5 Style Lessons We Can Learn From Reece Witherspoon

Hey pretty girls! It's Monday and Carrie, Whitney and I are hosting our regular Monday link up ~ A Lovely Little à La Mode Link Up, so link up with us below or check out some of the wonderful bloggers and be inspired! Also, use the hashtag #lovelylittlealamode on social media if you link up!

Do you have a celebrity that you feel embodies "your style?" I have several :) But one of my all-time faves is Reece Witherspoon. her casual, classic, seemingly effortless style is right up my alley! Let's take a look at some things we can learn from Ms Witherspoon-Toth (she's still married to to him, right?!)

Style Lesson #1 ~ Casual doesn't have to mean frumpy.

Reece is a busy, working mom and sure she has people to help her out, but I feel like her street style is very REAL. It's simple and casual, but she always looks put together. Shorts, a cute sweater and a necklace--adorable! Jeans and a striped top--can't go wrong! Easy outfits that can get you out of the door quickly, but look like you made an effort.

 Style Lesson #2 ~ Wear color!

Reece is the queen of color! She does color SO WELL. And it's not crazy or outlandish-type color that she wears. Choosing ONE item for a color pop is great strategy. Below she does colored pants, bright sweaters and a neutral outfit with those to-die-for pink heels!

Style Lesson #3 ~ When in doubt, jeans.

So much of Reece's street style is jeans. She's a girl after my own heart because I am a total jeans gal. Jeans can be dressed up or down, they are super comfy and go with everything! Jeans for the win! She pairs her jeans with cute, patterned tops, awesome shoes and fun bags. 

 Style Lesson #4 ~ Sunglasses. All the time. 

She's a Southern girl who (i'm assuming) also spends quite a bit of time in LA--so girlfriend knows how to rock her shades. There are very few picture of her withOUT sunglasses, actually! And this is where Reece and I connect again--i wear my sunglasses year-round, almost every time I am outside (unless it's raining, which is hasn't in forever here in Northern California). Sunglasses can hide a multitude of sins, lemme tell you! From tired eyes., wrinkles, fine lines, bags, tears! I literally cannot leave the house without my sunglasses either, Reece!

Style Lesson #5: Style doesn't have to be complicated.

Like I said before, Reece's style is very simple and effortless. She is a great example of how simple, classic pieces come together to look so put together and practical for a busy mom. Great fitting button downs, sweaters, jeans, a nice handbag and maybe a little delicate jewelry is all you need to recreate these looks below!

I just love Reece's style! Here are a couple of my (loose) recreations of her outfits ~

I love this super laid back outfit because of the comfort factor. It's almost feels like wearing sweats, but slightly more polished :). I love my chinos (read post HERE) and these Frankie Chinos from J Crew Factory might be the most comfy pants on on the planet. (Style Lessons 1, 4 & 5)

Olive Chinos: J Crew Factory (exact, in vintage surplus)
Gray Top: Kohls/Mudd (similar, in grey urban)
Converse: Nordstrom (exact)
Bag: Nordstrom (very similar)
Bar Necklace: Stella & Dot (exact)
Short Pendant Necklace: Stella & Dot (exact)

Although I don't have those amazing pink heels, I added my color/pattern pop with a red belt and leopard heels. Colored flats would also be cute and probably more practical for every day (Style Lessons 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5!)

Top: Express (exact in True White)
Jeans: Target (exact)
Bag: Charming Charlie (similar)

What do you guys think of Reece's casual mom style?

Time to link up!

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 ~ Shea from Shea Lennon shows 3 super cute ways to wear white jeans. I LOVE wearing my white jeans year-round and I love her cute, simple, put-together outfits! 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! Use the hashtag #lovelylittlealamode on your social media posts! Thanks for linking up!

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See where I link up HERE

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Chino Love & Link Up!

Hey pretty girls! So big news--I'm in LOVE!!! I'm in love with something I kicked to the curb long, long ago ~ CHINOS!!!! I betrayed chinos years ago, but they've forgiven me and we're back together again!!! XOXOXOXO

There were just a few things about chinos that rubbed me the wrong way...first, reminders of 10th grade when I used to wear chinos, baggy sweaters and penny loafers...like, everyDAY. I was the uncool prepster for sure.

Then, in my first advertising job many moons ago, my first client was Dockers...you know, "Nice Pants?" Does anyone remember these ads besides me??? Let me refresh your memory:

Um, yeah, so let's just say after that job I was pretty over "chinos."

