Versatile Style by Tracey

Archive for April 2015

This is what I wore yesterday for the homeschool bowling ,

now that the parents are done for the season, I can wear whatever I want!   

IMG_3998

I have to say I loved the pink bag for a pink and purple look…

One thing I know about myself is that although I’ve made such great progress in my style.

and have totally succeeded in pattern matching and trying new silhouettes,

and perfecting a wonderful wardrobe for my lifestyle.   

One thing that has held strong with me and seems to be the hardest to break is bringing in 

an extra pop of color with shoes or handbags.  

That matchy-match gene is strong in me….

IMG_3996

I am so excited about finally replacing a white denim jacket.

Since my weight loss it’s been a missing piece for me that I longed to replace. 

This cropped version by One World is so right for my petite height

and I am so glad I waited for the right one. 

Dear Readers, I bought one item for my upcoming Vegas trip…

Joan Rivers Touch of Sparkle Sequin Blazer

I couldn’t help myself!  

This is a Joan Rivers from QVC, and I am going to style it

with a plain black dress that converts from a dress to a skirt.  

That is going to be my outfit for the Neil Diamond Concert… 

I actually loved this jacket in the black version, too..

Gratitude

I am grateful for the fun and anticipation of the Vegas trip and quality time with my husband.

I am grateful for the anticipation that in just two weeks I will have my college kids home!  

I am grateful for a wonderful conversation with my best friend, as we haven’t talked much lately…

I am grateful for the fun of the homeschooling group each Wednesday, it truly is a Godsend to a homeschooling mother of a strong willed teenager.. 

Advertisement

I’ve been taking it easy after injuring the back of my knee when exercising

and aggravating my sciatica by standing for two days of bowling competitions…

Walking is fine standing in one place,not so much..

IMG_3970

Thank Goodness for the GYPO Spring Challenge, as I could get dressed without too much thought. 

Today’s outfit formula was a floral skirt, black top and colored sweater.  

With temperatures still cooler, I opted to wear the maxi, I bought for this challenge.  

IMG_3973

Even with my pain, getting dressed made me feel better…

Wearing a fedora and my Ying /Yang necklace can do that to a woman!  

I am loving this orange sweater I thrifted and the reason to wear orange blush and lipstick. 

IMG_3975

Doubling up on silver bracelets took warmed my boho side…

Dear Readers, I happened upon a wonderful website for Man Style!  

Looktastic is a wonderful site that allows you to add pieces your man owns and then shows you ideas on how to style them and even offers options for a new piece to add that would work well.  I can’t wait to explore this more and add in more pieces that are currently in my husband’s closet.  

Gratitude

I am grateful that my pain wasn’t as bad today as it was on Monday. 

I am grateful for the muscle rub cream my husband strategically used for my shoulder and lower back. 

I am grateful that my husband had most of the day off and hung out at home, even if it did mess up our homeschooling day. 

I am grateful for a new program on Executive Training for Adolescents that I got in hopes of helping my homeschooler take more responsibility for his education.  

I am grateful that my homeschooler started a new book today and read 6 chapters and hope he keeps it up.  

I am grateful for the laughter I shared with my daughter as she called me squealing from her apartment near Boston College, where she had just encountered a mouse in her bedroom…

I couldn’t wait to try this Pinterest Inspiration look 

as  I finally found a great red jean jacket.  

IMG_3951

I  am using a thrifted polk a dot

maxi dress for my version. 01954b0dff81254406778aab0a0ef46c

I  own some great red heeled sandals very much like the pinterest original, but that didn’t work for my

Mom on the Go type of day! 

I definitely will wear this later in the season without the black sweater and add the heels for a date night out look.

After all Red is my husband’s favorite color…

Can you believe in my youth I steered clear of red and thought it didn’t work for my coloring??

IMG_3948

Today was so windy that I had to hold my jacket from blowing open. 

I bought three of these cropped 3/4 sleeved jean jackets, after all they are a classic and can be worn for all Seasons. 

