I love this look on you. There is something so chic about a button down shirt like this. Bravo.

Love the shirt. Nina Garcia’s “The One Hundred” book lists a man’s white shirt as one of the 100 things every woman should have in her wardrobe. An amusing little book. Good for reading in the bathtub.

It’s definitely sad that so few women take time to look better, especially considering how little time it actually takes to spruce oneself up. And it certainly takes no more time to pull on a t-shirt, a skirt, and sandals than a t-shirt, sweatpants, and tennis shoes. So why NOT make the effort, right? I just don’t get it. Anyway, keep fighting the good fight. Your husband and daughters appreciate it, and so does anyone else whose view you brighten. Who knows, maybe you are inspiring someone at preschool (or wherever) to take better care of herself and you don’t even know it?

I agree with Marsi, I bet you are inspiring someone else at preschool.

Hot outfit …and I am in love with your bag.

Oh my word, yes I can relate! I work for a very large company and our dress code is “business casual.” So many of my co-workers interpret this as sweat pants, Crocs (don’t get me started!), sloppy t-shirts emblazoned with cartoon characters, yoga-type workout pants… I don’t understand why one doesn’t want to make an effort. To me, it shows I take my job seriously; plus it’s fun! It’s great to wear attractive clothes and take a little extra care with my hair and makeup. There are plenty of cold, snowy Saturdays when I spend the day inside cooking or reading or watching movies, and I don’t wash my hair (to prolong my hair color, I tell myself) and wear fuzzy sweat pants all day. But not to work. This is my job, and I want my co-workers and customers to know that I care about it. It’s rather sad to see how little people care.

You certainly do look tres chic today! I have to agree with the other ladies, you are probably inspiring more people every day than you think!

Thanks for all the nice comments.
It’s funny because I don’t really dress up — geez, I wear Levis and the same dang sandals every day, but at least I try, you know? I hope you are all having a great day!
K

You look great in this outfit! Very creative.

You look very pretty! Where is your bag from? It looks very chic!

I looove this look on you! Very chic! I am sure you do a lot to inspire the women around you. Coming from an area where pj bottoms are acceptable everyday-out-and-about wear…I so appreciate this post! Have you had a chance to talk with the mom you mentioned above?

I am slowly catching up with emails and posts…I have had quite the busy few weeks here of late and with some coming up, I wanted to be sure to stop by and say hello. The busy-ness seems to go in cycles.

xo Cat

Kristi :
Thanks for all the nice comments.
It’s funny because I don’t really dress up — geez, I wear Levis and the same dang sandals every day, but at least I try, you know? I hope you are all having a great day!
K

I have to just add here…

For someone who wears levis and sandals everyday…you look fabulous…and it shows that you try. I believe that is the key right there!

xo Cat

I think you look great!! And you can even wear the same style when it gets colder out if you cuff the pants a little longer (only roll them once) and wear some closed toe flats. I think your green cardigan might look really nice with it too! I like it when I wear a cardigan and have the sleeve cuffs folded over the sweater at my wrists. A men’s style shirt is one of my favorite things to wear! I cant always wear my boyfriend’s as they are too big for me, but I usually buy a womens one a size up or two.

There you go, hit your husband’s closet and wherever he keeps his sweaters as often as you can. Men’s clothes are great wardrobe additions for us and you certainly do look glamorous in that white shirt.

Kristi,

It may seem to you like Levis and the same sandals, but it doesn’t come off that way at all. As a reader, I see a well-groomed woman who exudes confidence and style. Like a previous poster said, very inspiring.

Hi Kristi,
I don’t know why, but I just can’t pull off the whole “crisp, white shirt” look. I like how you changed the shape of it by tying it and the fact that it is meant to look more relaxed instead of crisp. I also don’t see much fashion inspiration in my everyday life, but I did once see someone at the library who had an air of chicness that wasn’t even in her clothes. She was just wearing an olive green t-shirt and jeans and some dark brown loafers (not even my style!). But she just looked elegant. Then she took a call on her cellphone(quietly:) and I’m pretty sure she was speaking Portuguese. Coincidence, or not?

K, you look SO chic. I know you tried this look before, but said it wasn’t you; that may be true, but you look fantastic so you can definitely pull it off. Great look–maybe you should try it with heels . . .

a

Thanks again everyone for your comments. I avoid white like the plague, but I think I can pull it off if my lipstick is dark enough. Otherwise, I am really washed out. A, I want to try it with heels thanks. I think with my tight budget, I will be raiding his closet more often.!
It is so great to know there are all these fashion inspirations and like-minded women out there, even if I only know all of you online! Thanks for the encouragement!
PS
I think the best compliment I got this day was a friend of mine talking to another woman (while I was there) saying about me: “For her it’s just EFFORTLESS.”
That’s what I’ve been shooting for ….