I don't know what possessed me to give them a try again--possibly just fate. I was walking through J. Crew Factory last week and I was looking for cargo green or coral JEANS. Well, low and behold they had a table full of cargo green and coral...CHINOS. So I gave them a try and it was love as soon as I put them on! Typically J. Crew pants don't fit me well...they're more for the less hipp-y, less booty-y-type gal. But I'm telling you, these were heaven.

I threw together some quick ways to style them, but I'm telling you, the possibilities are endless! They are the perfect, perfect alternative to jeans or shorts...lightweight, but give you a some coverage.

Here are three ways I would wear the cargo green ones ~

1. Pink Lace Top & Heels ~ Most people think chinos are casual but they can be dressed up too!

Olive Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Vintage Surplus)
Lace Top: Nordstrom (similar, similar)
Necklace: Charming Charlie (similar)
Nude Heels: Payless (exact)

2. White Shirt and Bright Flats ~ Love the pop of color! I kept my shirt untucked to keep it casual.

Olive Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Vintage Surplus)
White Button Down: Michael Kors (similar, similar)
Coral Flats: Payless (exact)

3. Striped Tank & Sandals: This is my ultimate casual spring/summer outfit. Sooooo comfy!!!!

Olive Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Vintage Surplus)
Striped Tank: Loft (similar, similar)
Sandals: Similar, Similar

The coral colored chinos are beautiful in person. A happy medium between muted and bright ~

 1. Grey Tee ~ I love coral/red and gray!!! Always a classic pairing.

Coral Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Burnished Coral)
Gray Tee: Express (exact)
Leopard Flats: Similar, Similar

2. Navy Top ~ If I had a printed navy top, it would be even better but I just love coral and navy!!

Coral Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Burnished Coral)
Navy Blouse: Loft (similar)
Nude Flats: Payless (similar)

 3. White Tee, Denim Jacket, Aqua/Mint Necklace ~ This one would be perfect with or without the jacket! Perfect, relaxing spring/summer colors!

Coral Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Burnished Coral)
White Tee: J. Crew Factory (exact)
Denim Jacket: Kut from the Kloth (similar)
Aqua/Mint Necklace: Similar, Similar

And if that's not enough, look at all the ways these gals are ROCKING OUT the chinos!! Who KNEW??!!!

I just love the casual vibe of these pants!!! You know me, I am always striving for casual and comfortable, yet pulled together. For size reference, I found these fit true to size. I'm wearing a size 2.  I'm also 5'4" and if I unroll these (which I will probably never do), they are a little long. If you have never shopped at J. Crew Factory, their stuff goes on sale all the time. Wait until these are at least 40-50% off. I paid $31 total with my teacher discount :)

Happy Chino Hunting!!!


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Today I am co-hosting the Turning Heads Tuesday link up with the beautiful Jess, of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish. Not only is Jess gorgeous inside and out, her style embraces practical, comfortable, yet stylish outfits. Jess is my kinda girl,  right??

Link up is open at 1am, Eastern Time, so get linking!!! XO

Link up your fashion or beauty post below and meet some new friends! Please follow both Jess and I on Instagram and Bloglovin ~

Jess ~ Instagram
Jess ~ Bloglovin'

Casey ~ Instagram
Casey ~ Bloglovin'

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Outfit Formulas & The Spring Style Challenge ~ Week 3

The Spring Style Challenge is still in full swing, but I can't believe it ends this Saturday! Arghhh!! Stayed tuned for news about the Summer Challenge coming soon! If you missed this one (Spring), you definitely need to get in on the action for Summer!

Here's my recap of Days 9-14. If you missed Weeks 1 and 2 you can find them here: Week 1 & Week 2. Each week, I have been giving the "outfit formula" for the day, along with my interpretation of it.

ALSO! I'm co-hosting a link up today with the beautiful Liz from Shopping My Closet. See all the details below and link up your post!

Week 3--here it is....

Day 11: Thursday ~ Striped Dress + Bright Flats

I wore this same dress in Week 1, but it's surprising that the jean jacket and the bright flats give it a totally different look and feel than my cardigan and sandals from Week 1. That's when you know you have a versatile piece of clothing.

Striped Dress: Old Navy (exact)
Denim Jacket: Kut from the Kloth (exact)
Coral Flats: Payless (exact)
Red/Navy Bag: Stella & Dot (exact)
Necklace: J. Crew (similar)

Day 12: Friday ~ Camo/Patterned Pants + Bright Tee + Wedges

I confessed my love for these Express tees last week, but let me reiterate: I.LOVE.THESE.TEES!! This cobalt color is so bold and vibrant and so are all the other colors. You guys definitely need a few in your life :) For size reference I am typically between a XS and S, and I'm wearing a Small for the more "slouchy" look. They shrink the TINIEST bit, but not much at all! I loved the wedges, but changed to flats because it was a heavy errands-running day :)

Cobalt Tee: Express (exact)
Camo Pants: Loft (similar)
Wedge Sandals: Target (similar)
Cognac Flats: Payless (exact)
Flower Necklace: Similar

Day 13: Saturday ~ White Jeans + Neutral Tee + Cardi/Vest  + Wedges

I just LOVE this neutral color combo of black, white, cognac and military green. If you've been following this blog for any amount of time, you know I am ALWAYS reaching for this cargo vest. It's definitely a closet staple. I purchased it in the fall at TJ Maxx/Marshall's but I recently saw them there again! The brand is Max Studio. :)

White Jeans: Loft (exact)
Tee: Express (exact)
Cargo Vest: Similar, Similar
Necklace: Similar, Similar
Wedge Sandals: Target (similar)

Day 14: Sunday ~ Striped Dress + Floral Scarf + Sandals

It's the striped dress...again! You might be tired of it, but repeating a piece of clothing in different ways just shows how versatile the piece is! This is actually the exact outfit I wore for Easter :)

Striped Dress: Old Navy (exact)
Floral Scarf: Target (exact)
Sandals: Similar, Similar
Hoop Earrings: Stella and Dot (exact)

Day 15: Monday ~ Printed Top + Colored Pants + Sandals

This outfit is ME in every way, shape and form. More about these pants in another blog post, but I have fallen in love with chinos...and I've fallen HARD!

Olive Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Vintage Surplus)
Striped Tank: Loft (similar, similar)
Cognac Belt: Similar
Sandals: Similar, Similar
Hoop Earrings: Stella and Dot (exact)

Day 16: Tuesday ~ Printed Skirt + Black Tank + Cardigan + Wedges

I followed this one pretty much to the T except I subbed in flats instead of wedges since it was a work day. :)

Striped Skirt: J. Crew Factory (exact)
Cardi: Old Navy (exact, in Mini Mint)
Black Tank: similar
Ladder Necklace: Jane.com (similar, similar)
Cognac Flats: Payless (exact)

Day 17: Wednesday ~ Striped Dress + Chambray Shirt + Bright Flats

I had my doubts about this one...I KNOW! It's the striped dress AGAIN! But now, with the chambray on top, it's more of a skirt! I'd say I got a whole lotta bang for my $15 bucks with this striped dress!!

Striped Dress: Old Navy (exact)

Chambray Shirt: Forever 21 (similar)

Necklace: J. Crew (similar)

Coral Flats: Payless (exact)

I definitely felt the most comfortable on Day 15, but Day 17 was also an unexpected favorite! Do you have a fave? Would you try any of these outfit formulas?

Next Wednesday, I'll be wrapping up the last 4 outfits from the Style Challenge. I can't believe it's nearly over! Again, if you missed any of the Style Challenge posts you can find them here: Week 1 & Week 2.

See what the other Style Me Bloggers came up with this week, too!

Shoes to Shiraz | R Squared | Two Teens and Their Mama |
Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | A Lovely Little Wardrobe |
Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life | Puppies and Pretties | Daily Style Finds |
Making the Most of Everyday | She Thought She Could | Foxy's Domestic Side |
Quilty Joy Joy | Curls and Cardigans | Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After |
My Running Stitches | From Plaid to Pearls | Stashed Blog | X-tremely V |
 A Little Bit of Cheer | Nick and Nik

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As I said above, I'm excited to be co-hosting a link up with Liz from Shopping My Closet!!! A little about Liz:

Meet Liz, the blogger behind Shopping My Closet.  Her style approach mixes high and low, dresses up closet essentials, and pairs the timeless with the current. Follow her as she illustrates how you can have an on-trend and timeless look by incorporating the items already in your closet into a stylish everyday look (Liz is my kinda gal!!)

Ways to follow Liz ~

Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/11718217

Instagram: http://instagram.com/shoppingmycloset

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shoppingmyclosetblog

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/shoppingmycloset

The LINK UP ~

Welcome to the weekly Style Me Wednesday fashion link-up! The Style Me Wednesday fashion blog link-up goes live every Wednesday and is meant to be a venue for you to showcase what you're wearing or a favorite look. It's the perfect opportunity to discover new bloggers (and friends!) and styles. Simply follow the steps below to join Style Me Wednesday fashion link up!

 STYLE ME WEDNESDAY LINK-UP GUIDELINES

1. Follow your host, Shopping My Closet, on Bloglovin', Instagram, and Facebook  & follow your co-host, A Little Bit of Cheer, on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest
2. Link up using the widget below to your specific blog post (i.e today’s post), not your blog’s homepage
3. Grab a button to share on your blog post about Shopping My Closet's blog link up

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