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What I Wore + Life Events 05.12.18

Happy Mother’s Day weekend! Today I’ve rounded up my outfits from the past two weeks. Since it’s been a while, this post is a bit lengthy, although I haven’t exactly been photo worthy every day so I don’t have pictures of every outfit I’ve worn. You are very welcome.

Not only is this an outfit post, it’s a recap of the past two weeks — which, as you may know, have been QUITE eventful.  So sit down, grab a cup of coffee, and hold onto your hats!

What I Wore + Life Events 05.12.18

First up, an outfit I wore to church two weeks ago. I spent the day obsessively checking my phone because we had an offer in on the house we’re buying. By the time I went to bed that night, we had come to an agreement, but it was definitely a loooooong day.

This sweater is on sale for $39.99 and then you can take 30% off plus another 10% with code LOVEMOM.

As much as I like the sweater, this outfit is more of a miss than a hit in my opinion. You can’t win ’em all, amIright? The stripes in the sweater are more of a salmon, and the jeans are more of a true pink with blue undertones, so as I wore the outfit, it started to grate on my nerves. I probably won’t wear them together again, but I was trying to diverge from my typical blue jeans. Give me an A for effort, okay?

If you need work wear, this sweater would pair well with these pants, or you can see how good it looks with blue jeans in this post.

stripe sweater // pink jeans // similar shoes // bracelet // earrings // crossbody

I spent the next day at home, organizing and preparing to put our house on the market. It was rather chilly so I threw on this cardigan over my t-shirt and jeans. I’ve determined that the secret to keeping a cardigan from looking frumpy is to wear a thinner cardigan that fits snug to the body. So many cardigans add visual weight because there’s too much fabric. Yes, it’s the spendy one, BUT I just discovered a similar style at Ann Taylor for a fraction of the price.

I also like this length a lot — long enough to cover the bum, but not so long as to be flowy and impractical. The t-shirt and jeans create a pleasing 1/3 to 2/3 balance, and the cardigan kind of sits back and frames the look without throwing off the overall proportions.

cardigan (option) // similar jeans (option) // tee // sneakers

I think this next outfit is what I wore the day we put our house on the market. By this time my husband was in the hospital with diverticulitis, and I was trying to hold down the fort here at home. We agreed that we didn’t want to postpone the Open House we had scheduled for that coming weekend, so I ran around all day like a chicken with my head cut off moving heavy boxes, decluttering, and generally making the house look ready to show.

Our realtor arrived late in the day, and we went over all the paperwork without Paul. I signed everything we needed to list the house, and then the photographer arrived. We went around the house, moving furniture and staging as the photographer took pictures for our MLS listing and my girls bickered about anything and everything. #lifewithgirls

Finally, we went outside to say good-bye as my realtor put the For Sale sign in the yard. It was probably one of the most stressful days of my life, but I was keeping it together and actually feeling pretty calm about it all.

He looked back over his shoulder as he was leaving, paused for a second as he seemed to consider my situation, and said with a fatherly affection, “You’re doing a good job, kiddo.”

That’s when I realized the enormity of the responsibilities I was shouldering. I think I even teared up a little bit, but then squared my shoulders and went back in my house to feed the kids dinner. It’s not like I really had any choice but to keep this train on its tracks, and really, I was fine. But it was nice to have someone notice that I was juggling a lot and doing a pretty darn good job of it.

By the way, the leg opening of these shorts looks ridiculous. I really need to look into having my shorts taken in on the side seams. And also, I switched into Converse after taking this picture. No way was I doing manual labor all day in these shoes, but they’re cute with this outfit!

tee // shorts // sandals // necklace

Fast forward two days, and the kids and I were hanging out in the front seat of my car, which was parked in my neighbor’s driveway, while the family who is buying our house was having their showing.

I posted this outfit to pass the time. It’s not what I was actually wearing (trust me, you don’t want to see that!) but I wanted to share a look with longer shorts than I typically wear. If you like a 5″ inseam, these Gap shorts are pretty good and less than $50. They’re marked down to $45 plus an extra 20% off with code YOUMAY. For size reference, these are the 29. I wear 28 or 29 in jeans, but usually a 29 in jean shorts.

