This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle Collective

---

If you are like me, you are short on time. But I’m still on the hunt for the perfect outfit, even if I can’t fit in a shopping spree. Nordstrom to the rescue as they have all of my favorite brands in stock, ready to ship to my front door. I can’t tell you how many times this retailer has made shopping a breeze.

If you liked yesterday’s post, then you’re gonna love today’s—this is a sort of part 2. Eileen Fisher, available at Nordstrom, is back in action, and I love this three-piece oversized Eileen Fisher suit, perfect for vacay, a girl’s lunch, or even a baseball game. Opening day is fast approaching which means one thing warm weather is here to stay. 

Oversized Eileen Fisher suit

Eileen Fisher is a favorite brand of mine due to her casual sophisticated clothes and accessories. Plus, Eileen is committed to changing the way clothes are made, starting with their materials. This year oversized suits are all the rage, so I couldn’t resist putting one together the Eileen Fisher way.

pants | tee | jacket | sneakers | similar belt | watch band | earrings | bangle | similar sunglasses

Organic linen quilted jacket

It begins with a washed organic linen quilted jacket perfect for a cool spring day. I always size down with Eileen Fisher, so I am wearing a size small. I paired the boxy jacket with matching straight-leg organic linen pants. A simple, relaxed fit white crewneck tee looks crisp and clean tucked underneath the blueberry jacket.

But a short sleeve and long sleeve blouse are available that matches to a T if that’s your preference. Or, yesterday’s mandarin collar dress.

Quilted slip-on sneakers

And I couldn’t help but reach for white sneakers to complete the ensemble. If you are on the lookout for cute, comfortable sneakers, you have to snag this quilted slip-on from Eileen Fisher. These will be my go-to shoes all spring and summer due to their comfort! Honestly, I feel like I’m walking on air in these sneakers.

Shop the Post (click photo below)

 

A few of my favorite things about Nordstrom.

• free shipping and returns by mail or in-store
• buy online pick up in store
• curbside pick up (no muss, no fuss. Nordstrom brings your merchandise to you while you wait in your car)
• the Nordy club earns 1 point per dollar, status based on spend, and enjoys perks to beauty and style workshops, curbside pickup, and the first to shop select brands.

A big thank you to Nordstrom and ShopStyle Collective for this sponsored post. And thank you, lovely readers, for supporting the brands that allow me to bring you fresh ideas.

---

In case you missed it.

To see part 1 of our Eileen Fisher paired posts, check out this Eileen Fisher Mandarin collared dress.

Daily Looks

Make sure to catch up on our DAILY LOOK. We post a dedicated photo to our daily outfit every Wednesday-Sunday. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.

I love Talbots.  That’s no secret.  And apparently you, my readers, do too.  Almost every month, without fail, Talbots is the most popular retailer on the blog.  Hands down.   So, we’re gonna try something new today.  I’ve spent the past few days combing through Talbots’ Spring new arrivals, and I’ve put together a capsule wardrobe.   From 14 different items, I’ve put 5 different outfits together.  The items include:

• jackets;
• tops;
• bottoms;
• shoes; and
• bags.

Here are the rules I tried to follow when selecting items:

• Must be Talbots.
• Must be new arrivals.
• Should be classic and wearable next year, and years to come.

Most of you are familiar with what I mean by “classic”.  Think lots of neutrals, fits, cuts, and styles that defy trends.  While bold and bright colors are in this year, I shied away from them today in favor of whites, blacks, and tans for example. 

So without further adieu, let’s see what I came up with.

Talbots Spring New Arrivals

Nappa Wedges | Perfect Tote | Nappa Loafers | Espadrille Flats | Vachetta Mule | Bateau Neck Tee | Drawcord Shirt Jacket | Twill Knit Blazer | Denim Shirt Jacket | Button Detail Popover | Smocked Blouse | Wide-Leg Pants | Relaxed Jeans | Slim Ankle Jeans

Shop the capsule wardrobe (click below)

Talbots outfit 1

The first outfit stars a navy twill blazer.  A navy blazer is part of any classic wardrobe and works perfectly with the simple combination of an olive drab neck tee and slim jeans in a medium wash.  And how about these leather mules?  Absolutely loving them.    

