I’ve been putting a lot of pressure on myself to have my first post back be really, really good. But one of the things I’ve decided to do in 2016 is to let go of the (self induced) pressure I put on myself, like having perfect pictures, perfect content and perfect grammar (notice a trend here? Ha!). After all, I’m not saving lives here and I’m not perfect, I’m just trying to have fun and spread a little happiness and joy. So I’ve decided, in order to be a bright spot in your day, I need to let go of all the self induced pressure in order to have fun. I need to write about what makes me tick, even if it doesn’t all layout perfectly! And that leads me to this post…
Obviously, I love to shop! But, I really love to shop when I’m helping someone feel better about themselves. I have a very close friend who has been pregnant, breastfeeding, or in the transition stage for the last 10 years! Yes, 10 YEARS! She has lots of kiddos (May God bless her. I would end up in a funny house… I’m serious.). Anyway, she was not feeling good about her post baby body or her clothing options. Most days she would just throw something on and try not to think about it. But when it came time to go to church or go out for a special occasion, she felt discouraged and depressed about her wardrobe. The thought of trying to pick out clothes she would feel good in was overwhelming and exhausting. Haven’t we all been there? We have all had those times when our bodies are in transition, not “quite right”, or “not the way it used to be”. I know I’ve been there. I remember one time my husband and I were over an hour and a half late to a party, because I had nothing that fit or that I felt cute in. I felt depressed and insecure. I did not like the way I felt when I walked into that party. I realized I never wanted to have that terrible feeling again. Shortly after that party we were invited to dinner at a friends house, and you know what I did? I went to the Gap and bought an entire outfit just for that dinner. I felt good and more confident to be the real me. I could actually have a conversation without feeling insecure. So I learned that it’s better to own the body you have NOW and find pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable to be the real YOU! I’ve passed this discovery on to my friend and my clients, and now I pass it on to you. We had great success on our shopping trip, and I wanted to share it with you! This is what we found:
What do you want to wear when you are running errands all day? Yup, leggings and some sort of cute tunic. Am I right? Well, look no further. This tunic disguises the midsection, is long enough to wear with leggings, and is so comfy cozy and stylish. Just throw on this tunic, these leggings, and these sneakers (my new favorite pair), and you’ve got yourself a very stylish yet comfy errand-running outfit!
We couldn’t just stop at one tunic for her, they make too much sense! This one was super drapy yet surprisingly still really flattering! We were trying to figure out how they pulled that off, and we decided it was the slits up the side.
This picture does not do this tank justice. It’s a really loose fitting yet flattering tank. It hits just below the waist in the front and then slopes down in the back. I like that you don’t have to sloppy tuck it to show a waistline because of where it hits in the front. I also like that it’s sleeveless, so she can wear it under sweater and jackets in the winter, and it will transition into the warmer months, too.
It’s a navy striped top, need I say more? Ha! In all seriousness, the fit was great. It fit well at the top and was slimming through the body. It didn’t hug the midsection, which was nice, and it looked cute sloppy tucked, too!
She needed pants that she could wear to church but could also wear everyday, because if you are only buying a few items, it’s important to make the items are as versatile as possible. She could wear these pants in both situations, specifically because these have a zipper and pockets, which makes them easy to dress up or down! Plus, the thick legging like material is super flattering and comfy. WIN! WIN!
I wanted to make sure she had a “go to” dressy top to pair with her new pants, so she would instantly feel confident leaving the house for church or for a date. This was just the top! It was crapey, not clingy, and gave her a nice waistline. The black legging pants were tight, so the loose fitting top was the perfect balance. I like that this top can be worn casually as well.
There you have it! There are so many great items in this post! I pretty much want everything. Especially since they’ve been tried on and given a good once over by my hands and eyes (aka the C. Style inspection -ha!). We did the leg work for you, and these items are a sure bet!
P.S. I’m glad to be back. Thanks to those of you who reached out to me during the break to let me know I was missed. Your kind words humbled me, and I got teary eyed a few times. You guys brought me back and kept me going, thank you.
Love your post!! I’ve been waiting so patiently for your next post and you did NOT disappoint–Your posts bring so much inspiration…thank you for what you do!!
Yay! Thank you for your comment!
Welcome back! We missed your posts!
Thank you!
I’ve been following you for a while and never left a comment…just want to say how I love your post because you show realistic clothes! Trendy, but not high heels and boyfriend jeans while errand running. 🙂 One day I am going to hire you to go shopping with! You nail it every time!! In the meantime, please keep up the great posts so I have ideas!
Ha! Your comment hit the nail on the head. On my break I decided that my style is realistic yet stylish outfits, and I’m stickin to it. The everyday outfits may not make the prettiest pictures, but it’s who I am and what I wear. Thank you for your comment and thank you for reading!
wow!! I love this post (and all of them actually!) I love how you put together realistic outfits that are trendy..not high heels and boyfriend jeans for errand running 🙂
Please keep the posts coming so I can get ideas. One day I’ll hire you to go shopping with me, but in the meantime, I will look here for inspiration.thank you!!
Welcome back! You are so talented and I always love what you pick!
Thank you! It’s good to be back.
SO GLAD you are back! I was starting to get worried… I agree with all other comments. Your posts are my go to for realistic and accessible style – also love your instagram… keep it coming. What you do is important and helps. Remember that on the tough days.
Thank you! On tough days, I’ll come back to your comment!
