My Style: Denim Jacket Outfit for Spring - Two Ways

There is nothing that says warmer weather like a denim jacket. These warm weather pieces are the perfect weight when you just need a little something for the air conditioning or for a cooler evening outdoor event. Fortunately, there is no reason to wait until it is warmer. We can start wearing our beloved jean jackets during these transitional weather times as the temps fluctuate from 70’s one day to 40’s the next. “Oh my sinuses!!”

Style Tip: When styling a jean jacket for the cooler and unpredictable spring weather just look at them as you would a button down cardigan, a utility jacket or your favorite blazer. A denim jacket in any wash will make an outfit interesting, youthful and provide an extra layer when the weather isn’t quite ready to stay put.

I thought it would be fun, and beneficial to show you how to style a jean jacket two ways. The first will be for a dressed up look suitable for lunch with friends, a night out with your significant other, or even for the office or church. The second will be more casual for a day of chasing the grandkids, or getting the groceries.

Look 1 - White Button Down

I did some research this past week on styling white button down shirts. It seems these pieces that once were reserved for the work place or maybe church are now chic and elegant with any type of outfit. Listen to this YouTube Video which gave me some great ideas for styling a collared white button down. The thought to use it for this blog post on styling a denim jacket for spring seemed like the perfect way to introduce this idea.

This thrifted Christopher and Banks piece is actually an XL. Typically, the idea behind a classic white button down is that it be a bit more structured, but the fix for a bigger, boxier piece like this is to merely tuck it in.

Style Tip: Choose the white that works for you. I am not as much into stark white, and lean more towards an ivory, pearl or very light cream. Find what works best for your complexion.

I’ve had this basic denim jacket for a number of years. It is Massini brand and I bought it at our local Meijer. I have numerous jean jackets. Here is one in a military style, a cropped one, one with floral applique, a medium brown, a white one, and a yellow one with 3/4 length sleeves. I do have a couple more, but I haven’t taken outfit photos with them yet. I know! How many denim jackets does a girl need? A basic one is really all that your wardrobe requires, but you know me and my clothes horse issues. Ha. ha.

These hand-me-over slim cut pants are Chico’s brand. A few years ago my best friend was cleaning out her closet and let me go through the bags. That is always fun to do!

For my shoes, I grabbed these thrifted, Merona, wedge ankle boots. I thrifted them last year and hadn’t really had the opportunity to wear them. When I put them one, I was pleasantly surprised at how comfy they are. I definitely need to think of some more ways to style these.

My tote bag was from Charming Charlie’s back when we still had a store at our mall. I love this room piece and with the two tone color and gold rivets feel like it is great for dressing up.

Gold tones seemed the perfect accompaniment for this outfit. Layering necklaces is still a think so feel free to layer it on.

Look 2 - White Tee

The beauty of this type of outfit is that it is easy to swap out just a few pieces to make the outfit completely different for the changing aspects of your life. Swap out the dressier button down for a white tee. I chose a long sleeve, graphic tee.

I got this cute “love yourself” tee with the appliqued daisy before I started my #75hardstylechallenge . This is a brand called Ultra Flirt and I bought it at the thrift shop around the corner when they were having a 50% off sale which they do at the end of each month. You can also see, I swapped out my narrow metallic belt for this wider olive one, which also makes the outfit more casual. This shirt is a cropped piece, so could also be worn out with not belt.

I chose white my white Steve Madden sneakers from DSW. These are starting to show some wear, but I will clean them up with a bit of dish soap, baking soda and a toothbrush and they will get me through one more summer.

Since brown bags are trending, I thought I would pull out this thrifted Rafe for Target bag. I definitely want to use this for the summer. It is quite roomy and seems very durable and it has a pretty printed cloth liner.

Here are the two outfits side by side. What do you think? Do you have a denim jacket in your closet? Will you be taking it out for spring? Would you style it the same way as you would a blazer or cardigan to get more wear out of these fun warm weather pieces?

I hope you enjoyed this post. I’m providing a few shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Spring Trends: A Look Back at What's Current

You might be reading my title and thinking, how does that work? How can we look back and see what is currently trending? The simple truth is, fashion, like so many things, runs in cycles. The fashion gurus would like you to believe that what is currently trending is new, and has never been done before. While it may look different and the models may no longer be normal women who wear a size 10, 12 or 14, or may not even be women at all, the reality is, as Solomon said, “There is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9) Drawing on that idea, I thought it would be fun to show you a few of the “current” Spring 2025 trends by using outfits that I have worn on the blog or on my Instagram account.

1 - Pistachio and Petal Pink - I already showed you pistachio green and petal pink last week. You can see that outfit here.

2 - Bohemian vibes - Once again we see things like tiered skirts and dresses, delicate florals, lace, fringe, and flowy fabrics, which not only embrace the 70’s boho vibe, but romance as well.

3 - Old School Elegance - This trend encompasses fabrics like tweed, traditional button down knit cardigans, pearl stud earrings, and pleated, tapered, high waisted trousers. However, it allows including your slim leg jeans or even a denim pencil skirt for a slightly edgier vibe.

4 - Nautical Vibes - There is nothing that says warmer weather than the look of sailor stripes and the color pairings of navy, red and white. I think adding a navy and white or red and white striped top to an outfit instantly gives it the feel of sandy beaches caressed by white foam waves.

5 - Work Wear Redo - Work wear has become increasingly relaxed, especially since the pandemic and so many working from home. Even with the migration back to the office work wear has taken on a more casual vibe, making it easy to transition from the office to dinner out, to the grandkids’ ball games. These are a few outfits I thought might fit into this category. Pieces included in this trend include oversized, roomy jackets and blazers belted at the waist; pleated skirts instead of pencil shape, trench coats, and straight leg trousers.

I will also include in this category wearing pants with a dress. This seems to be right on trend and I am hoping to try this out myself again soon. Here are some previous looks where I did the trendy thing, except it wasn’t trendy at the time. Ha, ha.

I have included a few shopping links throughout to give you ideas to create your own trendy wardrobe for spring. These are affiliate links. I provide them to give you inspiration and options if you want to purchase something. If you purchase an item through my links, I get a few pennies. I appreciate all your support.

I hope you enjoyed this look back at what is currently trending for Spring 2025. :)

Color Play: Trending Spring Colors - Pistachio and Petal Pink

I thought I would cover two of the spring color trends that are being talked about, because you know I love color. The thought that these two colors would look good together was obvious to me and certainly is a nod to spring. Click here to read more about Glamour’s 10 Key Spring 2025 Fashion Trends.

Pistachio is a light green that is a bit different from mint in that it leans more toward yellow, thought not as yellow as olive. I think it is a pretty color and, as with many colors, comes in differing hues and shades.

Petal pink is a pretty spring time pink with purple undertones.

