Friday, September 27, 2013

Day 137: Still Dress Weather

Dress: Purchased at Ross
Sandals: Merona, Purchased at Target (black)


The weather in Colorado is beautiful!  And while it is still beautiful, I'm going to try to wear all the dresses and summery items I haven't worn yet. 


I apologize for the crooked picture.  I had to ask my Kindergartener to take my picture while he was in the middle of playing Army with his little friend.  Needless to say, the didn't spare much time to take a quality photo.

Print dresses, like this one, are great to wear casually or during a night out.  Just wear casual flats or sandals for day then add pumps for an evening ready look.  These dresses are also super easy to find.  Ross has similar dresses all the time.  The stretch fabric is also very comfortable.  I recommend sticking to darker colors when wearing a dress like this.  It helps hide any imperfections (cellulite, panty lines).  

If the weather were a little cooler I would've added my denim jacket (I told y'all a denim jacket could be worn with almost anything!).

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Day 136: This Looks Familiar

Jacket: Purchased ??? (red)
Top: Purchased at Consignment C.A.T. (black and white)
Jeans: Banana Republic
Necklace: Payless (gunmetal silver)
Shoes: Purchased at Target (red)

I know this outfit looks VERY similar to the one I wore on Friday, but I promise it is different.  I just happen to have two red jackets.  One has animal print detail and the other does not.  Plus, the one I wore today is more of a cape jacket.  They are completely different (I'm a little embarrassed that I have two and I am going a little overboard trying to convince you all how different they are).

Anyways, the top was a consignment store find.  It originally had shoulder pads, but I just cut those out and now it is a stylish top.  I have had to cut shoulder pads out of tops a lot!  It is a super simple fix to help bring a dated top into the 21st century.




Happy Shopping,
Christin

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Day 135: Zanne's Pants


Since I spent my day in yoga pants and a work out top, I thought I'd share with you my Polyvore creation.  A few days ago my friend Zanne sent me a picture of these red/coral pants. She wanted to know how she could transition these pants into Fall.  Since she works in the corporate world, I knew she needed ideas that were work friendly.  The obvious answer is to pair red pants with black and animal print.  I know it is obvious, but you know what else it is???...CLASSIC!  All of the items I chose are classic items every girl should have in her closet (and wear) until she is old and gray (you may want to trade the heels for the flats later on in life).  

I could just die for this trench coat!!!  It is Burberry so I automatically know I can't afford it, but there is no harm in looking for a cheaper version at Burlington, Old Navy, or even Target.

A black button up top is also a great piece to add to your wardrobe.  I am showing a sleeveless version, but any length of sleeve could work.  Zanne lives in Los Angeles so I made her top sleeveless in case it gets hot.

Animal print shoes add the perfect pop to almost any outfit.  I treat animal print as a neutral.  You'd be surprised at how many different outfits you could wear animal print shoes with!!!

The flats are great for running around in all day while the heels are great for work (if you work primarily at a desk or don't mind wearing heels all day running around).  If you have both, you can switch them out during the day as needed.  

So, what do you think about the outfit?  Do you have an item in your closet that you need inspiration for on how to wear?  If so, email me at myclosetstyle365@yahoo.com and I will create a Polyvore outfit for you and feature it on the blog.  




Zanne's Pants



Burberry coat
net-a-porter.com


GUESS pumps
guess.com


Gap flat
gap.com


Chunky necklace
etsy.com




Happy Shopping,
Christin

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Day 134: Gray? Grey? Whatever!

Dress: Purchased at a thrift store (gray)
Boots: Antonio Melani (black)
Belt: Maurices (black)
Bracelet: Premier Jewelry


Sundays are always my favorite day of the week because I get to dress up.  Since I haven't started volunteering around here yet, I don't really have any occasion to dress up.  Church is my only dress up occasion now.  


The dress is a dark gray so I am sorry if it looks black.  The leggings and boots are black, as is the belt. It is a lot of dark color, but I think it looks great.  

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Day 133: Casual Saturday

Top: GAP
Jeans: GAP
Sandals: Merona (black)

Today, I went to a shopping extravaganza, fund-raiser thing at the local outlet center, with a couple of friends.  We had a blast shopping and hanging out all day (and being away from the kiddos).

I was able to get the kiddos all their winter gear today and save loads of money while doing it.  That always makes me feel great.

