between shiny gold chains creating a dazzlingly luxurious piece.”

This is a slightly different vibe for Victoria Emerson — a little less boho and a little more glam — and I love it.

I wore this with a casual outfit here, but it would also be fabulous with dressier looks.

One of my old favorites, the Cairo cuff is also marked down to $29.40. It’s great for casual looks and really complements earth tones.

The Attica is always a good one. It has a bit of glam going on.

The Sorrento is a lot of fun for summer — it looks great with denim, and I like the southwestern feel.

I wear the Mendoza a lot. I love the grey and silver tones.

And finally, the Alicante is probably the Victoria Emerson boho cuff I wear the most.

I love the way the silvery beads and coins reflect against the pale crystals and metallic chains. It really looks like you’re wearing a stack of delicate bracelets, but they’re all together in one.

Victoria Emerson Alicante Boho Cuff

Victoria Emerson Going Away Party

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photos: Alison Cornell

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Fashion
August 29, 2020
19 Comments

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Best of What’s Left

Well, if you can believe it, we’ve survived another Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Yes, the epic fall sale event we love (or love to hate) is finally winding down.

(It ends tomorrow, August 30, but I’m not sure exactly what time. I’m assuming around midnight, eastern time.)

First, I want to acknowledge that I realize many were disappointed with how this year’s sale operated, with the different cardholder shopping dates and limited inventory. I hear you, and I’m with you. The best thing you can do is submit your feedback to Nordstrom, as they truly do want to hear your thoughts and opinions on how things went this year.

I was asked for my feedback as an influencer, and I conveyed my personal opinions as well as those expressed by many of you.

While it’s easy to hate on a big faceless company like Nordstrom, please know that there are real people behind the scenes, trying to make it a good experience for all involved, and they are listening.

Meanwhile, there are some good deals still left to be had, and I’ve scoured the website to find the best of the best.

#NSale 2020: Best of What’s Left

Nordstrom Signature cashmere cardigan

Franco Sarto Asti Bootie (size down half)

Vince Henderson Chelsea boots (TTS)

Spanx The Perfect Black Pant Back Seam Skinny Pants also in Petite and Tall (TTS; wearing M) // Vionic Bianca (TTS)

Vince Funnel Neck Wool Blend Pullover (TTS) // Mother Looker Ripped High Waist Fray Ankle Skinny Jeans (TTS; low inventory)

Vince Wool and Cashmere Sweater // Mother Looker Ripped High Waist Fray Ankle Skinny Jeans (TTS; low inventory)

Madewell Remi Mule (TTS or size up if in between)

Caslon Drape Collar Knit Blazer (TTS)

Paige Verdugo Ripped Raw Hem Skinny Jeans (TTS or size up if in between; wearing 28 but they’re snug)

Sofft Somers Sneaker Mule (TTS)

Vince V-Neck Nep Wool Blend Sweater (TTS)

Vince Mock Neck Step Hem Wool & Cashmere Sweater (TTS)

Vince Stripe Wool & Cashmere Sweater (wearing M) // Good American Good Legs High Waist Crop Skinny Jeans (TTS; low inventory)

rag & bone Dre Slim Fit Ankle Boyfriend Jeans (size down; wearing 27) // Vince Camuto Gradina Block Heel Bootie (TTS; low inventory)

Shop These Styles & More:

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Fall/Winter Fashion
August 27, 2020
24 Comments

Labor Day Outfit Inspo

Greetings and salutations! I’m teaming up with two of my fashionable friends to share some Labor Day outfit inspiration with you today.

I’ve partnered with these ladies before, but if they’re new to you, this is Deborah Boland of Fabulous After 40 and Tania Stephens of 50 is Not Old. I’m beginning to feel like I should have a number in my blog title, ha!

Deborah lives in Canada and has been blogging as long as I have (we both started in 2006!) but fashion has always been her focus. In her former life, she was a TV producer and host, and now she has made it her life’s mission to help women “tweak their chic” so they can look and feel stylish and classy in their 40s and 50s and beyond. I love her understated humor and ability to explain why an outfit works and how to tweak it to make it just right.

Tania lives in southwestern Virginia, not far from where I grew up. She’s been blogging for several years now, and like me, it started out more as a hobby but ended up becoming so much more. She describes her style as classic meets trendy, and she has such a fun way of weaving a personal story into each of her style posts. Her mission is to show women they can look stylish even on a tight budget.