I listened to the reviews that they run small and was concerned since my arms frequently are tight on jackets. 

I bought them in a size large, but I would have been fine with a medium.  

I already washed the 98% cotton 2% spandex jacket in hot water to shrink it and it worked! 

Now to do the same with this one and the hot pink one.

closeup

It was so much fun wearing this red jacket today. 

I am so glad I got over my fear of wearing red and indulged in this purchase.  

I also have been having fun these last three days of using sea salt spray in my hair for a more laid back look. 

Gratitude

I am grateful that my son was able to get his newly drilled bowling ball today..He is so happy to now have two of his very own in two different weights that he uses…

I am grateful to my brother for picking my son up after work and taking him to get the ball we had to leave yesterday for drilling. 

I am grateful for the fun phone conversation with my husband from his newly upgraded suite, an apology for the ten moths in his room last night.  

I am grateful for the  pictures of his trip on Facebook and seeing all his hard work at the gym these past 6 months in his shirtless picture on the beach.  (I really need to kick it into gear) 

I am grateful that my husband took my advice and bought some shirts in great Spring colors and by doing so encourage my youngest to do the same.. You’ve got to love Old Navy…

I am grateful for our planned trip next summer to Ireland with our two youngest and the joy I hear in my youngest’s voice as he spoke about it to my brother today.  I love that my sons will both have a year of anticipation just like my husband and I did leading up to our first Ireland trip. 

I love the modern take of floral patterns on dark backgrounds.

Today’s GYPO Spring Style Challenge Outfit was suppose to be white jeans and a print top. 

My white jeans were in the wash, so I did printed pants and a white sweater.

IMG_3938

My top is a new t-shirt from Jane.com that I bought in the heather blue and a purple. 

If I had known how much I’d like them, I might have been tempted to buy more. 

Here is the website for them, but of course they are twice what I paid on Jane.Com

IMG_3509

This was how I styled the floral pants the first time I wore them 

I think these fit nicely with my boho chic tendency. 

IMG_3935

Two necklaces, drop earrings and a white drapey sweater are

also due to my boho preferences..

IMG_3942

I really had fun with this outfit and have to say these floral pants 

really are a new favorite.  

It certainly was fun to sport these pants with my bright pink wedges.  

Dear Readers, Today’s bowling was a lot of fun , celebrating one child’s birthday, having one family return from their Disney trip, an end of the season pizza party (I didn’t eat any) , the kids getting their bowling balls and trophies.  If that wasn’t enough we set up three different 4 person teams for a Summer league mixing parents and teens.  It should be a great time and way for our group to keep in touch over the summer.  

Gratitude

I am grateful that the coach awarded my son, most improved male of the group, as he has worked hard with private lessons and bowling three times a week.  

I am grateful for bowling today, as this having my husband away in Vegas isn’t fun…

I am grateful that my son asked to go for a walk to the store today, I love our walks. 

I am grateful that my daughter called to share the news that she has an interview for an internship and that this one would start late june, allowing her to come home for May to mid-June. 

Today’s outfit recommendation for the GYPO Spring Challenge

was colored jeans, black top, cardigan and bright flats…

With such beautiful warm temperatures today, there was no way I wanted to 

wear a pair of jeans, so my new soft pants to the rescue.

IMG_3887

I recently bought two pairs of these soft pants by Kate & Mallory because I loved them last season in a jogger style and thought why not with just a zippered bottom…

The pants are on clearance for $9.97 and I am wearing the medium. 

The Kimono is last season’s from F21 I should have taken a photo to show you the fun oriental print on the back..oops! 

Check Out all the Kimonos F21 has this Season Here and page 2 has mine from yesterday

IMG_3888

I used ” Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Moisturizing Spray”  for a messier look today..

May 5th I have a hair appointment to get my hair done in something that fits a more messy style, wish me luck…

The necklace I found on Ebay last year.  

IMG_3900

The combination of a soft pant and kimono is so fun and so comfortable…

I swear besides a maxi skirt, this has to be the most comfortable Spring dressing. 

