formulas and recipes

Here's an outfit I'd wear again, not pregnant. I'd change a few things, though - no maternity top or jeans. Instead, I'd choose my regular skinnies + a favorite gray v-neck. Pair it with the same jacket, scarf and accessories, and this is one of those easy outfit formulas that can be repeated while gestating or not.

What's your go-to outfit "formula" or "recipe" lately?

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

heart eye emoji

If you've read this blog for longer than a hot minute, you'll know that I LOVE chambray (heart-eye emoji love). And you also knew it was only a matter of time before I found a maternity chambray to please my denim-loving soul.

This shirt comes to me from the mecca of inexpensive clothing - Target. It came with a chambray sash to tie over my belly, but I'm not sure that look is for me. At least, not today. Instead, I plan to wear it untied, as above, until I can no longer squeeze into my old faithful favorite.

Chambray is such a great back drop for anything you might plan to wear, so kudos to whoever designed this ombre maternity chambray for this expecting girl (and others!) to wear and be sassy.

chambray: (maternity) Target

ikat print scarf: WalMart

black pants: (maternity) PinkBlush

cobalt flats: Calvin Klein

30 for 30: day 19 + day 20

day 19

Cobalt & ikat.

And gray.

And dots.

And tassels.

So we have a bit of print-mixing going on here, but from a distance. And lots of neutrals, broken up by a fair amount of cobalt. Not my favorite look from this collection of 30 outfits (“collection.” sounds so fancy.), but not bad, either. Perfect for work, then seeing a girlfriend and playing closet. Then rolling on in to my parent’s house well after midnight…YOLO?

cobalt sweater: GAP Outlet

gray skinnies: c/o Aéropostale

ikat scarf: WalMart

flats: Target

day 20

This sweatshirt dress is such a favorite of mine (maybe most favorite?). The color, the fit, the warmth, the fact that I can easily dress it up or down, wear it with tights or leggings and boots, or bare legs and sandals.

However, as with all dresses, I find it difficult to style it differently (almost) every time I wear it. It’s not that I’m opposed to wearing the same outfit over and over again, but I do like to challenge myself to find new ways to wear my clothes. Then I can really maximize the use/wearing of items in my closet. I do this by changing out my shoes, accessories, jewelry, layers, and bags.

Sometimes I’m more successful than others.

All of that to say, I’m about stumped on ways to wear this dress differently than I already have – I’ve done sandals, tights and boots, and almost every scarf that would look decent with this all navy dress. Any more ideas?

sweatshirt dress: J. Crew Factory

scarf: gift (Old Navy)

sandals: Target

crossbody bag: thrifted

linking up at Elegantly Dressed & Stylish

30 for 30: day 6

A few weeks ago, some girlfriends got together and brunched. Then they shopped. Then the out-of-towners headed home, and the local girls barbecued and created funny commentaries.

Before, during, and after dinner, I loved on my friend's sweet sweet dogs. One was even lucky enough to be featured in my blog pictures. His name is Marley. He is the biggest softy who just can't get enough loving and attention, much like my own pups. We are best friends.

And the above outfit is what I wore to brunch, shop, eat, love on sweeties, and crack myself up - it was a pretty great Saturday.

pink sleeveless blouse: H&M

black skirt: from a friend

black flats: Target

ikat print scarf: WalMart

statement necklace: WalMart

me & my local friend, Chelsea
if she looks familiar, it's because you saw her the other day


linking up for the Spotlight Weekly Link Up

30 for 30: day 2 + day 3

Hope you all had a great Easter weekend - mine was very low key. I didn't get out of my pajamas until after 3 yesterday. My Dad had surgery last week, so I kept him company and doled out pain meds while my Mom worked (kept company/hung out, NOT babysit or took care of). We watched a lot of Prison Break (a favorite from high school/college) on NetFlix, ate lots of ice cream, and nerded out. It was great. And he is on the mend - I think my company over the weekend helped to speed up his recovery. That, and my jokes ;)

That being said, here are 2 looks for this post-Easter-candy hangover Monday - days 2 and 3 of my 30 for 30 style challenge.

After my wordy posts this weekend, I'm going to keep it short today.

Unintentionally, both looks feature a bright top/light sweater, printed scarf, dark skinnies and flats.

Wasn't even planned, just seemed to work out so well the first time that I though I'd try it again for the next day.

day 2

green top: Old Navy

floral scarf: thrifted

statement necklace: local consignment shop

skinny jeans: c/o Aéropostale

tassled flats: Target

day 3

blue sweater: GAP Outlet

ikat scarf: WalMart

faux leather jacket: Target

black skinnies: Target

black flats: Target

you do not

I know yesterday I talked about being cold and wearing a beanie for warmth + several other layers + furry boots + a down vest. But today, it's all about a chambray dress, light scarf, bare legs, and boots.

When the temperature reaches the 60s in the middle of winter, and the sun is shining,

you do not question.

You do not wear 18 layers.

You do not pass GO.

You do not stop to collect $200.

You wear a dress, ditch the tights, and ditch the heavy jackets.

At least for a few days.

dress: Kohl's

henley: Express

cardigan: Banana Republic

scarf: WalMart

boots: Nordstrom

casual + sweater #5

 A casual look today. This tee is from volunteering at a bike event, Tour de Fat, a few years ago (worn a few times previously: here and over here). I really love the color and the bike logo, so it has yet to be relegated to my old t-shirt drawer. Instead, it hangs in my closet, with the rest of my “more than t-shirts” tops. And of course, some of my favorite go-to items: skinnies and my new Frye boots I just can’t get enough of. And this cardigan makes sweater number 5.

One of my friends (below) was in town recently, so we got together with one of my besties and went to dinner.

Andy & I

Lara & Andy 

Lara & I

Lara and I, without planning, managed to look pretty similar before we even left the house: dark colored down coats, dark skinnies, the SAME style of boots (she's had hers several years longer than I), and bags carried the same exact way (not planned).
So of course we documented our best friend-i-ness & matchiness.


shirt: Tour de Fat
cardigan: local consignment shop
scarf: WalMart
jeans: c/o Aéropostale
boots: The Frye Company via Nordstrom
coat: Coldwater Creek
bag: TJ Maxx