Family, Sushine, and a Blanket....Scarf

Sweater: MICHAEL Michael Kors (similar/under $20); T-Neck: J.Crew (similar); 

Jeans: LOFT (similar); Booties: Farylrobin; Scarf: DIY (fabric Joann's); 

Shades: MbyMJ; Earrings: ?; Ring: Gift

On a chilly weekend afternoon a couple of weeks ago, the family was actually able to go outside for longer than five seconds! It was amazing! I was able to sit and soak up the sun, my son and husband played in the sandbox, and we had a our first picnic in ages. Glorious! 

But because it was still chilly, I needed to warm myself in a blanket.....a blanket scarf that is! Remember that post where I showed you how to make your own and then said I would reveal how I styled it? Well, I styled it three days in a row, wearing the same outfit back to back, and NEVER got a pic! So, what did I do? Make two more scarves and styled one of the three. It was the perfect accessory to the look and the only blanket I needed for the day.  

 

I love this photo, because as you will see below, it prompted a little someone to join me in our backyard shoot!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are kicking off the week in style!

The Coat Alternative

 Sweater: Anthropologie (similar); T-Neck: J.Crew (similar); Jeans: Loft (similar); 

Boots: Steven by Steve Madden (love this pair); Handbag: Pour La Victoire (similar); 

Hat: ? (fun options) Necklace: Target (similar); Gloves: Target

As I've gotten older, I become increasingly aware of how much I'm becoming my mother. It's not just in things I say but my approach to style. She hates wearing a coat. Period! It doesn't matter how cold it is, she refuses to wear a coat. And though I have a closet full of coats, coats I love, I have to admit I hate wearing one! Con, they're bulky. Pro, they're great for keeping you warm. Con, they're a pain when inside stores or restaurants. I would rather freeze for a couple of minutes while walking to the door than to have to deal with the coat once inside. Now, if I'm walking outdoors, or playing in the snow with my son, a coat is perfectly acceptable. Necessary. But just for a few minutes, a serious pain! 

Instead of a coat, I've been opting for a sweater coat. You know, a sweater that's relatively thick, long, wards off the chill, and looks so much more chic! I had all but forgotten about this sweater. It's been since 2011 that I've worn it! And apparently I love to wear versions of teal when I style it! (See before and after.) But I still love it after all these years and will definitely keep it toward the top of the sweater box for future cold days!

The Sweater: Before and After

 

Twice as Nice

Top: LOFT (similar); Shorts: Ann Taylor (fun version); 

Shoes: Kate Spade (cute version on sale); Bracelets: Kate Spade

Ever loved a look so much that you wore twice within the same week? That's what I did with this exact look. Wearing exactly this, I attended the Bloom launch at Tulip Boutique on the Plaza last week and McKinley's Back to School night last night. You gotta love an outfit that will take you from a cocktail party to a preschool classroom!

I don't wear these shorts very often because they are so memorable. When I say memorable, I mean I find them a challenge to style, so when you do see me wear them, you may remember them from the last time. What I like about this particular styling is that the uber feminine top keeps the shorts grounded. When I wore them before, the t-neck shell made them feel too heavy.

Styling Tip: When wearing shorter length shorts, keep your top on the modest side. Show only one body part at a time. And, try to wear heels when possible. They give the illusion of longer legs, especially a nude pair!

The Shorts: Before and After

   Which styling version do you like better? The before or now?

Hope you're having a stylish week!

XOXO