Dear Readers, I hope your weather is beginning to feel like Spring, I know my daughter at Boston College is counting the days until she flies home to really experience the season…  I myself am in counting down mode as the next few weeks are going to drag on in anticipation of the family being altogether again…

Gratitude

I am grateful to my oldest for being there today to take us to Connor’s private  bolwing lesson. 

I am grateful to his coach for giving him a sheet that shows him where to stand for getting Spares at different types of bowling alleys to help him on competition day. 

I am grateful that my son got practice with his new ball with the coach this week, before this weekend’s competition.

I am grateful my husband’s flight went well and he arrived in Vegas despite a mix up.. 

I am grateful to my son for stepping up and making sure the trash got out to the street in his father’s absence.

I am grateful for bowling with the homeschool group to look forward to tomorrow…well today by the time I post this,lol.

Today we had a wonderful 80 degree breezy day…

For the GYPO Style Challenge outfit of the day, 

the outfit suggested dark jeans, grey t-shirt, bright cardigan,  and floral scarf. 

IMG_3873

I at least have the grey top right…

Just kidding,  I opted for Old Navy Pixie pants and since it was too hot for me to want to sport a scarf, 

 the next best thing was to cover the grey tank with a printed kimono from last season. 

IMG_3875

I tied the kimono right under the bustline , which is one way I like to wear them. 

I also wore a sapphire necklace that my husband gave me several years ago .  

The lipstick color is a one I recently purchased as a darker pink variety for the season.

And this bucket hat, I’ve had for 10 years, from the days when I had my consignment store…

IMG_3876

It was so much fun to wear more summer pieces and sandals today.  

Dear Readers, My thoughts today were “Boston Strong”  as I chatted with my daughter at Boston College, who described all the cheering in the streets, police presence, and helicopters outside her apartment.  She ventured out and was in complete awe of the dedication of spectators who were in 36 degree rain, that could not dampen their enthusiasm.  She felt so blessed to witness this support and be a part of the magnificence of the Boston Marathon and the memory of those who suffered from the tragedy. 

IMG_3868

Connor, my youngest ( homeschooler and my blog photographer) on his 15th birthday Sunday with his new bowling bag and ball..

Gratitude

I am grateful for how well the birthday weekend went and the love of my family. 

I am grateful that my husband’s “Boston Strong” t-shirt arrived today, as he wanted to wear it on his Vegas trip tomorrow. 

I am grateful that  my husband was able to fit in a haircut for our youngest today before leaving on his trip. 

I am grateful for a fun trip to the grocery store and planning meals for just the two of us for the remainder of the week. 

I am grateful for a wonderful phone conversation with my sister in law.  

 

How lucky is it to have your birthday fall on a Sunday, to extend the celebration for the entire weekend?  

It’s been so fun to have my son home from college to join us for the weekend. 

I kept it a secret that he was coming , so when the doorbell rang, I told my birthday guy that he a delivery…

He gasped, and threw open the screen door almost knocking his brother to the ground with his exuberant  hug. 

A perfect start to the Fun! 

IMG_3851

I bought this new maxi for the GYPO Spring Style Challenge, to fit the suggestion for a floral skirt. 

The outfit suggestion was a chambray top with the skirt for Sunday,

so I opted for a dressier version here for dinner with 3 of my guys.  

Both the skirt and top are new for the challenge from Burlington Coat Factory. 

IMG_3858

I fell in love with this skirt as I saw so many potential ways to style it.

This is probably the dressiest of the batch.

I am sure there will be another pairing in the challenge,

so it won’t be long before I get to play with it again..

IMG_3860

I had a wonderful dinner at the birthday child’s choice at Olive Garden, 

followed by a shopping trip to Old Navy, where all three of the guys picked out a few things. 

Can you believe I didn’t even look for me? 

We ended the night out with a stop at Cheesecake Factory for dessert.  

The guys finished the night with a movie on Netflix.  

