Category Archives: Casual Friday Work

No cut hemmed jeans

I may be the only person still wearing boot-cut jeans these days.. but I had to retire some pairs of jeans recently and in a pinch one day (it was a classic day in our house where laundry was back-logged, I didn’t have time to go on a hunt for the perfect pair of jeans, and didn’t want to spend a fortune either..) so I dusted off this pair of Silver jeans which were too long and had been sitting in my closet for a few years..

I hemmed them using a quick and easy, no-cut, technique – this is not the “fold under and sew” way, which removes the bottom edge!

Here’s how!

First put jeans on and measure exactly how much you need to shorten them by. For example if you want to take an inch off, you’ll fold up a big cuff and then pin the 1″ into the bottom portion of the cuff (1/2″ front/back). Once you’ve pinned it, turn the cuff down, try the jeans back on to make sure the seam is going to hit where you want it and the length is good.

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Fold up jeans as shown – your seam will be where the legs get shortened – so determine first how much you are needing to hem them by. I took an inch off these.

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After you’ve sewn the cuff inside out, fold it over and sew a security seam to pin down the fold and create an edgier look (also see above).

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Once sewn, flatten, pin the fold downward and sew another security seam to create a bit of an edge and set the fold.

 

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Blog Black Outfit with Boots Close UP- Blog Black Outfit with Pewter Flats-1

 

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Successful shortening of the jeans! 🙂

dit-elle-Esther

Black + Leopard + hint of Red

 Yup…all black again.  Well, at least my feet had some fun. Blog HM JBrand 9West-3I have a thing for red shoes.  They can take a completely simple outfit and make it so much better.  These were another thrift score win-$3 🙂 Blog HM JBrand 9West-4Blog HM JBrand 9West-5Blog HM JBrand 9West-1Blog HM JBrand 9West-2 Blog HM JBrand 9West-6 Blog HM JBrand 9West-7I love the look on her face here, and those little fingers??  Love it!  She does little finger gestures all the time…so cute 🙂 Blog HM JBrand 9West-8On me…

Sweater- H&M (on sale)
Tank- H&M
Jeans- J Brand (complete eBay score!)
Shoes- Nine West (thrifted, but similar here)
On Maya…
Sweater- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)
Pants- Zulily  similar here
Boots- Circo (thrifted but similar here and here)

Keeping it Real…

“Push the buuuuuuuttooooon!!!”Blog Outtake

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Super Wide…

 I’m on the hunt for the perfect super wide pants.  When I saw these railroad striped Hudson’s at a thrift store for $7, I was in love!Blog Joie Peasant Hudson RR Wide Leg Denim-1 Blog Joie Peasant Hudson RR Wide Leg Denim-2 Blog Joie Peasant Hudson RR Wide Leg Denim-3 Blog Joie Peasant Hudson RR Wide Leg Denim-4She was so freaking cute trying to sneak up on this seagull.  Sadly, she wasn’t stealthy enough… Blog Joie Peasant Hudson RR Wide Leg Denim-5 Blog Joie Peasant Hudson RR Wide Leg Denim-6 Blog Joie Peasant Hudson RR Wide Leg Denim-7Watching all the geese with their babies… Blog Joie Peasant Hudson RR Wide Leg Denim-8And then…rocks!  Duh 🙂 Blog Joie Peasant Hudson RR Wide Leg Denim-9I keep buying Maya Levi’s whenever I find them at a thrift store for a few bucks, with the idea that I will cut them into baby cut offs (I just might die from the cuteness!!!), but then…I end up liking them on her as is and haven’t cut a single pair ;/  These little crop boyfriend cut?  LOVE!Blog Joie Peasant Hudson RR Wide Leg Denim-10 Blog Joie Peasant Hudson RR Wide Leg Denim-11I could just eat her up! Blog Joie Peasant Hudson RR Wide Leg Denim-12Admittedly not the best shoes to wear on a rocky beach, but no ankles were broken in the making of these photos 🙂 Blog Joie Peasant Hudson RR Wide Leg Denim-13Check out the size of that rock!!  Go Maya! Blog Joie Peasant Hudson RR Wide Leg Denim-14 Blog Joie Peasant Hudson RR Wide Leg Denim-15 On me…

