Author Archives: laurenkahan

Sometimes you just want to wear black…

I used to wear a lot of black.  A LOT!!  Then I made a conscious effort to work color into my wardrobe, and I love color now.  That said…it’s still my security blanket.  When I’ve indulged a little too much over the weekend or am a little brain dead and don’t want to think about what to wear….black is the easy answer.Blog Black leifsdottir cardigan Black AG jeans Boots-1These Adriano Goldschmied jeans are amazing!  I may have two pairs in the denim too (made one pair into capris for the summer :)).  The elastic waist band is SO comfortable, and there’s no bulge when you wear long tunics.  Yet the denim, really is denim-not a legging.  I actually wore these when I was pregnant too.  I wish they would have made them in even more washes! Blog Black leifsdottir cardigan Black AG jeans Boots-2 Blog Black leifsdottir cardigan Black AG jeans Boots-3 Poor nugget got into a tussle with the cabinet and lost… Oh, and btw, if you follow us on Instagram, you’ll know how much I spent on this ADORABLE faux leather jacket 🙂Blog Black leifsdottir cardigan Black AG jeans Boots-4Blog Black leifsdottir cardigan Black AG jeans Boots-5On me…

Jeans- Adriano Goldschmied (sold out 😦 the denim version is sold out too, but check on eBay!)
Sweater- Leifsdottir (old, but similar here)
Boots- Nocona
On Maya…
Top- Pumpkin Patch (Nordstrom Rack, but similar here)
Boots- Children’s Place (Thrifted, but similar here.
Jacket- Circo (thrifted, but this one is so cute)
dit-elle-Lauren

Printed Denim + The “non diaper bag” diaper bag.

I am so drawn to printed denim (another fun way to mix up my denim addiction!), yet I get caught up on how to wear it.  I’ve decided I’m not one of those people that can mix prints and get away with it, so I keep it pretty simple with my top choices.  Over the summer I wore these with a plain white/black T or tank top.  Now that it’s getting colder, I thought I’d stay with the same simple color choice.

Btw, Seattle, you are killing me with this weather!!!  One minute-pouring.  The next minute-sunny.  All the while…WINDY.  Ugh.

blog Red Print Black Orchid Cream Cashmere Doma-7It hit me today that I’ve only shown the bags I carry in one post.  As a mom, we all know that the diaper bag is a staple in our day to day life.  I was determined NOT to get a diaper bag that looked like a “diaper bag”, and was giddy when I found this one by Nest!  The best part is that it doubles as a camera bag for me, and the lining also zips out for easy cleaning/turns it into just a cool purse!blog Red Print Black Orchid Cream Cashmere Doma-8blog Red Print Black Orchid Cream Cashmere Doma-9blog Red Print Black Orchid Cream Cashmere Doma-12blog Red Print Black Orchid Cream Cashmere Doma-5 blog Red Print Black Orchid Cream Cashmere Doma-6Maya’s take on the printed jeans…103 weeks leopard pants denim shirt cream sweater-1On me…

Jeans- Black Orchid  Sold out, but similar here and less expensive here.
Top- Zara (old, but similar here)
Shoes- Corso Como
Diaper Bag- Nest
Necklace- Viv & Ingrid
On Maya…
Jeans- Old Navy (From ThredUp but similar here)
Top- Thrifted, but similar here
Boots- Faded Glory (Thrifted, but similar here.  Dying over these!
Sweater- Gap (eBay)dit-elle-Lauren

Boyfriend Jeans + Cashmere = weekend comfort outfit!