Dear Readers, I usually write posts Sunday, but my son’s birthday is tomorrow and my son heads back to college and I didn’t want to spare a moment away from them. 

Gratitude

I am grateful for the fabulous Sunny Warm Day! 

I am grateful that my son was able to surprise his brother for his birthday weekend and the joy I have as a mother watching the two of them interact.  

I am grateful that we were able to go bowling Saturday afternoon to get in the third day practice, since next weekend is the first bowling competition. 

I am grateful for the fun we all have together and the laughter.  

I am grateful for the admiring looks we got in Sears as others saw our playfulness and smiled and joined in our joy. 

I am grateful that my daughter called while we were driving in the car, so was a part of our evening. 

I am grateful to a manager of the bowling alley who blessed me with a fabulous ball, with the New England Patriots Logos in the exact weight my son uses to make up for the fact that the other one we ordered wasn’t here on time for the birthday celebration. ( the other one was a higher weight and will be in next week)

With Spring in my Area in Full Swing, 

I’ve found myself Pinning lots of Inspirations and thought it was time to share 

a few of my favorites. 

Women's Apparel: outfits we love | Banana Republic

Source

Just Basics, but could be easily overlooked as a pairing.

Tan Soft Pants , Striped T, and metallic Sandals 

Outfit Posts: outfit post: teal sweater, black ankle pants, black wedges

Source

Teal and Cobalt with neutral shoes

I loved this color combo

"Cool Colors" by archimedes16 on Polyvore

Source

I just bought some mint flats and liked the orange and chambray color combo.

I think I will try this with a long boho orange skirt. 

"Cool Comfort" by kbeeler on Polyvore

Source

I liked the idea of mint with cobalt and have similar pieces to do this look. 

casual comfort outfit.

Source

I recently bought a red jean jacket , so of course this caught my eye

I think I may switch this up to my grey striped skirt instead

Color combo to work. esp green & brown

Source

I happen to have a green skirt, brown t-shirt and yellow sweater...

Style & Poise: Corporate Chic: Black and White Prints

Source

Stripes and polk a dots, what’s not to love. 

I would change this up to fit my more casual lifestyle with different shoes

2015-02-05a.jpg (701×1050)

Source

I love the pop of color with the bright shoe

spring work outfit featuring Christiano Siriano shoes and bag

Source

Another Variation on that theme

Super cute!

Source

Black dress with jean jacket and the added fun of cognac accessories 

Dear Readers, It is so much to look at outfit inspiration ideas on Pinterest.  Some days I just search “Spring Outfits”, while other days I get more specific and search something like, “Mint Shoes Outfits”.   The beauty of this is finding new ways that aren’t my first instinct to style items I own.  With a few years of blogging this is very helpful to find new ways to pair items.  I highly recommend it as a fun hobby for anyone interested in upping their style.  

Do you have any favorites among these outfits? 

I love your comments, so keep them coming,

since I don’t blog for money, they keep me going! 

Wishing Everyone a Wonderful Weekend!  

I will be celebrating my youngest turning 15!  

Wonderful and Sad at the same time…

Once again I am doing a twist on the GYPO Spring Style Challenge, 

and this time it was due to not having a great pair of dark straight or skinny jeans. 

To be more specific, not a pair that fit me right now.  

IMG_3816

Today’s Outfit suggestion was to embrace the Denim on Denim Trend.  

This was the one that caused the most stress among the challengers and I wish I had been able to pull it of myself. 

Super simple outfit and I love the choice of shoes!

Source

This is a great example of how the rend looks, of course for those in the challenge, a pair of bright flats are more suitable for the Spring vibe…

IMG_3825

Speaking of Spring Flats, I purchased these from Amazon just for the Spring Challenge. 

My Chambray top is from Old Navy and again my bag is from Just Fab

As for my Jeans, what can I say, I am addicted to my Diane Gilman Jeans!  

They never disappoint and have stretch that works for this frustrating time of weight fluctuations.  