Shirt- Joie (sold out, but similar here and less expensive here)
Belt- Vintage (thrifted)
Jeans- Hudson (thrifted, similar here)
Shoes- Banana Republic (old, but similar here)
On Maya…
Sweater- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)
Top- Naartje (thrifted, but similar here)
Jeans- Levi’s (thrifted, but similar here)
Shoes- Converse (thrifted, but similar here)
Keeping it Real…
Maya went chasing another sea gull, but this time over slimy rocky seaweed… Do I need to tell you how that ended?  Thank goodness she was fine, I didn’t fall and break my neck racing after her to pick her up, and… for Oxy Clean! 🙂
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Once Upon a Scarf..

Back before I had a toddler to chase, a baby to bounce, a dog to walk, meals to prepare.. oh a blog, haha! What did I do with all my time!? 🙂 Well, I did a bit of knitting now and then. I loved making this one-button rectangle wrap scarf – wear it as a wrap around shoulders or double wrap around your neck. I can dig up a pattern if anyone is interested, but it truly is as “simple” as knitting a large rectangle (bulky yarn = fast!), making one button hole and fastening a decorative button. I used a merino wool/cashmere blend for super cozy winter warmth, but you could use any yarn you fancy! 🙂

Blog Black Outfit with Grey Scarf-1 Blog Black Outfit with Grey Scarf-2 Blog Black Outfit with Pink Scarf-1 Blog Black Outfit with Pink Scarf-2 Blog Black Outfit with Pink Scarf-3 Blog Black Outfit with Pink Scarf-4

 

dit-elle-Esther

Who What Wear’s 30-Day Wardrobe Challenge // All 30 days in summary :)

I did it!  I didn’t necessarily do them on the assigned days, and a few times I just played catch up/dress up, but still…pretty fun and…challenging!  The whole point was to get you to step outside your comfort zone, and it did!  So funny how we all have a comfort zone, and I’m guessing no two people’s are the same.  Anywho…here it is 🙂  Some of these I already blogged, but some I did on the side…

Day 1: Wear a bright color combo.

This was actually really hard for me.  I am SO not a bright color person, and then to mix TWO??  Oddly, I really like it, and this dress/tunic has been hanging in my closet unworn for who knows how long (years!!!)

Blog WWW Challenge Bright Color Combo-1Day 2: Mix at least two textures into your look.

Coated denim (love!!) and fuzzy open knit.  I cannot WAIT for spring and summer.  We had a sneak peek the other day with sun and 60 degree weather, and it was SO nice…

Blog Nordstrom Sweater StyleMint tank J Brand Coated Skinny -3

Day 3: Go big or go home with an oversized coat, baggy t-shirt, and loose trousers.

This was another tough one.  As a rule, I wear baggy on the bottom/tight on the top or tight on the top/baggy on the bottom.  BIG everywhere without looking like a slob/behemoth?  That was tough… Wearing heels was a must with all this bigness 🙂blog WWW Challenge Go Big or go home-2

Day 4: Try a boyish look.

This isn’t really a challenge for me, since I tend to lean towards boyish looks.  I decided to pick my favorite look from the past few months.  These are actual men’s jeans, and they are SO comfy!!Blog 7FAM Boyfriend Zara Striped Tee Timberland Loafers-3

Day 5: Change out your handbag.

Sun=lighter colored bag, yay!!Blog Winter Kate Kimono HM Tank Genetic Denim ShoeMint Eila Sandal-4

Day 6: Wear the item you’ve been ‘’saving’’ for a special occasion.