Boyfriend jeans have been a trend for a while now.  I’ve tried a few pairs…  They are incredibly comfortable, but I’m not a big fan of the longer rise that usually comes with them, and how they make my butt look (c’mon, that’s HUGE in jeans decisions :)).  So…now I cheat and just buy up a couple of sizes on a normal pair.  This is especially great when I go thrift shopping and find pairs not in my size=boyfriend jeans!  That was the case with the pair I’m wearing here.  This particular pair was hemmed already and about an inch too short.  Was I deterred from scooping up a pair of Seven for All Mankind for less than $10?  NO!  Roll them, I say 😉

Ps-it’s been raining CONSTANTLY in Seattle, so…inside pick for this one.  I’ll try and get more creative later.blog Yellow StyleMint Cashmere 7 Boyfriend Cafe Noir-1When you go the “boyfriend” style route, it’s best to pair it with a tighter fitting top.  That way you don’t look too frumpy (NOBODY WANTS THAT!)  This sweater isn’t too tight, but it’s more fitted. blog Yellow StyleMint Cashmere 7 Boyfriend Cafe Noir-2 blog Yellow StyleMint Cashmere 7 Boyfriend Cafe Noir-3 blog Yellow StyleMint Cashmere 7 Boyfriend Cafe Noir-4cThen I dug this leather jacket out of the trenches.  I have had this particular jacket for over 10 years!  I’m such a hoarder… BUT, I find that things always come back around, and I’m SO glad I never got rid of it! blog Yellow StyleMint Cashmere 7 Boyfriend Cafe Noir-5 blog Yellow StyleMint Cashmere 7 Boyfriend Cafe Noir-8 blog Yellow StyleMint Cashmere 7 Boyfriend Cafe Noir-9And Maya’s take on the rolled too big jeans 🙂1Maya85wksRainPony-2cOn me…

Jeans- 7 for All Mankind (I bought these 2 sizes bigger than my normal size)
Sweater- StyleMint (sold out :()  Similar here and here.
Boots- Cafe Noir (thrifted, but similar here and less expensive version here.)
Jacket- Old, but similar here.
On Maya…
Jeans- Joe’s Jeans (got these on ThredUp for $10!)
Sweater- Old Navy
Shoes- Converse (thrifted, but similar here)
Super Mom Tip-
Thrift store shop for premium denim (great deals are out there if you look!).  Both Value Village and Goodwill have carts that you can put your child in while you shop (hands free shopping!)  Plus, a lot of times you will find jeans already hemmed perfectly (if you have shorter legs).  If you find a pair that are too short…roll them!dit-elle-Lauren

Cheating on my skinnies…

90% of the time I wear skinny jeans.

a) Because it feels like I’m wearing sweats (if you get ones that have stretch, which all of mine do!)

b) The inseam on them is usually more conducive to my shorter legs, or they look ok scrunched at the bottom or rolled!  Which all boils down to NO HEMMING!

c)  I can wear them with flip flops, flats, or boots (aka any season!)

All that said.  I love the look of a wide leg jean.  I’m really into the super wide leg, but found these mid rise (thought I’d NEVER go back there!) wide leg jeans from Citizens of Humanity at a thrift store ($7!) and figured I’d try them!1Blog CUHWideLegCremeTop-1

Not sure if it was the same trip, but I scored these Jeffrey Campbell wedges at the thrift store too (less than $10)!  If I ever put on a heel (for non going out day wear), it’s going to be a wedge.  Not sure why, but they are just so much more comfortable.1Blog CUHWideLegCremeTop-2  This top is just a glorified T (yup, still staying true to my jeans and t-shirt uniform!)1Blog CUHWideLegCremeTop-3

Then to dress it up a little for maybe a date night or client meeting (if you have a little more casual work place environment)…add a cropped leather jacket and another pair of leather wedges!1Blog CUHWideLegCremeTop-41Blog CUHWideLegCremeTop-6 I know that nobody will really see it, but I’m a sucker for cool lining 🙂 1Blog CUHWideLegCremeTop-5blogCUHWideLegCremeTop-61Blog CUHWideLegCremeTop-8 1Blog CUHWideLegCremeTop-9Maya cheated on her skinnies too 🙂1Maya100wksOveralls-1On me…

Top- ASTR Top (got mine at Nordstrom Rack, but similar here.
Shoes 1) Jeffrey Campbell Wedge (old, but similar here) 2) Old, but similar here.
Belt- Streets Ahead (old, but similar here.