If you’re visiting for the first time, welcome! I’m a 48-year-old mom of three, retired schoolteacher, and accidental fashion blogger. I live with my husband and kids in the suburbs of Philly, and my style is what I call casual chic. You will usually find me in jeans and a simple top, but I enjoy playing around with shoes and accessories to elevate these basic looks.

Today Deb, Tania and I are each styling an outfit we might wear to a Labor Day BBQ or get together.

I realize gatherings are a bit of a sticky wicket at the moment, but we’ll probably be getting together with a small group of friends outside next weekend, weather permitting. While Labor Day is often hot here in the suburbs of Philly, I still like to give a nod to fall with a darker color palette.

I picked up this camo tee during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and I’ve already worn it several times. I love the combination of blues and grey, and it has such a soft and luxe feel to it. Little details like raw edges and rolled cap sleeves elevate it above a basic t-shirt.

Unfortunately, it has sold out, but I found one that is very similar by Splendid, a brand I trust for quality casual basics.

If that price tag is a bit daunting, I also like this v-neck version by Lucky Brand, and Daily Ritual makes a good camo print tee for under $15.

I paired my camo tee with a pair of washed black denim shorts from Gap. I’ve been looking for a pair of black denim shorts for the past few months, and I finally found a keeper!

These shorts are made of a substantial stretch denim, and they have a trendy high rise with exposed button fly.

The inseam is 4″ but I gave them a single cuff so it’s probably closer to 3″ on me. I like the added interest the cuff adds to the look. These shorts run true to size ( I wear a 28) and they’re also 50% off right now.

My sneakers are a splurge purchase for sure, but they are high quality and so comfortable. I love how the black tab and snake print accent brings in the darker tones from my outfit, and they just add a pop of fun to the look.

Steven New York makes a similar style for under $100, if you’re interested in finding the look for less, or the Adidas Superstar would be perfect with this look.

I kept my accessories simple with a pair of silver hoops and a pair of mixed metal bracelets. These are some of my favorite designer pieces that were gifts from my husband, and I wear them a lot, but the key with a look like this is to keep the accessories minimal.

There’s a lot of pattern and texture in this outfit already, so I wanted my accessories to support that, not compete with it.

And of course, every outfit needs a great pair of sunglasses to finish the look. I’ve had this pair of Maui Jims for several years, and they’re still going strong.

I also threw my Coach courier bag over my shoulder, as an example of what I’d carry if I were going to be out and about wearing this outfit. Like the rest of my accessories, I wanted a bag that blends in and supports the look, rather than create contrast, as I sometimes do.

This simple look is perfect for so many late summer and early fall activities — errands, working from home, or socially distanced get-togethers with friends — and it can be easily recreated at any price point.

Now, be sure to visit Deb and Tania to see their Labor Day weekend looks!

Outfit Details:

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photos: Alison Cornell

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Fashion
August 26, 2020
32 Comments

What I Wore Lately Vol. 23

Good morning, and happy hump day! It’s time for another edition of What I Wore Lately. These pictures go back two weeks since my calendar was full last week and I didn’t run this feature.

While there’s a lot of fall fashion inspiration in my posts recently, it is still very much summertime here in Philly, so this post is all about summer style… although I’m definitely feeling drawn to dark, moody tones and animal prints right now.

Because I have so many outfits, I didn’t go into much detail with each one unless I was trying something new or struggling to get the look to come together.

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

What I Wore Lately

We have had some milder days sprinkled throughout the past couple of weeks, and this was one of them so I pulled out my favorite cropped skinnies to run some errands and threw them on with my new leopard print tee from the #NSale.

It’s not identical, but I found this scoop neck leopard tee at Banana Republic, if you’re looking for another option. I also like this crew neck option from J.Crew Factory.

Oooh, and my Paige cropped skinnies just went 20% off.

scoop neck tee (option; option) // Paige cropped skinnies (option) // Birks // sunnies // earrings // necklace

The next day, I did a bunch of try-ons, and I ended up wearing this tee and joggers around the house afterwards. It was overcast and actually kind of chilly, and this was perfect. (Unfortunately both pieces are sold out, but the Vuori joggers are very similar.)

Indoorsy Tee // Zella joggers (similar) // Birks

That night, I made spontaneous plans with a friend to go out to dinner. Since I had all my new #NSale purchases sitting in my bedroom, I played around with some outfits.

First I put on my new ATM cheetah tee with black skinny jeans and flat sandals. I like this, and I’m sure I’ll wear this sometime, but I was curious to see how this top would look with crop flares.

