Woohoo! Let’s hear it for spring weather! In today’s daily outfit lineup you’ll see that it finally warmed up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and I got to start wearing lighter weight clothing. But you’ll also notice that I rushed things a little a day or two and ended up having to switch things out later on. Yeah, that’s a true sign that the seasons are changing: you wear three outfits a day instead of just one! Anyhow, let’s see How I Really Dressed for My Day this week.
Sizing Information
Just for reference, I’m 5’8″ and weigh about 155. I generally wear a size 8 or medium in dresses, tops, jackets and pants (or 29 or 30 in jeans), so that’s what I’m wearing in these looks unless I tell you otherwise. That way you can assume everything I show you is true to size unless I alert you to sizing up or down. I wear a size 9.5 shoe and, again, I’ll just let you know if I sized up or down in a shoe, otherwise it’s true to size.
How This Works
I want to focus more on styling tips and less on the products. So please assume everything I’m wearing is true to size and fits and feels great unless I tell you otherwise. After all, these are the things I’m choosing to wear in real life.
I’m providing shopping widgets after each outfit, and a lot of what I’m showing you is still available. I’m also trying to include more economical options where that’s appropriate. But if I forget to do that, just ask.
Because we had a long photo shoot Friday, I didn’t really ever wear any one thing. So we’ll skip on to Saturday.
How I Really Dressed Saturday for Our Son’s Visit
Saturday our son Daniel and his dog Cooper came for a visit. Our daughter-in-law, who is a pediatrician, had to work that day. But we enjoyed visiting and playing games with Daniel. I opted to wear a couple of the pieces I’d worn in the previous days video shoot for this week’s YouTube Video.
Side Note: Y’all! I bought a big ol’ mirror at HomeGoods Tuesday and it will go in my new office. We’ve painted the wall a light neutral tone and installed new light colored carpet. So I’ve got my fingers crossed that the lighting is going to be much improved for these mirror selfies soon. Hang with me!
A reader mentioned in the comment feed of yesterday’s post that she finds herself looking for “quieter clothing” these days. Hmm. That got me to thinking. While I still have days when I like to dress bold, I also have noticed that I often prefer quieter or more subdued clothing. Maybe that’s a potential post topic. Anyone?
Anyhow, that’s how I see this straight leg crops and striped textured cotton sweater combo. And when I think back to Saturday morning, that’s exactly what I was wanting to achieve. I wanted to look at rest, relaxed, even a bit quiet and understated.
Shop the Look
For each outfit I’m providing the links to the items I’m wearing in the captions of the photos and in shopping widgets. To save me a bit of time I won’t have all the links in the commentary. Let me know if that doesn’t work for you as well and I’ll switch back. All links are affiliate links, which means that if you shop through them I potentially earn a commission on your purchases, but at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the work I do here by shopping my links. I appreciate you!
How I Dressed Sunday Morning for Church
Sunday we were scheduled to have coffee and cookies outside between services, and I was attending the first service, which is a little more traditional. So I wanted to look pulled together but not overly dressed up. I also wanted to keep the chill of the morning off.
I had just worn these fawn colored ankle pants the week before. So if I wore them again (and I wanted to!) then I needed to create a completely different look with them. Whereas before I’d worn my white blazer with the ankle pants, this time I opted for my pretty leopard print blouse and a simple black cardigan.
I think the taupe braided double strap sandals really work nicely with these ankle pants, but you’ll see me wear them again throughout the week.
What I Wore Sunday Afternoon
That afternoon we just hung around the house and then needed to get out in the evening while the realtor showed our rental house. We just got something to drink and drove around Cincinnati. We do that pretty often, just looking around. We’re still quite in love with this city of ours and enjoy exploring it.
I liked the way these high waist mid length black denim shorts worked with my heathered sweatshirt. In the photo above I’m wearing my silver sandals with gold jewelry. Ha! I guess that’s okay, but I actually changed out my jewelry shortly after taking this photo.
What I Wore Monday to Work from Home
Here’s where things get a little funny. I woke up Monday morning and decided it was summer. Ha! The forecast for the week was filled with highs in the 80s, so I dressed accordingly.
I’ve been so anxious to wear this darling cotton canvas skirt, so I put it on with my new favorite cinched t-shirt and sneakers. And I absolutely love this easy, casual look. I’m going to be shooting a video tomorrow about how to wear colorful prints this summer and not look childish. This skirt will be featured.
