5 Spring Outfit Must Haves

Let's talk about Spring outfit ideas today!  You asked for more outfits this year and I'm delivering.  I have gotten into a better routine of taking outfit pictures thanks to Olive!  She's a great photographer and is usually happy to snap an outfit picture for me.  Yay!  I share a lot of outfits on instagram @polkadottyplace so follow me over there if you love this kind of content!

I have 5 Spring Outfit Must Haves to talk to you about today.  

I'll share the item and how I've been styling it.

1. Black or white skinny jeans

In my current season of life with little ones and messy hands around 24/7, white jeans just aren't appealing.  I love the look and have worn them before, but just not right now.  However, black skinnies are perfect for me.  Obviously, you can do black jeans in any fit, but black super skinny Rockstar jeans from Old Navy will always and forever be my favorite.  Along with black pointy toe flats.

I love black jeans with a belt, chambray top, and leopard cardigan.  Olive told me it was A LOT of leopard for one outfit, but I love the look.

This is a classic combo - black jeans, black t-shirt, leopard belt and a fun jacket with big gold hoops.

2. Pretty Dresses

I love these two dresses so much.  They are the easiest things to wear, work for multiple seasons and I always feel good in them.  Find dresses you LOVE to wear and you'll be so happy you did.  I've had good luck finding dresses on Amazon, Target, Wal-Mart and vintage Matilda Jane since they are no longer around.

3. Chambray Shirts

Find a chambray shirt that you love.  My favorite ones are soft, relaxed and work with everything from shorts, to black pants, over dresses and with skirts.  This one is from Old Navy a few years ago.  I added it over a favorite green dress for St. Patrick's Day.  It was a great way to stretch my closet and combine clothing to make a brand new outfit for free.

Take a moment to think through your accessories.  They really make the outfit!

Chambray shirts also look great with scarves!

4. Patterned Tops

I love a good floral top and it's hard to resist stripes.  Find tops that fit you well and that you love and it'll be so easy to get dressed.  I know anytime I wear these two tops that I'll feel good about my outfit.  I pair them with dark wash denim and various shoes depending on the occasion.  Easy, peasy autopilot outfits for me.  I have good luck finding tops at Old Navy, TJ Maxx, Marshalls & Walmart's Time and Tru line.

5. Jean jackets + a pop of FUN

I love this GAP jean jacket so much.  The puff sleeve is so unique and cute.  It make everyoutfit better.

This skirt is wild and crazy and it's my favorite.  It's a big circle skirt that is very twirly.  I bought it at Belk many years ago when we lived in Arkansas.  It's bold and fun to wear.  I love pairing it with my favorite puff sleeve jean jacket from GAP, clogs, accessories and a neutral tshirt.  If you are going BOLD with one item, tone down the rest of the outfit so that the fun item can shine.

Did you see any outfits that would work for you? I hope you feel inspired to put together some new looks for Spring!  Shop your closet first to see if you could pair some new items together.  Let me know if you have any outfit questions or struggles in the comments below.

High End Items on a Budget

Do you have a favorite spot to shop for high end items on a budget?

I do!  I have found some name brand treasures for a fraction of their original price at stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods.  Here are a few examples of what to look for in case you are wanting some high end items without the high price tags.

1. Clothing

I talked about this Tommy Hilfiger Classic Band jacket a few weeks ago.  It's so cute and comfy.  The best part was that I got it for a super deal at Marshalls.  The original tag said $109.50 and I grabbed it for $22!!  What a deal!  Each color is a different price in store and on Amazon so if you find a higher end item that you love, keep an eye on the prices.  I linked the jackets in this post.

I also love to pick up higher end shoes at stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx.  These Cynthia Rowley flats were marked down to around $10 in the Fall.  They're nice shoes at a great price.

I try to always glance at the clearance sections just in case I can spot a treasure like these!

2. Lamps

Did you see this lamp on my Friday post?

I'm in love!

I've been on the lookout for the perfect statement lamp for this corner of my kitchen since we moved in over two years ago.  I just couldn't find the right one.  I waited and shopped.  Shopped and waited.  Then finally found it last week!

I have a knack for spotting and loving the most expensive lamps.  It's my gift :)  Same thing with rugs.  But this time I just knew this blue and white Ralph Lauren lamp would be perfect.  It's tall, beautiful, makes a statement and I love the mix of wood, floral base and a pretty shaped shade.  And after looking for 2 years, I knew that pretty lamps don't last.  You have to grab things that catch your eye because they go quick and aren't restocked. 

The original Ralph Lauren tag said $215 and the HomeGoods tag was $129.99.  It was a splurge, but I knew it was perfect!

I love that you get to see the lamps plugged in at HomeGoods and most come with a light bulb.  You get an idea for the type of light it will give in your space.  And they are easy to return if you take it home and don't love it.

3. If you can find any character items at stores like these, grab them!  Olive loves Stitch and the Stitch merchandise is so much cheaper here versus online.  I have found a Stitch backpack, plates, stuffed animals and coffee cups for really affordable prices compared to online.

Mom tip: If you are shopping with your kids at stores likes HomeGoods, grab a ruler for them to measure with while you shop.  They're hanging all over the store.  Just tear one off and have your kid measure and practice counting while you browse.  Leo loved it!  Also pack lots of snacks so they can snack in the cart while you shop.  

I love to find lamps, picture frames, wreaths, wrapping paper, holiday decor, kitchen items, pillows, rugs and gifts at these kind of stores.  You can get a great deal!  I do think their furniture is almost always over priced.  They have cute furniture, but $500/chair doesn't feel like a HomeGoods deal to me.

Where do you have the best luck finding high end items on a budget?

Early Fall Outfit Inspiration

It's just barely starting to cool down in the Midwest.  I'm loving all the Fall colors, but we are not ready for flannels and layers just yet.  I wanted to share some of my favorite outfits from the past few weeks to give you some early fall outfit inspiration!

I hope you feel inspired to 

A. check out the cute Fall clothes options at Wal-Mart and 

B. Put together cute outfits for yourself every day.  

I feel so much better and get so much more done if I have a cute outfit on. 

Outfit #1 Head to Toe Jean

I don't think I've ever worn head to toe jean and I loved this look!  I think it works best when your two shades of denim are very different.  My chambray top is super light denim and my jeans are a fairly dark wash.  I love this outfit and am on the hunt for similar tops in black or olive green.

I had heard that the Sofia Vergara jeans were wonderful, but had never gotten around to trying any of them on.  I changed that this season and I AM SO IMPRESSED!  They're $30/pair and the quality is outstanding.  They do not stretch out even after wearing them for multiple days and there are tons of styles to choose from.  I would highly recommend checking out these jeans if you're in the market for some new denim this season.

Top - Meijer

Rosa Super Hi-Rise Curvy Skinny Ankle Jeans - new Sofia Vergara jeans at Walmart.  I like the distressed cuff and that they have enough stretch to be comfy with a button fly.

Backpack purse - Amazon - I am still using and loving this bag so much! 

It's cute enough to carry even when I'm out and about solo and it holds plenty of toddler necessities when I'm in mom mode.  I tend to carry a lot with me so it's great for this stage of my mom life.  There are tons of pockets inside and out, a shoulder strap and backpack straps and the quality is great.  I'd 10/10 recommend it for any lady on the go.  It would even be a great travel bag.  I added a pom pom tassel that I already owned for a fun bit of flair.

It's hard to argue with 16k+ reviews!  I got the "two toned vintage leather brown" and have my eye on a couple other colors: Here are my Amazon links: 

   

 

Outfit #2 Fall Colors

This Time and Tru dress from Walmart is a dream.  Look at that pom pom detail along the bottom hem.  I own it in three colors.  Mustard yellow, orange and navy.  I get so many compliments on it every time I wear it.  I've never had my colors done to see what season I am, but I was shocked to get so many compliments when I wore this shade of orange. 

Dress - new Time and Tru Walmart

 

Outfit #3 Black and White

I love this color combo so much that I dressed Leo to match me for church this week.  We both had fresh haircuts and he loves when we match.

Dress - Time and Tru Walmart dress this summer

Belt - Matilda Jane

Shoes - Macys

Leo - Old navy!

Outfit #4 Cute tee & jeans

Find a top that you love and pair it with your favorite jeans.

Old Navy has some really great fitted t-shirts this time of year.  I grabbed this floral one and a few more for $10 each last week and I love them!  They feel fresh and great to transition to Fall.  I love to add a cute headband or a stack of bracelets and my Birks.

 

What are you favorite outfits to wear this time of year?

My Outfit Formula

I am excited to talk to you about outfit formulas today.

I think of it as a combination of clothes that you know you feel good in.  An outfit that is easy, comfy, cute and makes you feel put together and confident.

For me, it's a cute top, skinny jeans and booties.  Throw on some accessories and a jean jacket and I'm set.  I have three pairs of jeans (all some version of the the high rise Old Navy Rockstar Skinnies) that I'm loving right now and a whole section of cute tops hanging in my closet.  I know that I can mix and match them and have outfits ready to go.

Let me show you my outfit formula in action.  With several of these photos by my children.  Because they're around 24/7 and happy to help me snap pictures.  If I bought an item recently, I'll tell you where it's from.

Fun top + black Old Navy skinny jeans + booties & accessories.

Black top + holy jeans + booties

Leopard + black jeans + jean jacket & booties.  100% Old Navy.

Dressy black top + jeans & leopard booties

Floral top + skinny jeans & booties.

Camo sweatshirt (@Walmart) + holy jeans & booties.

I love my friend Jacque's outfit - floral top + white jeans + cute lace up shoes.

Graphic tee + black jeans and a jean jacket if I'm headed out.

Basic tee + cardigan + black jeans & booties.

And if it ever warms up again, I love this combo - floral dress + jean jacket.  Both from Old Navy.

So what would you say is your favorite outfit formula that you know works for you?

Leather Earring Giveaway

Chances are if you see me in person or if you see a picture of me, I'm wearing my favorite ADVdesigns leather earrings.  They've been my favorite for a couple of years now.  They are the perfect accessory for busy moms and busy ladies.  They're so easy to wear.  My friend Amber has the best earring business.  She's from Arkansas and is a super hard working mom.  I LOVE her shop and love her designs.  I wear them every day.

I've got a really fun giveaway going on over on Instagram (@polkadottyplace) this week.  It runs now through Friday at noon.  Head over there to enter.  Make sure you're following me and @advdesignsco to enter to win.  Tag a friend for a bonus entry!!  Must be in the US to win.

Here's a sneak peek at the Fall line at ADVdesigns.

If you don't want to wait for the contest to end to get earrings, you can use the code Whitney20 for 20% off your order right now!!

In full disclosure, Amber sent me these new Fall earrings to wear, style and help promote her new Fall line.  Aren't they gorgeous!?!  I'm excited for the feather looking tear drops and for the tassel earrings.  I've purchased lots of earrings from her for myself and for gifts, but these were a gift.  I'm thrilled to promote her small business and share something I LOVE with you.
 

There are a million ways you could style them, but here are a few ideas:

A few ways that I've worn my ADVdesigns earrings in real life.  They're perfect for casual and dressy looks.  They're SO light weight.  You'll forget you're wearing them.  I love the patterns, the solids, the metallics and the textured earrings.

 Now head over to instagram to enter to win!!  Good luck!!

What I Wore: Knotted Shirts, Skirts & Leopard

Happy October!  I'm more than ready for Fall temps and weather to arrive in the Midwest.

I was shocked to see my most popular, most engaged with post of September was my outfit inspiration post (Fall Outfit Inspiration).  I don't get many outfit posts photographed and written these days, but now that I know you really like that type of content, I've set a goal to document more outfits for you!  You can expect to see at 1-2 outfit related posts each month. 

I love putting together outfits and get dressed every day.  I even had a mom friend asked me where I worked because she assumed that I headed off to work after our playgroups since I was "dressed up".  I don't work outside the home right now, but I do still put together cute outfits.  I just feel more ready to tackle anything that comes my way if I'm dressed with my make up done.  There are also days where I am exercising, running errands and playing at the park where I'll stick to athleisure.  I just base my outfit off my pans for the day.

These are some easy looks for early Fall:

// 1 // Leopard is everywhere this Fall. 
Here's my take on it.  Since it's still blazing hot, a leopard kimono works as the perfect layer.  I love this sleeveless chambray, black Rockstar skinnies from Old Navy and big leather earrings from ADVdesigns on etsy.  I found this kimono from JCPenneys last year.  They usually have a fun selection in their accessory/belt section. 

// 2 // Knotted Tee
I rarely wear a knotted tee with jeans, but I like this style with a skirt.  I paired a vneck tee with a high waisted skirt.  I loved this outfit and received lots of compliments on it.  My earrings are rose gold leather from ADVdesigns. 

