Thursday, September 26, 2013 day 21 of year 19

This blue A-line skirt has been in my closet for over 8 years.  It didn't fit after I had my second son but I held on to it and eventually got back into it.  I'm glad I didn't give it away.  It's from Ann Taylor Loft.  It has a side zipper and front kick pleat.  The belt loops are a cute X pattern and the belt came with it.  Today I wore a cuffed short sleeve shirt that has a ruffle that reminds me of a 1970's tuxedo shirt.  It's from Nordstrom Rack.  The shirt is fitted and stays tucked in to the skirt throughout the day.  What Thomas missed in the picture are the blue and white striped shoes that I wore with it.  I'll need to add a picture of them at a later date.  It's been a classy first five weeks of school!

Wednesday, September 25, 2013 day 20 of year 19

This fabulous wrap dress is from Lands End.  It is made from matte jersey and has a nice weight.  The top has a more modest cut than my DVF wrap dresses so I don't need to wear a bandeau bra.  I chose to wear my anchor scarf with the dress for a couple reasons.  One, it matches perfectly and two, it keeps the AC chill off my neck and back.  This is the same anchor scarf from day 5.

When I was in middle and high school I was a member of our local 4-H sewing club.  We chose patterns, created the outfits and had them judged.  During one of my first years, one of the club leaders told me that red was my best color.  It was never a favorite color of mine but I've learned that it can be a flattering color for me.  This past spring pastels were very trendy.  I look horrible in pastels.  I saw them in magazines and in the stores but I knew they weren't for me.  I've learned that it's ok to let a trend go by when you know it's not a flattering trend for you.  

Tuesday, September 24, 2013 day 19 of year 19

Anchors away!

Today's outfit combines red, blue and brown.  The pants are from Lands End.  They are similar to the brown and grey khakis that I've shared here before but they are longer and have a wider opening on the leg.  The anchor shirt I wore on day 3.  It looks different when paired with the red pants and brown jacket.  Over the years I've learned that to get the most from your clothes you need to mix and match.  I don't always have to wear the shirt with white pants.  Navy goes with tons of other colors and styles.  

The jacket is a nice alternative to a cardigan.  The AC is still blasting in my library even though it's cooling off outside which means I need another layer at work to keep from freezing.  This jacket is from Talbots.  I found it at their outlet.  The sleeves are longer but I chose to fold them so that the shirt sleeves peaked out.  There is a hook closure and two small pockets.  I know you'll see the jacket on the blog again as the year goes on.

Monday, September 23, 2013 day 18 of year 19

This nautical seahorse cardigan is from Lands End.  I like that the seahorse is small and not an all-over pattern.  It has some bead detail which Thomas tried to capture in a photo but it didn't really work.  Today I paired it with this cream skirt from J. Crew.  I found the skirt at Vogue Revisited http://www.voguerevisited.com in Baltimore. It has a drop waist, side zipper and is lined.  And yes, that's the same gold belt from last week.  Again it keeps the sweater from being boxy and defines my waist.  This outfit is really comfortable and, I think, still looks classy.

Friday, September 20, 2013 day 17 of year 19

TGIF and Purple Friday!
This Purple Friday I pulled out my black Reebok polo shirt.  Two years ago I got it at a yard sale for $1.  The cargo pants are Merona from Target.  They are the only pair of pants that I've ever gotten from Target because 9 times out of 10 they don't fit.  They are lightweight and perfect for this time of year.  They can be rolled to make them capris but I never wear them as capris.  Capris are never flattering for me and I've finally learned that just because most people are wearing trend doesn't mean it's the right trend for me.  

Thursday, September 19, 2013 day 16 of year 19

Lace and Ruffles!
This lovely black lace skirt is from Nordstrom's.  Last January I went there in search of a dress for a wedding and in the process found this great skirt.  It was on sale for $30.  I knew it was a good deal because I could think of several different tops and shoes to wear with it.  It has a rear zipper, hook and eye closure and is lined.  At the time I tried it on, the sales lady also had me in a $300 Michael Kors top.  That top stayed at Nordstrom but the skirt now lives with me.

The ruffle top is from J. Crew but I picked it up at a yard sale for $3.  It has a very light herringbone pattern and is so feminine.  There is a button closure on the back and the sleeves have several covered buttons on the cuff.  It's not something that I would typically wear but I think it's perfect with this skirt.  Because it's sheer, I wore a black camisole under it.  Remember, elementary school appropriate!

Wednesday, September 18, 2013 day 16 of year 19

Green and white with a touch of gold!
This lovely skirt is from the BCBG outlet at Arundel Mills Mall.  It has a high waist, side zipper and of course is lined!  It has nice detail and is made really well.  Today I paired it with a 3/4 length sleeve cable sweater.  The sweater is a hand-me-down from the same co-worker I mentioned in yesterday's post.

You should recognize the belt from my day 2 post.  It adds a splash of color and defines my waist which keeps the sweater from looking boxy.  It was a super-comfy Wednesday!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013 day 15 of year 19

Grey + pink = cute!
These grey khakis are from Lands End.  As I've said before, I have a hard time finding pants that don't gap at the back of my waist.  These never gap and so I have them in several colors.  The lightest pair I wore on day 13.  I love to get a deal but since these pants fit so nicely, I paid full price for them.  Lands End has tons of sales though and if you give them your email address, you can almost always get free shipping.  The long sleeve t-shirt is a hand-me-down from a former co-worker.  For the last two years, she was cleaning out her closet and every couple of days, I'd come to work to find a bag of clothes on my desk chair!  Thanks Karla!

The grey sweater came from our neighborhood clothing swap.  In exchange for me bringing some pieces of clothes that I no longer wanted, I could look through what the other neighbors brought.  I like this sweater because it's lightweight which makes it perfect for layering.  The cable pattern gives it texture and I can think of several other outfits to wear it with.  Not bad for free!

Monday, September 16, 2013 day 14 of year 19

For all my preppy followers, it's kelly green and blue day!  Both the linen skirt and denim shirt are from J. Crew.  This skirt is so comfortable.  It has an elastic waist and side pockets.  Plus it's lined so it doesn't show panty lines!  Yay!  This is the same denim shirt I wore on day 4 with a red and white skirt.  The polka dot scarf is from a rummage sale for $2.  The sale is a once-a-year fundraiser held at the Evergreen House which is part of Johns Hopkins University.  The sale has women's and men's clothing and accessories.  They even had a "cruise wear" section!  It took some time to go through everything and some items had stains and tears so it was important to look over everything before you purchased it.

As you can see, I also tried something different with the photos for this day's outfit.  It worked with this skirt but the next post with pants was not so good.  I enlisted my 10-year old son Thomas to take the rest of the pictures.  I think he did a pretty good job!