Ready to Roll

I almost didn't include this outfit on the blog.  

Jeans:  The Limited (old)
Military jacket:  Old Navy (Similar here)

It is ultra casual, maybe too casual?  Heck, just a year ago, I wouldn't have even worn an outfit like this anywhere I expected to be seen, let alone publish photos of myself on the web.  

Purse:  The Limited (Similar here)

T-shirt:  Torrid (Available here)

These jeans are at least four years old.  I ripped them myself, and the years of frequent wear have worn the holes much more than originally intended.  I love these jeans.  They're comfortable and the perfect length for my motorcycle boots.

My motorcycle boots...worn on actual motorcycles....I couldn't possibly feature these boots on a fashion blog, or could I?

Can you tell I think way too much? I was over-analyzing and taking myself too seriously.  It's just clothes, after all.

Besides, I have always meant for my blog to show everyday style.  Life presents itself with many different occasions, and sometimes you just need clothes that you can throw on and go.

Bracelet (Purchased locally)

I wore this outfit the weekend before last.  My honey was still home-bound from his accident, and he was getting super stir-crazy.  While I was ready to spend my Sunday lounging at home, surfing the internet, he was longing to get out of the house.  I took pity, and we loaded up the kids for a Sunday drive along the Mississipi River on the Great River Road, the Midwest's version of the Pacific Coast Highway (love you, Cali!). 

We had fun checking out a local kid-friendly art fair, nibbling at a delicious fudge shoppe (where I also found this cool snake coil bracelet!), and ending our day at a local Mexican restaurant.

My outfit was perfect for walking around the art fair, and the military jacket was just the right cover-up for the slightly chilly temps and occasional raindrops.

All in all, it was a Sunday much better spent than had I trolled the internet all day!  Darn it...I hate it when the man is right.  ;-)

How do you dress for extra casual days?

For this tee in other looks, see here and here.
For this jacket in another look, see here.

Building a Casual Wardrobe

Hope you're all having a great week!

Jeans:  Torrid (Available here)
T-shirt:  Torrid (Available here)

Today's look pairs my Torrid stiletto skinnies with a comfy tee and cropped blazer.  I wore this outfit last Sunday to run a few errands.

Bracelet:  The Limited
Sandals:  Payless

Clutch:  The Limited

The low-heeled sandals kept the look comfortable and gave the outfit a feminine charm.

Earrings:  The Limited

I love that the back of this jacket has interesting detail, giving this simple look a cooler vibe.

Jacket:  Torrid (Available here)

Building a casual wardrobe has been a difficult process for me.  My personal aesthetic tends towards evening looks and more polished pieces.  When I get home after a long day of work, I often reach for sweats and grubby tees.  Being so petite, most of my jeans require heels, which doesn't work well for running around with the kids or other casual events.  I've been working on building a stylish casual wardrobe that tows the line between my ultra-casual lounge wear and my work and evening wardrobe.

I think this outfit does just that.

What do you like to wear for casual wear?

To see these jeans in another look, see here and here.
For this tee in another look, see here.
To see this jacket in another outfit, click here.

A Shorts Story

Over the weekend, we took the kids to our local zoo, and this is what I wore:

Blazer:  LOFT Petites (Available here)
Shorts:  Torrid (Similar here)

The weather was perfect for walking around, and it was so fun watching my five-year-old squeal with delight at seeing all the animals.  :-)

James Dean t-shirt (Torrid here)
Shoes:  Kohl's (kids) (Available here)

Every time I say I'm not a fan of a certain trend or specific look, I find myself giving it a try (or three) and end up liking or even loving it. 

For example, I hated skinny pants and jeans on myself when they first came out and thought that I would never be a fan.  Now, I can't seem to get enough of them!

I've never been a big fan of shorts, no matter my size.  I always think they are riding up and have never found them as flattering as pants or skirts/dresses.

Purse:  Target (Available here)

This spring, I've seen so many cute shorts that I've been more willing to give them a try.  I also always find myself desperately seeking more breezy options come mid-July, and shorts are perfect for casual outdoor activities.  

These denim Bermuda shorts are super easy.  They have just the right amount of distressing, and because they are a longer, more fitted short, I don't get the dreaded ride-up issue.

Bracelets:  Target, Express, The Limited, H&M

I added a James Dean tee and seersucker blazer.  I love how the blazer dresses up the ultra casual jean shorts and tee.

This outfit has a tomboyish feel, but I added feminine details with the rope sandals, v-neck line, and bracelets.

It was perfect for a fun day at the zoo!!

For these shorts in another look, see here.