Four Effortless Outfits for Life Now

When I started this blog — when I was single, childless, and awash in free time — my outfits were elaborate. The yellow stone in the ring picked up the yellow threads in the printed skirt. The textured boucle jacket offset the smooth satin blouse in the same hue. The angled vamp on the pumps brought structure to the flowy skirt.

Boy, that was a fun time. And every now and again, I get to put that level of thought into an outfit, but.not.every.day.

Not even most days.  

Now that I work 9-to-5 as an attorney, 5-to-8 in the role of caregiver, and 8-whenever the f**k the posts are done as a blogger, my morning outfit needs to be easy.  Throw it on.  Look in the mirror.  Choose some jewelry.  Thank you, next.

Here are four outfits that give me that level of ease in an effortlessly stylish package.

Far Left. Chico’s Linen Top // Spanx Twill Pants // Rothy’s Sandals // Missoma Huggies

Second from Left. Chico’s Linen Dress // Cole Haan Wedges // Missoma Enamel Hoops

Third from Left. Caslon Twist Dress (selling out) // Cushionaire Sandals // Delicate Anthro Chain

Far Right. Spanx Stripe Top // Spanx Black Shorts // New Balance 327s // Missoma Enamel Hoops

When I posted about my growing love for Chico’s clothing, a reader commented about how once upon a time, I was a fashion forward maven, and then I was a Mom shopping at Chico’s.  Her point was that such are the phases of life.  And, frankly, the 26-year-old who started this blog probably would have turned up her nose at Chico’s.  But she didn’t have a kid to chase or a home office or need washable clothes because sticky hands are like a magnet for anything that needs to be dry cleaned.

During my pregnancy, I bought several shapeless dresses at Chico’s because they were pretty and comfortable and cheaper than maternity clothing.  Now that I’m the Mom of a toddler, this linen top and the linen dress beside it have become staples in my wardrobe.  They’re comfortable, well-made, and they were on deep discount.  Who says no to that just because they came from a retailer synonymous with grandmas playing mahjongg at the country club?

The Spanx pieces — the shorts, top and pants — are ALL winners.  They are not cheap, but they are well-made, comfortable and wearable.  If I lost one or damaged one in the wash, I would replace it tomorrow.  No questions asked.  

If you have seen this Caslon dress on here before and wondered if it’s worth it, it is.  Wear it to work.  Wear it to lunch.  Wear it because nothing else is clean and you need to be at the bbq in 20-minutes.  I own two colors.  I regret nothing.  Also, if you need a cushioned sandal, these will make your feet feel happy.

Finally, these earrings from Missoma are the best.  Their huggie hoops are a great every day earrings.  These enamel-accented hoops are just cool.  If you are looking for mid-price fashion jewelry that doesn’t break in a week or turn your ear green, don’t miss this brand.

Do I miss having 30-minutes to plan an outfit?  Yes.  But mostly because I miss spending half-an-hour in something mindless.  No Target order to make while waiting in the Starbucks line.  No pending litigation to think about in the shower.  Just 30 mindless minutes to spend on something that impacts no one else and makes me feel good.  But, alas.  

These outfits are great when you can’t think.  When you don’t want to think.  When you want to put on the dress and grab the shoes and go.  They’re not high fashion or gracing the pages of magazines, but they are real and stylish and effortless and built for the life I have now.  

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