Seeing Double

My personal style is much like that mentioned yesterday in regards to the style I'm looking to incorporate into our future home: keep the staples neutral and add interest with the accessories. I've been trying to branch out lately, however; adding color to my otherwise entirely blue jean pants selection, and forcing a few more patterns into the rest of my closet.

And just as with my home planning, I have found Pinterest to be the biggest source of inspiration as I've tried to spice up my wardrobe. Here are a few fun and simple trends I'm loving right now, and a few valuable tips for each!

Trend No. 1: Color on Color
It's hard not to look like a bit boring when wearing an outfit of all one color, but when done right, it's the farthest thing from it! The trick? Add a pattern to break up the colors and create a bit of visual interest. Pair it with accessories in complimentary colors or colors from the patterned piece you chose.

Trend No. 2: Denim on Denim
This might be my favorite one. Maybe because it seems like the least scary of the three. Or perhaps I just like the sheer simplicity of it all. Because it's all about staples. We all have a pair of denim jeans or shorts. And just about everyone has at least one chambray top in their closet these days. Pair it with timeless, neutral pieces like a leather bag and cream flats and you're done.

Trend No. 3: Pattern on Pattern
Coincidentally, this is the trend that scares me the most, and yet it's the one I want to master the most. But alas, I've still to try it and am not even close to mustering the courage to do so. My Pinterest closet is filling up with ensambles like the one below, though. Quick tip for pairing stripes with stripes: go both ways! Mix a top of horizontal stripes with vertical stripes for the bottom. And don't back down with the accessories. Keep them bright and fun!

So let's hear it: Which trend is your favorite? Done any fun experimenting lately? 

P.S. Speaking of trends, did you catch the last My Daily Uniform post? Now there's a girl who has mastered the whole pattern on pattern thing. She's the queen of stripes and florals.

Get The Looks
Trend No. 1: Top / Shorts / Sandals / Inspiration
Trend No. 2: Top / Shorts / Flats / Bag / Inspiration
Trend No. 3: Top / Shorts / Belt / Bracelet / Inspiration

My Daily Uniform – Joslin Farmer

I'd like to introduce a new series that I'm really excited about... My Daily Uniform! I plan on featuring lovely ladies (and maybe a few guys, too!) talking about their uniforms – simple outfits that help them feel put together. Our first one comes from Joslin Farmer, one of my oldest friends. She's hilarious, caring, and one of ten kids! When we were in high school, we spent our weekends TPing, doorbell ditching and roaming WalMart. What rebels, right?

She was kind enough to share not one, but three of her go-to outfits. Here are the pieces and combos she always finds herself coming back to.

"I love wearing skirts and dresses. They get me every time I go shopping. Many times, I buy a size large so it's long enough. Loose fit is in style, right? Tights are also a go-to of mine during the winter. I have loads of them. And leggings with long baggy shirts are my favorite. It's comfy and easy. Don't worry about what other people think or wear. If you like it, then wear it!"

THANKS, JOSLIN!

Tips For Mixing Patterns

I'm a bit of a pattern mixing newbie. Aubryn's a pro because her wardrobe lends itself to the trend, but mine? The patterns are a bit scarce.

I bought this cardigan a few days ago and loved it balanced out this otherwise bright outfit and the faint hint of a patterned with the cutouts in the fabric. It's nothing too bold, but it's a start!

Here are three tips to help you ease into the trend, for those of you who aren't too sure.

1. Pair it with another trend.
Bright skinny jeans, for example, will balance out the look as well as making it look more stylish and planned.

2. Make one (or both!) of the patterns neutral.
Start with a mellow pattern and pair it with a bold one. If both are screaming for the attention, the look becomes distracting.

3. Start small.
Try accessorizing using patterns. Patterns on shoes, handbags, and belts are less noticeable than polka dot pants and a striped shirt. You can also try stitched patterns or patterns created using cutouts, like the cardigan above. It's so subtle that people might not even notice you're dabbling in the trend.

Are you a pattern mixing newbie? I hope these tips help! And if you're a pro, what are your favorite patterns to mix? Any tips of your own to share?

Curated // Jordan's Summer Wardrobe

I couldn't leave Jordan out of this wardrobe sharing party, so last but certainly not least, here's the man of the house's outfit picks for these warm summer months. And let me tell you, he's got style. These picks were all his doing (after I kindly asked him to play along) and I love all of them. They're classic and simple, which in my opinion, is exactly what a man's style should be.

On top: I'll always choose a v-neck over a crew. And I love this take on a classic short-sleeve henley. (Find these shirts here, here & here.)

On bottom: This cobalt blue might be my new favorite color. Bermuda shorts have all but eliminated the baggy cargos that were once so common among guys, but here is an updated, less bulky version that I quite like. (Find these shorts here & here.)

Layering: Summer nights can get a bit chilly, and even a guy's not cold, it's still a good idea to have a hoody on hand in case his wife is. I also love how perfect this henley is for layering, just the right amount of fabric to keep you warm during the not so warm parts of summer. (Find these layers here & here.)

On his feet: We're a Tom's family. They are quite possibly the most comfortable shoes in existence, and I'm a firm believer that they look great with just about everything. The Cordones are my favorite style. Throw in some flip-flops, and you're set for summer. (Find these shoes here & here.)