I noticed that this cotton canvas skirt is already running low in inventory, but here’s another similar option in more size availability. I tried it on yesterday at Talbots and it fits the exact same, which is true to size.
Unfortunately this outfit was short lived. Ha! I was freezing! Even in my office, I was cold. So I had to change. But this combination will be on constant repeat this summer!
But I was also determined to still look colorful and pulled together for the day. So I put on my linen straight leg crop pants with an aqua cotton modal t-shirt. I love how this look came together, too. And yes, I absolutely did wear my braided double strap sandals while working from my home office. This gal likes dressing up for work occasionally, too, you know.
My daughter and I gave a pair of these linen straight leg crop pants to my mom for Mother’s Day. She told me again yesterday how much she loves them. By the way, my mom is petite, probably 5’4″, and the petites work well on her.
Of course you don’t have to belt these linen straight leg crop pants, but I do love that you have the option. And I think they look very professional belted…if that’s a good option for your frame.
But that outfit was short-lived, too. Ha! Yeah, my feet were cold. So I wanted to put on shoes other than sandals. That’s when I decided to default to my black fatigue barrel pants. I know this silhouette is not for everyone, but with my 5’8″ frame they work nicely. And these are hands-down some of the most comfortable pants I own, both because they’re soft and easy, but also lightweight and breathable.
Still wanting to look colorful and festive, I added my leopard print sneakers, which evidently are no longer available. But I’ve linked to Madewell, where I got them, for other similar options.
This is a fun, easy outfit that served me well the rest of the day as I edited this week’s video.
What I Wore Tuesday
Because my video was edited by the time I went to bed on Monday night, I was able to get out and play on Tuesday. Ha! Well, I didn’t play much. But I did get out a bit…to the mall, post office, etc. So I wore my walnut fatigue barrel pants and this short sleeve cotton linen blend sweater I’d received recently from Gap. I love this combination. Simple, toned down in color but still elevated in style.
At first I tried wearing some sandals with this outfit, but decided that since I’d be walking a good bit it would be smart to wear something with more padding. I absolutely love my Paul Green python print loafers for days like these. They are still my absolute most comfortable shoes. And I’m loving how they’re turning out to be a year round option (especially for the price!). I picked them up for 40% off in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last year, but they’re now 60% off at Nordstrom Rack. I get compliments every time I wear these shoes.
Tuesday evening I went over to our new house to clean. After having new carpet installed in the offices and guest bedroom and having the entire interior painted, it has gotten quite dusty and dirty. So I thoroughly swept and dusted the downstairs while James worked in the basement. I changed into my favorite boyfriend jeans (similar option), a simple tee and my sneakers (more economical option). Still fighting a chill in the air, I added this cardigan for the drive over and back.
What I Wore Wednesday
Wednesday I worked from home and got out to run just a couple of errands. It was starting to warm up nicely by this point. In fact, I remember being hot when I got out to run the errands. Yay!
I have this twist neck cotton blend top in black and liked it so much I ordered it in sea mist. Not only does the subtle twist at the neck add a little visual interest, but this cotton blend top is just really soft and lays beautifully. I wore it with my military straight pants for a pulled together but very casual vibe. Those pants are almost sold out, but you can accomplish the same look with any similar cropped pants.
Since I again got a little chilly, I added my white linen shirt (another option) as a topper. I purchased this linen shirt last year and thoroughly enjoyed having it to use this way. So classic and easy.
Again, you wouldn’t have to belt this look, but it works for me and my proportions. I know we talk a lot about belting/not belting here. But the bottom line is that if it works for your proportions and body shape, you really need to give it a try. Tucking in your shirt and adding a belt is one of the easiest and most effective ways to elevate your looks. And it just takes getting used to.
How I Really Dressed for My Day Thursday
Thursday morning I had a speaking engagement. Hopefully this was my last Zoom speaking engagement. I’d much rather talk to groups in person at an event. But I was invited to speak to the Cincinnati Christian Women’s Connection about style via Zoom, so I dressed appropriately. I wasn’t worried about my bottom half, but wanted to look feminine but professional up top.
I wore this ruffle trim sleeveless top in Marsala pink with my high rise straight leg jeans and topped the look with my white linen blazer. If I’d been speaking in person I would have worn more polished pants. I did, however, wear my braided double strap sandals simply because having them on made me feel more professional and “on my game.”
After the speaking engagement I changed into a version of the outfit I shared in yesterday’s post. But because my black barrel pants were in the laundry, I just kept on the high rise straight leg jeans. I like the way this combination worked, too. I wore this to go to a local shopping center to do a little shopping for the video shoot this Saturday.