Ok, both of these I save.  WHY??  The J Brand coated jeans are something I’ve been coveting FOREVER, yet, when I finally scored them on eBay I still forget I got them!  I even still watch them!! WTF??  So…busting them out for this, and another post too 🙂  This top?  LOVE it.  It’s a total mullet top, which I LOVE.  Simple in the front, party in the back!  But, it’s kind of long, so it either requires a tuck (which I don’t really do-hence the saving) or wear it as a long tunic.  Love it though, so if I ever really do got out, it’s ON! haha.Blog WWW Challenge Wear an item youve been saving

Day 7: Focus on your jewelry.

Basically, I was wearing a tank, jeans, and cardigan, but the layered jewelry just made the outfit….Blog Nordstrom Sweater StyleMint tank J Brand Coated Skinny -5

Day 8: Break out an item you haven’t worn in at least six months.

We got some sun, so I got to bust out this fun yellow kimono 🙂Blog Winter Kate Kimono HM Tank Genetic Denim ShoeMint Eila Sandal-1

Day 9: Actually wear the hat you claim ‘’you can’t pull off.’’

I LOVE the looks of hats.  I just always feel like I’m trying too hard when I actually put them on…  Which is comical, because that is the point of hats, no?  To be able to easily just throw it on and go?  Anyway, this has never seen the light of day :{  One day I’ll do it.  On one of those many days I don’t take a shower, or wait too long between colorings (which is all.the.time)blog WWW Challenge Wear a hat you cant pull off

Day 10: Mix an expensive item from your closet with something under $100.

Well, this I do all the time.  Except most times the expensive item, I got on sale/thrifted/or on ebay for 90% off and it’s usually under $100 too.  Actually, usually under $20 🙂  This jacket I got when I worked for a boutique one summer about 12 years ago (as a 2nd job to when I worked at a bank).  I used my employee 40% off discount, and it was still pretty spendy.  Basically, I just spent my paycheck there… Still looks amazing though, so buying quality pays off!Blog Doma Leather Jacket Zara Joes Jeans Zipper Pura Lopez Oxfords-3Day 11: Wear a bold print.

Love the print in this top.  I scored it on eBay.  It’s about 4 sizes too big, but I still love it 😉Blog Vince Sweater CoreyLynnCalter Top Goldsign Jeans Converse-1

Day 12: Swap heels for sneakers.

Not exactly a challenge, since this applies to pretty much every day 🙂Blog Maya Self timer-3

Day 13: Make a neutral outfit interesting by layering and adding a pair of statement shoes.

I was planning on wearing something completely different, but then it went and got sunny on me!  NOT complaining 🙂  I’m actually a big fan of little bits of color peeking out here and there, and I LOVE fun shoes.  Just goes to show, you can have  completely simple outfit and make it pop pretty easily.Blog HM Sweater Mother Rascal Cuff Jeans Converse-3

Day 14: Mix two or more prints into your outfit.

This gave me complete anxiety at first.  I rarely wear prints, and the thought of wearing two…together??  So, I fell back on my favorite neutral print-leopard 🙂Blog Gap Shirt Black Orchid Ikat Jeans Leopard Flats-1

Day 15: Create a look with three levels of layering.

The tank I’m wearing is actually a black and white stripe tank.  You really only see it from behind (the black top is sheer in the back) or when I move/pick up Maya.  I like the simplicity of that…Blog Juicy Jacket HM Top Joes Jeans Born Booties-1

Day 16: Go monochrome in a bright color.

I don’t know if oxblood counts as “bright”, but it’s what I went with 🙂Blog Vintage Leather Jacket Lanston Tee True Religion Suede Skinny Frye Booties-1

Day 17: Winterize your favorite summer skirt (does a dress count??).

I already said in the post that I’m not much of a skirt wearer, so winterizing a dress was about as close as I got.  Totally nailed it with Maya though, so check hers out 🙂Blog Twenty8Twelve Dress Joie Boots-1

Day 18: Test out a new tuck.

Not really anything “new” about this tuck, but I’ve never tucked anything into these boyfriend jeans, so…new tuck?  YES! Day 18: Test out a new tuck.Blog HM Top J Brand Aiden Jeans Linea Pelle Belt Superga-1

Day 19: Pair your favorite denim pieces together for a denim-on-denim look.