ATM cheetah tee (option) // Kut from the Kloth skinnies // Vince sandals

This is cute, but I was afraid I might feel too dressed-up in heels. I don’t quite know why… I often wear heels, but it was a weeknight, and I knew we’d have to do a bit of walking in the downtown area where we were going to eat.

ATM cheetah tee (option) // Mother cropped flares (option) // Vionic sandals

It was kind of rainy/overcast and not super warm, so I tried it with a denim jacket. I like it, but again, the heels felt like a lot…

Maybe espadrilles? This would have been fine, but I decided to try a few more things before making up my mind.

I went back to the skinny jeans and espadrilles and tried this camo top. I love the dark colors with the black jeans, but this look seemed almost too casual. This is the type of thing I’d wear to the mall or to run errands.

What about the cheetah tee with the cropped flares and sandals?

In retrospect, I think I should have worn this. The tee has more of an elevated style than the camo, the cropped flares have some attitude, and the flat sandals keep it from being too over-the-top for a casual dinner with a friend.

I also switched to these brushed gold Kendra Scott earrings, I guess since the bag has gold hardware? I don’t quite remember.

But I guess I still wasn’t feeling those cropped flares because I ended up back in the skinny jeans and espadrilles. This is definitely more my comfort zone.

I added the denim jacket, and I was about to call it done.

But then the mailman came and dropped off another box, and in it was this Halogen top. It suddenly seemed like the perfect solution.

It has a slightly more festive, dressed-up vibe than the t-shirt, and the floral seems a bit more summery too.

I added the denim jacket, and I really like how it gives the top of the outfit some structure.

I tried a different pair of heels that didn’t seem to make quite as much of a statement, and I switched from gold to silver earrings since the jacket has silver hardware.

But at the end of the day, I went back to the flat sandals, lol!

I just felt too over the top in heels, and it’s a good thing because my friend was dressed pretty casually in shorts and a cute top… and yes, flats.

By the way, these jeans are really lightweight, and since it was overcast and not super hot, I was perfectly comfortable wearing them while dining outside for several hours.

I did end up wearing the jean jacket with it, though. I took it off while we were eating.

Halogen blouse // Kut from the Kloth Donna skinnies // Vince Hazen sandals // Vince Camuto denim jacket // John Hardy hoops (old) // Lagos bracelets

Okay, since that was like an entire blog post in and of itself, I’ll try to speed through the rest.

The next day was Friday, and I did finally get to wear my new camo tee. I wore this to my mani/pedi appointment, and as you can see, I’m now sporting navy blue nails!

Free People camo tee (option) // Kut from the Kloth shorts (more sizes) // Marc Fisher sandals

This was a rainy Saturday, and I was a little chilly, so I did a shorts and sweater combo.

Love these earrings, but I guess they’ve sold out too. I’m not sure they’ll bring them back, as they typically make styles specially for the #NSale, but we’ll have to wait and see…

stripe sweater // J.Crew white shorts (25% off) // Tory Burch sandals // Kendra Scott earrings

I guess I got warm and changed… I can’t remember the series of events. We had family in town, and I know we hung out at home all day.

Motherchic x Gibson tee // white shorts // Birks

That brings us to Sunday, and it was another rainy day at home. We hung out and played games, and I made a peach crisp.

FYI, if you like these jeans, this wash is similar (I might even like it better) and marked down to $52!!!

These jeans have the perfect 27″ inseam… well, it’s perfect for me. I’m working on a post about finding your ideal jeans length… stay tuned!!!

LOFT henley tee // rag & bone skinnies (similar) // snake print sandals

I wore this to PT the next Monday, and to visit Ozzy… all sold out but the sandals, sorry!

Motherchic x Gibson tee // Zella joggers (similar) // Birks

I had my final microblading touchup appointment last Tuesday (I needed a 3rd appointment because so much time went by between my first two) and I finally got around to wearing that cheetah tee.

ATM cheetah tee (option) // Madewell jeans (similar here and here) // similar espadrilles // TB crossbody // Kendra Scott earrings // Victoria Emerson bracelet

That night, the kids all had plans, so Paul and I decided to go out to dinner. This time, I did wear my heels!

By the way, this top and these jeans are both marked waaaaay down. They’re both TTS; I have a 28 in the jeans and a small in the top.

floral henley ($8!!!) // white jeans ($34.99 + 30% off) // similar sandals // Kendra Scott earrings // Stella & Dot bracelet

The next day was another rainy one, and it was the day R got her hair cut and her braces off. I dressed cute because why not?