Today’s outfit was built from thrifted pieces in my closet. The sweater is a bit more purple than the Petal Pink color, but if you could see the actual piece it definitely has pink undertones throughout.

My pullover sweater is an unknown brand as the label was cut off. It is a boxy cut, so I decided to try a trick I have seen a number of bloggers and Instagram gals use. I took a belt and put it over the sweater at about my natural waist. I then proceeded to pull the top half of the sweater up and fold the resulting extra over the belt. Voila, a peplum top, of sorts!

Style Tip: Don’t be afraid to try different things to make your clothes work for you. If you don’t already follow Jodie from Jodie’s Touch of Style, she is the queen of giving you tips and tricks to make your clothes really work for you. Be sure to check out her blog. Alterations are great if you know how to sew, but using a hair clip, or a belt like the above example, is a way to make a top, skirt or dress fit a little better without seamstress style alterations.

My thrifted maxi skirt looks like it was a bride’s maid dress in a previous life, but someone cut the top off and gave it a proper waistband with elastic in the back to make it a wonderful full length skirt. Silky skirts are in for spring, so this was a great find when I purchased it a few months ago.

Style Tip: Do you still have a bride’s maid dress hanging around that you just don’t want to get rid of? Why not think about making it into something new, like a skirt, a top, or even a vest. Be creative!

I decided to add this thrifted faux leather quilted vest to add an edgy element to an otherwise soft and feminine look. It is a brand called Selene Sport. In addition, with spring not officially here for a few more weeks and the warmer temps even slower to follow, a vest adds a warm layer around you core.

Style Tip: Use a vest to add warm and interest to any outfit. It is also a great piece to add when an outfit needs a bit of cinching in at the waist, especially the more fitted waist coat types of vests.

I kept my accessories relatively simple. The longer, pendant in a soft shade of pink, and the gold beaded bracelet keep the outfit feminine and refined. The tall, black, SO lace up boots add a bit more edgy vibe with the vest, and the floral, Dana Buchman bag is a direct nod to spring.

What do you think of this outfit? Would you wear something like this? Do you have any clothes that you have altered to make different pieces? I love to hear you thoughts and ideas so be sure to leave me some love in the comments.

I’ve included a few shopping links. These are affiliate links brought to you at no extra cost. All opinions are my own.

Have a great week!

Shopping Our Closets for Valentines's Inspiration

I know not everyone celebrates Valentine’s Day, and many do fun alternatives like Galentine’s Day and celebrate with friends. My hubby and I will probably do something at home on the actual day, because I have to clean that day and will be exhausted. Ha, ha. However, we can always get dressed in the wonderful colors that revolve around Valentine’s Day like reds, pinks, burgundies, whites and florals. I am doing that all week on Instagram, so be sure to check out my account on there for additional outfits.

I decided to build an outfit around a piece that is little used in the cold winter months, a kimono. While kimonos are not strictly for the warm weather, they do seem to cling and hold static in the colder months, so I don’t use them much. I thought it would be fun to style a casual, date night look using this pretty floral piece.

This thrifted kimono is a brand called Mason & Belle. I liked the floral print, the darker color and the shape of the piece. The lace trim was another fun detail.

I settled on my darker wash, newer Maurice’s jeans that I bought back in the summer. These are everflex, so they have plenty of stretch and are quite comfy.

Style Tip: A darker wash jean is a great alternative to dress pants for a dressy casual outfit or a work wear look.

I’ve had this thrifted Apt. 9 pullover sweater for quite a few years, and while it is showing a bit of wear, I really love the diamond shape open weave, and thought it went well with the kimono.

You can see in the above picture how I layered a few of my rose gold necklaces for a fun addition. Obviously the heart necklace, given to me by my younger daughter, is a shout out to Valentine’s Day.

Here are a few pictures of close ups of the jewelry I had on.

I decided to keep my bag and boots a similar color to the kimono. The bag was a thrift find from my bestie that she gifted to me, and is The Sak. My boots were a Kohl’s purchase from a number of years ago and are ESpirit brand.

What do you think of this outfit? Is this something you would wear? Do you do anything to celebrate Valentine’s Day? We certainly don’t need a significant other to shower love on others. Give a treat to your kids or grandkids; send flowers to a friend; or just take yourself out and celebrate the fact that you are alive!

I’ve included a few shopping links for bags and boots. These are affiliate links. If you purchase an item through my links, I get a few pennies. I appreciate all you support.

Have a wonderful Valentine’s week!

Color Play: Building an Outfit Around a Bag

When I found this cute color block bag on a recent thrift store run, I knew I had to style an outfit around it. The colors are perfect for spring, summer and fall, and for me, the size is just right. I have gotten away from carrying large bags, because they tend to bother my shoulders. Even a cross body bag that is larger becomes problematic because I put too much stuff in it. You know the saying, “If it’s big, fill it up!” Ha, ha. I may have just made that up.

Aren’t the colors on this piece so cute? This has no brand name on it anywhere.

There were lots of choices I could have went with for an outfit. For a little while I was looking at a white maxi, but decided to save that for another day. I also pulled out a pair of coral pants, but ended up with the look you see here.

For this look I decided to have a similar color block vibe to the bag. I am looking forward to using this bag again for inspiration with a print mixing outfit.

I was pretty sure I wanted to use this thrifted teal blazer as it matched so well with the bag. Obviously this is a great outfit for these spring days where the temps fluctuate, but once summer hits the heavier layers will disappear. This blazer is a brand called Weekenders. It is a medium weight with a longer silhouette, and textured cuffs that match the shawl lapels.

Once I decided on the white Gloria Vanderbilt jeans that I have had for years, and can still squeeze into…and I do mean squeeze…I knew I wanted a coral piece to match the coral in the bag, so I chose this thrifted Cherokee shell, which I decided to use as a knit vest.

I also wanted to add a little black, so decided on this thrifted Chaps blouse with polka dots. Once I had that the only jewelry I added was this fun pendant necklace I found at the second hand shop around the corner.

I have always like the classy look of oxford shoes, so I pulled out this black patent leather pair I have from my days as an assistant manager at the bookstore. These are a brand called Sugar.

Do you have a bag that you can use to inspire an outfit? Have you ever tried building an outfit around a fun, colorful bag? What do you think of this outfit? Would you wear something like this? I would love to hear your thoughts.

I’m including a few shopping links for you. I bring these to you at no extra cost. These are affiliate links which means I get a few cents if you click on a link, and a bit more if you purchase something through one of the links I provide. I appreciate all your support. All opinions are my own.

Have a super week!

My Style: Grunge Aesthetic

This third Tuesday of the month I have been looking at various styles from which I pull my own style. I’ve titled my style blended, meaning I take from a variety of styles to make my own creative looks. So far we have looked at the Classic Style, and the Bohemian Style. Today we are going to look at the Grunge Style.

While we may not think we take much from the Grunge aesthetic we really do. Plaid patterns, graphic tees, combat boots, and hobo bags are all part of the Grunge scene. The term grunge originally came out of a music genre born in the northwest United States in the late 1980’s and 1990’s. Kurt Cobain of Nirvana fame was probably the most influential rocker on the grunge fashion movement. His style was completely understated often wearing an oversized sweater, baggy jeans and Converse tennis shoes to perform. The fashion movement bolstered the thrift movement with young people shopping to find worn, baggy, ripped, and oversized second hand clothing.

I easily fit into certain aspects of this style and I feel very comfortable in it. In fact, this is probably one of my faves, except for the fact that I love color, and it took some time for me to buy into the whole distressed pant movement. Now, however, I love my combat boots, my plaids, my ripped jeans and of course my graphic tees.

I had to think through how to build this outfit. I don’t have any band tees, and most of what I read and the images I saw showed tee shirts with band names and graphics on them. I decided since I hit 60 that I can make it my own, so I chose this silly tee I got at the state park my hubby and go to once or twice a year. It says, “I Ain’t Old…I’m Retro!” I couldn’t resist buying it and I think it works perfectly with this old lady’s grunge vibe.

My gray and white Vanilla Star plaid shirt is a thrifted piece. It had a slightly worn look to it, so I thought it served the purpose quite well. For some reason I felt my posture and facial expressions had to be a bit snarky to get the true grunge vibe across. Ha, ha.

These Stitch Star jeans I picked up on clearance at Meijer a few years ago. I like the distressing including the raw hems. I also like the buttons for the fly instead of a zipper. They look a little more worn than when I first got them, but I do wear them a lot and with all the washing they are looking rather funky, but that also may have had something to do with watching a toddler before I took these pics during his nap time.

One of the other pieces that I read about was the zip up hoodie. It seems dressing in the grunge way is all about layers of loose or oversized clothing. My pieces aren’t really all that oversized, but you get the idea. This zip up is part of a thrifted two piece set by NY & Co. Sport. Unfortunately, I messed up the pants with bleach, so I typically only wear them around the house. You can see the set before I messed up the pants here.

Layered necklaces, including crosses seems to be a thing, so this was my version.

These Joe Boxer combat boots became my faves this past season after I found them while thrifting. They are definitely showing their wear, but when you are feeling grungy the more worn the better.

I was trying to decide between a tote bag or one of my hobo style bags, and ended up with my Aerosmith tote to make up for the absence of a band tee.

What do you think of the Grunge Style? Do you have any plaid in your closet? Do you own combat boots? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

I hope you enjoyed this look at the Grunge Aesthetic. I’m including a few shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links and are brought to you at no cost. If you shop through one of my links, I get a few cents. Every view counts. Thank you for all you do.

Have a great week!

Shopping Our Closets: Tweed Jacket

The origin of tweed fabric is Scotland, and it is still the informal outerwear choice of most of Great Britain. A wool fabric it was originally “woven with a plain weave, twill or herringbone structure.” (Wikipedia - Tweed) It was known to be quite weatherproof, and for a time was only worn by the upper crust for outdoor activities such as shooting and hunting.

What we here in the USA call tweed, while manufactured to look like the rough, textured fabric is much more colorful and typically made from polyester, and cotton with a small percentage of wool, or none at all. Of course there are true tweed pieces to be found but it is mostly seen as suiting, although there are jackets here and there that would meet the true tweed standard.

When I was newly married, I owned a faux tweed suit. It was a beautiful light blue. Unfortunately, tweed became less popular as a fashion trend, and I outgrew my suit so I got rid of it. Now tweed is in and out of the spotlight much like polka dots and satin, but it will always have a place in this girl’s closet; maybe it does in yours as well.

Today I am showing off one of several tweed jackets that I have thrifted over the years. This piece is great for spring and fall. It offers just the right amount of warmth on a cool day, and makes any outfit look work or date worthy. Just for fun I am showing you two looks.

Look 1 - Work Appropriate

I love the colors in this Marshall Fields piece. Brown, yellow, rust, and creamy white form a beautiful blend for any season. This piece is 30% wool, so perfect for the chilly days of fall, winter and spring. During summer, this might just be the piece you put over your shoulders when the air conditioning is blasting. I also love the fringe detail along the collar and middle seams.

To make this look more work worthy I chose a pair of Croft and Barrow Chinos purchased some time ago from a Kohl’s clearance rack. I thought about a light weight sweater, but decided on my dressier, Christopher & Banks button down. This was also thrifted.

You can see my belt, and necklace above. I thought the rusty colored belt and my second hand loafers would subtly pull out the rust color in the jacket. The shoes are a brand called Etienne Aigner. I had to do a little research, but found Etienne Aigner, the man, was born in Hungary and established a fashion line that now caters to buyers all over the world dealing in luxury bags, shoes, clothing and more. Aigner, the retail company now hales out of Munich, Germany. Etienne, the man, died in the year 2000 at the age of 95.

Sorry for the crummy picture.

You’ve see this satchel bag on the blog before. I purchased this from Walmart a number of years ago, and is a brand called George.

Look 2 - Casual Day with the Kids or Grandkids.

To give the look a more casual vibe, I went with a dark brown tee shirt tunic. I also swapped out my Chinos for a pair of light gray Chicos ankle pants. Both are thrifted.

I swapped out my jewelry for a long, pressed flower pendant, and chose my thrifted Rafe for Target bag, which has also had a day or two here on the blog.

Instead of loafers I went back to my Steve Madden sneakers. Yes, they still need a good scrub! Ha, ha.

What do you think of these outfits? Which one do you like better? Do you have a tweed jacket? How do you like to wear yours? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to leave a comment or two.

Thanks for following along. Until next time!

I’m including a few shopping links for tweed jackets. The sizes are sparse, but I tried to find a variety. Besides these you can always search for tweed jackets in your search bar and see what pops up. In addition, thrift stores are great places to find these kinds of pieces. Happy hunting!

Outfit Inspiration: Gray Days of Spring

We all yearn for the warmer temps and sunshine of spring. We want to see the trees budding into flower and leaf, and smell the fragrance of flowers on the breeze. We are ready to tear off our winter layers, and pull out the tees, light weight sweaters and jackets, and allow our ankles and toes to see the sun. Unfortunately, here in the midwest, spring mosey’s along as if trying to decide whether it wants to settle in, or just bypass our area and let winter reign a while longer until summer blazes into place.

Today’s outfit was inspired by the weather. It is gray, damp, and chilly. There is a chilly breeze blowing, which doesn’t help it feel more spring like. On day’s like these I am still reaching for layers. However, I like to keep the layers visibly lighter and more spring-like in their appearance.

