Summer Style: 2 Looks to Love Before Fall

Well hey there - how are you? It's been a few weeks since I've done a fashion post here. Let me apologize for that. It's not that I loved clothes, style and looking my best any less this summer, but two things happened: 1.) This summer was HOT, which meant I spent a lot of time in shorts and a t-shirt, and 2.) I had a temporary summer job, that required a uniform, which also meant everyday was spent in shorts and a polo shirt.

Neither of those scenarios make for interesting, real life style discussion, and that's what these fashion posts are about - real style for real women. I want to talk about what is in your closet, and what you are wearing right now. For me, this transition from summer to fall is the toughest season. I want to wear sweaters and booties, but it's 95 degrees outside.

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!