If you missed out on this jacket, this one is a good option, and this one is a little bit longer.

Caslon utility jacket (option; option) // stripe tee (option) // rag & bone Dre (more options; budget options) // Sofft sneaker mules

The next day was much nicer, and I had a friend over to swim. I ended up changing into my suit, but I had on this tank top and shorts the rest of the day. My ball cap is super old.

black tank // white shorts // Miller sandals // old Life Is Good cap

And then I wore my camo tee and boyfriend jeans again last Friday Monday. I’m kind of wishing I’d tried sizing down to the 26 in these jeans, though. They’re starting to look really baggy…

Free People camo tee (option) // rag & bone Dre (more options; budget options) // Birks // Victoria Emerson bracelet

Last Saturday, I wore this tie dye tee with jean shorts and Birks for most of the day.

Treasure & Bond tee // GAP jean shorts // Birk Madrid // earrings

And we had friends over to the backyard that night, so I changed into these taupe shorts and black tank. Pretty much both outfits are sold out, except the shoes and jewelry. Sorry, this is just what happens at the end of the season!

black tank // taupe shorts // snake print sandals // earrings // necklace

I wore this next look to church on Sunday and then out to lunch afterwards… this top is from last spring and is almost gone now, and these jeans are an old pair of Paige Verdugos that I’ve kept and rarely wear.

These sandals are still in stock, though, and they will actually transition nicely into fall, although they aren’t on sale at the moment. I got them for $75, so I’d definitely recommend holding off for a sale if you like them.

And this was Monday, after my photo shoot with Alison. My hair was a wreck after shooting fall clothes in summer weather, so I stuck it up in a pinch clip and threw on my comfiest shorts. I had to run to the grocery store, so I snapped a quick mirror pick before leaving the house.

Free People camo tee (option) // GAP jean shorts // Marc Fisher sandals

And finally, this was yesterday for PT. I actually changed into a jeans outfit afterwards, but forgot to take a picture.

Zella Ava tee (size M) // Lululemon Align joggers (size 6; budget option) // Birk Madrid

And that’s a wrap! I’m starting 22 Days of Fall Fashion next week, so I’ll be moving these posts to Saturdays for the month of September.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your day, and wherever you are, stay safe!

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Fall/Winter Fashion
August 25, 2020
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Back to School Styles with Athleta Girl & Reebok

This post is sponsored by Athleta, Reebok, and ShopStyle.

Like most parents around the country, I’m in the throes of navigating this tricky time and getting my kids ready to go back to school.

It will definitely look different this year, as all three of my children will be doing distance learning for at least the first quarter, but they still need some new gear to get in the proper mindset.

We’ve been busy making sure each child has a designated place to work and enough network speed to accommodate all the Zoom meetings and computer programs we will be running, but I also want them each to get some back to school clothes because let’s face it, that’s part of the fun of going back to school!

Even if they’re just going to be at the dining room table, I’m trying to instill in them the value of getting up and getting dressed each day, as if they were going to be getting on the bus (or in the car, in my son’s case.)

And since I expect many of us are in the same boat, I’m partnering with Athleta and Reebok to share some back to school styles for the girls in your household… or if you no longer have kids at home, perhaps you’re looking to send your nieces or granddaughters a fun package to get them excited for the new school year.

Athleta has made it super easy to find their best back to school styles, with a whole page of Back to School Essentials! They also have a Teen Edit for those of us with teenagers who are in women’s sizes.

Right now, Athleta is offering offering 10% off full-price styles from Athleta Girl with code SCHOOL until 9/2/20; and Reebok is having a sitewide 40% off sale, plus an additional 10% off full-price kids’ footwear and apparel with code SHOPSTYLE, ending 9/6/20. Some exclusions apply.

I’ve put together a few back to school looks for your shopping inspiration.

Back to School: Stellar!

Double Trouble Headband // Crunch Time Crewneck Sweatshirt // Team Up Tank // Printed Chit Chat Capri // Zig Kinetica Shoes

I love the colorful space-age look of these capri-length leggings, and of course she needs the coordinating tank top!

When the weather cools down, she can throw this comfy ribbed sweatshirt on top. It even has thumbholes, just like the big girls’.

These Reebok sneakers have a revolutionary cushioning to propel her forward with springy responsiveness, and they coordinate perfectly with this casual BTS look.