The outfit started around this recently thrifted Rose & Olive knit top. I love the print and after a little research I am not sure if I would call this a Damask, or Ikat inspired pattern. It is quite unique and along with the puffed sleeves and wider banded wrists give the top a very elegant feel. I think it would look lovely with a dark gray skirt or pair of trousers, or a black maxi skirt or jumper. Even pairing it with a dark navy would be fun. You can see I layered a darker gray, long sleeve tee underneath as an extra layer to keep me warm.

Once I chose the top, I thought the best way to give it a more spring feel was to pair it with a light colored pair of pants, so I chose these white, thrifted, distressed Stylus brand cropped jeans. These are very comfy and I am looking forward to wearing them more when the weather gets warmer.

Yes, my shoelace is untied, and I didn’t notice until late in the day. Ha, ha.

I knew I would need one other light layer so I reached for my years old, Christopher and Banks vest. This is a great piece and I regularly wear it as a light layering piece or as a great way to cover some of my middle age bulge. :)

I knew I would gravitate towards my thrifted gray moto boots and my current thrifted gray cross body bag as the perfect accessories to keep a monochromatic feel.

I didn’t want the outfit to be too bland, so I added a sparkly pendant necklace with a tear drop gray jewel, and a cherry blossom scarf, both thrift finds. A girl has to have a little sparkle and glam even if she is just dressing casual. You just never know what a day will bring. I ended up meeting a friend for coffee at a near by coffee shop and I felt very comfy and stylish.

Of course if you get too warm through out the day, you can always remove the scarf and add it to your bag.

What do you think of this outfit? Do you think it evokes the feeling of a gray, spring day? Do you think the scarf and pendant necklace good additions to make the outfit a tad bit more interesting?

I hope you enjoyed this post. I hope that these fashion ideas help you use the clothes already in your closet to create new outfits that will make you feel fresh and confident.

Style Tip: You can make a look like this using any two colors. I chose gray and white, but you might choose navy and tan, or mint green with pale yellow. See what is in your closet and go for it. The outfit formula is simple: top, pants or skirt, vest, shoes, bag, and your choice of accessories. Have fun!

I hope you have a wonderful week.

My Style: Bohemian Vibe

I started a series last month on the various styles that make up what I like to call my blended style. I don’t stay true to one style, but mix styles together for looks that are completely my own. I’m sure many women have this same thought about their own styles. Last month I looked at the basics of a Classic Style. Today we are going to take a look at Bohemian Style.

(It was extremely windy and cold when I took these pictures, so they aren’t the best. It even started to snow when I got back into the house. :))

Here is another article to look over, 15 Boho Outfit Ideas: Must Have Items. I found that once I started looking in my closet I had most of these pieces. In fact, I will be adding a few photos from previous posts wear I display the Bohemian Style.

I recently found this thrifted, gauzy top and I just love it. Especially with the lace cut outs around the neck area. The brand of this top is Jodifl. No, I did not spell that wrong. Ha, ha. I do have a white tank top underneath as it is pretty see through.

The crochet and wood belt is also thrifted. Since crocheted items are in the boho vibe, I thought it was appropriate, and the shirt is a little more billowy, so I wanted a little more of an hour glass silhouette.

My asymmetrical fringe vest has been on the blog before. It is Say What brand, and I honestly can’t remember where I got it as I have had it for quite a while. You can see that other post here. This piece is great for the warmer weather and like a kimono would be cute with shorts and a tee or tank top.

My tiered maxi skirt has been around quite a while. This is another piece I have used on the blog. You can see those posts here, and here. This piece was from JC Penney, and is St. John’s Bay brand.

Layered jewelry, wide hair bands, and soft bags with fun prints are all part of the Bohemian style.

We can’t forget shoes. Neutral ankle boots are big in the Bohemian style. This suede Sonoma pair are quite old, but still fit and still look fairly decent. Sorry about the blurry pictures!

What did you think of this outfit? Are you a boho kind of girl? Do you like certain aspects of the Bohemian style? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to leave a comment or two below.

I’m including a few other Bohemian style outfits from past blog posts. Just click on the picture to go to the original post.

I’ve included a few shopping links, but I didn’t have much success on the vests. I would say check sites like Etsy or second hand sites like ThreadUp or Poshmark.

Have a great day!

Shopping Our Closets: Graphics on Clothing

Today I thought I would spend a little time talking about graphics on clothing. When I refer to graphics, I am talking about specific pictures, words, sayings or branding that make a statement. I read an article called A Brief History of Graphic Tees. I was surprised to find that the first printing of a word on a tee shirt happened in one of my favorite older movies, The Wizard of Oz. In one of the scenes after Dorothy and her companions reach the Emerald City, they are all getting cleaned up. Three workers, all wearing tees with the word "Oz” printed on them, are seen re-stuffing the Scarecrow. That was 1939.

The article goes on to show how graphic tees gained popularity being used by presidential candidates, Walt Disney, and artists like Andy Warhol. Graphic tees really took off as a “messaging platform” in the 1960’s and 70’s with the explosion of rock and roll and anti-war protests. Tee shirts became an easy way to show what you believed and who you wanted to associate with.

Today, graphics are not just common place on short sleeved tees, but can be seen donning sleeveless and long sleeve tees, as well as pullover sweaters, sweatshirts and tops with added textures and trims. Graphics can also be found on sneakers, bags, water bottles and bedding.

A few years ago, I came across a company called Love in Faith. All of their tees and products have to do with the Christian faith. This is not a sponsored post. I have not been given any products or money to endorse this retailer, I just like what they do, and the products they produce. Today’s outfit revolves around one of their tees.

You know my style is casual, but even with a tee shirt I like to look like I made some effort in putting the outfit together. This look was entirely put together from things I already had in my closet. I have loads of tees, and over the last couple of years since I found out about Love in Faith, I have purchased a number of their fun, tees which are always spot on either with verses, lines from hymns or Christian songs, or specific holiday graphics.

I chose this particular tee because it has the words, It is well, with my soul, which is the first line of the chorus from one of my favorite hymns, When Peace, Like a River. I was totally taken in by the bold, white flowers and the unique cognac color. I decided to layer a black tee underneath since our weather is still very unpredictable.

To keep me cozy I grabbed my fuzzy, chenille cardigan. This was a hand me over from my oldest. I had actually gotten this for her one Christmas a few years ago, but it didn’t really grab her attention. When I saw she was getting rid of it, I snatched it up. It is a perfect topper fall, winter and spring and it’s cream color makes it a very versatile piece.

To keep this look light and more fitting for spring, I grabbed my medium wash, thrifted, Bandolino, straight leg jeans. These are very comfortable. Since they are not all that interesting, I added a hem roll on the bottom to give them more of a boyfriend vibe.

