Category Archives: Casual Friday Work

Red, white, blue and.. yellow!

We had an unseasonably warm day in October and I finally got some shots of this dress – one of my fav “mom uniforms” this summer. I wore it often with a sports bra or as a bathing suit cover-up during the day, with a necklace and some fun shoes at night. You know.. on all those date-nights enjoying good food and quiet conversation at our favorite local Italian restaurant with outdoor seating. And by date-night I mean tag-teaming on feeding the kids, and by Italian restaurant I mean preparing spaghetti-Os in the microwave.. and by conversation, I mean trying to remember what it was like to actually finish a meal.. We’ve been adjusting to life with two, and it’s been a wild but incredible summer! 🙂

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This sweater is one of those incredibly light-weight merino wool sweaters that wraps you in warm & cosy the second you put it on!

1Blog Blue Striped Dress-51Blog Blue Striped Dress-61Blog Blue Striped Dress-81Blog Blue Striped Dress-91Blog Blue Striped Dress-101Blog Blue Striped Dress-111Blog Blue Striped Dress-12blog Blue Striped Dress-37On me…

Dress- this is a soft jersey summer 2013 dress from GAP, similar on eBay by JCREW here
Necklace- Vintage plastic beads from my Grandma 🙂
Sweater – Banana Republic, similar from JCREW on eBay here
Shoes- Enzo Angiolini, many cute red sandals here
On Ava…
Dress- Summer 2013 collection from Tea
Shoes – Rachel Shoes “Lil Giselle” Found at Nordstrom Rack or on Amazon.com
dit-elle-Esther

Color blocking… in a subtle way.

Sometimes when there’s a trend I want to try, but I’m not sure I can pull it off…I dip my toes into it (haha)  That was so cheesy, I can’t believe I wrote that, but hey…so true!  Especially in this case. 😉blog Silk Blouse DL 1961 Jeans Color Block Shoes-1I‘m wearing yet another pair of DL 1961 jeans.  I cannot say enough how comfortable these jeans are! blog Silk Blouse DL 1961 Jeans Color Block Shoes-2 blog Silk Blouse DL 1961 Jeans Color Block Shoes-3 blog Silk Blouse DL 1961 Jeans Color Block Shoes-4 blog Silk Blouse DL 1961 Jeans Color Block Shoes-5 blog Silk Blouse DL 1961 Jeans Color Block Shoes-6Maya’s take on color blocking…or, just stripes (whatever :)) blog Maya 104wks Striped Sweaterblog Maya 104wks Striped Sweater-2On me…

Jeans- DL 1961 (these are the Emma Leggings)
Shirt- Thrifted, but LOVE this one.
Shoes- Leifnotes from Anthropologie (Sold out, but similar here and these look fun too!)
On Maya…
Jeans- Gap. (old, but similar on sale here )
Sweater- Gap. (old but love this one!)
Boots- Faded Glory (Thrifted, but similar here.  Dying over these!
Super Mom Tip-
Don’t be afraid to buy/wear silk.  Especially if you get it on the cheap.  I rarely take things in to be dry cleaned/hand wash.  This top has gone into the wash on gentle, hung dry, and come out unscathed.  It does take a while to iron, but it’s a great break from my usual t-shirts!
dit-elle-Lauren

Stripes…

I feel like stripes are always in style… I love black and white paired with a pop of color in the shoe.blog Striped Stylemint Hudson Skinny Jeffrey Campbell-1 blog Striped Stylemint Hudson Skinny Jeffrey Campbell-2 blog Striped Stylemint Hudson Skinny Jeffrey Campbell-3I swear I wasn’t thinking “stripes all around”, but alas…it happened 🙂  This was at Maya’s birthday BBQ with her 4 legged brother Max. blog Striped Stylemint Hudson Skinny Jeffrey Campbell-4 blog Striped Stylemint Hudson Skinny Jeffrey Campbell-5Can’t believe she’s TWO!! blog Striped Stylemint Hudson Skinny Jeffrey Campbell-6On me…

Jeans- Hudson
Shirt- StyleMint (sold out, but similar here , here, and love this one here)
Shoes- Jeffrey Campbell (old, but LOVE these and these)
On Maya…
Dress- Gap (ThredUp but love this!)
Leggings- Gap (old, but similar here)
Boots- SmartFit (old, but similar here and love these here)
dit-elle-Lauren

What I wear on a photo shoot…and Happy Birthday to Maya!

So, this is exactly what I would wear on a photo shoot (ie-when I’m photographing others :)).  The only addition is that I normally wear boots in the fall because I’m traipsing through fields.  These jeans are super comfortable, because they have a lot of stretch yet don’t stretch out.  The dark comes in handy because it doesn’t show dirt.  All of these advantages translate over to day to day motherhood haha. 🙂Blog Green Design History Sweater Blank Zipper Jeans-1 Blog Green Design History Sweater Blank Zipper Jeans-2 Blog Green Design History Sweater Blank Zipper Jeans-3 Blog Green Design History Sweater Blank Zipper Jeans-4 Blog Green Design History Sweater Blank Zipper Jeans-5This particular photo shoot was very special though.  The nugget turns two today!

I cannot express how much love and happiness she has brought to me the last two years.  She has more joy in her little finger than most people have in their entire bodies.  She makes me a better person every single day…Blog Green Design History Sweater Blank Zipper Jeans-8 Blog Green Design History Sweater Blank Zipper Jeans-9 Blog Green Design History Sweater Blank Zipper Jeans-7Blog Green Design History Sweater Blank Zipper Jeans-6On me…

Jeans-Blank NYC (old, but similar here and here)
Sweater- Design History (similar color here)
T-Shirt- StyleMint
Shoes- Restricted (thrifted)  Similar here
On Maya…
Dress- Gap (old)
Sweater- Pumpkin Patch (old, similar here)
Tights- Baby Legs (similar here)

Boots- Faded Glory (Thrifted, but similar here.  Love these!)

dit-elle-Lauren

The classics never go out of style…

I’ve mentioned before that I’m a bit of a clothes hoarder… Well, I’d like to call it a collector of classics hahaha.  In all seriousness, I have stuff in my closet that is over 20 years old that I still wear!  Case in point-these boots.  I bought these on my first trip to Europe with FIDM 20 years ago!  Years go by and I don’t wear them.  Then suddenly I fall in love with them all over again and wear them in a completely new way.Blog Cream J Crew Sweater Destroyed Blank Lace up Boots-1Blog Cream J Crew Sweater Destroyed Blank Lace up Boots-3 Blog Cream J Crew Sweater Destroyed Blank Lace up Boots-2 Blog Cream J Crew Sweater Destroyed Blank Lace up Boots-4 Blog Cream J Crew Sweater Destroyed Blank Lace up Boots-5Here’s Maya wearing a vintage dress (probably MORE than 20 years old…)1Maya100weeksvintagedressfog-2
Jeans- Blank (old, similar here)
Sweater- J Crew (old, but similar here and here)
Boots- 20 years old!  Similar here and here.
On Maya…
Dress- Vintage (similar here and here)
Jacket- Children’s Place (similar here)
Boots- Children’s Place (Thrifted, but similar here.
Leggings- Children’s Place (on sale!)dit-elle-Lauren

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

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 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