At first I had on this chunky statement necklace seen below…
But, while I like the idea of the statement necklace, I didn’t like the way it drew a line across my neck. So I changed into my Kendra Scott double strand customized necklace (or similar here) for a more subtle effect.
Well that’s a wrap! I’m so excited that I’m getting to start wearing more summer-like clothing. In fact, we’re supposed to be in the high 80s for the next few days. So get ready for even more lighter weight looks.
Thanks for joining me for today’s daily outfit review. If you have questions about anything let me know. I don’t always respond to every comment, especially when they start to accumulate. But I do absolutely try to answer questions. And if you ever don’t hear a reply from me on those questions, ask again! I do sometimes miss them. Have a great Friday!
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Blessed for My Day
Have you ever felt like it would be easy to live a life that honored God…if it wasn’t for other people? Yeah, other people sometimes trip us in our efforts to live godly, unreproachable lives that reflect His character. Last Saturday as we stood on the driveway of our new home with our son and his dog Cooper, who was on a leash, another dog approached and began to attack Cooper. Of course, that sent us all into a frenzy. It was scary.
Neighbors who saw the frenzy but didn’t bother to figure out the source of all the fuss got angry with us. They thought we were yelling at a neighbor child for no reason. Of course that wasn’t true at all. We wouldn’t yell at a child. In the end the situation was settled and the real story came to light. But for a while there I worried that we had gotten off on the wrong foot with new neighbors. Yeah, living in harmony with people is just hard sometimes. Today let’s ask God to help us press through and do what it takes to live in harmony with those around us. And let’s prepare for the fact that sometimes it won’t be easy.
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Romans 15:5-6
I too am so excited to see spring come in! I love the blooms everywhere. I walk my dog every day and praise the Lord for His beautiful creation.
I have learned so much from following you via blog and YouTube. I like your style, your way of explaining things, you come across as someone I would so like to hang out with. One of the things I was excited to realize I learned while reading today’s blog post was that the cream short sleeve sweater that looks fabulous on you when I clicked over to it and read the length I knew it would be too short on me.(I am rather large chested which makes shirts not be as long). But I was excited I knew that without having to try it on. That’s it is a simple thing, but it is so helpful to me. And it is only one of many things that has helped me feel more confident in what I am wearying and interacting with others. Thank you
Wonderful! I love your takeaway. Thanks so much for sharing Kristin. I love it that you’re feeling more empowered in your style choices. That’s definitely my ultimate goal. ?
Kay, thank you for another great post! I enjoy seeing (and reading about) how you pair items together to create your daily outfits. I especially like the outfit you wore to church. The taupe strap sandals are perfect and will work with so many looks. I have ordered pieces that I wouldn’t have known about had it not been for your posts. I appreciate the style advice! Have a great weekend! 🙂
Wonderful! Thanks so much for letting me know that Gina. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. ?
Thank you again Kay, it’s always a pleasure to read your posts. I too would like more information about an understated quiet look. In the UK, it’s very wet and cold, off to get some socks!
Hahaha! I hear ya. I’m so tired of my feet being cold. But I think we’re safely past that now. Thanks for letting me know you’d be interested in the post I mentioned. That’s helpful. ?
This may seem like a silly question to put in your comments, but I’m curious what is your beverage of choice when you are riding around with your hubby? I don’t really like the taste of diet softdrinks anymore. I reserve coffee/caffeine for earlier in the day. I am a vip in Fasterway so I don’t want empty calories.
Hi Debbie. Hmm, I think that might we did get Diet Cokes. I try to drink fewer diet drinks these days, but I actually love them, so it’s a struggle. We always carry bottles of water with us too however. And I drink some tea and coffee occasionally. I’m like you, however. I don’t drink much caffeine after 4.
Thank you, Kay, for keeping me in a state of awareness so I don’t live out the rest of days in pajamas! I’m starting to wear my nice clothes even to the grocery store, instead of saving the up–which wound up being never.
I live in Connecticut where the weather is similar to Ohio, my home state, which means it’s still on the chilly side. It’s a surprise every spring when I bring out my warm weather clothes & can’t wear them with predictability until June!
I loved the outfit you wore for your son’s visit on Sunday. The colors & the style were especially flattering. You have given me so many wonderful fashion tips with your blog.