I opted for gold jewelry, but you could easily swap in white or black, or go for a more bold choice and pick a medium blue necklace or scarf to pull in the color of your jeans. That would also make the outfit look even more springy.

I wear these thrifted, moto boots several days a week. While they are completely man made materials, they seem to be holding up very well. My cute, little, woven bag is a recent thrift find, and I thought it would be perfect for Easter.

Do you wear graphics? If so, what sort of graphics do you wear? What do you think of this outfit? Would you wear something like this? Let me know what you think, in the comments. You can also comment on Facebook if that is easier for you. I just love to have your feedback.

Here are a few shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links, all opinions are my own.

Have a great week.

Outfit Inspiration: Floral Sneakers

I find inspiration for outfit building in many interesting places. I was reminded by an Instagram account I follow, Rosemary @lifefashiongo of how inspiring our accessories can be. For today’s look, I decided to revisit the idea, but rather than a scarf, jewelry, or a bag, I looked a bit lower, to the level of my shoes. These thrifted, Vans floral, Off the Wall, skateboard shoes were the inspiration for this transitional spring outfit.

I did a bit of research over the last few days, looking at accounts on Pinterest on transitional winter to spring outfits. I found a few good articles on how to make the transition while it is still quite chilly, and still give a nod to the inevitable onset of spring time. I know many of us are looking forward to the next season, and in fact, are already enjoying longer days, buds on trees, and the early signs of the greening of spring.

How to Wear Your Spring Clothes When It Still Feels Like Winter by My Chic Obsession has six how to’s to take your heavier layers and make them work for spring. From that same account this article suggests things we can pack away and things we can keep out as we make the transition: 6 Item to Pack Away for Spring (And What to Replace them With). I thought about that as I was putting today’s look together.

I knew I wanted to pull in at least two or three of the colors in the shoes. Green is a main focal point, but there is also bits of orange, pink, and a neutral tannish, yellow, that is close to cognac. I ended up using green, and orange as the main colors, and added a touch of pink. I’m going to include a few style tips for transitioning a casual outfit like this from winter to spring.

Style Tip: When transitioning from winter to spring don’t give up the layers, just modify the weight and chunkiness of those layers.

For this look I chose my lighter weight, thrifted, striped pullover. I do have a long sleeve tee on underneath, but the layers are much more streamline, and less bulky that what I might have chosen back in January. On the day I wore this outfit it was quite chilly starting out, and my hubby surprised me with a day date to a little tea shop for lunch about half an hour away. I added the vest as a good layering piece. I was glad I did. With my coat on, in the sunshine in the car, I got too warm, so the vest was perfect for our little trip.

Style Tip: Vests are a great way to add interest and layers when the days just aren’t warm enough to go without a jacket. Vests are good all year round just for fun.

Another way to create seasonal transition in casual outfits is through your jeans (not DNA :)). You can do this either by wash, or by length, or both, as I did in this outfit. Light wash, while wearable all year round, is especially telling in the spring as we reach for lighter fabrics, not just in weight, but in hues. Also, nothing says warmer temperatures and sunshine like raising the hems on our pants, especially when paired with loafers or sneakers. However, until those temperatures rise, pairing shorter pants with ankle boots or high tops sneakers is perfectly acceptable.

Style Tip: If you prefer a dark wash denim for the slimming effect, try lightening them up a notch with a medium wash. Also choose a straight leg like those below, or even a girlfriend silhouette for a more streamlined vibe.

I kept my accessories light to complete the transitional look. I love both the light weight eternity scarf and the floral tote. Remember totes are back in, especially oversized ones. My tote bag was from Kohl’s a few seasons ago, the scarf was thrifted.

My jewelry was a nod to the pinks in the shoes.

Style Tip: Remember you do you. Whatever the trend setters say are merely suggestions. You don’t have to go buy a new tote bag when you already have three perfectly good ones in your closet. You have them, because they are statements of who you are. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

I hope you enjoyed learning how to find outfit inspiration in things you already have in your closet.

I’m including a few shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links and are brought to you at no cost. All opinions are my own.

My Style: Classic Look

As fashion bloggers we talk about style all the time, but not everyone knows what their style is. Style types vary, and while many people stick mainly to one type or another, others of us tend to blend our styles. I believe blending is taking elements and components from various styles and mixing them together.

What I would like to try to do over the next few months is show you outfits from various named styles that I do borrow from, and then follow that with a few outfits I would consider blended. Since I am talking about my style, everything I show you will be taken from my own closet, but I hope to give you plenty of info and style tips, so you can decide if any of these styles are for you.

I found an article through Pinterest and thought you might like to read it too, so here is the link: Classic Outfits: Timeless Fashion Choices. It talks specifically about classic wardrobe pieces. If you have a classic style then you probably already have most of these things in your closet. Classic style revolves around clean lines and pieces that are simple to use and combine with other pieces in your wardrobe.

For today’s look I chose a black blazer, white tee (my v-neck was in the wash), classic wash (medium to light) ankle length jeans, and white sneakers. Since bags and jewelry are constantly changing I decided on my bird print tote bag, and a layered gold necklace.

This vintage, double breasted, Aldolfo, wool blazer is a thrifted piece that I have had for years. I seriously thought about getting rid of it, but I like the cut, the buttons and the fact that it is wool. Upon preparing for this post, I started a list of things to look for at thrift stores, and one thing will be a black blazer that is more appropriate for spring and summer and with a single button front rather than the double layer.

Style Tip: When looking for a black blazer decide what fabric texture and weight you would like. If you wear blazers often it certainly wouldn’t hurt to have two; one for cold weather and one for warm.

A simple white tee is the perfect piece to layer under your black blazer. This scoop neck is long sleeve, but you could also use a short sleeve one when it get’s warmer. This is Hanes brand. I did the front tuck to give the look a little more class, even thought I opted to keep it casual by not adding a belt.

Style Tip: Make your classic casual outfit more work wear appropriate by swapping out the tee for a white button down shirt. Tuck it in and add a thin belt for a sleek, polished vibe.

The classic wash, Stitch Star jeans were a clearance purchase at Meijer last year. They have a good amount of stretch, and I know I will be wearing these more in the warmer months ahead.

Style Tip: You can’t go wrong with a classic or medium to light wash jean. I love my dark wash jeans in the cold months, but when spring and summer comes I really want to lighten things up a bit. While a light wash may not be your style, anyone can pull off the classic medium wash.

These Steve Madden platform sneakers are on rotation in the spring, and summer. I need to clean them, but seeing as they are made of a vinyl type material they do clean up quite easily with a little baking soda, water and a toothbrush.

