fashion blog

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5 Inspirational Autumn Outfits

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5 Inspirational Autumn Outfits | Writing Between Pauses

I used to love writing posts like this, but in the last year, it has become increasingly difficult. Why? Because Polyvore shut down! I feel like Polyvore was such a unique, early-to-mid 2000s blogging resource and now, it’s simply gone. I’ve turned to Instagram instead to gather outfits to inspire us in these Autumn todays.

Today is the first legitimately rainy day of Autumn here in Oregon. It makes me want to snuggle up and read, or watch movies. But instead, I have to work (of course). For that reason, the outfits I’ve chosen are appropriate for both the weekend and casual workplaces. In a testament to how much I’ve changed in the last few years, all of these outfits include jeans!

Let me know in the comments your favorite outfit (and what your favorite rainy day movie is!).

1. Burnt Orange

I have always been a little obsessed with this slightly burnt orange color. And lately, I’ve been feeling bell sleeves and (dare I say it?) peplums. I used to be heartily anti peplum, but then I had a baby, and well… a peplum hides a lot doesn’t it? I love this outfit, complete with sensible boots, dark jeans, and a cozy scarf. 

2. Pretty in Pink

If you’re in a colder climate, this is a great outfit. As well, not all autumnal outfits have to be warm-toned! A dusty pink sweater, a thick cozy beanie, and jeans is perfect for a busy weekend. Pop on a coat over the top and it can transition to winter really easily. 

3. Monotone

I love gray. I wear gray more than any other color. This pale sweater with a thick scarf and beanie is great for the weekend when it is particularly blustery. 

4. Striped

Another peplum top! I told you, they are growing on me a bit! I love this simple, comfy looking striped peplum top. Paired with a simple cardigan and boots, this is a great outfit for the pumpkin patch or a work meeting. 

5. Grandpa Sweater

I unabashedly love grandpa sweaters. You know the ones: the thick, homey sweaters that are perfect for tucking tissues into the pockets. (Yes, you heard me. Tissue pockets.) I love this sweater because it is so ornate and yet, so cozy looking. Add a striped top and your favorite jeans and you’re ready to go. 

One last note! Do you have a Blogtober post you want shared? Send me a tweet on Twitter with a link; I’m putting together my first Best of Blogtober post this week!

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4 Outfits Perfect for Rainy Fall Days

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4 Outfits Perfect for Rainy Fall Days | Writing Between Pauses

I love rainy days. It’s not everyone’s favorite thing, but nothing makes me happier when it starts to rain after a long, dry summer. (This may be because of my hyperawareness of forest fires.) The air smells fresh; everything gets dewy; the sound is beautiful. I love rain Sundays spent with a candle burning, watching my favorite movies. I love rainy days in the office getting work done. I love rainy days! 

For blogtober, I thought a post about rainy day outfits would be perfect, especially as we get further into October and the rain really starts to set in. Here are 4 I put together recently that are perfect for every different occasion. 

1. A Rainy Day with Friends 

Do you ever see something (like, say, this dress) that makes you just want to stop everything and buy it? Immediately? This dress is one of those things for me. It’s absolutely so cute—if you have access to New Look and can get this dress, please do so and tell me it if it is absolutely as perfect as I imagine. I love the color. I love the interesting cut. And I love how cute it will look with some plain tights and some knee-high rain boots. I completely imagine this outfit for a day spent out with friends—when it’s rainy, but not too cold yet. Pair with this cute cross body bag with rose gold jewelry, a simple shimmery eye look, and a neutral lip color. 

2. When You Just Stay Inside

How realistic is this for a rainy day outfit!? One of the things I miss about my pre-parenthood life is, honestly, rainy days spent at home by myself. Drinking too much coffee, wearing sweatpants, cleaning the house, and watching terrible movies on TV. This outfit was made with that nostalgia in mind. I love these sweatpants from Madewell—I may be asking for a pair for my birthday. Paired with a cute-and-funny sweatshirt, some cozy socks, and your favorite coffee mug… yeah, the perfect rainy Sunday, can we agree? 

3. Casual Workplace

This isn’t necessarily realistic for everyone in terms of work appropriate attire—but at my workplace, this would be downright fancy. (And I have some substitutions for if you work in a stricter office, don’t worry!) I love the trend of simple, warm sweatshirts; it’s never warm enough in my office. Paired with high waisted jeans rolled up over some cute boots (like these maroon velvet ones), it’s perfect for a simple day look. Add in this amazing coat from Romwe, a messenger bag, and some simple, pink make up and you’re ready for all that rain outside. 

Want to make it a little more office appropriate? Swap the jeans and sweatshirt for a simple white sweater and black skinny trousers. See? It works just as well! 

4. Date Night

Is this the most 90s outfit I’ve ever put together? Yes. Yes, it is. Actually, the trend of square-shaped corduroy skirts is giving me major flashbacks to the mid-2000s. I think I wore a gray, corduroy skirt that was three sizes too big to my first date with my now-husband. Yikes. 

I love this dusty pink skirt though; it brings those squarish skirts into the 2010s, at least. Add some tights, a cute t-shirt, and your favorite pinky boots to make sure your date knows you’re absolutely the toughest girly-girl on the block. 