Hi!
Glad to see you back with a post. Just wanted to say that I really enjoy the fact that your fashion blog is still personable and approachable and realistic, unlike many of the fashion blogs which seem to get trendier, more expensive, and made up of more “gifted” or “c/o” outfits over time. (Or they are featuring more expensive products to get the reward style points, I don’t know!) As that happens I often find that they look great, but don’t provide me with anything I’m actually going to buy. Whereas I’ve gotten so many truly good ideas from your blog! Please keep it up!
Would love to see a post about mid-priced handbags, ie, ones that are a little splurge but not a break the bank splurge. (As pretty as it is, and as many bloggers as I see with them, I’m not actually going to buy a Chloe bag because it just seems a little ridiculous.) And if you have thoughts about cute diaper bags, or using a handbag as a diaper bag, would love to hear it.
Thanks for all you do with the blog.
Sam
Hi:), Thank you for your encouraging words! That is a great post idea! Thank you!
Welcome back! I’ve been waiting patiently! Great post! I’m headed to the loft after lunch!
Thank you! I hope you had a successful shopping trip!
You were so missed! I can’t tell you how many times I checked your site, I always look forward to your posts b/c your style is so attainable. Keep staying true to you!
Thank you! To thine self be true! Thank you for your comment!
So glad you are back! I’ve been checking everyday! I love your honesty, Carly, and I’ve missed ya! Thank you for your posts which are something I always look forward to. Long time reader, first time commenter 🙂
Thank you for commenting, first time commenter! And thank you for being a loyal reader. It makes me happy that you look forward to my posts!
Welcome back! You’ve been missed. I like everything in this post and think even my 5’2″ overweight self could wear them.
Thank you for being a loyal reader and commenter, Jeanie! Thank you!
Welcome back! I totally get the self-induced pressure, but echo the sentiments above. . Your blog is one of my favorite because you are real. Real outfits for everyday real women. Thanks for continuing to do the work for your fellow busy moms ?
Thank you, Tiffany. I know you get it. I appreciate your encouraging words!
So glad you are back. I really missed your posts.
Perfect timing for me on this post. As an active, older mother of a 10 year old boy, your style works for me in theory, but unlike you, I have a pudge in the belly so even sloppy tucks show the muffin top. I have been struggling to find some casual tunics/shirts that camouflage.
What we love about you is your honesty, openness and real life approach. Be kind to yourself and give up on perfection. Life will be a lot more fun.
Yes, I agree, life would be more fun! I’m working on it.:) Thank you for your comment!
Glad you’re back!
Thank you!
So glad you’re back– really enjoy your blog and have found many great items through you! I think Nordstrom or Loft should partner with you to design a capsule wardrobe or “must-have” items! Have you ever done a post on how to create style “uniforms”? Like, for work, for date night, for drinks with girls, etc.? Just go-to looks that we can recreate with either pieces in our closets or pieces that we can buy that are no-brainers on the days when we have no time or inspiration but want to look good.
Thanks for the great post idea!
Carly – You do so much more than spread joy and happiness! You share your natural talent for style and listen so carefully to other’s needs. I am always delighted when I see my email notification of another C.Style post, and have loved everything I have ordered at your recommendation.
Nobody needs you to be perfect, just your beautiful self!
Thank you, Alice! XOXO
Glad you’re back Carly! I’ve missed your posts! I’ve been following you for about three years and get all excited every time I see you’ve posted something new! You are so great at what you do and have helped me make lots of fashion decisions when I’m in a rut!
Thank you! Thanks for being a loyal reader. It makes me feel good that you look forward to a new post!
So glad you are back, Carly!! Missed you!!!
Carly-
I have been following you for years now- I love your style and I trust your advice- I have so many pieces in my closet referred by you that I wear- some are a couple years old and they are staples- I have 4 boys and work as a family photographer and you truly are realistic with what is comfortable and darling to wear!! Glad you are back ❤️❤️
Welcome Back! I can’t tell you how many times I went to your site and wondered what happened?! This is the first time I’ve commented and wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your posts! I love your style!
Thanks for your posts, Carly! I’d love to know if you find any other tunics you like. That casual Lou & Grey one is great, but sold out in the smaller sizes. Welcome back, and thanks for all you do! 🙂
Welcome back! Man those words make me feel all warm and fuzzy for you. All of these comments are so true. You are a gift to people and your fashion sense is loved!! Keep it coming cuz. So lucky to know you like I do. I feel privileged….and super cute in my clothes. ? xoxo k
I love you cuz.
Carly-
I have been following you for about a year. I have not ever read, much less, followed a blog.
Fashion intimidates me. I can’t put together ensembles and when I do figure one out, it becomes my uniform. I can’t tell you what a failure I feel like and how plain and boring I feel. I am always in the wrong outfits at events and parties. I just never know…jeans, shorts, Sunday dress, night time dressy? I get it wrong 95% of the time. It is like everyone else received a handbook or just knows innately what to wear at functions. I am a pretty simple dresser and want to be comfortable. You make fashion easy for me. I feel confident that I can copy what you post and it fits my personality. I think I can be true to myself and still be stylish. Maybe one day I will get the hang of it and be able to put pieces together from my closet on my own. Thank you for continuing to post. I am lost already, what would I do without your suggestions, ideas and creativity?
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I write this blog for kind people like you! I’m flattered you copy me:)