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Daily Mom Style 05.22.13

Fashion Over 40 #OOTD

It’s that time of the week again! If you’re wondering what on earth I’m doing posting all these pictures of myself, I started joining Lindsay at The Pleated Poppy many moons ago, taking pictures of our outfits to hold us accountable to getting out of our pajamas every day. When you work from home, it’s not always easy to get motivated to get dressed, and this has been a huge encouragement to me. As time has gone on, I’ve continued this feature because so many people seem to find it helpful, and frankly, if I didn’t do this, I would probably wear the same three outfits over and over. It’s not easy for busy moms to keep it chic through the child bearing years when our weight is fluctuating and we’re tired and sick and run down. Then once the kids start to get older and we get our bodies back, many of us find ourselves in a style rut or just too busy to care. So this is my attempt to stay stylish and age appropriate after 40, and I hope that it’s an encouragement to other busy moms out there!

This week my big experiment was the “front tuck” — you’ve probably seen this in the retail catalogs. It seems to be how they’re showing most tops nowadays. I was at Nordstrom last week, trying on jean shorts and cropped jeans (that’s a post for another time!) and the sales associate was a cute, younger woman who had fun throwing new items at me to try on. At one point she gave me this coral blouse and told me to tuck it in just in the front. I only have a crappy iPhone photo, but here’s how she styled it.

front-tuck

No, I would not wear it with those shoes — they just happen to be the ones I had with me. ANY-WHO. I really like the idea — especially with a fuller top like this. It did nothing for me when it was untucked, and it was way too much shirt to tuck in all the way around, but front-tuck gave it a casual-cool vibe while also creating a flattering waistline. It also helps camouflage a bit of a tummy — BONUS! I didn’t end up buying the shirt because it was way out of my price range, but it did inspire me to try the front tuck with some of my other tops here at home.

For example, this slub dolman tee from the Gap was rather baggy when worn untucked as I’d typically wear it.

Gap Medallion Slub Dolman T

But when I tried the front tuck, look how much cuter it looks. The sales associate said that the front tuck can be worn with or without a belt, but I think I’d prefer a belt. I need to get one, though. Believe it or not, I don’t own a belt. (She was horrified too.)

Gap Slub Dolman Tee

I think I like the outfit better with the silver sandals and no necklace. The orange flats and the jewelry seem too fussy for this outfit. The earrings, though, I love. They were a gift from my friend Lisa at Studio Jewel. Aren’t they the cutest? I actually bought this top to go with the earrings, lol!! (I don’t have much blue in my wardrobe — except for all my jeans, of course!)

blue gemstone earrings by Studio Jewel

I’ve clearly been digging the white and denim lately. I wore this white top with blue jeans and orange flats to run around town on Saturday and then later in the day to hang out with friends. The top is from CAbi. I love that it is double-layered — much more forgiving than a thin white tee, and the shape of the neckline is super flattering.

white and denim

(This time the orange flats work — the outfit is a bit more classic, plus it needs some color.)

This necklace is my absolute fave. I wear it whenever I get the chance.

Statement-Necklace-LUXE-Recycled-Sterling-Silver-Wire-Wrapped-Gemstones

Another day this week I wore this coral top with jeans. This top is an Old Navy purchase from last summer, and I have gotten more than my money’s worth out of it! It’s just so easy to wear, and I love the detailing at the neckline. Plus the elastic waist is very forgiving when you’ve had a few too many second helpings at the dinner table . . . ahem.

coral and denim

The embellished sandals are another old favorite, a splurge that I’m glad I went for a few years ago right before my first BlogHer Conference. They’re by Frye (as in the boots) and I love them.

sandals

I wore this outfit to church on Sunday. I tried on a few variations before I got to this, so this would have made another good outfit evolution post except unfortunately I didn’t get photos of my various options. Anyway, I knew I wanted to wear red jeans with my denim jacket. At first I tried on a white tee, and it seemed too casual for church. So then I tried the outfit with a black ruffly top that I picked up at the CAbi Outlet last week, but that seemed too much like a date night for church. So I finally settled on this black tank. The black wedge pumps seemed like just the right finishing touch.

how to wear red skinny jeans

And for the first time this season, I carried my black and white striped handbag that was my 40th birthday present last year. I’ve been waiting anxiously for summer to arrive so I can carry it again.

