Spring Shopping at Old Navy

Spring Faux Shopping at Old Navy

The other day I went faux shopping for you all at Old Navy while I had some time at the mall before meeting up with friends for dinner and a movie. Mary wrote me and asked if I would consider going to Old Navy and taking some pictures for her of things that I like there right now. Of course I would! I found some really cute things that I wanted to share with you! Let's see what you think.

First, this jean jacket. It's comparable to the jean jacket that my husband got for me two years ago from Anthropologie, which means that it's stretchy without feeling flabby, it has great detailing and dark color, and it's fitted. 

I liked it with a few of the spring dresses they had (or anything light that you already own) for an outfit to wear now and then switch up later in the warmer months. This particular dress had a modern pattern and a flattering length for us shorter women. Sometimes maxi dresses are just too long!

You could even layer a cardigan (like this red pop of color) underneath if it's still chilly at night where you live, like it is here in Northern Virginia.

I also really like the idea of this jean jacket over a shorter dress, like this. See how the jacket feels a little tough and the dress feels soft and feminine? I love that difference. I also love how the sleeves can roll up on this stretchy denim jacket!

Speaking of jackets, I also really liked this military jacket. It's very similar to the Jcrew one of a couple years ago (although that one was waxed), but I think the cinched in waist is actually more flattering. The Jcrew also had HUGE pockets. I love the high neck of this Old Navy version, and it has gold buttons like the original one did. 

Ok, now on to dresses! Old Navy had a bunch of striped options, which are my weakness! The one above (and below) is a stretchy shift dress, which I think is the most flexible of all dress styles. I love a shift over a button down, for example. And no, they don't both have to be long sleeved.

This same style works really well with a sleeveless dress, too, and makes sleeveless dresses wearable even in the cooler months.

 And last but not least, this coral number. It is not my style, really, but I wanted to show you all an option with longer sleeves and a more full skirt. I think this would be gorgeous on many of you!

That's all! Thanks for the request, Mary, and keep them coming! 

My Nordstrom Rack Picks

My Nordstrom Rack Picks

Happy Friday! I STILL can't believe that it's February. Can you?! My wardrobe is feeling distinctly wintery still...

Typically, when I run errands I also stop by stores to window shop for ideas for this blog and for my clients. I like to stay on top of what's out there, what's on sale, what's gone by. Sometimes, though, I end up shopping for myself. Recently, I went to Nordstrom Rack and did just that. Here are the things that I loved for myself-and I even got a few of them! 

The Rack has a lot of interesting scarves, and I loved the rust colored infinity scarf above. As you can see, I showed up in all black with a pop of color (below). I love neutrals with brights here and there.

One of the things I've noticed about Nordstrom Rack, Off Fifth, and other discount versions of higher-end stores is that they're the place to get cashmere. Unlike Macy's or lower end stores, what you'll find will be 100% cashmere but without the astronomical price of the full price store. I loved this cashmere wrap.

I also liked this angora wool blend sweater for how swingy it was near the waist. I like to wear sweaters like this in the spring with tighter, cropped pants as the winter wanes. I particularly liked the color blocking in neutral on this one.

And above, I swapped the maxi skirt I came in for a pair of edgier, moto-inspired jeans. Those are the first thing I did actually purchase here.

Then this happened...

I think I was just looking at the cute pleating on these pants and didn't realize just how wide-legged they were?! So yeah, I didn't get those...

I also didn't get the NYDJ, waxed green jeans below, although I really liked them. Let me rephrase that, I really liked how they made my butt look! The fabric was thick and oddly supportive, but very flattering as a result. However, I just didn't see myself wearing the dark green into spring.

Lest you think all I ever wear is neutrals (sort of right), I also tried on a bunch of patterns, primarily with a dark background. The two kimonos were gorgeous, but I've already maxed out on light-weight kimonos so I skipped them. 

I did get this shirt, though, which I would wear with a skinnier bottom or tucked in to work. I wanted to show you the length here, which was a big selling point for me. I like a shirt that's versatile enough to wear to work and with skinny jeans. And I still love a dark floral for winter and spring.

Now this one is really a stretch for me! But I love it. I really do. I'm picturing wearing it with neutrals, jeans, or a navy blue and white striped midi skirt that I have to just play up the craziness of all that pattern!

Target Maxi Dress Roundup

Target Maxi Dress Roundup

Recently, I tried on nearly every maxi dress that Target had. I was heading out of town to meet my husband in Las Vegas before his week-long work conference there, and I love to pack long dresses for warm weather trips because they're easy and elegant. I tried on a few at Target, and here's what I thought!

This stripe was a nice weight and had a flattering scoop back. I liked that you could wear a regular bra with it, but it was too clingy around my waist. Yes, the darkest stripe hit my lower belly, but it was still too tight for me. If you are someone with a very flat stomach, it might be a nice choice for you!

Faux Shopping for Dresses

Faux Shopping for Dresses

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I sometimes go faux shopping. You might also know it by the name window shopping, but I go into the stores so I don't think window shopping is exactly accurate.

I like to take you with me and imagine the things I'd suggest that you get (or sew yourself if you're one of my seamstress clients!) if we were out together. Here are a few favorites from a recent faux shopping trip.

From Anthropologie, this incredible dress.

And from Nordstrom, these two dresses that made me wish someone would invite me to a beach wedding soon!

Thanks for coming along with me! Follow me on instagram if you'd like to see more of my adventures.