Loving

I live in NC, so typically we have pretty mild winters. I say "typically" because I don't want to jinx us and we'll have some freak Halloween snow storm. This also means you may need a coat to go from your house to the car, but if you're like me, as soon as the car is warm, you're shedding the coat at the stop light. We are lucky that we don't have to always bundle up in multiple layers and wear heavy coats all winter long.

I found this jacket at Lands End. It's weather resistant, will keep you warm without being super bulky, but the cutest thing they don't even show you on the website. On the inside, they have made big pockets that are bright argyle. It was an unexpected surprise on what is a pretty "basic" jacket. Practical and cute.

I also picked up a pair of these pants in black. I'm debating if I should have bought the camel, but you always need black. I've been wondering about how they fit, so I'll give you my full report later. From trying them on, I liked them. A good fit and a bit of stretch, so that normally equals love in my book.

That is all.

Operation Uniform

Since I stood in my bathtub yesterday and snapped a few photos, I've decided to go ahead and open up this project today. So without fanfare and any notice, here goes ...

I see this project taking shape with the universal theme of giving women ways to not wear sweatpants all day long and how to look more pulled together and polished in a few outfits that may become part of your "uniform."

Just like how when you see the kids going to private school in their navy polo and khaki shorts ... they always look nice and they didn't have to think much about what to wear that morning. Hopefully this will be the same way. Women across the world can finally open their closet, grab a few items, and look great! (I have to laugh here, because I don't have that many readers, but bear with me!)

I would also say, when you link to your post, let us know what you would like advice about ... are you trying to perfect an outfit to wear to your a college roomie's wedding, do you need to pick out a power suit to ask your boss for a raise, do you need a go-to outfit other than black pants and a pink sweater? So, grab your camera and start snapping your outfits, then post it to your blog, and link to it here!

I thought you might get sick of the same pose ... so I sat down for a few. And, I may have to dig out a full length mirror. I get too distracted looking at bath tub toys, or whether or not I have soap scum to concentrate on the photo!

I am wearing:
Gap blue jean jacket, circa ???. This has been one of my staples pieces for year. Every Fall I pull it out and wear it through Spring.
White Ann Taylor loft tee
Gap khaki/greenish pants
Target metallic flats
Target big chunky necklace from a few years ago. (See, I listened to you last week!)

I like this outfit. After taking my photo, I realized that these pants are too big. Normally that would make me happy, but they are big in all the wrong places. I need to find good fitting pants that I can put on with anything. I've been looking at these from Lands End. They are the new modern fit and they can be hemmed to any length. I've had good luck with their sweaters, but I've never ordered pants. Anyone who has bought these before?

Any pants that you love and can't live without? I have loved a few in the past, but I've ended up having issues with many of them ... this pair that I'm wearing being one of them.

So post and link away. I'll keep this up for 2 days, so grab your cameras and share!

Did you know?

That Target has a line of "Fit Solutions" dresses, tops, and jeans from Merona. Leave it to Target to figure out something this ingenious.

I was in today to pick up diapers (shocking) and came across a cute, black v-neck dress. If you follow the link, I tried on the dress that is on the second row, short sleeved dress. It looked like it would be one of those perfect LBD's that could be dressed up or down. I thought it would be a perfect addition to the "uniform" project.

Well, I wish someone would have warned me about the girdle inside the dress. Let's just say I laughed out loud trying to get the dress on, situated, and pulled into position. But, I have to say that it actually worked. I could barely move my legs more than a foot apart, but I looked sucked in without any lumps and bumps.

I didn't purchase it today, but it's definitely something that I may consider. And for $24.99, what's not to love? I will be posting this week about the uniform project, trying to figure out how the link gadgets work, etc. Stay tuned and get your outfits ready!

Fashion critique

Thanks so much for the comments. It's funny, because I thought about putting on a different colored tee under the sweater, but just opted for the white because I saw it hanging in my closet. I will definitely try out a color the next time. And the v-neck/elongate rule ... I usually remember this one!

I think I'll definitely try to make this a weekly installment and hopefully I can post some current clothes and also some new purchases and tips on how to make a good "uniform."

I am such a creature of habit and typically stick to the classics which can sometimes read a bit boring. I like the idea of trying out some necklaces and incorporating a few new pieces that can be used for multiple outfits. I should probably buy this necklace which truly is one of those items that you go "why didn't I think of this!?" My friends started a company and are selling these through their website. I also love the colors in this one. I think either of these are similar to what everyone was talking about, plus I think they are also sturdy enough to withstand two 15-month-olds.

So, if I made this a weekly installment, would anyone else want to play and show us what you're wearing? Maybe we can all share some good ideas, cute shoes, deals and coupons, our new "faves", etc. Any takers out there to post their fashion adventures for the world to see?

Uniform Attempt: Day One

So, I have to post this photo with a few disclaimers.

Yes, I am standing in our bathtub. It's the only full length mirror in the house and yes, I will admit to standing in the tub in heels and a party dress to make sure that everything was in check.

Yes, Hubby ... you will think I am crazy for standing in the tub and taking photos of myself. But, you married me so you probably already know about all of my "quirks."

Yes, there are mirrors all around the tub. Installed by the previous owners. Not what I would have picked, but it does add a lot of light to our bathroom and Maddy and Libby love laughing at themselves in the mirror when they are in the tub. Plus, they also love placing little hand prints all over the mirrors.

So, luckily, all of the items were in my closet, still fit, and work for my uniform attempt.

I am wearing:

Old Navy white cardigan from last year.
White tank from Target, I believe.
My beloved Joe's Jeans.
Pewter flats from Target.
My usual jewelry - wedding rings, Tiffany bracelet, watch, and pearl stud earrings. No necklace because the girls love to pull on them.

This will definitely be good for working from home, running errands, and I would even do this for dinner with Hubby, or a casual outing with friends. The shoes will likely get kicked off, but that's OK because then Maddy and Libby will have two new toys.

A few self-criticizing notes ... these jeans are a little long to wear with flats, the cardi really doesn't do much to define my waist and I wish it were a tad longer, but all in all, this is definitely better than staying in running clothes all day.