Yes, I totally cheated and used a look that I just did.  But…I just did it (a few weeks ago), so…not a challenge right?? 🙂Blog Denim on Denim StyleMint Goldsign Dietrich Wide Leg-3

Day 20: Dress down your favorite LBD

This was one of the most unexpected fun challenges.  I rarely wear dresses, but this added a little kick to my step.  Felt a little flirty, yet totally comfortable and “me”.Blog StyleMint Jacket Twenty8Twelve Dress Frye Harness Boots-1

Day 21: Belt your outerwear.

I kind of liked this one too, and I never would have done it without the challenge…WWW Belt Outerwear

Day 22: Keep it simple with skinnies and a sweater.

(or top, since it was warm :))blog ZaraTop DL1961 Emma Cole Haan-1

Day 23: Wear a color you have not worn in awhile.

Decided to kind of cheat and use a scarf as my color 🙂Blog Zara Sweater Vince Destroyed Skinnies Lace Up Boots-1

Day 24: Layer in an unexpected way.

Vintage dress/slip/nightgown with a tunic sweater + Jeggings + Converse = total comfy outfit!Blog Vintage Dress Design History Sweater Converse-3

Day 25: Dress up a pair of distressed jeans.

Cheating again with this one to save myself.  Wore this for Valentine’s Day.  Ok, I wore it for my Valentine’s Day Post haha.  I love dressing up distressed jeans, though, so this one wasn’t a big challenge.Blog Doma Leather Bomber Jacket BCBG Silk Tunic Current Elliott Destroyed Skinny Frye Booties-7

Day 26: Wear a bold coat with simple essentials.

LOVE this faux fur coat that I SCORED at a thrift store for $10, and then found out was sold at Nordstrom for $300ish!!Blog WWWStyleChallenge Bold Coat

Day 27: Try a sleek and slouchy look

I wasn’t really sure what this meant, but I usually try and pair something sleek when I wear slouchy, so…?  I’m using one of my favorites on this too.Blog Zara Sweater Mens 7FAM-5

Day 28: Give a feminine dress some edge with a moto jacket.

Once again, I surprised myself and LOVED this look!Blog Doma Leather Alice Olivia Dress Joan David Booties-Day 29: Incorporate an office-appropriate blouse into your weekend look.Day

This was something I do often, since it’s the perfect mix between casual and dressed up for when I got on shoots.Blog Joie Top 7FAM Jeans Airwalk Slipons-1

30: Leave the details to your shoes.

Without these shoes, this would look like a plain T with skinnies.  Nothing fancy.  With the heels, it’s totally a going out outfit!  Love that!  And I also love that heels take about 5 lbs off you instantly.  For sure miss THAT!Blog Make it about Shoes

PHEW!!!  That was really fun, challenging, and somewhat stressful.  BUT…at the end of it all, SO FUN!

I encourage you to step outside your style comfort zone every once in a while.  Scary, but so worth it! 🙂

Any favorites??dit-elle-Lauren

Work outfit…

 It’s pretty rare that I have a shoot during the week, unless it’s a newborn shoot.  The shoot I went on was for Executive head shots, so I figured it would be a chance to dust off the heels!

Btw, it was raining sideways, we we stayed inside 🙂Blog Zara Sweater DL1961 Roxy Paul Joe Booties-1 Blog Zara Sweater DL1961 Roxy Paul Joe Booties-2 Blog Zara Sweater DL1961 Roxy Paul Joe Booties-3 Blog Zara Sweater DL1961 Roxy Paul Joe Booties-4 Blog Zara Sweater DL1961 Roxy Paul Joe Booties-5I don’t know what I love more.  Maya’s face, or Max’s behind her haha. Blog Zara Sweater DL1961 Roxy Paul Joe Booties-6 Blog Zara Sweater DL1961 Roxy Paul Joe Booties-7

