Mom Style Files ~ Volume 5

 It's another volume of Mom Style Files! Wow-it's been awhile since I've done one of these but I really need to get back at it! I keep it real here on the blog, so I think just sharing quick snapshots of my real life everyday outfits is an easy way for you not only to get outfit ideas, but to see that you don't have to be decked to the 9's every time you go out. I am all about simple, practical and attainable! ...and oftentimes, that means imperfect :)

So here are some of my recent outfits, many of which were in line with the simple outfit "formulas" from the Winter Style Challenge ~

Outfit 1: Jeans + Long Sleeved Tee + Fur Vest + Boots
If you have read this blog for any length of time, you have heard me say, "I'm a jeans and a tee type of gal" probably a dozen times! How to you "winterize" jeans and a tee? Add boots and a faux fur vest! #boom!

Jeans: Express, my current fave to wear with boots (exact)
Tee: J Crew Factory (option)
Fur Vest: Thrifted from a kid's consignment store!!! (option, option)
Boots: Nordstrom (exact)

Outfit 2: Black Jeans + Black Bouse + Long Cardi + Printed Heels
I wore this outfit to work, because HELLO--i don't wear heels around the house! I am not in love with black on black but to be honest, I did like this outfit better in person than I did in the pictures.

Black Jeans: Express (exact)
Top: Express (exact)
Cardi: Express (exact)
Leopard Heels (similar, similar)

Outfit 3: Printed Sweater + "Flare" Jeans + Ankle Boots
Simple, easy, so comfy. I'm in love with polka dots!!

Jeans: Express (exact)
Sweater: Target (option, option)
Boots: Sears (exact, sooo comfy!)

Outfit 4: Sweater + Plaid + Jeans + Boots
There is something about plaid and pearls that I just adore! Makes the outfit just a teeny tiny bit more special :)

Jeans: Express, my current fave to wear with boots (exact)
Sweater: Loft (exact)
Plaid: Kohls (similar, similar)
Boots: Nordstrom (exact)

Outfit 5: Burgundy Cords + Black Blouse + Fur Vest + Printed Heels
This is my "work version" of Outfit 1 since I can't wear jeans to work. If you don't have a pair of burgundy jeans/cords, I highly recommended finding a great pair! They are so versatile!

Burgundy Cords: Loft (similar)
Top: Express (exact)
Fur Vest: Thrifted from a kid's consignment store!!! (option, option)
Leopard Heels (similar, similar)
Necklace: Stella & Dot (exact)

Outfit 6: Jeans + Plaid + Cardi + Boots
I showed this outfit last week, but I have been wearing it so much, I am showing it again! This combo can be repeated so many different ways but just swapping out the plaid and the cardi.

Sweater: Express (exact)
Plaid: Express (exact)
Jeans: Express (exact)
Boots: Nordstrom (similar)

That's a wrap for this edition of Mom Style Files! If you want to check out the "archives" of Mom Style Files/Everyday Outfits, here you go!

Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Volume 4

Time to link up! Don't forget to use the hashtag #lovelylittlealamode on social media!

Hosted by ~

Carrie/A Lovely Little Wardrobe ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Whitney/Whitney à La Mode ~ Bloglovin/Instagram

Casey/A Little Bit of Cheer ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Each week we choose a favorite...check out Carrie and Whitney's blogs to see if it's you! My favorite look this week was Amy from Amy's Creative Pursuits. I just LOVE her cozy winter whites! Read her entire post HERE: 

Now let's get linking! We like to keep things simple around here. Just link up your favorite posts--fashion, beauty, food, DIY, anything goes! Follow your hosts on social media, have fun and be inspired! Thanks for linking up!

<a href="http://www.alittlebitofcheer.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc454/pianoprincessdesigns/button%20small_zpsujefyz2q.png~original" alt="A Lovely Little À La Mode Link Up" width="125" height="125" /></a>

Don't forget to follow A Little Bit of Cheer on Facebook HERE

Follow me on Instagram HERE

Follow any of my boards on Pinterest HERE 

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE  

See where I link up HERE

An InLinkz Link-up

Casual Classic Wardrobe Staples ~ Fall Edition + LINK UP

It's MONDAY!!! As usual, Carrie, Whitney and I are hosting A Lovely Little à La Mode Link Up today, so if you're a blogger, please join us! The girls and I are also continuing a little mini series for the next 3 Mondays, so feel free to join in!

