[Stylish Steps] What I Wore

Hi there!

As you all know, this past weekend was great not only because of the beach house, but because of the time spent with family and friends at my sister-in-law's 50the birthday party in San Diego.  I pondered what to wear to this event, and put together an inspirational outfit through Polyvore in this blog post here.

In the theme of color block dress, I ended up ordering this color block shift dress for under $30 from ASOS.  I really wanted the red and hot pink version, but they didn't have my size...

It turned out fine because I ended up coordinating with the hubby and sister-in-laws!  The celebrant is in the center...no way she's 50, right?!

The celebrant with the sisters and cousins...love the sequin top on the left and the maxi tube dress on the right...such a stylish, fashion-forward family!

Full length photo of the cousins and some of the spouses, but missing the celebrant in this photo since she was busy socializing!

These are the shoes I ended up pairing with the dress I wore.  I really love these black suede Calvin Klein stiletto booties now!  Those of you who have been following know that I wasn't sure about them at first, as I write in this blog post here.

Do you think that I did okay with getting a similar outfit from my inspirational outfit?  Let me know because my goal was a dress that was stylish yet comfortable. Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Stylish Steps] My Stylish Kids

Hi there!

I'd like to say that my kids got all their fashion sense from the hubby and I, but just as I spoke of their musical talent in this post here, I think my kids have a natural knack for styling that's all their own.

The eldest posted this stylish look on Instagram, elevating the chambray shirt with a bright yellow cardigan and a statement necklace.  A perfect look as Summer turns into Fall!

The son and the youngest ready and styling for church...another Instagram photo op while waiting for us parents!  Their look was perfect for that warm Summer morning.

Isn't it neat to see kids grow up and come into their own, developing who they are and seeing their personality and character mature? Let me know because it's amazing how fast time goes! Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Stylish Steps] Homecoming Surprise

Hi there!

It's nice to go on vacation, but it's nice to come home, especially when you come home to a Nordstrom package!

My online Nordstrom Anniversary Sale package was waiting for me when I got home.  Anniversary Sale post featured here.

I ordered Vince Camuto ruby booties on the last day of the sale during an impromptu houseboat trip here, following some great advice featured here.  Aren't they pretty?! I love the color most of all...can't wait for fall!

What is your favorite thing about coming home from vacation? Let me know since I got a special surprise this time! Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Stylish Steps] Classic & Updated Beachwear

Hi there!

I have loved J.Crew for years, even when they were just a catalog back in the day.  I saw this photo of their Summer 1992 catalog, and thought that this classic summer look can easily be worn 20 years later!

Since I'm on vacation visiting family and friends in So Cal this week, I really want to go to the beach.  That's probably what I miss most about down south...the beaches aren't the same up in Nor Cal.

Here's my version of a hip, updated take on classic beachwear for 2012...

Summer 2012

Kindle eReader, Hartmann Day Tote, Faux D&G Sunglasses, Hat from Aruba street vendor, Urban Outfitters Sandals, Roxy bathing suit, Long Cardigan (gifted)

What is your must have item to have when you go to the beach?  Let me know since I think some type of stylish cover-up is essential, and if it gets windy & cold, you're prepared! Oh, and a book, a magazine, or an eReader...those are great to have too!  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Stylish Steps] Red Shorts at Berkeley

Hi there!

I want to share the beautiful historic hotel we stayed at and my new red shorts, thus rounding out our belated anniversary weekend getaway to Berkeley for a Coaches Time Out (CTO) Conference!  See the other posts about this weekend here to see our couple style, and here to see a cool place to eat and hang out in Berkeley.

The Claremont Resort & Spa is a historic hotel in the hills of Berkeley with the most magnificent view.  Sorry, I didn't take a photo of it, so you will have to come visit this beautiful place and see for yourself!  I did get some shots of the lobby and the hubby checking in!

The hallways were so wide and beautiful, and our room was cozy and classy.  This is the front of the hotel, which I didn't do justice, so check out the hotel link here to see it in all it's glory!

 Because I didn't take any outfit shots there, I thought that I would recreate my red short outfits for you!  I wore the first two looks on Saturday; the first one to breakfast and the morning CTO session.

My first outfit with these red Express shorts, was with my floral shoes from Etsy, a heathered light gray Gap tee, and an olive jacket from Forever 21.

For the second look, I took off the jacket, added my yellow Target belt and my Urban Outfitters sandals.  We went to lunch, as seen on this post here.  You'll see that the hubby wore red shorts and a light gray T-shirt also, so we matched!  Should have taken a photo...oh well...

I told you all that I was going to find colored denim shorts in this post here, and I did for a steal at less than $15!  I bought them a couple weeks ago and have already worn them a bunch of times.  I really take my cost per wear CPW philosophy, described here, seriously ;-)

These last two looks are future pairings for me.  I really could have worn these shorts all weekend with these pairings, so that would have been real light packing!

Red shorts paired with a white Banana Republic blouse, an Urban Outfitters necklace, and some Target booties.  I'll probably wear this to brunch or out shopping.

Pairing the red shorts, with a black Target shirt, black ShoeMint wedges, and accessories, dresses them up for a summer dinner out!

Do you try to pair an item with different pieces so you get more outfit looks when you travel?  Let me know since I like to do that to stretch my packing efficiency!  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Stylish Steps] A Navy Dress and Python Shoes

Hi there!