This skirt is a big circle skirt.  It's really flowy, comfy and fun.  I found it at a department store a couple of years ago.

// 3 // Flowy tops
I'm a fan of flowy tops year round.  I'm still wearing short sleeves at this point in the year.  This Matilda Jane top is a favorite.  It's a year or so old.  The quality of MJ is AMAZING.  Everything I've purchased for myself of for Olive washes and wears so well for years.  I wore this outfit to church, a MNO and apple picking. It worked great for all occasions.  

What are your favorite wardrobe pieces this time of year?

Fall Outfit Inspiration (for when it's still HOT!)

The temperatures in Indiana have been in the 80s and 90s all week.  It's HOT!!

I'm ready to wear Fall clothes (my favorite) and ready to ditch my summer clothes.

It seems that wardrobe shift is still several weeks away.  I thought I'd give you some fun outfit inspiration today for outfits to wear when you're feeling ready for Fall, but the weather is too warm for layers and scarves and jeans.

My wardrobe favorites right now:
dresses
jean jacket
headbands
leather earrings from ADVdesigns on etsy (that's where all of my earrings came from!)
flowy tops
athleisure

#1 Shirt dresses
(dress + big earrings + flats)

This Time and Tru striped dress from Wal-Mart was one of my very favorite Summer wardrobe purchases.  It was under $20 and I get SO many compliments on it every time I wear it.  And it has pockets.  I was hoping they'd come out with a Fall version, but no sign of that so far in stores.  I usually wear this to church, out to dinner or out with friends.

#2 Kimonos
(Kimono + chambray sleeveless top, leather earrings and black Rockstar Skinnies from Old Navy)

I've been a fan of kimonos for years.  I probably own 10 and wear them as the perfect layer in Spring and Fall.  They add color, interest and are not hot.  I've also worn them as a swim suit cover up at the pool.  This is a new kimono from TJ Maxx.  It was $16.99 and it's size 1X.  I tell you that to encourage you to TRY THEM ON.  Kimonos are sized so strangely and their sizes are all over the place.  Mine are a variety of one size fits all, L, XL, 1X and no size.  Always try them on if you like the color/print.

This outfit is perfect for a MNO, a fun outing with your family or just being a mom :)

#3 Little Black Dress
(dress + headband + bracelet stack + leopard flats)

You can never go wrong with a little black dress.  This one is from my friend Kelly's line called Mint Standard.  Remember back in 2017 when I first introduced you to this dress!?!?  Well I'm thrilled to say that I've been wearing it HARD for 2 years and it's still a staple in my closet.  It's darling, has pockets and the quality is amazing.  Definitely check out Mint Standard if you are curious about these amazing dresses from a momprenuer :)

Mint Standard Clothing - this dress is The Cinch in Black and I LOVE the shorts she sells.  They're called The Shortie.  I wear them under every dress I own.  They have a cell phone pocket on the side and they're the perfect length.  I think they run big so size down.

#4 Layer with a Jean Jacket
(dress + jean jacket + leather earrings + flats)

I've had this dress for years and loved it.  It's from GAP.  I threw this on with my jean jacket for a quick trip to the library.  It was warm so my hair went up.  Easy outfit!

See what I mean... kid friendly, mom friendly and cute.

#5 Flowy Tops + Bright earrings

This is a staple combo in my wardrobe.  Give me all the flowy tops (I love to get them at TJ Maxx or Wal-mart from Time and Tru) and wear them with big earrings.  This outfit works year round with a layer of a sweater or a jacket when it gets cold.

#6 Athleisure
I love black/gray as a base for my athleisure.  I always stick to that so I can mix and match my outfits.  My tennis shoes are black, my yoga pants are black or gray and I mix up the tops.  It works out great!  My current exercise routine has been to get Olive off to school, get Fletcher ready for the day and then head out on a walk, power walk, run or jog.  I try to get it done before lunch time.  Then I cool off and get ready for the day.  It's working out so well and I am getting really consistent exercise in.  Can't wait for it to cool off so I can add a hoodie to my workout wardrobe.

What are you wearing this time of year??  Anything I forgot to mention?

Hope you had a great week!!  Enjoy your weekend and I'll see you back here on Monday :)

Linking up with Momfessionals and H54F with
Becky @  By BMG Blog
Della @ Della Devoted
Tif @ Bright on a Budget
Whitney P @ Come Home for Comfort