Then, I saw it.  Their Style Guide.  Shade does an AMAZING job of putting their clothes with the kinds of items that we all have in our closet anyway to create really wearable looks.  I love seeing the looks that they put together with clothes of theirs + clothes from other places, because isn’t that how we all dress?

Shade has really livable, wearable clothes.  Of course I love a J.Crew kind of look and an Anthropologie kind of look, but, I love the Shade look, too, and this is a perfect match for my lifestyle of picking up toys, playdates, wiping noses, etc.

Plus, the best part, is when you have a simple canvas of really wearable clothes that are easy to mix and match, then when you buy a special top or necklace from Anthropologie, it really takes the outfit up to a new level.  An easy upgrade.

Take this girl in the middle here:  I never would think to pair that sweater and that blazer together, but I think the outfit looks great.  I think we all have some dark wash skinny jeans in our closet, so we’re halfway there to that cute outfit.  Then, if you wanted to add a blouse instead of the sweater…upgrade!

two things I should mention:
1. Shade did not pay for, sponsor, or solicit this post. I’m seriously just a mega-fan of Shade and wanted to share.
2. The Style Guide is kind of hard to find on the website (why, Shade? Put it front and center!) but click the link, or from their blog you can go the the Style Guide category on the right and view all of the posts showing past Style Guides. I definitely recommend it.

Related posts:

1. Shade Swimsuit Giveaway!
2. Shade Skirt Giveaway! WAHOO!
3. Shade ‘Interlock Dress’

Of course, the bottom line to all of this is, who cares?  If you like it, then wear it.  Simple as that.  I remember a post from A CUP OF JO once where Joanna linked to an article she wrote for Glamour about this topic (she calls it girl pretty vs. guy pretty).  The most interesting part to me was the comment where a guy said “Cute girl in ruffles = a cute girl in ruffles.”  I think that’s exactly right.  Of course, I don’t think you have to give up your feminism or sense of self if sometimes you want to dress in a way that men can understand and appreciate, too.

It’s just interesting to see the chasm between girl taste and guy taste.

What do you think? What else is in the girl cute category?

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1. Weavers Girl ‘Braided Floral Tunic’
2. So cute, and so modest!
3. Black and White.

Hi Jessica!  I was so excited to see your email.  I have a brother that just finished his fellowship in Ophthalmology this summer.  Now…27 years of school, an awesome wife, and 5 wonderful children later…he has started in his practice.  (Anyone in Idaho Falls need an Opthalmologist/Genius?  Let me know.)  So, I can understand the plight of a hardworking resident’s family.  And what a beautiful family at that!  Your boys are just so handsome, and they are going to melt everyone at the wedding with their cute outfits.

For the boys, I found a pant/shirt/vest/tie set for a great price.  The tie and the shirt aren’t right for the wedding, but the pants and vest will be perfect (and they can wear the whole set to church or something).  The pants are black and the vest is a dark charcoal gray with a slight pinstripe.  Perfect.  I think it would look best to keep the boys in the same colors as the rest of the wedding party.  This white shirt is from Old Navy, and this is the kind I get for my sons.  It has a nice thickness to it, washes well, and irons nicely.  If they need new dress shoes, here’s a good option, but you might be able to find something for a lesser price.  I found a cute pink bowtie, but my favorite find of all is this men’s silk tie.  (You may be able to find something similar at a local department store.)  I loved how perfect the colors are for the wedding, but the only problem is that it’s a men’s tie.  However, if you are handy with a sewing machine, I bet you could fashion 2 boy’s bowties out of one men’s tie.  That’s what I would do (or, rather…that’s what I would ask my mom to do for me.)

Pant/vest set, $14.99
White shirt, $14.50
Shoes, $24.99
Tie, $10.00
Total per boy: $64.48 (that price doesn’t include shipping costs, so anything you can find at a local store will help lower your overall cost.  Plus, if they already have a white shirt or black dress shoes, then that’s a great place to save money.)

