All Lavender…

 The Huz’s favorite color is purple, so I’ve amassed a bit of the hue in the last 6 years… 🙂

Oddly, my favorite color is green (which may or may not be obvious in all my outfits ;))  I wasn’t much of a purple girl before meeting the Huz, but I really like this pale lavender.  Almost like it’s a neutral, yet not.Blog Zara Sweater Mother Jeans Vintage Belt Boots-1 Blog Zara Sweater Mother Jeans Vintage Belt Boots-2 Blog Zara Sweater Mother Jeans Vintage Belt Boots-3 Blog Zara Sweater Mother Jeans Vintage Belt Boots-4 Blog Zara Sweater Mother Jeans Vintage Belt Boots-5 Blog Zara Sweater Mother Jeans Vintage Belt Boots-6Omg, I love this shot.  The look on her face is hilarious, and it’s hard to tell, but she caught some pretty serious air!! Blog Zara Sweater Mother Jeans Vintage Belt Boots-7 Blog Zara Sweater Mother Jeans Vintage Belt Boots-8 Blog Zara Sweater Mother Jeans Vintage Belt Boots-9 Blog Zara Sweater Mother Jeans Vintage Belt Boots-10

On me…

Sweater- Zara (sold out, but loving this one here)
Belt- Vintage/thrifted
Jeans- Mother “The Rascal Cuff” (more styles here)
Boots- Bought these 20 years ago. 😐  Similar here and here.
On Maya…
Sweater- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)
Jeans-Old Navy  (thrifted, but similar here)
Shoes- Zulily
Keeping it Real…
Sometimes, we need 4 animals to get out of the house.  And of course they want their picture taken too 😉Blog Zara Sweater Mother Jeans Vintage Belt Boots-11
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Boyfriend Jeans and Tutus…

Of course they go together 🙂Blog Banana Republic Sweater Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans Converse-1 Blog Banana Republic Sweater Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans Converse-2 Blog Banana Republic Sweater Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans Converse-3No joke.  Maya was itching to go run and play, and I said.  “Can I have one hug and a kiss before you go play?”  This was the only shot I got…  And, that’s all I needed! 🙂 Blog Banana Republic Sweater Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans Converse-4 Blog Banana Republic Sweater Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans Converse-5Impressive Peanut!!  She threw it over the edge too! Blog Banana Republic Sweater Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans Converse-6And then she was off… Blog Banana Republic Sweater Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans Converse-7Nope, this NEVER gets old for me… Blog Banana Republic Sweater Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans Converse-8 Blog Banana Republic Sweater Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans Converse-9 Blog Banana Republic Sweater Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans Converse-10 Blog Banana Republic Sweater Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans Converse-11 Blog Banana Republic Sweater Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans Converse-12 Blog Banana Republic Sweater Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans Converse-13 On me…

Sweater- Banana Republic (from Funky Janes Consignment)
Top- Mossimo (old, but similar here)
Jeans-Current Elliott (from Funky Janes Consignment, similar here)

Shoes- Converse (thrifted, similar here)

On Maya…
Sweater- H&M (thrifted, similar here)
Top-H&M (thrifted, similar here)
Skirt- Gap (thrifted, similar here)
Leggings- Osh Kosh  (thrifted, but similar here)
Shoes- Converse (thrifted, similar here)
Keeping it Real…
She wasn’t THAT happy at first when I told her it was time to go haha.Blog Banana Republic Sweater Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans Converse-14(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))dit-elle-Lauren

A scarf can do wonders…

 I’m a big fan of scarves (duh)!  In the winter to keep warm/add a chunky knit texture, and also in the summer for coverage/pop of color.  They are great as we transition from winter to spring too.  When it’s cold, but not too cold.  A scarf can add the right amount of warmth and add a little oomph to an otherwise basic outfit.Blog Yoon Sweater Current Elliott Converse-1 Blog Yoon Sweater Current Elliott Converse-2 Blog Yoon Sweater Current Elliott Converse-3 Blog Yoon Sweater Current Elliott Converse-4 Blog Yoon Sweater Current Elliott Converse-5 Blog Yoon Sweater Current Elliott Converse-6Yes, that would be her sticking her tongue out at the last moment!  Motherly love at its best 🙂 Blog Yoon Sweater Current Elliott Converse-7 Blog Yoon Sweater Current Elliott Converse-8 Blog Yoon Sweater Current Elliott Converse-9Our weather has been so cuckoo lately.  Admittedly, not as crazy as some parts of the country!  One minute it’s overcast and raining, and the next the sun comes out.  Well, thankfully, someone is a tad obsessed with sunglasses… 🙂 Blog Yoon Sweater Current Elliott Converse-10 Blog Yoon Sweater Current Elliott Converse-11 Blog Yoon Sweater Current Elliott Converse-12

