What I Wore Off the Blog: Casual Looks Edition
The self-timer on my iPhone and this handy (and nicely priced) Bluetooth phone remote have helped me capture more of what I've worn off the blog. These are all casual looks as my nicer ensembles got captured and shared as true outfit posts. What I wear on weekends, early mornings, when I'm sick, and when I'm heading to the doctor:
This look is titled, “What to wear to your mammogram.” I took this photo after my gynecologist appointment and mammogram, post-gown getting back into my street clothes. The t-shirt is from Banana Republic, size large, and on sale. The jeans are from American Eagle (14 short and on sale), first seen on the blog in this post. The shoes are Birkenstocks, the ring Chaco Canyon Trading (first seen in this post), the earrings are Jenny Bird. The orange bag in the background is my purse, it's from Clare V. They don't seem to still have it in orange but this is the same bag in other colors.
This look is titled, “Same jeans, different day.” This was an early morning when I had to hit the grocery store, ATM, PO box, and UPS drop-off before 9 am so it was a throw on clothes and hide the hair kind of look. I love these jeans for spring and summer because they're not too heavy but heavy enough to not get all saggy and baggy, and the wide cropped legs allow for airflow. Same silver Birkenstocks, but this time I styled it with the crew t-shirt from Universal Standard's Foundation collection (size XS). The Foundation collection is super stretchy and lightweight but as you see, quite opaque. Again the Jenny Bird hoops to make a relatively boring outfit look purposeful. My HRC cap to cover bedhead and my favorite black aviators.
This look I titled, “Comfort, but make it colorful.” This cupro shirtdress from Universal Standard (size XS) has been on the blog before in this post. While it does crease, I've decided to treat this dress as though it's made of linen and am embracing the rumple since it's so breezy and comfortable on a summer day. And gosh I love the color! Unfortunately, the dress is no longer available; this is a similar dress with sleeves, and this is one without sleeves. Again, the Jenny Bird Cober hoops; a big shiny earring can make the most casual look feel elevated. As for the shoes they are from Native. This summer, the comfort sandal is a big trend and everyone is trying to come out with the most colorful, fashionable, and funky version of a Teva. This shoe comes in four different colors; I felt the neon coral (which is called Popstar Pink but isn't at all pink) was ridiculous enough that it would be a statement piece to go with a lot. They're wide enough for my feet (I can't say the same for most sandals like this) and while the straps are all one piece, you can adjust it to make it looser or tighter. They're washable, odor-resistant, and feel more secure than my everyday Birkentstock Arizonas.
I call this look, “Sick, but make it fashion.” I've had a cold for almost two weeks. One day I'll feel fine and the next I feel like death warmed over. This was one of those death warmed over days yet I still had things I needed to do that required me to leave the house. I now have three of this dress from Universal Standard (XS Petite). You can see me wear the blue one in this post. They're so great because they seem more stylish than a standard t-shirt dress and the asymmetrical cut makes the dress fall away from the belly, showing less of your shape without looking like a sack. Again, the silver Birkenstocks, the silver Jenny Bird hoops, and the same orange Clare V. tote seen in the first photo (plus an XL Lands' End tote for grocery shopping). To hide my sick face and too sick to style hair, my Ray-Ban 62mm aviators (on sale) and a hat from Banana Republic (old; this looks similar).
This look is called, “Farmers Market Chic.” These are the same American Eagle jeans seen in the first two looks, but in cream. They were first seen on the blog in this post. They're out of stock now, but these are similar. With it is a black sleeveless t-shirt from cabi (size large). The sandals are from SAS; they're the most incredibly comfortable sandals. They come in a lot of different colors; I felt this combo was the least frumpy and wear them often with dresses, shorts, and cropped pants. They're so comfy I wore them to walk in the DC Pride parade this past weekend! Again the Banana Republic hat (similar) to hide messy hair and also for sun protection.
I call this look, “Make it Work.” A couple of weekends ago, Karl and I took a staycation to The River Inn for our wedding anniversary. I packed very quickly, and honestly was only thinking how we'd go out to eat, wander the tree-lined streets, visit a coffee shop, that sort of thing. And we woke up feeling like we wanted to do more. We walked the C&O canal, roamed around Georgetown, put in a few miles and I did not pack for such an excursion. Black Loire tank from Universal Standard (XS Petite) which is a favorite because it fits so incredibly well and washes great (this has been laundered dozens of times). Black Zella leggings that are free of athletic details (large), Nike “Blazer” sneakers I brought for the gym or for a cute casual outfit, and Karl's trucker cap. The hoops are Jenny Bird (from their upcoming collection, not yet available), as is the necklace. Same Ray-Ban sunglasses seen earlier in this post. This look worked; I didn't look so gym that I felt weird in a restaurant but was comfortable even when I got sweaty. The only issue was the shoes; this is the longest time I've worn them and I've come to the conclusion my feet are not shaped for Nike. They curve where my foot goes straight and I was in pain after three hours of wear. So yeah, looking for a replacement shoe…
I call this look, “Tourist in My Own City.” I wore this look to drive to our DC staycation, and then wore it as we walked around the neighborhood and then had a little happy hour snack and drink at Kingbird. The shirt is from Lands' End and is a few years old; you can see it in this blog post. This shirt, also from Lands' End, is similar. The jeans are Talbots; my review of these jeans you can find in this blog post. Another pair of Birkenstocks, these are made from EVA. Again, the Banana Republic hat (similar). And the suitcase is Delsey; this is the bigger one I own (read my review of this suitcase here). Karl and I decided to bring one suitcase versus individual ones and we also packed in some food since The River Inn has a kitchenette in each suite.
