Create28: Plaid + Cargo

Happy Saturday, Friends!!! Hope you are all enjoying your weekend. Today I pulled out one of my FAVORITE summer/fall items--my cargo vest!! I never really thought about wearing it in the winter (i love it with jean shorts and my striped dress), but I never really thought about actually wearing it in the winter with jeans and boots!

I had planned in my head to wear a cozy blanket scarf but on the day I decided to take pics, it was a blazing 75 degrees ...thus the sunglasses and lighter weight scarf!! I am actually loving the cargo green and red together!

Cargo Vest: similar, i also saw a REALLY cute one at Target but it's not the one currently on the website--it's way cuter!)
White Tee: similar
Plaid Scarf: similar, similar
Jeans: Express (exact)
Boots: similar, similar

This entire outfit is from my closet (that is the purpose of Create28!) but I am also on a self imposed shopping ban for....well, let's just say for a good while!!! Definitely through Lent!! It definitely forces me to be more creative when creating outfits..which is a GREAT thing! I had never thought to wear my cargo vest in the winter but I was looking for items I LOVED to wear and this fit the bill....and it works perfectly in the winter!! I could also wear it over a sweater if the weather permitted!

What can you pull out of your closet and "winterize??"

Are you playing along with us?? I hope so! Use #create28winterlooks!

Create28: Sporty

Hope you are enjoying Create28 so far this week! We hope you will take a look at the prompts below and join us! We'd love to see your looks on social media at #Create29WinterLooks

Today I am showing you a look that I have been wearing quite often lately. For whatever reason I am just FEELING leggings this winter! It's all I want to wear!!! To avoid getting into the frumpy yoga pants look, I try to doll it up just a bit but trying to remain 100% comfy!!

This is my sporty "mom on the go" look. It's a look for a day when I have a zillion things to do and I just want to be comfy and not even worry about looking cute! HA! Yet, not look frumpy :) Do you guys have those days??!

Leggings: Nordstrom Brand (exact)
Tunic: sold out, similar styles below
Sneakers: New Balance 696 (exact, see similar styles below)
Scarf: similar, similar

Cropped leggings, a good fitting tunic and a fun sneakers fit the bill, I think! Throw on a scarf and it's all about cute and functional! I have to say that I have not bought a pair of sneakers in like 10 years! I have been wearing my trusty Converse Shoreline's as my "sneakers" but I needed a pair of shoes to exercise with AND wear around...enter the New Balance 696.  Form & function, once again!!!

The are are SUPER comfy, light and not bulky. And the best thing..look closely....they have herringbone detail! #score! I love these sneakers SO MUCH! Because they aren't bulky they also look good with jeans.

Here are a few more sneakers that are super cute and fit the non-bulky criteria ~ (click on any image for more info)

Here are a few cute "sporty" casual tunics that you can wear with leggings ~ (click on any image for more info)

Whitney is up tomorrow sporting her awesome, oh-so-fashionable-yet-fuctional duck boots!!! Have a great day and don't forget to link up and join in the fun on social media #create28winterlooks!!

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Create28: Carey's Recap

It never fails. October goes by SO QUICKLY...then all of a sudden it's Thanksgiving...then Christmas...then boom..2015 will be history! This October flew by and I had so much fun with my blogging besties Carrie and Whitney showing some fun fall outfits.

Today I'll be recapping a few of my faves and my favorites from Carrie and Whitney as well!!

Here are the outfits and details ~

Outfit 1: Fur and Gingham. Read original post HERE.

Jeans: Old Navy (similar)
Ankle Boots: ( similar)
Shirt: Target (similar)
Vest: option


Outfit 2: Herringbone Vest and Faux Blanket Scarf. Read original post HERE.

Jeans (my FAVE to wear with boots!): exact
Striped Tee: Target (similar)
Vest: via Jane (similar, similar)
Boots: Frye (similar)
Scarf: Similar

Outfit 3: Long Cardigan and Boots. Read original post HERE.