rebecca minkoff striped tote

I’ve been all about the Studio Jewel this week! This long mixed metal necklace (another one of my faves that I wear whenever it works with my outfit) is perfect with the denim jacket. I love how the copper pulls from the trim on the jacket. I also wore her rustic copper hoop earrings. The jean jacket is CAbi (another factory outlet purchase. I love having a CAbi Outlet nearby!!!)

red and black with denim jacket

Next up is an outfit I wore out to dinner with friends. This is the black ruffly top that I chose not to wear to church on Sunday with the red jeans, but I though it was perfect for a Girls’ Nite Out! You can read all about this outfit evolution on yesterdays’s post, What to Wear: GNO. (And now you know how crazy I really am!)

what to wear: GNO

Finally, I broke out my Daisy Dukes yesterday when the temps soared up into the 80s. It was a really warm day, already in the high 70s by 10AM (I know this because I went out to run and almost suffocated) but I am trying not to cave and turn on the a/c. I actually love this weather. I threw on these cut-offs and tank top and happily worked away all day while the warm breeze wafted through my office window. HEAVEN!!!

cut-offs

I think a shorter shirt would look better with these shorts, but I didn’t take time to try on anything else since I was just hanging here at home. Next time maybe I’ll try them with that coral top shown above.

For more fashion-over-40 inspiration, check out all of my Daily Mom Style posts.

I’m linking up with:

What I Wore Wednesday at The Pleated Poppy  Monday Mingle Fashion Carnival

Join The Conversation

16 Responses

  1. I like how you did the front tuck. I’ve actually been trying it, but I’m not sure if I’m doing it right. lol.

    You looked fabulous in the “fitting room” outfit!
    ~FringeGirl

  2. I really like the front tuck. It’s very flattering. I think I’d like a belt with it too. I love belts but have not worn one in forever because…well…I don’t tuck shirts! That’s always my weight loss goal–being comfortable wearing a belt. The last outfit is my favorite. It looks simple, stylish and comfy, which is the best combination in my opinion!

    Oh and don’t worry about the outfit evolution. Most of us would totally do that! I try to do that with my husband and the poor thing is so confused about what he is supposed to say because he doesn’t want to offend me! He’s honest but it stresses him out. 🙂 “That’s not my favorite shirt,” is his go-to response.

    1. I don’t tuck shirts either!! I always thought b/c I have a short waist, I’m better off leaving things untucked. But as styles change, perhaps I’ll change my mind…

  3. Looking great as usual! I love the coral, banded hem tank…I have a few of those and can’t quite figure out how to wear them. I don’t know if I have a long torso or what, but it just seems to hit in an odd place and I haven’t had the guts to wear it in public, although being 37 weeks pregnant right now, they are sooooooo comfy.

  4. I used to do the front tuck but I find it just accentuates my long torso and short legs. But I agree that some tops can look sloppy without it. Maybe I’ll play with this more. It would be fun to see a front tuck outfit in your graphic at the top of your post just to see the effect compared to the shirt being loose.

    I also liked your evolution of an outfit post. I recall there was one outfit blogger who did that as her theme and it was great to see her actual outfit progression.

  5. So you have totally inspired me to do the front tuck! I’m definitely trying that!

    Where can I find good white jeans? Is a trip to Nordstrom in my immediate future?

    1. You’re sweet! I was afraid I was getting too old to wear shorts, but then I decided, it’s now or never so I guess I’ll give them a few more years before I ditch them for good.

  6. love love love! you’re the best model in the world. thanks for making me look good! xoxoxo

  7. You look so gorgeous mama! I love the second look that you had on your GNO (black shirt and white pants) and my second fav is the one with the jean jacket, such a cute outfit on you and btw love those black shoes 🙂

  8. You have such great legs!! I have never felt comfortable wearing shorts like that, my legs are too short 🙁 PS: I’m in my thirties and I enjoy your outfit posts a lot! Love your purses! 🙂

  9. Your front tuck top is sooo cute. I wasn’t sure about it, either. Didn’t want to look like I was trying too hard. But it looks great on you. I’m gonna do it too! Thanks!
    I’m also same three outfit mom trying to do better!

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