IMG_3834

I loved this color combo and my new shoes are going to get a lot of use…

I have several ideas already for them… 

If you haven’t added bright flats to your Spring Wardrobe, I highly recommend them. 

IMG_3839

Keeping it real, I added the jacket as the temperature was cool enough to warrant 

it for my walk to the grocery store.  

Gratitude

I am so grateful that I went back to bed this morning and caught up on some much needed sleep.

I am grateful for the fun of the Style Challenge and making these looks all my own. 

 I am grateful for the mess up and one pound weight gain from yesterday, as sometimes we can get complacent and wake up calls are good motivation.

I am grateful for the fun of going to the grocery store with my son to pick out fun marinades for Chicken, we have our two favorites and picked up two new ones as well.  

I am grateful that tomorrow is Friday, it’s a long week,when you are waiting for birthday surprises for your child and I still have to wait for Sunday for most…

Let’s just say I am by nature a Rebel…

When it comes to certain things and I am finding myself being just that,

when it comes to styling looks for the GYPO Spring Style Challenge

white maxi

Today’s Outfit formula was white jeans, a sweater, black tank and scarf.  

I changed it all around, I couldn’t help myself..

I wanted to finally wear this maxi that I’ve owned for two years and never worn due to it’s sheerness. 

I finally got white capri leggings to wear underneath it. so couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

I knew I wanted a printed sweater, so when this when caught my eye this morning, I opted to go for color in my tank. 

IMG_3804

I’ve had this sweater for several season’s and never tire of it.  

Pairing it with the cobalt is a first and all due to the challenge.  

Grasping a chance to wear my beloved Ying/Yang necklace of onyx and mother of pearl, made my day.

IMG_3811

My purse is one of my finds on Just Fab and the floral wedges are Aerosoles and no longer available.

Every time I wear these wedges I get compliments and hate that they aren’t sold anymore. 

I’ve had them for a few seasons and with colors of cobalt, green and red, they are so versatile. 

Gratitude

I am so grateful that the bowling alley made good on not ordering the balls last week in order for me to have it before my son’s birthday… He’s now getting a big surprise!  

I am grateful to the mother, (Katie) who brought a card for everyone to sign for my son’s b’day at our bowling group today! 

I am grateful that I talked to my two middle children away at college today, when this happens I always think, “my cup runneth over”

I am grateful for all the deliveries that arrived today, my shoes for the Spring Challenge, and surprises for my son’s birthday, which is Sunday.  


Blog Lovin

Follow on Bloglovin

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 354 other subscribers
Follow Me on Pinterest

VA is for Bloggers

Independent fashion bloggers

40plusstyle

Visible Monday

http://www.thecitizenrosebud.com/p/the-40-blog-roll.html
Goblin Shark

wardrobe science

Explore. Love. Live.

exploring the world in style

Following Augustine

A lifestyle, travel, and fashion blog by Elaine DeBock.

UNBOUNDEDLIFE

passionate.loving.connected.marriage.

My 30 Point Life

Recipes and tales from a serial weight watcher

Pride in Photos

Beauty.Inspiration.Lifestyle.

Fatty McCupcakes

Rants, Ramblings, and Regrets

Foxy's Domestic Side

Developing My Style as I lose weight

Classy Yet Trendy

Developing My Style as I lose weight

The Real Life

do one thing every day that scares you

Fine-Whatever

an object of interest, something imagined, whimsical, and often amusing

Thesilenthummer

Franchua D'Souza

Glam Meets Girl

Irish Based Fashion & Beauty Blog

T. L. Ryder

Bringing You Flotsam from the Slipstream

PINKSOLE

A blog mostly about books

The Daily Post

The Art and Craft of Blogging

Versatile Style by Tracey

Developing My Style as I lose weight

Color & Light for your Life

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things- Philippians 4:8

My Reinventing Life

My journey to reinvent myself

married1128

Life, weight loss, fashion, healthy, balance, standard poodles, bloat in large dogs

fashion with compassion

fashionable over 50

%d bloggers like this: