boyfriend jeans – the Spiff

Mint Green & Ripped Jeans

May 18, 2015 1 Comment

I feel as if I could easily get swept up in a pyramid scheme for Piko tops.

They’re so comfortable, flattering and…well, there really needs to be nothing after that “and.” If you’re looking for something outside of comfortable and flattering, good luck.

This mint green color is out of my norm, but I really love the softness it brings to the look.

The necklace is Old Navy. If you’ve not been over there to see their jewelry collection, drop what you’re doing. Cancel lunch, get off the phone, march your butt over there. They’ve got fantastic jewelry.

This particular piece I could wear everyday. The only problem with it is I found it to be a little too short. But I’ve got a trick for that…

I string a bunch of gold safety pins together to elongate the necklace in the back. Of course this trick won’t work if I ever want to wear my hair up with it, but it’s completely doable when wearing my hair down.

I’ll also use an old anklet from time to time because it leaves the necklace at the perfect length.

Heels (similar here) and cuffed ripped (maternity) jeans will probably be my uniform this summer. It’s such a balanced comfortable look that works in a lot of situations. Not too casual not too dressy. Perfectly comfortable for a girl entering her third trimester. :)

Fashion, shoes, Why this works

Comfort is the New Chic

April 24, 2015 2 Comments

Typically I’m against using lines like, “blank is the new blank” because it usually involves something dethroning black. And we all know, black isn’t going anywhere. Nice try though. #blackjusthappened

But in this case, I really feel as if comfort is the new sheik. Just take a quick perusal of instagram and you’ll see a lot of #00td shots with some kind of cute sneaker. Whether it be Keds, Vans, Converse or really fancy Nike’s, it’s evident we’re getting cuter with our comfortable clothing.

In the back of my mind I’ve been wanting some fancier kicks, but I didn’t want to spend a lot on them. However, a recent visit to the Nike Factory made all my dreams come true. Except for that one dream where I’m carried around the store on a magic carpet…

I scored these puppies for $25. It’s amazing how much they elevate the look of a t-shirt and jeans. They’re the kind of shoes you can wear into a high end store and not leave feeling like you’re Julia Roberts in street corner attire. They’re also great for a little sight seeing, which is what I was doing here in Indianapolis this past week. It’s clear why they call it the “windy city” (just kidding, I know they really call it the “windy apple”). ;)

When shopping for this kind of shoe, what you’re looking for is something that doesn’t look like a work out shoe – so ZERO neon, mesh or pumps on the souls that look like rocket boosters.

I did a little research and tried to score you some similar shoes. Check out gray ones here, black and white ones here, and New Balance’s version here.

fall, fall fashion, Fashion, jcpenney

Here’s How You Put Together an Important Outfit

November 13, 2014 No Comments

When a close friend asks you to help with something you already love to do, it’s a win/win…win/win/win.

Which is why I was super excited to help my good friend (and former bridesmaid) Carly, put together a very important outfit for a presentation she was giving at UT.

I wanted to share with you how we put together what she wore, because I know (first hand) that when you’ve got an important event to get dressed for, it can sometimes send you into a brain-blocked stupor.

Here are steps you can take to put together an important look…

1. Know your perimeters.

It is so much easier when you have perimeters when putting together an outfit. In Carly’s case, her outfit had to be something business casual and couldn’t include jeans. If yours aren’t as clear cut (Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t usually have a dress code) then start with the weather or what it is you’ll be doing and let those factors narrow down the field.

2. Pick one thing you really want to wear.

Having a starting point is really truly going to help you form an outfit. Carly knew she wanted to wear boots because they’re dressy but comfortable for standing (which is smart), so we started with her favorite boots and built out from there. When you’re stuck dazed and confused in your closet, make a point to pick just one piece that you really want to show off.

It could be shoes, or a necklace, or even a certain comfortable tank. Regardless, it’s going to help your indecision by starting with one piece you’re absolutely sure about.