Monday 9/7 ~ Summer Dresses (see post HERE)
Monday 9/14 (today!) ~ A Classic Piece
Monday 9/21 ~ An Essential Bag
Monday 9/29 ~ Fall Transition

Today our mini-series focuses on a Classic Pieces. Last Spring when I first started blogging about clothes, I shared my "Mom Essentials" or what I called Casual-Classic Wardrobe Staples for Moms. Read the original post HERE. These aren't trendy or ground breaking items. They are just classic items that serve two purposes ~

1) These items rarely go out of style, so you can wear them for years to come.

2) With these items, no matter what, you will always have something to wear to look pulled together.

My Current Faves

1 ~ Great Jeans: Wit and Wisdom Skinnies, Express Mid Rise Skinnies, Express Mid Rise Baby Boot
2 ~ Striped Tee: LOFT, J.Crew Factory, Old Navy
3 ~ Scarves: Leopard Option, Floral Option, Plaid Option, Fringe Option
4 ~ Neutral Flats (don't forget leopard is a neutral!!): Lucky Brand, BCBG, Sam Edelman,
Leopard Flats, Leopard Flats
5 ~ Layering Tees: Caslon/Nordstrom, J. Crew Factory, LOFT
6 ~ Long Necklace: Express, Stella and Dot, Kendra Scott

I also shared 4 simple outfits you could wear, just with these few items above. See original post HERE ~

I thought I would update this post and show you some of my current favorite items AND add a few more Casual Classic Wardrobe Staples for Moms with items specifically for Fall. In addition to the basic items above, here are a few more classic pieces you can throw in the mix for Fall ~

My Current Faves

1. Tunic/Tunic Blouse ~ (exact above, chambray tunic, sweater tunic)
2. Plaid Shirt/Button Down ~ (exact above, plaid tunic, chambray button down, casual button down)
3. Light Sweater ~ (exact above, option, option)
4. Leggings ~ (exact above, my fave, option)
5. Vest ~ (exact above, option, option, option)
7. Riding Boots ~ (exact above, option, option)

With these items (along with the original Casual Classic Wardrobe Staples) you can put together endless amounts of casual, "everyday" outfits! Here are just three outfit formulas you can put together ~

*** Just a behind the scenes note...it was literally 100 degrees when I took these pics so please bear with the sunshine, beads of sweat and forced smiles!! LOL!

1. Jeans + Light Sweater + Scarf + Riding Boots

2. Jeans + Striped Tee + Vest + Riding Boots

3. Leggings + Tunic + Flats

...I could go on and on! There are so many ways to wear such a small number of items!

Many of us love clothes and shopping but for many women, it's overwhelming. I feel like going back to the basics and looking a simple "classic" list like this helps us focus on what we really need to build a great wardrobe.

What are your classic wardrobe staples?? Don't forget to check out the fabulous Carrie and Whitney and see what their Classic Pieces are!

Time to link up! Don't forget to use the hashtag #lovelylittlealamode on social media!

Hosted by ~

Carrie/A Lovely Little Wardrobe ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Whitney/Whitney à La Mode ~ Bloglovin/Instagram

Casey/A Little Bit of Cheer ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Each week we choose a favorite...check out Carrie and Whitney's blogs to see if it's you! Here was my favorite this week: Adriele from Style Assisted! She combines 3 of my absolute favorite items--gingham, vest and Converse!! I'm in love with this casual look for Fall and I will be copying you, Adriele!!! See her original post HERE.

Now let's get linking! We like to keep things simple around here. Just link up your favorite posts--fashion, beauty, food, DIY, anything goes! Follow your hosts on social media, have fun and be inspired! Thanks for linking up!

<a href="http://www.alittlebitofcheer.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc454/pianoprincessdesigns/button%20small_zpsujefyz2q.png~original" alt="A Lovely Little À La Mode Link Up" width="125" height="125" /></a>

Don't forget to follow A Little Bit of Cheer on Facebook HERE

Follow me on Instagram HERE

Follow any of my boards on Pinterest HERE 

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE  

See where I link up HERE

An InLinkz Link-up

Mom Style Files ~ Volume 4

Hey pretties! I haven't done a Mom Style Files post on awhile, so it's about time! . If you are new to this blog, I try to do a Mom Style Files once a month. The goal of my "wardrobe" posts are always to give approachable, wearable outfits/styling ideas for busy gals (moms in particular, but anyone else too!!) As I've mentioned before, I don't show any outfits the blog that I haven't worn (or would wear) "in real life."

Below are some of the outfits I wore "in real life" this month--running around doing errands, chasing after kids, days at the park and my twice a week teaching job. You can read past Mom Style Files posts here:

Mom Style Files ~ Volume 1
Mom Style Files ~ Volume 2
Mom Style Files ~ Volume 3

I want to get back to doing both full body and top-down outfit photos for Mom Style Files, but this month, all I have is top down--sorry! If you follow me on Instagram, you have seen many of thee outfits already!! Follow me on Instagram HERE.