Back to School: Monochrome

Cozy Cross Your Fingers Sweatshirt // Mesh Stash Your Treasures Tight // Upbeat Bra 2.0 // Reebok Club C Shoes // Scrunchie 2 Pack

Older girls might prefer a more subtle print, and you can’t go wrong with camo print this fall.

This sweatshirt, made of super soft Brushed Nirvana, is extra cozy, and the criss cross back detail is a fun touch. And these black leggings are anything but basic — they’re made of the softest, most buttery fabric, and they have side pockets to stash her treasures.

Finally, these leather Reeboks are lightweight and supportive for all of her activities, and for fun, they have a heel tab that changes color in the sunshine.

Back to School: Teen Style

Studio To Street Print Sweatshirt // Elation Capri // Reebok Nano X Women’s Training Shoes // Made to Move Mask 3 Pack

She’ll be comfy and cute whether she’s going to school or schooling from home in this printed sweatshirt and capri leggings; and these trainers are designed for breathability, stability, and durability.

And don’t forget your masks! These soft, breathable non-medical masks come in an assortment of five colors in each pack – assortment of colors will vary and may not reflect what’s pictured.

They have an interchangeable head strap that allows you to alleviate pressure on the back of your ears by attaching it to the ear loops. The head strap can be positioned at nape of neck, crown of head, or wrapped around a pony tail.

Also, Athleta is donating 100,000 non-medical masks to a major healthcare organization in support of our heroes on the front line, which is very cool.

Shop Back to School Styles from Athleta & Reebok:

Order from Athleta Girl before 9/2/20 with code SCHOOL and get an extra 10% off full-priced styles. Or use code SHOPSTYLE at Reebok to get 40% off sitewide and an extra 10% off kids’ styles before 9/6/20. And remember, Athleta offers free shipping every day on orders over $50, plus free returns!

LEGAL: Offer valid online at athleta.com from 8/24/20 at 12:01am PT through 9/02/20 at 11:59pm PT in the US (including Puerto Rico) only. Not valid at other Gap Inc. brands or in Athleta stores. One time use per customer. Offer valid on full-priced merchandise only. Offer not valid for value of gift cards purchased, packaging, applicable taxes, shipping & handling charges or international purchases. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts including Gap Inc. employee discount. No adjustments on previous purchases. Offer subject to change without notice.

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Fall/Winter Fashion
August 24, 2020
30 Comments

5 Ways to Wear Olive Utility Pants

Greetings, friends! I’m back with a new 5 Ways to Wear post, this time featuring crop utility pants in a classic olive green.

When I think of fall fashion, olive pants are definitely one of my most loved wardrobe essentials. They’re a nice closet basic to wear year-round, but I find myself gravitating to them more in the fall. They pair so well with earth tones, as well as black and denim.

These pants are the Caslon brand from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Caslon is one of the Nordstrom made brands that I depend on for casual basics at a moderate price points. And of course, it’s even better when they’re on sale!

I always say you get a lot of bang for your buck with Nordstrom made brands because you’re getting a good quality product without the markup that comes with some of the big-name designers.

The tee I’m wearing is also by Caslon. They carry this tee year-round, and they’re always coming out with different colors and patterns.

The black and white stripe that I’m wearing here is currently sold out, but you may have something like it in your closet. Also, watch for restocks. I expect to see a lot of fluctuation in the anniversary sale inventory over the next couple of weeks.

While I like the simplicity of this first look, I’m looking forward to being able to throw a cardigan on top. A layering piece has a way of really completing an outfit.

This open front pocket cardigan is by Halogen, and it’s super soft and flowy. It makes such a nice topper for mild fall days.

It definitely t runs big; I’m in the small, and I would probably prefer the fit of an XS.

The rust color is so pretty with the olive pants, but the pink compact and red pomegranate colors would also complement these pants. And if you love the idea of rust with olive, this BP. cardigan comes in a slightly different shade of rust.

Also, take a look at the details on these booties. They’re a great low-heeled option for those who need that, and I love the flattering notch on the outside of the shaft, and the edgy vibe from the tiny dome studs tracing the counter.

Then they have that angular, stacked heel and slightly squared-off toe — so modern and fun. FYI, I recommend sizing down half in this boot.

My third look features a black cardigan by Nordstrom Signature — Nordstrom’s line of elevated luxury essentials.

