A Python Blouse

I got this blouse from Joe Fresh. It was a gift, very much appreciated, except it stayed in my closet the entire summer because I forgot about it. When I finally remembered to find it I wore it when I took the kids to their swimming lessons. Honestly ladies, where else am I going to wear it? Meaning I love the blouse but my social/work schedule is not very varied. I was talking to my friend Jen (during the lesson) and trying to tell her how casual I was that day...she looked at me (not believing a word) and said "Iva you're always fancy". I'm a fancy dresser, even when I try and do casual. I just am.  Even in my Lululemons I don't look as casual and relaxed as the woman next to me (or so I've been told, I don't even now how I accomplish that).

So here's me all fancy wearing my python blouse and my favourite black jeans...

In honour of all the amazing coloured denim that is out there I also decided to pair this blouse with blue jeans. Any burgundy denim would be just as pretty.

My tall girls know that right now I am sporting the TALL GIRL CROP. This happens when regular jeans are not long enough and sort of look funny at the bottom so you cuff them to make them look normal on you and they automatically end up cropped. Even though the pants weren't meant to be cropped. The sales girl will also add that with a boot you'll look normal. Cannot wait to solve this problem when I receive my coloured Yoga Jeans.

Blouse & Blue Denim - Joe Fresh

Black Jeans - Second Denim Co.

Red Belt - Cassis (old)

Black Belt - Ann Taylor (old)

Flats - Tory Burch (old)

Heels - Jimmy Choo

Bracelets - Stella & Dot

Gold Ring - Coco's Jewellry

Week Of The Python - Let's Start Slow

We all know how print averse I am, but python seems as simple as leopard. For me leopard is a print neutral. Python is also huge this season and I purchased python print pants and I already have a python print blouse and skirt...so this week I'm featuring ways to wear python. After we reach a certain age (and if we add a couple of kids to the mix) we wonder if we're getting too old for some trends. I don't think python is one of them. It's the pieces we buy that will dictate if it is age appropriate or not. If you can't (really I think this is a don't) wear python you could try accessories like shoes, handbags, belts or even jewelry. They will add texture to any outfit and make it a bit more interesting.

Today's post I'm going to feature 3 easy looks - I've paired my python pants with 3 different tops just to show you how easy it is to mix and match with existing pieces. Dressing can be this easy some days.

Denim is coming in all different colours and patterns this fall, just like it did in the summer. Try a dark print or dark colour for an easier transition. It'll be easier to mix and match pieces in your wardrobe if you are not too adventurous in your clothing choices. Plus darker patterns and colours hides problem areas better.

This is a basic cashmere sweater, so I can easily wear this into the winter months. Throw on a pair of boots and I am golden, and warm.

I've become a tucker, so this shirt quickly got tucked into my pants. I'm sure it would look just as great untucked...if not better. Sorry for matching the shoes to my belt, unintentional Tory love. Plus I was too lazy to re-take it by switching the belt out for something else. I'm only human, not Superwoman.

Denim - CJ by Cookie Johnson

Belt & Shoes - Tory Burch (old)

Bracelet - Stella & Dot

Watch - Michael Kors

Black Sweater - Ann Taylor (old)

Grey Sweater - Costco (old)

Chambray Shirt - Banana Republic (old)

Green With Envy

This is the final shot of this outfit...I had to re-take the photos because I was not paying attention to the details.

I'll start with all the good things about this final outfit.

I love this green blouse. I purchased it a Joe Fresh so it's not going to break the bank and because it's loose I can eat whatever I want and have no worries about pulling. I added a red belt (it could have been a Christmas special if I wasn't careful) and liked the end result. This blouse can be worn with blue jeans or navy slacks, I would even pair it with grey. You could also switch out the belt for a multitude of colours.

Then there are the black denim skinnies. I have not purchased black jeans in decades, yes decades. I've been trying to find the right pair with no luck and then I was in Carriage Trade and Kathleen and Kit recommended the Second Denim black skinnies. LIFE CHANGING! First ladies you need to go down a size (some will go down two) because of the four way stretch. For yoga enthusiasts you literally can do any pose you want in these jeans. I just want to run around with my kids and look good (I have much lower standards). Then the rise is higher, so no overhang in front or in back. Sit down and don't worry about anything showing. Lastly, for all my tall ladies out there the inseam is 35 full inches. Do you see how it gathers at my ankle, when was the last time skinny jeans did that on you? It'll happen every time you wear Second Denim (for those six feet and under)!! Annie this ones for you. One more thing Second Denim Co. is a Canadian company!

Back to what I did wrong yesterday... when I started taking photos of me in this blouse I didn't pay attention to details.

You'll say Iva the head shot you took the day before looks fine...nothing wrong with yesterdays photos...

The blouse is wrinkled and I am not wearing the right undergarments. When you want women to trust your opinion on what to put on their bodies you should at least steam your blouse and put on the right bra. This is the least offensive of the photos (hence why I used a side shot of the close up). Ladies wear the right bra, padding is important with most blouses.

Again nothing wrong with the side shot but you want to see the front of the blouse. What I did right is pairing it with leopard print shoes. Leopard and red can do no wrong for me. Many women are afraid of red, if so try this emerald green and pair it with leopard accessories - shoes, handbags or cuffs. It looks great and on trend without trying too hard. 

So the next day I steamed my blouse and put on my black jeans and re-shot the pictures. The outfit looks okay with the blouse untucked but when I tucked it into the jeans I really liked the result. 

Blouse - Joe Fresh

Jeans - Second Denim Co.

Shoes - black Tory Burch (old), leopard Steve Madden (old)

Belt - Cassis (old)

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelets - Stella & Dot

Face On

I always try to post my best face/outfit when I do this blog, because honestly if I didn't would you follow me or read this blog? I mean I named it "One Chic Mom" so there are some expectations on your part. Don't blame you. There are days when I wake up and just don't know what to wear or care what I'm putting on. If I'm going to stay home then I can just wear whatever I find on the floor and get on with my day. If I am heading out in public I feel like I should put some effort into my appearance especially since I started this blog. When I have gone out in public without any effort my husband chuckles and says he's going to take a picture and post it.

So when I woke up today I had a lot I needed to accomplish and no desire to put my face on. I wanted something simple and started with jeans and a t-shirt. I knew I would be seeing lots of people and felt I needed to kick it up a notch. So I did what I do best, I added a blazer and some jewelry and BAM, I was public ready. Now the fact that I haven't washed my hair in 3 days (I've showered just not washed my hair) was rectified by using John Freida dry shampoo.

Not sure if you can tell in this picture but this tee has gold "glitter" all over it (I really could not think of another word to describe the gold flecks). Pretty basic outfit, nothing fancy. Great for running around with the kids.

All I did was add a blazer and some accessories. I look like a different person and you are all marveling at how I get so much done with my gaggle of children. This look took an extra 30 seconds to place on my body.

When I tucked in the t-shirt I think it looks better. Who knew?

This outfit is very similar in structure to a post I wrote last week "Red White & Blue", who cares! That's how people in the real world dress, change out a top and add a necklace. Who has time to always look so different? Apparently I don't even have time to wash my hair! Happy Hump Day!

I am linking up with WIWW again, enjoy!


Blazer - Zara
T-Shirt - Joe Fresh
Jeans - Adriano Goldschmied (old)
Shoes & Belt - Tory Burch (old)
Necklace & Bracelet - Stella & Dot
Watch - Michael Kors (old)