I felt so sophisticated in this classic navy dress, my Ellen Tracy python pumps & Coach bag with simple yet classic accessories in the diamond necklace & Rolex watch.

The fact that the dress was only $6 at Ross made me feel like I had a little secret, since this dress presents much more expensive!  Other dresses from Ross here and here.

Outfit :: Dress-Ross  // Shoes-Ellen Tracy Python Pumps // Bag-Coach // Diamond Necklace-Gift // Rolex Watch

These Ellen Tracy Python Pumps have been used well, since you can see them in these posts here, here, and here.

Have you ever worn an item that looks pricier than it really is?  Let me know because I love passing off bargains as more expensive items.  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Stylish Steps] Ikat Print Tunic Dress

Hi there!

In the past, I have had trouble breaking out of the neutral zone and adding color to my wardrobe.  Recently, I'm really liking colors and can't seem to get enough of them now!

There's something about a tunic dress and flat sandals that's so refreshing during the summer, especially in this Ikat print.

 My favorite belt lately, and it's a bright yellow, which is a departure from my usual black or brown.

 Outfit :: Dress-Ross // Belt & Bag-Target // Bangel-Forever 21 // Sandals-Urban Outfitters

I don't know what I am doing...all this posing is still so unnatural for me, plus I seem to be doing the same thing.  So to mix it up, my photographer (read husband), told me to put my hands on the wall.  I had to lean in to do that, and this is part of what we got...kind of silly looking if you ask me!  Oh well, it is what it is, and the point is for you all to see the outfit and for us to all have fun with this blog adventure!

Don't you love all the colorful and ethnic prints popping up lately?  Let me know if you too have broken out of the safe neutral zone because of the variety of prints out there!  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Stylish Steps] After July 4 Shorts Outfit

Hi there!

The bad news about the day after July 4 is I had to work; the good news is it was only for the morning, so I was able to wear my "After July 4 Shorts Outfit"! 

Outfit :: Jacket-Forever 21 // Blouse & Wedges-Target // Shorts-Old Navy //  Necklace & Bracelet-Borrowed from eldest

Darn it!  I forgot my Target bag that was sitting on the bench, and my sunglasses, that were in my bag!  See how I've styled them in other posts here, here and here, since they didn't get in on the photo shoot this time :-(

I honestly wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get any outfit photos done before today since the hubby also had work the day after July 4 and had basketball practice afterwards.  I decided to closely recreate my outfit on Polyvore, and worst case scenario, use it as my post today if I didn't have any outfit photos.

Labels

After July 4 Shorts Outfit by shoeaxis featuring wedge shoes

Full Tilt button shirt
tillys.com

Green army jacket
etsy.com

Organic by John Patrick cotton short shorts
organicbyjohnpatrick.com

Steve Madden wedge shoes
dillards.com

Leather bag
boticca.com

Cuff bracelet
jewelry.1stdibs.com

Kit Heath gold necklace
$110 - debenhams.com

Victoria Beckham clear sunglasses
$575 - net-a-porter.com

Luckily the hubby had a few minutes to spare between getting home and having to leave, but I'm glad I finally got on Polyvore to create an outfit look.  It was so fun!  There are so many choices and I felt like I was shopping without spending any money!  I even think that the outfit is elevated with the coral wedges and the olive jacket with gold embellishments...I was even able to style my outfit with $575 Victoria Beckham sunglasses without spending a dime!  Now that's a deal ;-).

Isn't it fun to recreate a more expensive look from your own closet?  Let me know how you've styled your favorite inspiration look!  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Stylish Steps] Cost Per Wear Polka Dot Blouse

Hi there!

 Cost Per Wear (CPW) Item

In my 25 Random Things About Me post here, I listed one of my style philosophies, When I buy a piece of clothing, I totally believe in "cost per wear" in order to justify the cost of the item.  Well, I thought that I would show you an example of CPW with this blouse I purchased for $53 the other week at Nevaeh, (pictured on these posts, here and here, and styled on this post here).

This is probably about the 5th time I've worn this blouse since buying it a couple weeks ago, and about the 3rd way I've styled it.  That means that so far, my CPW=$10.60, and that's in just two weeks!  And I plan on lowering that CPW number, because I LOVE this blouse!

I had a pretty relaxing day, getting my hair done as well a pedicure; so like my turquoise-like toes?!  I thought I'd match my jewelry with my toes, which were inspired by the upcoming 4th of July holiday (thinking of a patriotic-colored outfit to coordinate...must think on this...).

Outfit: Blouse - Nevaeh, Shorts - Old Navy, Shoes & Earrings - Borrowed from my Eldest, Ring - Francesca's, Bracelets - Handmade gifts from a friend, Toes - OPI, color, I forgot...sorry!

What are your thoughts on and have you ever used my CPW, Cost Per Wear philosophy?  Let me know when you have used this to justify an item, especially a pricey one!  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Stylish Steps] Polka Dots & Louis

Hi there!

How I ended up wearing my blouse because my eldest didn't like how it was tied up (I told her I saw it styled like that on the mannequin...she wasn't convinced...). I listened and she was right; it did look better free-flowing!  See couples night out post where I wore this look here.

Have you ever been influenced by how a store styles an outfit on a mannequin, good or bad?  Let me know because sometimes I buy or don't buy an item based on how it looks on the mannequin.  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl