Sunday Style - Literary Luncheon Dress

Dress: ModCloth Literary Luncheon Dress in Honey
Leggings: Old Navy Women's Jersey Leggings
Boots: Soda Brand

Have I mentioned lately how much I love the color mustard? And I'm definitely not letting it go just because spring is here. It may have been a little warm for this outfit today, but I wanted to wear it before it got really hot, and it ended up being perfect for a trip to the park this afternoon. I could roll around on a blanket with the baby and not flash the world, and I still had full range of motion because this dress is like wearing thick stretchy pajamas. If you're on the fence about buying it (I was for quite some time) jump right off that fence and do it!

I don't have much to say about the outfit since it's super simple, except don't be afraid to pair black and brown together. A lighter shade of brown looks great paired with black and it brings some warm tones into the outfit (along with the mustard of course).

Other than that, I'm just counting down till All Dress April starts on Wednesday. The closer it gets, the more anxious I get. I keep thinking "what did I get myself into?" Oh well. I'm committed. If you still haven't followed me on IG and want to follow along with the fun for All Dress April, my username is shopwithbeth!

Happy Shopping!

Style Me November - Week 4

As you may have noticed, November has ended, and I'm actually a little sad. Before I get into the last week of outfits from this Style Challenge, I have to say that I LOVED doing this! There's a Style Me December challenge that started today, and I'm tempted to participate. Maybe I'll just participate for a day here or there. It did get a bit overwhelming near the end, but it was great help in getting my creative styling juices flowing, especially since I'm still getting used to wearing regular clothes (instead of a uniform) every day. I highly recommend doing a style challenge for those that can. It was also fun to follow the tag on IG and see how everyone else was working the style prompt. So, even if you can't participate, you can still check out the tag and live vicariously. Now without further ado, onto the outfits for the week. You can go back and checkout week 1 here, week 2 here, and week 3 here. (That doesn't count as ado does it?)

Purple Reign:

Top: ThredUp (LOFT)

Jeans: JustFab Signature Skinny in Dark Medium

Shoes: Vans Authentic

It quickly became apparent to me that I don't have any purple pieces of clothing with me so I opted to go with purple accessories. 

I didn't end up getting dressed on Saturday so "All About Eyes" got skipped.

Boots Made For Walking:

Shirt: Sweet Salt Boutique Classic Ultimate Scoop Tee

Cardigan: ModCloth Charter School Cardigan in Navy

Skirt: ThredUp (LOFT)

Boots: JustFab Sayana

I love the pairing of boots and pencil skirts!

Put a Belt On It:

Top: ModCloth Medium Format Memory Tunic in Navy Dots

Cardigan: Tilly's Essential Elbow Sleeve Cardigan (similar)

Leggings: Old Navy Jersey Leggings

Boots: JustFab Juneau

Scarf: Walmart

I was stranded in the house all day since the windows were being replaced, and I wanted to be as comfy as possible. This worked out great as both comfy and presentable. 

Girls In Pearls:

Top: LOFT Striped Shoulder Button Boatneck Tee

Jeans: JustFab Signature Skinny in Dark Medium

Shoes: ThredUp (Michael Antonio, similar)

This was a super simple outfit that I just threw my pearls on. Easy day.

Sporty Chic:

Top: Old Navy Vintage Style V-Neck Tee

Cardigan: Tillys Tribal Stripe Women's Cardigan

Leggings: Fabletics Lima Capri

Boots: JustFab Astana

This was definitely one of my favorite days (COMFY!). And it totally counts as "sporty" because those are workout capris. Bam!

And this is where I failed. I missed "Grateful For This Feature," "Scarf Smitten," and "Graceful in Grey" because...well because I didn't get dressed those 3 days. Did you? Seriously now.

Instagram Crush:

Cardigan: ModCloth Charter School Cardigan in Bubblegum

Skirt: ModCloth Adept Apprentice Skirt

Shoes: ThredUp (Qupid, same shoe as ModCloth Dynamic Debut Heel)

I blogged about this outfit (and my instagram crush) yesterday!

