5 Fall Fashion Must Haves

Unfortunately, it feels more like summer around here than fall this week. But that doesn't stop my love of fall fashion. Ever since my mom took me back to school shopping when I was little, I have had a mad love affair with fall fashion: boots, jackets, sweaters - BRING IT. I would bring my haul home, rip off the tags and try everything on, spending time creating different outfits and matching the new with the old to make even MORE outfits.

Based on my recent trip to the mall, little has changed. I still love fall fashion - it's my favorite season because you can really wear piratically anything. And while that may seem overwhelming, there are a few key pieces that you should have in your wardrobe. These pieces will work with things you already own, to expand your options and carry you into winter. What are these magical fall fashion pieces? I'm so glad you asked . . .

Outfit Inspiration - Black and White Stripes Paired With Denim

What am I going to wear today? Do you ask yourself this question EVERY. DANG. MORNING.?? I know I do. Much of the time I spend getting ready each day, is spent putting together the perfect outfit. Back in the day, I used to pour through magazines looking for inspiration. These days, Instagram and Pinterest are my two top sources for outfit inspiration.

It's my belief that Instagram and Pinterest should be for inspiring people - not getting them to buy things (although plenty of people do it very successfully and there's nothing wrong with that-that's just not why I'm there). When I scroll through pretty pictures on Instagram, I'm inspired to pull out similar pieces from my own closet, or make a similar meal for my own family. When I post pictures and links there myself, it's with the intent to do the same for you, my friends, readers and followers. I want to plant an idea in your head that you can run with and add joy to your life.

I found such inspiration over the weekend in the Instagram feed of Carley Barton.  Carley posted an adorable picture of a simple black and white striped dress with a chambray shirt worn jacket-style. So simple and classic, it got my wheels turning. I don't have a dress like that - although it's been on my "to buy" list forever. Maybe someday I'll find one. But I do have a black and white striped t-shirt . . .and black ankle pants . . .and a chambray shirt.

Three Looks for One Outfit

I don't know about you, but every few weeks I fall into the "I have NOTHING to wear" trap. I feel as if I've already worn everything I own, and either my shoes or the weather aren't "right" for anything I have. In this week's fashion post, we're going to talk a little bit about changing up your outfits to make them look and feel a little different.

As I say all the time, I spend the majority of my clothing budget on basic pieces. Every once in a while I will splurge on a trendy piece, but I typically stick to classic lines and colors. I find the clothes have a much longer shelf life this way, which is good for my budget and my outfit options.

What I Wore - Summer Cravings from prAna and Stonyfield

What do you crave this summer? How about a beautiful, sustainably-made top that can be worn all summer long? How about long, leisurely summer days, stretched out before you? Maybe an organic, whole milk Greek yogurt that can be dressed up with jam or fresh summer fruit for a sweet treat, or used for dips and recipes when you want something a little more savory? Sounds pretty perfect - doesn't it?

3 Tips for Styling Cropped Pants

Well I don't know about where you live, but over Memorial Day Weekend, Summer weather arrived here with a vengeance. The temperatures soared into the 90s, and it was finally time to break out the shorts, flip flops and those beloved cropped pants. Each Wednesday, I share real fashion ideas and inspiration to help you get dressed in the mornings and highlight at least one outfit that I'm wearing right now, as well as provide tips for finding great outfits in your own closet. This week, I'm sharing three tips for styling your cropped pants.

There's a lot of discussion about cropped pants and whether they are "in style" or not. The first thing I am going to tell you, is that if you Google cropped pants, every big name has them in stock: J. Jill, Old Navy, Nordstrom, Macy's. So, while you may not see them in the fashion magazines, real women such as ourselves are buying them and wearing them.

What to Wear for Your Summer Workout

Time for another weekly fashion post. Each Wednesday, I share real fashion ideas and inspiration to help get you dressed in the mornings. I highlight at least one outfit that I'm wearing right now, as well as provide tips for finding great outfits in your own closet. This week, let's talk about summer workout wear.

Summer is coming. For me, even though it's hot, I tend to work out more often in the summer. Whether it's a morning yoga routine or an evening family stroll after dinner, I like to get outside and enjoy the summer. There's no need to look sloppy or unstylish while you do it. The days of gym shorts and your husband's t-shirt are over.  There are a million options, in every budget for stylish workout wear. So pick up a great pair of yoga pants, a skort or a pair of board shorts and get moving!

4 Ways to Rock a Spring Jacket

The calendar may say spring, but the weather says fall! This spring I am wearing LOTS of jackets and cardigans. Luckily over the past few years, I've put in a nice selection of them to choose from. One of my favorites, is this Redford Jacket I discovered and received through my ambassadorship with Aventura Clothing.

It has a classic denim jacket style, but comes in a variety of colors and is a lighter weight. I have always had trouble with traditional denim jackets being too stiff and bulky to fit my curves. This jacket is thinner, but still delivers all the style of the classic. I have it in both black and white and I really want another color. Maybe this chamomile one!

