October 28, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 28}


Red, gray and black; all we need now is a hat of some sort. Color and pattern, the perfect pair.

Do you have three colors that you always seem to combine?


October 27, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 27}


Basic black and red, but basic can be classy.

What's your go-to classy outfit?


Day 28


October 26, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 26}


Oh the simpleness of a beautiful fall, day. This is comfort at it's finest, give me a t-shirt, skirt and scarf then I am set!

What's your favorite comfort set?


Day 27

October 25, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 25}



Denim with a touch of polka dot. What's not to love? :)


What do you pair polka dots with?


Day 26

October 24, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 24}


Nothing goes better with skinny, red jeans than a lacey shirt and Toms! This is such a comfortable outfit to wear (how many times have I said "comfortable" in this series? it's a theme).

Do you love lace in your wardrobe?


Day 25

October 23, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 23}


The flowing blouse with the a-line skirt just work so well in this combination. Of course I have to add yellow tights for a zing of color!

Do you like a-line skirts?

Day 24

October 22, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 22}


My striped cardigan belted over the denim dress with black pumps. This can be for a casual day at home or for meeting up for coffee.

What's your favorite coffee date outfit?

Day 23




October 21, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 21}


It's the clash of the colors! (I seem to love doing this) The wrap shirt adds classiness to the modern red jeans.

What do you like to pair with modern red, jeans?


Day 22




A Season of Sadness



Last week my mother-in-law passed away. It's been a blur since then. I think it's strange how we deal with death in America. So many things have to be cancelled and taken care of right away, leaving the family no quiet time to grieve. My husband has been crazy busy with all the necessities, and little time to just sit with the sudden loss of his mom.

It's been a sad, weary week.

I would love to share many tender things about my mother-in-law, but I can't focus. She was a beautiful woman and took me in as a daughter. I will always be grateful for her friendship.

I am taking some time off to process. Thank you for your thoughts and understanding.




October 20, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 20}


If Peter Pan believes in fairies, then I can believe in scarves. This is my all-time favorite one and I wear it so often it's ridiculous. People love it too because they'll forget they've told me they love it and tell me again. This is fall, mixed patterns full of leaf hues.

What are your favorite fall colors?


Day 21

October 19, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 19}


My maxi dress all by itself. The long skirt with sleeveless bodice, is great for the fluctuating weather of our finicky fall.

Do you have a  piece that is great in multiple temperatures?

Day 20

October 18, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 18}


A little more business casual with a button-down shirt, scarf and colorful flats. This one give the air of ready to work, yet not too stuffy.

What's your favorite colored flats?

Day 19

October 17, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 17}



My favorite denim dress with a simple black tee belted over the top and Toms. Can't get more comfy than that!

Do you wear t-shirts over dresses?

Day 18

October 16, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 16}


I'm a little behind because of a death in the family, but I had these ready and I want to post them in order. This is my maxi dress with gray cardigan and boots; the bliss of Autumn. I love the swish of the long skirt and the skimming fabric.

Ah fall, I love you so!

Is there something that screams fall for you?


Day 17


October 15, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 15}


It's been raining the last few days, which calls for a raincoat. This is mine, a plaid one.  I wish I'd shot a photo of it in full buttoned up, because it's fun and adds a little flair to today's outfit. I may trade my boots out for goulashes, but we'll see how deep the puddles get first. 

My son has a football game tonight so I may be wet and freezing; but what's a football game if you're not a little miserable, right?

Do you have special outerwear you prefer in the rain?

October 14, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 14}


Denim dress + floral wrap blouse. This wrap blouse gives the outfit a dressier edge but it's all comfort underneath. I love wearing tights, have I mentioned that? ;) They're like leggings to me, warm and cozy. They tie-in to give the appearance of longer legs, which I can always use a little more of! Not to mention covering my lack of a tan.

I hope you're ready for the week on this Monday morning. Anything interesting planned?


Day 15 -->


October 13, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 13}


The polka-dot blouse makes this combination a little dressier, but the skirt keeps it in the casual category. I'm really fond of elastic waist blouses; they are flattering for my body shape and comfortable. This is something I would wear to a meeting or grabbing coffee with a friend. This outfit gives me a get-something-accomplished kind of feeling.


Do you have a get-things-accomplished outfit?


Day 14 -->


October 12, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 12}


Romantic and fun oozes from this outfit. I love the combination of lace and denim. This outfit takes me from Micheal's searching for the right art supplies to the library to pick up my newest stash of awaiting books. 

Do you have outfits that just make you feel romantic?




October 11, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 11}


My youngest daughter picked out this shirt for me when we were shopping one afternoon. I wasn't going to get it but she insisted and I'm so glad she did. I have loved this shirt to death! It's a button-down, but not stuffy. It's roomy, but not sloppy. It's just a great shirt to wear dressed up or down. And I love how it goes with multiple colors. I'm pairing it today with my red jeans just because I want a big ole splash of color. And I'm wearing my (painted) gray Toms to make it casual.

