Sweater: Loft | Jeans: Wit & Wisdom | Shoes: Universal Threads via Target | Necklace: Old Navy

Oh, hi there! It’s been a hot minute since I shared a *real* outfit post but here I am. If you follow my Instagram (or view the widgets at the bottom of my blog page) then you’ve probably gotten used to those office bathroom selfies with the harsh florescent lighting, but on one of my days off recently, I found these photos on my nice camera and decided to share. I realize that the weather in my neck of the woods (and most of the Southern US) is warming up because Spring is beginning to show itself in full force, but this was one of my favorite winter/colder weather outfits and it seemed a shame not to post it.

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.

Finally, an outfit post!

I’ve written about how my lifestyle has outgrown a lot of my clothes, so I’m working hard to clear my closet of any item that doesn’t make me feel like a million bucks every time I wear it. I’m also trying to live a more minimal life to focus more on experiences than material things. It’s harder than it should be due to the emotional value I place on things. I’m working on that, as well. I don’t think I’m quite ready for a capsule (or minimalist) wardrobe yet, but I might be moving more toward that direction.

Since I’ve started staying home with Sebastian, it’s become really easy easy for me to “forget” to change out of my pajamas and wear them all day long. Other things I sometimes forgot to do: brush my hair, shower, and brush my teeth. The first two weeks weren’t pretty, people! But, at least my messy bun was on point!

It’s not that I forgot to do these things, really, but I was preoccupied with figuring out this whole stay-at-home mom thing. What am I supposed to be doing? What is Sebastian supposed to be doing? It wasn’t as easy as I had imagined. Luckily, it didn’t take us long to settle in and create a routine. We’ve established regular nap, meal, and play times so our day is pretty predictable. We also went through a major overhaul in January and cleaned out a lot of drawers, closets, and rooms in our attempt to minimize the clutter in our lives, so now my house stays cleaner longer. Although, it’s almost time to do this again. Most importantly, I don’t feel like I have to use the few precious hours of nap time for cleaning; I can use it showering, getting dressed, and blogging (it does feel good to be back!).

All that to say I’m back to putting together cute outfits to share with you, dear friends. Here’s a compilation of outfits I’ve been wearing lately.

These first two outfits were worn to meet Nick for lunch and then run errands. I’m so glad it’s finally Spring and I can wear cute outfits again!

Chambray top: Old Navy | Pixie Pants: Old Navy | Sandals: via Payless

Jacket: Gap | Tee & Pants: Old Navy | Shoes: via Rack Room

This next outfit was simply worn around my house, playing with Sebastian. It’s pretty comfy, especially barefoot.

Tee: Target | Necklace: Old Navy | Jeans: Banana Republic | Flats: Ross

I wore this one out with friends for drinks. It was a beautiful evening so we met up at Bull City Cider works with our kids (they have a son the same age as Sebastian) and enjoyed the warm sun and cold hard cider. It was a great day.

Blouse & Necklace: Old Navy | Jeans: Banana Republic | Flats: Ross

I know, I know.

I can’t believe I just said (typed) those words either, but friends,  I think it might be true: I’m might be falling out of love with Target. At least their women’s clothing & shoes options.

It actually started a while back when they completely stopped carrying my shoe size (5.5). I used to be able to find so many shoes and would spend longer than necessary trying to decide which pair to buy, but now I don’t even look because I know they won’t have anything. I suppose they’re doing me favor considering my knees and ankles have been telling me for a while now that I need to invest in some better quality shoes with good support, and Target’s shoes are not that. It seemed to slowly go downhill from there.

One of my favorite shirts from Target’s ‘a new day’ line

These days, I don’t have much time (or money) to shop but the few times I have tried stuff on, it just didn’t work for me. Dresses fit weird, pants and shirts are too long, and the shoulders seams don’t line up with my actual shoulders. But, to be fair, I’m short and petite so garments tend to fit weird everywhere I go, unless they’re specific to smaller gals. Tailoring gets expensive so most of the time, I don’t even bother.

Target maxi that looks awesome, even though I had to hem the shoulders.

Naturally, I’m pretty sad about these latest developments. I was very much looking forward to their new lines and had already purchased a few things that made me feel  pretty  awesome. It hasn’t all been rainbows, though. There was a cardigan I purchased that was less than stellar because once I wore it, I discovered that the cuff of the sleeves stretch out A LOT if I pull them up at all, so I would pull them up around my elbow and they would fall back down immediately. All that pulling and tugging got pretty uncomfortable so I just don’t even wear the cardigan anymore. Sad.

Still loving this blouse from Who What Wear from Target

When I do find myself in Target (which is most weekends, actually) I’m drawn to the children’s clothing. I do love all of the cute little pants, tops, and jackets for Sebastian! It’s kind of funny how I’ve gone from wanting all the clothes for me to wanting all the clothes for him. He barely even leaves the house most days but I want him to look super dapper at all times. At least I can still count on Target for that.

I haven’t given up hope. I’d like to try on a few more things and see what their spring and summer lines have to offer. Maybe we can salvage our relationship but, at the very least, there’s still all of the other departments I can look forward to (I’m looking at you, home and bath!).

What are your thoughts on all the new changes Target has been implementing recently?