Wearing the Color Coral

Welcome to another weekly fashion post, where I share real fashion for real women. Each week, I highlight at least one outfit that I'm wearing right now, as well as provide ideas and inspiration to help you get dressed in the mornings. Life is hard, getting dressed shouldn't be. This week, let's discuss the color, coral.

It's no secret that I have a thing for pink. Maybe it's because I am raising two boys, with no little girl to dress up. Maybe I have always secretly loved pink (that's true). But pink can get boring or predictable, so it's always good to have another color in your toolbox. For me, that color is coral. A mix of pink and orange, coral makes a nice cool statement in the spring and summer.

Anything But Basic: How-to Style a T-Shirt and Jeans

Welcome to another weekly fashion post, where I share real fashion for real women. Each week, I highlight at least one outfit that I'm wearing right now, as well as provide ideas and inspiration to help you get dressed in the mornings. Life is hard, getting dressed shouldn't be. This week let's talk about how to style everyone's favorite basics: a t-shirt and jeans.

There is probably no more American clothing than a basic t-shirt and a pair of jeans. But this favorite stand-by doesn't have to be basic or boring. These days, t-shirts come in a wide variety of colors and textures. Many have embellishments and design details that make them more of a "blouse" then a basic t-shirt. In today's post, I'm featuring several pieces from my Spring Aventura Clothing Ambassador partnership.

Top - Aventura Clothing Mina Top | Jeans - Ann Taylor Modern Skinny Ankle | Tank - Aventura Clothing | Sneakers - Converse | Necklace - Tiffany

Support Your Team In Style

Welcome to another weekly fashion post, where I share real fashion for real women. Each week, I highlight at least one outfit that I'm wearing right now, as well as provide ideas and inspiration to help you get dressed in the mornings. Life is hard, getting dressed shouldn't be. This week let's talk about how you can support your favorite team, and still look stylish.

 Jeans - Ann Taylor Modern Skinny Ankle | Tank - Aventura Clothing Brienne Tank | Shirt - Villanova University Bookstore | Sneakers - Kate Spade | Earrings - Michael Kors | Bracelets - Alex and Ani, Tiffany

It seems as if there is always a reason for my kids to be wearing their school colors or spirit wear. We just wrapped up the NCAA Championship, with hometown heroes, the Villanova Wildcats taking home the trophy. It's baseball season. Every time we turn around, there's a reason to show some team spirit. These days, there's no reason to look frumpy when you do it.

Style Watch: The Wrap Dress

Welcome to another weekly fashion post, where I share real fashion for real women. Each week, I highlight at least one outfit that I'm wearing right now, as well as provide ideas and inspiration to help you get dressed in the mornings. Life is hard, getting dressed shouldn't be. This week let's talk about a style powerhouse - the wrap dress.

Last week, I attended a workshop and the presenter was wearing the most fabulous wrap dress. While it was a pretty pattern, it wasn't anything "special," but she looked pulled-together, polished and comfortable. The perfect outfit - right? Needless to say that after the presentation, I not only thanked her for all her valuable information, but also complimented her on her great dress.  Then I went home and dug mine out of my closet.

Jeans - How Many is Too Many?

Welcome to another weekly fashion post, where I share real fashion for real women. Each week, I highlight at least one outfit that I'm wearing right now, as well as provide ideas and inspiration to help you get dressed in the mornings. Life is hard, getting dressed shouldn't be. This week let's talk about Jeans.

Is it possible to have too many jeans? I guess it probably is, but a well-rounded current-day wardrobe should probably contain at least 4 pairs: black, white, dark denim, and a comfy, everyday pair. I am in the process of trying to find a new pair of faded, everyday jeans as my favorite pair has finally worn out. And while distressed jeans are still popular, sadly these have holes in all the WRONG places!

On-Trend: Wearing Floral Patterns

Welcome to another weekly fashion post, where I share real fashion for real women. Each week, I highlight at least one outfit that I'm wearing right now, as well as provide ideas and inspiration to help you get dressed in the mornings. Life is hard, getting dressed shouldn't be.This week lets' discuss a trend for spring: floral pattern.

If you've been out doing any spring shopping, you've probably seen vibrant floral patterns on everything from shirts to shoes. And these are not your grandmother's flower prints. Today's floral prints are rich in color and design, and can really bring interest to basic pieces. My mom got me a great floral shirt from Lands End for my birthday, and I finally gave a wear. 

 Pants - Ann Taylor Loft (old) | Shirt - Lands End | Tank - Aventura Clothing | Shoes - Clark's | Necklace - Tiffany | Earrings - Michael Kors

Tips for Dressing for Television

Welcome to another weekly fashion post, where I share real fashion for real women. Each week, I highlight at least one outfit that I'm wearing right now, as well as provide ideas and inspiration to help you get dressed in the mornings. Life is hard, getting dressed shouldn't be. This week let's talk about what looks good on television.