I appreciated your encouraging words today about Cooper & your new neighbors. I’m experiencing something similar with a friend. There have been occasional issues in my neighborhood that God took care of in time. It’s the waiting for a resolution in between when anxiety often sets in. Thank you for sharing this real live situation from your life to give me hope! Morgan
Ah, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and reading today’s post Morgan. I really appreciate hearing from you today. Yes, it’s often the little moments in life that make for complications. But God is good to walk us through those. Have a blessed day. ?
I really like all your looks for this week. That is too bad about the dog situation. I hope that everyone including the dogs are ok physically and mentally. I enjoyed BFMD too. Thanks for your blog.
Thanks for that Rory. Yeah, Cooper was shaken but he seemed okay when they left. I think it’s going to be okay with the neighbors. But who knows? We can only do our best. ?
Thanks Kay for the great post. Liked so much of what you put together. Pink is one of my favorite colors, so anything you wear with the pink I usually go that is so cute! Pink looks so good on you too. I bought the linen straight leg pants, but of course they are more like ankle pants on me, but I love them and the fit. The BFMD gave me reason to pause. It is really hard sometimes to live in harmony. Now days there is so much unrest. You have to trust in your faith and know that God will help you through this. My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13 and has gotten through a lot of difficult times. GB
Indeed these are testy times. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Sherry. Have a blessed and lovely day. ?
I love that cute skirt & white top w sneakers! And your hair looks so great! Thanks for the multiple wardrobe show & for always sharing your faith! ?
Hahaha! Thanks. I was just looking back through those photos a minute ago taking note of my hair…how it looks on different days after I’ve washed it. I only washed it on Sunday and Thursday and it’s definitely a little poofier on those days. I think I like it best flat ironed like it was a couple of days. But then again I enjoy flipping it up sometimes. I don’t know. I guess it’s good to have options. ?
I really liked your outfits, Kay. It’s probably about the same weather here in Indiana as you have—we are about 2 1/2 hours away. I love that it’s warming up. I will probably order the JJill cropped pant you showed. I admired their white linen shirt when you got it last year, so I went ahead and ordered it this week. I also wanted to let you know how especially good you look when you wear a pastel top, especially with a lighter looking neutral bottom. It really suits your coloring.
Thanks Patt. I’ll take note of that. I find I’m gravitating more to lighter colors now that it’s finally warming up. ?
Kay, I had to laugh when you said you sometimes wear 3 outfits in one day. I can relate. I put on my work out clothes in AM, then change into appropriate clothes for the day to pickup my grandkids from school, then back home to change into clothes for the barn to clean stalls. My son is also named Daniel=God is my judge. Glad all was straightened out with your new neighbors! I pray you have a blessed week.
Isn’t it crazy? Yeah some days I feel I just change clothes all day! I love the name Daniel. And he’s never gone by Danny; just Daniel. ?
Kay, do the Paul Green loafers run TTS? The website says they run large.
I looked at my shoes and can’t find the size anywhere. But I am almost certain I got my TTS 9.5. Unfortunately when I bring them up on my Nordstrom account it blanks out on that page. But since then I’ve purchased three more pairs of Paul Green shoes, two of them similar loafers, and I do know that all of those are TTS. They’re very soft. Oh and I generally wear mine without socks.
Hi Kay,
I love your classic, comfort style. Thank you for sharing.
You bet! Thanks so much for reading Teresa. ?
I like your style. Don’t wear color so much. I’m a Black, white, khaki and denim gal. Lol !
Living in Phoenix we don’t have a winter and it’s already 100. I find it hard to dress fashionable in such heat. Ugh ! Any suggestions for HOT weather would be appreciated. Thanks!
Yes! You know I used to live in AZ too, but in a cooler climate. But yes, I have a YouTube video on that. How to Look Chic in the Heat https://youtu.be/wVevilfF_RY of course it’s from last year but still relevant. And I’ll do a similar one a little later. ?
Love the gardenia pink Pom Pom top but it was not available. The blue is pretty though. I’m all in on barrel pants. I only have sage but I think I’ll invest in a black pair. I keep saying I’m getting rid of black but…..you know.
I see what you did with that wrap up there. So, I guess I’ll just wrap up this post.? I wouldn’t worry about the neighbors. You’ll probably end up best friends. When we first bought our house, our neighbors accused us of of throwing beer cans over the fence. Shocked, We are Christians. Turned out it was their teenage son drinking in the back. Ooops! They apologized. Good neighbors ever since.
Oh my word. Talk about misunderstandings! ? Thanks for sharing Eve. That gives me hope. ?