I knew I'd be walking around a lot today so I decided to dress very casual.  Of course I wore my favorite (and super comfy) Gap boyfriend jeans.  I paired the jeans with a super casual navy blue and green GAP button up.  My only mistake was wearing the sandals.  Oh my goodness, they were so uncomfortable (hence the reason they are not being worn in the picture)!  I wish I wouldn't forgone cuteness and just wore my Toms or Reef flip flops!  

Sometimes you just have to sacrifice style for comfort (I can't believe I just said that!!!).


And yes, that is Friends on the TV in the background.  We watch it every night before bed:)

What do you wear when you're out shopping all day?  Do you dress up or dress for comfort?  

Happy Shopping,
Christin 

Day 132: Animal Print AND Polka Dots

Jacket: Purchased at Dandy Lion Boutique (red with animal print lining)
Top: Forever 21 (navy blue and white polka dots)
Jeans: Banana Republic
Heels: Purchased at Target (red)

I had a reason to dress up tonight!  Yay!!!  My husband and I went to a Hail and Farewell (the Army way of saying hello and goodbye).  It was our first night away without the kids in months.  Long over due!!!  We went to a German restaurant for the Hail and Farewell.  I wanted to look nice, but not dressy.  For the most part, Hails and Farewells are casual events.  

I've been dying to wear this polka dot and animal print combination since I started this blog back in May! 

I have to say that I love the way the look came together.  Super cute in my opinion.


Mixing and matching, matching and mixing.  It's just all so much fun!

So what do y'all think?  Cute?  Bad idea?

Do you ever mix and match patterns???  If so, which ones?

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Friday, September 20, 2013

Day 131: Bringing My Maxi Into Fall

Dress: Old Navy (black)
Jean Jacket: Ralph Lauren, Purchased from a thrift shop
Scarf: Purchased at Walmart (animal print)
Sandals: Merona, Purchased at Target (black)

I love the way a jean jacket looks with a maxi dress!  I don't know why, it just looks great.  I am tired already of wearing blue jeans so I decided I'd wear my black maxi with my super cute (and super thrifted) jean jacket.  Of course, I had to add a scarf and I wouldn't be me if I let an opportunity to wear animal print pass me up.


Staple Alert!!!!!!

Every woman should own a maxi dress AND jean jacket!!!

Okay, alert over.  But seriously, every woman needs a maxi dress and jean jacket in their wardrobe!  It doesn't matter what color or print of dress you get, just get one!  I have several maxi dresses and I have worn them all since I started this blog.  Wear your maxi as is, or add a cardi, scarf, jacket, blazer, etc. to jazz it up a bit.  

As far as the jean jacket goes, this is a classic piece that will never go out of style.  You can find jean jackets everywhere!!!  Find one that hugs your figure just a little to give yourself some shape.  I have found that Old Navy jean jackets are very boxy (I have one from there too).  When you are short with a short waist, you DON'T want to look even more boxier than you already are:).  You can wear a jean jacket with everything and year round.  If you don't believe me just get on Pinterest and check out all the ways people wear jean jackets.  You'll never run out of ways to wear this classic piece!

 Happy Shopping,
Christin

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Day 130: Transitioning Into Fall

Top: United Colors of Benetton (black)
Pants: GAP
Flats: Walmart (black)

Get ready to read the word 'transition' more times than you'd really like to today!

It is time to transition into Fall!  Pull out all your sweaters, cords and boots.  But, what about everything else in your wardrobe???  Who says you can't wear your clothes all year round?  Not me!  

Send me pics of items in your closet that you want to transition into Fall with.  For example; my friend Zanne sent me this picture of a pair of coral pants she owns.  She wanted to know how to transition these pants into her Fall wardrobe.


Instantly, I thought a black sweater with an animal print scarf and coordinating shoes would look great!  Yes, these are bright, colorful pants, but they can still be worn year round.

Please, send your pics to me and I will feature your items on the blog along with my suggestions on how to transition into the Fall!

Email your pics to me at myclosetstyle365@yahoo.com

Now for today's outfit.  


Now, normally I would've worn my black wedges, but since they went on to be with the big shoe in the sky, I had to settle for these ballet flats.  Not bad, but I'm ready to wear some heels!  