On me…

Sweater- Yoon (old, love this on sale here)
Scarf- Thrifted, similar here
Jeans- Jeans- Current Elliott (ebay, sold out, but similar here, here)
Shoes- Converse (old, similar here)
On Maya…
Sweater- Hanna Andersson (thrifted)
Top- Carters onesie that I cut into a T-shirt
Jeans- Gap  (thrifted, distressed by me but similar here)
Shoes- Converse (thrifted)
Keeping it Real…
She’d had enough licking me I guess…Blog Yoon Sweater Current Elliott Converse-13
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Me and my shadow…

Blog Gap Jean Jacket Destroyed Levis Polkadot Vans-1So, when you try to take pictures inside when it’s raining…your toddler pretty much always wants to be part of it!  Totally ok with me 🙂 Blog Gap Jean Jacket Destroyed Levis Polkadot Vans-2 Blog Gap Jean Jacket Destroyed Levis Polkadot Vans-3 Blog Gap Jean Jacket Destroyed Levis Polkadot Vans-4I mean, really?  LOVE HER!!!  Best photobomb ever 🙂 Blog Gap Jean Jacket Destroyed Levis Polkadot Vans-5 Blog Gap Jean Jacket Destroyed Levis Polkadot Vans-6 Blog Gap Jean Jacket Destroyed Levis Polkadot Vans-7 Blog Gap Jean Jacket Destroyed Levis Polkadot Vans-8 Blog Gap Jean Jacket Destroyed Levis Polkadot Vans-9On me…

Jacket- Gap (old, similar here)
Sweater- Sweet Romeo (Nordstrom Rack, similar here)
Jeans- Levis (thrifted, similar here,and here)

Shoes- Vans (thrifted, but LOVE the original ones and these are fun too.)

On Maya…
Sweatshirt- Hiho Batik (ebay, similar here)
Top-Gap (thrifted, similar here)
Jeans- Gap (thrifted, similar without zippers here)
Shoes-Carter’s  (thrifted, but similar here)
Keeping it Real…

I mean, really??  What is more keeping it real than Maya photobombing all my shots? 🙂

dit-elle-Lauren

Day to night…

*let’s just ignore that I got the focusing off a little on these next ones 😦 Blog HM Sweater Anoname Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-1 Blog HM Sweater Anoname Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-2 Blog HM Sweater Anoname Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-3Can you tell it was a little windy??  At least it wasn’t raining :)!! Blog HM Sweater Anoname Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-4 I love this sweater!  It’s the same one I wore here.  I LOVE the back, and for $15!!?  I had to get both colors! Blog HM Sweater Anoname Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-5I’m thinking about trying to do a DIY destroyed look to these, so I wanted to make sure I got a “before” pic 🙂 Blog HM Sweater Anoname Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-6 Blog HM Sweater Anoname Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-7 Blog HM Sweater Anoname Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-8 Blog HM Sweater Anoname Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-9 Blog HM Sweater Anoname Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-10The Huz and I went out later, so I just swapped out some suede skinnies and green booties. Blog HM Sweater Suede True Religion Biviel Booties-1 Blog HM Sweater Suede True Religion Biviel Booties-2 Blog HM Sweater Suede True Religion Biviel Booties-3On me…

Jeans- Anoname (thrifted, but similar here and less expensive here)
Shoes- Miss Sixty “Marlene” oxford (sold out, but you can still find them on eBay!)  Similar here.
and then for the night
Pants- True Religion (on sale!)
Shoes- Biviel (scored at Funky Janes Consignment similar here.
On Maya…
Sweater- Zulily (similar on sale here)
Jeans- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)
Shoes- Circo (thrifted but similar here and here)
Keeping it real…
Tripod bridge!  What could be more fun?blog Outtake HM Sweater Anoname Jeans Miss Sixty Oxfords-9