Again I say this was a ton of fun and I highly recommend this, especially if you feel like you're in a style slump!

Happy Shopping!

Style Me November - Week 3

I bring you week 3 of the Style Me November Style Challenge. If you'd like to read my previous posts on the challenge, read week 1 here and week 2 here. 

It's in the Bag:

Top: LOFT

Pants: JustFab Perfect Jegging Knit in Burgundy

Boots: JustFab Astana

Scarf: ModCloth Open Air Outing Circle Scarf in Black Cherry

Bag: CWonder Printed Signature Tote and Printed Zip Top Pouch

As I mentioned on IG, I absolutely adore these bags. They are pretty much all I carry any more. They are super handy and the print goes with everything. I put all the baby stuff in the tote and all my stuff in the zip top pouch. If I ever don't need the baby stuff, I can just pull the pouch out and use it as a clutch! 

Oversized Chic:

Top: ModCloth Bonfire Stories Tunic in Red Plaid

Jeans: JustFab Signature Skinny in Dark Medium

Boots: JustFab Landry

Scarf: Walmart (similar)

I didn't really have anything oversized, but this ModCloth tunic was close enough. 

Makes Me Feel Ladylike:

Dress: eShakti Shawl Collar Trapunto Trim Dress 

Cardigan: ModCloth Charter School Cardigan in Navy

Shoes: B.O.C. (similar)

Pretty much every dress makes me feel ladylike, so this prompt was easy!

Blue Moon:

Sweater: Elizabeth & Clarke (swapped, similar)

Leggings: Old Navy Jersey Leggings

Boots: JustFab Astana

Necklace: Versona Accessories 

I didn't have a lot of blue clothing that wasn't navy so I let the necklace be the pop of blue to my super comfy outfit. Sidenote: I got this sweater the day prior, otherwise I would've worn it for Oversized Chic.

Colorful Gams:

Shirt: American Eagle (similar)

Tee: LOFT Striped Long Sleeve Shirt

Jeans: JustFab Perfect Jegging Knit in Burgundy

Boots: JustFab Acheline

My JustFab Knit Jeggings come to the rescue again since they are the only pair of colorful pants I have with me. 

Pattern Play:

Top: Target Merona Women's Boatneck 3/4 Sleeve

Cardigan: ModCloth Charter School Cardigan in Honey

Pants: LOFT Camo Print Tailored Twill Skinny Pant (similar)

Shoes: Cato Fashions Knotted Flats

Typically I'm all about feminine prints like floral or polka dots, but I wanted to be different and use my LOFT camo skinny pants to do the pattern mixing. 

Denim Dame:

Top: Cato Fashions Striped Drop Shoulder Tee

Jeans: JustFab Signature Skinny in Dark Medium

Shoes: B.O.C. (similar)

Scarf: gift last year (similar)

Since I wore my chambray shirt a couple days ago, I didn't want to repeat it so soon. But Denim Dame, that's easy enough right? Just wear jeans! It's like a bingo free space! I can wear what I want! Holy crap, this was the hardest day this week for me. I had too many choices and too many options. It took me much longer than it should've for me to come up with this combo. Really it only came together because I just bought the shirt last night and I was looking for an excuse to wear it. I did some more pattern mixing and accented it with the leopard accessories. I really like the way it turned out.

Another week down, more creative juices flowing. I'll say again that this challenge has been so much fun!

Come back Thursday for next week's recap, or follow me on my instagram to see it daily!

Style Me November - Week 2

Without further ado, I bring you this week's looks from the Style Me November Style Challenge. For more info on the challenge, see my post from last week. 

A Steal On Sale:

Vest: ThredUp (BB Dakota, similar)
Top: ThredUp (LOFT, similar)
Jeans: JustFab Perfect Jeggings Knit in Burgundy
Shoes: ThredUp (Aldo, similar)

Pretty much everything I buy from ThredUp is a steal on sale, but this BB Dakota vest and these Aldo booties are probably my favorite finds.

Falling for Florals:

Top: H&M
Cardigan: ModCloth Charter School Cardigan in Navy
Jeans: JustFab Signature Skinny in Dark Medium
Shoes:Vans Authentic 

It was surprisingly tough for me to come up with some florals. This was the only top I had in a floral print. Luckily it was pretty neutral so I could have fun with it.

You may notice that I skipped Polka Dots and Plaids. That's because I had a cranky baby on Sunday and didn't go to skirt so on to Monday.

Queen of Hearts:

Dress: ThredUp (Old Navy, similar)
Top: American Eagle (similar)
Leggings: Old Navy Women's Jersey Leggings
Shoes: ThredUp (Aldo, similar)

I only had one heart print item, and I tried styling it a couple of different ways. This is what I settled on and even though it wasn't at all my usual style, it ended up being one of my favorite looks of the week.

Something Shimmers:

Earrings: Avenue

I spent the day out of town shopping with my mom so I didn't get any full body shots. Since the prompt just applied to my earrings, this is all you get. My apologies.

Sealed with a Kiss:

Vest: LOFT Polka Dot Quilted Puffer Vest
Top: ThredUp (LOFT, similar)
Jeans: JustFab Signature Skinny in Dark Medium
Boots: JustFab Acheline

While shopping I found this supa cute polka dot vest at LOFT. I couldn't wait to style it so I was happy to see the prompt was "sealed with a kiss". I threw on some lipstick and called it a day.

School Girl Prep:

Top: LOFT (similar)
Cardigan: ModCloth Charter School Cardigan in Red
Jeans: HauteLook (Seven7)
Shoes: HauteLook (Keds, exact)

This was one of my most nerve wracking looks of the week. I haven't curled my hair since I was probably 12, but after watching One Little Momma's tutorial this morning, I thought I'd try it. It needs some work but I'm ok with how it turned out. Also I decided to channel my inner Taylor Swift with the red lip and the red keds. I've never done a red lip ever so that also made me nervous but I kinda love it!

So that's the week. I have to say, this has to be the most fun thing I've done style wise. It makes me get dressed (almost) every day, and it forces me to get creative. It's definitely worth it if you have the ability to do it.

If you want to follow along on instagram, you can follow me here!

Happy Shopping!

Everyday Style - Style Challenge for November

Everyday Style Thursday is going to be a bit different this month. I've decided to try something new and do an Instagram Style Challenge. What is a Style Challenge, you may ask? Everyday you are given a style prompt, and you style your outfit for that day around the style prompt. It helps the creative styling juices flow and can get you out of a styling rut. There were a couple of different IG users hosting challenges for November, but I decided that the Challenge from Dean Street Society fit in with my existing style pretty well.

So on Thursdays during the month of November, I'm going to be posting my looks from the previous week based on these style prompts. This week is going to be a short one because I didn't get in on it until the 3rd. You can also follow along with me on my Instagram!

Sailor Stripes:

Top: Target Women's Boatneck 3/4 Tee

Pants: JustFab Pefect Jegging Knit in Burgundy

Boots: JustFab Landry

Scarf: Walmart Knit Infinity Scarf

White Night:

Cardigan: ModCloth Charter School Cardigan in Dots

Top: H&M Lace Trimmed Tank Top

Jeans: JustFab Signature Skinny Solid in Dark Medium

Boots: JustFab Acheline

Necklace: Walmart

Once Upon a Necklace:

Cardigan: C.Wonder

Top: LOFT Shoulder Button Boatneck Tee

Jeans: JustFab Signature Skinny Solid in Dark Medium

Boots: JustFab Acheline

Necklace: Zulily 

Menswear Maiden:

Jacket: Maurice's

Tee: Target Crew Long Sleeve Boyfriend Tee

Jeans: HauteLook (Seven7)

Shoes: Cato Fashions Suede Knotted Flat

Scarf: Versona Accessories 

So far it's been fun trying to come up with something to go with the style prompt, even if it's something small like a necklace or a cardigan. Again, you can follow along day by day on my Instagram (or through the hashtag #StyleMeNovember) or you can just wait until Thursday to see the whole week! Let me know if you want to do the challenge too (it's never too late) and I'll follow you on instagram!