I'm not usually a fan of capris.  Seriously, they make a short girl look like a hobbit!  But, I must wear everything in my closet at least once and I do believe I've worn these capris once already so in the closet they will go until I feel the need to pay tribute to Frodo Baggins once more.  

Question:  What do you think about capris?  What do you think about their evil cousin...Bermuda shorts???  

Again, nothing wrong with either of these types of pant, unless you are under 5'4" like me (I'm 5'3").  I think you need to be at least 5'5" in order to really be able to pull either one of these off well.  Just my opinion.  Let's not start a debate here.

Happy Shopping,
Christin

P.S. - Don't forget to send me those pics!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Day 129: Polka Dots Are Back!!!

Top: Merona, Purchased at Target
Pants: JCP (blue)
Flats: Faded Glory, Purchased at Walmart (black)

Yesterday it was cold, today it was hot.  I didn't know what to expect when I woke up this morning so I went for an in-between-outfit.  Maybe I should start watching the weather, but that would require me to watch the news and I hate watching the news.  Perhaps I'll just stick to checking Weather Bug every morning before I get dressed.  That would help me avoid sending my kids to school in winter coats on an 80 degree day (like I did today).


I have to admit that I caught a reflection of myself today and totally thought I looked like an old lady.  Oh well!  What do y'all think?  Is today's outfit 'old lady' or is it cute and fitting for a 31 year old mother of three?

Happy shopping,
Christin

Monday, September 16, 2013

Day 128: I'm Definitely NOT the Cutest One in the PIcture!

Top: Maurices, Purchased at Goodwill
Jacket: Purchased at TJ Maxx (Army green)
Jeans: LOFT
Boots: Bongo
Scarf: Purchased at Dandy Lion Boutique (mustard)

I was upstaged in today's photo and I couldn't be hppier.  The look on Arianna's face is beyond adorable!  So much love and joy in one picture.  Thomas did a great job capturing he spirit of Arianna in today's photo.  Thanks  Thomas!


Cute outfit, cuter baby!  Thomas did ask me if I had joined the Army.  Doesn't he know Military jackets are trendy???  Nine year olds these days;)!

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Day 127: Playing Closet Dress-Up

Top: The Limited (burgundy)
Jean trousers: Merona, Purchased at Target
Scarf: PUrchased at Dandy Lion Boutique (mustard)
Flats: Merona, Purchased at Target (mustard)


Mustard has to be one of my favorite colors.  I love it just as much as I love polka dots:)  I've noticed that once I get on a color kick, I just can't stop.  I guess it is a good thing that I haven't found a lot of mustard items in the stores.  I'm afraid that I'd be too weak to resist.


I love mustard and burgundy together!  It is a beautiful combination. 

TIP:  If you have a free day at home, try going through your closet and mix and match your clothes.  Try them on and take pictures.  Find new combinations that breath new live to your wardrobe.  I call it 'playing dress-up in your closet'.  It is sooooo much fun!!!

Here are some pictures from the last few times I played dress-up in my closet.


Sometimes the outfit just doesn't work and that is okay!






I was trying to decide which shoe looked better with this outfit.


Ugh!  I HATED my hair when it was this short.  Y'all better not ever let me cut it that short again, okay!?




I just don't know what I was thinking in this picture.  I look like a lumberjack!  






I can't wait to wear some of these outfits again (for real this time and not dress up)!  Share your photos with me next time you play dress up!  Just post them on the mycloseststyle365 Facebook page!

Happy shopping (or dress-up)
Christin

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Day 126: (and 125)

Day 126:

Sweater: GAP (oatmeal)
Jeans: Banana Republic
Boots: ??? (brown)
Necklace: Premier Jewelry

We visited the zoo today for Nathaniel's birthday.  I wore yoga pants and tennis shoes while there, but changed into today's outfit as soon as I get home.  The zoo was awesome and we had great weather!!!  It is located on a mountain so one needs to wear very comfortable clothes and shoes when climbing up a mountain to see the exhibits!

You may notice that I'm wearing the same necklace as in my last post.  Versatility people!  I actually almost got rid of this necklace because I never wore it.  Now I've worn it twice already this week.  Lesson learned: Hold on to jewelry!!!


Day 125:

Cardi: Old Navy
Tank: Old Navy (green)
Pants: Old Navy (brown)

It was raining today and cold and my house was freezing so I didn't put much thought in today's outfit.  Plus the weather was sooooo bad that I didn't get a good enough picture to show you all, but I still wanted to share what I wore.  The pants are horrible and going into the donate box ASAP!!!