This stripe tee is one of my favorites, but sizes are limited. I’m wearing the medium, for reference. The navy and white is on sale for $17.99, and the pink and red are $25.50.

tee // shorts // sandals // earrings // bracelets

The next day was last Saturday, and I wore this outfit to vacate the premises once again while two more families toured our house. I took my husband (finally home from the hospital) and the kids to Starbucks to pass the time. We spent the rest of the day hanging out on the front porch together, and later that evening we enjoyed pizza and conversation with friends. We had one strong offer on the house, and we were awaiting a second. Everything was coming together splendidly!

This top is from Express, and I really like it. In fact, it makes another appearance below. Most tie-front tops have a way of ballooning out in the belly area when you bend forward or move around, but this one seems to stay put and have a better shape through the mid-section. I’m wearing the Coco color, but there are a ton of other pretty options. They’re BOGO $9.90, so it’s probably worth it to get two if you like them. I don’t usually buy duplicates, but I wouldn’t mind having this in two colors.

For size reference, this is a medium, and it’s a little low-cut. I’m hoping it will shrink a bit when I wash it. Meanwhile, I’ve taken to using fashion tape (hat tip to Kelly Snyder) to keep it in place; otherwise, it’s obscene when I bend forward.

tee // shorts // slides // necklace

On Sunday morning, we accepted an offer on our house and canceled the Open House scheduled for that afternoon.

My husband was on the mend, and despite a sore throat, I was feeling much less overwhelmed by life. I almost stayed in bed, but I decided to rally and go to church, and I’m really glad I did. It was good to worship and see people, and we even went out to lunch after with friends. I did take a nap that afternoon, tho!

These red espadrilles are so fun. They remind me of my 3rd grade teacher back in the 80s. I think she had these in all three primary colors.

cardigan (option) // tee // jeans (option) // shoes // earrings // necklace // bracelets

On Monday, we had our home inspection at the new house. Paul was feeling better, the sun was shining, the weather was warm and sunny, and all felt right with the world. I spent the day in this pink sweater, cropped jeans, and Vans.

This sweater is 30% off plus an additional 10% off with code LOVEMOM. For size reference, I’m wearing the small.

sweater // jeans (option) // sneakers // bag // necklace // bracelet // similar earrings

I spent Tuesday at home so I threw on this comfy grey boyfriend tee with my favorite jeans and orange slides. I’m still not sold on this orange color, though. I think I’d rather have the saddle, so I boxed them back up before I wore them on any hard surfaces and went back to my trusty Converse.

grey tee // jeans (more sizes; budget option) // sandals // necklace // bracelet // similar earrings

By Wednesday, my sore throat had morphed into a cough and I was feeling pretty cruddy, but I got myself dressed anyway and went to the mall. I didn’t stay long, but I needed to make a return, and I wanted to check out the furniture at Pottery Barn. I’m shopping for a new family room couch!

I came back home and spent the rest of the afternoon sunning myself on the deck — I figured the Vitamin D could only help matters, plus I love soaking up the sun on a mild spring day. The weather has been positively glorious here this week.

This gingham top is really cute, and I used the aforementioned fashion tape (my new best friend) to keep the front from gaping around the buttons. #gamechanger

Ooooh, good news! This top has been restocked in all sizes and you can also save 30% with code GETSET. For size reference, I’m wearing the small.

shirt // jeans (option) // shoes // earrings // bracelets

On Thursday, I was starting to feel better. I wore this tie front top again with boyfriend jeans to go to the spa to get my nails done.

The Maui Jim sunnies are new — I’m partnering with them again for a few posts this year, and their package came in the mail this week. I am obsessed with these; they’re my favorites of the three pairs they sent.

tee // boyfriend jeans (option) // shoes // bag // necklace // bracelet // earrings //  sunnies c/o

That night, we went to my son’s high school band performance so I changed into something a little nicer. The sandals are old favorites and they’re no longer available, but I found some similar wedges in a lighter nude color, and I also really like this gold pair.

This flare sleeve sweater is 30% off plus an additional 10% with code LOVEMOM. I love a short-sleeve sweater for this time of year, and it also comes in white.

sweater // jeans (option) // similar wedge sandals (option) // earrings

Finally, this is what I wore yesterday morning for a casual meeting and some errands. I love how this off-white ruffle sleeve sweater pairs with colored denim, and the grey flats and grey bag are a nice contrast against the pink and white.

sweater // jeans (option) // shoes (option) // bag // earrings // bracelet

It’s hard to believe a week has already passed since we sold our house. It’s been nice to get back to some semblance of normalcy before things get really crazy with packing and moving. I’m trying to maintain the status quo until my son’s high school graduation — which is only four weeks away! After that, all bets are off.