Twill Knit Blazer | Bateau Neck Tee | Slim Ankle Jeans | Perfect Tote | Vachetta Mule

Shop the outfit (click below)

Talbots outfit 2

The second outfit begins with a neutral base:  I paired a black and white smocked blouse with black wide-leg trousers.  The trousers are about as “edgy” as this wardrobe gets today, but I have been and will continue to be a fan.  The wedges continue the matchy-matchy feel of the outfit. 

Denim jackets are true heroes of any classic transition wardrobe, including this one.  So to add visual interest, I added a light-wash denim shirt jacket.  It lightens the outfit up dramatically.  (Imagine the difference if I were to have gone with a dark-wash.)

Denim Shirt Jacket | Smocked Blouse | Wide-Leg Pants | Nappa Wedges | Perfect Tote

Shop the outfit (click below)

Talbots outfit 3

The third outfit is preppy through and through.  I’m bringing back the navy twill blazer from outfit 1.  This time, though, I paired it with a blue popover and white denim.  Add a pair of navy loafers and you’re a full-on prepster, if only for a day. 

Twill Knit Blazer | Button Detail Popover | Relaxed Jeans | Nappa Loafers | Perfect Tote

Shop the outfit (click below)

Talbots outfit 4

Outfit 4 demonstrates keeps the base from outfit 1 but swaps the jacket, shoes, and bag.  It features a tan utility jacket and snakeskin espadrilles.  (Remember, animal skin functions as a neutral.) This outfit really demonstrates the impact accessories and outerwear can have on an outfit.  

Drawcord Shirt Jacket | Bateau Neck Tee | Slim Ankle Jeans | Espadrille Flats | Perfect Tote

Shop the outfit (click below)

Talbots outfit 5

Compare outfit 3 with this one:  the only thing different is the jacket.  Instead of a blazer, I’ve gone with the utility jacket.  And what a difference it makes.  The outfit stops feeling “preppy” and starts feeling more, “I’m ready to take on the world thank you very much.”  

And that’s the fun of capsule wardrobes, really.  If you begin with a small but classic set of tops, bottoms, shoes, and jackets, you can create so many different combinations that vary minimally but are dramatically different!  

So have some fun with my capsule wardrobe and think about how you would do it differently. 

Drawcord Shirt Jacket | Button Detail Popover | Relaxed Jeans | Nappa Loafers | Perfect Tote

Shop the outfit (click below)

---

In case you missed it

If you’re looking for more classic wardrobe ideas, make sure to check out our essential series: 

• essential tops; 
• essential bottoms; and
• essential jackets; 
• essential accessories that every woman should have in their closet.

Daily Looks

Make sure to catch up on our DAILY LOOK. We post a dedicated photo to our daily outfit every Wednesday-Sunday. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.

if you love bold, bright colors with a splash of pattern, then you are gonna love today’s post! ‘cuz summer is all about FUN, and pops of color just brighten your mood. i know, i know, neutrals can’t be beaten when it comes to versatility or that chic factor. but i’ve always thought fashion should be fun. and what’s funner (okay that’s not a word) that a bold and bright outfit?

bold and bright fashion for the summer

today, i’m partnering with Nordstrom, the retailer extraordinaire that’s my go-to for everything from makeup to skincare to clothes, and let’s not forget about their shoes. and, yes, they will be holding their epic anniversary sale this year although it’s moved from July to August. can’t wait! but today’s post is all about a Nordstrom made brand Halogen that i’ve been a big fan of for years. it’s a brand that’s affordable, offers lots of basics like crew neck sweaters or tank tops, and they partner with super blogger Blair Eadie from Atlantic Pacific fame several times a year. Blair is known for her preppy aesthetic, which i’ve been keen on for decades. but she has her own particular spin that’s infused with fun and femininity with a twist on classic style. let’s just say this girl won me over long ago. and i am in LOVE with the Halogen x Atlantic Pacific collection.