Not that I am any expert, but I have been fortunate to appear on television a few times, and it's something I would be thrilled to do more often. But my latest adventure, had me in the studio audience rather than in front of the camera. . .but you never know, right?  Some long-time girlfriends and I headed up to see LIVE! With Kelly and Michael in NYC a few weeks ago.

What I Wore: A Black Denim-Style Jacket

Welcome to another weekly fashion post, where I share real fashion for real women. Each week, I highlight at least one outfit that I'm wearing right now, as well as provide ideas and inspiration to help you get dressed in the mornings. Life is hard, getting dressed shouldn't be. This week we're going to look at a simple black jacket, that's perfect for spring weather.

Years ago, I had my "colors" done, and much to my chagrin, I learned I was a "summer." I didn't much care for the predominately pastel pallet of the summer colors, I liked the vibrant winter and fall pallets much better. The kind lady took pity on my lack of knowledge, and held up an orange scarf to my face, and then compared that to a pale aqua one. My complexion and hair looks so much better when she held up the aqua scarf, it was like magic. But I never really did learn to love "summer" colors.

What to Wear When You Travel

Welcome to another weekly fashion post, where I share real fashion for real women. Each week, I highlight at least one outfit that I'm wearing right now, as well as provide ideas and inspiration to help you get dressed in the mornings. Life is hard, getting dressed shouldn't be. This week we're going to talk about what to wear when you travel.

Shirt - Ann Taylor | Tank - Aventura Clothing | Leggings - Hue | Boots - Bandolino

No matter where you are going, or how you are traveling there, comfort is key. No one wants to arrive looking like a rumpled, wrinkled mess - right? So whether you are driving, taking the train or flying, you want to pick pieces that are comfortable as well as good looking. As with so many other outfit dilemmas, layers are a solid answer.

Add a Little Spring to Your Wardrobe

Welcome to another weekly fashion post, where I share real fashion for real women. Each week, I highlight at least one outfit that I'm wearing right now, as well as provide ideas and inspiration to help you get dressed in the mornings. Life is hard, getting dressed shouldn't be. This week we're going to talk about adding a little spring to your wardrobe.

I don't know about you, but I am ready for spring. Now honestly, the winter wasn't all that bad, but I'm over being cold and I'm ready to ditch the coat. We have had a few warm and sunny days sprinkled in lately, and each time, I find myself reaching for something new in my closet. Something I haven't worn since fall or maybe even before that. The easiest way to add some spring to your wardrobe right now is with color.

How to Wear Long Cardigans

Welcome to another weekly fashion post, where I share real fashion for real women. Each week, I highlight at least one outfit that I'm wearing right now, as well as provide ideas and inspiration to help you get dressed in the mornings. Life is hard, getting dressed shouldn't be. This week we're going to talk about the long cardigan trend.

With winter hopefully on it's way out the door, and spring rushing in, it feels like time to ditch the coats in favor of something lighter to help chase the chill. Something I noticed a lot on a recent shopping trip, were long cardigans. For argument's sake, let's call a "long cardigan" any sweater whose bottom hem falls below hip-level. Generally that means somewhere between mid-thigh and your ankles.

What to Wear When Jeans Won't Do

Welcome back to another weekly fashion post, where I share real fashion for real women. Each week, I highlight at least one outfit that I'm wearing right now, as well as provide ideas and inspiration to help you get dressed in the mornings. Life is hard, getting dressed shouldn't be.

What happens when you have an event to go to and jeans just won't do? It seems strange how ingrained jeans and denim have become in our society. They can go just about anywhere, if properly accessorized, but sometimes, jeans just seem too casual a choice or I'm just tired of wearing them. Last week, I had a Blogger event to go to, and I felt like jeans were just too casual. But it was very cold and snowy, and I didn't want to get too dressed up.

Skirt - Aventura | Top - Aventura | Boots - Bandolino | Earrings Stella and Dot

Seeing Red (and Pink) - What to Wear for Valentine's Day

Welcome back to another weekly fashion post, where I share real fashion for real women. Each week, I highlight at least one outfit that I'm wearing right now, as well as provide ideas and inspiration to help you get dressed in the mornings. Life is hard, getting dressed shouldn't be.

It's that time of year again . . .Valentine's Day. It's been YEARS since we have gone out for Valentine's Day. Not only because we are parents, but my birthday is the day after and EVERYTHING is more expensive on Valentine's Day. I refuse to eat a limited menu at my favorite restaurants or pay three times more for flowers than I did the week before. What I WILL do however, is wear red or maybe pink.

We don't have anything special planned for the day and it's a weekend, so I will most likely resort to a basic red sweater and jeans.

No red sweater? No worries - how about red accessories, like a scarf and/or bag? Even a great pair of red shoes or boots can make an everyday outfit seem more festive. Now is also a great time to break out any heart-shaped pendants, bracelets and earrings in your jewelry box.