3. Shop at a store you know.

There is no more hopeful feeling than that of pulling open the doors of a TJMaxx. Because in that moment you don’t know what they have (even if you were there yesterday), but that feeling that they may have exactly what you’re looking for is inescapable. Which is so great, but when you’re in a time crunch you need to go somewhere else.

We started at JCPenney because it’s a place I know has a consistent selection of basics. And sure enough, they came through.

We first picked up a cable knit sweater. It was a color consistent with what Carly typically wears and it was on sale so – win! While there, she found a great deal on some skinny pants that would go perfectly with her boots – win/win!

4. Stop and style.

After we found the basics of what she was going to wear, it was time to stop and look at everything so we could figure out how to style it. The sweater alone was pretty, but over a button down it would pop even more. And I knew we could add a little sparkle with a great necklace at her collar.

Take a moment to stop and figure out what else the outfit could use as it really helps direct the rest of your shopping trip. Without that, you’re just wandering aimlessly not sure of what you’re looking for. This way you have a plan.

If you look at what you have and are still not sure, maybe do a search on Pinterest to get a feel for how to style it.

5. Go to a few more stores.

After roaming the mall for a great button down, we ended up finding the perfect one back at JCP. But I’m really glad we did look in other stores, because it confirmed that this was the perfect outfit. Sometimes I’ll do this just for the peace of mind that there’s nothing “better” out there.

Finally, be sure to consciously ease off the pressure in your mind. I typed that sentence for myself, because I’m so guilty of letting the pressure build. The problem with letting that happen is after a while nothing is good enough.

Focus on what you’re going to feel good in and remember that it’s never as big of a deal as you think.

In the end, Carly looked so beautiful, so her and so perfect for what she was doing. AND she did such an amazing job. I am so proud to call her my friend!

fall fashion, Fashion

Easiest/Cutest Outfit on the Planet

October 2, 2014 1 Comment

That moment when the bed is a pile of clothes that just don’t work, the clock is ticking down super fast and there’s no outfit satisfaction in sight… I hate those mornings.

Part of me is screaming, “Look at the time! You’ve got to go!” While the other half knows that if I don’t settle on an outfit that I can be happy with, the whole day will be miserable.

That’s why I love combinations like this…

A blazer, t-shirt, statement necklace, heels and jeans is an outfit saver – day or night.

Why? Because it’s the perfect blend of casual and dressy, which means it all balances out to create a very chic look that works in all kinds of situations.

On the one hand, you’ve got an easy t-shirt and jeans combination. It looks effortless and it’s comfortable. To achieve this all you have to do is stock up on a good pair of jeans and lots of comfortable t-shirts. Easy enough.

On the other hand, you’ve got the blazer, heels and a statement necklace. We all know how far a great blazer will go, and statement necklaces are a cheap/fun thing to stock up on. That leaves the heels which in most cases could be a simple black pump (which you should own, young lady), or you can go crazy and do a patterned pump like I did.

Put it all together and boom. You are ready for anything my friend. And daaang don’t you look good.

If you don’t like blazers, you can substitute a cardigan for an extra .99 cents (paid to “TheSpiff.com”).

This outfit also works if you are superwoman and need to change quickly in a tight space. Or if you’re just someone who went to Dollywood after church and didn’t want to pack a complete change of clothes. Swap out the heels for tennis shoes, remove the blazer and the necklace and boom. You are ready for running anywhere my friend.

I’m going to stock up on variations of all these things, so I’ve got cute outfits to throw on all autumn long.

Fashion, summer

Pinterest Pick: Easy Summer Style

July 31, 2014 No Comments

In the event that you were still on the fence about boyfriend jeans and their magical abilities, I’ve got another picture for you…

Look how gorgeous she is, yet this outfit could not be simpler: black shirt, black pumps, black bag, boyfriend jeans. Boom.

This girl didn’t even have time to cuff the other leg, THAT’s how cool she looks. She knows she’s rocking it so she keeps on walking.

Maybe these non-distressed, light washed boyfriend jeans will persuade you of their powers. Go buy a pair already (here’s a cute pair from JCP, or maybe Stein Mart’s more your speed).

My thanks to this blog for the picture I found on Pinterest!