Now, for you. I found a great pencil skirt from Target, but just about any black pencil skirt would work just fine. So, if you have one already, just wear that. The skirt isn’t really the star of the outfit, so don’t put your money there. Finding light pink tops at this time of year was a little difficult, but I did find some pretty options in the blue color. Plus, I think a deep blue will be gorgeous with your lovely blond hair.  My favorite is the first one on the left because the ruffled neckline is to die for, and I like the long sleeves for a winter wedding, but any of these tops would look great tucked into a pencil skirt (the last one would look best tucked into a very highwaisted pencil skirt to cover the smocking, or you could wear it untucked with a regular skirt.)
(Blouses from left to right: ruffle front, ruffled 3/4 sleeve, tie-neck blouse, shimmer top)
Wear your favorite black heels, or if you need a new pair, try these timeless pumps. The brand is Jessica Simpson, and my sister has these heels, so I can vouch that they are killer sexy. I love the look of this multi-strand pearl necklace with the deep blue top, or you can always wear any pearl accessories that you already have (or can borrow).  I would definitely wear tights. It will be winter after all, plus I LOVE tights. I like this shimmery blue pair from Old Navy, but just about anything will work. Target has great tights, and I’m sure you’ll be able to find an inexpensive pair of opaque or patterned black tights there.
Lastly, I found this pretty bloom on etsy.com and I think it would be beautiful pinned onto your shoulder, on your hip (in the front just off to the side a little) or in your hair if you’re up for it. I think it will give the outfit that finishing touch and the pale pink will play off your blue top really well.

Have a great time at the wedding, you’ll look great!
Love, Emily

My picks:
Skirt, $14.99
Blouse, $44.50
Shoes, $68.95
Necklace, $12.99
Tights, $9.50
Bloom, $9.00
Total: $159.93  (that doesn’t include any shipping costs, so if you live near these stores you could call to see if they carry the items you’re looking for in your size.  And of course, if you can use anything you already have, that’s the best way to save money.)

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1. What I wore to my sister in laws wedding (finally…)
2. Outfit for a summer wedding?
3. Fossil ‘Jessica’

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But, until very recently, I just didn’t get it.  I was convinced that Lands’ End was for old ladies with bland taste.  Then, in June, I ordered some dress shirts for my husband for Father’s Day and ever since I’ve been getting all these catalogs.  Well, wouldn’t you know it, some of their clothes are really cute.  Take the lady in the mustard colored cords, for example.  It’s just a step away from making me think that’s a page from a J.Crew catalog.  And the first lady, with the argyle sweater…seriously, I would die to look that awesome when my hair is gray.  No, take that back, I would be thrilled to look that put together now.

What’s so great about Lands’ End is that they have this new fit concept. Fit 1-2-3. So, if you are into mom jeans, then hit yourself up with some Fit 3 (no offense to mom jeans, seriously. After having twins, my stomach has a decent pooch that fits really well in mom jeans. I didn’t get it before, but I sure do now.) If you want something a little more stylish, go for Fit 2. Then, if you’re looking for a modern, while still modest, fit…there’s the new Fit 1. Perfect. Jeans with a lower rise, but not a low low rise, if you know what I mean.  If you’re in the market for some cheesy tapered knit pants and shlumpy tops, don’t worry.  Lands’ End still has plenty of those, too.

But, if you’re like me and thought that bland, cheesy, and shlumpy was all they had, then give Lands’ End a second look.  You’ll find cute tops, a great striped boyfriend cardigan, and great basic tees.

Besides…with free shipping, free returns to Sears, and fits for every body…there’s really no reason not to give them a try, right?

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1. Finding the perfect pair of jeans.
2. Worth a second look: JCPenney
3. Help this reader!

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1. Only $25.00 Each!