Leather Jacket- Nordstrom’s Classiques (old, but similar hereThis is fun too, and on sale!

On Maya

Jeans- Old Navy overalls.  Thrifted, but similar here.
Shoes- Pink Glitter Converse (sold out 😦 ) plain ones here.dit-elle-Lauren

Going green…

Green is my favorite color, so you will see a lot of it on here.  When I found these boots at Funky Janes Consignment store for $25, I knew I had to have them!  Once again, I go to purge my closet…then add to it.  Oh, well.  Let’s just call it recycling, which is good for the environment, right? 🙂  These are so fun, and they go perfectly with these jeans from Black Orchid!  I mentioned before how comfortable these are.  They truly feel like you are wearing sweats-best trait for a jean if you ask me!blogGreen Black Orchid Boots Cream StyleMint-1blogGreen Black Orchid Boots Cream StyleMint-4I love that this top from StyleMint has little sheer panels.  It was hard to capture on camera, but the side panels make this look less like a big mumu.  I actually got the top in a bigger size than I normally would because they were sold out.  I kind of like the slouchy tunic look…happy accident! blogGreen Black Orchid Boots Cream StyleMint-2Sometimes if I’m wearing a big baggy top, I like to wear a long necklace to give it shape. blogGreen Black Orchid Boots Cream StyleMint-3And…truth be told.  These were the shoes I wore for most of the day 🙂  So, this outfit really can go from day, to office, to night.  Just change out the shoes and remove/add jewelry! blogGreen Black Orchid Boots Cream StyleMint-51Maya101wksGreenshirtFall-1On me…

Top- StyleMint Maxwell T (sold out :() similar here and I like this one too!
Shoes- Biviel (scored at Funky Janes Consignment similar here.
Jewelry- Lariat Neclace (old and I bought it as a belt, but similar here,) bracelets Cartier and H&M (love mixing high and low end!) watch- Vintage Gucci

On Maya…

Top- Vintage (thrifted)
Jeans-Gap
Super Mom Tip-
If you see something that you like on sale, and they don’t have your size-try a different size!  This top was supposed to hit a few inches below the belt line, but all they had left was a size 4 (sizing is 1-4, which translates to XL).  I bought it anyway, and love it!  I do this with jeans I find at the thrift store and make them “boyfriend jeans”.  I’ve even tried on a size that was too small, only to find that it fit.  I find that jean sizing is all over the board, so why not try it!
dit-elle-Lauren

Joie Peasant Blouse 3 ways… Day 3

Yesterday, I paired this Joie top with slip on oxfords and a pair of cropped pants for a more casual work outfit.  Then, paired it with a belt and a fun pair of pumps for a dressier casual office outfit.  The day before that was a more casual look.

Today, I wanted to show how I would wear it dressed up for a more corporate outfit.

I first put on a simple white camisole (probably don’t want your co-workers to see through your blouse!).  I stock up on these for layering under just about everything!  Then I tucked them into a pair of super wide low rise menswear inspired wool trousers.

My 13 yr old step son asked “What are you wearing?  Those look like mens pants.”  hahaBlog Joie Blouse Super Wide Leg Pants-1 Blog Joie Blouse Super Wide Leg Pants-2 Blog Joie Blouse Super Wide Leg Pants-3 Blog Joie Blouse Super Wide Leg Pants-4 Blog Joie Blouse Super Wide Leg Pants-5On me…

Top- Joie (on sale!!)
Pants- Lauren Moffat (old, but similar style different color here)
Shoes- Charles by Charles David (old, but similar 40’s style here.)  These are fun too!
Belt- Banana Repbublic (old, but similar here).  This is fun too!
And there you have it!  One blouse, worn three very different ways- Casual, Office Casual, and here.  What was your favorite?dit-elle-Lauren

Joie Peasant Blouse 3 ways… Day 2

Yesterday, I paired this Joie top with slip on oxfords and a pair of DL 1961 jeans, for a comfortable day outfit.