He’s planning to be a camp counselor again this summer, and during that time, we will be packing and preparing to move. For now, we’re trying to savor this time, enjoy every moment, and keep things as regular as possible for everyone.

This summer will be a whirlwind to be sure, so I’m trying to enjoy the downtime while I have it. This is my favorite time of year. Everything is fresh and lovely and blooming. The sun is warm, and the breezes are cool. I’ve been keeping the windows open as much as I can, and it feels good to air everything out after a long winter.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and I hope all of you mothers out there have a happy Mother’s Day!

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46 Responses

  1. Hi Jo-Lynne, I really don’t know how you did all of the house-for-sale prep and paperwork on your own! But you did it, and that is such a great feeling to know that you can do it all if you have to. I hope your kids are helping out. So glad your husband is feeling better! I am traveling to the Caribbean in June and I am in need of a good summer handbag that will be good for traveling but also nice to use when I come home. I consider you the handbag expert, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know!

    1. Yes, the kids have been a big help… when they’re not bickering. Haha!

      Love your handbag question — that’s a good one for the Asked & Answered feature in my email newsletter. Are you subscribed?

      1. I do get your emails every day and I love the new format. I’d be super excited if you use my question in your “asked and answered”. I am trying to go shopping for trip necessities- great Ann T sale this weekend and they sent me a $20 rewards so I am going to use it!

  2. I enjoyed this post!  I still have the list I made myself of all that needed to be done before a showing.  It’s so stressful to have that impression for the buyers all on you!  I’m happy that out of all the stress & worry about your husband, you have had such good news and quick resolution.  God is good!

  3. Wow you are a trooper!! What a week. It’s no wonder you haven’t been feeling well, no doubt a bit of stress played a part in that. I’m glad you and your husband are feeling better and the worse seems to be over. The actual move will seem like a piece of cake after all this. I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day. Enjoy your last moments in your house.

  4. Wow!  Your schedule from the past two weeks made my head spin.  You should be proud of all that you handled while Paul was in the hospital!  I know he was proud of you and really appreciated how you grabbed the bull by the horns, and took control.  I am not a sweater kind of girl because I don’t have a good place to store them and hate ironing them.  The gingham top is awesome!  I’ve got coupons from a few stores to use, but I don’t need to go hog wild with my spending.  It got up to 96 on our front porch yesterday, and it’ll be in the 90’s thru Monday, so we will be staying inside most of the day.  Enjoy your day & Happy early Mother’s Day!

    1. I feel your pain, Ginger. I live in Savannah. Too hot for May but use to it. I stay in as much as possible.

  5. Happy Mother’s Day! I’m so glad things are calming down for you and your family and also you’re all feeling better. Be Blessed!

  6. Whew!!!!! I ordered 2 of the  tees from Express! Enjoy the next few weeks. College is a BIG change, but we always enjoyed visiting and participating in family events! 

  7. Wow! Things have been moving fast. I hope the inspection goes well. It’s one more step on your way to the move. After this, life should slow down a bit. Picking out furniture, etc. for your new home should be the exciting and fun part. 
    Have a relaxing Mother’s Day! 

  8. You’ve done a great job with all the extra you’ve had to do the past couple of weeks!  And I’m glad the realtor told you so.  😊  Thank you for the link to the fashion tape.  I just ordered it.  I like the fact that it can be adhered to the body if necessary, where I wouldn’t use just regular double sided tape for that.
    I ordered that pink Loft tie hem sweater that has been calling to me and picked it up yesterday, and was so disappointed that it was just way too long.  It looks so cute on you!  Hope you have a wonderful warm Mother’s Day weekend!

      1. They do have petite sizes in that sweater, but only large and x-large.  I thought I’d try the small in the regular size because sometimes I can wear them or hem them, but the sweater was just too long and of course I can’t get a sweater hemmed. That’s ok.  I’m hoping our warmer weather is on it’s way and I will look for sweaters in the Fall!  🙂

  9. love this weeks post. i do have a question hopefully you can help me out i fell wed night and broke my left arm so for now i am in a soft cast so swelling can go done, will get hard cast Monday. now how can i wear cute outfits with only having the use of one arm, the first couple of days have been my workout clothes but now have mothers day tomorrow. any suggestions

    1. Yikes! I’m so sorry to hear that. I have never (thankfully) broken an arm. Now feet… that’s another story! I don’t really know what’s involved with that, but you’re in Florida, right? Sleeveless tops and dresses are probably easiest, I assume. Of course you’ll need a cardigan or jacket to throw on indoors.