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Just a Little Spring-to-Summer Outfit Inspiration

spring to summer outfit inspiration

If you follow me on Twitter, you probably noticed I had a small blogging crisis the other night. I've been struggling to feel motivated regarding my blog lately... and then I start to panic about what I'm doing, whether what I'm doing opens me up to criticism I'm not sure I can handle, and if what I'm doing is safe for my son. I don't talk about Forrest very much anymore and I'm very careful about the photos I post about him now, especially on Instagram and Twitter. But opening yourself up can be challenging. I love blogging and it is very hard for me to separate my life as I know it from my blog... because blogging is so much a part of my identity. 

I guess what I'm saying is: thank you for the messages I received, the notes of love for my blog. It really helps me feel like what I'm doing has some kind of purpose (even if it is just bringing a small piece of joy to other people) and I feel more comfortable with what I've shared so far. 

Anyway, whenever I'm feeling a little down about my blog, I try to go to some of my "easier" post ideas. I wanted to share some of the pretty Polyvore sets I've been liking for that spring-to-summer transition. If you follow me Instagram, you know I've been working out a lot and eating healthy. I have finally (FINALLY!) after nearly 5 years of struggling started to lose weight; I think I just found the right balance and motivation. So I'm excited for summer, obviously. 

Here are a few outfits to get you inspired too. 

1. Neutral

I'm feeling extremely covetous of that little lace top, but for now, it's outside of my current confidence zone. That being said, the blush-tan neutral is a great way to transition a winter wardrobe to spring and then to summer--and these items are particularly work appropriate. 

2. That floral

Spring

Spring by duma-duma featuring a sun hat

If you know me, you know I love a floral--and I'm particularly loving the lush, vivid florals we are seeing lately! The bold print of this shirt dress would be perfect for the office (with some leggings or tights, of course) topped with a blazer; and then you could also wear it to the 4 million weddings and graduation parties we are all attending in the next few months. 

3. Day-glo

I'm normally NOT a neon fan, but when I saw this set, I actually looked at this dress and seriously considered buying it. It is gorgeous, right? I love a Peter Pan collar and I love a floral, but this dress is unlike any I've ever really seen. Combined with some funky sunglasses, it's another great graduation party option--just remember to slather on the sunscreen because in an outfit at bright as this, you're gonna need some sun protection. 

4. Striped Preppy Classics

Again, not confident enough to high-waisted short shorts at this point in my life, but I'm really loving the bomber jacket and letterman jacket trend. This one is particularly cute (and comfy looking). Paired with a striped top and jeans, it would be perfect for a casual weekend day or even a more casual workplace. Plus, you'll stay warm in the air conditioning that I know is torturing most women in office buildings right now. 

5. For vacation

I'm actually looking for a dress like this for my vacation this summer. I love blush pink, but it does wash me out a bit. However, I also love the off-the-shoulder look (I know) and this dresses silhouette is particularly flattering. Paired with a strappy sandal and a little bag, it's perfect for a fancy dinner at home or on vacation. 

Did you enjoy this post? If so, please take a moment to subscribe to my newsletter. I'm on a small hiatus for it at the moment, but it will resume soon! 

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How to Test Out Festival Style Trends as a Grown Up*

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I know it’s only February, but it’s that time of year where we all (or maybe just me?) start dreaming of Spring and Summer. And every year, like clockwork, we all start getting emails about festival trends. 

If you’re like me (that is, over 25, working a full time job, and perhaps even taking care of a very small human), you feel a little left behind by all the denim cutoffs and crop tops. I’m not 18 anymore; are these festival trends something I can pull off—or even just try? 

It’s a struggle, for sure. But as we’re dreaming of warmer weather, I got the opportunity to poke around Splash’s website to check out their latest collection. I wanted to share a few pieces that definitely fit that festival trend, but are a little easier to wear. 

(Note: Yes, this is a sponsored post. However, all ideas & writing is my own. For more information, please see my disclosure policy!) 

1. Mix up your classic sweater & jeans. 

I am totally obsessed with these Scallywag jeans from Birds of Paradise. That pretty embroidery combined with a high waist and roll up cuffs? Perfect for those chillier spring days, especially topped with this Yacht sweater from Lovers + Friends. You’ll get that festival vibe without having to go whole hog for denim cuff offs and midriff exposure. 

2. Try it at work. 

“Uh, I’m pretty sure festival trends can never be work appropriate.” Wrong! Ok, maybe right—it depends on what kind of office you work in. But this Elsa shirt in Olive from Stillwater would look great with skinny jeans or a pencil skirt in the office. Add these Libby heels in Black from Raye and you’ve got a festival-focused office outfit.

3. Try off-the-shoulder dresses. 

Off-the-shoulder dresses are one of the biggest trends of the last few years. (Remember when every single fashion blogger was wearing that same chambray, off-the-shoulder dress?) They’re super summery and very cute—plus they give a very late-1970s, festival vibe. I love these two dresses from Faithfull the Brand. The Milos dress in Beshka Print would look cute paired with some simple gladiator sandals and a wide-brimmed hat. The Mali dress in Amber Stripe is super similar, except that it has a really subtle stripe pattern (which means it can be paired with just about anything!) Add some cute boots (like these Free People ones) for a very retro vibe or some cute sunglasses and gold sandals for a simple look. 

Want more inspiration? Be sure to check out Splash!