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Good grief, my apologies for the multiple comments about Birkies. If possible, please delete. thank you
No worries, took care of it. Sometimes the blog has a glitch! <3
Just keeping it real. I love dresses but not the thigh rub. Wearing some type of shorts underneath helps but then they make me hot and defeats the purpose of wearing a dress! What does everyone else do? Thigh rub is real!
It’s totally real! Here’s my post on what I do to fight and heal chub rub: https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/chub-rub-how-to-fight-heal-products/
For a pair of pants that aren’t very expensive and not particularly fashionable they look really good!
The leg and the length and the sandals all go together, in a casual way, very nicely.
Thanks!
I love these types of posts and would enjoy them as a regular feature on the blog. My style is more casual for my job so this gives me lots of ideas. I am enjoying all your pics with Birkenstock’s too. Would you believe I used to “hate” them ( thought they were so ugly)? Last summer, after seeing you wearing them and my very stylish sister & niece wearing them, I bought my own pair— the Mayari. They are SO comfortable and I can wear them with jeans, cropped pants, casual dresses, etc.
I do have a few questions… 1). how do you like the EVA version? I’m wondering if they make your feet sweaty? They look like they’d be great for pool or beach days. 2) Birkenstock’s in general for lots of walking—thoughts on comfort? I have a trip coming up with lots of city walking, but I usually do not wear sandals that do not have a back strap (the Mayari’s do not) because I feel like it puts too much stress on the front and balls of my foot to walk long distances in. Since Birkenstock’s have more of an indentation in the heel area, I wondered if they might be better suited to more walking?
I have the Mayari and a couple pairs of the Gizeh. Once they were broken in, I was able to wear them all day, no problem. My husband and I go on super long urban hikes with friends (we call them walkabouts!) and I almost always wear them. I’m talking 10 miles over the course of a day. You may not have the same experience, and may have to “train” your feet to get used to them, but I think the support and comfort are worth the effort!
Thanks for replying! I’m headed to Philadelphia soon, so I’m debating taking them along.
Well, birkies are kind of ugly in the way that pugs and hairless chihuahuas are an aquired taste. I had two pairs of Arizonas and have literally worn them to pieces. I always thought there was not quite enough cushion to them and this year got the platform Arizona. Finally a city birk I can wear all day on cement. Soo comfortable and yes every pair had to be broken in; just a few weeks for me.
I used to have a pug! . Gosh, he was so cute in his own special way! I like my Mayari’s very much and the more I consider it, the more I want to bring them along.
On the whole, Birkies are ugly. I used to hate them too but I got over that when comfort started becoming a priority. I have the Mayari, one of the cutest styles, and it took a long time to break them in. They practically broke me, but in the end, they worked out great.
It’s funny how our tastes change over time. I do think the Mayari’s are cute and so comfortable. I got lucky with mine & didn’t have a long break-in period. Since I do find them so comfortable, I think they are coming to Philadelphia with me.
The EVA version is not one I can wear for long days. I do get sweaty and they slip a bit. They’re mainly for short trips, to the pool, in the garden, the beach, that sort of thing.
I agree with others that Birkenstocks are great for sightseeing. I’ve worn my silver Birks for long days and trips and find them very comfortable and none of that strain on the front of the foot that I find with flip flops and other slides.
Thanks for the response, Alison! I think I’m going to bring my Birkenstock’s along to Philadelphia.
I’m usually super-casual in style, to the point of having no style, so I love the idea of jewelry “elevating” the look and making it seem “on purpose”.
It’s my secret weapon! Big earrings or statement longer necklaces for the win!
Ha! Not so secret anymore. But no worries, I live very far away to be accused of stealing. Rather, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!
Love this type of post!
I’m glad! I’ll try to do them more often!
Great “everyday wear” post. I like!
Awesome, I’ll try to keep this a regular share!
You always look amazing! Love the white denim from talbots and the Rose dress!
Thank you!
The orange Native shoes and the American Eagle crop jeans are definitely whispering sweet promises to my charge card. I enjoyed seeing your ” livin’ life ” photos. I vote for this popping up again in a few weeks.
I’ll work to make that happen!