Happy Shopping!

What I Wore To Church - My Fashion Truth

 

Top: Pink Rose Stripe Roll Sleeve Henley
Skirt: ModCloth Breathtaking Tiger Lilies Skirt in Orange
Scarf: H&M Tube Scarf in Woven Fabric
Shoes: ShoeDazzle Omaira (no longer available)

ModCloth has a campaign going on that I absolutely love. It's called #FashionTruth. They say to "be what you want to see in fashion", and to show off your fashion truth. So I'd like to share mine.

I'd always loved shopping and clothes, but fashion and blogging has been so much more to me than I expected. I was going through a really rough time about a year and a half ago. I lost a baby at 23 weeks, and I was just devastated. It was a very traumatic experience for me, and I spent a month and a half doing nothing but grieving. I rarely left the house, and I was lucky if I got into more than yoga pants every day. I was looking for something to get me out of that slump, and my sister encouraged me to get into blogging. I chose fashion blogging because I got to showcase my styling abilities (that have come a long way since then), but I didn't have to get personal. It was a great distraction and a creative outlet.

Pretty quickly I figured out I absolutely LOVED it. It gave me reason to get out of my yoga pants and start to feel beautiful again. I gained back my confidence, and I started taking better care of myself. I don't blog a ton, but I've been realistic about how much I'm capable of doing so I didn't let myself down. I've blogged at least once a week, almost every week since then. I still look forward to putting my outfits together each week, and even though my blog doesn't get a ton of hits, it's important to me.

So my #FashionTruth is that fashion and blogging pulled me out of a rut and helped me get back to me. I'm not always on the forefront of fashion, and my outfits aren't always edgy or hip, but I love doing it. Fashion blogging helps me feel confident and beautiful.

What I Wore To Church - Once Upon a Maritime Skirt 2 Ways

Outfit 1 (Top)                                                                

Skirt: ModCloth Once Upon a Maritime Skirt
Cardigan: ModCloth Charter School Cardigan in Navy
Shirt: Zulily
Shoes: ShoeDazzle Marva

Outfit 2 (Bottom)

Skirt: ModCloth Once Upon a Maritime Skirt
Cardigan: ModCloth Charter School Cardigan in Navy
Shirt: LOFT Linen Shirred Tee in Coral
Shoes: Zulily

I'm going to give you a small peek at the process of me picking out my outfits. The only thing I knew for sure when I woke up this morning was that I wanted to wear this skirt. I got it from ModCloth's last sale for an absolute steal, but hadn't had the chance to wear it yet, despite the fact that it was adorable. If you're not aware of it by now, I have a slight obsession with the nautical trend.

The first idea that I had was that I was going to play with mixing prints. I tried it with the striped shirt which wasn't bad, but I thought it was a bit overly busy. So I threw on the cardigan to tone it down. It looked ok, but I thought the outfit needed some color. I added the necklace and shoes and felt content with it. I went downstairs and took a few pictures. After looking at the pictures, I decided the red accents had become the stars of the outfit and that's not what I was going for. Also, I was having trouble getting the stripes to stay straight, so I went back for round 2.

I decided to ditch the idea of mixing patterns and use the shirt as the color pop for the outfit. Then I adjusted the accessories accordingly. I thought that in this outfit the skirt was featured better, and it was definitely more "safe". This is the outfit I ended up wearing to church, because it was safe, and because I didn't have enough time to change again.

So you tell me. Which one do you prefer? Should I have gone with the more fun, mixed print outfit, or the safe, more traditional styling?



P.S. Yay for new short hair! I cut off 12in and plan to donate it to Pantene's Beautiful Lengths program.

What I Wore To Church - Blue Dress and Oxfords

Dress: Old Navy (last season)
Cardigan: ModCloth Charter School Cardigan in Magenta
Shoes: JustFab Hall

It's no mystery that I love stripes, and since I bought this dress last year from Old Navy, it has been one of my faves because it's crazy comfortable (I've never met a jersey dress I didn't like). Usually I save it for 4th of July weekend and pair it with a red belt and red shoes, but I have something else in mind for next week. So, I decided to wear it this weekend and change it up with this awesome magenta cardigan from ModCloth. The look still feels mildly patriotic without being outright red, white, and blue.

Pink and blue is not something that I usually pair together but I thought it worked well. I'm going to let you in on my secret of how I decide what colors look good together. Sometimes I know there's a color combination that's hot so I'll try and figure out what I have in my closet in those colors. Most of the time though, I decide on what dress, or skirt, or shirt I have that seems fun, and then I hold it up against the cardigan section of my closet until I find a cardigan in a color that I think works.  I have the luxury of a very extensive cardigan collection (most of them Charter School Cardigans) but it's really helped me put some color combinations together that have become my favorite (navy and mustard, pink and orchid, sage and yellow, etc.). I know there are all kinds of charts out there that tell you what color families compliment each other, but really I just keep trying until I find a combo I like.

I tried something new with the shoes today too. I love these crocheted oxfords from JustFab, and I kept trying to wear them with skirts and dresses, but I just never felt like they were quite the right look. Today, I took the leap and went with it. Not only were the flats super comfortable and I wasn't worried about tripping with the baby, but I thought they looked pretty cute. My husband isn't a fan of them. He thinks they look like something you'd find in a grandma's attic. I however, love the vintage feel of them. So he can deal.

If you’re interested in trying JustFab, use my link here and get your first pair for $20. They are also doing a site wide BOGO right now so it’s worth a look-see. Standard warning applies that it is a shoe club membership so be sure to read the terms and conditions.

Also Old Navy is doing 30% off online right now. Never hurts to look. You might find your next favorite dress.

Happy Shopping!

What I Wore To Church - Chambray Skirt with Mint-ish

Shirt: LOFT (last season)
Skirt: eShakti Pintuck PleatChambray Skirt
Cardigan: ModCloth Charter School Cardigan in Jade
Shoes: ShoeDazzle Byrdie

Happy Summertime! Is that a thing people say? I'm saying it anyway. In honor of summertime, I decided to get a little matchy matchy and wear this awesome shade of minty green. It's not quite mint, but it's not a typical green. I'm sure someone will correct me on the actual shade according to the Pantone color wheel.

I don't normally wear the same color all over for 2 reasons. First, I have a hard time matching shades, and it's easier to wear complimentary colors rather than trying to match colors. Second, I think the styling of it is almost too easy (if you can get the colors right), and I usually like to get a little more creative. Obviously today I broke that rule.

I finally pulled out my non-maternity clothes in the closet and found this awesome linen shirt that I got last year from LOFT. I completely forgot I had it and immediately fell in love with it all over again. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to style my outfit around it.

The skirt was one I bought in the overstock section at eShakti last year with intentions to wear it as a maternity skirt (it has elastic smocking in the back), but by the time I decided to wear it, I was a bit too round to pull it off. But yay for it fitting now (and the elastic is still awesome). Also, POCKETS! I used to LOVE wearing denim skirts as a teenager because of the comfort factor, but they have since fallen out of style. The chambray trend has brought them back in a fun, new way. It's a lot lighter than denim so it flows better but it has the same neutral styling potential and is still really comfy!

I recently took advantage of a 30% off sale at ModCloth and picked up my favorite cardigan in a few more colors. When I bought this one, I was hoping it was going to be a good replacement for my Tilly's mint cardigan that has a hole in it, but unfortunately it's a bit darker. Still a great color though, and I was super pleased when I noticed how well it matched my stripes.

The shoes are another buy from a couple months ago that I could never find anything I was happy matching with them, but again I was thrilled with how well they worked.

Seriously, this outfit was the perfect storm of things I could never find the right styling for, but they fit together so perfectly. I have a feeling I'm going to be pleased with all of the possibilities that will emerge as I'm reorganizing my closet. I will have to get creative with a lot of it to style it on my new shape, but I bet I can come up with some fun stuff in the upcoming months. Stay tuned!

Happy Shopping!