This month it was warm so it was all about shorts, top, sandals, repeat :)

Outfit 1: This is my favorite Barcelona cami!! It's sold out, but I linked another adorable one below!

Top: Express (cute option., cute option)
Shorts: Loft (similar)
Sandals: Target (exact)
Necklace: Similar, Similar

Outfit 2: I wasn't sure about red Converse (i love my gray ones!), so I saw this cheaper version on sale for about $12 at Target, so I bought them to give them a test run to see if it's worth the Converse investment. So far, so good! :)

Top: Target (similar, similar)
Shorts: J. Crew Factory (exact)
Shoes: Target (exact)

Outfit 3: I love cobalt blue and pink together!

Top: Express (exact)
Shorts: Express- sold out (similar, similar)
Sandals: Target (exact)
Necklace: Charming Charlie (similar)

Outfit 4: I was feeling very summery today!

Top: Express (exact in True White)
Shorts: J Crew Factory -sold out (option, option)
Sandals: Target (exact)
Necklace:Charming Charlie - sold out (cute option)

Outfit 5: This Target chambray top is one of my favorites! It's sooo soft! And of course, my floral shorts on repeat!

Top: Target - sold out :(option, very similar)
Shorts: Old Navy- sold out (option, option)
Sandals: Similar, Similar
Purse:Charming Charlie (similar)

Outfit 6: I LOVE this new necklace from Stella and Dot! You can take off the blue beads and just wear it with the gold layers. It's so cute, casual and versatile! It definitely spiced up my denim shorts and white tee!

Top: Target - LOVE the Mossimo Boyfriend Tees (exact)
Shorts: J. Crew Factory (exact)
Sandals: Similar, Similar
Necklace: Stella & Dot (exact)

Outfit 7: And here's the necklace again! I wore this outfit to a school meeting, so slightly more dressed up than usual :)

Top: Stem/Nordstrom (exact)
Skirt:J Crew Factory (solid option, cute option)
Sandals: Target (exact)
Necklace: Stella & Dot (exact)

Outfit 8: For some reason, I am loving black and white right now! It's just simple and classic.

Top: Target - Mossimo Boyfriend Tee, can't find it online (in solid colors)
Shorts: Expres- sold out (similar, similar)
Sandals: Target (exact)
Necklace: via Jane  (similar, similar)

Outfit 9:  Like I said, shorts, sandals, repeat :)

Top: Express (exact in True White)
Shorts: J. Crew-sold out (similar)
Sandals: Similar, Similar
Necklace: Target (option)

Outfit 10: I picked up this floral top at Target last fall and I am finding I can wear it spring, summer and fall! Last fall I wore it with burgundy jeans and black jeans. I've also worn it with short and this gray skirt. Super versatile!

Top: Target-sold out (cute option, LOVE this)
Skirt: Loft (option, option)
Sandals: Similar, Similar
Necklace: Target (option)

That's a wrap, girls!!!


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J. Crew Factory ~ Model vs. Me!

Hey Ladies!! I decided to go a little crazy over here today...but it's all for your benefit! I'm putting myself head to head with J. Crew models!! Yes, those super tiny waify girls that always look like they are extremely irritated or extremely aloof!

I don't know about you, but as a mom of 3 little kids, I rely A LOT on online shopping. I usually end up returning about 50% of what I get online because it's just so difficult to imagine how something will fit on your particular body when all you have to go by is the staged model's pic.

I decided to venture into J. Crew Factory to check out some of their Fall items and then compare them to how they look on the model so you guys can get a good idea of how these items look on a "real" person! :)

Disclamer--OK, I apologize but the dressing rooms and lighting at my J.Crew Factory abide by prison-standards! I mean, they were AWFUL!!! But I think you'll be able to get a sense of how these items look. Here we go...

(Note ~ I am 5'4" and am typically an XS and a 26/2 at J.Crew Factory.)

Factory Garment Dyed Skinny Sateen Jeans with Zippers

Review: Olive jeans are a staple for Fall and I loved the zippers giving them a little "edgy/moto" feel. These pants were also SOOOOO soft and comfy!

Sizing: I am wearing a 27 in this pic and you can see they are a little long and bunch at the ankles. :( They didn't have a 26 in store, but I think those would have fit slighter better. I was bummed about the length because these pants are SO CUTE, but with the zippers, there would be no way to hem them easily.

Verdict: for gals taller than 5'4" I would definitely recommend these!!

