Inspired By | Off the Shoulder Ruffles

WhatIWore: I’ve been having a lot of fun trying out some new trends (new to me at least!) and my biggest motivator has actually been dreaming up what I can sew for myself! You saw the bell sleeve eyelet top I designed and made earlier this week and my next easy project is going to be a chambray off the shoulder ruffle top. I love my broad shoulders, especially a little sunkist glow! For home sewers, you can probably whip this up in an evening! I’m not even going to buy a pattern (I figure I can alter my basic bodice, make a giant ruffle with a casing for elastic, hem ‘em and call it a day!)

Although you’re seeing dresses here (which I might end up making if I have enough fabric!) I think simplicity in styling is the way to wear the look. I love how these gals went with neutral shoes and minimal hair/makeup/jewelry for an easy going outfit. Right up my alley! 

Not the stitching type? There are a lot of cute options already out there. I really like chambray (big surprise), so that’s what I’ve referenced below (with and without ruffles). Now it’s just about finding the right underpinnings to keep from being uncomfortable (I’m in the market for a new strapless bra, if you have recommendations, I’d love them!)

What I Wore | Chambray Floral

WhatIWore: This morning I asked Felix ‘What should mommy wear today?” to which he replied “Blue!” and then “Jean!” Ok then! I’ve actually wanted to wear this high waisted bell bottomed pair so I paired it with a dress (worn as a top) and an olive green jacket. Eventually I lost the jacket and traded the jeans for shorts, but this made for a nice spring morning outfit. I love that these embroidered tops and dresses are having a moment, but you could easily replicate this outfit with a tee shirt underneath instead. 

When: April 25, 2016

What:
Shades: Target
Dress (as top): hand-me-down
Jacket: Old Navy (similar here)
Jeans: Frame Denim
Scarf: Vintage
Sandals: gift courtesy of Rockport from last summer

Where: Working at the coffee shop, running errands

Although I really dislike the idea of a capsule wardrobe (too limiting for me!) I do like a core closet, or pieces that can be worn with the majority of your other pieces. Two examples for me are great jeans and this olive jacket, like in today’s post. Here are three more ways each that I’ve worn them.

What I Wore | Bandana Blues

WhatIWore: After getting inspired by all of the cool girls wearing bandanas, I finally decided to go for it myself. I picked this cotton number up at Joann’s for under three bucks and I know as it gets washed and worn it’ll become even softer and lightly faded. I initially had the knot and tails in front, but felt a little too much like a train conductor, so I twisted that part to the back. I like it! Truthfully though, I was a little self conscious until I opened up the photos and thought to myself… ok! That looks good! Read on for how I modified this chambray too! 

When: April 26, 2016

What:
Shades: Target
Bandana: Joann Fabrics
Chambray (mine is altered): J.Crew (very similar here)
Jeans: Point Sur for J.Crew, and 30% off with code SCORE
Sandals: House of Harlow (older style)
Bag: Frye
Ring: Cactus Flower

Where: Hanging/Working at the Hopscotch

Wearing my Point Sur high button fly jeans again. I actually went ahead and bought the culotte pair too (they’re $75 off!) and I hope they look cool too. Another thing worth noticing on this outfit are the pockets on my chambray. When I was nursing and bustier, the flaps just made that area too bulky… so I used my seam ripper and took them off. I like the resulting darker fabric showing and now it’s much better for layering.  A simple update anyone can do (with patience! don’t rip a hold in your shirt!) for a customized look. 

Inspired By | Bees

WhatIWore: I have a thing for honey bees. My house is covered in honeycomb motifs (like my recent DIY on my dining room wall) and I have a beautiful bee tattoo on my back (a theme I’m sticking with as I add more this summer!). One of Felix’s first words was bee (he has little honey bee magnets that he loves). Plus both my dad and uncle are bee keepers and I probably have about three gallons of honey to be used in my pantry! We love bees around here! 

I regularly wear a honeycomb ring that Adam gave me a few years ago (like the one above) but whenever I see a cute bee tee or piece of jewelry it piques my interest. Lately bees are on trend (but never go out of style if you ask me!), so there are lots of cute things on the market. I picked some of my favorites (I bought the boy’s Let Me Bee tee for myself!) that you might like too! A piece of bee jewelry would make for a sweet Mother’s Day gift (hint hint dads!) Click on any image to shop!