      1. yes i am in Florida i like the dress and sleeveless tops idea it is hard to get sleeves over the cast, going to look into some maxi dresses like the ones you have modeled, and i do have a cardigan like you modeled here while back to wear. thanks for the suggestions. i don’t like going places in my gym clothes except to the gym, which i have had to freeze for a couple of months but will talk to doctor Monday to see about some other kind of exercises to do

  10. Do you have a link to the actual black cardigan you are wearing? I understand it is pricey – that’s ok. 
    Thanks
    Congratulations on your house and I hope the move is smooth and uneventful!

  11. love so many of those but I am trying to do minimum shopping as I declutter UNLESS there is 40% off something I really like or need. We’ll see how that goes. Ha. I’m doing brunch with children and grands after church tomorrow. At their house so we don’t encounter the crowds. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers.

  12. Loved  your update and it was fun to hear all the details about your week.  I don’t know how you did all that on your own with your husband in the hospital, you getting sick and just the stress of trying to get a house ready to sell and buy another.  I really can’t believe you stuck with blogging for us. 🙂  I agree with your realtor you did good. 🙂  It really is such a pretty time of year and I’m so ready for Spring.  The air is fresh and this morning on my walk, just hearing the birds chirp made me happy. Enjoy your weekend and Happy Mother’s Day to you tomorrow.  PS  I love the pink Loft sweater on you.  So bright and you look so good in that color.  

    1. The blogging was therapeutic and my only opportunity to do something sitting down. 🙂 It basically kept me sane. I just let go of all the extra tasks that I don’t absolutely have to do, and thankfully I didn’t have a lot of sponsored work due. Thank you, and happy Mother’s Day to you too!

  13. Happy Mother’s Day to you too. I ordered the fashion tape for my daughter’s prom dress—you saved the day! Do you have a recommendation for steamer from Amazon?

  14. Great round-up JoLynne! ☀️ I bought & am wearing the pink tie front sweater right now 😍. 
    Question or maybe a possible post idea: 
    Do you ever wear khaki chinos? And if so, what are some different ways to style them besides with my trusty white or chambray button-down shirt? 

      1. Thanks! I bought a new pair recently from LOFT that are really cute and comfortable, lightweight, mid-rise, perfect waistband and light color (my last pair was from J Crew but the think I love this LOFT pair more!) I like them for teaching or a casual weekend as an alternative to blue jeans. I’ll try pairing with them navy. 
        I’m in the middle of a massive closet clean-out/reorganization (KonMari style) & I’ve gotten rid of a lot and also discovered I’ve had waaay too many duplicate items (like I found 2 black off-the-shoulder tops that were so similar -why do I have two? 🤣) I’m using my older son’ room as my dumping space since he’s away at college still (yikes – I’ve got to hurry up as he’ll be him in a couple weeks! 😁) 
        Anyway- I think this is going to help me be a better shopper as I’ll really know what I have. I’m also putting thing back in my closet in categories and colors together. I feel good though that I’ve already donated a lot to Goodwill. 

  15. Hi Jo Lynne Happy Mother’s Day!  You mentioned fashion tape twice in this article.  Could you explain what it is and how you use it. Specifically in reference to the neck tie front top. Thanks!

    1. Sure! It is basically double sided tape. It’s super thin, and you just put it where you want something to stay closed (like on the twist front top, I used it to keep the material together) or even if you want something to stick to your body. Like if you have a bra strap issue – you can stick the top to your skin beside the bra strap to hold it in place – or in the case of the v-neck top, I taped the shirt to my chest right along the hem of the neckline. It’s kind of silly to do that, but it was awesome to be able to bend over and not have my shirt fall open. 🙂

  16. Hi! I love you style, and use your suggestions frequently! I followed the link on the tie bottom sweater, and it mentions on the Loft site that this sweater is shear. It doesn’t look too shear on you, so I’m wondering if you need to wear a cami under it? Thanks!

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