#OOTD – Smart Casual (cont)

Although smart-casual “dress code” is quite popular it’s also vague leaving it open for interpretation.  For most people seeing the word casual brings sweatpants, jeans & t-shirts to mind.  Minus the sweatpants, that’s not completely off.  I view smart casual as polished informal wear i.e. jazzed up denim & tees.  Others will beg to differ and say although the word casual is involved that you should avoid jeans and opt for trousers or a skirt.  Like I said, it’s open to interpretation…

Take for instance the outfit I wore yesterday:

Black & White Patterned Tank with Lace Detailing

Black Blazer

Dark Denim (cuffed above the ankles)

Black Primadonna Collection Heels

20151102_115903

I find myself dressing this way more often than not.  Although I may not wear heels everyday I try to find ways to look “dressed” while also staying comfortable.  My base outfit usually consists of a basic tee & my favorite skinny jeans.  I then add a statement necklace, a blazer or moto jacket and a pair of pointed toe flats creating the perfect smart casual look.  Feel free to share your thoughts or feedback on how you dress smart casual…

As always – comfortable & effortless housewife style xoxx

Fall Essentials for under $100

It’s mid-October, the leaves are changing & the air is crisp…it must be fall!  Fall is by far my favorite season.  Not only does it mean it’s time for hay rides, spiced lattes & pumpkin candles, but it also means I can finally break into my stash of sweaters, scarves & boots!

Although I have essentials that I’ve collected throughout the years I love adding to my fall wardrobe.  Shopping for new pieces, whether it’s on trend or just another basic, should be exciting not expensive.  I’ve put together a list of my favorite must-have fall fashions that won’t break the bank.

Blazers

A blazer is a timeless essential that can easily transition from season to season.  I have various styles in my closet & I find it’s the perfect go-to when I’m in a rush or can’t decide what to wear.  A blazer also lets you extend your summer wardrobe by layering it on top of tanks & dresses.  H&M has a wide variety of blazers right now, from solid boyfriend fits to patterned wool blends, all at great prices!

Black straight cut blazer $29.99 (left)

Checkered wool blend blazer $59.99 (right)

straightcutjackethandm          WoolBlendBlazerHandM

Ankle Boots

Fall is the perfect season to wear ankle boots, especially in Pittsburgh.  The weather is just chilly enough to cover your toes, but not cold enough that you need insulated, water-proof boots yet.  I love ankle boots because of their versatility; they can be worn with denim that is cuffed or scrunched just above the ankle, with a short skirt or even a long dress.  I recently purchased these Zipper Ankle Boots from Kohl’s.  They were originally $89.99, but I bought them on sale for $39.99 and I had a 20% off coupon.  I love finding great essentials at a great price!

ChapsZipperAnkleBootsKohls

Plaid

Every season plaid makes its way back into the rotation.  Plaid flannels are always a staple in the fall but this year you can also find plaid in bags, dresses and pants.  How are you wearing your plaid this fall?

Pixie Mid-Rise Ankle Pants in Black Plaid, Old Navy $34.94

Flannel Plaid Shirt, Mossimo, Target $22.99

BlackPlaidPixiePants          MossimoSupplyCo

Ruanas

One of my favorite layering pieces for fall is a ruana; a poncho-style garment.  Ruanas are usually one size fits all so it can be worn a few different ways – you can wear it belted around your waist to show off your figure or you can wear it as is & let it drape off your shoulders.  Francesca’s has some beautiful ones right now…

Fur Trim Plaid Ruana $44.00 (left)

Blue Cruz Stripe Ruana $38.00 (right)

RuanaFrancescas          FrancescasRuana

No matter your style, age or size these key pieces are a must for any fall wardrobe.  I hope you find inspiration in the suggestions I’ve given.  If you have any questions on layering or putting an outfit together don’t hesitate to reach out!

As always – comfortable & effortless housewife style xoxx

#OOTD – Boyfriend Blazer

Every woman should have a go-to blazer in their closet.  Not only is a blazer a timeless essential, but it makes transitioning your wardrobe from summer to fall easier allowing you to layer tanks & dresses.

I love my boyfriend blazer!  I found it at H&M 2 years ago & it has been a staple in my wardrobe ever since.  It’s neutral so it goes with almost every outfit and it’s oversized making it comfortable to wear & easy to layer.

20151017_123951Beige boyfriend blazer layered with beaded tank

Olive green denim & brown heeled ankle boots

20151019_163140          20151019_194153

Before walking out the door I threw a leather crossbody over my shoulder & I changed my shoe selection to tan zipper ankle boots.  I rolled the sleeves on my blazer & scrunched the denim to fall just above my boots.  Comfortable & effortless housewife style xoxx