Cardigan: cute option, cute option , cute option
Sweater: option, option
Scarf: similar, similar
Ponte Pants/Jeggings: similar, similar
Boots: Corso Como/Nordstrom (similar)
Boot Cuffs: DIY'ed

Outfit 4: Plaid dress and Boots. Read original post HERE.

Plaid Dress: Target (exact, see other options below!)
Boots: Corso Como/Nordstrom (similar)
Scarf: Nordstrom/BP: (option,option)

Outfit 5: White after Labor Day. Read original post HERE.

White Jeans: Loft (similar)
Sweater: Nordstrom Rack (similar, similar)
Leopard Scarf: H&M (similar, similar)
Boots: Corso Como/Nordstrom (similar)


Outfit 6: My Fall Go-To Look....totally ME!!! Read original post HERE.

Jeans: Wit and Wisdom/Nordstrom (exact)
Plaid: Express (exact, cute option, cute option)
Scarf: similar, option
Boots: Frye/Nordstrom (exact, similar)
Necklace: Stella & Dot (exact)

Here are my favorites from Carrie and Whitney ~

Carrie:  I LOVED how Carrie mixed different tones of purple/marsala to to create this awesome combo!! The little ankle boots added the perfect amount of "fall" to this outfit! LOVE IT! Read her original post HERE.

Whitney: I have always envied the shirt-layered-under-dress look and so far it hasn't worked on me! But man, does it work on Whitney!!! I LOVE her combo of stripes and chambray too! What's not to love? Read her original post HERE.

Well, that is a WRAP for Create28 Fall Looks!!! We have truly enjoyed seeing all of your looks on social media!! Thank you so much for joining us!! Carrie will be recapping her looks tomorrow.

We are already scheming up our next project so stay tuned! The next fun thing will be the Winter Challenge--registration opens 11/20 and get ready!!! I LOVED LOVED the winter challenge last year!!


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Create28: Vests

I rarely come in contact with a vest I don't like...cargo/military, puffer, denim, herringbone, fur you name it! I love vests! They are such a nice, functional layer to your Fall outfit. Here I'll show you my top FOUR favorite vests for fall...and one on my wish list!!!

Vest #1: Herringbone ~ This vest is an oldie but goodie. It's a "look for less" vest I picked up from Jane.come, a knockoff of the original J. Crew herringbone vest.

The Herringbone vest works great with ~
~ Jeans
~ Burgundy Jeans/Cor
~ Plaid

Herringbone Vest: Splurge, The Look for Less

Vest #2: The Puffer ~ I love puffer vests on days I just don't want to wear a full-on jacket or coay but need the extra warmth and layer. This down one from Eddie Bauer has been in my closet for YEARS and I wear in constantly on the weekends, to soccer games and other causal outings.

The Puffer vest works great with ~
~ Jeans
~ Casual outfits
~ Sneakers
~ Plaid shirt

Puffer Vest: Eddie Bauer (cute option, cute option)

Vest #3: Cargo/Military  ~ This is hands down my most worn vest. I wear all 3 seasons...with shorts and tees in the summer and with jeans/dresses/tights in the fall and winter.

The Cargo/Military vest works well with ~
 ~ Jeans
~ Casual dresses and tights
~ Leopard
~ Plaid
~Stripes
~ Layered over sweaters
~ ANYTHING!! :)

Cargo/Military Vest: option, option

Vest #4: Faux Fur  ~ Yes, it's a trendy item (see yesterday's post HERE), but since I was able to get this vest for a steal, I latched on to the trend :) Fur vests, if you find the right one, are just a little trendy update that your wardrobe might need for Fall!

The Fur vest works well with ~
~ Plaid and Gingham
~ Jeans
~ Dresses
~ Black Jeans
~ Sunglasses (just kidding..it was literally 90 degrees when I took this pic!)

Grey Fur Vest: option, option

Are you a vest lover like me? What are your favorite vests for fall???

I can't believe it, but October is coming to a close and we are winding down #Create28 Fall Looks! Join me on Friday as I recap my favorite looks from the month including my faves from Carrie and Whitney!

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Create28: Long Cardigan

Happy Friday, girls!!! I LOVE LOVE long cardis, you guys!!! I purchased my very first one last Fall and have been wanting to add more to my collection....but it's tooo STINKIN' HOT here in Northern California right now, I can't even think about sweaters!!

That being said, I sacrificed and put on one of my most fave, comfy outfits to show you..disregard the beads of sweat running down my face....

Cardigan: cute option, cute option , cute option
Sweater: option, option
Scarf: similar, similar
Ponte Pants/Jeggings: similar, similar
Boots: Corso Como/Nordstrom (similar)
Boot Cuffs: DIY'ed

The great thing about long cardis is you can pair them with jeans, leggings, jeggings, skinnies, flares...pretty much whatever type pants you own! I just always like keeping the bottoms on the more fitted side to balance out the more "loose"/larger fitting cardigan.

As always, my boot cuffs are DIY'ed. I just take cute (but cheap) socks and cut the toe off...boom...boot cuffs!

Ok, so now I need your help!!!! I have been wanting a "Blardigan" for umm...forever!!!! (if you are not familiar with the Blardigan, it's a term from the blog Pinterest Told Me To...read about it HERE. It's a "blanket" and "cardigan)! I am doing an upcoming post where I get to choose something from Nordstrom soooooo....guess what I'm getting??!

I need you to help me choose which color!!!! I narrowed it down to the ones below...will you please comment on which one you like? Or which one you HAVE and love??! Thanks for helping a sister out!!!! Oh, and please don't be afraid..i will DEFINITELY NOT be wearing mine open with a bra and undies....this is more the look I am after, so calm down :) 

Option 1: Ombre

Option 2: Cocoa

Option 3: (a little lighter than Cocoa)

Option 4: Light Grey

PLEASE comment and "VOTE!" Thank you!! :)

Next week is already our LAST WEEK of Create28 Fall Looks! We are just loving all of your fun looks for fall! One of my favorites is coming up on Monday--"Pinned It and Did It!" Show us your Pinterest-inspired looks by linking up Monday or use the hashtag #Create28FallLooks!

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Create28: Fall Dresses

Apparently, I have a "thing" for black and white fall dresses! In the past, I haven't been a huge black and white fan....i just thought it was so BORING and plain. It also reminded me of the days when I couldn't really dress myself and my closet was filled with black and white and NO COLOR! (sad days!!!)

However, in recent months, I've come to really embrace black and white again! However, unlike before, I hardly ever just wear plain black and white...I always try to add some "spice."

Striped Dress:cute option, cute option
Cargo Vest: option
Leopard Scarf: similar
Boots:  similar

In the above outfit, I added a little pattern mixing with stripes and leopard...one of my FAVES! I also added two other neutral, but contrasting colors (green vest and brown boots).

Plaid Dress: Target (exact)
Boots: Corso Como/Nordstrom (similar)
Scarf: Nordstrom/BP: (option,option)

In this outfit (read original post HERE), I added just a little pop of color to spice up the black and white. Also, some people think black/white and brown is not a legit color combo but I LOVE these three colors together!! The cognac provides a great contrast to the black and white without "clashing."

So to recap, here are my tips for wearing black and white ~

* Pattern mix (leopard and even plaid are great to pair with black and white)
* Add other neutral colors such as olive green or cognac
* Add a pop of color (choose colors depending in the season such as marsala for fall or yellow for summer)

Hope you will join us for Create28 this month! Link up with us Mondays or use the #Create28FallLooks on social media! Carrie is up tomorrow with more fun with patterns and prints!

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Create28: Blanket Scarf

Ok, I have a little confession--i am doing a post on blanket scarves...yet I don't actually OWN a blanket scarf...like a "for reals, giant, scarf that can keep a family of five warm"-type blanket scarf.

Living in California, 99% of the time, I would overheat and DIE in a true blanket scarf (although it would come in handy when camping!), so I purchased what I call the "California Blanket Scarf." My version has a lot more scarf and a lot less "blanket!" Yet I feel I can get roughly the same look with overheating.

I picked mine up at Sears (Yeah, my boots on Wednesday from Sears, now this!??! So odd..I can't figure out why I keep finding stuff at Sears!!) but nearly the same version can be found at Target HERE--i have seen the pattern closer to mine in stores but not online.

There are two ways I like to wear this scarf ~

1) Tied with Stripes ~ Even though plaid technically has stripes, for some reason I love adding even MORE stripes with my plaid! This "tie" is super easy and I feel gives the right amount of "bulk" to get the cozy blanket scarf look without drowning my 5'4" frame.

Jeans (my FAVE to wear with boots!): exact
Striped Tee: Target (similar)
Vest: via Jane (similar, similar)
Boots: Frye (similar)
Scarf: Sears (see similar options below!)

My scarf is roughly the same size as the Target one. All I did was hold it out lengthwise, then bring together two of the corners and TIE! I leave the other ends loose to some added volume :) Then I just wrapped it twice around my neck. Easy!

2) Just Hanging ~ Sometimes I just like the look of the plaid, but I don't need the extra bulk/heat around my neck, so I will just drape it over my shoulders.

Jeans: Old Navy (similar)
Booties: similar, cute option


So the "California Scarf" is basically the look of the blanket scarf with less bulk. :)

Have you all made the trendy plunge and purchased a blanket scarf (REAL or California Style)?!!!? I'd love to see the ways you style them! Link up with us on Mondays or use the hashtag #Create28FallLooks on Instagram! And don't forget to stop by tomorrow when Carrie shows us some pretty Fall blouses!

I will leave you with some great blanket scarves and "California Blanker Scarf" options! (click on any pic for more info!)

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Create28: Skirts for Fall

I didn't used to be a huge skirt girl..and especially not a skirt-in-the-fall girl!! I'm not exactly sure what changed my mind, but I now find myself gravitating to the skirt and tights and skirt and boots look!

For the first look, I took an outfit I wore for the Work Wear Challenge HERE. The basic formula was patterned skirt + chambray. I swapped in a long sleeve chambray, added tights, a cozy scarf and boots and voila! Instant fall outfit!!

And let me just point out that these boots from SEARS of ALLLLL places are soooo comfy and definitely the Tom's boots "Look for Less!" I HIGHLY recco these boots--they come in taupe too!

Skirt: Loft via ThredUp (see printed skirt options below!)
Long Sleeve Chambray:(similar, similar)
Black Ankle Boots: Sears (exact in black or tan, Toms)
Fringe Scarf: similar

For the next outfit, I was inspired by fall colors--brown and orange. Doesn't that just scream falling leaves to you???! Since it's still warm here, instead of tights I just did tall boots and bare legs. Later in the fall dark brown tights will be added :)

Skirt: Loft via ThredUp (see printed skirt options below!)
Coral Tee: Nordstrom/Stem (exact, in orange fiesta)
Cardigan: Express (exact)
Boots: Frye (exact)

I tend to buy "fall skirts" that I know will coordinate with either black boots or tall brown/cognac boots. Another option is a solid, fall-colored skirt with a patterned top or scarf. How adorable is this look...
 

Here are some of my favorite skirts for fall ~ (click on any of them for more info!)

Do you wear skirts in the fall?? Do you have a favorite fall skirt in your closet?  Join me tomorrow to see Carrie's "bad girl" moto look!!! :)

Join us all this month for Create28 Fall Looks! Link up your looks on Monday or use the hasgtag #Create28FallLooks! 

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