love, love, love the matching blouse and pants from Halogen x Atlantic Pacific. can you say adorable? but the best part about separates is that you can mix and match the pieces with other items in your closet. the blouse will look fantastic with a white skirt. and the bold patterned pants will look terrific with a casual wrap cardigan and white camisole. the mixing and matching are endless.

my love for pink runs deep, so it was a no brainer to snag these darling pink kitten heel sandals from the Halogen x Atlantic Pacific collection.

add a belt to this little number, and it will look like a jumpsuit without the hassle.

blouse | pants | sandals

the blouse has covered front buttons, bracelet length, and back box pleat. the pants have a zip fly, breathable fabric and subtle pleats. it runs small so order one size up.

there were sooooo many cute items in the Halogen x Atlantic Pacific collection that i purchased several more items you’ll be seeing in future posts. but i’ve rounded up my favorites so you can see for yourself just how Blair hit this collection out of the park.

a big thank you to Nordstrom for this sponsored post. and thank you lovely readers for supporting the brands that allow me to bring you fresh ideas.

don’t get me wrong, i love neutrals, and i feature neutral-based outfits regularly on the blog.  but just as much as i love them, i’ve got to break things up from time-to-time by adding a color pop to my OOTD.  sometimes, as we get older, we find ourselves staying away from color.  but color not only adds visual interest to any outfit, it’s also just uplifting.  a burst of orange here.  a pop of red there.  it’s funny how a little bit of color can change our mood.  am i right, ladies?  so, today we’re talking how to add color to your summer wardrobe.

how to add color to your summer wardrobe

today, i’ve pulled in a red sweater shell from Ann Taylor.  it’s the central piece of my OOTD, and what i’m building everything around.  i’ve added these red ankle strap sandals to complement my sweater shell.  and they’re both giving me exactly the sort of color pop i’m looking for.  if red isn’t your color, you can imagine pulling off the same outfit with any other color.  and if you don’t want to be matchy-matchy, pair complementary colors for even more visual interest.

sweater shell | wide leg cropped pants | belt | earrings | earrings 2 | ankle strap sandal | slip sandal | heel sandal | bangles 

a neutral base

this outfit works because it’s anchored by a neutral base.  i’m loving these wide leg cropped pants from Talbots.  i love wide leg pants so much so that i devoted an entire post to them recently.  they’re so much fun, and what makes these cropped ones so great, they work well with any pair of legs—long or short.  

sweater shell | wide leg cropped pants | belt | earrings | earrings 2 | ankle strap sandal | slip sandal | heel sandal | bangles 

any color you like 

adding color to a neutral base is an easy way to spice up your wardrobe.  even if you traditionally stay away from colors, pulling in a colorful pair of sandals or a visually interesting scarf is an easy way to dip your toes back into the world of technicolor.  you won’t regret it, i promise. 

sweater shell | wide leg cropped pants | belt | earrings | earrings 2 | ankle strap sandal | slip sandal | heel sandal | bangles 

wide leg pants are timeless classics in my book.  i’ve already featured two different pairs of wide leg pants on the blog this spring alone: a casual and semi-formal pair.  every year since the beginning of the inception of this blog, i’ve featured them heavily each season, whether they be denim, slacks, linen, ankle cut or not.  they’re an incredibly versatile pant.  you can dress them up or dress them down.  you can find wide-leg lounge pants, or they can be the foundation of chic evening attire.  a lot of women think that wide leg pants are inaccessible to them, because they must be paired with heels.  au contraire.  they go perfectly well with flats.  don’t believe me?  join me through a tour of my archives and see how to wear wide leg pants.  

lace ruffle mock neck shell | wide leg pant | sandal 

pants | shoes | sweater 

 

 

wot’s… uh the heel? 