Today, I wanted to show how I would wear it dressed up for a more work friendly outfit.

At first, all I did was throw on a pair of cropped navy pants.  It would work for the more casual work place, and the oxfords are great if you have to be on your feet (worn with these!)Blog Joie Blouse Elevenses Khakis-1 Blog Joie Blouse Elevenses Khakis-2 Blog Joie Blouse Elevenses Khakis-3 Blog Joie Blouse Elevenses Khakis-4 Then I added a belt to make it a little more structured and threw on some fun heels! Blog Joie Blouse Elevenses Khakis-6 Blog Joie Blouse Elevenses Khakis-7 Blog Joie Blouse Elevenses Khakis-8 Blog Joie Blouse Elevenses Khakis-9 Blog Joie Blouse Elevenses Khakis-10Here’s Maya’s take on a fun colorful belt.  As the weather gets colder, I’d add a little cardigan and tights!  Love using summer items all year round.1Maya94wksBrown-1On me…

Top- Joie (on sale!!)
Pants- Elevenses from Anthropologie.  (old, but similar style different color here)
Shoes (1)- Miss Sixty “Marlene” oxford (sold out, but you can still find them on eBay!)  Similar here. (2) Preview by Nordstrom (old, but similar here, and color combo here.)
Belt- Banana Repbublic (old, but similar here).
On Maya…
Top-Carter’s (romper worn as shirt)
Skirt- Xhiliration (from Target) thrifted, but similar here.
Boots- Faded Glory
Belt- Macy’s sold out, but loving this one here.
Super Mom tip-
I’m never afraid to buy warm weather clothing in the winter for either myself of Maya.  It’s usually on close out, and great for layering!
Tomorrow, I’ll show how I would wear this top as a more corporate work option.dit-elle-Lauren

Joie Peasant Blouse 3 ways… Day 1

I love having items in my wardrobe that can cross over from day to night.  Casual to work.  This blouse from Joie, does that perfectly.

The first way I’m wearing it is just day casual.  I might not take Maya to the park in this, since it’s white/and a little expensive, but it’s great for errands or apts.  Paired with slip on oxfords and another pair of DL 1961 jeans, this outfit could not be more comfortable!Blog Joie Blouse DL 1961 Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-1 Blog Joie Blouse DL 1961 Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-2I like to put colored/patterned tanks under sheer tops for a little modesty, pop of color, or fun boost to a neutral outfit. Blog Joie Blouse DL 1961 Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-3 Blog Joie Blouse DL 1961 Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-4 Blog Joie Blouse DL 1961 Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-6Maya’s take on the boho top and skinnies 🙂1Maya95wks Flower Top JeansOn me…

Top- Joie (on sale!!)
Jeans- DL 1961 Emma Legging  Don’t let the name fool you.  They are jeans, but with the usual 4 way stretch, they feel like leggings 🙂
Shoes- Miss Sixty “Marlene” oxford (sold out, but you can still find them on eBay!)  Similar here.
Tank- C & C California (old, but can find similar here.)

On Maya…

Top- Old Navy (thrifted, but dying over this one!)
Jeans-Gap
Shoes- Zulily They come up often, so save this search “Mariposa Slip on Shoe” ($6!!)
Super Mom Tip:
  I hate to iron, so whenever possible I spray items with a spray bottle (I add a few spritz of body spray in the bottle to make it smell good!).  I  either let the item hang dry or toss it in the dryer.  Voila-wrinkle free and smelling nice!  I always take a spray bottle when traveling too.
Tomorrow, I’ll show how I would wear this top as work casual. 🙂dit-elle-Lauren

Colored Denim…

When your daily uniform is t-shirt and jeans, you love when they come up with a variation on it!  Colored denim?  All over it!  And these Black Orchid jeans are unbelievably comfortable!!  They are so stretchy, that they feel like sweats, yet look like jeans.