I really need to take this bag out and use it! Ha, ha. I love the color and the beautiful blue birds printed on it. Since bags are constantly changing I’m going to say use whatever bag you want. A more classic bag would probably be a crossbody bag in a light brown or tan color, especially with spring coming. I’ll leave some other choices in the shopping links below.

I thought a simple layered necklace completed the look, although I think a silk scarf might be better seeing as this is a heavier blazer and it is still cold. It was freezing when I took these pictures. This more delicate necklace might be better with a spring/summer weight blazer.

What do you think of this outfit? Do you like the classic look? Is classic your style? Do you have these pieces in your closet. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. I always love to hear your ideas.

I’m including a few shopping links. Use these to purchase something or just to give you ideas. I appreciate all your support.

Have a great week.

Shopping Our Closets: Spring Trends Edition

Today’s post revolves around several Spring 2024 fashion trends. While I don’t follow every trend that comes along, I like to be aware of what is happening from season to season. Frankly, most things have already been done, and just keep coming back into the trend rotation. Certain colors and prints, fabrics and styles come around again and again. For instance, leopard print is once again in; not that it really went out. I always hang on to a few leopard print pieces. That choice is less about what is trendy and more about what I like.

I’m not even going to give you links to forecasted spring trends because they are all so different. One says high waisted pants are out, another says they are in. The same thing for corduroys, and other styles. As I always say, wear the things that make you happy and feel good about how you look and who you are. You don’t need a high priced fashion entity to tell you what to wear. That being said, in today’s post I will share a few of the trends I like.

Prep School

Academic blazers, button down shirts and polos are all part of this preppy aesthetic. You can’t go wrong with a thrifted Ralph Lauren blazer. This is my second Ralph Lauren blazer. You can see my navy blue one here and here.

Style Tip: Second hand stores, and retailers like Poshmark, Ebay and ThredUp are great places to find cast off high end brand names.

Color Combos

This dark gray and brown pairing was another item on the trends list for this year. It seems there are few color combinations that seem a little different, but you know I love a color combo challenge, so this was perfect. Dark gray and chocolate brown would not be my first go to color combo, but I like it.

Cherry Red

Red is in and it speaks volumes, adding a pop of color to any outfit dressy or casual, and there are so many ways to make a statement with red. Try a red top, a red skirt, a red jacket or coat, a red scarf, a red bag, red shoes, or keep it simple with bright red lipstick.

Wide Legs

The wide leg look is sticking around, and you can wear it in any fabric or texture. Dress up in a wide leg trouser for work or a night out, or dress casual with a variety of wide leg jeans.

Metallics and Flats

Metallic fabric is shimmering on the run ways, but that doesn’t mean we have to go all out. Just a little dab of metals is all you need to take an outfit up a notch. I added mine in the form of my gold clutch and my silver SO flats. Flats are also on trend this spring, so take those ballet flats from the back of your closet and let them shine.

I added a few silver necklaces for a layered jewelry look, along with a few silver bangles.

Before going out shopping for new trends, be sure to take a look in your closet. Without a doubt, you have one or two pieces that are back in the trend revolving door. Out of the trends I listed above a nice structured blazer, and metallic shoes or a bag are great pieces to hang on to. They are easily styled with dressy or casual outfits, and are perfect for parties, special events and work.

I hope you enjoyed today’s outfit, and that it will inspire you to check out the spring 2024 trends on the web. You might find you have some of the ones I mentioned or others already in your wardrobe.

I’m including a few shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Have a great day!

Shopping Our Closets - Wonderful White

I grew up in the era when white was only worn between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with the exception of Easter Sunday when my mother typically bought new white shoes, for both of us. Easter Sunday always represented the onset of spring, even though the actual spring equinox happened before, so white shoes and a white bag were perfectly acceptable for that religious holiday. However, wearing white blouses, dresses or pants usually didn’t start until after the end of May when the summer festivities were well under way.

I love the combination of white with brown. When I thought about going for a monochrome look, I knew I didn’t have a white belt, although I could have left my shirt untucked and wore white tennis shoes and had a white bag for a completely white look. However, I like the way this turned out. Casual and fun with interesting details, this would be a great look for a summer concert at the park or a boat outing with friends…I wish a had friends with a boat. Ha, ha.

Everything in this outfit is thrifted. Thrifting seems to be on the rise as people look for more ways to save money. I did a little shopping at Kohl’s recently and was flabbergasted by the prices. A man’s polo shirt for $80? What? I bought the ones that were on sale for $12.99 and I had a 30% off coupon. Shopping retail becomes a game of knowing when to shop and finding the best deals and coupons. Thrifting, fortunately, tends towards slower inflation rates and many places still offer spectacular deals. We have a shop about 20 minutes from where I live where everything is $1. With the exception of a few upscale brands, furniture and the like, all the clothing, books, toys, shoes, and home goods are one buckaroo!

My top is Adrianna Papell brand. This brand seems to specialize in special event gowns and dresses. I love the crinkly texture and the “just enough puff” sleeves. I really don’t like anything too poofy, as my shoulders are a bit broader. That’s why I was never a fan of shoulder pads. If they are removable, I take them out of my blazers, dresses or tops that come with them. You can also see the necklace I added in keeping with the brown theme.

My distressed, Boyfriend cut, white jeans are Stylus, a JC Penney brand. They are super comfy and casual, so these will be on repeat this summer. The belt loops were wide enough that I was able to get this recently thrifted, woven piece through. I thought the speckling of color and the braiding of the belt were great details.

I found these cute sandals when my hubby and I went up north at a Goodwill store. They are a brand called I Love Comfort, and looks like it used to be a Sears brand. They slip on and tie up just like regular shoes. They have a fairly comfortable footbed, and give full coverage for my veiny feet. Sorry for the nasty looking nail polish. I need to redo my toes with a more durable polish. Ha, ha. Hey, I’m just keeping it real.

You’ve seen this bag on the blog before. It is Rafe for Target brand. Check out the actual Rafe NY website. Cute bags, but way out of my price range. I love this one I found at a second hand store. It is quite roomy, so I might make this my bag for our upcoming travel.

What do you think of this outfit? Do you wear white in the summer, or all year round? Do you like to dress in a monochrome look? Do you add different colored accessories to make the outfit more interesting? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I’m including a few shopping links for you to look over. I hope you are having a great week!

Another Outfit from Clara Sunwoo

I was contacted by Clara Sunwoo to pick another outfit from their collection in exchange for this blog post. These items were gifted to me by the retailer. All opinions are my own. The pieces I am featuring today are the Wide Leg Pocket Pant, and the Textured Parachute Hem Tunic - Floral Rain Grey.

I wanted to try a different silhouette for this outfit. You can see the other outfit I posted a few weeks ago, here. That outfit featured a straight leg pant and a tie waist top. Today’s outfit would be perfect for a summer wedding, or any other event where you want to look sleek and chic.