If you keep having trouble with dog attacks, you might want to check out this dog vest. I saw it on a Shark Tank show. It works to deter Coyote attacks, but also other dog attacks. I’m NOT affiliated in any way:)
https://allsharktankproducts.com/pet-care/coyotevest-body-armor-for-pets/
Hi Karin. Thanks. I don’t really expect any other problems. Evidently the dog had just gotten out of its yard. And I’m hoping the owners will be vigilant about keeping it in. They were very apologetic. And we haven’t heard that this is a common issue. ?
Hi Kay, thanks for sharing your week. I loved your outfits and had to chuckle when you switched outfits due to the temperature fluctuations. I really liked your white t shirt pairing with the plaid skirt. Was hoping you could share the size you purchased in the Madewell black denim shorts. I still struggle with the 24, 25, 26 and how they convert to 6, 8, 10 etc ?. Hope you have a nice weekend!
Hi Coleen. I purchased both my TTS 29 (8) and the larger 30 (10). The 29 actually fit great, but I decided I wanted a much looser fit for these so I went with the 30. Hope that helps. I guess if you want a standard, slim fit go TTS and if you want a loose fit size up one. They do feel very comfortable either way.
I love the white cropped t-shirt from Loft. So much so that I went to the mall just to try it on. I’m 5’4″ size 4 but a 30ddd. Unfortunately, it didn’t look as good on me because I’m a bit busty. I was so disappointed because it would work so well with many things in my closet. ?
Hi Kim. Yeah, I can see how that would happen. Check out the henley tee at Banana Republic. https://shopstyle.it/l/buGzh I’m wearing it right now and it has a nice trim (but not tight at all) fit at the waist and that button up feature for interest. I really like it.
Hi Kay! Like other readers who’ve commented, I have learned so much from reading your blog and watching your videos. I am not as anxious about “getting dressed for my day” as I used to be! Are you still looking for ideas for the blog? I would love advice on travel clothing for trips abroad. Our trip to Italy that was canceled last fall due to Covid has been rescheduled for this October. I love to travel, but panic over what to pack! Any helpful suggestions will be appreciated!!!
Oh how wonderful! I son and daughter-in-law were supposed to go to Italy for their honeymoon last year. I’m not sure if they’re rescheduling or not. I can certainly work on that request now that I know readers are potentially starting to travel again. Look for it mid July or August. ?
Kay, To the Blessing of the Day…Amen!! Amen!!
Thanks for sharing Natalie. I’m so glad that spoke to you. ?
While I like all of the outfits, what you wore to church and on Monday are my favorites. And you look fabulous in them! For various reasons, I cannot wear any pants with a regular waistband for much longer than a couple of hours. So, I’m wondering what type of waistband the barrel pants have. How far is your new home from the rental? I’m glad that you and James are enjoying Cincinnati. I do hope that Cooper was not hurt on Saturday! Enjoy the rest of your day and the weekend.
Hi Kay,
I like the idea of “quiet outfits”. I can relate to that because my style is minimalist classic. Also, there is so much stress in the nation and the world right now. But having said that, I loved your Sunday outfit, especially the animal print blouse and beige handbag. Also, you were so cute in the colorful skirt! You look like a twenty-something in it! Do you ever wear leggings with a short skirt? I do with above the knee skirts, because I don’t like to show my legs, but they also add warmth. I’m rambling, so let me wrap this up by saying, I love your articles and your upbeat attitude. I’m looking forward to the next post!
Hi Kaye, I giggled when I read your quiet clothes part of the post. My journey to quiet begin when I read the book Quiet by Susan Cain many years ago and has recently been reinforced by the book I’m reading now The Power of Habit. I’ve come to realize I get overwhelmed by pattern, decisions and choices. So, where I can eliminate brain fatigue I can. Clothing being an easy place to start. Even my classrooms is “quiet”. For the children I work with a calming environment is necessary. You do color well and it seems to fit your lively personality. That’s what great about your blog. You take what fits and leave the rest behind.
I also appreciate your comment about your new neighbors. We are getting ready to have 2 new neighbors on either side of us and I have to say…I’m nervous. I know that God has put our family in this neighborhood, at this time for a reason, so I hang on to that! Thanks for being “real” to your readers!
Crazy I found your blog and I’m so glad I did. We are identical in size. I’m excited to up my style by your tips. ❤️
Hey hey! Wonderful. It’s always fun to follow someone who is your same size. I’m glad you found my blog too!