Some days just beg for ease and today is one of those, it's Friday after all. I always look forward to the beginning of the weekend, even if we have no plans. I actually prefer no plans. Since it seems fall is here to stay, I'm contemplating baking a few goodies just to celebrate and perhaps pair them with a pumpkin spice latte. I might go out on the porch tomorrow for a late morning brunch with the birds; they love to nest in our bushes.

What do you have planned for the weekend?



October 10, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 10}


Pattern Palooza, I know; but you'll have to trust me that this looks more cohesive in person. :) I'm not usually a multiple patterns sort of person, but I like this combination. And comfy? Ahhh, yes. My favorite kind of outfit.

You know, so far all the outfits have been combined with only 18 items. It's making me wonder if I could manage with less than 33. I've attempted 10 for a few weeks before, but I wonder if over the long-haul I could stick with it. The thing is, I want to simplify not just to challenge to myself but because I know in the long-run it would help save money and it would benefit the planet. If everyone buys less clothing and wears used clothing, it would cut down on so much waste. But we're a consumeristic society, so I don't expect that to happen overnight; I just want to do my part. I actually find I'm more creative when I have limits so this is a fun challenge for me.

Do you mix patterns?

October 9, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 9}


Oh you sweet little lacy shirt, you! I always feel super romantic in this outfit, it reminds me of Italy for some reason. The colors are earthy and I love that. It says more with pattern than with color. I feel relaxed wearing this and yet whimsical. Relaxed and whimsical...some advertising person should add those words to their marketing strategies. ;)

I'm working on the house today, specifically my son's bedroom. We have some new furniture coming, thanks to my sister's move, and I need to make sure we have the space for it. His room's been needing a re-do for awhile but it's been on my back-burner; time for it to take the lead in my priorities.

Do you have clothes that remind you of other countries?

Day 10 -->


October 8, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 8}

This is one of two scarves I have in my fall set of 33 items. I adore this scarf! It goes with so many outfits, it's soft and large enough to create many different styles. It's also versatile enough to open as a small blanket if I get really cold, or while traveling. I like how it pulls two solid colored pieces together into an outfit.

The cold front continues. I want to believe it's here to stay and that we have moved officially into Fall, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up. I've been majorly cleaning out the house and now I've got boxes stacked in the garage waiting for me to go through them or to be loaded up and carried off to Goodwill. I don't have the excuse of it being too hot out there now, so time to get with it.

Do you love wearing scarves?




October 7, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 7}


Today is quiet and cold, just how I love it. Two of my kiddos are sick, so I envision an afternoon full of reading under blankets. This is my favorite denim dress again with a 3/4 sleeve t-shirt underneath. Yes, those tights are pink and may seem super-bright, they don't appear quite so neon when they're on. I like the little hint of color they allow. :)

I'll keep this post short as I need to get back to playing nurse. Wishing you a great day!

What's your favorite sick-at-home activity?


Day 8 -->


October 6, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 6}


Purple is my favorite. I only have two pieces with purple in my wardrobe but they are well-worn and well-loved. :) Today is still cool, I'm actually COLD in my house which is really nice for someone who's been uncomfortably warm lately. I ended up throwing a cardigan over this outfit because I just needed a bit extra warmth.

This is one of my my happy outfits. It has two bright colors that I love and it just screams the excitement I feel inside about this beautiful change in the weather. I don't know what it is about fall...it may have something to do with the fact I met my husband in Autumn. And we were married a year later in the winter ~ outrunning a winter storm the whole way from our reception to our honeymoon. So yes, cooler days remind me of these sweet memories and I can't help but smile.

Do you have a "happy" color?


Day 7 -->


October 5, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 5}


Today is supposed to be cool and downright cold tonight (at least cold for those of us in midwest U.S.). I am like a kid on holiday, I shine in cooler weather. See, even the word, cooler, reveals that it's "cool". Falling temperatures are my signal to pull out my favorite thick tights and pair them with a fun, flippy outfit. And boots of course, you canNOT forget the boots; they're a fall staple!

This would be fun for an outing to the museum or the pumpkin patch. It's presentable enough to look dressed up but comfy enough for me. Favorite denim dress + beloved button-down + fun speckled tights = fall perfection.

What's your go-to item in the fall?


Day 6 -->


October 4, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 4}


It's a little hard to tell in this picture, but the jacket is a wine color. It appears brown, but it's closer to purple in real life. It's one of my favorite pieces because it just fits so well (aka: makes me look thinner) and it's incredibly versatile. I've been amazed at the patterns and colors it pairs well with.