I really like this outfit. The black wide leg pant is an easy pull on piece with a wide waistband and two front pockets. There is no worry about zippers or belt loops, just smooth, light weight comfort. My only complaint is that the waistband did have a little bit of tendency to roll down, but not in a way that was uncomfortable or caused the pants to sit differently on the waist. I am wearing a Large, which in their sizing is a 14.

The parachute hem tunic is a lovely piece with a slightly textured floral print, and 3/4 length sleeves, giving it a classy, dressed up vibe. I think this top would look great with a pair of jeans and sneakers for a fun casual look as well.

To complete my outfit I added a very simple pendant necklace and a beaded bracelet, along with a sparkly clutch and my Aerosole black heels.

What do you think of this Clara Sunwoo outfit? Remember if you use my code STYLINGRANNY10 at checkout you get an additional 10% off your order. If you want to hear more about Clara Sunwoo and my opinions on their business see my original post here.

As I said in my original post, this retailer is one I am willing to stand for. Their styles are classic and timeless and really cross boundaries associated with age, and body type. The fabric, while light weight, breathable and moveable, also seems to be well made and durable. On the day I took these pictures, it was quite warm out and I never felt too warm.

Stop by Clara Sunwoo and see their collection. If you decide to purchase an item, be sure to use my discount code, STYLINGRANNY10 for 10% off.

Have a great week.

Color Play - Brown and Pale Green

Brown is a color that not everyone likes to wear, but you know me and my motto which is all colors for all women. Color and how we wear it and look good in it has to do with shades of color, and placement of the color on our bodies.

Today I am showing you an outfit that uses different browns, as well as different pale greens. The thought that brown and green go well together is not new, just think about trees and their branches. Many of the color combinations we see in nature work in the fashion world too.

It is hard to tell that these pants are actually green, but they are. They almost look gray, but when you set them next to a gray pair of pants, they definitely have a green tint. I found these recently on a thrift run and they are Chico’s Girlfriend style.

My plaid brown top was also a thrift find and is Lauren Conrad brand. I love the poofy sleeves and the smocking around the neckline. The fact that it is brown and plaid are what ultimately made me buy it. I have a hard time finding the color brown, especially for summer weight clothing. This one is perfect for the season. Of course, it also helps hide one thousand sins, you know the ones, the extra ice cream sin, the extra serving of potato chips sin, the double serving of just about any kind of chocolate sin…Ha, ha. Ugh! I can’t even really taste things right now, but I just keep on eating.

I added this other second hand treasure, the Apt. 9 vest, for interest and to tone down the volume of the top. The vest adds its own volume, but I think together it looks cute .

For accessories I added my Keds sneakers, a minty green necklace and some beaded bracelets with mint and silver like the necklace. I am also showing off this Rosetti bag that I recently found at a thrift store.

The only things in this outfit that aren’t second hand are the necklace, bracelets and sneakers. It is a satisfying feeling to be wearing an entire outfit that didn’t end up in a land fill.

What do you think of this outfit? I would like to hear your thoughts, so leave me some love in the comments below, or leave a comment on my Facebook page.

I hope you are having a marvelous week.

No shopping links today, but if you appreciate the blog and the content I put on here please consider buying me a coffee. Just click on the link below.

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Shopping Our Closets - Light Weight Joggers and a Button Down Shirt

This week I want to share with you two pieces I think are essential to a warmer weather wardrobe: light weight joggers and a button down shirt. These two are practical and versatile and able to be used for so many outfits. For today’s post I combined these pieces to make a comfortable ensemble easily worn to a summer graduation party, a casual night out, or a trip to the zoo with the kids or grandkids.

I was never a jogger sort of gal. Jeans have always been my go to, and occasionally dress pants for work when I had an office job. Joggers were for exercise, not daily wear. However, I came across a floral Sonoma pair at Kohl’s a couple of years ago and thought I would give them a try, since I loved the floral pattern. You can see those styled here. Now I have this purple pair, and a blue pair. In addition I have added a few pairs that I thrifted.

Those of us who have very bad varicose veins do not really like to show our legs off on a regular basis, but we also like to be cool in the hot weather, so a light weight, comfy pant like these joggers is the perfect compromise. They are completely versatile as well, so you can make them super casual, or add a silky top and heels for a more dressed up vibe.

Style Tip: Never say never when it comes to clothing. Trying new styles and pieces is exactly how you grow your wardrobe and how you really hone in on your exact style. Style, just like many things in life, is a trial and error type of thing. Try something and if you don’t like it, move on to the next thing.

I went for a purple with purple combo in this outfit, but I wouldn’t call it monochrome, because the purples are quite different. My tee seems to lean in the blue direction, although if you saw it by itself you would definitely say it is purple. I love graphic tees, and this thrifted Misslook piece is spot on my style. You can also see my purple hued bracelets that I added for jewelry interest.

Style Tip: If you like to wear tee shirts think outside the box as to how you style them. A nice, crisp white tee is just as much a work wear piece as a nice, crisp button down. Add a neck scarf or some layered necklaces, top it with a structured blazer and you’ll look ready to take on the world. On the other side, tees, especially graphic ones with words or designs, can be uniquely yours and tell a lot about your personality and what you value.

Once again, I am using a classic button down as a shacket. This thrifted yellow piece is White Stag. I have hung onto a few more structured, solid colored button downs as layering pieces that can be used all year round.

I chose this bright yellow bag as I thought it drew out the bright yellow in the center of the daisy on my shirt and compliments the pale yellow button down. This was a thrift find and is a brand called Bueno.

I got these pale yellow Universal Thread sneakers at Target on clearance a few seasons ago.

What do you think of this look? Do you wear button down’s as light weight layering pieces? Do you like to wear tee shirts? How do you like to style them? I always love to hear your thoughts, so please feel free to leave a comment or two.

As usual I ‘m including a few shopping links for you to peruse. Please feel free to use these links as inspiration for your own wardrobe. I only make money on these links if you use the link to purchase something. These are affiliate links, but all opinions are my own.

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Outfit Inspiration - Cottage Core with an Edge

This week’s source of inspiration started with an Instagram challenge that I am trying to participate in for the month of May. The challenge, #mismatchmay revolves around outfit combinations that might seem unusual or outside the norm. It isn’t just a matter of putting different prints together, although that does have something to do with it. Every week has a different focus. For the first week we are to build outfits with the ideas in mind of character play, pose play and mix of hard and soft.

I thought I would focus, at least for one of the days on the mix of hard and soft. This would be combinations of fabrics like soft silks, tiered tulle, lace, and other feminine fabrics with moto jackets, structured vests or blazers, or leather and vinyl. As I began shopping my closet, I wanted to get a little more knowledge, which led me to Pinterest. There I discovered something I had heard of but didn’t know a lot about, Cottage Core.

