Outfits Not Just Clothes

 Since I am now in my Diane Keaton Style Era, there is a trouser silhouette that's been on my radar. Madewell's the Harlow Pant . I first read about these trousers here back in February but hadn't pulled the trigger on buying. Instead, I've finally gone to the source (Madewell at Ross Park Mall ) to try on IRL...  trousers , sweater , dress --Madewell, t-shirt- For Days , flats- Allbirds The last pic belies my love of blue stripes... But what do we think? I'm not sure the cut of these trousers is all that flattering on me. I'm not loving them, but I am intrigued by them. I like that I can wear them with flats vs the wide-legged pants that require heels if not hemming.  But again, how flattering are these pants? Is this a pass? I do find myself attracted to this silhouette when I see it online, and out in the wild, but I just don't think it serves me, even though it gives high Keaton vibes.  I didn't end up buy any of the pairs I tired, but I did pick up ...

It's that time of year again, The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is upon us!!!! Early access for cardholders starts today! Even though we are still in the haggardly throes of a sticky hot summer, I'm doing a bit of self-care daydreaming about the crisp-cool weather ahead and browsing sweaters.  Halogen Three Quarter Sleeve Sweater Just a simple form-fitting pink sweater. I like unexpected shades like pastels for fall, just as much as the classic autumnal tones.  Halogen Open Front Cardigan Speaking of autumnal, a vibrant red cardi will carry you from October into the holidays.  Chevron Knit Cashmere Sweater This pullover reminds me of the blue sweater John Candy wore in The Great Outdoors , in a good way.  All in Favor Bishop Sleeved Sweater And a little unexpected sleeve-drama for you in this faux-wrap pullover.  As always, by this point of the summer I start yearning for fall. But this year especially, I'm chopping at the bit for crisp cool weather and layered lo...

In yesterday's post I reveled in the challenge of re-purposing my dresses into maternity tunics, but there are two sides to every outfitting coin and I'm finding work-appropriate maternity top options to be dwindling here as of late. I'm not a fan of actual maternity shirts because they really ONLY work with a bump. The close-fitting kind are just NOT flattering postpartum, and the more voluminous shirts are WAY too big after baby arrives. Plus, I find it hard to justify a new purchase (and get pumped for it) if I only have three more months to wear it.  So I'm looking to tunic options, particularly from ModCloth (I have a store credit) and in thinking ahead to the fall, wanting a shirt that'll see me through the rest of my pregnancy, during my postpartum period, and be a cute piece for my return to work.  Cast your votes in the comments!  A. Cotton Floral Tunic I have this same shirt in chambray, seen here  and here , so it's a proven piec...

We are approximately 4 weeks out from Easter and I've started thinking about my traditional Easter Dress options.  You may recall some of my past Easter-time looks here and here . I tend to go for simple, yet striking patterns in unexpected colors. This year, being full-on pregs I'm all for functional options, that aren't necessarily maternity-wear. I'm not 100% sure on what direction I want to take, so I'm putting up these picks for a a vote!  A. Anne Klein Midi from Macy's This fun frock also has pockets AND a drawstring to customize the silhouette, which is ideal for my bump action.  B. Faux Wrap Dress from Wren & Ivory Wren & Ivory offers bump-friend and post-pregnancy garments that are functional with a romantic twist. I like the muted tones of this dress, which are nicely balanced by the floral pattern on the bodice.  C. Feeling Serene Maxi from ModCloth I'm not quite sure how well this maxi will fit my expa...

The weather is finally starting to break here in Pittsburgh, so OOTDs are coming soon! In the meantime I've started by my Shopping List of Must Haves for 2018. Carrier Bag This crossbody/shoulder bag hybrid from Moop is more than I usually spend on a day bag, but I'm ready to invest and upgrade! The neutral grey and waxed canvas makes this versatile and highly functional, both of which are must-have features for my Must-Haves of 2018, Momma ain't playin!  Waterproof Boot Speaking of functional and versatile, I'm in the market for a black, waterproof boot! This option from Nordstrom has tread and is nondescript is a good way, as in it doesn't look like a snowboot, just a neutral black boot, perfect for the office in winter. I'm very much over wearing a functional pair of shoes to get to work, then changing into a stylish pair for being at work. I want footwear that can serve me all day long. That's not asking too much, right? Vest Dre...

Last week I highlighted some unique and affordable gift options from Rituals in this post . Today I want to feature a new take on a more traditional gift--SOCKS! Particularly, fun and functional socks instead of the boring ones your Aunt Lucy used to crookedly knit for you each year.  I've recently discovered Bombas !   "Derived from the Latin word for bumblebee. Bees live in a hive and work together to make their world a better place. They're small, but their combined actions have a big impact on the world. We like that. That's why our mantra is bee better. We knit it on the inside of every pair of Bombas as a reminder that you helped someone in need with your purchase. And a reminder that little improvements can add up to make a big difference. Socks are the #1 most requested clothing item at homeless shelters. We started Bombas to make an impact on our community here in the U.S. For every pair you purchase, we donate a pair to someone in need." So, n...

It's always a pleasure to find a new company/brand/product/website especially at this time of year when searching for unique gifts. Thanks to a beauty article in the October issue of Glamour I came across Rituals -- Inspired by the wisdom and ancient traditions of Asian cultures, we created an extensive collection of luxurious yet affordable products for home and body. We hope to enrich your life using unique signature fragrances that are carefully designed and composed by the world’s finest perfumers. So far I have these items in my cart as potential gifts: Night Balm for Hands I'm thinking of picking up several bottles of this night balm for those "just in case" for when someone unexpected surprises with a present and you feel obligated to gift in return. Also, this will be great for daycare teachers, work friends, the neighbor lady who gets the mail when you're out of town, etc.   Mini Fragrance Sticks Hello, hostess gift! Especially f...

I'm a big fan of both standard and novelty printed button-downs, especially to liven up everyday work wear, as seen here , here , and here .  And what better time to add to my roster of patterned shirts the now, to take advantage of those "Back to School" sales.  But, I'm having trouble deciding and need your help. Here are some of my top picks!  A. This Batik-esque is more of a summer-time print, but navy n' white are a season-less color-combo that works all year round! AND, it's on sale over at Wildfang ! B. Also from Wildfang this animal-printed beauty, which I think would totally rock with darker suit for fall & winter.   C. A third Wildfang option featuring sailboats, because sailboats! D. From Landsend , this shirt is no longer available in this print, but there are additional options to choose from. I like that this is a tunic and can be worn both for work and on the weekends.   E. From ModClo...