Btw…this was taken right after it had been in the 70’s, then got windy/sprinkling (in case you thought I had a wind machine :)).  5 minutes after I took these…DOWNPOUR.  Yup, tis the season…

blogOrange Black Orchid Jeans White Top Pattern Swing Sweater-1I had one of those moments today where I thought “There are only a few more sunny days left in the year.  OMG, WHY have I been wearing the same two pairs of flip flops all summer???!!!  Why haven’t I worn the sandals I love??!!”  Love these shoes!  Oddly enough, I “save” them.  What’s up with that??!blogOrange Black Orchid Jeans White Top Pattern Swing Sweater-2blogOrange Black Orchid Jeans White Top Pattern Swing Sweater-3blogOrange Black Orchid Jeans White Top Pattern Swing Sweater-4Oh, and then the weather turned…And I looked for something cuddly.blogOrange Black Orchid Jeans White Top Pattern Swing Sweater-5blogOrange Black Orchid Jeans White Top Pattern Swing Sweater-6I didn’t dress Maya the same today, but…she has rocked colored denim on a number of occasions.  Here’s one that’s similar…1Maya96wksPolkaDotOrange-1
On me…

Top- (thrifted), but similar here or here, and loving this one here!
Jeans- Black Orchid (old), but find the brand here, similar color here (on sale!), and less expensive option here.
Shoes- Sand (0ld), but similar idea here and color here.
Sweater- Thrifted, but similar here (on sale!)
On Maya…
Top- OshKosh (Target sold out, but LOVE this long sleeve version here.)
Jeans- Gap (thrifted, but similar here (on sale!)

White after Labor Day…of course!

I have a slight obsession with white jeans.  THAT is not exactly “mom friendly”, but we have stain remover, so I indulge my obsession every now and then and hope for the best.  It’s a good thing I have 4 or 5 (ok, maybe more) pairs…

This particular pair is DL 1961 Kate Slim Straight.  I talked about my love of DL 1961 jeans here.  Their 4 way stretch is SO comfortable!  I bought this particular pair over 2 years ago, when I was pregnant (I only wore stretchy non maternity jeans when I was preggers!)  They’re one size bigger than I normally wear now, but that just makes them kind of a skinny boyfriend fit 🙂blogDL1961 White Grey Tank Jean Shirt-1n

blogDL1961 White Grey Tank Jean Shirt-2nI like adding a little pop of color to a neutral outfit. blogDL1961 White Grey Tank Jean Shirt-3n blogDL1961 White Grey Tank Jean Shirt-4n

During these last days of summer/early fall the temperature changes pretty drastically over the course of the day.  Layering is key… blogDL1961 White Grey Tank Jean Shirt-6n BlogDL1961 White Grey Tank Jean Shirt-4 BlogDL1961 White Grey Tank Jean Shirt-5Am I the only mom that walks out of the house and 75% of the time realizes that I match my kid?  I like to buy clothes for Maya that I would wear, so I guess when I’m in the mood for something…it trickles down to her 🙂

So…  Chambray shirt with a pop of color (she picked the shoes)….who wore it best?? hahaBlogDL1961 White Grey Tank Jean Shirt-6Yeah, I agree.  She did 😉 BlogDL1961 White Grey Tank Jean Shirt-7On me…

Jeans- DL 1961 Kate Slim Straight (old, but denim version here.  Similar style (on sale!) here.

Tank- Target Long and Lean

Jean shirt- Levi’s (very old) similar here.

Belt- Linea Pelle (old), but similar style here.  Color option here.

Shoes- Superga (on sale!).

On Maya…

Jean shirt- Thrifted (similar here)

Jeans- Old Navy (thrifted, similar here)

Shoes- Jack and Lilydit-elle-Lauren