trousers

don’t you love a pop of color on a gloomy rainy day? this coat delivers a one-two punch with a vibrant shade of green and slim silhouette. it fits easily over a striped knit blazer, essential shirt, and navy trousers. just the other day i realized my closet was lacking a proper pair of trousers. well, guess i solved that dilemma with this leg-lengthening pant in a seasonless stretch. [read the entire post…]

pants | shirt | blazer | trench coat | shoes

 

the marina pant

so for all of us working gals who wonder what to wear to work on a warm day, have i got an outfit for you. a pair of wide-leg pants are the star of the show, and i love the fit of this marina pant from Ann Taylor that comes in seven colors. a sleeveless black blouse with peter pan collar adds subtle sophistication to this nine-to-five OOTD. and for those of us who love to add a third layer, i chose a linen blend cardigan with a tailored fit. add strappy suede sandals and this outfit is one for the books.  [read the entire post…]

pants | blouse | similar cardigan | similar sandals

 

colored slacks

today, i’m wearing a pair of wide-leg pants that are a dream to wear and are currently on-trend. the fit is perfect and the fabric soft – two factors that make a great pant. it’s a nice change of pace to wear a wider leg. and in my humble opinion, it’s a flattering fit on every shape and size.  [read the entire post…]

pants | shirt | cardigan

 

no heel?  no problem. 

linen drawstring

and a whole lot of linen clothes for spring. as a matter of fact, linen is the perfect fabric all summer long. the fibers are quite strong. it’s more absorbent and dries faster than cotton. plus, linen will keep you cool and fresh in spite of those hot and humid temps. i am loving this white duster from Talbots which is the perfect third layer. it’s lightweight with an open front and has a longer length. i chose a drop shoulder white linen tee to tuck underneath. it looks fantastic with wide-leg blue and white stripe linen pants. but this baby will get lots of wear this summer. white goes with everything. what i particularly liked about this tee is the looser fit without looking sloppy.  [read the entire post…]

pants | tee | duster 

 

striped denim

this week i am adding a pop of color to my OOTD and having some fun with stripes! a classic striped button-down pairs with slim wide-leg denim jeans from J.Crew. i love to mix stripes with stripes and these jeans are a great alternative to white jeans. my color pop today comes from a hot pink cardigan and pink ballet flats. [read the entire post…]

wide-leg jean | shirt | similar sweater | similar flat

 

striped linen

wide leg linen pants have a fresh take on summer pinstripe trousers. a pinstripe blazer is exchanged for a summer pinstripe vest. add a cotton tank and you have a thoroughly modern ensemble. [read the entire post…]

pants | tank | vest | similar shoes | belt | earrings | similar bracelet | similar necklace

 

so many of you reached out yesterday to check in.  we’re all hanging in there, that much is clear. and we’re all here for each other in the way in which a virtual community allows for.  and that’s so important.  united together, it’s our collective resolve and hope for days ahead that will carry us through the day.  but there are days it can be a challenge to keep our spirits high.  platitudes can wear thin, and there’s only so much Netflix we can actually watch.  so i’ve got an idea to change things up just a little. it’s simple and totally doable:  dress up when you’re feeling down.       

fashion distraction

we talked yesterday about the importance of changing one’s working environment, to the extent possible, as a way to maintain our mental health during quarantine.  my challenge today is very much in the same vein.  tomorrow, or the next day, or whenever you can, try this: get up early.  take a shower.  put on your makeup.  and put on an outfit you’d on an evening out.  something chic.  something elegant.  something beautiful.  wear it all day or take it off immediately.  doesn’t really matter.  the sheer act alone is worth it.  dress up when you’re feeling down. 

pants | similar pants | similar pants 2 | shoes | similar shoes | similar shoes 2 | sweater | similar sweater | similar sweater 2

 

dress up when you’re feeling down

here’s my pick for an “evening out” outfit. it’s something i’d wear to dinner at my favorite restaurant The National.  afterwards, i’d undoubtedly catch a movie at Cine.  i put this on the other day, and i’m telling you i felt normal even just for a moment. 

it’s all about Ann Taylor today.  i’ve been loving wide leg pants this spring, and today, i’ve decided to dress them up instead of down like last week.  these wide leg marina pants are ankle length and complemented perfectly by these block heel sandals.  i’m bringing visual interest by offsetting the neutral pants with a striped puff sleeve sweater.