This sweater is a little bit shorter than the one above, and it’s also a heavier sweater that’s more appropriate for winter. In fact, I showed it recently with boyfriend jeans and a leopard tee.

I love a neutral look; and this combination of black, olive, and white is such a classic. FYI, I sized down to an XS in this sweater.

Rather than bookending the look with black shoes, I wore taupe booties this time. I like how they extend the line of the leg and make me look long and lean, but either works.

My fourth look is a bit lighter — definitely more fall than winter. This time I swapped out the stripe tee for the leopard version, and I wore a denim jacket and taupe suede mules.

This has been my go-to denim jacket for years. It’s nice and stretchy, with the perfect medium blue denim wash, and a flattering silhouette.

It washes up nicely (I always hang it to dry) and has held up well over the years. It runs true to size; I have the small.

These mules were another #NSale purchase, and they’re perfect for transition season. They stay on my feet well and are very easy to walk in.

I love this color for late summer and fall, but it is currently sold out. Here’s another option in a deeper camel color that’s really pretty.

FYI, the website recommends sizing up in the Steve Madden mules, but I went with my usual size 8.

My 5th and final outfit features a chunky ivory cardigan and light grey booties. I really like how these light neutrals keep the look light and cozy at the same time.

These booties are another one of my favorite #NSale purchases. They’re so gorgeous and comfortable, and I can’t believe how well they’re priced.

This cloud suede makes a nice addition to my fall and winter wardrobe, but they also come in a really cool python print as well as cognac suede and a solid black leather — all good choices.

Finally, this sweater is thick and soft and cozy, but it runs big. I recommend sizing down. I’m in the small, but I’m hoping to exchange for an XS.

I also have my eye on the charcoal heather version… it’s fully stocked, and such a nice shade of grey.

I hope this post gives you some casual outfit inspiration as we head into fall!

A lot of these items are still in stock, and of course with Nordstrom you get free shipping and free returns. They also offer curbside pickup and BOPUS (Buy Online, Pick Up in Store). And if you’re not already a member of The Nordy Club, it’s free to join, and you can earn points toward Nordstrom Notes as well as lots of other fun benefits.

Outfit Details:

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photos: Alison Cornell

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Uncategorized
August 24, 2020
12 Comments

August Favorites {2020}

Happy Monday, friends! It’s time for my August Favorites, a roundup of new finds and old favorites I’m particularly loving right now. Cleary, I’m feeling drawn to dark, moody colors and camo at the moment…

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten

August Favorites {2020}

I had a hard time coming up with things that are still in stock, since a lot of my new favorite things are #NSale finds, but I did find similar options for most of the sold-out items.

one // These are my favorite white shorts this year, and they’re 50% off at the moment! They’re a good shorter length option, and you can wear them cuffed or un-cuffed because they aren’t sewn in the cuffed position.

two // I’m so excited about these pants. They are so flattering and versatile. I’ve already sung their praises several times, but if you missed it, I styled them 5 ways in this post.

They also come in petite and tall sizes, and they run true to size per the sizing charts. I have the medium.

three // These leather slip-on sneakers are such good quality and soooo comfortable. You can’t go wrong with the Sofft brand if you’re searching for both comfort and style. I like this camo a lot, but they also come in some solid neutral colors.

four // I keep feeling drawn to the darker colors, camo and animal prints right now, but I’ve been trying to remind myself that it’s still summer so I should wear my summery clothes while I can… like this floral ruffle top!

This top is so cute on, and I love the floral print and ruffle neck. I can rarely do ruffles, but these don’t add visual weight, and I like the feminine touch. Also, it’s marked down to like $12 right now! It’s TTS; I have the small.

five // This sweater is finally on sale! It’s such a good one for transition season because it’s super lightweight, but the colors give a nod to fall. It’s TTS; I have the small.

six // I always like to include a nail color in these posts, and the one I’m currently wearing is this fun shade of blue. It’s not quite denim, not quite navy… something in between.

seven // I love this camo tee, and I did from the moment I first laid eyes on it on the Nordstrom website. Unfortunately it sold out super fast and hasn’t been restocked very often. I did, however, find two that are similar — this Splendid crew in camo is very close, and it also comes in a v-neck for those who prefer.

eight // These boyfriend jeans are really fun for a change. I like them cuffed with sandals and sneakers right now, and I will pair them with ankle boots this fall.