Cottage Core delves into fashion that examplifies a romanticized version of pastoral life. You will find floral prints, feminine tiered skirts and maxi dresses, and oversized cozy cardigan sweaters. There is a focus on natural fibers, vintage inspiration and a closeness to nature. There is a Cottage Core aesthetic in the architectural realm as well with home decor turning towards English gardens, and rustic baskets and floral arrangements.

This outfit is my attempt to do Cottage Core (for the soft) with an edge (for the hard). There are two things in this outfit that fall into the Cottage Core aesthetic: the white tiered, lacy skirt, and the floral print on the sweater.

My floral pullover was a clearance find a few years ago from Maurice’s. It is a good piece for spring, as it is not the heavy weight of many of my pullover sweaters. Unfortunately, the weather has been cold and rainy, so my warm weather clothes are on hold.

I have had this skirt for a while. It is St. John’s Bay from JCPenney. I have styled it on the blog before. You can see it styled with a green blouse and jacket, with a pink striped pullover, and with a striped tee and navy eyelet jacket.

My brown moto jacket has been around for a while too. A thrifted piece it is Celebrity Pink brand and you can see how I styled it with an orange medallion skirt, a Grinch sweater, olive utility pants, a printed maxi dress, and a peachy monochrome look.

I added a bit of gold bling in the form of my layered necklaces and multiple bracelets. I addition I thought it would be fun to add another print, so I reached for my thrifted leopard print bag.

I chose a pair of hand-me-over ankle boots from my daughter to finish the outfit.

What do you think of this outfit? Are you familiar with Cottage Core fashion? Do you have tiered skirts, and florals in your closet? What about this style do you like or dislike?

I hope you enjoyed this post. I am including a few shopping links for Cottage Core types of pieces. These are affiliate links which means if you purchase something through the link, I get a little bit of a commission. These are brought to you at no additional cost. All opinions are my own.

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Outfit from Clara Sunwoo

This outfit was gifted to me and I was not paid to do this review. All opinions are my own.

Recently I was contacted by retailer Clara Sunwoo to do a collaboration. Clara Sunwoo started sewing clothing in 1968. In 1975 she moved from Seoul, Korea to New York City. Twenty years later Clara and her daughter Roseann, saw a need for women’s clothing that fit better and in 1997 started their own clothing line in Manhattan’s fashion district. In 2004 they designed their own soft, stretchable knit fabric, a fabric that is breathable and wrinkle free. Their clothing has reached all across the United States and is loved by women including Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Kathie Lee Gifford.

This outfit features the side tie watercolor top paired with the brown signature straight leg pant. (Please note, the links only take you to their main website, but you can look each item up by it’s name, or click on the link for tops, or the link for pants, etc. and scroll to find the item.) Each item is made from a soft, breathable knit created by the mother/daughter team.

Their website states that this knit is breathable and perfect for traveling. On the day I took these pictures, it was only in the forties, so I will have to let you know how this light weight fabric does in the heat of summer at a later date. The fabric is pleasing to touch and feels great on. It stretches as you move, making it perfect for our busy lives.

I love the elbow length dolman style sleeves, and the cute detail of the front tie. The muted neutral tones will be fun to style with other items in my closet.

I was concerned when I took these straight leg pants out of the bag, that they were going to be too small. I chose a size Large (14). I would say these are just about spot on. I am between a 12 and a 14. I was actually surprised that they looked as nice as they did with my wider hips. I would like to try a pair of their wider leg, or split leg pants to see how they compare.

I decided to use silvery gray for my accessories. My shoes and bag were both thrifted.

Clara Sunwoo is a retailer I can get behind. Their story (be sure to watch the piece from the Today show) is a picture of the American dream. Most of their products are designed and manufactured right here in the United States. The clothing is well made with quality fabric that moves with you as you move throughout your day. Their sizing is fairly inclusive running from an extra small (4/6) up to a 1X (18). I think they allow for larger sizing due to the stretch in the fabric, but I don’t know that the pants or certain sleeve types would necessarily fit all body sizes and types. Keep that in mind if you are interested in ordering anything.

I also like that this is a Slow Fashion manufacturer. They only make a limited number of pieces for each season, so there is less waste. The price points are higher than what I would normally pay, but I would consider these investment pieces. These are the perfect pieces for a resort trip or cruise, walking the beach or going out to dinner. They would also translate well into the work place where comfort and classic style is a plus.

I have signed up to be an affiliate with Clara Sunwoo, so if you want to purchase something on their site just use the code, STYLINGRANNY10 and you’ll receive a 10% discount site wide. They always have free shipping in the U.S. Check them out!

Shopping Our Closets - Utility Vest

Today’s outfit revolves around a utility vest. Vests are great pieces to have in your closet. Whether you wear them as an extra layer in the winter, or style them as a fun topper in the summer, a vest can add interest and depth to an outfit. Spring is the perfect time to pull out those lighter weight vests and change up your looks from dark, cozy colors to lighter pastels and brights.

Style Tip: Try using olive as a neutral in your outfits. It is a nice change from the typical tan, beige or gray, and works great in any season.

My Mudd brand vest was a clearance find at Target a few years ago. I have a few utility jackets, but I liked that this was a vest, and is made of a soft, medium weight fabric making it perfect for warmer days. For those of you who like pockets a utility vest is a practical workhorse for your wardrobe.

I just nabbed this Croft and Barrow puff sleeve top on the Kohl’s clearance rack. You know how I love embroidery and the sleeves on this were pure perfection. While the whole print isn’t embroidered, but the combination of print and embroidery really stands out.

I wanted to show you another ankle length jeans look. Last week I showed you a wide leg jean. This week is a thrifted, Gloria Vanderbilt, straight leg version, and once again, it is in a lighter wash. These are also a pinstripe, which is harder to find, but you can’t really tell unless you get close.

I knew I wanted to do something pink and gold for my jewelry so I chose this floral statement necklace and the gold bracelet for a bit of bling.

My bag was a clearance find at Meijer a few years ago when velvet was trending. My sneakers are Sperry’s.

What do you think of this outfit? Is this a style you would wear? Do you have a utility jacket or a utility vest? How do you like to wear them? I love to get your feedback, so leave me a comment or two.

I am including a few shopping links. These are affiliate links. They are brought to you by me and I do not receive compensation for your clicks, but only if you make a purchase through the link. These are provided for your benefit, to give you ideas and options for items you might like to purchase. All opinions are my own.

Buy Me a Cup of Coffee. I provide this link for you to monetarily support my blog. I do not make money on my blog, but I do sacrifice my time to bring you fresh ideas and thoughts. If you enjoy these posts this is a small way to support my efforts.

I hope you are having a great week.