pants | similar pants | similar pants 2 | shoes | similar shoes | similar shoes 2 | sweater | similar sweater | similar sweater 2

 

wide leg pants

we had a lot of fun last week dressing down wide leg pants.  staying comfy and casual is undoubtedly what many of us are doing right now.  but it’s important to mix things up from time-to-time, if only to feel that sense of real normalcy while we await its arrival.  if you’re like me, a fashion distraction is a good thing and sometimes its worth it to dress up when you’re down.

pants | similar pants | similar pants 2 | shoes | similar shoes | similar shoes 2 | sweater | similar sweater | similar sweater 2

 

here are some more pics from Ann Taylor that i’m loving right now. 

we’ve spent a lot of time talking about fashion during the “new normal”.  i’ve asked you all whether it still matters at all, and we all seem to agree that what matters most is looking and feeling our best.  i want to take that a bit farther today in the hopes of putting a smile on your face:  during these times, let’s add as much levity to our daily lives as possible.  and one way to do that is through what we wear.  by no means is it the only way, or even the best way, but it is a way.  and each way matters.  have fun with fashion.  

today’s OOTD hopefully does just that.  in a lot of ways, it’s a bit of a nod to the era in which i became a young adult:  the 70s. and i have to admit, i was inspired when my oldest son recommended Dazed and Confused.  for those of you who haven’t seen it, it’s a coming of age story documenting the last day of a Texas middle and high-school in 1976 directed by Richard Linklater (Boyhood).  the music.  the cars.  and the fashion!  totally captured what it was like to become a young adult in that era.  i highly recommend it if you’re looking for a good laugh, and possibly, a trip down memory lane.       

this post brought to you by Ann Taylor

more recent memories

it’s always a good day when i partner with a favorite brand. and Ann Taylor has been a go-to retailer of mine for years. when we lived overseas, the boys and I would fly back to the states each summer to visit family and friends. mr. style would join us for several weeks before returning to work. but one of the first things on my to-do list when i was back home in the good old U.S. of A. was shopping. you see, we lived in Asia for the better part of ten years. i was definitely the Amazon woman towering over the major part of the population. i definitely stood out from the crowd due to my height close to 5’8″ along with blue eyes and blonde hair. but shopping was next to impossible for a size six or eight as most of the shops carried zero’s, or even sub-zero’s.

but not to fear. as i mentioned once my feet hit US soil it was time to stock up on clothes for the coming year. and Ann Taylor was one of the first stores i hit. i loved the color combinations that could be mixed and matched with previous years. i adored the way Ann’s pants fit. and i could always count on Ann Taylor to carry an extensive selection of the basics along with a few trends thrown in.

lace ruffle mock neck shell | wide leg pant | sandal 

 

wide leg pants 

paisley is fun.  wide-leg pants are fun.  that means paisley wide-leg pants are a must.  if the paisley feels “too much” for you, don’t be afraid to neutralize the pattern with a black (or white) lace ruffle mock neck shell like this one.  and these sandals  are perfect for working from home and will transition into summer perfectly.  today’s outfit definitely put a smile on my face—bringing back all of the memories from 1976.  i hope it brings one to yours. 

lace ruffle mock neck shell | wide leg pant | sandal 

 

have fun with fashion

have fun with fashion this spring.  we’ve all got extra time on our hands right now, let yourself get lost in your closet—mixing and matching.  take a trip or two down memory lane and don’t be afraid to recreate some of those memories.  i’m willing to bet that not only will it bring you a little bit of joy, but it will bring some to those around you as well.  after all, it’s gonna bring back some of those memories that i’m sure the people in your life are going to want to hear.   

lace ruffle mock neck shell | wide leg pant | sandal 

 

a big thank you to Ann Taylor for this sponsored post. and thank you, lovely readers, for supporting the brands that allow me to bring you fresh ideas.  and if you’re looking for more inspiration, i’ve put together some comparables and other fun items i’ve got my eye on below.