You can find more of this style on the Rag & Bone website, and some are even on sale. I recommend sizing down at least one size. I’m in the 27, and I sort of wish I’d tried the 26. (I’m a solid 28 in all other Rag & Bone styles, and most other jeans as well.)

nine // I still think I like the Madrid style best, but I recently picked up the Mayari, and I’m enjoying having another pair of Birks to alternate. This antique lace is such a pretty neutral — it’s not stark white, more of a bone, and it has a bit of a sheen to it. It goes with ev-er-y-thing.

ten // Finally, these shortie pajamas are still fully stocked, and I love how soft and lightweight they are. All of the sudden, I’m finding myself often hot at night, so I’ve been stocking up on pajama shorts sets this year.

Hope your week gets off to a good start! I’m meeting with Alison this morning to shoot some looks for my fall series with Cyndi, which starts on September 1st!!!

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Diary
August 23, 2020
83 Comments

Coffee Talk 08.23.20

Good morning! I’m sitting here, wrapped up in my leopard print Barefoot Dreams cardigan, sipping on my 2nd mug of coffee, trying to remember where I left off… what I’ve told you and what I haven’t. It’s been a whirlwind of a few weeks, and I’m sure I’m not alone in that.

To summarize, D is a junior in college and taking a full course load this fall. His college has gone virtual for the first semester, and classes start tomorrow.

He’s decided not to return to his off-campus apartment this fall. I don’t know if he’ll change his mind or not, but for now, he’s planning to stay here. I’m really hoping they will have some in-person classes next spring, and he’ll get some use out of his apartment, but only time will tell. I’m happy to have him here; I just wish we had never renewed that lease. It’s painful to pay rent every month on an apartment that isn’t getting used.

C is a senior in high school, and she’s been in a cyber charter school since 8th grade, so nothing much will change for her. R’s a freshman in high school, and our public school district just recently decided to go virtual for the first quarter, so she will be schooling from home as well.

At the present time, sports are being played, and marching band is still on. I’m hoping nothing happens to change that, but everything is up in the air these days, so we’re just trying to go with the flow and take it one day at a time.

Our county is in really good shape at the moment as far as Covid rates are concerned, and actually, our state is as well. I’m grateful that stores and restaurants can be open, and I hope that continues once the weather changes.

I try to keep looking at the bright side, and most days I’m in a pretty good state of mind, but every once in a while, I get overwhelmed with it all and frustrated with how things are being handled. There is so little we can control in all of this, and sometimes I get really tired of being at the mercy of the powers that be.

On a lighter note, R finally got her braces off this week. She has waited a long time because of course, Covid. But they’re finally off, and she’s getting used to her new slimy teeth, as she calls them. Too funny. I still remember getting my braces off, and how weird it felt.

And in blog-related news, Cyndi and I are gearing up for 22 Days of Fall Fashion! We start on September 1st, and we will both share a new fall outfit every weekday during the month of September.

We took a break from this series last fall, but this year we’re both longing for a sense of normalcy, and this fall fashion series is where our little partnership began five years ago! It’s hard to believe, but we started doing these in the fall of 2015.

If that isn’t a blast from the past, I don’t know what is. Let’s just say, We’ve come a long way, baby!

I meet with Alison tomorrow, and I’m planning to shoot a few looks to get me started. It’s probably a little premature since September is over a week away, but I like to have a few sets of pictures banked when we begin, and she is living at the shore right now and only comes back once every week or so.

I’ve been ordering things so I have a good variety, but not much has arrived yet. I’m expecting things to trickle in throughout the week. Meanwhile, I went to the basement and pulled out my fall clothes and shoes from last year to see if there’s anything in there I can use.

I’d like to focus more on outfit formulas you can recreate from your own closet or shopping your favorite retailer, rather than featuring a bunch of unique pieces you have to purchase to replicate my looks, so I’m hoping to be able to use some of what I have rather than buying everything new. That said, a lot of people get frustrated when I link to styles that are sold out, so it’s a bit of a balancing act.

I’m curious to hear what you all are looking for. Will you have social events to attend this fall? Are you an essential worker, or are you working from home? Are you looking for comfy, casual looks, or things you can wear for teleconferencing and outings?

I know it’s different in different parts of the country, and no one really knows what the next few months hold for us, but I’d like this series to be a helpful resource to as many people as possible.

I’ll still be sharing my daily outfits, but I’m moving that feature to Saturdays during the month of September. What I Wore Lately is more about my personal style and real-life outfits, but I want 22 Days of Fall Fashion to be more about your needs and what you are looking for, so let me know!