(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

Creative Layering with Vintage Dress

 Ok, so I know the StyleChallenge is over, but this was one of the last ones I did before it ended.  This one was “Layer in an unexpected way”.  That threw me for a while, so I kept putting it off 🙂

I decided to bust out this vintage dress/nightgown/slip that I LOVE, but have never worn.  I threw a long tunic sweater over it, some capri jeggings, and honestly, couldn’t have been more comfortable!  The other funny thing?  I had 4 different random people compliment me on my outfit as we were out and about running errands.  Never had that happen before… So, yay again for stepping out of my comfort zone!

On a sad note.  Totally ripped the strap getting out of my car, so…I might have to turn it into a skirt 😦  Good thing I documented the outfit ha!Blog Vintage Dress Design History Sweater Converse-1 Blog Vintage Dress Design History Sweater Converse-2My attempt at not just standing there like a nerd.  SO…instead I’m kicking some rock like a nerd 🙂 Blog Vintage Dress Design History Sweater Converse-3 Blog Vintage Dress Design History Sweater Converse-4Why, yes, I’m sure the camera would love to take a picture of your grass, Peanut 🙂 Blog Vintage Dress Design History Sweater Converse-5 Blog Vintage Dress Design History Sweater Converse-6 Blog Vintage Dress Design History Sweater Converse-7 Blog Vintage Dress Design History Sweater Converse-8 Blog Vintage Dress Design History Sweater Converse-9 On me…

Sweater- Design History (old)
Dress- Vintage
Jeans- Juicy Couture (old, but similar here)
Shoes- Converse (thrifted, similar here)
On Maya…
Sweater- Gap  (thrifted, but similar here)
Dress- Cherokee (thrifted, but similar here)
Leggings-TCP
Boots- Osh Kosh via Zulily
Keeping it Real…
Get doooooooown 🙂Blog Vintage Dress Design History Sweater Converse-10
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Ruby Root Slaw

Raw carrots and beets are grated and tossed in an olive oil & vinegar dressing. A crispy delicate salad, delicious and full of freshness! 🙂

Blog beetsalad

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • salt/pepper to taste
  • 3 red beets, peeled and grated (use the grater setting on your food processor!)
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and grated
  • 1 apple, peeled and grated
  • 1/4 c toasted chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Directions

  • In large bowl, whisk oil, vinegar, honey, salt and pepper.
  • Toss the dressing with beets, carrots, and apple.
  • Refrigerate for an hour or more to let flavors meld.
  • Fold in walnuts and parsley before serving

dit-elle-Esther

Date Night

So, I’m thinking I might occasionally do a few “If I weren’t chasing a toddler” posts here and there.  They’d just be me, and I’d be wearing “non mom” clothes.  I’ll try and work in more “date night” or “corporate” looks for something a little different.

I don’t think I’ve ever worn a dress on a date night.  Sounds weird, I know!  I’m just so much more comfortable in jeans, so they are my go to for just about everything.  Thanks to the WhoWhatWear Style Challenge, I tried this dress on with my moto jacket and fell in love!Blog Doma Leather Alice Olivia Dress Joan David Booties- It’s a little “Desperately Seeking Susan”, but…I did grow up in that era, so I guess that’s why I like it 🙂

ps-let’s just ignore the bruise on my leg 😉Blog Doma Leather Alice Olivia Dress Joan David Booties-3 Blog Doma Leather Alice Olivia Dress Joan David Booties-2 Blog Doma Leather Alice Olivia Dress Joan David Booties-1Blog Doma Leather Alice Olivia Dress Joan David Booties-5On me…

Jacket- Doma (old, but similar here less expensive here.)
Dress- Alice + Olivia Kimber Dress (ebay, sold out but similar here and here)
Belt- Thrifted
Jeggings- Juicy Couture (old, but similar here)
Boots- Circa Joan & David (thrifted, similar here)
(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod)
dit-elle-Lauren

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