This would've been really cute with my boyfriend jeans (if they hadn't been lost somewhere in my pile of clean laundry).  

I do love the mixing and matching of patterns and colors like with the cardi and tank.  I like doing the unexpected;)

Question:  What are your favorite colors/patterns to mix and match???

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Day 122-124: Birthday Celebration Fun!

Day 122

Cardi: Purchased at TJ Maxx (camel)
Tank: Purchased at Target (black)
Jeans: GAP
Flip flops: Dillard's Outlet (animal print)
Necklace: Premier Designs (brown and gold)


I spent all day Tuesday getting everything prepped for Nathaniel's big room reveal on Wednesday.  I had to spray paint a few things, make art for his room and frame A LOT of stuff!  I also ran to town to buy his cupcakes and more decor for his room.  It was a busy day, but I got it all done!

Day 123

Top: Purchased at Ross (purple)
Jeans: Lucky Brand
Boots: Bongo, Purchased at Sears (brown)


Here is my birthday boy!  I can't believe he is 6!  I had to run to town today to buy his birthday banner and balloons.  After I put everything in the car, I shut my back gate and realized too late that my keys were laying in the trunk.  I hadn't unlocked the doors yet, so I was locked out.  Thank God I still had Arianna with me and my purse!!!  I was able to call my sweet neighbor friend and she went into my house and got my spare key and drove 20 minutes to town to give them to me.  Thank God for sweet neighbors and friends!!!

Anyways, Nate saw his new room as soon as he got home from school.  He loved it!  It is Star Wars all the way with this kid and his room is a reflection of that now!

Okay, about the outfit.  This is about as 'biker' as I will ever get.  The boots are amazing and I bought them back in 2007 or 2008 while visiting Maine.  I have received so many compliments on them over the years.  This was before biker boots were popular.  What can I say, I am ahead of the times I guess ;)

The sweater is fun too because it has these really cool gold zippers on each shoulder.  Very tough looking, right?

Day 124

Cardi: Purchased at Old Navy
Tank: Purchased at Old Navy (green with pink flowers)
Jeans: Lucky Brand
Boots: Bongo, Purchased at Sears (brown)



The weather was rainy again today so I wasn't able to get any good light.  I wore my Lucky jeans and Bongo boots again today because they were the closest thing to me when I got out of the shower.  I have a bad habit of not hanging my clothes up at night when I am just so tired all I want to do is go to bed.  That is why I re-wear a pair of jeans for several days sometimes.  I just don't feel like hanging them up.  I'm lazy, I know!

Happy Shopping,
Christin  

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Day 121: Bad Picture Monday

Top: Purchased at TJ Maxx
Shorts: GAP Outlet
Sandals: Purchased at Target

This outfit was really cute I promise.  It's just that my camera does not take good pictures while inside the house.  Oh well.  I guess I'll dig out my real camera and start taking pictures with it again:)


This top is very versatile.  I wear it all year long.  It is sheer so it is great to wear during warmer weather, but the colors are great to wear during cooler weather.  Always look for tops that you can wear all year long so you get more bang for your buck!

Happy Shopping,
Christin James

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Day 120: Sunday Funday!

Dress: GAP Outlet (bird print)
Cardi: GAP Outlet (pink)
Belt: Goodwill (brown leather)
Shoes: TJ Maxx (brown)
Earrings: Banana Republic Factory Store (gold)

I love getting to dress up on Sunday's.  Especially when I've been saving a special dress to wear and then that dress being stuck in moving purgatory for three weeks!  I was so happy to finally unpack this dress the other day and finally get to wear it.  



STAPLE ALERT: BROWN WEDGES!!!  GET YOURSELF A PAIR ASAP!!!

This dress print is so adorable with little birds fluttering about all over it.  I have to wear a belt with a dress like this (scrunched waist) so I went with my trusted 90's leather braided belt from Goodwill (best $1.00 I've ever spent and that is an over estimate.  I can't remember how much it was).  I was dying to wear heels again so I went with my super comfy brown wedges.  These are seriously the most comfortable shoes ever!!!

Now a moment to remember a fallen comrade.  My wonderful black GAP wedges went on to be with the great shoe god.  They were barely hanging on before the move and just didn't make it.  They were crushed, and the fabric peeled away probably due to the heat in the storage container.  May they rest in peace!

