Create28 Fall ~ Flares

Ah, good old flare jeans...they are back in and I have to say it's been a nice little change from skinnies!

I love the look of flares and I feel they are more-less universally flattering on everyone..my only gripe about them, for me, is they MUST be worn with a heel of some sort. It just has to happen #shortgirlproblems. I also used to think that they always had to be paired with a fitted or structured top, but for fun, I threw on my poncho and gave it a whirl ~

Poncho: Forever 21 (option, option)
Flares: Rock Revial (similar, similar, option)

I think it works OK although it's slightly outside of my comfort zone. The comfort factor on my poncho is high though, so I think that helped me a lot!! :) A girl's gotta be comfy!


The next two are more "traditionally" how I like to wear flares--with fitted tops to take away any potential "frump factor!"

Striped Top: Target (similar)
Cardigan: Express (exact)

Leopard Scarf: H&M (similar, similar)

Have you hopped on the flare bandwagon yet? What is your favorite way to wear them? Join Carrie tomorrow when she talks about Fall Transition pieces!

Hope you will join us for Create28 this month! Link up with us Mondays or use the #Create28FallLooks on social media!

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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!

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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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Create28 ~ Patterned Shorts

Patterned shorts have really become a fave of mine this summer! They can be dressed up or down and I have seen some of the CUTEST patterns lately!!

My favorite pair are these floral ones I snagged at Old Navy this past spring. I get compliments on them wherever I go! They were about $15 and I have definitely gotten great use out of them this summer!

I think what makes these shorts so versatile is the fact that they have a lot of different colors, so it's easy to pair them with a variety of tops. I've worn them with aqua, pink, white, coral, chambray...and now a little pattern mixing!!

I absolutely LOVE stripes and floral! Don't know when this obsession started, but I just can't get enough! I saw this dress at Nordstrom the other day and about passed out!

Not sure it would look great on me, but I just LOVE the floral colors paired with the bold black and white stripes! Click HERE for the dress.

Here are some other cute ways to wear patterned shorts ~

1. Paired with a bright top ~ Pairing patterned shorts with just a simple bright tee or tank is a classic summer look!

Source: J's Everyday Fashion

2. Paired with a graphic tee ~ How ADORABLE is this look?? Simple shorts and a tee, but no shortage of style here!

Source: Merrick's Art

3. Belted ~Not something you might immediately think of, but I have actually done a cognac belt with my floral shorts several times and I really like it!

Source: The Daily Mail

4. Dressed Up ~ Patterned shorts can be dressed down with a simple tee, but they also look awesome dressed up with a flowy blouse and wedges or heels--holy hotness!!!

 (couldn't find the original source!)

My floral Old Navy shorts have been sold out for awhile, but here are some super cute patterned shorts options (you can click on any image for more info)

What is your favorite way to wear patterned shorts? Let's see your cute patterns at #Create28SummerLooks!

Don't forget to enter the raffle to win $75 from Gap Brands, Loft, Nordstrom or Target! The last day to enter is next Thursday, July 30th!

Entry-Form

As always, here's lots more patterned shorts inspiration!

Follow A Little Bit of Cheer's board Patterned Shorts on Pinterest.

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Ways to Wear ~ Mint & Navy

I love doing Ways to Wear posts when I show how to wear different colors or pieces in your wardrobe multiple ways. This Wednesday, in Part 3 of Building a Wardrobe You Love, I'll be talking about buying pieces that are versatile and can be worn multiple ways. Having versatile pieces is so important when building your wardrobe! Just a few simple changes to the same piece of clothing can completely change the outfit! Here are some past posts where I showed multiple ways to wear one item:

Camo Pants
The Green Shirt
The Striped Dress

Today we'll talk about multiple ways to wear the Mint & Navy color combo. Remember in last week's Getting Pin-spired post, I talked about looking at Pinterest for color combos you like? Yeah, you probably don't remember, so the post is HERE :) LOL! Anyhoo--I have found some color combos on Pinterest that I never would have thought of on my own. One of my faves for Spring is mint and navy. I bought a pair of mint jeans a few years back when mint was really having it's hey day, but I still love them! When I first got them, I pretty much only wore them with white or grey, but over the last few years, I've found so many other colors that look great with "mint!"

If colored jeans (mint colored, in particular) still scare the bejesus out of you, no worries. You can work mint into your wardrobe with a t-shirt, cardigan or scarf, too.

A very impotant note....all of my outfits on this blog are outfits that I would wear (or HAVE WORN) in "real life." They aren't just for the blog. I think it's important to point that out because I want you to know that I have "tested" every outfit for it's practicality! I have seen so many pics on Pinterest that are gorgeous, but that would never translate to my "real life" as a busy mom. Beautiful pictures...mine are not! But my goal is to give the everyday gal real-life, practical outfit ideas.

So with that being said....

1. Way #1 ~ With leopard! Because....why not??!! I've said camo is a neutral, but leopard is also a neutral! It goes with everything! Including mint & navy :) I kept the accessories simple and just let the subtle leopard speak for itself :)

Way #2: With navy stripes ~ Very simple, everyday outfit. The nude flats keep it casual, yet pulled together. Next time I wear this, I will definitely half-tuck my shirt. It's a little on the long side. Just sayin. #nobodysperfect

Way #3: With a scarf. ~ The navy scarf kinda tones down the bold mint jeans. I love this look--so simple. Definitely one of my go-to's I mentioned in "easy outfit formulas" --jeans, tee, scarf. Done & done!

Way #4: Mint Cardi & Gingham ~ Have I confessed my love for gingham yet?? Loooove me a little gingham! Here I just did a little bit of mint in the cardi and a pop of red in the necklace.

Links to items

Mint Jeans (similar)
Navy Polka Dot Scarf (Target)
Mint Cardi (Old Navy)
Distressed Jeans (Old Navy)
Nude Flats (similar)
Gingham Shirt (similar)
Navy Striped Tee (similar)
Leopard Heels (similar)

See you back here on Wednesday for the 3rd part of the Building a Wardrobe You Love series!! I'll share with you my list of closet basics to start your wardrobe. Read Parts 1 & 2 of the series here:

Part 1: The Two-Step Closet Purge
Part 2: Get Pin-Spired!

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Linking up with a few of my favorite blogs: Get Your Pretty On,  The Pleated Poppy, Because Shanna Said So, Jo-Lynn Shane, A Little Bit of Everything, Grace and Love, Momfessionals, Tucker Up, Happiness at Midlife, More Pieces of Me , On The Daily Express, Fizz &Frosting,
Rhea Et Cetera & I Do deClaire, Style Elixir