On that note, I better sign off here and get ready for church. I skipped last week because we had family in town, so I’m especially looking forward to being there today.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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Fall/Winter Fashion
August 21, 2020
62 Comments

5 Ways to Wear the Spanx Perfect Black Pants

Happy Friday, friends! Today I’m styling the Spanx Perfect Black Pants five ways.

These pants were selling out, but at the time of this posting, they are fully stocked, so if you haven’t grabbed a pair, don’t wait! These are seriously THE most flattering pair of black pants I’ve ever worn. (And they come in petite as well.)

Spanx has dubbed these pants The Perfect Black Pant for good reason — they’re made of a nice, thick ponte knit that holds everything in place and doesn’t show through.

They have the Spanx The Slim is Built In™ shaping panel that targets the tummy, and the pull-on style hits at your natural waist for a flat front with no muffin top.

But my favorite part is the tailored back seams that elongate the legs, with the tiny split hem. Such great details!

These pants run true to size, according to the sizing chart — I’m wearing the Medium, which is equivalent to a 6-8.

I’m wearing these Vionic sandals in the first three looks. These are such great shoes for anyone who suffers with finicky feet.

As long as you can handle a 3″ heel, they have good support and are stable to walk in due to the chunky block heel and the half-d’Orsay vamp.

Plus, they have an adjustable slingback strap at the heel, and a comfy padded footbed.

They come in 3 other colors, but I love the tortoise slingback strap against the luxe black suede. It’s small details like this that really elevate a look.

On top, I’m wearing a leopard blouse, and if you recognize it, yes, it’s the one Kay Harms styled yesterday!

Unfortunately, this piece is pretty much sold out, but there are so many good leopard print tops around these days, and just about any would work with this look.

In the picture above, I have the blouse tucked in all the way around, but I have it untucked below so you can see the options.

This top runs big, in my opinion. I am wearing my usual size small, but I think an XS would be a better fit.

If you work in an office that gets chilly, or want to carry this outfit into the fall, my Nordstrom Signature cashmere cardigan in the beige humus heather is the perfect topper.

I’ve already talked about this sweater a lot. It’s the same one I showed in yesterday’s post with the boyfriend jeans, but that was the black tweed.

I’m still not sure which one I should keep. Both are such gorgeous neutrals. I really like how this beige tone keeps the look light, but also cozy.

For my third look, I changed out the blouse for a white t-shirt, and I topped it with a knit blazer. This is the burgundy beet, and it’s currently stocked in all sizes.

I really like the details on this knit jacket. It makes such a nice outfit completer because you can dress it up or down. It would look just as good with jeans and loafers as it does with these black pants and heels.

Here’s a look at the back. I like those exposed seams, and it almost has a half peplum, which adds more interest, but it’s also a flattering cut.

Oh, and this jacket has pockets too!

I’d say it runs true to size; I’m in my usual small. The sleeves are a little long, but if I sized down, I don’t think the shoulders would fit quite right.

While these looks are all fairy dressy and geared more to work wear, these Spanx pants are also great for casual looks.

Here I paired them with a cheetah print tee and black leather espadrilles for an elevated everyday look I could start wearing right now.

Then this fall, when it starts getting chilly, I can just throw a denim jacket on top.

FYI, my favorite denim jacket is 32% off at Nordstrom for a limited time. I take a small in this jacket.

Okay, so that’s already five looks with these pants, but here’s one more. This is a variation on the one with the beige cardigan above.

This time I wore a leopard tee instead of a leopard blouse, taupe suede loafer mules instead of black heeled sandals, and this cardigan is more ivory than beige. It’s also a great bargain buy, for $49, but size down. I’m in the small, and I wish I had the XS. (I also really like that charcoal grey!)

Whew! That’s a lot of outfits, but these black pants are so versatile, I think I could keep going.

In fact, I also have this picture I took when I tried the pants on for the first time, with a black and white stripe tee and the black suede Vionic sandals.

It’s super simple and could use a completer piece or some fun accessories to finish off the look, but this just shows one more option. I like the juxtaposition of the casual tee with the block heeled sandals.

SHOP THE POST:

I hope this post gives you some inspiration for styling black skinny pants, whether you already have a favorite pair or decide to get these Spanx pants.

I’d love for you to save this post to Pinterest if you have a relevant fashion board. Pinning my posts is another way you can support my work.

Here’s another option, with all 5 outfits:

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photos: Alison Cornell

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