Here's a picture of them from earlier during the summer before they got sick:(



Happy Shopping,
Christin

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Day 119: Trolling Target

Top: Anthropology
Jeans: LOFT
Shoes: Purchased from Target (mustard)


Thomas and I went shopping for Nathaniel's sixth birthday tonight ( I can't believe he's turning 6).  We visited Toys R Us, Hobby Lobby and Target.  I tried to avoid Target as much as possible because I LOVE their clothes!!!

However, I found something in Target tonight that I loved even more than anything they had hanging on the rack.



This Crock Pot is totally going on my birthday wish list!  It just the cutest thing ever!!!

Here's a better look at what I actually wore today.  


I found loads of cute clothes at Target today.  I plan to go back this week sometime and show you some of their Fall fashions.  FYI, it's A LOT different than Forever 21!


Happy Shopping,
Christin






Day 118: No One Here To Take My Pic:(

Top: Mossimo, Purchased from Goodwill (gray)
Jeans: Banana Republic
Boots: Purchased from Belk (black)
Earrings: Altar'd State (black)
Necklace: Purchased from Payless

I was sick all day yesterday with 'the crud'.  However, after some medication, I started feeling a lot better which was good because I had a meeting to go to in the evening.  As soon as Jason came home from work I had to leave.  I didn't think I'd be gone all that long, but once girls get to taking, it is hard to leave.  I didn't get home until midnight and by then my whole family was asleep.  I didn't get a picture taken wearing my outfit for the day, but I do have pictures for you all!


I've had these jeans since I graduated from college in 2005!!!  FYI, Banana Republic makes some GREAT jeans that last!  These boots were a Black Friday purchase a couple of years ago.  I think I paid $20 for them, but I'm not sure.


I found this top at Goodwill.  I can't stress enough how much I love Goodwill.  The thrill of the hunt is unlike anything else!  Goodwill must have some sort of relationship with Goodwill because every Goodwill I've gone into has a lot of Target merchandise with the tags still one.  

This top is great with a cardi, jacket, tucked into a pencil skirt, or worn just like I did tonight with jeans and boots.


I promise, I did look really cute!!!

Happy Shopping,
Christin

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Day 117: Fall Fashion???

Dress: Maurices (navy blue and white)
Cardi: GAP (pink)
Sandals: Merona, Purchased from Target (camel)


I got to spend the day at a very nice mall just south of Denver.  It was the first time in a long time that I've been to a mall.  I had to take my new minivan to the dealership for a detailing and had several hours to kill before it was ready.  They were nice enough to give me a loaner car for the day so Arianna and I headed to the mall.  

I wanted to see what al lthe Fall fashions were going to be.  I was quite amused when I entered Forever 21!  First of all, no one shopping there was within their key demographic.  We were all at least 25!

Anyways, I snapped a few pictures of the Forever 21 Fall line.  


When did Miley Cyrus start designing for Forever 21???  Can you see the mannequin in the back?  I hope I don't see anyone walking around town wearing that outfit!!!  But, apparently cut-outs are 'in'.


Black and white is still a trend heading into Fall.  I'd argue that lack and white is classic fashion and can always been worn.  The patterns here are what set it apart; strips, checkers, herringbone, chevron, zig zag, etc.  


Stud details are popular too here at Forever 21.  The red sweater towards the back had actually stud spikes on it.  I wouldn't want to hug anyone wearing that sweater!!!


Aztec is still popular this Fall.  I'm glad I bought an Aztec sweater last Winter so I can stay on trend this year too!


More studded detail on a feux leather jacket.  I saw a lot of leather (feux) today in a lot of the stores I went into (and no, I didn't shop for myself, just looking).  Animal print is still a popular trend this Fall.  So are plaid and polka dot.  I love them all so I'm happy, happy, happy!


More black and white with cut-outs.  Too much of anything is simple, too much!  Less is more people!!!

So, what do you all think about the Fall trends available at Forever 21?  

Okay, now on to what I wore.


My dog simple doesn't leave my side.  She photo-bombs so many of my picture, but I love her:)  

I wore my navy blue and white striped dress with my pink cardi.  I still haven't unpacked my shoes so I'm stuck with flip flops and sandals until I can find and unpack that box.  

Happy shopping,
Christin