On me…

Sweater- Zara (on major sale!)
Necklace- Gorjana Griffin
Jeans- DL1961 “Roxy” (SCORED at Funky Janes for $19, sold out, but similar here)
Boots- Paul and Joe (From Shopbop old, but fun different color here here, similar here and less expensive here)
On Maya…
Top- Ralph Lauren (thrifted, but similar here)
Jeans-Gap (thrifted and destroyed by me)
Boots- Simply Petals  (thrifted, but similar here )
Keeping it Real…
Need I describe this? 🙂Blog Zara Sweater DL1961 Roxy Paul Joe Booties-8
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Military Jacket + Printed Jeans + Booties (almost all thrifted!)

Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-1My parents were nice enough to take Maya for a few hours, so I could get caught up on some work and go to a Dr’s apt.  It just happened to stop raining for 5 minutes when they came over, so my mom grabbed a few pics of me and Maya.  Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-2She’s looking at my dad (who is making funny faces behind my mom and saying…”Um, BOPO, you are NOT funny…” (sorry Dad) Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-3Then, she was ready to get going to their house!  Seriously, so lucky to have them now living a few blocks away!Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-11You can kind of see that it started raining again…Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-12Bye Mom!!Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-13A few hours later it stopped raining right before my apt, so I ran out and grab some of me.  Literally had 5 minutes, before it started pouring again. Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-4Scored this J Crew jacket for $7! Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-6And since I didn’t have Maya with me, I broke out some booties with heels! Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-7 Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-8 Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-9And…a non ginormous purse, since I didn’t have to haul around snacks, water, diapers, wipes, toys, etc 🙂 Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-10 On me…

Jacket- J Crew (thrifted, but similar here)
Jeans- Current Elliott (thrifted, sold out, but similar here)
Purse- The Sak “Silverlake Flap” (thrifted $7!! Sold out, but similar here)
Boots- Frye “Lisa Short Stitch” (eBay, sold out but similar here and here and less expensive here)
On Maya…
Jacket- Gap (thrifted, similar here)
Shoes- Converse (thrifted, but similar here)
Keeping it real…
I have no idea what she’s doing here haha.  Diaper wedgie perhaps? 🙂Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-14

(pcitures of me and Maya are taken by my Mom.  All pictures taken of me are with a self timer and tripod, ones of Maya are by me :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Leather Pants… The new Mom Jeans? :)

 I would have scoffed at the title too, but hear me out.  This week I tried to work in pants that have been sitting in my closet gathering dust.  I tend to “save things for a special occasion”, and then…never wear them!!  Leather pants for day?  Playing in a park??  YES!  Maya got mud ALL OVER ME when I kept picking her up.  Since I had wet wipes handy, I just wiped it right off.  TADA!  Leather Pants… The new mom jeans! 😉  Granted, leather pants can be SPENDY, but I scored these off eBay for $50-whoop whoop!

Took the tripod and ventured out of the hood again.  Looking for ducks…that I may have told her would be there and weren’t :{Blog Zara Sweater Goldsign Leather Pants Booties-1 Blog Zara Sweater Goldsign Leather Pants Booties-2See?  No dirt! Blog Zara Sweater Goldsign Leather Pants Booties-3 Blog Zara Sweater Goldsign Leather Pants Booties-4Blog Zara Sweater Goldsign Leather Pants Booties-5 Blog Zara Sweater Goldsign Leather Pants Booties-6 Blog Zara Sweater Goldsign Leather Pants Booties-7 Blog Zara Sweater Goldsign Leather Pants Booties-8 Blog Zara Sweater Goldsign Leather Pants Booties-9 Blog Zara Sweater Goldsign Leather Pants Booties-10 Blog Zara Sweater Goldsign Leather Pants Booties-11 Blog Zara Sweater Goldsign Leather Pants Booties-12

On me…

Sweater- Zara (on sale!)
Pants- Goldsign “The Misfit” Leather (Scored of eBay and sold out, but similar here and less expensive coated option here)
Boots- Cafe Noir (thrifted, but similar here and less expensive version here.)
On Maya…
Jacket- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)
Sweater- Zulily
Skirt-  Children’s Place (thrifted)
Boots- Zulily

dit-elle-Lauren

Trouser Jeans + A Statement Jacket

 Well, I did it.  I got out of my skinny jeans!