At the beach: Girls might need cover-ups, beach bags and swim caps, but all a guy needs at the beach is a pair of trunks and sunglasses, and they're more than set. I love these glasses from BonLook, but let's be honest, I love just about everything from BonLook. (Find the trunks here & the sunglasses here.)

Does your man give much thought to what he wears? What pieces do you wish were in their summer wardrobe?

P.S. Did I mention Jordan started an online shop full of vintage ties? With how full that tie rack was getting, opening such a shop became a necessity. I wanted to keep every tie we bought! They're one of my favorite things to shop for and I can't even wear them.

Curated // My Summer Wardrobe

Last week, I shared my daily uniform, the outfit that I always find myself coming back to. As the weather has gotten warmer, and we've started spending more time outside, I've began to integrate more short sleeved shirts and sandals into my wardrobe. And pretty soon I'll need to add a swimsuit and other summer basics, like a good pair of shorts.

Here's are a few pieces I plan on integrating into my summer wardrobe. It will be full of bright colors and thin, breathable fabric. Plus a few pairs of sandals and a whole lot of up-dos.

On top: I'm a t-shirt and jeans type girl. Comfort is very important to me when picking clothes. These tops offer the comfort of a t-shirt without making you look like a 13 year old boy. They can be dressed up or down so easily, and because they're made of thin, breathable fabrics, are the perfect tops for summer. (Find these shirts here, here & here.)

Layering: While short sleeves are great during the day, late summer nights can get a little chilly. A bright blazer or fun patterned cardigan are perfect for layering. The blazer is great for outings that require dressier attire, and the cardigan is perfect for really any occasion. (Find the blazer here & the cardigan here.)

On bottom: Cropped trousers are the new capris. I love this light lavender alternative to a classic neutrals like khaki and grey. And while I love new takes on classics that go with everything, these bright bermudas are too fun to pass up! (Find the trousers here and the shorts here.)

On my feet: I love oxfords. But shoes like this can get a bit hot during the summer months. These cut-out oxfords solve that problem. Plus, they're just beautiful. I'd wear these on a simple bike ride, or dressed up with tights and a skirt for church. And these, my friends, are the perfect summer sandals. The small wedge makes them fancier than your normal strappy sandal, great for days at the beach and date nights. (Find the oxfords here and the sandals here.)

By the pool: Living in the middle of Idaho, my days won't be spent by any beach. But I do predict we will be spending a lot of time over at the little water park, or playing in the sprinklers in the front yard. And that's where these goodies come in. I plan on rocking this hair-do every day this summer with the help of this headscarf. Yes, every day (probably). In high school, I wouldn't have been caught dead in a one piece. But now, having a little one to chase after, it seems like the best choice. And seeing one as great as this? Just reaffirms that belief. And because it's always awkward to be in so little clothing around so many strangers, a cover-up is an essential. I love how simple and classic this J. Crew one is. (Find the headscarf here, glasses here, swimsuit here & the cover-up here.)

 What summer basics have you been eyeing?

My Daily Uniform

When I got married, I realized two things: 1. a guy takes all of two minutes to get ready; and 2. I took about 30 times that long. So little by little, I started slimming down that time using little tricks to simplify my routine.

It wasn't until Aubryn was born, though, that I really learned to consolidate the whole getting ready process. Husbands might be a little impatient while you spend an hour getting ready, but babies are really impatient. Besides, what mother even has that much time to spare?

So, simplify I did. I created an arsenal of simple hair-dos (braids, up-do's work best with a little one), found make-up that was easy and fast, and put together a comfortable uniform that helps me feel pulled together. It changes a bit depending on my mood and the seasons, but here's my current one.

1. Fun hair accessories. My hair is always up. In a top knot, back in a ponytail, braided. Popping a fun pom pom or bow in my hair is an easy way to spruce up hair-do's that can otherwise seem a bit dull. They instantly makes me feel more put together and feminine.

2. Classic T. I live in t-shirts. Ones like this can be dressed up or down. It looks great with a nice blazer and cropped trousers, or a simple pair of jeans.

3. Vintage glasses. According to my doctor, I need to wear glasses while on the computer, outside, reading, in class, driving, watching TV... basically, all the time. These glasses from BonLook are so perfect, I really don't mind.

4. Black skinny jeans. I recently became sold on black skinnies. They are my new staple. They work great for days at the park with Aubryn, are comfortable enough to wear around the house while cleaning and chasing a crawling babe, and can even be dressed up for meetings and nice date nights.

5. Draw-string canvas bag. I use this as a diaper bag. I love that it looks like a bag that an adult would have, unlike other diapers bags with cartoon characters adorning the sides. I can throw in the baby essentials during the day, and trade 'em out for date night goodies when out with Jordan.

6. Comfortable flats. It's so hard to find flats that you can wear for hours on end. Ones that stick to your feet when you run, and don't squish your toes when  you walk. I'm fairly certain these Tom's flats would be the most comfortable shoes on the planet.

What outfit do you find yourself constantly going back to? I'd love to see! Share your daily uniforms in the comments.