Anyhoo… the point of this post is that Heidi (Almira’s mother in law) has an online shop Heidi’s Heavenly Cookies and is doing a giveaway of a box of her gourmet cookies! I seriously had a battle within myself as to whether or not I should tell you guys because I so desperately want to win. However, I also know that sharing something like this is the right thing to do. (lol… but really. haha) Alright, so this had nothing to do with fashion… but it does have to do with being the happiest person on this planet! (except for Heidi’s family who can eat these all the time… luckies!) So go on over and enter Heidi’s Heavenly Cookies giveaway for a chance to try the best cookies on earth!

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Both images from the Become Fashion and Beauty blog where they tell you all the latest fashion DO’s. And I tell you what… I want them both! They totally remind me of the boots that Zooey Deschanel is wearing in 500 days of Summer during their break up scene (couldn’t find a picture of what I’m talking about). If anyone finds a decent priced pair… let me know! And when I say decent priced… I mean… under $100!

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So this last week or two (for some weird reason) I have become a little more environmentally conscious. For instance, every time I use a paper towel, every time I take my extremely long showers, keep the water running while brushing my teeth etc. etc. I feel guilty! So I have been thinking a lot about switching over to cloth diapers, buying cloth napkins and taking shorter showers

Yesterday I was at my friend Kathryn’s house and she uses cloth diapers (and cloth napkins…) and so I started quizzing her on why she likes them and why she uses them. Anyways, I watched her change her sons diaper and she showed me how EASY it is! I was really impressed. So, I asked Zach last night whether or not I could spend the money and he agreed (as long as I stick with the cloth diapers!) So I bought some this morning! WOO HOO! Even though I haven’t started using them yet, I already feel better. I feel this crazy sense of accomplishment. Anyhoo… just thought I would share my excitement!

Average cost of diapers a year per child: $800

I spent $203 for 12 cloth diapers (you do have to run laundry every 2-3 days which will be every 2 days for me because I only bought 12) I may need a few more but wanted to test these out first!
My friend only used 12 for her daughter who is now potty trained. And the 12 lasted from newborn to potty trained. (and now she handed them off to her friend and they are still great!) Crazy cool. And the Bum Genius are cool because they are one size fits all (there are size adjustments on them)! SWEET!

Do any of you use cloth diapers? How do you like them?

Are any of you considering cloth diapers? What’s your hesitation?

I would love to hear your thoughts!

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Hello!
I came across your site about a week ago and LOVE it! In fact, copied an entire outfit for my reunion next weekend! Everything is pulled together so perfectly with accessories,etc -I could not have done it on my own.
I know you get a lot of questions about family pictures (loved the post about what NOT to do) and was hoping you could help me out. I seem to get stuck in a rutt of always dressing my family in boring jeans and neutral colored tops. I am inspired by families like Nie Nie’s who look like they should be in a catalog! We are a fun and casual family so nothing too fancy, but wouldn’t mind wearing a dress/skirt or maybe even just a dressy top with jeans and heels. And the girls in something sweet and girly. (We have two little girls – ages 4 and 2. Also expecting another member of the family in March, but I’m not showing yet so no need for a maternity outfit!) Our pictures are scheduled for mid September, which is still HOT in Boise, so nothing that we’ll burn up in (made that mistake last year!) You think you could find us each an outfit that’s not too matchy matchy but goes together? Now THERE is a challenge for you!
I included the most recent pic of the fam that I could find… right before my daughter’s ballet recital.
Keep up the incredible work!
Malissa
Meridian, Idaho

For Dad:
A nice ice blue button down shirt, great yellow tie, and dark bootcut jeans.

For Mom:
Since you’re tall and lean, I bet you’ll look slammin’ in this Shabby Apple dress with this yellow belt. Some cute patterned heels and a gorgeous bracelet finish it off.

Big Sister:
A cute pink jumper with a blue collared shirt underneath and some fun orange patent leather maryjanes.

Little Sister:
An adorable denim jumper with a sweet floral embroidered sweater on top. Perfect red saltwater sandals and a cute little orange bow top it off.

Have a great time and send us a picture when they’re done! You’ll look great!
Love, Emily

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