Truthfully, I took the boots off right after these pictures in favor of a more comfy shoe, BUT…I did wear the trouser jeans for the rest of the day 🙂Blog Theory Jacket Joes Trouser Jeans Zara Top-1 Blog Theory Jacket Joes Trouser Jeans Zara Top-2It was SO windy!!  My tripod was ok, but the stand I use to focus on kept blowing over!Blog Theory Jacket Joes Trouser Jeans Zara Top-3 Blog Theory Jacket Joes Trouser Jeans Zara Top-4 Blog Theory Jacket Joes Trouser Jeans Zara Top-5I love the color of this jacket!  Normally, my “pop of color” is in my shoes or belt.  This is a little bold for me, but 2014 is going to be about stepping outside of my comfort zone! Blog Theory Jacket Joes Trouser Jeans Zara Top-6 Blog Theory Jacket Joes Trouser Jeans Zara Top-7 Blog Theory Jacket Joes Trouser Jeans Zara Top-8 Blog Theory Jacket Joes Trouser Jeans Zara Top-9 Blog Theory Jacket Joes Trouser Jeans Zara Top-10On me…

Jacket- Theory (ebay, but similar style here, love this similar look here)
Top- Zara (sold out, but similar on sale here)
Jeans- Joe’s (thrifted, but similar here, here, and less expensive here)
Belt- Belt- Linea Pelle (old, similar here and less expensive here)
Boots- Paul and Joe (From Shopbop old, but fun different color here here, similar here and less expensive here)
On Maya…
Jeans- Old Navy (thrifted, but similar here)
Jacket- Old Navy (thrifted, but similar here)
Sweater- Zara (thrifted, but similar here)
Shoes- Converse (thrifted, similar here)

dit-elle-Lauren

What we wore for Thanksgiving…

 This is what we wore for Thanksgiving.  I don’t know why, but for me, Thanksgiving usually means brown and big shocker-COMFY!  😉  No idea why on the brown, but the comfy is a no brainer.  Anyway…this is waht we wore.  For me-minus the shoes.  We hosted, which means no shoes required 🙂Blog StyleMint DL1961 Emma Coated Leopard flats-1 Blog StyleMint DL1961 Emma Coated Leopard flats-2I’ve mentioned it before, but these DL1961 jeans are beyond comfortable.  They have a 4 way stretch fabric that moves with you and then bounces back without sagging! Blog StyleMint DL1961 Emma Coated Leopard flats-3 Blog StyleMint DL1961 Emma Coated Leopard flats-4 Blog StyleMint DL1961 Emma Coated Leopard flats-5Ok, truth be told.  I didn’t have time to photograph what I was wearing on the actual day, so I redressed and photographed it the other day haha.  I was too busy making pies!!  Oh, and photographing the Peanut 🙂  THIS (below) was actually on Thanksgiving.  It was totally foggy.  My favorite to shoot in! Blog StyleMint DL1961 Emma Coated Leopard flats-6And it was chilly!  I had to get ONE picture of her dress before layering her up! Blog StyleMint DL1961 Emma Coated Leopard flats-7I got these Gap boots for $2.75 at a thrift store last week.  I was worried that they wouldn’t go with much, but they go with everything!  You will see these A LOT in the next week or so :). Blog StyleMint DL1961 Emma Coated Leopard flats-8On me…

Sweater- StyleMint (sold out, but love this sheer look here)
Shoes- (thrifted) but similar here and cheaper here.
On Maya…
Jeans- Gap
Dress- Old Navy (thrifted)
Vest- Janie and Jack (thrifted, but similar here)
Boots- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)

dit-elle-Lauren