As part of my attempt to update my closet so that it reflects my current life and the person I am now instead the person I was four+ years ago, I’m wearing certain pieces one last time to determine if they have a place in my new lifestyle. This navy and white polka dot skirt is one of those pieces that I liked but I wasn’t wearing; it hung in my closet for several years, every day getting passed over. So, it’s on the chopping block; I’m wearing it today to decide whether I keep it or donate it, and I decided to recreate/update an outfit I’ve worn before with this skirt.

While everything I wear is a reflection of the style I like, this outfit is one of those that feels so quintessentially me. The cute top, the comfortable pants, mostly neutral with a pop of color in the shoes… these are the things that make me feel happy and confident in an outfit. Of course, happy and confident are the main feelings I try to achieve with any outfit (as well as comfortable!) but this one really hits the mark.

For all of my adult career, I’ve enjoyed dressing business casual. I’ve never really been the jeans and tee kind of girl because that’s just me. Once, in middle school, my gym/health teacher asked me why I was always so dressed up. I think I told him I just liked to look nice. Nothing wrong with that! And this outfit looks really nice. It’s simple yet elegant. The only thing missing in this whole ensemble is some color on my lips!

I mentioned in one of my posts last week that Target is retiring its Mossimo and Merona brands but will continue with its Who What Wear line (along with several new lines). This shirt is from that line and one of the reasons I ain’t mad about Target’s decision. It’s a great shirt! It’s cute and interesting, it can be dressed up (like here, or with a skirt) or down (with jeans), and it can be worn with just about any other color. That’s a win in my book.

Top: Who What Wear via Target | Trousers: Banana Republic | Shoes: Old Navy | Sunnies & Watch: Target

What outfit combinations or qualities make you feel happy and confident?

Linkup: Spread the Kindness Linkup | Confident Twosday | Trend Spin Linkup

A few years ago I was pinspired to wear this polka dot sweater and patterned vest together, and the resulting outfit turned out really well. When the formula works, you use it. So I did it again with a few switcharoos. Dark denim instead of black jeans and burgundy/maroon (what is this color officially called this year?) flats. I’m not sure which version I like better because they’re both really cute. I suppose that’s the beauty of learning how to work your closet.  Also: holy moly at my hair in the original post; it’s so long!

I wore this outfit on Black Friday when the only shopping we did was to pick out our Christmas tree. We go to the same lot every year because I really like supporting the organization, TROSA, a residential program that enables substance abusers to be productive, recovering individuals in the community by providing treatment, work-based vocational training, education, and care. We’ve been going to one of their lots since we moved into our house, so it’s been about 5 years now. It feels good to support a cause I care about. 

Look at that little 23-week bump peeking out!

Sweater: Old Navy | Vest: Banana Republic | Jeans: Liz Lange Maternity @ Target | Shoes: Old Navy

Linkups: Confident Twosday

Real talk: I probably wouldn’t have purchased these shoes if the saleswoman hadn’t told me they were made by a designer in Mallorca, Spain in small batches. Of course I thought they were gorgeous but even on sale, they were a bit pricey. But when I heard “Spain” I turned to Nick and said, “Mira. Estos son muy bonitas y de España. I have to have them!” I actually said a little more than that in Spanish, but he doesn’t really speak it. Anyway, these are my sweet Spanish shoes and I love them! They’re velvety, adorable, and fit perfectly.

This was the first and only time I’ve worn them, though, because I’m afraid I’ll mess them up!  I was so excited because I had a phone interview that morning and a girl-date night with my BFF that evening for dinner and a movie. It started to rain while we were at the restaurant and all I could think of was my shoes! We decided to ditch the movie and stay at the restaurant to drink wine and eat sushi (two of my favorite things) so I had a great time in my Spanish shoes.

More real talk: I had a hard time choosing flattering photos of me in this outfit because I didn’t realize that the top made me look very top heavy. Have you ever experienced this phenomenon where the way an outfit looks on you in the mirror is different (maybe better) than the way it looks on you in photos? If the pics are the truer version of what I looked like in real life, I might not wear this one out anymore.

Blouse: C.Luce via Stitch Fix | Cardigan & Pixie Pants: Old Navy | Shoes: Vert & Vogue | Necklace: Hawthorne Collection

What do you think of my sweet Spanish shoes?

Linking up with  Tucker Up |The Pleated Poppy | Walking in Memphis in High Heels | Why I Do DeClaire

I can’t get enough of this polka dot top! It’s perfect for an office setting, it’s great for a night out with friends, or it can be dressed down with some shorts or jeans. I wore this particular outfit to the office where I volunteer, giving me an opportunity to get dressed in something other than jeans or shorts and a t-shirt, which is what I wear when I’m babysitting.

Here is some of the thought process that went into putting this outfit together:

–I like wearing gray and navy together.
–The polka dots provide some interest to an all-neutral ensamble.
–A simple necklace will not overwhelm the outfit, since there are jewels/studs on my shoes.
–It’s too hot for real pants, let me wear crops instead… as if that really made much of a difference.
–I really need to figure out which exercises will slim down my thighs.
–Just kidding, I love my thighs! But seriously, I need to get to the gym and work on my fitness. Because being healthy is important!

How many of those did I get right? 🙂

I thought about wearing some dark navy blue pumps but sometimes you just need a good pair of flats to wear to the office, and I love that these provide some sparkle in the light. Also, these shoes were named after me: Nicole!

Polka Dot Top: Target | Trousers: Karen Kane via Stitch Fix | Shoes: Nicole via Ross | Necklace: Old Navy

Linking up with More Pieces of Me & Sincerely Jenna Maria | Walking in Memphis in High Heels | Tucker Up | The Pleated Poppy