Factory Cobble Stitch Sweater in Warm Ivory

Review: They didn't have this pretty lime green one at my store, but I have been looking for a casual cream sweater for the Fall, so I decided to give this one a shot. I think this one fit very similar to how it fit on the model. It's also super soft and not too tight, not too baggy. Love it!!!

Sizing: True to size. I am wearing an XS.

Verdict: Buy--it's a great staple if you are looking for new sweaters (comes in 6 colors)

Factory 4 Pocket Shirt-Jacket in Woodland

Review: Ok, so I should have looked at the name of it before I went to the store because I was looking for a JACKET. But this is really a shirt!! I guess the biggest difference between the model's pic and the real pic is the color. The color in my picture is true to the color it is in real life. The model's pic is WAY brighter. It's more of a dull military green.

Sizing: I found this to run big and boxy. I am wearing an XXS.

Verdict: It was kinda cute but it was too boxy for me. I think money would be better spent for a "real" military jacket or vest.

Factory Military Shirtdress

Review: I really like shirtdresses because they are casual and they can be worn across seasons. I thought this one would be adorable paired with boots and tights! But um....yeah, I think we can all agree that this dress does NOTHING for me. Zilch. Not to mention it is HEAVY and the fabric is SO rough! Ugh! Awful!!!

Sizing: Big and boxy, I am wearing an XS.

Verdict: Someone may look good in this, but given the nasty fabric, I would steer clear of this one!

Factory Classic Chambray Shirt

Review: So the shirt I tried on was darker than the one on the model, but work with me here! My chambray shirts are staples in my closet and I know many of you are looking for a "perfect" chambray shirt. Well, I don't think this one is it :(  The fit is OK, but the fabric is SO thick! It's uncomfortable to wear and makes it hard to tuck. The Target Merona chambray shirts are my favorites as well as the Loft softened shirts like this one. If you are in the market for a new chambray shirt, I would check out Target and Loft and skip this one!

Sizing: Boxy, I am wearing an XS.

Verdict: Keep looking :)

Overall, the green jeans and the cream sweater were keepers. Everything else I feel didn't live up to the cute expectations the models portrayed! One other item I tried on were their Clare cardigans because I am in the market to upgrade some of my cardis. I found the Clare cardigan to be pretty perfect! Super quality, nice and soft and "collar" of the cardi lays flat against your chest and doesn't fold out like cheaper cardigans.

These cardis run SMALL! I am wearing my normal XS, and I like my cardis fitted, but not this much. I would size up one or two, if you plan on buttoning it (the online reviews say the same thing). Click HERE for the Clare cardigan in 10 colors (wait until they go 50% off and stock up!).

Alrighty girls! That's a wrap for today! I hope you found some of these reviews helpful. Next time I am definitely complaining to the manager about the poor lighting- I can't work in these conditions! :)

Have you signed up for the Work Wear Challenge yet?? I have!! :) Registration closes this Friday! Click HERE to read my post about the challenge and HERE to sign up!! You will not regret it!

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Wardrobe Wednesday: Easy Outfit Formulas for Moms

Welcome back to Wardrobe Wednesday! Last week, I talked about Casual-Classic Wardrobe Staples. Today I'll show you four super easy, comfy outfit "formulas" just using these few pieces.

1: Good Fitting Jeans 2: Striped Tee 3: Scarves 4: Neutral Flats 5: Layering Tees 6: Long Necklace

1. Jeans, Striped Tee, Long Necklace, Flats:  Super easy, yet pulled together. The necklace says, "I made an effort." :)

2. Jeans, Layering Tee, Multi-Colored Scarf, Flats: I like buying scarves that have multiple colors so you can mix and match them with different colored tops.

3. Jeans, Striped Tee, Plain Colored Scarf, Flats: I love bright colors for my plain-colored scarves!

4. Jeans, Layering Tee, Plain Scarf, Long Necklace: A year ago I would have never thought to layer a long necklace and a scarf. Now I love this look!! Throw on some heels and you're ready for date night! :)

Hope this gives you a little outfit inspiration! If you have any wardrob-y topics you want me to feature, let me know in the comments below :) Have a great week!!!

I'm linking up again with two great blogs A Little Bit of Everything and Jo Lynne Shane.

XO ~ Casey

Wardrobe Wednesday ~ Getting Dressed, Mom Style

 Welcome to Wardrobe Wednesday--a brand new feature on the blog! As you know, I love food and cooking--thus I have Foodie Friday where I share my favorite recipes. I also love my family (duh!)--which is what Seven on Sunday is all about. Well, I also love clothes and playing with new outfits. I also like helping others feel good about themselves....soooo....Wardrobe Wednesday is born!

A little background, I didn't always love getting dressed every morning or shopping for clothes. Spending roughly 26 months pregnant, along with recovery time doesn't really lend itself to going into a dressing room and trying to squeeze my "mama-hips" into skinny jeans. Much less finding the time to even DRIVE my Mama Hips to the store!

After Sarah was born, I finally decided no matter what size I was (or wanted to be!) I wanted to focus on getting out the door every morning looking pulled together. I've spent the last year or so putting together a wardrobe that I feel helps me feel put together...not super trendy, not chic, not "fashion forward"--just casual, classic and most of all, comfortable!!

I also have to give credit where credit is due. Alison Lumbatis from the blog Get Your Pretty On and her Style Challenges have helped me immensely. She's truly the queen of comfortable, effortless style!

So now, instead of throwing on ill-fitting jeans or yoga pants and tennis shoes, I "get dressed" every single day.  I get up earlier than my kids, shower and put on something that I actually feel good about wearing outside the house (even if I'm not going anywhere!). There's just something about the one step of "getting dressed" that can change your whole outlook on the day....well, MOST days :) We all have these...

Now, this "getting dressed" business is WAY different than "dressing up." That's a whole other animal I haven't mastered yet. My goal is to just to be a comfy, put-together mom. If you want to know what that looks like, take a look at these celeb moms:

Everyone one of them looks totally pulled together, classic, yet very casual and comfortable (ok, sorry I had to repeat Jessica Alba because she's truly the casual, classic mom-fashion icon!!). Nothing fancy. Each one is also wearing one or more of my Casual-Classic Wardrobe Staples.

1. Awesome, great fitting jeans: Jeans are so personal and every one of us has a different body type and jeans fit differently on everyone. That being said, take the time to find jeans that fit you. That flatter your figure. That make you feel good. That don't sag in the butt. I think many women feel they can't wear "skinny jeans" because they aren't "skinny." Definitely not true! In fact, you'll look way more frumpy wearing baggy or ill-fitting jeans that a more fitted version.

If you really want my insider secret, look for jeans that have some Rayon in them. Yes, RAYON! These jeans have a "stretch" and a softness than you may not have experienced with jeans! My current favorite jeans are from Wit and Wisdom and are 54% rayon and only 24% cotton vs. Gap Always Skinny that are 93% cotton and no rayon! The difference is phenomenal!!Also, jeans with rayon stretch and fit to your body without stretching OUT. If you've owned jeans with spandex or lots of cotton in them, you know what I'm talking about #saggybutt

Wit and Wisdom Stretch Skinny Jeans

2. Striped Tee: For some reason, stripes always look pulled-together. Jeans and a plain t-shirt is boring, but add a striped tee and you're instantly more "dressed." :)

LL Bean Striped Tee

3. Scarves: Ok, as you know I am a scarf ADDICT. I have a problem. However, you don't have to have a million scarves. One with multiple colors and a few plain scarves can take your wardrobe a long way! The websites Jane and Groodealz always have amazing deals on cute scarves (I may or may not have a few hundred from there!)

Floral Striped Infinity Scarf

4. Neutral-colored flats: I swear by my nude flats and wear them constantly, but cognac or even leopard flats are a great COMFORTABLE alternative to athletic shoes or flip flops! Canvas flats like TOMS are also cute and sporty :)

Lucky Brand Nude Flats

TOMS Classic Canvas Slip On

5. Layering tees: Jeans, multi colored scarf, layering t-shirt, flats = instant outfit. Comfortable and takes zero effort. I like to have multiple colors to mix and match with scarves.

J Crew Factory Layering Tee

6. A long necklace or pendant: This might never cross your mind about being a "wardrobe staple" but I can't believe how much a simple, casual necklace can transform an outfit. Another lesson I learned from Get Your Pretty On! Do you know the long length elongates your body???!! Try it :) You can find them anywhere--from Target to Nordstrom to Charming Charlie's. Look for one that hits about at your belly button.

Baublebar Gold Tassel Necklace

So there you have it, the first Wardrobe Wednesday--Getting Dressed, Mom Style! Being a mom is hard work, you don't need to get "dressed up" everyday but "getting dressed" goes much further than just looking decent if a neighbor stops by. Getting dressed is for YOU. I think you'll feel so much better taking a few minutes everyday just for you :)

I'm linking up with a few great blogs: Get Your Pretty On, The Pleated Poppy.
Musings of a Housewife,  A Little Bit of Everything, Grace and Love & Momfessionals.

XO ~ Casey