My sweet sister bought me this maxi dress. I love it because the fabric is fabulously soft and the neckline is flattering; it's high enough to things modest which keeps me comfortable. This dress is perfect for so many occasions, casual and a bit dressier. I love wearing it out to parties or girl's nights, but it's just as great for a day of picking up kids from school.

Do you have a jacket you love?


Day 5 -->


October 3, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 3}


I wear this striped cardigan often. It's incredibly comfortable and perfect for having just enough warmth. I paired it with my army green skirt (a-line) and boots. These boots have been with me for so long and they've served me well; but I have a new pair picked out for my birthday in November. I'm allowing myself replacements if it's truly needed and as long as I get rid of the old version.

Limiting my wardrobe is actually freeing me in so many ways. Having less to choose from takes away the burden of shuffling through ALL THE THINGS and lets me focus on clothes I love that fit well. It's a relief to pull out any piece that is currently hanging in my wardrobe knowing it will fit me and that I love it. Also, I purposely chose a color scheme which is helping enormously to pair multiple clothes together. Most of the pieces in my closet go with every other piece in my closet. That cuts down on the "oh-no-the-shirt-that goes-with-this-skirt-is-dirty" syndrome because every other shirt goes with it too!

What colors do you gravitate to in your wardrobe?



Day 4 -->


October 2, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 2}


I love this little denim dress. It's simple and versatile; light and easy for layering. I paired it with Toms to keep the outfit casual. This is one of  my go-to outfits for running out the door on errands. It is a tad bit short so I do wear shorts underneath just in case the wind decides to flip the skirt.

I used to shy away from dresses and skirts, but a few years ago I gave them another chance. I found that one dress, being a complete outfit, was wonderfully quick for throwing on and hurrying out the door. It made me look put-together when I'd taken five minutes. It cut down my get-ready time so much that I began wearing them more. None of my dresses are too fancy (remember my style is comfy classic), but they have the capacity to be dressed up with scarves, jewelry and heels.

Do you like wearing dresses?

October 1, 2013

31 Days of Simple Outfits {Day 1}



Since I've been focusing on simplifying my life and limiting my clothing, shoes and accessories, I thought it'd be fun to show a different outfit each day of October from my small allotment. Sometimes having boundaries helps my creativity and I love the challenge of mixing things up. I want to prove to myself that having a small amount of clothes doesn't limit my options. I'm obviously not a fashionista, but I do want to look presentable. So I'm hoping by the end of this month I'll have a nice group of pictures to reference and hope that it'll inspire you too. My style is self-defined as comfy classic. 

Today's outfit is French-inspired. I love the brightness of the red jeans against the polka-dot blouse. This outfit makes me feel professional with a splash of fun. The flowing fabric is flattering and the elastic waistline highlights my waist. I'm an artist and love color. Red is one of my favorite accent colors but I use it sparingly. I only have this one pop of red in my entire wardrobe. Colored jeans really help a limited wardrobe stretch. It creates more crossover for mixing and matching.

I'm joining up with the The Nesting Place's 31 Days Challenge. There are so many great subjects, you should check it out!

What is your favorite accent color?


Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13, Day 14, Day 15, Day 16, Day 17, Day 18, Day 19, Day 20, Day 21, Day 22, Day 23, Day 24, Day 25, Day 26, Day 27, Day 28,

Hello October, Hello Simplicity


I've been debating Project 333 for awhile and finally decided to join this year for the Fall session (you know how I love a good challenge). I've been cleaning out and getting rid of tons of stuff: clothes, books and whatever. Can I let you in on a little secret? It feels amazing!! Me and simplicity are bff's now.

Sooo, I'm joining the challenge of wearing only 33 items of clothing/accessories/shoes (not including undergarments, pajamas, workout or lounge wear) for the next 3 months (333, see?). (You can read more about it here.) I thought it'd be fun to share my 33 items with you. I apologize for the poor photo quality, I was rushing and my camera batteries were dying. I only photographed the clothes but I'll try to show you my accessories and shoes in another post when I update my progress.

Here's the breakdown:

2 Cardigans and 1 Sweater

 2 Coats
 3 Dresses
 2 Jackets
 4 Jeans/Pants
 2 Skirts
 10 Tops

I've chosen to stay within four colors: Black, Purple, Gray, and Blue. I also added red as a splash of color and tones of green in one skirt and some blouses. I made sure all the pieces went together so assembling outfits would be easy. I tried to choose various patterns so I wouldn't get bored or have outfits look too similar (my scarves add additional colors and patterns).

Although this wardrobe needs to last through December, I chose light fabrics and more short-sleeve tops than long-sleeve because lately my body barometer has been crazy. I decided to focus on layers since they can help to stay warm or be shed to cool off. If the weather gets super cold, I'll trade out lighter fabrics for heavier ones.

Do you think 33 items is too small for a wardrobe? Have you ever limited your closet?